Potential Man (Megumi SI/JJK/WC Fic)

In an abandoned apartment complex, supernatural things are happening, but the people walking close by remain clueless. They walk unaware of the teenager standing so close to them, his hand touching the air while the other scratches his chin.

All of this is thanks to the curtain raised between them, like the boundaries between two worlds.

"I'm surprisingly good with this, but it's getting harder to be stronger than that..." Megumi analyzes his own work "Even Panda could break it with a hundred or so punches." He remains unsatisfied.

"Should I increase the output, The time establishing a barrier? Put more conditions? Or maybe Stack more barriers instead?"

With his research, Megumi discovered that he has some affinity with Curtains and Barriers. He can only guess that it's because of the source of those techniques.

He once in his mind compared the making of a curtain or a barrier with the usage of the Mirror Dimension in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Protected Spaces(Ilusion Barrier) in The Gamer universe.

All of them work by creating a space separated from the world, but the barriers in Jujutsu Kaisen are much simpler in the low levels. They simply hide what is happening inside from the outside world, while the other examples create a sub-space extremely similar to the outside world. No damage that happens inside will be transferred to the outside.

Only high-level barriers made by Tengen, and possibly Kenjaku, can replicate this feat.

And it's because of the source of the technique.

In the MCU and in The Gamer, those Spaces come from a reflection of the real world, while in Jujutsu Kaise they came from the shadows, with the objective to create a blindspot.

A shadow is simply a silhouette of something real, much more inferior to a reflection that shows much more.

And ironically enough, this "weakness/limitation" is what makes Megumi have such talent in the subject.

It would not be weird if in some years he reached Tengen's level. He even considered, for a moment, invading Tengen's barrier to try to become her student. But he dismissed the idea.

Unnecessary risk.

"It's good enough that I can dispel the barriers and not be trapped by them that easily for now..." He murmurs before taking one last look at the curtain and turning around to move inside the apartment complex.

One day he will be capable of creating sub-spaces like Tengen, but it's not worth diving deeper into this now. It would take years to reach that level, the years he doesn't have now.

...

Now inside a dusty room, Megumi is sitting on a box while silently watching some cursed Spirits dying on the ground.

"..." His face remains impassive even with the gross spectacle. The cursed Spirits are dying alright, but they are weirdly... in ecstasy.

With expressions of Bliss on their disgusting faces, they squirm and howl, before growing stiff and dying, like a man who had a heart attack after an orgasm.

"Okaaaay~... "Megumi says slowly, his expression getting weird "Am I good or bad with this?"

Trying to give a part of his powers is proving to be harder than he thought.

He is trying to replicate one of the few abilities shown by the Darkness Devil, his Power Bestowal. But instead of coming from a contract, Megumi is taking advantage of the compatibility, and similarity, with Cursed Spirits to make them his familiars(also taking advantage of their low-level intelligence).

From a not-so-deep analysis, his idea would create a technique similar to Geto's Cursed Spirit Manipulation, but he also quickly noticed the differences.

First, if he is successful in taking a cursed spirit as a familiar, the cursed spirit would not stagnate like what happens with Geto's technique. In truth, the cursed spirit would instantly grow in power, and even his potential would increase.

Second, but to balance this advantage, it appears that it would be very costly to have many Cursed Spirits subordinates, different from Geto's infinite limit.

To explain in game terms... Imagine that Megumi has a 100 of whatever he is giving to these Cursed Spirits. (Using the number a 100 to symbolize his 100% capacity)

When he gives a part of his power, even to the weakest of the curses, his capacity does not become like this... 99/100.

It's become more like this... 99/99. He is losing his total capacity.

"I think it is similar to how Big Mom makes her personal homies... With parts of her soul." He says out loud.

He guesses that he is giving a small part of his soul because of the connection that he establishes with the curse, even in the few moments that it receives his "blessing" before dying.

Luckily, when the curse dies, he can feel his reserves going back to 100/100.

His thoughts even went on a tangent, in a way of growing stronger by cheating.

Like... What if he is successful in making ten curses his familiars?

His reserves would drop to 90/90, but he feels like it can recover with time. To the natural state even while keeping the familiars.

If his reserves go back to 100/100 while parts of his powers are still outside his body... What would happen?

Would it go to 110/100? Would it be a way to temporarily boost himself? Like how Gecko Moria can do with his Shadow-Shadow Fruit? Or would his reserves grow permanently stronger, becoming a 110/110?

But that was too distant to even think about, he can only dream for now because at the moment he can't even successfully create a single familiar.

"Should I try with stronger curses? No... Control above everything. If I can make even these pathetic ones not die with my 'blessing', everything onwards will be way easier."

There are too many variables that stop him from trying with a stronger curse. What if it mutates out of his control? What if it resists his subordination? What if he permanently loses the part of his powers because the curse is stronger? What if he kills a precious curse?

