#this was the responsibility of yaga and co.

[genderjester]

Have so many thoughts abt geto but also i cannot articulate any of them

[glearyyyne]

intro (end of the world)

Synopsis: It has been 11 years since you came to the Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College. As you and Satoru grew closer to your job at being co-workers, you've been planning to confess but you didn't expect to confess to Satoru while under the influence of alcohol.

Word Count: 4,807 Words

Warning: tiny angst at the end(?), shibuya incident (AGAIN), drinking alcohol. unhealthy amount of drinking boba tea after training (drink water instead of sugary drink! >:( )

Note: another eternal sunshine title! I promise it doesn't hurt that much since it kind of resembles to imperfect for you fic. Will post some bad news tomorrow :( but I hope you enjoy this!

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Knock knock

"Come in," you heard that deep voice, indicative of someone engrossed in a task before you even opened the door. Satoru's eyes, concealed behind his round glasses, met yours with curiosity as you addressed him as your co-worker.

"I brought you some sweets after my mission.” You spoke with a happy tone, you revealed the crepe box hidden behind your back.

That's the moment you wanted to capture when the tired look that Satoru had changed into his usual goofy face.

“I must be so handsome that you had to bring me some sweets,” Satoru joked as you giggled before placing the crepe on his desk.

But you are handsome…

Was something you wanted to say but then proceed not to as you don't want to strain the close friendship you both have.

It has been 11 years since you came to the Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College. You joined in the third year, but at first, you were confused because there was only one teacher and two students, making you wonder if it was really a school.

**

"These are your classmates," Yaga announced upon opening the door. Expecting a crowd, you were surprised to find only two students: a white-haired boy and a brunette girl.

"Satoru, Shoko, this is [Reader’s name]. They'll be your classmates this year," Yaga introduced. "It's nice to meet you," you greeted them, receiving a response only from Shoko as Satoru stared blankly.

Feeling nervous and confused about his behavior, Shoko nudged Satoru and whispered something, prompting him to sigh.

"I'm Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer," he declared, his ego evident. 

Weeks and months passed and you became close with Satoru but you always felt like Satoru was putting up a wall to prevent you from coming in.

**

“Sensei?” You flinched as you turned around to see Megumi standing at the doorway of the storage room. “What are you doing here?” He asked.

“Well, I’m just getting a weapon to use in training” You answered. "Shouldn't you be with Itadori right now?" you asked Megumi, curious about his whereabouts.

With an annoyed sigh, Megumi replied, "That idiot is busy feeding Gojo sensei's ego."

You couldn't help but laugh at his choice of words, finding humor in the situation.

As you rummaged through the storage room, Megumi's voice broke the silence. "Hey, um... do you think you could teach me during our training sessions?" he asked tentatively.

You paused, surprised by his request, then turned to face him. "Teach you?" you echoed, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

"Yeah," Megumi replied, looking somewhat uncomfortable or maybe shy?

 "I've been observing your techniques, and I think I could learn a lot from you." He added.

Before agreeing, you couldn't resist teasing Megumi for his sudden shyness. "Wow, Megumi, I never took you for the shy type, needing someone to hold your hand through training," you quipped, a playful smirk dancing on your lips.

Megumi's cheeks flushed slightly, but he managed a small smile. "It's not like that," he protested, though his tone betrayed his embarrassment.

You chuckled, enjoying the rare opportunity to see Megumi flustered. "Alright, alright, I'll teach you," you relented, realizing he was genuinely seeking to improve his skills.

After finally choosing the right weapon, you and Megumi headed to the training room to begin your session. Hours passed in intense practice, sweat pouring down your faces as you focused on perfecting your techniques.

Eventually, you both decided to take a break, panting heavily from exertion. Collapsing onto nearby benches, you wiped the sweat from your brow and took deep breaths, feeling the fatigue setting in.

"That was intense," you remarked between gasps, glancing over at Megumi, who nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, but it's worth it," he replied, a determined glint in his eyes.

As you prepared to resume training, Megumi's unexpected question caught you off guard. "What did you see in Gojo sensei?" he asked, his tone curious.

You blinked in confusion. "Come again?" you replied, taken aback by the sudden inquiry.

"It's obvious you have something going on with Gojo sensei," Megumi persisted, his gaze steady as he waited for your response.

You sighed, realizing that Megumi was more observant than you had thought. "Am I that obvious?" you asked, feeling a hint of embarrassment.

Megumi nodded solemnly. "Everyone knows it, but Gojo sensei was too naive or oblivious to notice it," he remarked matter-of-factly, leaving you momentarily speechless at his blunt assessment.

As you thought back on the countless gestures Satoru had made exclusively for you, you couldn't help but sigh. "I don't know," you began, your voice tinged with emotion. "One day, I just felt those feelings bloom when I looked at him. I guess you can't really explain why you love someone."

Before you knew it, Satoru and Itadori approached from behind as you finished speaking.

"Who is this 'him'?" he inquired, catching you off guard. Startled, you flinched at the sound of Satoru's voice.

"I-I..." you stammered, trying to explain that there was no one else, but Satoru didn't seem convinced. Before you could say anything further, he raised his hand, holding a boba tea, leaving you dumbfounded.

"I know you were training, so I brought you this," Satoru said, his toothy grin melting away any tension in the air. As you accepted the boba tea, you felt those familiar butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

"You should have got her water, not boba tea," Megumi interjected, glaring at Satoru with a hint of disapproval in his voice.

Satoru just shrugged off Megumi's comment. "Boba tea is tastier than those tasteless waters," he retorted, seemingly unfazed by Megumi's concern.

"Water makes you hydrated, while boba tea makes you dehydrated," Megumi countered, growing annoyed at how Satoru's sweet tooth seemed to cloud his understanding of the importance of water.

Meanwhile, you stared at the boba tea in your hand, a smile spreading across your face as you took a sip, savoring the sweetness of the drink and the thoughtfulness behind Satoru's gesture.

It makes you fall even more

**

A week later, after completing another mission, you found yourself sitting in Shoko's clinic, getting your wounds treated. As Shoko tended to your injuries, your phone chimed with a notification from Satoru, asking if you had finished the mission and suggesting going for a drink afterward. Unconsciously, a smile crept onto your face, catching Shoko's attention.

"You're smiling again," she observed, her tone playful as she noticed the subtle change in your expression.

Your face flushed with embarrassment as you fumbled with your phone, attempting to shut off the notification. "Y-you didn't see anything!" You stuttered out, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Shoko sighed knowingly. "Does he know?" she asked, sensing the underlying tension.

You sighed, avoiding Shoko's gaze as you stared at the ground. "No," You admitted softly, feeling a bit sad at keeping your feelings hidden from Satoru.

"He'll never know if you won't confess," Shoko urged gently, her voice filled with empathy.

Frustrated, you let out a sigh. "So what if I confess? I'll just add to his burden of having to protect me when he's already tasked with protecting the world from the stupid curses roaming around," you replied, your frustration evident in your tone.

After finishing cleaning and healing your wound, Shoko took off her gloves and offered you some insightful advice. "You always think about the bad side. Why not consider the good side? Wouldn't it be better to go on dates with him, to have him follow you around because he missed you?" she suggested, her words laced with wisdom.

She then reached for a cigarette, lighting it up before taking a puff. As you sighed, her words lingered in your mind, prompting you to imagine what it would be like to be in a relationship with Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer.

"I-I would love that," you confessed, your face flushing at the mere thought of such a scenario.

"As much as you think of those bad sides, all I'm saying to you is that Satoru will never make you feel like you're a burden to him," Shoko reassured you, her voice firm and reassuring.

Before you could respond, Shoko shushed you and hurriedly ushered you towards the door, practically pushing you out of the clinic, leaving you dumbfounded by her abruptness.

Checking the time on your phone, you realized it was still early, so you decided to head back to your dorm and change clothes to at least look presentable for whatever the rest of the day might hold.

A few hours later, after you had changed into more presentable clothes, you mustered up the courage to message Satoru, asking where to meet. He replied promptly, instructing you to meet him at his apartment and providing directions.

Curiosity piqued, and you found yourself standing outside his apartment building, hands sweating and heart pounding with nervous anticipation. Taking a deep breath, you knocked on the door and waited anxiously for Satoru to answer.

As you raised your hand to knock, the door swung open, revealing a shirtless Satoru, his white hair still damp as he dried it with a towel. Your eyes widened in surprise, and you felt your cheeks flush crimson. Quickly, you covered your face with your hands in embarrassment.

"You should have warned me that you were shirtless!" you exclaimed, your voice betraying your embarrassment.

Satoru looked unfazed by your reaction. "Oh, my phone was charging in the other room, so I forgot," he replied casually, seemingly unconcerned about your blushing state.

Satoru let you inside as you hurriedly headed to his living room and sat on the couch. You finished taking a deep breath and calmed yourself before you looked around to observe his place, after all, it was your first time here.

Satoru came to the living room wearing already a shirt and alcohol in his hand that looked like an imported one.

He placed the shot glass and alcohol on his coffee table before he sat in the other chair beside you. “That looks like a strong drink. Where did you buy it?” You asked. “In America when I was on a business trip a couple of months ago, I had been planning to drink that but I didn't like to drink it alone so I tagged you along” he explained. His hands held onto the alcohol, opening the cap before he poured it into the shot glass. 

“Lady’s first?” He teased, “Well if you insist,” you told him with a smile, taking the shot glass out of his hand as you quickly drank.

“Slow down, you’ll get drunk sooner than you expected,” Satoru said with a light-hearted chuckle. 

He was right, you suddenly felt burning in your heart but you can't shake off the thought of Satoru being shirtless earlier.

You poured alcohol into the glass and offered it to him. “It's your turn now dummy,” You told him while feeling slightly light-headed.

Satoru only grinned, taking the glass out of your hand, and drank the alcohol with no problem. 

“It seems like your apartment doesn't have that much furniture” You spoke, sparking a conversation between you two.

“Oh that, I rarely come here” Satoru simply replied.

“Really?” 

“Yeah, I’m more used to sleeping at the dorms in the school.” He poured another, passing the glass to you. “You're more used to sleeping there than in this apartment that has like amazing view from the city at night?” You asked again.

“I don't like how lonely it is to be here alone, I’d rather sleep in the dorm knowing everyone I know is there.” 

Is that so…

You thought, hand quickly grabbing the glass and gulping it.

“But why did you invite me here instead of the dorm? We could have just drank there instead” You wiped your mouth as you looked at him with that curious look.

“I don't know,” Satoru teasingly said, his legs spread wide with a smirk plastered on his face.

He finds your question amusing.

Your conversation with Satoru went on as the passing of the glass containing alcohol continued until you threw your head back, hand quickly massaging your forehead.

“Feeling drunk already?” He asked, you nodded lightly. 

“I feel like I can't face what will happen in Shibuya next month” You suddenly spoke about the mission next month.

Satoru froze in his seat, concern etched into his features. "Why do you think so?" he asked carefully, his tone gentle.

"Maybe because this is more dangerous than the usual mission? To the point that all the sorcerers are alerted to be there," you explained, your voice tinged with unease.

"Are you scared?" he inquired softly, his eyes searching yours for any sign of distress.

You nodded, feeling a lump form in your throat. "Yes, yes I'm scared that I might lose you there," you confessed, a hiccup escaping your lips as tears threatened to spill.

"Why do you think you might lose me?" Satoru asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his concern visible.

"I don't know," you replied softly, shaking your head. "I just feel it.”

As Satoru was about to respond to your confession, you glanced at the clock and realized with a start that it was already 1 am. Panic surged through you, and you scrambled to get up from the couch, frantically rambling about how late it was and how you needed to head back to the dorm.

However, the alcohol in your system made you unsteady on your feet, and you nearly stumbled and fell. Just in time, Satoru reached out and caught you, steadying you with a firm grip.

"Whoa there, take it easy," he said calmly, his voice cutting through your panicked ramblings. "You're in no condition to go anywhere right now."

You tried to protest, but Satoru gently scooped you up into his arms, effortlessly carrying you in a bridal carry. Despite your feeble protests, he walked upstairs to his room, his steps steady and sure.

You felt a mix of embarrassment and gratitude as he carried you, your heart pounding with each step. Reluctantly, you settled against his chest, realizing that you were in no condition to argue.

As he laid you down on his bed, you couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort wash over you, despite the chaotic whirlwind of emotions swirling inside your head.

