Kodoku

Chapter 24

Boe lurked in the shadows, her eyes narrowed as she scanned the streets ahead, slipping through the alleyways like a ghost. The tension in the air was thick, cursed energy seeping through the city like a festering wound. She could feel it, pressing against her senses like a weight. But that wasn’t what was bothering her the most. No, it was Sarah. She could sense her friend’s cursed energy in the distance, heavy and chaotic, stirring up everything around her. And Boe knew—if she could find Sarah, maybe they could still pull this off. Maybe there was still time to get what she wanted.

Avoiding both Yaga’s faction and the Kamo wasn’t easy. She had to be quick, silent, and above all, smart. One wrong move, and she’d be caught, but Boe wasn’t about to let that happen. Not now. She slipped around another corner, hugging the shadows as she felt the cursed energy surge again. Closer now.

And then she saw her.

Sarah stood at the end of the alleyway, her familiar form unmistakable despite the ravages of battle. Boe slowed as she approached, taking in the sight of her old friend. Sarah had lost a sleeve, her skeletal arm now fully visible, the bone gleaming ominously in the low light. It was a grim reminder of everything she’d been through—and everything they still had left to do.

Boe grinned as she stepped out of the shadows, walking up to Sarah without hesitation. “Long time no see ya crazy bitch,” she said, her voice low but teasing.

Sarah’s lips twisted into a half-smile as she returned the greeting, the two women exchanging a quick, casual half-hug. “You’re still alive,” Sarah noted dryly, "I knew nothing like this could take your stupid ass down."

“Nah, of course not,” Boe chuckled, then glanced at Sarah’s arm, “And you… look the same.”

Sarah shrugged, her skeletal hand flexing casually, “I’ve looked worse.”

Boe’s grin widened. "How’s the revenge tour going?” she asked, resting her forearm on her shoulder and leaning over.

Sarah’s expression soured slightly. “It’s gotten stale, honestly," she shrugged, "I thought at least a few of the Gojos would be more of a challenge, but they’re all weak. Satoru was the only one with any bite.”

Boe raised an eyebrow. “Big dick himself, huh? Did you get him?”

“Not yet. I was having too much fun fucking with him,” Sarah admitted with a glint of frustration in her eyes, “But I will.”

Boe nodded, sensing the familiar fire in her friend’s voice. “What do you think about going after the Kamo next?" she asked, "We could take them down together.”

Sarah’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. “Oh, I’m absolutely in," she said, her tongue dragging across her teeth in a devilish smirk, "They’ve been on my list for a while, anyway. They’re just as responsible as the Gojo clan was, working with QN to use me like some kind of lab rat.”

Boe was about to bring up Geto—she still wasn’t entirely sure what his role in all this was—but before she could speak, something made her freeze. The air shifted, a familiar presence approaching. Heavy footsteps echoed down the empty street, and both women turned as Satoru Gojo stepped out from around the corner.

He stood there, bathed in the dim streetlight, his face unreadable, though his stance radiated confidence. His head was tipped back, eyes hidden behind his signature blindfold, but Boe could feel the weight of his gaze on them. He didn’t flinch or falter as he stepped into their path, and Boe could see the whiskey stain on his sleeve, his posture far more sober than she expected.

“You should get the hell out of here, Boe,” Gojo said, his voice low but filled with authority.

Boe felt Sarah tense beside her, but she didn’t respond immediately. Instead, Sarah stepped forward, her skeletal arm flexing as she scoffed. “Go back to hiding, Gojo, before I tear you apart again," she said, waving him off.