And all of this without considering that his Darkness Devil Template is still at Tier 5. The same level of the weak students, like the main trio at the beginning of the Canon.

He always goes back home exhausted after training this. He probably can't make a higher grade curse his subordinate for now.

"Argh! What I am? Manure?" He annoyedly waves off some Fly Heads curses from him. For some reason, he can be very alluring to curses. When he is not trying to scare them to death

Suddenly, he hands shots outward and grabs a Fly Head curse.

"You guys will be my test subject next." He says with a glare "If I can do it without killing you, I can do it with anyone."

...

- Maki -

"A Special Grade?!" I ask, incapable of keeping the shock from my voice.

"Yeah, I saw his ID and Rika's powers. Special grade indeed." Panda nods

"..." In hindsight, I shouldn't be shocked. My senses didn't lie to me, the new guy was dangerous.

"How did it go? What can he do?" Mai asks curiously

"I don't know... We had a little trouble and then Rika fully manifested, and damn... Big and scary~"

"Mustard Leaf."

"But he is only a Special Grade because of the Vengeful Spirit, huh? Without training and even without knowing the basics of Jujutsu..." Mai tilts her head to the side "Sounds unfair..."

"But if you think about it, the fact that he can even act normally while housing such a strong Vengeful Spirit is a testament to his abilities and talent as a sorcerer." Panda defends the new guy

"Salmon." Inumaki agrees

Well, he has a point. There was a class about it some time ago, one of the rare theory classes... People plagued by Vengeful Spirits are the one who suffers the most normally. From going insane to falling into a coma.

"A Vengeful Spirit acting like a shikigami... What a weird situation." Mai comments while looking at the sky "But a little romantic." She concludes with a chuckle

"There's a lot of coincidences in this scenario." I say "So many that strangely created a balance. The problem is if something tilts a little more to the side. Then everything goes to shit." I say realistically

"Then Yuta will be executed." Panda says more seriously now

"Mustard Leaf." Inumaki is worried too

In truth, everyone's mood gets a little down.

"Maki needs to be the one to throw cold water, huh? Heartless woman." Mai sighs while looking at me with judgmental eyes. Hey!

"Monster woman." Panda continues while shaking his head

"Salmon Roe." Et tu?

I want to punch them!

"Shut up! I'm only being a realist!" I shout "And that's why he is here, right? To learn and to not be executed?! It just depends on his efforts. It's on him! Don't throw shit at me!"

But it appears that they are not satisfied with their gag moment and they continue to look at me with dead eyes.

"Cold-hearted woman..." Mai starts again

"No empathy..."

"Tuna Mayo."

"Listen here you little shits!" I jump to teach them a lesson

....

"What?" I turn to look at the new guy, I must have glared at him because he recoils like a little bitch.

"Ihhh! It's that... That... Gojo-sensei... Uhm... She told me..." He fidgets while looking around.

"Maki, don't scare Yuta." Panda says while rubbing his back

"Salmon."

"Yes Maki, don't bully him." Mai says too

"Are you gonna start again?! I'm just speaking normally!!" I'm seriously going to beat them.

"But you are naturally scary..."

"yeah, try to mellow down a little. Poor Yuta."

"Salmon."

"...Grrrr."I think I'm gonna have an aneurysm...

Will this ridiculous gag continue for how long?

"I just asked him to repeat what he asked..." I try to say calmly

"C'mon, Yuta. Just say it, Maki will not kill you... I think." Panda encourages his friend

"Ah! It's just that... Just that Gojo-sensei gave this katana to me. To learn Cursed Energy control, you know? I guess... And she said that you're the best at handling weapons... So she said that I should ask you." He takes his sweet time but eventually, he says what he wants to say.

"So you want me to teach you how to fight with a katana?"

"Yes! I mean... If it is not a bother, or anything..."

"I'm busy." I say, probably in a harsh manner, because he flinched again. "Seriously, stop being such a pussy! I will start training with our senpai for the Goodwill event and all that..." I explain, so that people wouldn't say that I was mean

"Aww, C'mon Maki. Don't be mean!" But it doesn't work. Mai intervenes on his behalf. I don't think she cares about our new classmate, she only wants to annoy me.

"Yeah, what's the problem in sparring with him while we do our joint training?" Panda joins in.

"Spicy Cod Roe."

"Guys! You don't need to force her, if she doesn't want..." The only one defending me, ironically, is the new guy.

"Argh! Alright! Alright! I can teach you at least to not stab yourself with that thing, but don't expect me to take it easy." I finally agree. Another someone to beat is not bad if you think about it "And if you whine once, I will give up on you."

"Hai! I will not complain!" He answers immediately while holding his new katana tightly

Hmpf. At least, his backbone exists somewhere in that wimpy body.

...