As Satoru made to leave you alone in his room, you reached out and grabbed onto his wrist, your words slurred from the effects of the alcohol. "D-don't leave," you stuttered out, your voice barely above a whisper.

Satoru turned back to you, his expression softening as he looked down at you. A gentle smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he sat down at the edge of the bed, his gaze warm and reassuring.

"Okay," he replied softly, his voice tender. 

"I will not leave." He added.

As Satoru sat at the edge of the bed, you couldn't help but notice how his sapphire eyes shone against the darkness of his room. That's when you realize he wasn't wearing anything to protect them since earlier when he opened the door for you, not even his blindfold or sunglasses. His eyes, usually hidden behind some form of protection, were now fully exposed, radiating a mesmerizing brilliance.

"W-wouldn't your eyes hurt?" you asked softly, your words slurred from the alcohol.

Satoru hummed in confusion at your question. "Since you're not wearing your blindfold or the glasses," you clarified, gesturing to his bare eyes with a shaky hand.

Satoru chuckled softly, touched by your concern even in your intoxicated state. His hand moved to gently hold your cheek, his touch warm and comforting. 

"It's fine, it doesn't hurt that much," he reassured you, his voice gentle as he looked into your eyes with a soft smile. 

You felt a wave of relief wash over you at his words, grateful for his reassurance and the warmth of his touch. Despite the haze of alcohol clouding your thoughts, you couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in his presence.

Satoru pulled his hand back gently, suggesting that it was time for you to go to sleep. However, you suddenly spoke up, your words slurred from the alcohol. "11 years ago... was when I first met you," you said, followed by a hiccup.

Satoru looked at you with curiosity, but he allowed you to continue.

"I always thought you were that arrogant, nuisance bastard who only cared to feed his ego, but I was wrong," you confessed, your words surprisingly coherent despite your intoxicated state.

Satoru's amusement flickered across his features as he listened intently.

"I was wrong because the first time I saw you alone at the training area, I saw how you never had that usual arrogant face, but instead something that shocked me," you continued, your voice growing softer as memories flooded back to you.

Satoru listened intently as you spoke, his expression softening with each word.

"What shocked you?" he asked gently, his curiosity evident.

You took a moment to gather your thoughts before responding, your voice filled with sincerity. "You had those unexplainable expressions that I couldn't understand—soft? Or maybe tired," you explained, recalling the glimpses of vulnerability you had seen in him over the years. "Shoko once told me how your clan always put pressure on you because you inherited the techniques..."

You paused, then reached out to take Satoru's hand in yours, the warmth of his touch comforting. "That's when I knew I wanted to comfort you, and I want to let you know that you can always open up to me," you added earnestly. "I hate it when you just cope with them on your own.”

Satoru felt his heart skip a beat as he processed your words. 

"I know, you're drunk right now and I want you to take a sleep now, we can talk about this another time-”

"I love you," you declared, your words filled with raw emotion. "I don't care if I'm drunk or not, but I fucking love you that I can't help but smile like a fool whenever you're in my sight."

Satoru's mind raced as he struggled to find the right words to respond to your confession. He felt a surge of warmth and affection for you, but he also knew the weight of your words and the vulnerability they carried.

Taking a deep breath, Satoru reached out and gently brushed a tear from your cheek. "Thank you for being so honest with me," he replied softly, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "I need some time to process this, but I promise we'll talk about it when you're sober. For now, let's focus on getting you some rest.”

He leaned in and gently kissed your forehead, his heart heavy with emotions as he contemplated the depth of your feelings for him.

You looked up at Satoru with a pleading gaze after he placed a gentle kiss on your forehead. "You promised?" You asked, voice filled with vulnerability, your eyes resembling those of a puppy seeking reassurance.

Satoru chuckled softly at the sight, nodding in response. "I promise," he affirmed, his heart swelling with affection for the vulnerable yet determined person before him. "Now, get some sleep."

Not long after, you drifted off into a peaceful slumber, your breaths evening out into light snores. As Satoru adjusted the blanket, his eyes darkened when he noticed the bandages wrapped around your wrist and stomach. 

It was clear that you had sought treatment for your injuries from Shoko before coming to his apartment, a realization that filled him with a mixture of concern and admiration for their resilience.

Satoru stood up from the edge of the bed and made his way to the door, pausing for a moment to glance back at you one last time. 

Instead of addressing your drunken confession directly, he decided to give you space and time to process it on your own. 

With a soft sigh, he resolved to wait for you to realize and make the move to talk with him when you were ready. With a final, lingering look, he closed the door behind him, leaving you to rest peacefully in the dimly lit room.

**

As the week passed, the memory of the drunken night with Satoru faded into a haze for you. All you could recall was waking up alone in a bed that you assumed belonged to him, feeling a pang of embarrassment for getting drunk and you felt you were unable to face him as you rushed to get out of his apartment.

Despite your worries, Satoru continued to be his usual self, his goofy and teasing nature shining through as he interacted with his students. Surprisingly, he didn't ignore you or act any differently towards you, as if the events of that night had never happened.

It left you feeling relieved yet puzzled, wondering if you had somehow managed to keep your embarrassing feelings hidden or if Satoru knew about them but simply chose to overlook them for the sake of maintaining your friendship. Either way, you couldn't help but feel grateful for his continued presence in your life.

With the big mission in Shibuya drawing near, you and Maki found yourselves at the training area, immersed in a rigorous combat battle. 

As the stakes heightened in anticipation of the mission, every moment spent sharpening your skills alongside Maki, known for her formidable combat prowess, became invaluable.

After engaging in intense sparring, you found yourself on the ground, Maki's stick pointed at your neck with a victorious smirk on her face. "I win," she declared triumphantly. Sighing in defeat, you accepted her help to rise back to your feet, grateful for the opportunity to learn from her expertise.

As you both headed to take a well-deserved break, Maki's keen eyes caught sight of a boba tea beside a sticky note with your name on it, sparking curiosity and intrigue in both of you. 

What's this?" she asked when she took the note and holding up for you to see. You took it from her and read the message, feeling a flutter of surprise and warmth in your chest as you recognized Satoru's handwriting.

"It's from Satoru," you explained, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Looks like he brought me a boba tea.”

For the past week, you had been experiencing a curious phenomenon: after every training session, you would find a mysterious boba tea waiting for you, accompanied by a note from Satoru. 

Despite Megumi or Kugisaki's admonitions about drinking sugary beverages after training instead of water, you couldn't resist the temptation of the sweet treat.

Despite their scoldings, you ignored their concerns and indulged in the boba tea with a smile plastered on your face. 

There was something comforting about the gesture from Satoru, and the sugary drink seemed to lift your spirits after the long torture of training.

Despite the passing days filled with interactions with Satoru, training sessions, and teaching the students, you couldn't shake off the lingering sense of dread as October 31st drew nearer. 

The closer it got, the more familiar feelings of fear and uneasiness crept back into your mind.

Before you knew it, October 31st had arrived, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the day ahead. 

Despite your attempts to push aside your fears, the date seemed to loom ominously, reminding you of the looming danger that awaited the Shibuya mission.

As the last of the sorcerers left the meeting room, you waited anxiously until only Satoru remained. Summoning all your courage, you stepped forward and stopped him just as he was about to leave.

"Satoru," you called out, your voice tinged with anxiety. He turned his head towards you, responding with a nonchalant hum.

"Can we talk first?" you asked tentatively, your heart pounding in your chest. Satoru glanced around briefly before nodding in agreement, taking a step back to close the door of the meeting room behind him.

Satoru took a seat at the top of the desk, his arms crossed as he watched you intently. You stood in front of him, fiddling with your fingers nervously, struggling to find the right words to say. The weight of the impending conversation hung heavy in the air, tension crackling between you as you gathered your thoughts.

"Uhmm," you began tentatively, feeling the weight of the words on the tip of your tongue. Satoru could sense where the conversation was heading, and he let out a sigh before speaking.

"Don't be scared, it's just me," he reassured you with a light-hearted chuckle, hoping to ease your nerves.

You smiled in return, grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood, and continued, "I know if I said this, our friendship might go to waste but uhm..." Your voice trailed off, the gravity of the moment sinking in as you prepared to finally voice your feelings. 

As you gathered your courage to continue, Satoru's expression softened, and he spoke before you could. "I think I know what you're about to say," he said gently, his eyes meeting yours with a depth of understanding.

 Before you could respond, he reached out, gently taking your hand in his. "I've been feeling the same way," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with sincerity.

You blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his perceptiveness. "How did you know I have feelings for you?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper, your heart racing with anticipation.

Satoru flashed you a playful grin, his usual goofiness returning. "Magic," he replied with a chuckle, clearly enjoying teasing you.

You couldn't help but roll your eyes at his response, feeling a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. 

Pulling your hand back, you lightly slapped him on the shoulder, pretending to be irritated. Satoru let out a playful whine, exaggerating the pain as he rubbed his shoulder.

But beneath your playful exchange, your face burned red with embarrassment at the thought of Satoru possibly knowing about your feelings since the time you two drank together.

As Satoru noticed your face glowing red with embarrassment, he gently took your wrist and pulled you into a warm embrace. 

"You think it was just you having those feelings? Well, surprise surprise, I have too since 11 years ago," he admitted, his voice soft and sincere.

You were taken aback by his confession, your heart skipping a beat at the revelation. Quickly composing yourself, you placed your hands on his chest, pulling back slightly to meet his gaze. "11 years ago? But you weren't even talking to me when I was introduced to you and Shoko," you pointed out, puzzled by his revelation.

Satoru grinned mischievously as he spoke, "Well, maybe I was just one of those angsty teens who couldn't express their feelings?" The way he said it earned a laugh from you, and soon he joined in, the tension of the moment melting away into shared laughter.

The realization that both of you had harbored feelings for each other for so long filled the air with a sense of warmth and understanding, strengthening the bond between you. 

In that moment, any worries or uncertainties about confessing your feelings faded into the background, replaced by a newfound sense of joy and connection.

As the moment of happiness began to fade, Satoru's reminder of the impending Shibuya mission brought back a wave of fear and uncertainty. "We need to go," he said, his voice tinged with a solemn tone.

Unable to contain your fears any longer, you confessed, "I don't know why, but I really feel like I'm going to lose you." The words hung heavy in the air, the weight of your anxiety palpable.

Satoru sighed, his hands cupping your cheeks gently as he looked into your eyes with unwavering determination. "You won't," he assured you, his voice filled with conviction. 

"Before you know it, I'll come back with that victory grin and, of course, with kisses. I promise." With that, he planted a tender kiss on your forehead, his gesture offering comfort and reassurance in the face of uncertainty.

You smiled a little but still felt scared inside. Satoru got up and went to the door. You followed him, but that was a mistake.

Before you knew it, things escalated real quick…

**

“Nanamin, are you there!!” You turned around after patrolling the place, your eyes lightened up when hearing Itadori’s voice, and were about to head to where he was when the next thing he said made you stop.

“Gojo-sensei… was sealed!” Your eyes widened and you felt like the world stopped. Your hands went numb making you drop your weapon.

fuck no…

You turned around and quickly ran to find Satoru.

Fuck promises.

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Happy Birthday! I have a question about Eri

How do you think Eri would be in Jujutsu Kaisen? I feel like Gojo would be a huge menace (And a brat, like he normally is when it comes to Eri (He would encourage her to be selfish) and he might try to take her in as his as his own by adopting her into his Clan

He would encourage Eri to call him ‘Papa’ or refer to him as her ‘Cool/Handsome/Strong Papa’ (Everyone is giving him dead ass tired looks from his BS, especially Megumi, Principal Yaga and Nanami)

Gojo would definitely try to adopt Eri effective immediately and proudly claim himself as Eri's cool papa. He would definitely give her matching sunglasses and he would collapse to his knees and take like a million photos if she was dressed up like him.

That's why he 'co-parents' with Eri's actual father figure Nanami who is hands down the best father ever! He encourages her with everything she does, researches healthy meals and how to make them cute and appealing like to her and always tells Eri, along with Yaga, to not listen to Gojo.

Itadori is her big brother and he adores the idea and loves to give her shoulder rides and he always sneaks her out for sweets, even if it spoils her appetite and he gets lumps from Nanami for.

Nobara loves to do her hair and always puts it up in fancy designs and Eri loves to play dress up!

