𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐆. 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐔

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐗

When Gojo and [M/N] arrive at the training grounds, they're greeted by a challenging obstacle course: ropes, narrow walls to scale, balance beams suspended over shallow water, and a line of dummies that look disturbingly lifelike. It's clear that teamwork is non-negotiable if they're going to get through this.

Just as they're about to start, [M/N] hears a familiar voice snickering from behind.

"Oh, this is going to be good," Geto says, leaning casually against a post, arms crossed. Beside him, Ieiri stands with a bemused smile, watching them with obvious amusement.

"Came to watch the show?" [M/N] mutters, giving them an exasperated look.

Ieiri chuckles, shrugging. "When Yaga-sensei said he had a 'bonding exercise' for you two, we couldn't resist. This isn't something you see every day."

"Better make it worth our time, boys," Geto teases. "I expect a flawless performance."

Gojo gives a mock bow. "For my adoring fans? Anything."

[M/N] rolls his eyes. "Let's just get this over with."

The first obstacle is a narrow ledge they have to balance across. As they step onto it, Gojo glances back, catching Ieiri and Geto's eyes on them, obviously eager to see how this will go.

"Don't drag me down, Gojo," [M/N] warns, focusing on his balance.

Gojo smirks, giving him a playful nudge, which nearly sends [M/N] stumbling. "What, can't handle a little pressure?"

[M/N] glares, gripping the chain that links them. "Keep this up, and I'll make sure you fall into the mud pit."

"You two might actually make it if you stop fighting each other," Ieiri calls out, barely suppressing her laughter.

They finally reach the other side of the ledge, albeit with some wobbling and a lot of grumbling from [M/N]. Geto and Ieiri applaud sarcastically.

"Only a dozen more obstacles to go," Geto says, grinning.

Next, they come to a six-foot wall, both of them eyeing it with a bit of hesitation. Since the chain links them at the waist, they'll have to climb it together.

[M/N] glances at Gojo. "Alright, on three?"

Gojo nods, gripping the wall with one hand. "One... two... three!"

They both jump, grabbing onto the top edge of the wall simultaneously. It's awkward with the chain pulling them close, but they manage to hoist themselves up together, grunting slightly with the effort. At the top, they sit side by side, catching their breath.

"Well, that was teamwork at its finest," Gojo says, smirking as he nudges [M/N] playfully with his elbow.

[M/N] chuckles, adjusting the chain as they prepare to climb down the other side. "Just don't trip on the way down, alright?"

They finally manage to scale it and hop down on the other side, both breathing hard. Geto and Ieiri clap with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Looking a bit tired already," Ieiri teases. "Need a break?"

"Oh, we're just getting started," Gojo says, flashing a grin. "We'll be through this in no time."

After crawling under low tunnels, swinging across ropes, and scaling several walls, Gojo and [M/N] finally reach the last challenge: a series of dummies lined up to mimic real opponents. The course requires quick, synchronized strikes to finish the task.

[M/N] clenches his fists, squaring his shoulders. "Quick hits, no mistakes. Ready?"

Gojo cracks his knuckles. "I was born ready."