- Megumi P.O.V. -

I go to Jujutsu High to do one of my casual visits, and I stop on the edge of the field to watch Maki trash poor Yuta while he swings a katana. She is not even using a proper a stance, only sidestepping and hitting him while he fails to hit her.

That's like... All the time.

So she is still training him even if they didn't do that first mission together. Expected really... With so few classmates, it's bound to them to be friends.

It appears that even when some things change, others stay the same... That's good.

I wince seeing Yuta receiving a nasty blow. And here I was hoping to catch Maki's iconic full split... I will make her do it in bed later~

Ugh. Damn! Calm down, girl... I know that he overstepped and lost balance, but you don't need to slam him into the ground with a shoulder throw.

I walk to the rest of the students watching and...

"Hi."

"Hiiih" "Kyaah" "Caviar!"

This will never get old.

"Megumi, you creepy! Can you not sneak up on people?" Mai admonishes me after she recovers her breath, a hand over her chest.

I look at her, my eyes full of warmth and understanding, I pat her head and...

"Nope." I deadpan, making her fume. But she can't scare me because she is cute "So, that's the transfer student, huh?" I turn my head to see Maki stepping on his blade after a foolish open swing and kicking him in the face with the other leg.

"Yep. Okkotsu Yuta. The one with the Vengeful Spirit..."

"He is a nice guy."

"Salmon."

"I see. And I can guess why Maki is bullying him."

Apparently, they are done, or noticed me finally and the two are coming in our direction.

With a mental flex, my shadow shifts a little and two bottles of water are ejected from it, reaching our eye level before gravity starts acting on it, so I catch the two.

"Good work there." I say while offering the water to the two. Yuta appears to be the one that needs it the most.

"Ah, Thanks. I'm Okkotsu Yuta... And you are...? A student too?" He greets me and tries to guess

"Fushiguro Megumi. And I'm not a student yet, I will be one next year. I'm kinda of Gojo's protegee so I come here often." I answer while eyeing him "Ah. And these two are my girlfriends."

*Thwack*

"Don't treat us like an afterthought," Maki smacks my head with the bottle

Yuta appears surprised at the revelation, even more surprised seeing the twins not objecting. It appears that he still has the normal societal sensibilities. But it's a testament to the strength of the [Normalcy] perk that he didn't comment on it, only gawked.

"As you can see, I'm in an abusive relationship." I joke before my eyes grow serious while staring at him "But nothing compared to you, right?" My words make him flinch

Like a predator, I start to walk around him. Checking on him. Yep, that's a huge amount of Cursed Energy... As much as me, no... a little more than me. But I will surpass him when the Darkness Devil Template levels up once more, and when it reaches full completion... I can't even imagine.

I like Yuta as a character, one of my favorites really, different from Potential Man he gets shit done. But at the same time, I can see why Maki calls him a "pathetic bastard". Even now he is all tense under my gaze, slouching, recoiling...

*Pah*

I slap his back.

"C'mon, dude. You're strong, be a little more confident!" I laugh. Only I know the beast that he will be when he gets over his issues.

The people around flinched when I slapped Yuta, I know why… It's the whole reason why I did this.

A shiver warns me of her presence, and I turn around to see Rika breaks out of whatever dimension she is in. Her arms come first, then her head…

"Don'T hIt YuUtaa~"

Yuta is already panicking, and so are Inumaki and Panda. Only the ones that know of what I'm capable of are calm, but the girls are a little tense. Maki is already shifting her posture, ready to help.

All of this happened in slow motion to me while I turned around to see Rika head's emerging over my shoulder.

"This is between boys. Don't interfere…" I glare at the thing while I go to grab her head and shove her back from where she came from.

"..."

"..."

Now… Everyone, including Maki and Mai, is speechless. Okay, okay… I can't laugh. Act cool, Megumi. Nothing worth mentioning. You're the cool character.

Oh my god, look at their faces!

"*Ahem* See, Yuta? You need a firmer hand to deal with girls. Show them that you're the Alpha! The Man! Put them in their places." I start reciting the Contractor's Misogynistic Code

"..." Maki and Mai look less than amused

"Remember them that you always have the last words…"

"And what are those words, Megumi?" Maki raises an eyebrow

"Yes, ma'am!" I salute

After a good laugh at my expense, I turn back to talk with my boy Yuta.

Putting my arm around his shoulder I continue "Where I am? Ah! Confidence… Act confident and if you're not feeling confident... Fake it! Fake till you make it. At some point, it will become real." I give my advice.

"Ah... yes. I will try." He says, half convincing.

"Heh~ Just keep in mind that you're strong." I reinforce my advice before changing the subject "By the way, training with weapons, huh?"

Then we talk about things that I already know from watching the anime, but these are some unskippable cutscenes, can't help it.

....

"Don't ask me about it. I have zero Cursed Energy." Maki shrugs nonchalantly after Yuta asks her how to imbue his weapon with cursed energy.