Eri has a slight crush on Megumi, but she considers him like a big brother as well. He's more responsible than Itadori and loves to go on long walks with her.

They all, except Nanami, like to argue that they are Eri's favorite, but Maki and Yaga know that her favorite person is Panda. If he's in the area, none of them have any chance of gaining her favor and they can't stand it.

[yevasxvoid]

Clouds Hidden Beneath The Sun - [Yuta Okkotsu x Reader]

Chapter 2: I had doubts about many things, and I wanted to solve you first

January 2018

“The last thing I remember is my father bringing me here, and failing to run away. He mentioned a terrorist attack, and didn’t disclose where my mother was..I think he killed her,” Y/n used the handkerchief Gojo had given her to wipe some of the blood from her hands. “And I’m not sure if all this blood is mine. There are no open wounds on my body, but everywhere hurts.”

“Your father murdered a few higher ups in cold blood, and your mother went missing. They are both suspected to have co-operated with Suguru in the terrorist attack on Kyoto and Tokyo.” Gojo wasn’t unnerved in the slightest. Y/n could not decide if it was irritating or reassuring. “Oh, and it’s been a week since you went missing.”

“So, will I be executed?”

“What makes you think that?” He asked.

“Answer me.”

“Geez, you’re so pushy.” He sighed, “No.”

“I’m not an idiot. I know there’s consequences.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, why should there be consequences for you?”

Y/n gave up, and turned on the radio to drown out the silence in the car. They were driving toward Tokyo. Most of the things in her house must have already been confiscated. There was nothing there for her to miss, anyway. 

The dorms at Tokyo Jujutsu High weren’t very different from Kyoto. Y/n found her dorm room with ease, and waited until late night. No students would be around.

The first thing she did was take off her dirty clothes, and put them in a bag to burn later. She scoured every inch of her body until her skin turned red. Filthy water went down the drain. This much dirt and blood had never been caked onto her body before. It took a while to wash out and comb the knots from her hair. 

She dried off her body, and looked closely in the mirror. What she disregarded earlier, as dirt, was actually a scar. It was a hideous array of lines that resembled wild vines around her neck. She grimaced, and checked the rest of her body for anything else. There was nothing. 

Y/n’s body could barely move. Her body ached, but dread filled her thinking of what her mind would conjure when her eyelids shut. She put her phone to charge and left her dorm with the clothes she intended to burn. She took a tour across the school grounds until she arrived at a clearing on the outskirts of the school. She threw the bag into the snow, and reached into her pocket for a lighter. She sat on the untouched snow, and watched as it burned. 

From this hill, she overlooked most of the High School grounds. It wasn’t until then that Y/n understood how pissed she was. Her father, who had pushed her so hard to be a Jujutsu Sorcerer. Who pressured her to upkeep the family legacy every second she breathed, went and ruined everything on his own. 

Her mother had gone missing, and Y/n was unsure if that meant she also deserted. And there was the question of what had happened to her in the last week, and why she remembers nothing. Y/n’s head hurt as she considered all the responsibilities she now had. 

She took a deep breath, and laid down in the snow to stare up at the sky. She took off her gloves, and relished in the sting of the frost against her bare fingers. First, she’d try to understand her father, Mr. Fujino.

—

“Class, we have a new student!” Gojo announced as they entered the room. 

“I’m Y/n Fujino, it is nice to meet you all.” 

“I’m Panda, that’s Inumaki Toge.”

“Cod roe.”

“I already know Toge, we’re practically besties!” Y/n grinned.

“Salmon.”

“But this is my first time meeting a Mutated Cursed Corpse, can I touch you?”

“Sure.”

“Wow, you feel like a real Panda!” She ran her hands across his fur, “You are principal Yaga’s creation, so I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“Long time no see, I hope you haven’t been slacking.” Maki smirked.

“You sound confident, maybe you’ll actually beat me next time we spar.” There was a moment of tension in the air before both girls chuckled, “I missed you, Maki-roll!” They embraced each other briefly.

There was one more person for her to greet. “I remember you, Okkotsu, right?” 

“It’s nice to meet you again, Y/n.” Okkotsu smiled brightly. 

He noticed her staring at his uniform. She felt her cheeks burn, “You don’t stick out like a sore thumb anymore.”

“Yeah.” Neither of them knew what to say next. They just stared at each other, until Gojo cleared his throat.

“Fish flakes.”

“Awkward.” Panda whispered.

“You’’ll commence training as usual, but I have other matters to attend to.”

“Doesn’t make much of a difference,” Maki said. Panda hummed in agreement.

—

“You haven’t been able to beat Maki, have you?” Y/n mused as Okkotsu stood up from the ground after taking another loss.

“No, she’s insanely talented.” 

“That is true,” she took his wooden sword, “I’ll take the opportunity to show off, then.”

“Don’t get so confident Y/n. ” Maki rubbed salt into his wounds.

Inumaki and Panda stopped what they were doing to watch with Yuta. 

“It’s been a while since I used a sword, far too simple for my taste.” She got into an offensive stance. Maki did the same. For a moment, they both waited to see who would attack first. 

Y/n started out strong with a feint, and follow up attack. Maki blocked it, and countered with her staff. Okkotsu was surprised his eyes managed to keep up with their altercation. Y/n’s form was amazing, you could tell she had years of experience behind her—so did Maki, but there was a certain grace to her movements. She was able to block things that weren’t even in her line of sight. The amount of power behind a single flick of her wrist—every movement was deliberate, while her strikes held precision and accuracy. 

Okkotsu knew Y/n could hit harder and faster than this if she used her energy, he had been the recipient of those attacks. In a competition for just raw strength, the two sorcerers fought on equal footing. Their expressions were extremely focused as their blades clashed against each other, but there were smiles on both their lips.

One mistake from either side would mark a clear victory. Okkotsu felt himself shrinking as he realized the capability gap between the two girls and himself. He was pulled out of his thoughts as Y/n and Maki tumbled to the ground. Although Maki was on top of Y/n, her back was pressed to her due Y/n’s blade at her throat and legs restricting her. They both panted heavily before laughter spilled from their lips.

“You’ve gotten much stronger, Maki-bae!” Y/n grinned, “I barely kept up with you.”

“You have as well,” Maki grinned, “but I’ll definitely win next time.” 

“Now I see how Okkotsu lost to Y/n.” Panda said.

“Tuna.”

Y/n had to avoid doing anything that raised eyebrows. She was being monitored throughout the day. There was not a moment when a pair of hidden eyes were not on her. The first week at Tokyo was used to gain a closer understanding of the layout. She usually asked Toge to show her around, guising it as the rekindling of a childhood friendship—which wasn’t entirely wrong. Still, they could only spend so much time together without it being suspicious. 

Half way into the second week, Gojo spoke with her after training, “I compromised with the higher ups. You’ll be doing missions again but always with a partner.”

“What are you hiding from me?”

“Nothing you need to know about,” He teased.

“It’s serious enough for me to have a buddy system, apparently.”

“Don’t worry your little head about it,” He patted her head. “Yuta’s your partner for today, teach him a thing or two, will ya?”

“Isn’t that your job?!” Y/n exclaimed, but Gojo already started to walk away.

“I’ll go find Okkotsu!” 

Darkness veiled the town as night descended. Missions have become more daunting after dispelling Rika. There was no longer an immovable force protecting him from any signs of danger, so he was often paired with Y/n. Okkotsu could barely see two feet in front of him and was reluctant to stray too far away from Y/n. He was more compelled to hold onto her but he would want to have some shred of dignity if he made it out of this situation alive. 

There’s a grade 1 spirit in a village past the outskirts of Tokyo, essentially the countryside so the higher ups believe you two can dispel it. If anything unexpected happens, run—or give me a call….actually just do both but don’t die.” Gojo had warned them.

Gojo hasn’t confronted her about sneaking out at night, and it unnerved Y/n. She was even more surprised when he started giving her missions again. It seems that she lost her solo mission privileges, though. She was always paired up with a classmate, usually Okkotsu. She didn’t mind. Besides, The monsters in Tokyo were often on the same skill level as Kyoto.

The village was about the size of a shopping mall. Except, the houses were dilapidated and filthy, windows had been broken and the glass scattered on the poorly paved pathway, crunching beneath their feet. That and their breathing was the only thing that could be heard, the village was completely silent and not even the wind howled.  

“No signs of life….there aren’t even any animals,” Y/n stopped in her tracks.

“There aren’t any residuals either,” Okkotsu added.

“Stay close to me and on guard. Worst comes to worst I’ll use my domain expansion,” Y/n said as she began walking. Okkotsu matched her pace so they were almost shoulder to shoulder. He's been partnered with her long enough to remember the program—stay close to her but not enough so that you get comfortable.

“There’s footprints now…something’s been here recently,” Okkotsu said.

“Do you see that too?” Y/n gestured ahead of them and Okkotsu hummed in approval, seeing the faint light ahead. 

As they continued walking, the fog became thinner and the houses were in slightly better condition, with all windows and doors intact. Okkotsu swiftly unsheathed his sword in response to catching movement in the corner of his eyes. Y/n stopped in her tracks too and her attention snapped to the object of his attention. A black cat scurried across their path and Okkotsu’s expression softened as a low chuckle escaped Y/n. 

“Being scared doesn’t justify slaughtering a defenseless animal,” Y/n was visibly amused as she continued walking.

“Black cats crossing your path is bad luck anyways,” Okkotsu mumbled, “sorry, I hate this atmosphere.”

“I’m no Rika, but you won’t be dying in my company. I assure you.”

“I know, I just dislike being dead weight,” Okkotsu said.

“Is that how you feel about being partnered with me?” Y/n smirked, “It’s not everyday I get a tall male jujutsu sorcerer clinging to me like a lost puppy. I couldn’t imagine a better moral support.”

“Is that how you feel about being partnered with me?” Okkotsu rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

“Yeah, for the most part.” She affirmed, “....I know sorcery has been frustrating for you recently but this is just your opportunity to experiment with your cursed technique. You’ll be a special grade again in no time.”

“What makes you say that?” He asked.

“Intuition,” Y/n paused, “It might feel you’re back at square one right now but anyone who’s been observing you can tell….I’ve been spending too much time with eccentrics. I’m not a mentor or anything of the sort so I’m not in the position to be giving advice.”

“Neither is Gojo-sensei, really.” Y/n’s lips tugged upwards at that. He felt almost prideful that Y/n smiled at his joke.

“I’m also just a student trying to cultivate their Jujutsu sorcery. I’m not half as strong as Gojo yet, how could my opinion carry more weight than anyone else's?”

‘I admire you,’ Okkotsu’s face burned red at the thoughts that were on the tip of his tongue, “I admire your ambitions and personality. You’re one of the coolest people I know. I mean, have you seen yourself? Almost everything you do is breathtaking.”

“Oh,” there was a slight waiver to her voice, Okkotsu assumed she was trying not to laugh at him. He nervously glanced at her to see a flustered expression on her face, ‘that’s new.’

He regretted his words immensely, wishing he stuck with the simple three words instead of digging a deeper hole for himself. ‘Great. Now she’s uncomfortable.’ Okkotsu dropped the topic, choosing not to embarrass the both of them any further, “I see someone.”

“You sure it’s not another feline…” Y/n raised her lantern as she saw the figure standing on the front porch. It was an old woman, shaking and tightly gripping a stained blanket.

“My child…please, help me find my child.” She wailed.

Y/n and Okkotsu shared a glance before approaching. The woman’s eyes were shadowed by her hair as she stared down at the cloth between her hands.

“Miss, what happened?” Okkotsu spoke.

“My child…don’t ask.” She dropped the blanket abruptly before slowly looking up.

Y/n’s expression hardened as she raised the lantern higher, to view the lady’s face. Or rather, the two mutilated holes where her eyes should be and a smooth surface, as if her nose and mouth were never present. Okkotsu and Y/n visibly cringed and gripped their weapons tightly.

“DON’T ASK!” she said louder, liquid began to leak out of her eyes.

“Step back, don’t let anything touch you.” Y/n whispered.

“DONT ASK! DONT ASK! DONT ASK!” She shrieked, digging her fingers into her scalp that bled profusely.

Y/n’s eyes darted around their surroundings, preparing for any surprise attacks until the woman finally quieted and dropped to the ground. An atrocious smell filled their noses before the figure’s flesh and bone melted. 

