#heirs and also as long as that person is not itadori yuuji

[polysyndetonaddictsupportgroup]

your perception of itafushi. my beloved. my favorite little barbie dolls that gege loves to wind up. i miss them.

like the idea of yuuji being so jealous over megumi? the sunshine himbo…losing it at the sight of megumi smiling at this perfect little asshole who is totally hiding under an anxious mess facade. there’s no way someone could have it all and their this good guy. yuuji is waiting for the day yuuta messes up i just know it.

even with yuuji finally understands their dynamic i just know that those two have subtle competitions over megumi attention. like…it gets to the point where throwing cars at each other is the norm. (cue nanami being horrified at his legal and emotional children throwing cars at each other over a child of gojo. like yes he adores megumi. but somehow this is all gojo fault. don’t ask nanami how.)

BUT THE IDEA OF THE ZENINS BEING SO YUUJIPHOBIC? like the idea of them shuddering at the idea of megumi fucking around with the vessel of sukuna? that they had to set a bounty on him just to keep him away from their precious runaway heir? i just know mai pops out to the school just to bitch about megumi and his boyfriend being like modern day romeo and juliet.

i also love to imagine sukuna being a firm zenin hater. like he’s not even willing to eat them. he firmly believes that all of them taste like shit. especially naoya.

See I just love the idea of Yuuji being jealous over Megumi but exclusively when it comes to Okkotsu Yuuta. He’s legitimately not a jealous person. He’s never been jealous of anyone before in his life. He’s deeply secure in what he has with Megumi and knows that Megumi likes him back and that there’s no need to be worried or upset about Megumi having close relationships with other people. He wants Megumi to have close relationships outside of him.

But the universe fucking bends to give that perfect beautiful bastard everything Yuuji has ever dreamed of.

It’s a new experience for yuuji. He’s not used to experiencing jealousy. He’s literally never done it before. But there’s this impossibly gorgeous and perfect man swanning around out there getting his death sentence overturned and having his curse royalty unattach from his body in sparkling globes of light and having Nanamin legally adopt him as his actual child and having Megumi be His Boy and apparently it’s universally acknowledged* that Megumi is still Yuuta’s Boy despite Yuuji going to Herculean efforts to lock that shit down. He has assassins trying to kill him because it’s universally agreed** that his boyfriend is out of his league, apparently, and his boyfriend is still someone else’s Boy.

It does not help that when the Assassin Problem first appears yuuji wants to go to Gojo and Megumi decides he cannot take that level of humiliation and suggests going to Yuuta first. Which makes Yuuji insist that no no, he can handle a few assassins. No need to bother any impossibly beautiful upperclassman about it who are apparently better than Yuuji in every way. He’s got this on his own. Nooo problem.

Megumi stares at him for three unbroken seconds and goes to ask Yuuta for advice about it, which results in the second years going off to unilaterally threaten the Zenin clan, which none of the first years ever find out about.

Sukuna absolutely does hate the Zenin clan and it’s specifically because they did not consider him when putting a bounty on yuujis head. He’s a firm believer in knowing your worth and he knows his fucking worth. Sorcerers used to have style. They used to have respect. What the fuck is this. The Zenin are not worth dog shit on his heel. He’ll kill them all.

*universally acknowledged by everyone except Megumi, who still does not know that people call him that

** universally agreed by everyone except Todo, who thinks his brother is a beautiful beautiful man that anyone would be lucky to court and that Fushiguro is a boring child with a nonexistent ass who has inexplicably bewitched a gorgeous specimen of manhood.

[yuujispinkhair]

The songs you grow to like never stick at first (Chapter 4)

Chapter 1 ++ Chapter 2 ++ Chapter 3

Falling for your best friend is a blessing and a curse at the same time, especially when it’s painfully obvious that your friend doesn’t feel the same. So what is Yuuji supposed to do? He doesn’t want to lose you but also can’t help wanting to get out of the friendzone. Maybe his other friends can help him. Or he just has to wait because sometimes the songs that become our all-time favorites are the ones that don’t stick at first.

Pairing: Yuuji x Reader (female) Genre: College AU, fluff, my attempt at humor, friends to lovers Word Count: 4k Playlist: College AU Warnings: 18+, slow burn, a lot of cheesiness, pining, unrequited love in the beginning, alcohol, masturbation, sex dreams, boxing in a boxing club. All characters are of age. The story and my blog contain 18+ content, so minors don’t interact.

Chapter 04: A rivalry goes so deep between me and this loss of sleep over you (Part 1)

The relief Yuuji feels after knowing that Kamo isn't on your list of guys you want to date is short-lived. Because Yuuji is still in the friend zone, pining after you like a lovesick puppy while feeling like a traitor because he wants more.

He's drowning in guilt anytime he has one of those dreams where you are definitely more than his friend. The dreams in which you are on his lap or writhing beneath him, or sometimes bend over your desk, or with your legs wrapped tightly around Yuuji's hips as he slams you against the shower wall. Damn! The dreams won't stop, and the longing, while he's awake, won't stop either.

And the worst thing is the jealousy. Because there's a new guy in the picture. And not just any guy. The heir of the Zenin empire: Zenin Naoya.

He's Fushiguro's and Maki's cousin and is currently assisting Mr. Nanami with a project about local companies. And in Yuuji's eyes, he's clearly an asshole! He's arrogant and mean and walks around like the whole world has to bow before him. He even looks like an asshole with his fancy suits and the stupid Rolex on his wrist!

You mention him casually in between sipping on your milkshake during one of your study meet-ups in the little coffee shop. At first, Yuuji doesn't think too much about it, but then you bring Mr. Zenin up more and more times, and Yuuji feels a knot in his stomach. Suddenly his cupcake doesn't taste that sweet anymore. 

It's Nobara who asks the question Yuuji is too scared to ask:

"So, Mr. Zenin, huh? I heard he's sexy. Seems like half of the people in your economics course are crushing madly on him."

You giggle and hide your face behind your hands. Yuuji feels sick. And Nobara continues to bug you because she lives for gossip.

"Maki can't stand him. Says he's her most hated relative. So she's kinda pissed off that he's here and that people are head over heels for him. What do you think, (y/n)? Naoya Zenin, hot or not?"

Yuuji groans,

"Can you stop it!? We are here to study! I need one of you to tell me how to write this essay."