It's good that's different from canon, she really is nonchalant about it, instead of being all defensive about her lack of cursed energy. Another good change, thanks to yours truly.

"What? But... But I thought..." Yuta is confused. The guy is new to the Jujutsu World and he just met something that goes against what he learned.

"It's a rare condition called Heavenly Restriction." Mai explains because she knows Maki has little patience to talk about herself "Like a Binding Vow imposed by the world on someone. You gain some advantage or benefit, but you pay a price... Maki has no Cursed Energy, but all her physical capabilities are boosted beyond human levels."

"Oh... I didn't know that."

"By the way, Heavenly Restrictions come in all shapes and forms... The advantages and disadvantages can vary. For example, the opposite can happen and someone can be a tetraplegic with more cursed energy than even you." I say. You need to explain something fully.

Yuta looks at me before looking at Maki worriedly "And does Maki-san have any other trouble with it?"

Be careful Yuta, Maki doesn't like to be pitied.

She stares at him for a while before, probably, reaching the conclusion that he has nothing more than good intentions "...Nah. I'm good. It doesn't change much, I can even see curses."

"But she can't learn jujutsu sorcery, domains, and all that. She is a brute in the true sense of the word." I say "Ah, and because she doesn't have Cursed Energy, she can't really hit curses... She is more effective fighting against humans." That's why my Father was called the Sorcerer Killer

"That is why I use cursed tools." She completes my explanation by raising her weapon and hitting my head using the handle, probably because I called her a brute

"I see... There's really a lot to learn here." Yuta says equal parts amazed and overwhelmed

"The world of Jujutsu is simple yet deep, Young padawan." I deepen my voice to address him "It's full of rules, but still has a lot of exceptions. Keep an open mind and you will never be surprised." I continue wisely while stroking my non-existent beard

The girls rolls her eyes at me, but the boys laugh so it's a win.

"Maki's circumstances aren't that bad. Everyone has their strength and weaknesses." Panda adds after some time "Inumaki here is a strong example." He points at his classmate, the white-haired boy giving us a thumbs up to signal that he doesn't mind "And in small examples, everyone has things that are good and things that they're bad."

"Different from Maki, I suck fighting in close quarters." Mai says, not that she cares "Not everyone can be perfect all-rounders like Gojo-sensei and Megumi."

To her praise, Yuta and the others look at me, they are still in the dark about my capabilities.

And to avoid letting the talk settle on me, I change it back to Yuta "I think Yuta can do it."

"M-me?!"

"Yeah, you. I can tell, you can be as good as me and Gojo. I'm sure of it."

"I... I... I don't know about that. Gojo-sensei is the strongest, right?" He shakes his hands in front of his body and panics in his voice and face.

"Gojo probably told you that a sorcerer's power comes 80% from talent, right? When he explained about Cursed Energy and Techniques." Yuta nods "You have the talent. Simple as that. If you don't waste your potential, you can really be one of the big names. Hah, you're already a Special Grade, right?"

"Bu-but that's because Rika-chan..."

"It doesn't matter. If the vessel is not proportionally strong, this ridiculous amount of power wouldn't be contained. You know what this means..."

"..."

"It means you are as strong as Rika or will be."

"..." He probably doesn't believe in me, his insecure ass must be thinking that is simply because Rika likes him and that's how he can control her. But it's okay, I helped him by planting the idea at least.

I chuckle and recline myself "Gojo is really right. Strong people are appearing, the world is changing. Some big shit is gonna happen." I say to them but don't elaborate.

I'm an ethical guy that doesn't give spoilers.

...

While we're continuing our little talk, me and Mai sharing our experiences on how to imbue cursed energy in objects to Yuta, newcomers arrive.

The second-year couple of Hakari and Kirara approaches

"Oy! Hello to you all! So, Zen'in let's start our training for the Goodwill event!" Hakari greets us and then turns to Maki.

Ah yes, she accepted that. No problem too. It's good to experience things, even if troubles appear... It will be another good experience.

"You're late." Maki looks at him dead in the eye, she is not happy. If we were not here, and she was made to wait for them, I think she would break his legs.

"Ah! Sorry, sorry! Something came up. Haha!" The gambler rubs the back of his head sheepishly.

Kirara on the side, bows a little in apology.

They're fucking...

"..." I turn to give Mai a look.

"..." She turns to me to return with another scandalous look.

We communicate through our eyes... The talk went more or less like that "They are fucking", "No, stop...", "For real...", "I can't look at them knowing that".

"Alright, Forget about it." Maki sighs and stands up "So, how are we gonna do it?"

"Let's start by fighting! No better way to know each others capabilities than fighting." Hakari takes off his hood, revealing his tank top beneath it.

Maki stares at him before shrugging "Better than simply talking, I guess..."