“Was that a human?” Okkotsu asked.

“....I think so,” Y/n continued walking, “this could be the work of a curse user. I’ll contact Gojo before we lose the signal.” 

“Hello?” he answered immediately.

“Gojo-sensei, this could be the work of a curse user rather than…” She began, but the call instantly went to static and cut off, “Someone interfered with the call, this should be expected. At Least he knows something’s up.”

“So it wants to make sure we’re trapped….” Okkotsu sighed heavily.

“I don’t have any plans moving forward. If something goes wrong, you should run. At Least one of us will make it out alive.”

“You used a lot of words to call me a coward,” Okkotsu began walking this time.

Y/n wanted to tease, but she found it difficult to do so when someone else’s life was her responsibility, “I didn’t mean it like that.”

They walked in silence, and the words she spoke weighed heavily on her. These were the things Jujutsu Sorcerers were expected to face. Even if they were both terrified, telling the other to run away would only add insult to injury. 

“Sorcerers never die without regrets,” She said. “I should’ve known better than telling you to run earlier.”

“I wouldn’t forgive myself if I let you die here.”

“I know,” She shot him an apologetic expression, “This person’s cursed energy is extremely familiar and I need to know why. Do you feel it?” 

“No, not at all.” He paused, and Y/n noticed the slight trembling of his hand—he was still shaken up from that strange encounter. “What happens if we end up having to kill real people?” Okkotsu spoke.

“Either we kill them or something more gruesome does. It’s all about perspective, really. Isn’t the curse user we're looking for a human being? Nobody of importance gave us the right to kill him, so does one, two or five more people really make a difference?’ That’s what I’ve been telling myself.”

“Do you believe that?” 

“Sometimes.”

Silence hung over the both of them for the better as they got closer to the light source. Inaudible whispers and the cackling of fire could be heard when they arrived in front of a large, stone manor. Okkotsu knew that the Jujutsu world was already corrupt—I mean, they were willing to execute a 16 year old boy without a second thought. Okkotsu didn’t mind it at the time, but most people would consider that ethically wrong. He realized, when fear is at play, it’s difficult to be concerned about moral high ground.

“That thing earlier wasn't human because of the strange patterns in her cursed energy. The way it began moving was too rapid, as if it was tearing through the very fiber of her being. It’s not much to go off of but until we are sure….”

“Let’s just worry about understanding the situation first,” Okkotsu reassured, “I know you’re trying your best. If we’re equals like you implied earlier, then trust me rather than comfort me.”

In the distance, they could see a group of figures huddled together. They all held small lamps, and it illuminated their faces when they turned to survey the two sorcerers. 

“Hello, are you visitors?” A man dressed in rags asked.

“Are you people, the residents?” Okkotsu asked.

“Yes, what business do you outsiders have here?” 

“We were wandering, and got lost. Do you have any idea where we are?” Y/n’s brows furrowed in distress, “Me, and my friend need to return home before our parents realize we’re gone.”

They all took multiple steps back, and huddled back together to whisper among themselves. Yuta and Y/n shared a glance with each other–they had both seen it. Their inverted feet—a trait of mutated corpses. Okkotsu unsheathed his sword, and began to cut them down before Y/n did. She started to follow suit, but the ground beneath her feet sank. 

Y/n arose in a new area. She was inside an old, small shrine. A chill went down her spine. Her eyes closely scanned her surroundings. The only source of light was the moonlight which shone through the massive hole in the ceiling. She felt an arm wrap around her face, but it was different. She grabbed the hand, and it vanished between her fingers. Her palm opened again to reveal a Wisteria flower. She dragged her finger against her blade to create a shallow cut, and licked it.

“Domain Expansion: Hysteria.” The facade before her eyes cracked, and she turned to the perpetrator. “You thought that would work on me?”

The perpetrator was a woman with a slim face, and short black hair, but those dark empty eyes were painstakingly familiar. This woman was tall, withered and bony. The similarities to her father were eerie.

“Is that how you greet your aunt?” She grinned, “I just wanted to test you, that's all.” 

“My parents never mentioned you.” 

“I figured they wouldn't tell you about me, your mother always hated me.” She took a step forward, “Call me Mina.”

“Is that related to your decision to become a curse user?” Y/n took another step forward, refusing to show weakness to a supposed relative. “This town was ruined by you, wasn’t it?”

“Non-curse users will do anything to spite their enemies, I won’t carry their blame.” Her mouth twitched, “Your mother also avoided that reality, but my father finally accepted it. I’d hate to see you continue down this pointless path”

Y/n didn’t want to hear anymore. Her blades materialized in her hand, and she appeared behind the curse user. She made two long lacerations on her back, and followed up with a kick. A loud crack sounded when Mina stumbled forward. 

“Never speak of my parents,” Y/n lunged forward to skewer her, but Mina disintegrated and appeared on the other side of the room. She threw her head back, and a grating noise echoed throughout the room. Her bones were repairing themselves, Y/n realized. 

“Stop trying to end this quickly, it’s our first meeting after so many years.” Her face twitched, “I want to enjoy it.”

Y/n heard Okkotsu’s footsteps in the distance, but her eyes focused on the strange curse user before her. Her heart beat was loud in her ears, and hands drenched in sweat. Y/n was scared, and could not afford to let this woman escape. The familiar energy sensed earlier, stemmed from this woman. Even if she lied about being her aunt, there was an undeniable connection between this woman and her family.

‘And earlier…she put me inside an illusion.’ Y/n scoffed, “I’ll admit that you’re powerful.”

“I’m your blood, of course I am.” She laughed, “It seems you're inclined to listen now.”

“Are you okay?” Y/n glanced at Okkotsu.

He hummed, “Are you?” She hummed.

“I guess mourning isn’t enough to stop you from finding a boy toy.” 

“My mother isn’t confirmed to be dead.”

She tilted her head to the side, “Is that so?”

“Are you the one responsible for their disappearance?” 

“You really don’t remember?” 

“Remember what?” Y/n’s patience was running thin.

“Y/n, you killed your parents.”

“Don’t listen to her, she’s just trying to waste time.” Yuta interrupted.

He was right. Even if this woman was related to her father, her goal right now was to finish this mission. Y/n and Yuta glanced at each other before starting their coordinated assault. They worked together smoothly, covering each other's blind spots and maneuvering around each other to back Mina into a corner. Occasionally, one of them would feint, and give the other a chance to land a heavy blow. But, no matter how much damage they dealt, the woman just regenerated. 

“I’m sorry lovebirds, but I’m going to put an end to this fight quickly.” She grinned again. Her eyes trained on Yuta, and the floor beneath him sank. Y/n tried to grab him, but his form passed through her hand.

Y/n frantically cut her arm again. This time, the cut was frantic and deeper than intended. She smeared the blood against her lips as the woman cackled. 

“Domain Expansion!” Y/n countered.

In an instant, splotches of various shades of gray, blue and black exploded before her eyes. Time was suspended. In the distance, she saw Yuta entering a window of emptiness, similar to the one she felt on the last day she saw her father. In less than a second, she grabbed Yuta and banished him from this space. They couldn’t both escape, the emptiness demanded something. Demanded her—and the scar on her throat burned as it consumed her. 

Y/n woke up in a dark room. The only light source were the torches hung onto the four corners of the dirty stone walls. Her hands were bound behind her back, and in the dark, a figure stood.

“Father, why are you doing this?” Her throat was raw.

He held an iron rod in his hand that glowed red as he approached Fayvia. 

“I’ve spent my whole life protecting powerless humans, but why? I married another sorcerer, and even had a child. Most of my days are spent repetitively slaying these curses because it’s more interesting than the world those defenseless fools built for themselves.” 

He came into the light that shone down onto her. She felt disgusted. His eyes were not normal. His pupils morphed into something ugly, like an entanglement of vines. When he blinked, a similar pattern was carved into his eyelids. She didn’t register that the iron rod in his hand was a branding pipe until she yanked her head backwards, and pressed it flush against her neck. She choked on her scream, and tears spilled from her eyelids.

“With you, Y/n. I can put an end to it all.” Was the last thing she heard before losing consciousness.

She opened her eyes again. This time, it was her mother gently caressing her face. “Y/n, wake up.” Y/n was too terrified to say anything in response. The sting of her new scar was still present.

Her mother had cut her bonds away, “I don’t have much time left. Your father is trying to put a curse inside you. He is angry because I won’t let him.”

Her mother’s voice had a tremble of fear to it, and Y/n noticed the blood that soaked her clothes. “Mom-”

“Listen to me,” She held Y/n’s face again. “You will have to fight. Fight against your father, and the abomination he wants to put inside you, okay?”

Y/n nodded. She felt saddened, but couldn’t bring herself to cry. Not even when her mother went limp before her. Her attention was averted to the sound of hasty footsteps. She stood up, and saw her father entering back into the room. There were two pathways, and Y/n quickly got up, and ran in the opposite direction.

“Y/n!” Her father screamed, chasing behind her. The hallways twisted and turned like a labyrinth. There was no clear exit, but Y/n knew to keep moving—Her father would not catch her. This man had 3 times the fight experience–she had no chance in a head on fight.

As her fear grew, the pain in her body was consumed by something. Not by her own energy, but something akin to a parasite. Something that shouldn’t be there. She felt numb, and weak. She glanced behind her, but had to quickly drop to the ground, and avoid her father’s cursed technique. If it touched her, she’d be done for. 

She caught up to her, and landed a kick in her stomach. Y/n flew into the stone wall. Her father grabbed her by the throat, and smashed her into the wall—for good measure. “After everything I’ve done for you, you refuse to return this one favor for me!”

He screamed at her. Y/n flinched. She was afraid to look her father in the eye, but there was nowhere for her to run. The scar on her neck started to burn again, and her father stumbled backwards. She slid onto the floor, blinded by a sheet of white. 

Y/n woke up in a dark room. The only light source were the torches hung onto the four corners of the dirty stone walls. Her hands were bound behind her back, and in the dark, a figure stood. The moment replayed over and over again. Everytime, her mother would go limp, Y/n would run, and her father would eventually catch her. She wanted to give up the chase, and just let him catch her before even trying.

Y/n’s body was heavy as Okkotsu laid her on the ground, her head in his lap. Her skin was simmering, it felt as though his skin would be burnt if he held her longer. As her eyes slowly blinked open, Okkotsu saw the distressed expression on his face clearly. The girl was looking straight at him, but she could see nothing except hues of gold, brown, black and blue. 

“Feel so weak….Yuta’s safe,” she croaked out.

“Y/n please, don’t give up now.” He frantically unbuttoned her jacket and mentally apologized to her, ‘If the burning begins from the core, then things should stop if I heal it fast enough…’

The idea was half-baked but it was the only thing that made sense at the moment. His hands pressed firmly onto Y/n’s abdomen and he focused on his own cursed energy. Half-baked was an understatement, Okkotsu had never performed a reversed-cursed technique after the day he freed Rika. Y/n’s body temperature was now dropping drastically and he couldn’t resist closing his eyes as dread entered his veins. 

‘It’s too soon,’ Okkotsu’s heart almost stopped in his chest as his hands began to glow and tears blurred his vision, “I can’t let you go,”

Okkotsu continued to steadily pour his cursed energy into her. The advice she gave him rang in his ears, ‘A reversed curse technique isn’t like pouring rubbing alcohol on a wound. It’s extremely different when you’re trying to heal a person compared to quickly destroying a curse. When healing major wounds….it’s almost like an exchange for me. It’s not just pouring your energy into them. You have to absorb some of their negative energy into yours and recycle it before it goes back into their body, that’s the simplest way I can put it.  Of course, if you have too much negative energy yourself then one of the parties involved can die on the spot.’ 

In truth, Okkotsu had always considered Y/n to be dangerous. He saw her on a pedestal out of his reach. In the moment where he desperately tried to keep Y/n’s vitals stable, he finally saw her—another teenage sorcerer dealing with the consequences of the adults around her. He felt a deeper pull from the flow of cursed energy and he allowed it to tug. 

“Specialized reverse cursed technique,” He said.

While his cursed energy flowed through both their bodies like cold water. It brought a familiar feeling to him, the emptiness he felt for five years while being haunted by Rika. This was almost enough to disrupt his system entirely, but that wasn’t the energy he was looking for. His eyes shut tightly again as he focused. It felt like acid pouring into his veins as his energy enveloped it. It dissolved rather quickly, surprising Okkotsu enough to open his eyes and see Gojo-sensei standing a few feet away from them.