"Shut up, Itadori! You never care about your coursework, so don't start now when the adults are talking. (Y/n), tell me, do you crush on Naoya too?"

You can't stop grinning, and seem so flustered. Yuuji knows exactly what's up. He doesn't even need to hear it. He can see it so clearly. Yes, you have a crush on the heir to the Zenin business empire.

Yuuji has never hated someone as much as he hates this guy. He usually thinks of himself as a nice person. Someone who always tries to see the good in others. Someone who gives second chances, smiles at strangers, helps old ladies carry their shopping bags, and offers kind small talk to literally anyone he meets. Yuuji is a nice guy, ok? But he loathes Zenin Naoya with a passion!

Especially when after a week of Nobara's constant teasing, you finally admit out loud:

"He is so hot! Our eyes met today during class, and he didn't look away! Gosh, it felt like he was undressing me with his eyes. I got so flustered!"

Suddenly you aren't complaining about economics anymore. It seems to be your favorite course now. Yuuji sees that you wear more make-up, that your hair is always washed and styled now, and that the clothes you wear hug your figure tighter.

It upsets him that you feel the need to revamp your look for this guy. Yuuji thinks you are beautiful and sexy when you're in your pj's without any make-up, and you haven't washed your hair in days. He hates that this arrogant rich guy makes you feel the need to get up earlier just to apply make-up and do your hair.

You are so nervous, fixing your clothes a hundred times and touching your hair over and over again, and your voice is squeaky when you ask Yuuji:

"Yuu, do I look ok like this?"

"Of course you do! You always look pretty!"

"Aww, you're such a sweetheart. Thank you!"

You hug him tightly and press a kiss to his cheek before hurrying down the hallway towards your economics course. To flirt with Mr. Zenin. 

And later that day, you keep babbling about him. He's literally the number one topic of conversation lately. He's so hot! I like his hair! Oh god, the way he looks at me, with that arrogant smirk!

Yuuji's chest feels so tight. The pain is almost suffocating at times. He tries to see the situation from your eyes. It makes things even worse. Because yeah, he has to admit that he sees the appeal. Naoya is a few years older than you, he is powerful, he is rich, he is sexy, he's always dressed in fancy suits and drives nice cars. He's the type of guy who is the main love interest in a romance book. He's everything Yuuji isn't.

The jealousy takes permanent residence in Yuuji's heart. It's an ugly thing, clawing at him, making him feel sick and envious. He would give anything to be in Naoya's shoes.

But he isn't. He's just Yuuji. And Naoya is Naoya.

And Naoya comes up to you one afternoon after class when you are chatting with Yuuji in the hallway. His grin is so smug, hands shoved casually into the pockets of his tailored suit pants, walking like he owns this place. His gaze barely brushes Yuuji's face for a split second, not even acknowledging him. But his grin turns into a charming smile when he looks at you and compliments you on your presentation, telling you how impressed he is while you are beaming at him happily. And then Naoya hands you his business card with a confident grin:

"Text me so we can meet for coffee sometime."

You smile shyly and take the card from him, staring after him when he walks down the hallway, the keys to his sportscar dangling on his long elegant fingers. And once he's away far enough, you turn to Yuuji with a squeal while clutching the card to your chest and doing a little excited dance.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!!! He just asked me on a date, didn't he!?"

Everything stops. Yuuji feels too hot or too cold. He can't even tell. His heart is thundering in his chest, blood rushing in his ears, and the room vanishes from his vision until the only thing he can focus on is that business card in your hands.

This is bad.

The worst case, actually. Your crush on Naoya was already giving Yuuji such a hard time, but it had seemed like a hopeless little thing that would go away again after a while. But now that asshole asked you out! He wants you! Yuuji's heart is so heavy.

"Do you really want to text him?"

"Of course, I want to! What do you mean, Yuuji? Why wouldn't I want to text him?"

He shrugs helplessly, looking at you with big eyes, hoping you will come to your senses.

"I mean that he doesn't seem like a good guy for you. He is so...he is...just look at him!"

"Oh, you think he's too attractive for someone like me? Wow, Yuu...thanks for nothing."

"What? No! That's not what I mean! But he's so arrogant, and he seems shady to me! Just listen to what Fushiguro says about him at their family meetings! He isn't a nice person (y/n)! He isn't good for you! Maki also doesn't like him!"

He looks at you intently, gesturing wildly with his hands, begging you to see the truth, but you just sigh before reaching out to pat his biceps.

"Ok, I get it, Yuuji. You just want to protect me. That's sweet, and I appreciate it! But you don't have to worry. I know Fushiguro can't stand him, but honestly, that's not a reliable indicator that someone is a bad person. Fushiguro can't stand most people. And I think Maki doesn't like Naoya because of some family dispute between her part of the family and his. I know Naoya. He is a true gentleman. He's so polite and smart, and I think he would treat me very well. He seems nice to me."

"He's not!"

"Please, Yuu, calm down. It's gonna be ok. I'm gonna be ok. Just let me have a bit of fun! Please, can you be happy for me? If you are upset because you think I won't have time for our friendship anymore if I start dating someone, I can guarantee you that won't be the case. Ok? You're so important to me, Yuuji. You will always be my best friend, and I will always have time for you."

Yuuji wants to slap himself. He's always way too impulsive and speaks before he thinks, and now he made things weird because he looks like a possessive idiot who wants to keep you all to himself and forbids you any fun.

Another emotion joins the jealousy and sadness: Guilt.

He really should be happy for you! He should squeal excitedly with you and take you to get ice cream to celebrate that you're about to go on a date with the guy you've been crushing on for weeks! He should be supportive. What kind of shitty friend is he?

Maybe you are right, and Naoya really isn't that bad. Maybe he can make you happy, and isn't that what Yuuji should want for you? Also, Yuuji doesn't have any proof that the Zenin heir really is a bad guy. So you are probably right that Megumi's and Maki's opinion is very biased.

This is just his broken heart talking. He is jealous and hurt, and that's why he wants to believe Nayoa is an asshole. He gulps hard and takes a deep breath. It takes everything in him to manage a smile and reach out to rub your shoulder.

"I'm sorry, (y/n). I'm happy for you that he gave you his number. I'm just a bit overprotective when it comes to you. Just be careful, please, ok? Promise me."

