IGNITE | Sukuna

Chapter 9: Loyalty & Longing

The ground was littered with nothing but ashes and ruins. His bare feet stung as they made contact with the scorched earth. His scarlet eyes scanned the desolate battleground. It was empty, save for two figures lying far apart on the ground and something inhuman standing between them.

As he stepped closer, the figure came into full view-a towering, muscular humanoid with four wings protruding grotesquely from its eye sockets. Hovering above it was a large, eight-handled wheel spinning slowly, emanating an ominous hum.

He watched as the creature grabbed one of the fighters, a broken figure sprawled on the ground, and crushed him into pulp with its bare hand. The sound of bones shattering echoed in the stillness. He felt no fear-only awe.

Such raw power. Such force.

His heart thudded with exhilaration. He wanted to face it. To fight it. To push himself to the edge against such strength. But just as the thought ignited in his chest, the figure dissolved into thin air, leaving nothing but silence.

"Boy."

A voice called out, hoarse and strained. He turned toward the other fighter.

The man lay on his back, a sword embedded deep into his stomach. His long white hair and matching moustache were matted with dirt and blood. His crystal-blue eyes locked onto scarlet ones as the boy knelt beside him.

"The markings," the man rasped, his breath shallow. "You must be him."

He said nothing. It was always the same with these noble sorcerers. Rising to his feet, he turned to leave.

"Wait-" The man coughed violently, blood dribbling from his lips. "For a child, you're remarkably arrogant." He chuckled despite the pain, the sound wet and hollow.

He remained silent, his gaze fixed in the direction where the monstrous figure had stood moments ago.

"Do you wish to fight that thing, boy?" the man asked, his voice a faint whisper now.

He nodded. His vibrant pink hair caught in the cool night breeze.

"You could die trying," the man warned.

"I'm not as weak as you," The boy replied bluntly.

The man let out another laugh, his body trembling. "Careful now. You're speaking to the strongest sorcerer."

"Not as strong as they say, it seems."

The man's laughter came again, softer this time. "You've got me there." He paused, struggling to draw breath. "What is your name, boy?"

"Sukuna."

"Sukuna," the man echoed. "Do you wish to be strong?"

"The strongest there ever was. The strongest there ever will be."

The man's eyes widened briefly in surprise, but then a small, knowing smile curled his bloodied lips. "Ambitious. I like it."

He coughed again, his energy fading fast. "But do you know the burden of being the strongest?"

"It's not a burden if you embrace it," Sukuna said with quiet conviction. "Loneliness isn't loneliness if you're used to it."

"Spoken like an old man trapped in a boy's body." The man chuckled weakly. "I hope you achieve it-the strength you crave. And I hope someone comes along to change your mind about loneliness."

Sukuna sighed. "They want you dead-all the clans, all your noble allies. Loneliness should be the only way."

The man's smile faltered, a flicker of sadness passing across his face. "Someone will be worth it someday," he murmured.