"Later we will devise a strategy for the group stage." Kirara helpfully adds

Maki and Hakari move to the center of the field to spar- Oh, I just remembered...

"Domain Expansion..." Hakari makes his handsign using his two hands. A black sphere instantly covers the two before dispersing like a balloon full of water that was poked.

"..."

"???"

Yep, as expected.

"Maki is immune to Domain Expansions because she has no Cursed Energy!" I shout at them while putting a hand on the side of my mouth "If your Domain needs someone inside, it will not activate because it can't detect her!"

"For real?" Hakari tilts his head, shocked "Dang, that's cheating..."

"Sorry?" Maki stands there unsure of what to do

"Meh, I will just need to explain how my technique works later, but damn if it's not a pain in the ass." Hakari shrugs. Oh yes, the person in his domain receives the explanation directly in their head as a condition for its activation.

At this moment I raise my hand "You can use it on me!"

Everyone turns their face at me "Who are you again?" Hakari asks

"Fushiguro Megumi. I will start High School next year."

"A Middle Schooler? Ah C'mon, I can't go around bullying people like you."

To that, I can only chuckle and paraphrase Gojo's famous words "Don't worry, I'm arguably the second strongest." I stand up and pat the Dust from my butt before walking to him.

I don't like being the center of attention, but I'm curious about Hakari's Domain. I want to experience it!

"Fine, fine. It's not like we need to fight after I use my Domain anyway." He finally concedes

""But I want to. From what you're talking, I can guess your Domain is not the usual Sure-hit effect, right? Then let's spar so that you can show it." I'm not guessing, I know.

"Eh, ano... Excuse me, but... Domains... Can someone explain?" Yuta raises his hand bashfully

"..." Everyone looks at the poor guy

I sigh "That's what happens when Gojo is the one teaching the first-years." I turn to Hakari "Are you recovering your technique?"

"Yep, it was like a miss. The Zen'in girl is a cheater!" Look who is talking…

"Wait, I also don't know about it. Recovering what?" Maki interrupts

"When you use a Domain, let's say that you overheat your Cursed Technique and you need to wait a little while for it to cool down. Especially if they're broken." I explain

"So that means not only will Domains not work on me, if they use them they will lose their techniques for some time? Hmm, I like it. I like it very much~" She smiles predatorily while caressing her chin

"That's why I said that you're more effective against sorcerers than curses."

Seeing poor Yuta's eyes swirl in confusion, I decided to explain to him.

"While we wait for Hakari to recover his technique, let me explain... Domain Expansion is the pinnacle of Jujutsu Sorcery. It's when someone uses his Cursed Technique to the maximum, forcing it outside their body, onto the world, pulling in their opponents... overwhelming them..."

I explain about how this is one of the reasons talent is 80% of what makes a jujutsu sorcerer. Someone without a cursed technique will never have a Domain Expansion.

About the sure-hit effect, the usage of the barrier, special grades...

"Okay!" Hakari claps "I'm ready to go!"

That was fast. Must be because his Domain is tied to his Cursed Technique.

"Fine, ready when you are..." I don't ever put a stance

"Domain Expansion..."

It hits me instantly, faster than I expected.

"...Idle Death Gamble"

Two rows of pachinkos block my sides while some background music starts playing. *Kachink* sounds also fills the whole place.

"!" All of this while I'm also hit by the information of his Domain.

I see, his domain is "harmless", hence why it's so fast that the person inside can't even react to expand their own domain or defend himself with the anti-domain techniques.

It's also useless to do anything to the Domain now while Hakari gambles.

The moment I received the information this "non-aggression pact" was formed between us. A very extreme example of the "Revealing One's Hand".

But I can attack Hakari during this interval... That's one of his weaknesses. Not that I will do that.

I also know that Hakari can cheat a little at this moment to do a "Pseudo Roll".

I do not even engage in a fight, I simply observe my surroundings changing and I'm suddenly in the middle of a romantic scene.

Ah yes, the machines are based on a Rom-com... Pure Love Train. Man, this thing is weird... Jojo's level of weirdness. Like HunterxHunter had a child with Jojo and Hakari's domain was born from it.

Calm down, Gege. I bet that not even you remember all this shit.

A girl is waiting on the rooftop of a building... It's noon.

*Ka-chink*

I see the numbers hitting 6 - 6 - 5.

"Wooo~ So close~" Hakari moans in disappointment seeing that.

The scene changes again... Now I see the Male lead being detained by his superior who is scolding him. The male lead constantly looking at the clock on the wall while bowing.

I hear the spinning again and once again, the numbers almost lining up, but once again he fails.

"Aaah! So close again!"

The scene shifts some more time. The male lead tries to reach the rooftop, running, but every time the roll fails something happens...

The stairs are wet, the elevator is broken, a door is locked, someone calls him for help, or he bumps into another someone.