"Of course, I'll be careful. Please don't worry your pretty little head. And if anything goes wrong, I know I have my personal knight in a red hoodie, right?"

Yuuji manages to chuckle softly, and when you hug him, he makes sure to hold you extra tightly, enjoying the short moment where he can pretend that he is the lucky guy you have a crush on.

Yuuji used to think his dirty dreams about you were the worst thing, but now he knows that he was very wrong. Unfortunately, it can always get worse, apparently! Because now those dirty dreams get joined by dreams where he sees you with Naoya. 

One moment he dreams about going down on you, kneading your juicy ass while he kisses your thighs and licks at your sweet clit, moaning because you are so wet for him. And you press so needily against his mouth and pull on his hair, loving what Yuuji does to you. Loving him.

And the next moment, dream-Yuuji hears you moan the wrong name, and when he looks up at you, you frown down at him and push him away with a: "Ewww, what are you doing here?" And Yuuji's dream-self has to watch how Naoya pulls you into his arms and tells you that now he will show you what a real man is like in bed.

Needless to say, Yuuji hates going to sleep.

He used to feel guilty about the sex dreams, but at least they gave him a good time in his sleep, and he had some of the most mind-blowing jack-off sessions afterwards. But now he can't even be with you in his dreams anymore. Even in dreamland, Naoya steals you away from him. It's frustrating!

And so Yuuji ends up staying up later than usual. Forcing himself to work on his assignments until late at night. Binge-watching show after show or challenging Fushiguro to video game wars. Hell, he even calls Nobara to listen to her monologues about how amazing Maki is, which new make-up launches there were this week, and which designer clothes are the shit this season. Anything to stay awake, anything to escape those dreams.

But the rivalry between Yuuji and the loss of sleep goes deep. His body and brain don't take the lack of sleep well. 

He has been in a bad mood ever since that day you got Naoya's phone number, and the sleep deprivation intensifies those feelings.

Usually, Yuuji is the resident sunshine boy, but now he can't help but be irritated by little things. He manages to smile when he's around you. But once he's at home, he announces his lousy mood by slamming the door shut angrily, kicking his shoes off with too much force so the ratty red Vans land against the wall, leaving a muddy stain there that will make Fushiguro have a meltdown.

Unfortunately, Megumi is the one who has to deal with Yuuji's easily irritated self the most. It's not easy being Yuuji's dormmate at the moment. Especially since Fushiguro is someone who likes things to be quiet and in perfect order. In short, he is someone who wants to have his peace. But now he has to endure slamming doors, an array of swearwords, and one evening a loud bang followed by a yelp of pain when Yuuji punches his wall.

"Itadori, grab your gym bag and let's go workout. Maybe we can finally do that free trial for the boxing club."

"I don't want to leave my room."

"Stop moping! Get your ass up from the floor and put on a shirt! I've had enough! You cannot punch the wall, you idiot. You will only hurt yourself. Let's go boxing, and you can take all your rage out on me."

"What the fuck, Fushiguro?! That sounds so sexual somehow!"

Fushiguro rolls his eyes and one corner of his lips lifts in an amused smirk.

"As if you would be on top. Keep dreaming, Itadori."

"Oh god... is that the problem? Am I that guy who gets told he looks submissive and breedable? And girls don't want someone like that?"

"I don't want to continue this conversation."

"Bro, you started it!! Now tell me! Am I too submissive? Do I give off that vibe? And that's why (y/n) doesn't want me?"

"Man, I have no idea! And you also don't know! Because you never told her how you feel!"

And so Yuuji is back at the start again. Yes, exactly, he never told you. As unrealistic as it is, what if you had liked him too? In a romantic way. Just a tiny little bit, but were too shy to make the first step, and Yuuji never said anything, and so you gave up and turned to someone else who showed that he is interested in you? What if Yuuji had a chance, and he let it go?? He will hate himself forever!

Maybe he should have told you. Would it have changed things? Would possibly he be the one who could take you on a date if he had been brave enough to confess his feelings? He knows it's no use, it's already too late, but he can't help but obsess over the what-ifs.

His hands are balling into fists again as anger and self-hate engulf his every thought. He will lose his mind if he stays here with no outlet for his anger.

"Let's go to the gym Fushiguro! We'll take that boxing lesson! I need you to pound me so hard! Don't hold back!"

"Now, who's the one making this sound sexual?"

But Fushiguro accompanies him to the boxing course, and he lands some really nice right hooks straight into Yuuji's face. Yuuji can't help but laugh because it seems some good payback for all the shit he put Megumi through since you started dating Naoya. But Fushiguro also doesn't complain when Yuuji goes into a rage and attacks him back with so much force that the whole boxing club gathers around them and cheers them on enthusiastically. Soon the usual "Tiger of Jujutsu College!!" chants start, and tonight Yuuji doesn't even feel embarrassed by them. On the contrary, it feels fucking good to let go and just let his fists talk! And Fushiguro is the perfect sparring partner, not holding back either and laughing maniacally anytime Yuuji lands a hit, grinning at him with an excited glint in his usually so aloof blue eyes. Yuuji is really grateful that his dormmate is just as crazy as himself.

They leave the gym that evening with a nice collection of bruises and a clap on the back by the boxing coach, who is ecstatic about finding a gem like Yuuji who will lead his little boxing club to fame and fortune.

The day you go on your first date with Mr. "I am rich and smart and look like a fucking model" is the worst one Yuuji had in a long time.

It's not enough that he has to smile and act like everything is awesome while you fidget nervously with your phone and ask for the tenth time which dress to wear. No, he also has to listen to your excited squeal when you call him once you're back home.

"OH MY GOD, YUUJI!! He is amazing! The date was so perfect! And he KISSED me!!! I am going to die!!!"

Yuuji lets his head fall back on his pillow, staring unseeingly up at his bedroom ceiling as you chatter about how Naoya took you to one of the city's fanciest restaurants, overlooking Tokyo from who knows how many floors. Of course, he got a table with the best view of the sunset, and of course, he took your hand at exactly the perfect moment and kissed you.

Yuuji's heart clenches painfully in his chest. All of this sounds like a bad dream. He wishes it was one. Carefully he places two fingers on his forearm and pinches it so hard that he almost drops the phone. Yeah, fuck. Seems like he is unmistakably awake and definitely NOT dreaming.