Gojo smirked, “she’s waking up.”

Y/n stirred slightly before opening her eyes and exhaling deeply. Her head still rested in Okkotsu’s lap when he smiled at her with a tear stained face. The words that she had intended to say died on her tongue and dissipated from her mind as she looked at him.

[shiorishiorishiori]

6:01 PM

Pairing ⇿ Nanami Kento x OC

Summary ⇿ Nakahari Shiori's life is a balancing act between keeping the Kamo clan off her back and living a semi-normal life as a nurse at Tokyo Jujutsu High. When her stoic co-worker and friend, Nanami Kento, calls for help after a dangerous encounter with a special grade curse spirit, their friendship grows into something outside of their control. As they navigate a life dedicated to protecting humanity, their connection deepens, and the lines of their easy-going friendship blur. Will their newfound feelings survive the dangers that lurk in the shadows?

Tags/Warnings ⇿ Romance, Smut, Canon Divergence AU, Eventual Happy Ending, Mutual Pining, Sexual Tension, Soft Nanami Kento, Fluff, Angst, Cursing

Genre ⇿ Friends to Lovers, Nanami x OC, Long Fic

Chapter Two: After Last Night

He settled into an armchair, but the plush leather offered him no comfort. His mind was ablaze with visions of the patchwork curse spirit that marred his flesh just hours before. His jaw clenched as he recalled the adrenaline filled confrontation, the searing pain of their battle still fresh in his memory. 

“Good morning, Nanami,” Yaga rumbled, eyes still glued to the hills of paperwork scattered about his desk. His gruff greeting held the predictable weight of a man burdened by responsibility. “Your punctuality is as commendable as ever.” 

Nanami offered a curt nod. “Thank you for the early audience.”

“We’re just waiting for Gojo,” Yaga sighed, dark sunglasses hiding any hint of concern. “We need his perspective on this mess.”

Nanami sucked in a deep breath, the weight of his role within sorcerer society settling heavily on his shoulders. He was just another cog in the rusty machine, trying to protect the ignorant against unseen threats. 

He recognized the need to consult Gojo Satoru, the unconventional and powerful sorcerer, as the next logical step to advance the mission. Yet, somewhere hidden deep beneath his mask, emerged a hint of doubt. This situation, like so many others they faced, tested the limits of their strength against curse spirits and highlighted the harsh reality of being a jujutsu sorcerer: the line between life and death was precariously thin. 

As if on cue, the office doors swung open with a dramatic flourish to reveal the man in question. Gojo Satoru strolled in, a blinding white smile stretched across his face. “Top of the morning, folks! Sorry I’m late—I just didn’t want to come.” 

Gojo plopped into the chair beside Nanami with a theatrical sigh. “This whole thing could have been an email. I mean, who even wakes up this early? Especially for something so… boring.” 

A beat of silence followed Gojo’s grand entrance, punctuated only by Yaga’s disappointed sigh. Nanami's trademark eye roll was concealed behind his sunglasses, though it would have impressed a chameleon. The pair exchanged knowing glances across the desk, their shared frustration a silent language honed through years of dealing with the albino menace. 

“Alright, focus up,” Yaga advised. “Nanami, your report mentions that not only did the unregistered special grade speak intelligently, it has amassed more of those disfigured human corpses?” 

“It seemed to be in its infancy, but it was very articulate. And yes, the number of cursed corpses its created is concerning… This one seems to be operating on a different level.”

Gojo tilted his head. “A different level, huh? Sounds exciting! Was the conversation worthwhile, at least?” 

Nanami’s eye twitch was barely perceptible, a testament to his years of dealing with Gojo’s brand of chaos. “No, Gojo. It tried to rip out my throat.” 

Gojo sucked in a breath. “Yikes, that’s not good. I’m happy you’re still here with us, buddy.”

Yaga adjusted his dark sunglasses. “And that’s exactly why we need this situation handled quickly. Were there any other important details you noticed, Nanami?” 

Nanami parsed through the night’s encounter, adding color to the facts outlined in his mission report. Yaga, ever-focused, kept the discussion moving, their plan solidifying with every exchanged word. Top priority: locating the curse spirit’s whereabouts and investigating Yoshino Junpei, the potential curse user. 

“Before we head out, Nanami,” Principal Yaga started, concern evident in his voice. “Your report states that you sustained injuries during your mission. How are you holding up? Don’t forget to take a visit to the infirmary for a professional assessment.” 

Nanami’s response remained characteristically composed. “There’s no need. I sought medical attention last night.” 

Yet, beneath his calm exterior, fleeting images danced in his mind: Shiori’s gentle touch tending to his wounds, their laughter at the restaurant… and the sting of leaving her at her doorstep. Thankfully, duty kept those emotions contained. Personal matters had no place in his workday. 

A sly grin tugged at Gojo's lips as he observed the exchange. He knew all about Nanami’s dedication to self-reliance, rarely seeking help unless absolutely unavoidable. It left Gojo’s curiosity piqued, his mind reeling with questions that demanded answers. 

“Sounds good. That's all for today,” Yaga concluded, turning back to his paperwork. “Nanami, if you need anything, even another pair of hands, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck.”

Nanami nodded, rising to leave, already planning his next steps. But before he could exit, his senior's grating voice cut through the silence. He trudged down the echoing hallway, picturing himself mediating in complete silence instead of enduring Gojo’s shadow looming beside him. “Hey, Nanami, hold on!” Gojo’s cheerful voice shattered the peaceful image. 

“Medical attention, huh?” Gojo smirked, draping an arm around his junior’s shoulders. 

His shoulders tensed under the unwanted touch. “I’m fine,” Nanami muttered, desperately summoning any deity willing to banish Gojo as far away as humanly possible. 

Gojo’s grin widened. “Oho, I bet you are fine.” Nanami shrugged off Gojo’s arm and continued down the hallway. “So, who was the lucky sorcerer that patched you up? Shoko just got back in town this morning, so I’m ruling her out.”

Nanami quickened his pace down the polished wood, teeth gritted. He knew where this was going, and it wasn't a scenic route. “Anything not related to the curse spirit is above your pay grade.” 

“Above my pay grade?” Gojo chuckled, his steps keeping pace with Nanami's. “Now, you're just making it interesting. If it wasn’t Shoko, then…”  

“Shut up while you’re ahead. I’m not in the mood for games, Gojo.” Defensiveness slammed between them like a concrete wall, and Nanami instantly regretted his outburst. He knew showing any emotion in Gojo’s presence was akin to waving a red flag in front of a particularly annoying bull.

The corners of Gojo’s mouth rip upwards, his expression second only to the Cheshire Cat. “Oh, Nanamin, you make this too easy.”

“Nothing is ever easy with you. There’s nothing to discuss.” 

Gojo threw his head back with a theatrical groan. “Come on, there’s clearly a story here! Your work wife rushed to your rescue in the middle of the night—that’s romantic! So, what happened next? Did you finally treat her to a proper date instead of that confusing ‘friends-but-not-really’ thing you two have going on?” 

“Not your concern.” 

“Perfect! Where’d you go? Was it that restaurant she’s been hinting about?” 

Nanami remained silent while his mind raced to the curse spirit still on the loose, endangering innocent lives. He didn’t have time to gossip with Gojo about his nonexistent love life, yet the albino menace shadowed him to the sunlit parking lot. “I have pressing matters to attend to, so I'll be focusing on those. I advise you to do the same.”

Gojo sucked his teeth. “Aw, Nanamim, aren’t we friends? You should spill all the juicy details of your blossoming romance. You know I’m invested!” 

Nanami kept his cards close to his chest. “There’s nothing to tell. She healed me, we ate dinner, I dropped her off…” He wouldn't risk mentioning how close he came to kissing her, or his vivid visions of Shiori riding his face until he asphyxiated between her thick thighs. “That’s it.”

Nanami’s feelings were only safe in the privacy of his own thoughts, not with the walking rumor mill known as Gojo. He was a gentleman after all, not a kiss-and-tell kind of guy. Especially before he even worked up the courage to actually do it.

“God, you two are so boring I could die.” His flair for drama was unmistakable.

“Then die,” Nanami retorted, accompanied by his trademark eye roll. “I’m leaving. If you need me while I’m out, don’t.” Nanami slid into his car and pulled away, leaving Gojo to his own devices. Which was never a good thing to do.

*---* 

Shiori’s eyes flickered open, stunned by the harsh intrusion of light seeping through her curtains. With a disgruntled groan, she stretched her tired limbs and fumbled for her phone. She squinted at the screen revealing a litany of missed notifications and the stark glare of 7:45am. 

Shoko 💜

Don’t forget we have a meeting with the new medical intern.

Gojo Satoru 🤡

I’ve been trying to contact you about your car’s extended warranty 👀

Where are you?

Dad 

Good morning, my beautiful daughter. I hope you’ve been well. Give your parents a call sometime, will ya? 

We miss you. Your mother may not say it, but I know she does. 

Don’t tell her I said that haha

The missed notifications stared back at her. Her stomach lurched in revolt, mirroring the throbbing drum solo echoing inside her skull. Last night’s sake marathon with Nanami flashed in her brain, a painful reminder of her poor decisions. The memories flickered: four empty bottles, slurred laughter, and the warmth of his fingertips brushing hers when he refilled her cup. Had they really finished all that?

She was jolted out of her thoughts when Shoko’s name flashed on her phone again. 

Shoko 💜

Don’t be late. I need you here by 8:30.

A pang of regret mixed with the insistent throbbing. Shoko Ieiri, her best friend and superior, rarely pulled out the “need” card. This was serious. Ignoring the ache knocking around her brain, Shiori pulled herself from the warmth of her duvet, the prospect of a Shoko-style reprimand was a greater motivator than any alarm. 

She launched into a frantic morning routine. Brushing teeth, splashing cold water on her face, slapping on moisturizer - every action fueled by the fear of Shoko's wrath. In a whirlwind, she was dressed and out the door within 30 minutes, vowing to never again underestimate the power of four bottles of sake. 

As she navigated through morning traffic, her mind replayed last night on a hazy movie reel. Healing Nanami, the laughter over dinner that blurred into drunken giggles, the way their bodies drifted closer under her porch light… 

His striking brown eyes that flicked between her heavy-lidded eyes and expectant lips seemed to ask the same question her heart did. She hoped this was it—this was the moment he would finally kiss her… but he hesitated. 

Shiori understood the fear of taking the leap. She could have closed the gap herself, taken the initiative, but the weight of what it meant held her back. 

She had enough drama in her life, given their roles as jujutsu sorcerers and the looming threats from the Kamo clan, who sought to strip her of her autonomy. Her mother, ostracized for loving outside the bloodline, fled to Tokyo with her new family, shielding Shiori from the sorcerer world until she encountered her first curse spirit. Her quiet life of math homework, soccer practices, and loving parents was upended in an instant. 

The Kamos, claiming their duty, almost took her away, but her parents fought, securing her freedom with the condition that she attend Tokyo Jujutsu High under their ever present scrutiny. She fiercely rejected their archaic beliefs, choosing her father’s family name, Nakahari, and forging her own path. In the clan’s eyes, she was merely a spare, expected to fulfill the clan's wishes should her young cousin, Kamo Noritoshi, ever stray from the path of succession. Shiori was still trapped by circumstance; the thought that a gaggle of elderly men held the power to determine her fate frustrated her to no end. 

She found solace in her job as the school nurse and teacher assistant for the young talent at Tokyo Jujutsu High. While the work was demanding, it was also deeply fulfilling, especially when she had former classmates turned colleagues like Shoko, Gojo (occasionally), and Nanami by her side. 

Despite her best efforts, her mind couldn't help but drift back to her budding crush on Nanami. Her heart did a little tap-dance just picturing Nanami's lips, sending a jolt of energy through her that rivaled her usual triple-shot espresso routine. A goofy grin stretched across her face, completely at odds with the hangover headache and impending lecture from Shoko.

“Hey, focus,” Shoko's voice cut through the daydream, a clipboard tapping lightly on Shiori's head. “The intern’s arriving soon. We need to get a feel for him.” 

Shiori blinked, the smile fading as reality snapped back. “I’m all ears. I promise.” 