"Damn, today I'm really unlucky..." I hear Hakari's voice.

This would be a good opportunity to defeat him, thankfully it's a spar... And I also know that Hakari can manipulate the environment in his domain. Like throwing the walls at me or something like that. It's his way of fighting against people who want to stop him before he rolls a Jackpot.

And this Domain is kinda of cheating, because it's like at some point it will align. Probability is increasing the chances with each roll and...

*Ka-chink* *Bling* *Bling* *Bling*

The male lead finally reaches the rooftop. He is panting and sweating... The sunset frames the form of the woman while she slowly turns around to face him.

7 - 7 - 7

"Here we go!" Hakari shouts, hyped as fuck, while a burst of Cursed Energy is emitted from him, moving my clothes and hair.

We return to the real world and I laugh at seeing him humping the air to the sound of the music.

"Zehaha~ That was a funny domain." I laugh "I hope the main lead can resolve the misunderstanding Yume-chan."

"Heh~ Me too, but I always root for Aya-san. Childhood friends deserve a win too, don't you think?"

I finally put a stance to face him, these 4 minutes and 11 seconds will be a good opportunity to test my new extension technique

"Zeh~ I'm more of a fan of the Harem Route. It's to avoid heartbreak." I laugh as we crash in the Middle of the field.

...

- Maki -

She observes Megumi and Hakari reappear from the barrier of the Domain, the two unscathed.

"Hm? Nothing happened?" Mai asks at her side.

"Kin-chans domain is special. Its main function is not to attack the opponent, but to empower him when he hits the requirements." Kirara explains, different from Hakari, Maki respects the more mild-mannered senpai a little.

Megumi and Hakari dashes forward and crash in the center of the field, the shockwave of their first meeting blows the sand and wind in all directions.

"So he is stronger now? I can see it." Panda comments

"His cursed energy is overflowing." Mai adds

"Salmon."

"That's what happens when Kin-chan hits his Jackpot. He gains infinite cursed energy for a limited amount of time."

"?? Seriously? That's super overpowered. He is cheating!" Mai's splutters in surprise

For some reason, Kirara laughs "Cheating is a good description of what he does. By the way, the two don't need to fight, we can stop them now."

"Wait." I stop her from stopping them "If you're worried about Megumi, don't be. He is strong. Even Gojo said that he can be compared to her."

"If talent is the majority of what defines a sorcerer's power, Megumi has enough to donate to all of us." Mai says with a face full of pride

Their words can be proved true by simply watching the fight.

The exchange between the two fighters is fierce, Hakari's relentless onslaught is paired with Megumi's more controlled moves.

Maki can see that Hakari's fighting style is not that different from a brawler in a street fight, filled with huge swings and aggressive attacks. It's really a reckless way of fighting. Like he doesn't fear for his life.

After a certain Exchange, where Megumi received a Punch in the gut, something that would make someone return their lunch to the ground, only made Megumi stop for a moment and grab the said arm and break his forearm..

The bystanders wince seeing Hakari's hand dangling softly and unnaturally. Even Maki thought that went a little too far, but she didn't comment because she knew Megumi could heal it later.

She also noticed that Kirara didn't react to the damage taken by his classmate. The answer to that is given a second later, when Hakari flexes his arm, and the thing snaps back in place.

"What the heck?" Mai's eyes widen in surprise

"That's the cheating part." Kirara chuckles "Thanks to Kin-chan receiving infinite amounts of Cured Energy, the surplus was used to heal him instantly. He is essentially immortal."

"..."

"I'm not gonna say again, but you know what I think about it..." It's Mai's answer, refusing to be like a parrot and repeating that he is cheating.

Beyond Kirara, Megumi appears to be the only one who is not surprised. He chuckles and says "Interesting... So if you can't die. Let me test something..."

Finally, he is using his technique, the shadows under his feet become more prominent, circling him and moving up on his body.

"I'm the user of the Ten Shadows, you must know about it..." Megumi starts

But Kirara shouts "He doesn't! Kin-chan doesn't care about his studies!"

"..."

Everyone, except Yuta, turns around in Shock. Not knowing about the Ten Shadows is like not knowing about some famous historical figure. And Hakari is a second-year!

Megumi blinks before ignoring it and continuing like nothing happened "Basically, I can summon shikigami using shadows as a médium. It's very versatile. Recently I was hit with the idea that I can do a little more than simply summoning them to help, or fuse them, 'wear' them. And now I'm gonna test the next step..."

The shadows at his feet continue to go upwards, Megumi's left arm is surrounded by darkness that coalesces in a certain shape.

"Arm myself with them." He says when the shadows finally lose their fluidity and become solid, in the shape of a shield.

"Extension Technique: Shadow Armament... Piercing Ox Shield."

He says at the same time he shows the black Shield ornamented with a bullhead.