He suppresses a sigh and closes his eyes to make the room stop spinning around him. Everything is too much. He fucked up big time. He should have just told you how he feels! He should have taken you to the beach and watched the sunset with you too. Maybe he could have hugged you and kissed you. Or he could have written you a love letter, old-fashioned and romantic. He should have told you how much he loves your laugh and your humor and your smart brain and your kind heart. 

He should have done a lot of things, but he didn't. And now it's too late. Now someone else is taking you on dates and kisses you and makes you scream excitedly into the phone.

The following weeks make Yuuji spiral down even more. He tries to stay positive, tries to tell himself it will be ok. After all, you are happy! Isn't that a good thing? Shouldn't Yuuji be happy for you? He knows that's what he should be. But it's so damn hard to do that when his heart gets broken over and over again anytime he remembers that you are someone else's girl now.

He tries to stay busy at all times, frequenting the gym even more often now to work out excessively and going to his boxing lessons which offer some sweet relief when he is able to just drill his fists against the punching bag over and over again, letting out his rage and hurt. 

Todo and Megumi compliment his even bigger biceps and even more defined pecs and abs. But that doesn't really matter to Yuuji right now. He's working out to keep his mind off you and to exhaust himself so much that hopefully, he will be able to fall into the blissful blackness that is dreamless sleep once he gets back home.

Unfortunately, his brain decides to provide him with even more dreams though. Dreams where he goes on dates with you, but suddenly you get pulled away by a hand on your shoulder, and Yuuji has to watch helplessly as you get into a fancy car while he is glued to the seat, unable to get up.

And, of course, he also has the familiar dirty dreams that make him rut desperately against his pillow, trying to think of someone else but always seeing you when he moans softly and feels his thick spurts of milky cum pulse over his hand.

His body might look even fitter, but his face certainly doesn't. He can see the dark circles under his eyes, and so does everyone else. Nobara even shoves her concealer over the table and into Yuuji's hands one morning.

"Use this, Itadori. I am begging you!"

And Megumi watches him with growing worry on his face. He isn't the type to spend all his free time with other people, he needs his alone time to recharge, but recently he always knocks on Yuuji's bedroom door every night and comes inside looking for excuses to spend time with Yuuji.

"Hey, just thought I should tell you there's another documentary about wolves. You seemed to enjoy it the last time, so do you want to watch it with me?"

Or he waits for Yuuji in the kitchen and holds up a pot and a cooking spoon.

"Hey, Itadori, can you show me how to make those meatballs again? I can't remember."

Yuuji is grateful for the company, and so he plays along and spends his evenings watching documentaries and cooking with Fushiguro.

But once he's in bed, the thoughts are back to haunt him. His nights are filled with a neverending mix of wet dreams and nightmares. And his mornings are spent feverishly jacking off and then trying to consume so much coffee that his mushy brain is able to form coherent thoughts.

He practices his sunshine smile in the windows of the coffee shop he frequents every morning, irritating the other customers because it looks like he is smiling at them while he's checking out his reflection in the large windows.

A middle-aged woman gives him a wink, and some blue-haired guy blows him a kiss. Yuuji just blinks at them in confusion before his tired brain catches up with what is happening. He shrugs apologetically and scratches his hair sheepishly before quickly hurrying off towards the university.

His smile still works, apparently. But it's damn hard to keep smiling and act like things are fine.

It's the worst when you come to Yuuji with a happy smile on your face and throw yourself into his arms, hugging him just like you always do.

But now you tell him about all the romantic things Naoya said or did, and it's clear that you are completely oblivious to what it is doing to Yuuji. It's not that you don't notice the state he's in. But you don't see that it's connected to you.

"Yuuji, maybe you shouldn't work out so much? You look tired, you know."

"Wow, you really know how to compliment me. Thank you so much!"

"You idiot! You know what I mean! I think you are overexerting yourself."

"I am not."

"Where do those dark circles under your eyes come from then? Oooh, or do you have a secret affair?"

"Maybe I started working as a stripper. That would explain the lack of sleep and the obsessive workout routine."

You laugh delightedly and smack his arm playfully, just like you always do. And Yuuji laughs with you and puts an arm loosely around your waist, which results in the two of you wrestling playfully.

For a moment, it feels like everything is ok. The bickering, the jokes, the rituals. This is what feels like home to Yuuji. Your friendship, the warmth, and playfulness laced with love and trust is his favorite thing in the world.

For a moment, the sun seems to shine a bit brighter, and the gloominess that has been in Yuuji's line of vision lifts. For a moment, he catches himself thinking that everything will be ok.

Until the deep growl of a car engine drifts to his ears. You let go of Yuuji and step away from him, still grinning brightly at him.

"I have to go! See you tomorrow. And hey, try to get some rest, ok?"

You reach up to ruffle Yuuji's hair affectionately before jogging over to the sports car waiting for you.

Yuuji knows he shouldn't look, but he can't tear his gaze away, and so he watches in morbid fascination as you get into the passenger seat and lean over to greet your boyfriend with a sweet kiss on the lips.

It hurts.

And yet Yuuji's gaze is glued to you. He gulps hard against the lump in his throat but quickly plasters a smile on his face when the car sets into motion.

He barely has time to lift a hand in a little wave before he has to jump to the side when Naoya's sports car speeds past him.

Fucking asshole!

Yuuji runs his hand through his pink hair exasperatedly. He knows he can't compare to Naoya. He's just Yuuji. He doesn't have a fancy car or custom-tailored suits. He can't afford to buy you expensive presents. He isn't a powerful man like Naoya is.

But he immediately chides himself for those thoughts. You don't care about things like those. You aren't shallow like that. You like Naoya for real.

As much as it hurts Yuuji, he has been listening closely to you, and he knows that it's much more than just a little crush. At first, you only squealed about Naoya's looks and his impressive aura. But then you started to tell Yuuji about other things too.

How much you like the dimples Naoya gets when he smiles. How he has a whole room dedicated to books, and it is his favorite pastime to sit there and read. How you and he bond over books you both enjoy and that you even started your own little private book club. How you told Nayoa that he doesn't have to take you to fancy restaurants, and so he began to take you on picnics in the park instead.

As much as Yuuji hates to admit it. You really like Naoya. And he seems to treat you well.