Her tired eyes lazily observed Shiori's demeanor, attempting to gauge her thoughts. “You shouldn’t lie. It’s too obvious.” 

Shiori shrugged. "Well, didn't Yaga hire this guy? I thought he already 'checked him out'."

Shoko folded her arms across her chest, the newfound source of her stress had her craving another cigarette for breakfast. "Yeah, but Yaga's too nice and too desperate for extra help. This new guy could be annoying. I might need some assistance in breaking him in."

“Are you suggesting we haze the new guy to keep him in line?”

“Precisely.” 

As if scripted, the double doors of the morgue swung open, and a slender figure made his entrance. At first glance, he appeared more like a youthful teenager than an adult man, his boyish charm evident in his disheveled, fluffy, black hair that seemed to have a mind of its own as it bobbed and weaved atop his head.

His approach was a tad clumsy, but the pep in his steps mirrored his enthusiasm. He reached the two women, a hint of shyness in his warm, chocolate-brown eyes. With a bashful smile, he introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Tanaka Sho. I'm the new medical intern, and I'm really looking forward to working with you both." He added a swift, awkward bow at the end of his speech. 

The two women exchanged knowing glances and then turned their attention to the young man in front of them, communicating in a telepathic language they had developed over years of friendship. Hazing this kid was going to be hard. 

Shoko, with a calculated air of authority, addressed the young man. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Tanaka. Welcome. I'm Shoko Ieiri, and this is Nakahari Shiori.”  She emphasized her role by stating, “I'll be assigning tasks to you as needed. For starters, do you see that stack of documents piled around the file cabinets?” She noticed the young man's slight squeak of affirmation and continued, “I'd appreciate it if you could organize those reports alphabetically.”

Tanaka, eager to please, nodded enthusiastically when given the task, his wide, innocent eyes shining with a touch of nervous energy. "Of course, Shoko-san, I'll do my best," he said with a soft, endearing smile, his voice carrying a slight hint of uncertainty. As he moved towards the pile of documents, he couldn't help but add, "If I mess up, don't hesitate to let me know. I want to make sure I do a good job."

As Tanaka went to work, Shoko and Shiori tried to maintain their hard-ass facade, but it quickly proved challenging in the face of his infectious enthusiasm and naivety. Shoko cleared her throat, attempting to sound firm, “Don't expect us to go easy on you. We have high standards here. This is just the first of your many, many tasks.”

Tanaka, looking a bit flustered by their stoic stance, responded with a warm, yet somewhat sheepish, "I understand! I'll do my best to meet your standards."

Shiori, still trying to play along, added, "And no slacking off, either."

Tanaka, while juggling papers and clearly trying to please, reassured them, "I won't slack off. I'm here to learn and help people, after all." 

A flicker of hope sparked in Shiori's eyes. If Tanaka's easygoing nature translated to work, it could ease the constant pressure on Shoko, maybe even grant her a moment of rest. Granted, the new intern was still green, but the mere possibility of alleviating Shoko's burden filled Shiori with a warmth that rivaled her morning coffee. Just the thought of it brought a contented sigh to her lips. This, she decided, was something to look forward to.

*---*

Lunchtime rolled around, and Shoko and Shiori decided to ditch the cafeteria for a quiet cafe nearby. Tanaka, bless his polite soul, declined their invitation, leaving the two friends to their own devices. They settled into a cozy corner with their drinks and waited for their food. With a lazy smile, Shoko turned to Shiori and asked, “So, care to share what’s on your mind? You were basically swimming in daydreams earlier.” 

Shiori fiddled with her napkin. "Oh, you know," she mumbled, “just work stuff. Lots of research. And reports. So many reports.” 

Shoko's knowing smile didn't budge an inch. "Work stuff, huh? You could've fooled me," She leaned closer, voice almost conspiratorial. "I was hoping for something more interesting.” 

“Nope! Just boring, old work stuff…” 

“You know you have a tell, right? Usually you're an open book, but the second it's feelings-related, you clam up like a... clam.”

Shiori felt her cheeks burn, wishing she possessed Shoko's emotional poker face. "I don't know what you're talking about…" she squeaked, unconvincingly.

Shoko chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Didn’t I tell you that lying doesn’t suit you? I can see right through it. I know something is up when you got that bashful thing going on.”

Shiori sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat, her gaze finally landing on the perpetually tired doctor. “Alright, you got me. I was just trying to dodge the whole 'feelings' conversation.”

"Ah, so the Nanami conundrum continues..."

“God, am I really that transparent?”

"Well, if you have to ask..."

Shiori groaned, theatrically burying her face in her hands. "Talking like this makes me feel like we’re teenagers again, and I’m running to tell you about any guy who even looked in my direction. I’m done with crushes, okay? I’ve evolved beyond all of that.” 

Shoko's laughter boomed through the cafe, drawing curious glances. "Shiori, I hear you, but feelings don’t answer to logic. You’re allowed to be giddy about a crush.” 

"Always the voice of reason, Shoko. I bet you were a monk in your past life.” 

"Yeah, yeah. Now spill the Nanami tea. Stop stalling."

A goofy grin, the one reserved exclusively for thoughts of her blonde sorcerer, bloomed on her face. “Nanami treated me to dinner last night. He had a pretty nasty wound from a special grade, so he called me for help. I patched him up, but my heart nearly fell out of my ass when he called me with that deep, ‘Batman’ voice of his.”

Shoko, ever the laid-back friend, hummed in acknowledgment.

"I've healed him in the past, but this time was different. More...intimate, somehow? Now, I know it was just a thank-you dinner, but it felt like an actual date! I was so convinced that he was going to make a move…” 

"Sounds like you should make the first move."

Shiori rolled her eyes with a light, airy scoff. “And run the risk of making an absolute ass out of myself? Absolutely not. What if all these signals are just my imagination? He's probably just being... well, Nanami. He’s just a really nice guy—”

“Nice?” A derisive scoff escaped Shoko’s lips. “There’s nothing nice about him. Nanami can be polite, sure, but he’s not a nice man,” Shoko leaned back in her chair as she recalled one of her latest run-ins with the stoic sorcerer. “During a mission debrief last month, I suggested an alternative approach for handling a cursed object. He shot it down with the coldest ‘no’ I’ve ever heard. I swear, it was like I suggested we blow up an orphanage.” 

Shiori couldn't help but snort with laughter. "Sounds about right."

Shoko continued, “But after the meeting, he took me aside and explained why my idea wouldn’t work. He said he appreciated my input, but didn’t want to undermine my confidence in front of the others. Nanami is as blunt as that cursed tool of his, but there’s a method to his madness. He’s got his own way of looking out for people.” 

Shiori couldn’t help but smile at the insight into Nanami’s complex personality. “He’s certainly an enigma.” 

“And that’s why I think you have a shot—he’s not nice to anyone.” 

Her body exploded in a scorching blush, betraying the insecurity swirling beneath the surface. Picking at the placemat like it held the answers, she mumbled, “Shoko, please don’t feed into my delusions. Even if there's something there, it wouldn't last. Between our stressful jobs and the Kamo clan breathing down my neck, I barely have time to blink, let alone date."

“Who said anything about commitment? You could have a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Honestly, I’m surprised you two haven’t…” She let the sentence trail off with a sly grin. “... Experimented." The wink that followed packed the punch of a loaded shotgun.

Shiori chewed on the idea, mentally weighing the risks and rewards. Nanami, her loyal friend, her confidant – the thought of adding "benefits" to that equation was both thrilling and terrifying. He was dependable, easy to talk to, and he always kept his word. Yet, lately, she found herself straying beyond their platonic haven, daydreaming about the enticing possibilities that lay outside the bounds. It was hard not to wander, considering that Nanami was an absolute god of a man. 

Nanami was like a walking GQ ad, impeccable in his pressed suits that hinted at the powerful physique beneath. Every tailored line clung to his broad shoulders and strong arms, leaving little to the imagination. Shiori often caught herself (not-so-subtly) gawking at the thick veins running down his muscled arms, trailing all the way into his large, capable hands. His cologne, a fresh mix of citrus and mint, lingered in the air, leaving her senses pleasantly disoriented. He moved with a confident grace that belied his intimidating aura, befitting the most unapproachable man she ever met. 

But it was the tiny things that captivated her the most. Like the way he’d absentmindedly adjust his tie, the rare smile that crinkled his eyes when he found his favorite bread at the store, or those extraordinary, electrifying moments whenever their hands brushed. 

Shiori couldn't deny the way she biblically craved the blonde sorcerer. Sure, the man had an ass that could rival a Greek statue, but let's be honest, that was just the icing on the cake. She craved the whole package: cheesy movie dates where he'd pretend to hate the rom-com but secretly hum the theme song, late-night cuddles on his couch while they debated the best bakeries in the area, and impromptu sleepovers filled with stolen glances and kisses. She wanted to paint their love story in all the cliché colors, because sometimes, clichés were just the best damn things in the world.

She pictured it: Nanami, the man who could probably disarm a cursed spirit with a single raised eyebrow, awkwardly fumbling with a bouquet of oversized sunflowers because they reminded him of her smile.

That stoic mask he wears? Gone, replaced by a flustered mess because he caught her sneaking a peek at his biceps while he adjusted his tie. 

Remember the sorcerer known for his record breaking black flashes? He’s in her kitchen cracking eggs and flipping pancakes. The air smells of burnt butter and syrup, and his brow is furrowed in concentration. 

These were scenes straight out of a rom-com; and maybe Shoko was right—beneath his aloof attitude, maybe he craved a little bit of the cliche, too. With a wistful smile, Shiori finally spoke up. “Nah, I want a real relationship. I’m a sucker for a good romance.” 

Shoko chuckled at her friend’s entanglement. “Tell him that, not me.” 

Before Shiori could offer a rebuttal in defense of her love affairs, the waiter placed their dishes on the table, and they began to enjoy their meal. She took a bite of her food, her mind buzzing with possibilities.

[roscgcld]

HEADCANONS + GOJO SATORU || sweet but ‘scary’ s/o

request: How would Satour react if crush/future s/o was sweet and caring person, but could turn into a deadly assassin badass when they need too?

note: i feel like you’re a returning requester because the of the typo for gojo’s name lol. I see you reappearing in my inbox so much. i’m chilled with it, it makes me happy that you enjoy my writing enough to come back c: i did change the request a little cause i couldn’t finish it after writing half of the headcanon lol - so i hope you don’t mind c:

i based this around this post!

pronouns: them/they

everyone knows you as the ‘sweet and warm sensei’ that everyone can turn to when things start to get too much

a parental figure that will listen to their issues without judgement, or feeling the need to give them advice; just someone who they can just rant to without needing to hear anything back in reply 

on days where they are just overwhelmed with work, you’d come into the study room with bags of snacks, asking if they want to go to the rec room in their dorm for a well deserved break

you’re the same for your co-workers/fellow graduated classmates - when you were a student in the college, you are considered as the sweet and caring senpai who bakes snacks for everyone

so you cannot believe their shock when you had gotten together with gojo - to which everyone threatened gojo at least twice to take care of you; unless he wants to feel their wrath 

and i headcanon that even though gojo always claims that he is the ‘strongest sorcerer alive’ - an angry shoko never fails to send shivers of fear up his spine

but in general, after awhile they realised that somehow, you managed to tame the ‘wild and rambunctious’ gojo satoru into becoming your doting and ever loving boyfriend. who is still a huge pain in the ass, but at least he is loyal lol

you’d help to do the group laundry on your off days because you hate the idea that everyone is running out of fresh clothes, whilst teaching nanami and haibara how to use the washer and dryer (cause nanami gotta learn how to be the perfect man from someone)

on days when you’re on dinner duty, no one misses them because you cook the best and most warmest meals for them all - makes them miss home a little less

although you always have this super sweet and caring front, there was a side to you that gojo had never told anyone of; it’s nothing bad. but when he first saw it, he was definitely taken back

he witnessed it when you are sent on a mission together - there were a group of troublemaker kids who had entered an abandoned hospital that had been inhabited by a Special Grade that seemed to be trapping them inside

so you two were sent to go and retrieving the kids if they are alive, but your job is to exorcise the curse no matter the outcome 

gojo knew that you hated that answer, so he allows you to drag him about the many hallways of the school, trying to find the young kids before the curse gets to them

when you found them, your motherly side came out as you fussed over the sniffling and crying kids; using the small first aid kit you had on your person of all time to help them clean and bandage any scratches and wounds they had on their body

gojo was annoyed that you seemed so focused on the kids, but he still stood guard like you had asked him too; arms crossed and an annoyed pout resting on his face

he was about to whine to you again, asking when you’re done when he freeze at the sudden strong source of Cursed Energy that was radiating from somewhere

he had just turned to warn you when a sudden blur passed him, causing him to blink his eyes in shock as he glances over at where you were moments ago; only to be faced with equally shocked kids

