Kodoku

Chapter 9

The night was a cacophony of chaos and power as Shinjuku was engulfed in the clashing energies of sorcerers and curses. Above the skyline, Gojo engaged Sukuna in a battle that seemed to tear at the very fabric of reality. His mission was clear: keep Sukuna away from Sarah and minimize the collateral damage to the bustling district below.

On the ground, the situation was no less dire. Okkotsu, Hakari, Itadori, and Geto were locked in a desperate struggle against Mahoraga, a fearsome shikigami known for its adaptive abilities and relentless strength. Their objective was to hold the beast at bay until sunrise, a deadline that felt like an eternity under the circumstances.

Okkotsu, with his mastery over Rika, the Queen of Curses, led the charge. "We can't let up for even a second," he shouted, as Rika's massive form pummeled Mahoraga with raw, cursed energy. The shikigami roared, its body shifting and adapting to the attacks.

Hakari, sweat glistening on his brow, activated his domain expansion, Immortal Gambler, rolling the dice to bring forth his full power. "We just need to keep it busy, right?" he yelled over the din, his eyes scanning for an opening to exploit.

Itadori, fists clenched and determination burning in his eyes, launched himself at Mahoraga, his movements a blur of speed and precision. "No matter what, we can't let it get past us!" he declared, his voice resolute. The force of his punches reverberated through the night, each impact buying precious seconds.

Geto stood a short distance away, his eyes narrowing as he summoned a torrent of cursed spirits to swarm Mahoraga. "Stay focused, everyone," he instructed, his voice calm yet commanding. "We need to anticipate its adaptations and outmaneuver it."

Above, the sky was a dazzling display of blue and red, as Gojo and Sukuna clashed with such intensity that the air itself seemed to crackle with energy.

The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an hour. Okkotsu's Rika clashed with Mahoraga, their titanic struggle sending shockwaves through the air. Hakari's domain flickered and pulsed, his power surging with each roll of the dice. Itadori fought with the ferocity of a cornered animal, his fists a blur of relentless strikes. Geto's cursed spirits swirled around Mahoraga, their collective force a formidable barrier.

But Mahoraga was relentless, its adaptive abilities making it a foe that seemed almost invincible. Just as it began to overpower Okkotsu, Hakari struck it hard enough to cause it to falter. Itadori seized the moment, landing a second powerful blow that sent the shikigami reeling. Geto's cursed spirits swarmed it, binding it in place.

Okkotsu nodded to Geto, "Go. We'll handle things here."

With a final nod, Geto took off through the city, his form a blur as he leaped from rooftop to rooftop, his mind racing. As he approached the Zen'in stronghold, Geto saw the chaos below. The clan members were locked in fierce combat with countless curses, their techniques lighting up the darkened streets. Leading the charge was Maki Zen'in, her cursed tools flashing as she cut through the enemy ranks with precision and ferocity.

"Maki!" Geto called out, landing beside her. "How are things holding up?"

Maki, her face grim and streaked with sweat, spared him a quick glance. "We've been better. The curses are relentless, but we're managing. What brings you here?"

"I need to collect the Prison Realm from Megumi," Geto explained, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "We can't afford to lose it."

Maki nodded, understanding the urgency. "Megumi's inside, holding off some of the stronger curses. Follow me."

They fought their way through the throngs of curses, reaching a fortified building where Megumi stood amidst a swirl of shadows and shikigami. His expression was one of intense concentration as he manipulated his techniques to fend off the attacking curses.