"I also have a lot of freedom to change the shape and size, but I'm going with a standard Captain America Shield for now..." Megumi chuckles before preparing a stance "Shield Bash."

He dashes forward at incredible speeds and crashes his Shield at the hastily put guard of Hakari.

The senpai's arms are forced upwards, bloodied and broken, Maki can see that the Shield has Piercing Ox technique in it.

"It appears that is useful..." Megumi muses to himself, not pressing forward with the offensive.

This gap is enough for Hakari to flex his body again, and fix his arms.

"Very persistent, and as I don't want to kill you this spar becomes very problematic..." Megumi smiles "So let's see how you deal with someone who wants to bind you till your time runs out."

The shadows now coalesce on his right arm and instead of surrounding his forearm, he grips it with his hand.

"Great Serpent Whip"

A long white whip appears after the shadows are dispersed, Megumi does not waste time in making it crack. The sound barrier is broken and most of the audience only saw how a huge gash suddenly appeared on Hakari's torso.

It's an ugly thing, that goes from his waist to his shoulder, deep enough to show his white bonés underneath for an instant before red fills the huge wound.

But once again, Hakari's wound was healed easily.

"If you have the means to attack at a distance, this is the time." Megumi says in a deadpan while he swings his whips, hitting his opponent easily.

"I wish! My output is shit!" Hakari shouts while dodging and getting close

"What a waste of 'unlimited' cursed energy then." Megumi sighs in a disappointed way "Here I was hoping to see a Kamehameha. Or a Spirit Gun."

"Hahaha! I tried when I understood my technique, but I need to work... with what I have in my hands!" Hakari finally gets close enough to punch Megumi.

*Bam*

But the younger sorcerer easily blocks the attack with his Shield.

"Well... This kinda decided the fight." Maki comments after seeing that Hakari's attack didn't destroy Megumi's defense

She also saw how the white whip moved seemingly by itself and lashed at Hakari's back, making the older sorcerer groan in pain for an instant before Megumi kicked him in the chest. Widening the distance again.

She noticed that Megumi's handling of the whip was very amateurish, but if he could control it without the need for arms movements, his Advantage remains easy to see.

"Don't be discouraged. Maybe one day when you've trained enough you will be spamming Cursed Energy blasts left and right." Megumi chuckles before sending the whip to circle Hakari's legs, trapping him.

"I think I understand Hakari's weakness now..." Maki comments, attracting the attention of her fellow audience "Even with 'unlimited' cursed energy, Hakari can't harness it completely because of the 'vessel', his body, isn't strong enough."

"He obviously got stronger beyond human levels thanks to his body being enhanced, but there's a limit..." 'I'm stronger than him' She thinks "He also has no means to attack from a long distance. You just need to one-shot him when he is forced to get closer to attack you. He also needs his opponent to get closer so that he can expand his domain."

Kirara laughs good-naturedly "That's very accurate. Kin-chan still has a lot of room to grow, so that he can use the 'wasted' cursed energy. But you can't ignore Kin-chan's strength and the reason his technique is perfect for him..."

The students hear a grunt and turn around just in time to see Hakari twist himself grossly, and break his legs just enough to escape his confinement.

With an excited shout he jumps away from the Loose whip and lands on the ground, his legs already healed

"...he is relentless." Kirara completes with a laugh

"Yeah... We can see."

"Sorcerers are incredible." Yuta says in admiration

"But does he needs to hump the air constantly?" Mai deadpans at Kirara

"..." Kirara sweatdrops, together with everyone else "He gets hyped and high in cursed energy too..." It's the explanation

"..."

The battle was about to resume, and by that time, most of them thought Megumi could hold easily till Hakari's boost ended.

Only Kirara, and Megumi, know how Hakari is relentless and that he can re-open his domain again.

But that thought is useless, because the battle ends in the most unexpected way...

"Aa! My Jordans!" Hakari shouts in despair after seeing his tennis shoes be tainted with the blood of his wounds.

"..."

The time runs out and the spar ends.

...

The students finally disperse after a brief discussion about the fight, the ones that are gonna participate in the Goodwill Event talk strategy for the group stage.

But they do not dwell on that deeply because Kirara upheld information about her own technique with an "It's a secret~" that sent shivers down Megumi's spine.

Obviously, he is not worried. He knows Maki will curb-stomp the thing.

"So that Shadow Armament thingie is what you figured out recently?" Mai asks while the trio of lovers walk to the girls' side of the dormitory.

"Yeah. The idea kinda grew in my head when I tamed Mahoraga. Even though it was dormant in my head for a long time, since we discussed about me putting the shikigami techniques in cursed tools created by Mai." He says with a smile while patting the younger twin's head

He continued "I noticed that Mahoraga was much harder to... manipulate. Not in the sense of control, but in trying to 're-paint' him or fuse him with others to make a chimera. I think even Totality would be a little complicated. Then I noticed!" He raises his index finger dramatically

Maki rolls her eyes at his theatrics

"The key is in his title..." He smiles

"?"