“wha-” he mutters before he turned to poke his head out the classroom you had taken refuse in, just in time to see you with your weapon drawn and already stabbing the Curse without hesitation

he was stunned at the sight of his lover, his sweet and kind bunny, going absolutely ham on the Curse; exorcising it within a second

gojo just stared at you in shock, which was rare as it is; his mouth parted in awe as he watches as you dust yourself off and made your way back towards him; your kind smile painted on your features once more

“well - shall we leave then?”

gojo had gone back to the college with you after you had dropped the kids off with the cops; unsure of how to bring up at how different you were when you are serious and have your head in the game

because of this, he had never really told anyone about this side of you; since he really saw no reason to reveal it. he just learns to accept it, and that it is just another part of you that he loves as much as he loves you

fast forward a few years, now you and gojo have been together ever since the third year of high school; having raised megumi together as a couple, and had officially became one of the teachers of the school

many of the students had yet to see this ‘side’ side of yours. whilst people like nanami and ijichi had seen it first hand; and had both unanimously decided to never piss you off

however, your beloved students just saw you as the sweet sensei who made them muffins and cakes on their birthdays, who teaches them things they’d need to know to become an adult

you’re a familiar pillar that they can lean on during the darkest of times; so they never believe when Yaga-sensei or Nanami try to tell them that beneath that kindness there is something that they should watch out for

the students cannot imagine their kind and soft-spoken sensei to be this scary killing machine that is known to be one of the best sorcerers to deal with heavily infested areas

they had no reason to believe so - until Yaga-sensei had approved for them to shadow Gojo-sensei and you for your latest mission

they stood at the side with Nanami and another First Grade Sorcerer to watch as the both of you entered the abandoned office block on the outskirts of tokyo

you had noticed the students, and after giving them a warm smile and wave you and gojo made your way inside of the building as the curtain was completed; blocking the outside world from looking in

at first the students were not sure what they were actually waiting for, since they couldn’t really see any action from where they are standing - which was the entire reason for their trip 

they questioned nanami as to why they had to stand at such a distance away, but nanami just held his hand out and told them to be patient and wait for a few more moments

suddenly there was a huge bang! before what seemed to be a figure shooting out from the exploding rubble; a manic glint in your eyes as you spun your weapon in your hand so it pointed downward as you started to fall 

the students watched in horror and shock whilst you seemed to be having the time of your life, gojo just standing behind you with a soft grin as he protected your back; yet made no real move to get in your way 

they watched in horror at the sigh of you exorcising the Curses around you without hesitation, a dark and determined look shining in your eyes. a far cry from the sweet smile you always have on your face

no one knew what to say as they continue to watch as you exorcise the masses of Curses. too shocked to really process everything happening before them. even megumi was stunned, since he had never seen this ‘dark’ side of you before

whilst gojo looks like he was having a blast, even cheering you on from the sidelines, nanami was just shaking his head with a tired sigh

“so much for ‘educational purposes’,” nanami hummed tiredly as he turned to the other first grade sorcerer, who just smiles back in response. “shall we grabbed some hot chocolate for the kids? there is a cafe that we passed whilst driving over here.”

when the other person agreed the two of them started to usher the kids away, nanami waving off gojo’s whine of how he was going to be missing the best parts

“you fawn over your lover by yourself, gojo - i am going to make sure the kids don’t go into further shock then they already are.”

© roscgcld — all rights reserved to me, rose, the author and creator of these works. do not repost/translate/claim my work as yours on any platform.

[honorarycassowary]

I really hope Higuruma ultimately decides to help the main cast. He’s framed in such a sympathetic way during this chapter - a significant contrast to Kashimo Hajime, who is introduced casually examining a corpse they just blew apart, and Takaba Fumihiko, who seems more pathetic than anything. Instead, we’re introduced to Higuruma as a man who will relentlessly fight for justice even when the system is skewed against his clients.

People pushing back against corrupt systems is a repeated theme in JJK, going all the way back to Chapter 11, when Gojo states his goal is to “reset this crappy jujutsu world!” More recently, we’ve seen:

Yuuta lying to the higher-ups and faking Itadori’s execution because he disagreed with their goals

Maki obliterating the Zenin clan and its conservative, misogynistic, abusive politics because of the abuse they wrought on her and Mai

Kusakabe defying the higher-ups to free Panda

Yaga hiding the truth of sapient cursed corpses from the higher-ups so they can’t use them

Hakari flat-out saying he wants to rewrite the rules of the jujutsu world

Higuruma is the first time we’ve seen someone push back against a real-world corrupt system, and it’s fascinating. There’s been plenty of talking in the recent Recruiting Hakari chapters about how Shibuya has totally shaken up the jujutsu world, but the regular world is equally shaken - in the immediate aftermath, nobody knew if the prime minister and cabinet were safe, the yen was plummeting, and there were million of displaced residents. If this is our protagonist’s chance to reform jujutsu society, it’s also someone’s chance to reform the society of regular Japan.

However, thinking of regular Japan and the jujutsu world as two separate entities is becoming more and more difficult. Kenjaku’s Culling Game affects the whole country; Shibuya has made concealing the existence of cursed spirits (and therefore maintaining the jujutsu world’s isolation) a practical impossibility; and Hakari actively wants the secrecy clause of the jujutsu code abolished. Why do I bring this up?

Well, Higuruma wants to dismantle the biased justice system that hands out convictions 99% of the time, even to defendants who have CCTV proof that they were elsewhere at the time of the crime ... but the jujutsu criminal system is even worse. The literal premise of the series is that the jujutsu higher-ups sentenced Itadori to death without trial and were only held back by Gojo’s interference. (Which, like, I’m glad Gojo did that, but no functioning justice system would give someone that kind of power!) Shibuya has made the corruption in the jujutsu justice system even more clear, with three sentences without trial handed down and two absolutely without cause (I actually think they have grounds to argue for Itadori’s execution on the grounds of him being too dangerous even though he’s not truly morally responsible for any of the Shibuya deaths, but Yaga and Gojo’s sentences are clearly just scapegoating.)

Not to mention that on the non-jujutsu side of things, public knowledge of curses and cursed techniques will surely cause more problems in the judicial system as they try to create procedures for evidence that doesn’t show up on cameras and is invisible to 99% of the population. It makes convicting people on limited evidence a lot easier, for one! Sure, the accused has an aiibi, but can we know they didn’t use a shikigami to kill the victim? (I kind of doubt that the higher-ups would be particularly keen to send out sorcerers as expert witnesses.)

I’d really like to see the protagonists and Higuruma discuss the parallels between their shitty systems and join forces to make something better. I have full faith in Itadori & co.’s fighting skills, but very little in their knowledge of how to improve the justice system. It would be great for them to have an adult on their side who can see to the practical side of things that requires experience that they just don’t have. (This goes back to Higuruma’s similarities to prototype!Nanami, who would have a curse user who killed off everyone from his crooked company and eventually becomes an ally.)

Sure, Higuruma’s killed between 22-102 people, but I don’t think the protagonists necessarily have a leg to stand on when it comes to criticizing that. We already know Itadori feels culpable for the people Sukuna killed in Shibuya; he readily accepted Choso as a companion; and I’m pretty sure they’re not going to turn on Maki when she comes back. Moreover, Higuruma’s desire to make everything right and his willingness to kill those who directly impede that would be fascinating to compare/contrast to both Itadori and Fushiguro’s moral codes.

To be clear, I think Higuruma will need to stop killing people, because that’s not a sustainable justice system either. But I think that the protagonists recognizing his legitimate grievances with the system and understanding how they can work with him to create a better system for both sorcerers and civilians would be much more interesting than anything where he’s an arc villain who gets killed off.

[jgnico]

Hi! I really like this post

I lately had my doubts about gojo’s plan of raising strong sorcerers to fight off the higher ups. It’s mostly because of putting the responsibility on people so young.

About shoko, nanami, and yaga. Even if they agree with gojo’s view they give me the feeling of people that are resigned to the system? They know it’s fucked up but is the trouble of fighting against it worth it?

As of right now, it hasn’t been shown that gojo recruited people his age or older? This is just me reading different series that have more a political atmosphere in them but it would be a smart move to at least get some higher ups to his side or older people at least.

Some political maneuvering here and there. I know he’s been talking to noritoshi but that’s relate to my point of recruiting young people.

Unless ALL higher ups are bad and the adults are resigned too then gojo has no other choice but to count on the teens.

Hi! Glad you liked my post! ❤

I think that with Shoko, Nanami and Yaga, even if they're resigned to the current system, that doesn't necessarily mean that they wouldn't help Gojo if he tried to change things himself. They've all shown that they're willing to go against the higher-ups wishes in small ways: Nanami and Shoko keeping Yuuji's continued existence a secret after his (first) death, Shoko keeping Yuuji still listed as deceased and later helping Yuuji & Co with the Culling Games, Yaga changing the admittance process for the school despite already low admission rates so that he can keep children safe from their lifestyle if he doesn't think they can handle it, Yaga refusing to tell the higher-ups how he made Panda even when his life was on the line + keeping his other children safe and secluded from Jujutsu society.

You can still rebell against a system while being resigned to the fact that it won't change and I think that that's the boat that most people who are unhappy with Jujutsu society sit in. They can't fix it, they have to live with it, but that doesn't mean they're happy with it or wouldn't support change if it were to come.

As far as we know, the only people that know about Gojo's plan to overthrow the higher-ups are Shoko and Ijichi. We also haven't been shown that he's built connections with other people besides his own students and Nanami, if you want to count them.

For Noritoshi, it's actually Megumi that built a relationship with him; Gojo and Noritoshi haven't even interacted beyond Gojo giving the Kyoto students souvenirs before Yuuji's reveal at the Goodwill Event.

My feelings toward Gojo's plan have always been that it's.... Not necessarily short-sighted (he is planning for the future, after all) but that it's foolish. There are other ways to change a system that don't involve putting all of the responsibility for that change on the shoulders of children and I think that if Gojo wasn't so sick of dealing with his own burdens, he could have thought of a better solution by now.

[safaia-47]

Gojo Satoru Diaries - Miss. Flexible

I'm sorry for the long wait. Please enjoy

How come there are no students to teach in this entire school?! How is that possible? Nanami and I are the only people here, and he doesn't want me to teach him. I can be a great teacher if he just lets me try. Principal Yaga won't even let little Panda train with me, saying he will personally teach Panda about curse energy and curses. Plus, I will be a 'bad influence' on him. Like that would ever happen, I'm a great role model.

Last week, Panda asked me to take him outside the school. So he could watch from first-hand experience how to exorcize a cursed spirit. In case people found out about Panda, I had him pretend to be a plush toy when people walked by. I coached him to stay still when I yelled, "Active plush mode." See, I can be responsible, and no one found out. That didn't stop Principal Yaga from hitting me when I gave him his souvenir smoked daikon pickles.

Since I had free time before picking up Tsumiki and Megumi at school before their book club ended, no missions were called into me, so I decided to go see my lovely student and tease her. I asked Safaia-chan the other day what school she went to because I wanted to pick them up after school on Fridays for my classes. Most Saturdays, she has rhythmic gymnastics practice. I wanted to see how she was doing and tease her if she messed up.

I'm so proud of myself for figuring out how to warp long distances. I'm just so amazing that I can kiss myself. I smirked after arriving at the beach where I ate with Safaia-chan and others. I went to Mrs. Amagi and got some cream puffs, plum strudel, croquettes, and cinnamon rolls. I thanked her and left to go find their school. That when I saw high schoolers leaving school, they were all staring at me when I was walking down the street. Have you never seen a man eat pastries before?

I discovered that her school was co-ed. I was surprised I thought she would go to an all-girl school. But she told me that she had to interact with girls and boys in the future, so better now than never. I remember and applaud her for her wise words. I walked to a pretty big school, and my six eyes followed her like she was the only thing in proximity. Even though several walls separate us and you were on the different side of the school, my eyes followed her curse energy like a moth to my flame.

