Jujutsu Kaisen: False Dawn

The Sage Meets the Cursed - Chapter 26

Right as Ren started to slowly follow Yuta out of the high school, it was still morning—but clouds covered the sun. The air had that pre-rain tension, still and heavy, and Ren felt the weight of the day on his shoulders. Yuta was walking alone, looking down at his feet. His school bag hung limply from one hand, and his posture sagged like someone dragging a burden no one else could see. But Ren could see it. More than that, he could feel it.

Rika.

Her cursed energy was faint and restrained but still distinct—like the crackle of static before lightning strikes. Ren had spent a month and a week learning what cursed energy felt like, and Rika's aura was unmistakable. A beast coiled tight, too quiet to be safe.

Ren didn't stalk Yuta. No, that would be too obvious. He just happened to walk the same route. Step by step, silently syncing his pace, keeping a casual distance. And just before Ren had a chance to "bump into" Yuta, fate threw him a bone.

A group of three high schoolers rounded the corner and blocked Yuta's path. From the way they puffed their chests and mocked his silence, it was obvious they weren't friends.

Bullies.

Ren felt no pity for Yuta—but he felt dread for the bullies. Rika's cursed energy was stirring, wild and emotional. The moment one of the boys raised a hand to shove Yuta against the wall, Ren stepped into the alley. Calmly. Softly. Like a shadow born of smoke.

He grabbed the bully's wrist mid-shove. His voice came low and steady. "Hmm. Run away unless you wish to die."

The bully scoffed, too dumb to read the warning. He swung a fist toward Ren's jaw.

That was a mistake.

Ren used just a whisper of cursed energy. He twisted the boy's arm with ease, and the kid cried out in shock and pain. Ren didn't even blink. He gave the boy a gentle push, watching him stumble and fall like he'd been hit by a truck.

Then Ren pulled off his cap. His overgrown hair spilled out, messy and wild. He locked eyes with the remaining two bullies. His voice, soft but heavy, echoed in the narrow space.

"Run."

They didn't listen.

Red Stitch pulsed from Ren's hand, fast and invisible to untrained eyes. Threads wrapped around their ankles in a blink. He tugged, and they fell flat with a thud and a cry.

Even Yuta stepped back, his face pale. He saw Ren move and the bullies fall like puppets with cut strings. It was unnatural. It was terrifying. And it was enough.

The three bullies ran off, screaming something about freaks and monsters. Ren didn't bother watching them leave. Instead, he turned.

He turned to face Yuta.

The clouds shifted, and the sunlight broke through, casting the alley in golden light. Ren stood still, his hoodie catching the wind, hair glowing with sun and sweat. He looked older than sixteen. His aura, steady and composed, held the weight of someone who had seen too much.

"Oh, cursed one," Ren spoke with a pitying calm, "you don't have much time left."

Yuta froze. "What?" he stammered, eyes wide. "Are… are you talking to me? Am I cursed? What do you mean I don't have much time left?"

Ren gently placed a hand on Yuta's shoulder. He could feel Rika watching him, pressing closer, curious and suspicious. He didn't react. He acted as though he couldn't see her at all.

"Yes," Ren said solemnly. "You have been cursed. Perhaps the most twisted curse of all—love."

He clapped his hands together slowly, like a monk mourning a passing soul. His movements were graceful, deliberate, and rehearsed but not fake. His tone was filled with ancient sadness, with wisdom he didn't actually have but could fake well enough.

Yuta blinked rapidly. "Wait, what? You… you know about Rika? Who are you? Are you a monk or something?"

Ren gave a slight smile and shook his head. "I'm not a monk. Monks live for others."

He folded his hands behind his back and turned away. His steps were slow and theatrical. He didn't even realize how good he looked in that moment, how easily he played the role of the cursed energy sage.

But the bait had landed. Yuta reached out instinctively, stumbled forward, and clutched the back of Ren's hoodie. Desperate.

"Wait! Do you know how to free me from this curse? You must know, right? Please, help me! I don't want to die…"

Ren turned, gently peeling Yuta's hand off his clothes. His eyes softened. His expression was serene. In his mind, Ren was thought something else...

'Way too easy.'