But Yuuji still doesn't trust him one bit. There's just something shady about him. Maybe it's still the jealousy talking. Or Yuuji really has a sixth sense, and maybe he should have opened that palm reading business thing for real.

Thank you so much for reading!! I had to split the chapter into two parts because it was getting too long. So you will find the rest of the story about the rivalry between Yuuji and the loss of sleep in a second part :) Aww Yuuji!! You really should have told reader how you feel!! Poor baby boy!! But maybe Naoya really is as shady as Yuuji thinks? Maybe Yuuji will really have to be the knight in a red hoodie? Please let me know what you think about this chapter!! This series means so much to me!! I laugh so much while writing it, and I hope it can bring some fun into your life too!

Comments and reblogs make me happy!

Chapter 5

[tempenensis]

Fushiguro Megumi: the protector

One of the things that makes jjk very interesting is how Gege writes the characters in a way that freed them from a number of stereotypes usually found in shonen manga in relation to how their appearance are. And that makes the character in this manga feels more layered. One of the example is our deuteragonist himself, Fushiguro Megumi. 

Fushiguro is one of characters that make you thought of certain stereotype - but as the story progresses and his character is explored more, he is actually different from the stereotype of dark brooding rival of the protagonist his appearance is based of.

On his first appearance, Fushiguro is shown to be someone serious, seemingly a stickler for rules and formality, as he speaks in honorifics to Gojo in the phone -- even if it’s him saying that he will punch Gojo. When he speaks to Gojo, there’s a strange mix of formality and familiarity, which is a given considering their long history.

He even cites the law of jujutsu for the reasoning of Itadori’s execution right after Sukuna incarnates even though Itadori eats the finger because he is also trying to save Fushiguro. However once Gojo appears and asks what he should do to Itadori, his answer is right on the opposite direction. 

And from this point on, we know that he is never ‘just a simple rival’.

1. Not even a rival

Itadori and Fushiguro’s dynamic is one of the focal point that drives the story of jjk, among others.  

but who’s to say that someone you save won’t kill anyone in the future? 

Fushiguro and Itadori share the same fixation on saving people. While Itadori wants to give “proper death”, or save as many people as he can from curses, Fushiguro rather listens to his own conscience, where he want to give good people what they deserve. And this believe of his rooted from the ‘undeserving’ situation he feels is granted to his sister in this life. This different ideals made the two of them clash during Cursed womb arc, but they settles their difference pretty quickly out of respect for each other, and this connects the two of them closer than them to other characters.

For Fushiguro, Itadori has become someone as important as Tsumiki despite only knowing him for a short time - and likewise, Itadori also thought Fushiguro as important. Fushiguro, in addition, also feels that he bears the responsibility of keeping Itadori alive and shoulders the consequence of every action Itadori and Sukuna does, since Itadori consumed Sukuna to help him in the first place. That is the reason his first fight with Sukuna happens after all; him staying behind out of feeling responsible.

And this responsibility develop into the necessity to protect Itadori, both from  literal harm (the Kyoto students trying to assassinate him) and from metaphorical one. Likewise, Itadori not telling Fushiguro what Sukuna told him is also to protect Fushiguro from the guilt that will consequently arise. 

While there is a bit of rivalry, it doesn’t become something that the two of them fixated on. It does feed on their growth, but this rivalry mostly takes a backseat - it will, when he lives in a world where everything, even the authority, is trying to kill his closest friend and someone he is trying hard to protect.  

2. To die or not to die

Fushiguro’s nature as a protector is rooted in his personality. Because of his upbringing and precociousness, he has his own view of what he think to be ‘good’ and ‘bad' that is very personal to him.

Fushiguro has certain degree ‘sense of justice’ based on his notion. During this flashback, he picks fight with the delinquents not because they attacks him personally and not because anyone asks him for help, but just because he thought that they are wrong in bullying their classmates. 

At first he is not inclined to be a jujutsushi because saving people doesn’t fit into that notion of his. The work of a jujutsushi is in its heart is to save people and it’s tailored for not only the one who has the ability, but also the compassion to do it. Something that is unthinkable for junior high Fushiguro.

It’s Tsumiki’s curse that change Fushiguro. He is started to driven to save people like Tsumiki. And also, if there is someone that can solve the case of Tsumiki’s curse, it will be a jujutsushi.  

He feels that a lot of people he thought to be ‘good’ given unfairness in life. Like his sister who was cursed and fallen into coma, and Itadori who ate Sukuna then received death penalty.

I will save people unequally!

His personal sense of justice drives Megumi to help and save them in his own brand of heroism stemmed from his ego of choosing who’ll he save and who won’t. ‘Good people’ affects Fushiguro deeply that out of respect for Itadori who had died, he does something that usually he doesn’t do. 

While he sees both his sister and Itadori to be the same good kind, he judges himself to be different from them and he doesn’t care if he is ‘not right’. He doesn’t feel that he deserves the salvation as deserved by ‘good people’ and this reflects mainly in his... um... suicidal, sacrificial tendency. 

Every single time he is cornered in battle, he used to resort to summoning Makora - which essentially means he will die. He doesn’t think that his death is matter at all for anyone else as long as his purpose in winning the fight is fulfilled - which actually not necessarily true. 

It’s a good thing that after his training with Gojo, Megumi starts to realize the importance of him not resorting to ‘winning by dying’. This point in Shibuya actually marks a significant development of his character - even if he still summon Makora after.

3. Blood does not necessarily run thicker  

One of the most surprising aspect of Fushiguro is how he readily discarded the identity that comes with his bloodline. A contrast from Kamo and a point that makes their clash during Goodwill event arc very interesting. For Kamo whose mother left him so she doesn’t get in his way to be the family heir, the way Fushiguro easily deny his bloodline of course offends him highly -- it’s almost like Fushiguro does not care about his mother’s sacrifice. 

Well, it is understandable that he deny his bloodline. Regardless that the tradition of the Three Great Families just reek of shit, Fushiguro never experiences normal blood-related family bond since he was born. Everyone who should be his family based on blood never give him the bond other people experience. His biological mother had died, his father left him (and died unknowingly), Tsumiki’s mother also left the siblings. The one who took care of him was Tsumiki and Gojo to an extent, both of whom has no blood relation to him. Gojo even bought him from the Zen’in. And the Zen’in who is supposed to be his blood-related family trade him off easily with money, so it is understandable if he does not feel a strong bond with his own bloodline. 