"The Divine General?" Maki asks with a frown

"The whole thing really... But yes. I always joke about how different Mahoraga is from the other shikigami. The discrepancy between him and the other shikigami is ridiculous... Then there's that theory that the other shikigami are tools for him to use. See where I want to get? Tools. Initially, I thought that the most effective way Mahoraga could use the other shikigami was through Totality, but maybe the Divine General should use the shikigami as weapons." He smiles broadly

He even laughs "Heck, Mahoraga is also the Eight Handled Sword, that means I can use him as a sword too. Zeha~"

"..." Maki gives Megumi a side glance, he is acting exaggeratedly haughty so she will not praise him, but she can't help but think again how creative he is.

The most versatile power with the most creative sorcerer, truly a terrifying combination.

"So you can turn Mahoraga into a sword?" Mai asks curiously, maybe the concept fascinates her as a cursed tool artificer.

"Yep, but he loses the adaptation that he holds, very much when I need to fuse shikigami or when they are destroyed. I need the time to 're-paint' them."

"And beyond a whip and a Shield, what other weapons can you use?" Maki asks

Megumi chuckles "That's the thing, it's up to me. I'm the one to decide how I want to 'paint' the shikigami. Do you know that initially, I made Piercing Ox as a spear? But considering that he has the greatest defense of my shikigami, I decided that a Shield is more fit."

He then appears to remember something "Ah, remember when I fought Naoya? I kinda used an incomplete Shadow Armament. I did not fuse with the shikigami completely, because I was not used to it, so Divine Dogs became the gauntlets and greaves that you two saw. And Round Deer the crown. But kinda unfinished..."

"Ah yes, I remember your limbs being covered by that dark fog." Mai says while tapping her chin in remembrance.

"Now it's up to me how to use the shikigami. I can fuse with them to use their techniques, or make them as weapons. The latter is less reliable but it would not burden my body."

The trio finally arrives at Maki's room and they sit on the bed, the twins at Megumi's side.

"Zeha~ Some are better to fuse, you know? How would I use Max Elephant as a weapon? A flamethrower-like thing but of water? Imagine me holding an Elephant's head and blasting people with water using it."

The twins laugh at the mental image.

"Much better to myself to produce the water from my hands." He concludes "But enough about that... Maki!" He calls her attention

"Do a splitt on the bed." He says with a straight face

"What?" The sudden shift catches Maki by surprise

"Just do it." It's a canon event. He needs it.

....

- Megumi P.O.V. -

After a little more than a month has passed, we are finally going to the Goodwill Event in Kyoto.

Maki, Mai, Hakari, Kirara, Gojo and I are Riding a bullet train to Kyoto.

Surprisingly enough, only three students from each school will participate in this Goodwill Event. There are really few sorcerers, huh? Here I thought that I would see some OC's.

Well, if more people existed, they would appear in Shibuya or during the Raid against Sukuna.

"I thought Kusakaebe would accompany us." I turn to address Gojo's presence.

"Hee-hee~ He doesn't want to come." She giggles innocently

"..."

"That Kusakabe-sensei doesn't want to come on a peaceful trip to Kyoto?" Hakari asks in disbelief.

"I convinced him~" Gojo confirms

"..."

She bribed or blackmailed him in some way.

Well, I can guess her interest. It's not blowing my own horn if I say it's because of me, right?

I'm going because it would be inconsiderate to Maki to go alone, and someone needs to take care of Mai while Maki kicks ass. So here I am.

I also want to take a look at the cast. And Capture Targets.

Maybe give some nice impressions. Now I have decided to try to capture every girl, I can enjoy the adventure, like an Otome game. Clearing all routes.

And Canon happens so fast, that there's almost no time to do these things. It would be awkward to flirt with someone after a friend died.

...

Well, I expected that to happen... But it's kinda earlier, no?

After arriving at Kyoto High, we are greeted by an annoyed Utahime, who almost spat on the ground when she saw Gojo.

Hakari and Kirara went to go sightseeing.

And suddenly he dropped in front of us, looked around... Only saw me as male and asked.

"I can feel potential in you, so don't disappoint me and answer..." Todo looks at me intensely "What is your type of woman?"

"..."

Everyone looks at him like he is an idiot.

The broom girl, who came fast to stop him, facepalms and Utahime sighs despondently.

Now, how to answer? I know what answer would please him and it wouldn't even be a lie. I know what the Megumi in me would answer. I know the answer that will make me gain some brownie points with all the girls present. I know my answer too.

But... But... I'm bored...

I'm so strong... Training all the time... Nothing happens...

I want problems!!!

I can feel the biggest shit-eating grin spread across my face while the word left my mouth.

"Personality..."

*Boom*