So yesterday was diwali and that's why free chapter for you all 🎉
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Chapter 4: Forging Strength
The sun was only beginning to rise, painting the sky with pale streaks of amber and violet, but Kazumi was already awake, mentally preparing himself for the grueling training session awaiting him. Each muscle in his body was sore, a relentless reminder of yesterday's battle with Gojo, who, even when going easy, had proven a mountain too steep to scale.
Kazumi took a deep breath, clenching his fists. "Today, I'll push my limits even further," he whispered to himself, a quiet vow that he would chip away at the overwhelming disparity between them.
When he arrived at the training grounds, Yuji was already there, stretching with an absurdly carefree smile plastered across his face.
"You look like you slept on a bed of nails," Yuji commented, his tone laced with humor.
"Thanks for the reminder, Yuji," Kazumi replied dryly, rolling his shoulders to shake off the lingering tension. "But don't you worry; today's the day I make Gojo break a sweat."
Yuji chuckled, patting Kazumi on the back. "With that spirit, you just might."
The playful atmosphere didn't last long, as Gojo appeared with his usual enigmatic grin, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. Even without seeing his eyes, Kazumi felt the intensity of Gojo's gaze—a weight of expectation that both encouraged and intimidated him.
"Alright, Kazumi," Gojo said, his tone light yet filled with challenge. "Show me what you've got."
Kazumi took a deep breath, feeling the familiar surge of cursed energy ignite within him. This time, he was determined to wield it not as a mere resource but as an intrinsic part of himself, a lesson Gojo had been subtly embedding into his training.
With a swift movement, he channeled his cursed energy into the ground, creating an intricate web of energy lines stretching outward, forming a containment field meant to restrict Gojo's movements. But he didn't stop there. Kazumi quickly layered the field with several energy spikes, anticipating Gojo's attempts to dodge.
Gojo's grin widened as he sidestepped the trap, but Kazumi was ready. Before Gojo could completely evade, Kazumi propelled himself forward, his entire body a blur as he closed the distance in a single, forceful leap, his fist aiming squarely for Gojo's midsection.
For a fleeting moment, Kazumi thought he had succeeded. But then, he felt it—the invisible wall of Gojo's Infinity. His fist hung inches from Gojo's chest, suspended in the air.
Gojo raised an eyebrow, his expression both impressed and amused. "Not bad, Kazumi. You're beginning to grasp the concept of cursed energy control."
Kazumi exhaled, feeling a mixture of pride and frustration. He was getting closer, but still not close enough.
Gojo's expression softened ever so slightly as he placed a hand on Kazumi's shoulder. "Don't lose heart. Every sorcerer worth his salt knows that mastery doesn't come in a day. You've made considerable strides, and that deserves recognition."
Kazumi's eyes widened. Gojo wasn't one for direct praise, so the compliment carried significant weight. As he caught his breath, Gojo turned to Yuji and clapped his hands.
"I think this calls for a celebration," Gojo declared with a mischievous sparkle in his hidden gaze. "Tonight, we're having a party for Kazumi's improvement. I'll handle the arrangements—just be ready by sundown."
---
That evening, the training grounds transformed into an unlikely venue for a celebration. Lanterns hung from nearby trees, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Tables were laden with food ranging from savory dishes to sweets that looked far too expensive for a mere training party. A few of the faculty members and other students had joined, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie.
Kazumi felt a sense of unease as he took in the sight. Celebrations weren't exactly his forte, especially when he still had a mountain of training ahead. But seeing the sheer enthusiasm on everyone's faces, especially Gojo's, he couldn't help but allow himself to relax, even if just a little.
Gojo approached him, a glass of sparkling juice in hand. "Kazumi, tonight is for you. Don't look so tense! Achievements, no matter how small, deserve to be acknowledged."
Kazumi gave a sheepish nod, accepting the glass Gojo offered him. "Thanks, Gojo-sensei. But I still feel like there's so much more to learn."
Gojo chuckled. "Of course there is. That's why we're celebrating progress, not perfection." His tone softened, the usual teasing edge absent. "Kazumi, you've got a determination that most would envy. Tonight, just enjoy how far you've come."
Kazumi smiled, feeling the weight of Gojo's words sink in. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly acknowledged—not as some reincarnated outsider with knowledge of the future, but as himself, someone trying to forge his own path.
The party continued, laughter echoing under the starlit sky. Yuji, who had consumed far too many sweets, decided to challenge everyone to a dancing contest, much to Kazumi's horror.
"Come on, Kazumi!" Yuji exclaimed, attempting a ridiculous dance move. "Let loose a little! Even Gojo-sensei's trying!"
Kazumi looked over, and sure enough, Gojo was engaged in a dance that defied both rhythm and grace, drawing laughter and applause from everyone present. It was rare to see the strongest sorcerer in such a carefree state, and Kazumi couldn't help but laugh.
Reluctantly, Kazumi joined the others, his initial awkwardness fading as he got caught up in the infectious energy of the celebration. For a few hours, he allowed himself to forget the weight of his mission, the looming threats, and the shadow of his own future knowledge.
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As the night drew to a close, Kazumi found himself standing at the edge of the training grounds, looking up at the stars. He sensed someone approaching and turned to see Gojo, his usual carefree expression replaced with a more contemplative one.
"I see you're already strategizing about tomorrow's training," Gojo observed, folding his arms.
Kazumi chuckled softly. "Can't help it. Tonight was great, but I can't shake the feeling that I need to keep pushing."
Gojo nodded, his gaze fixed on the stars above. "That drive is what will make you strong, Kazumi. Just remember, strength isn't just about how much cursed energy you wield or how many techniques you master. It's about understanding why you fight, who you fight for."
Kazumi absorbed Gojo's words, feeling their weight. He'd been so focused on catching up, on leveraging his foreknowledge, that he hadn't fully considered his own motivations, his own reasons for fighting.
"I want to protect those who can't protect themselves," Kazumi replied quietly, a resolve forming in his heart. "And… I want to be strong enough to stand beside people like you, people who fight for others."
Gojo's lips quirked into a small smile. "Good answer. With that resolve, you'll go far."
They stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of the party fading into the distance. Kazumi felt an unspoken understanding between them—a bond formed not just as teacher and student, but as sorcerers walking the same path.
As he finally headed back, Kazumi felt a newfound strength surging within him, one that wasn't just tied to his cursed energy. It was a strength born of purpose, of connection, and of an unyielding desire to protect.
And he knew, as he lay down to rest, that tomorrow, he would step onto the training grounds with a different resolve. The foundation was being laid, brick by brick, day by day.