This is ironically (but in a positive way) very contrast with Fushiguro’s   technique; Ten shadows jutsu. One of Zen’in’s most prized inherited technique is manifested by Fushiguro who deny his blood and passed down by his father who the family refused to acknowledge as one of their own. The technique that also made Fushiguro coveted by the head family that they readily forked over 10 million for him. It’s a very ridiculous situation.    

4. Next ‘strongest sorcerer’

The growth of a jujutsushi is never easy. 

Fushiguro’s growth as a jujutsushi is a difficult matter, way more than Yuuji. Compared to Fushiguro who is already familiar with jujutsu from a very young age, Yuuji is like a child whose growth is still in exponential phase. Since his main weapon is his cursed technique, Fushiguro’s growth as the more settled jujutsushi in this case should mainly come from inside himself. But it’s been a rocky way for him.   

First, his mindset is working against his growth -- because he has Makora to rely on, he tends to summon it readily than try to explore his technique more. Then as fundamentally Fushiguro is someone compassionate, he puts cooperating and matching his level to people around him first -- which actually hindered his growth of ability, because his nature as jujutsushi is on the opposite side.  

As a jujutsushi, Fushiguro’s nature is the same as Gojo and Sukuna; a lone wolf who is the strongest on combat when he is alone. Gojo even implied once that Megumi’s cursed technique has the potential to be on par -- even beat his.

With not one, but two strongest jujutsu users invested in Fushiguro’s growth, I think it’s not an overstatement to say that he will be an incredible jujutsushi in the future -- if his growth does not fail him. And going by the current story development, it is more required out of Megumi to be stronger than ever, both as the person that he is and as jujutsushi.     

5. The future is as uncertain as ever

Now that Gojo is gone, the burden Megumi shoulders will be exponentially rising. More than to stabilize Tokyo back, it is the responsibility that he always feel over of keeping Yuuji as Sukuna’s vessel alive that probably will demand a lot out of Megumi. In addition to losing Gojo and the waking of Tsumiki as one of the Brain’s victims, Megumi needs all the strength he can muster, literally and figuratively, to be able to survive the coming of near future -- even though ironically he is one that is readily dying anytime. 

[jostenneil]

It's so funny to me how toji always comes back one way or another, people think they got rid of him just for him to come back again in some form. Also I don't remember him having to sacrifice anything to become as strong but maki has to?? How do you think megumi will process the whole thing about his dad when gojo finally tells him what happened and who he was?

I think the difference lies mostly in the fact that, unlike Maki, for a long time Toji had. . . no one. He pretty much grew up within the clan alone and targeted, and it built up a steady, singularly defined hatred in him for years, until he met Megumi's mom. There's still little we know about her or her relationship with Toji (although I vaguely remember Gege saying in a recent interview that she will show up again in some capacity, correct me if I'm wrong), but I think it's fair to assume she was to Toji what Mai was to Maki. That's the tragedy of Megumi's existence to me, actually. That Toji named him something as significant as "blessings" to me speaks to the idea that before Megumi was born, Toji may very well have been capable of loving him. But Megumi's mom dying may have significantly altered the potential for that future, to the point that Megumi ended up being a blip in Toji's life as compared to the son that he should have tangibly, wholeheartedly cared for. (I also think this could explain why we don't see Toji needing to sacrifice anything; maybe he already did when Megumi's mom died.) And obviously, we know now that Toji's plan to destroy the Zenin clan always featured Megumi at the heart of it, but plotting for your child's successful takeover is something else compared to actually loving them. It's complicated, and it's without a doubt a reflection of how the Zenin clan's treatment of Toji and his subsequent hatred warped him in very tragic ways. After all, what broke then was the heart.

I don't think Megumi is necessarily going to be angry at Gojou when he finds out the whole truth, because Toji was hypothetically already an absent figure from his life considering Megumi didn't even recognize him during the Shibuya arc. But I could see Megumi being weighed down by a weird sort of. . . grief? Especially if the spoilers about the upcoming chapter are true, and there isn't anyone from the clan left to tell him what his father was like. Gojou only has one part of the story, and it's a pretty minimal one in scope. All he knows is that he killed a man with no cursed energy, and that that man was Megumi's dad, a member of the Zenin clan. The deal with Naobito is of course why Megumi's become the head of the clan now, but even the emotional details of that are something Megumi can't be privy to either, because Naobito is dead and the other heirs apparent soon will be if Maki is successful in her campaign. There's so much about Megumi's childhood and his own existence that's obscured, and I think that's why we see that he grew up having an almost detached personality, loath to the world around him, until people like Tsumiki and Gojou and Yuuji pushed him to care and build roots. So yeah, I do think his feelings about Toji will be complicated and leave him wanting of something, as they always have, but the narrative has also done a good job of establishing the fact that mysteries of his life aside, Megumi's been building a community for himself ever since his father died. It's what makes him a good foil to Yuuji, and why his declaration of "First, save me, Itadori," feels so important. Toji left him behind with the weight of the world to carry on his shoulders, but Megumi has people now who will carry it with him.

[koshicoast]

bro it’s Drabble fushiita o’clock + there’s some age reversal in this

Spring is more than ready to retire, sleepy and exhausted from her year’s work; a tedious task of marking the start of change. She’s been decorating alleyways and streets with flowers of vibrant colors, fully bloomed blossoms helping paint the streets in pink. She tends to the trees too, turning them a bright green, the orange and red from Autumn’s touch fading away just like the melting snow from Winter. She makes sure to echo the sound of children and adults alike laughing throughout the city, smiling at their excited smiles and rosy cheeks. Additionally, she turns down the teens’ complaints of returning to school, laughing at their misery and creative insults before she moves on to the next task. The sun, always one to favor Spring, hangs out in the sky longer to watch her run around, amused by her antics. These days, there is only peace.

