Kodoku

Chapter 10

The makeshift infirmary was a scene of organized chaos, the air thick with the metallic scent of blood and the acrid tang of burnt flesh. Shoko's hands moved swiftly, her cursed energy flowing into Sarah's mangled form. Her Reverse Cursed Technique was powerful, but even she knew it wouldn't be enough on its own. Sarah's injuries were catastrophic, her life hanging by a thread.

"Hani, we need to start now," Shoko urged, her voice steady despite the urgency of the situation.

Hani nodded, his expression focused. He knelt beside Sarah, placing his hands gently over what remained of her hip. His technique was as effective as it was grotesque—he closed his eyes, concentrating, and began to draw the cursed energy into himself.

A shudder ran through Hani's body as he absorbed the malevolent energy, his face contorting with the effort. Sarah's wounds struggled to close, the cursed energy that had been preventing her body from healing slowly being siphoned away. The process was excruciating, a sweat breaking on Hani's forehead.

Hani's body trembled as he reached his limit, his stomach churning with the absorbed energy. With a wrenching gag, he turned and vomited the dark, writhing mass of cursed energy into a specially prepared bucket. The energy hissed and sizzled, the deep black liquid almost writhing with life.

"Keep going," Shoko encouraged, her hands glowing with healing energy as she continued her work, "She's struggling."

Hani gritted his teeth and resumed his task, his hands steady despite the sweat dripping from his brow. He repeated the process, absorbing more cursed energy, his body convulsing as he fought to control the vile power. Each time he vomited the energy into the bucket, Sarah's condition improved slightly, her wounds knitting together with a speed that seemed miraculous.

Shoko's Reverse Cursed Technique worked in tandem with Hani's efforts, sealing the internal wounds. The room was filled with the hum of cursed energy, the air crackling with tension as the two healers pushed their limits to save her.

"She's stabilizing," Shoko announced, "But we need to make sure all of her organs are in the correct places."

Hani nodded, his face pale but resolute. He placed his hands over the gaping tear in Sarah's abdomen, once more drawing the cursed energy out. His body convulsed violently, but he didn't falter. With a final, gut-wrenching heave, he expelled the last of the cursed energy into the bucket, collapsing to his knees with exhaustion.

Shoko acted swiftly, her hands radiating a stronger glow as she exerted her last ounce of energy to mend the significant internal injuries. Without hesitating, she seized the needles and thread, swiftly beginning to stitch the torn flesh together. Beauty was not a concern at this moment; the stitches were rough and hurried, yet they served their purpose well.

"Go rest." Shoko said, her eyes focused as she closed off the gaping hole where Sarah's arm had connected to her shoulder, "Call in that Kamo healer who can do blood transfusion."

Meanwhile the first light of dawn revealed the full extent of the devastation in Shinjuku. Buildings were reduced to rubble, streets were littered with debris, and the air was thick with the dust and smoke of the previous night's battles. The residents, shaken and wary, began to emerge from their shelters, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and disbelief.

Amidst this scene of chaos and despite their exhaustion, the sorcerers gathered to assist in the recovery effort. Despite the public's mistrust and the accusations leveled against them, they collectively decided their responsibility was to protect and aid those in need.

Okkotsu, still bearing the marks of his battle with Mahoraga, led a group of sorcerers through the debris-laden streets. With the help of Rika, he lifted heavy rubble and cleared paths for emergency responders. His movements were efficient and focused, a stark contrast to the destructive force he had wielded just hours before.