‘Yuuji would have loved it.’ Megumi thinks to himself, looking out the window. He has twenty minutes before the newest first years step into his classroom. There are two boys and one girl this year, all having rare techniques. One of them happens to be the Gojo heir, the keeper of the six eyes. The other two are nothing to sneeze at either, one being able to manipulate cursed energy and the other already an expert at her reverse technique. ‘It’ll be a busy year.’ he sighs internally, his bones groaning at the future work he’ll have to put in. He’s not looking forward to it but he knows Yuuji would have loved it; excited to teach the new generation. He imagines how the pink haired boy (boy because that’s all he was after all, having lived and died as one) would be right now; he imagines watching pink flashes whip around the class, excitement rolling off in waves. He imagines Yuuji’s smiling face, how he’d ask Megumi to show off his shadow technique as an ice breaker and how his eyes would twinkle at the sight of the Divine Dogs before both dogs would jump into his arms, ignoring their actual owner. He imagines how quickly the first years would warm up to him too.

‘Megumi...Live a long life okay?’

He’s 27 now, the unblemished skin from his teens no where in sight. It’s littered in scars, small and big, tiny and wide, regrets and hopes engraving themselves into his body like tally marks. Permanent reminders of who’ve he’s saved, of who he couldn’t, stories to tell when questioned by his students. When they finally gain the courage to ask, that is. He knows as the head of the Zenin clan and his natural cold demeanor, it’ll be difficult to build a relationship with the teens, especially the Gojo heir due to the family politics. He has faith though, something Yuuji has instilled in him all those years ago.

‘Y’know Fushiguro...You’re a pretty good guy!’

‘You’re a lot friendlier than you think you are’

‘I think you’d be a great teacher! Our future students are totally gonna think of you as the cold but cool mentor yknow? Cmon Megumi! Be a teacher with me! We could be the best teacher duo- Are you laughing?! Hey-!’

He distantly wonders which scar they’ll ask about first, a part of him hopes they’ll ask about the one on his ring finger. It’s unlikely though since it’s nothing grand compared to the others he’s collected, but it is his favorite one. He told Nobara about it years ago, late at night and after a few months after the execution of ‘Sukuna’s Vessel’, alcohol buzzing in his system. He remembers the way she barked out a humorless laugh, eyes growing watery as she said, “Can’t believe we all thought Yuuji was the hopeless romantic out of the two of you.”

He offered a weak smile which she returned, both pointedly ignoring the other’s tears. She stayed with him the whole night, helping him make meatballs for the hangover soup the next day.

Nowadays, Nobara, also older now, complains about her marred skin and how she’ll never get to a model but he’s seen the way she parades each scar like a Medal of Honor. She even forgoes the eyepatch once in awhile, her and Maki taking the street by storm whenever they’re out on their dates. He wonders if the kids will ask her about it when she stops by. It’d be a pretty funny image, he admits. He can already hear her voice, unabashedly loud.

He’s broken out of his thoughts when the door opens, the slam introducing his new students.

“Are you Zenin-sensei?” One asks, he has his hair in a low bun with the exception a piece of his bang falling flat against the side of his face. Getou Suguru.

“I thought the Zenin head was way older! Like a gramp or something” Another one speaks, his hair pure white and he’s hiding his eyes behind dark round sunglasses. He has a lollipop in his hand, using it to point to Megumi. Gojo Satoru.

The last one, a short girl with tired eyes and short hair glances at her two companions before heading to an empty seat. Shoko Ieiri.

“I’m not Zenin-sensei but I am your teacher” He answers Getou with a nod, turning to whats most likely going to be the the biggest pain in his ass. “The person you might thinking about, Gojo-kun, would be the deceased Naobito Zenin, I became the head only two years ago. My reign hasn’t been that long in comparison to the old bastard.”

“Wait if you’re not a Zenin then how’re you the head?” Shoko questions, shifting in her seat.

“I took my husband’s last name and despite being the head, I have no intentions of changing it.” He answers easily, writing his name on the board. “You may call me Itadori-sensei.”

[tempenensis]

philosophy of “moving forward”

Human civilization as a whole is something that always changing. Culture as part of civilization construct adapts and evolves together with human who creates it. In the evolution of ancient to modern culture, believe in myth and words of mouth on the nature of unknown things changes gradually to studying them using science; in this science is the driving force of culture change and the old believe is the opposing force.   

A subtle theme that slowly surfacing is the clash of old tradition to the new, more progressive thinking. Old tradition and rules are opposed and changes are happening gradually - and while it’s been bubbling for long, it's now culminated in one controversial life of Itadori Yuuji. 

the old and rotting : the Great Three Families

One of main undertones during student fights in the Kyoto exchange goodwill arc is how old jujutsu tradition underlined to be contrasting with the more modern principles most Tokyo students follows. This especially prominent in the fights of Momo vs Kugisaki and Fushiguro vs Kamo, and secondary drive in Maki vs Mai.      

In one of elite jujutsushi bloodline, the Zen’in family, perfection is a must.  “Possessing inherited curse technique of Zen’in family”. Other than that, they are failure in starting life as jutsushi. Even among them, women are not allowed to stand in the starting line. 

Looking at these alone, it implies on how old tradition put manifesting inherited technique among anything else and especially the discrimination towards women. It reflects the view in our real history, where women used to be banned from doing works and jobs considered masculine -- a view that has largely abandoned since women rights to be in the same level with men gained approval worldwide. 

Momo’s saying this to Kugisaki is not wrong per se, since she herself probably experiences this; emphasizing Kugisaki’s naivety to old tradition that a lot of jujutsushi still largely follow. Kugisaki herself is also not in the wrong; she’s someone who puts her ego over everything - she has her own individualistic view that keeps her apart as her own person.

Another view of old tradition is the bloodline over everything else. It’s understandable if you consider the way they prized inherited technique over everything. To ensure that the inherited technique can manifest along the bloodline, one of the way is to keep the bloodline ‘pure’, to say. That’s why marriage among blood relation is probably the norm, even though the only clue of this is Naoya in the latest chapter, who considers which one of the twin is “good”, further emphasizing how little women is respected in this household. 

Ironically in bloodline with a lot of inbreeding, it’s not the strength that is accumulated, but rather the weakness. For example, in Habsburg dynasty who used to rule Europe in the past, their long history of inbreeding caused their offspring to manifest a lot of genetic disorder - one of which is a physical disability named as their own, Habsburg jaw. Charles II of Spain was the most famous example of this. As a result of inbreeding along the Habsburg bloodline, Charles II inherited a lot of genetic disorders including the Habsburg jaw. He was even know as “the Bewitched” because of his appearance. 

In line with this are Kamo Noritoshi and Fushiguro Megumi, who were born not out of inbreeding, but possessing the inherited technique of their respective clan. Noritoshi manifests Blood manipulation technique despite being a mistress’s son. While we don’t know Megumi’s mom, it is implied that she was a normal person since Touji had left the Zen’in and would be hard-pressed if he was to marry a woman from the same bloodline since he hated the clan. And I would not be surprised if Satoru is revealed actually to be a mistress son too in the future.

As if to condemn this believe, Heavenly Restriction sometimes manifest in these clan. Touji and Maki are bound with restriction of having reduced curse energy in exchange of superhuman strength. If you think about it, superhuman strength is actually way more effective weapon to be used in exorcising curse than innate curse technique that is usually simpler and weaker. All they need is some cursed tools to use. But of course, old tradition condemns them since barehanded, both Touji and Maki can’t exorcise curses.

Women being lesser than men, bloodline purity and inherited technique obsession, twins being bad omen, and the heavenly restriction being a viewed as a curse rather than a gift -- all of the believe that composed the old tradition is actually more harmful for the jujutsushi society as a whole. Theirs is an industry who is always chronically short-handed, so you would think that if there are more people available to do the job is better. But they don’t think so just because of outdated tradition. And Zenin Naoya is created as the poster child of it. He embodies everything old that Gojo Satoru discards and loathes. 

education as driving force : Kyoto vs Tokyo

Back in vol 0, Getou calls Kyoto to be holy land of jujutsu and Shinjuku, Tokyo to be crucible of curses, where large number of curses can be found.

If we look over the history of these two places, it’s quite reasonable. Kyoto used to be the old capital of Japan, used to be named Heian. As we know, Heian period when Kyoto was designated as Japan capital is known as jujutsu golden age, when jujutsu developed rapidly, curses ran amok, and Sukuna trumped over everyone as the King of curses. We still don’t know where each of Great Families (Osanke) designated locations, but as the remaining of old capital, it is actually not surprising if the Osanke is located mainly in Kyoto, especially the Zen’in and Kamo. This also implies in Naoya speaking Kansai dialect and how Kyoto school shaped.   

The influence of old tradition is prominent in Kyoto Jujutsu school. First, most of the students are somehow connected to jujutsu families. Noritoshi is Kamo clan’s heir. Mai is one of the Zen’in. Momo with her way of speaking seems also to be raised in a jujutsu family. Kokichi has Heavenly restriction which we know is inherited among children of jujutsu clan. Other than them, Toudou and Miwa seem to be not from jujutsu clan, but they are probably admitted because of influence of their mentors - and the two of them have different mindset compared to the rest of the students. 

Second, when the Kyoto principal asked the students to kill Yuuji during exchange meetings, the four agreed to it readily since that’s how their custom dictates. Todo did not like that idea and Miwa is reluctant, but she still goes along. However she then apologizes to Tokyo students via Maki.  

Contrasting to Kyoto school, the Tokyo school is a bit departed from old jujutsu custom. Most of the students are not affiliated with jujutsu families. Maki and Megumi does have Zen’in blood, but the two of them hate the clan and everything it represents. We still have not much information on Toge and Inumaki clan in general. This also applies to students in previous generation too. Nanami, Haibara, Getou; the three of them are not from jujutsu families. Gojou is from one of the Osanke, but he loathes their custom and tradition, which might  be his main motivation to go to Tokyo school. Other than them, we still don’t know about Mei Mei, Shoko, and Utahime.

If I have to name one main characteristics that drive Tokyo school foundation is that they learn. Different from Kyoto whose philosophy influenced largely by traditional value set in stone, Tokyo school learns from mistake, learns how the era changes, learns how jujutsu changes so that they can be more humane, then develops to be an unique entity. This is largely due to Yaga’s influence.

But because of him (Itadori), there are certainly lives that was saved. In fact this time he cooperates with Todo to drive away the special-grade (curse spirit). This is not limited on the students, but after this they will accumulate a lot of regrets. Aah, I should have done that, I wanted it to be like this. Aah, I should have said it, I wanted to say it. 

Whether the decision regarding Itadori is correct, truthfully I don’t know. But for now, how about we watch over him?

Yaga Masamichi is one great educator. Rather than binding them to the existing tradition, he let the students have their own view and act responsibly. This is the wisdom that build the foundation and general philosophy of Tokyo school. And his view influence Gojo, who used to be his student, in teaching the new generation. For example this; when he asks of  Megumi’s opinion of what they should do with Yuuji. And because of it, they bends an existing law to let Yuuji alive; a very blatant opposition to old custom. 

In addition, Gojo rather tends and teaches the new generation despite wants to kill the upper management; this might also largely because of Yaga’s influence. The two of them accumulate the same regret from the incident that makes Getou to stray and learn from it -- and that regret is what shapes the learning and teaching in Tokyo school in the current time.

While the two seemingly cut from the same clothes, Tokyo school can afford to be different from their Kyoto counterpart in their teaching because of several things. First is their location. As the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, Tokyo’s population grows. More human means more negative emotion, meaning the curses also evolved to be stronger. The reason why Getou called Shinjuku the crucible of curses is because Shinjuku is red-light district, where negative emotion is probably the strongest, making curses found there also stronger than any other place. As their enemy grows stronger, jujutsushi themselves also needs to be stronger than them to be able to exorcise them. In addition, the school is where Master Tengen planted his root so to speak, and they also need the strength to protect him too. They can’t afford old tradition to weaken and hold them back, so the Tokyo jujutsushi’s thinking start to depart from old custom. The second reason is because of Gojo; that in itself is self-explanatory. 

All in all, education as a whole system is not only designed to merely giving knowledge, but also to give the young the necessities so they can develop into a proper member of society. Good education system adapts to the current era and relevant view on the development of society. In the real world, modern society aligns largely with science, so science and its philosophy are integrated as fundamental parts of modern education system. And character building is also important as part of the system -- for example being critical, to be curious and question things, is an important traits to have because human curiosity is what makes us study things we don’t understand and makes science develops in the first place -- subsequently modernize human society as a whole. 

But of course, it’s all not without repercussion. Since old tradition still prevails and holds tightly by the authority, it’s no wonder that Tokyo school is now facing difficulty after the chaos that is Shibuya.