I finally made it to the gym after asking permission to go in. Walking up to the gym, that's when I finally saw her in all her glory. The hula hoop was gliding throughout her body as she spun and moved with it. She changed the hoop for the clubs and tossed them in the air. As soon as she threw them high into the air she quickly caught them. Twirling the clubs in her hands as she danced with them.

It was a sight to behold. Her body was moving and bending where I thought was impossible for the human body. She finishes her dance by twirling the clubs as her left leg balances on the floor and raises her other leg in the air. I was focused on her moves I swore but, that was nothing compared to her soft and voluptuous body. I could make out by her silhouettes that she was curvy but not to this extent. She was soft overall with lush curves, top, and bottom-heavy with a soft stomach.

'Hey don't blame me, I'm admiring a work of art. Nothing wrong with that! She reminds me of mochi by how fluffy and velvety her body is.' I thought as I cleared my throat.

All of her teammates applaud and cheer her on. One of her friends that I saw from their party showed up and high five her. I believe that is Fukui Ayame. That when she thanks them and puts away the hoop and club, that's when our eyes meet. She looked surprised and raced towards me.

"What are you doing here Gojo-kun?" She asked when she finally made it towards me. I looked down at her and appreciated how the light blue tank top and black shorts hugged her womanly figure.

"Oh just checking in on my precious student. Or should I say Miss. Flexible? You should really say hello to your teacher." I smirked when I saw her face get flush.

"You saw me? Yes, sorry Hi Gojo-kun." She nervously asked and played with strands of hair that fell out of her messy bun.

"How could I not see it? You were incredible. The way you move with so much power was amazing, Safaia-chan!" I laughed and ruffled her big messy bunhead. I must have yelled too loudly or my overwhelming appearance made all the girls swarm us.

"Who is this Amagi-senpai?!" Several girls asked her with hearts in and eyes.

The other half of the girls asked in teasing voices. "Is this your boyfriend Amagi-chan?"

"No this isn't my boyfriend." She turned to finally look at them and answered calmly. She was straight-faced; she didn't even get flustered like before. 'Why did she answer no so fast?' I sulked to myself.

"How could you say that Safaia-chan? I am your boy-friend. You know a boy that is a friend." I say with clear hyphenation to tease her. Her teammates' faces were happy for a second then disappointed.

"Awww man you guys aren't dating?" Her friend Ayame pouted as she pinned the ball. She's a close friend of Safaia-chan, and she mailed me about her before. She is of Japanese-Filipino descent and they have been best friends since the 8th grade.

"I told you Ayame-chan we aren't dating. Since when is everyone so interested in my life?" She raised a brow at them.

"We all have been interested in your love life. We all want you to have a loving boyfriend Safaia-chan. Hi Gojo-san." She answered her and waved at me.

"Hello, Ayame. How are you?" I waved back and shifted my pastry bag in my right hand.

"I'm doing great. We're just starting practice with our incredible captain. What are you here for Gojo-san?" Ayame poked Safaia's fleshy left cheek telling me about their practice time. Her cheeks looked soft and adorable too.

"Why didn't you tell me you are Captain Safaia-chan! That's awesome, I'm surprised you are that good." I teased her and she glared at me. "Well I'm here to check on my student, that's all Ayame."

"Amagi-senpai is a prodigy in rhythmic gymnastics. She is absolutely perfect!" Some small stature short black hair girl spoke up.

Safaia cheeks had a light shade of red as she tried to quiet down the girl. "Please calm down Hamasaki-san, he's just playing around." In the background, someone started clapping their hands.

"Ok, girls that's enough let's go back to practice yeah. Amagi-chan please wrap up your conversation with your fri-friend." The lady who looked to be the coach couldn't finish her sentence properly without stuttering when she looked at me. Here we go again. "Who are you?" The lady who was in her late-20s asked me with hearts in her eyes.

"Sorry for the late introduction, I'm Gojo Satoru. I'm Safaia-chan and Ryuuga-kun's cram school teacher." I lied straight through my teeth with a fake smile. I saw Safaia give me a thumbs up from behind her back. I also noticed the curve and roundness of her behind.

"You're Amagi-san tutor. My name is Goda Airi, I see our studious captain is already studying for her entrance exams. I hope you take breaks Amagi-chan we already know you'll pass with flying colors. And Gojo-kun, please take great care of my beloved student." Tilting her head to the side as she twirled her hair on her finger.

"I take pride in seeing that my students get the best chance of getting into their dream university. Safaia-chan already shows great promise, I just know she'll do perfectly on her entrance exams." I hope that seemed truthful enough as I gave Safaia a thumbs up from behind my back. I saw her try to hold back her laugh from me copying her.

"You do look very qualified for your job Gojo-kun. That's so amazing helping kids get into university. I wish I had you during my school years to tutor me." Her eyes became sultry as she tried getting close to me." Too easy Miss Coach better luck next time I already have my eyes on teasing a precious student.

I smirked and answered "If you were in high school I would have been in Junior high so I wouldn't be able to tutor you, Miss. Goda." Her face immediately went from seductive to flabbergasted. Safaia turned to look at me and hit my shoulder.

"Owww Safaia-chan, why did you do that?" I whined while rubbing my sore arm. It didn't really hurt, she didn't even try to punch me hard. 'Wait, this is the first time she landed hands on me before.' I kept thinking that over and over.

"Be nice Gojo-kun. That's not how you talk to someone with seniority. I'm so sorry for his behavior Miss.Goda." She reprimanded me and apologized on my behalf.

"That's quite alright. I'm sorry for my behavior as well. How old are you Gojo-san?" She tried to laugh it off and asked for my age.

Tying to forget that she touches me first and that usually, I'm leading into the touches. "You're fine Miss Coach and I'll be 21 this year in December."

Her face lit up turning red. "Oh my, I'm so sorry you're still just a child. Look at me trying to talk to a 20-year-old. Please forgive me."

"You're fine. I'll let you ladies get back to practice." I waved her off and sat down on the floor with my sweets. "Continued with what you left off. I'll be here waiting." I say while popping a cream puff in my mouth. Her coach walked away in embarrassment and she came walking toward me.

"Gojo-kun, why are you still here? I thought you'll be leaving to pick up Tsumiki-chan and Megumi-chan." She looked at him with worry.

"Don't worry your pretty little head about them. They're in a book club at school. Well, Tsumiki-chan is, Megumi is staying behind for his sister. He's not really a part of the club. Would you like a treat that I got from your mom's bakery?" I answered her while handing out my bag filled with desserts.

She looked in deep thought as she stared at my bag and saw cinnamon rolls inside. Her mouth started to drool from looking at it. That's so cute. "That's great they're in a book club. I love reading. I would like to talk to them about their favorite genre. But no, I can't have any right now. I'm still practicing." She pouted looking totally dejected from not eating the sweet treat.

"Awww you can't. Okay how about this I'll save one cinnamon roll after you're finished dancing around with your hula hoop." I laughed when I saw her narrow her eyes and pout.

"It's not just dancing with a hula hoop meanie. I have to do all kinds of tricks with all five of my apparatus. It can be really hard and tiring especially when practicing for hours and you feel like you're getting nowhere." She crossed her fleshy arms and her eyes opened to me with all seriousness. Like she was referring to herself.

"Owwww I'm just kidding shortcake. I can see you worked so hard for your technique and form to be perfect." I praised her while ruffling her hair. "You should get back to practicing Captain Princess. Your team isn't paying attention to training, rather they're more interested in us." I continue to ruffle her hair and point behind her.

"Okie dokie I'll see you later Gojo-kun." She smiled at me with dimples forming in her cheeks. Then she walked away back to her team members. I noticed a swing of her hips as she walked away. I really need to get my hormones in order. I'm not a teenager anymore. As I'm having an internal crisis in my head about my sex hormones. Ayame appeared beside me and sat down with me.

"Hello Ayame-chan, long time to see. I haven't seen you since the party." I saluted her. She didn't say anything for a while, she just stared at me with her round golden looking eyes. "Earth to Ayame, what's wrong?" I tried to get her attention before she busted out saying.

"You're so hot!" She yelled from the top of her lungs. Leaving me speechless, she looked all shy earlier now she is screaming at me. "Do you take care of your face or are you just blessed with good skin? What's your skincare routine? Just how aren't Safaia-chan and you, the most beautiful people I know, not together?" She fired question after question at me.

"Ehehehe I wasn't expecting you to talk this much. You looked so nervous earlier. Thank you Ayame-chan for the compliment." I snickered after she finished firing off questions.

"Oh, I'm sorry! People usually say I have a big mouth and just say the first thing on my mind." She got red in the face and started playing with her fingers.

"That's okay but you're right, I'm so hot I don't know what to do with myself. I'm blessed with good skin but I do take extra care of it. My routine is mostly consistent with using the very best for my lovely face. Safaia-chan is beautiful but we are just friends/teacher and student nothing more." I try to answer all of her questions.

"Safaia-chan is beautiful inside and out so she needs a guy who has both as well. You definitely are handsome but are you just as handsome on the inside?" She leaned in close to ask.

"I see myself as a good guy." I give her a thumbs-up as I continue to eat a cinnamon roll.

"If you're so good, why were your eyes following Safaia-chan's body as she walked away?" Her eyebrow arched as she questioned me. I almost choked on my food when I noticed I was caught. I finished eating the roll and smirked at her.

"What do you mean I was just watching her walk away to practice? She was dancing so amazingly before I came, I wanted to see her dance again." I stared at her with innocent eyes while telling her the truth. In the meantime, I could take a pick at her romantic hourglass figure.

"Really?! I'm sorry I thought you were looking at her body. Guys tend to always ogle her. It's disgusting. Thank you for being respectful." She sighed and smiled. Safaia's friend is gullible as hell but I'm glad she's looking out for her friend. It almost made me feel guilty for looking. Almost.

I didn't like the thought of other guys looking at her like that. I don't blame them for looking at her, she's an attractive young lady. But it brought a strange feeling in my chest thinking of them gawking at her like she's an object. Who am I to judge I was just doing the same thing. No no, I wasn't objectifying her, I was just admiring her. Yeah, that's completely different from being a pervert.

Getting out of my pathetic thoughts I turned to ask Ayame a question about Safaia. "Hey, does that happen a lot? Those guys bothering her I mean?" I would hate to have to make someone see infinite amounts of my fist contacting their face.

"Yeah, some guys try to do more than just stare. But she can easily handle those small fries." She demonstrates by trying to flex her nonexistent muscle. I laughed off her joke but inside I was steaming with anger.

"I'm grateful that Safaia-chan has a best friend like you. How long have you known each other?" I asked her so I can get away from dangerous thoughts.

"Oh, we've been friends since the second year in middle school. Well more me trying to befriend her at first. Safaia was like a cat when I first met her. She was kind but she wouldn't allow me to get any closer to her. To be honest I thought it was so adorable how shy she was. Once I got to know her better she became even more adorable." She put her hands on her cheeks gushing about her BFF.

"Ehehehe like a cat I can see that. It's taking me a while for her to ease into our friendship. I want to know more about her. Maybe I'm just in a rush to meet a friend like her who keeps me on my toes. Ryuuga-kun told me how shy she was too. Was she really that nervous around people?"

"She can get shy but I think it's more like she's more comfortable being alone or talking with a small circle of friends. She doesn't like talking all that much. Reading books rather than socializing is more her speed." She answered with a big smile.

"Boy, you don't need to tell me about her love of books. I bet she's one of those people who reads the entire book before bed and says I just meant to read one more chapter." I laughed as I thought about her sleep-deprived self.

"That describes Safaia-chan to the letter, Gojo-san." We laughed together but then she had to get back to practice after her coach noticed she wasn't there with them. "Thanks for being Safaia-chan's friend Gojo-san. Any friend of Safaia is a friend of mine." She greeted me goodbye with a wave.

"My pleasure Ayame, I hope to see you again soon. It was nice talking with you." I wave with a cream puff in my hand. She walked back to her team to continue training as I noticed my princess skipping back to me.

"I'm here for my treat Gojo-kun. May I have it please?" She bent down and extended her left hand.

"You came back early now. Are you on a break? Did you miss me? " I questioned her.

"Yes and we just talked a minute ago Gojo-kun. The cinnamon roll will help me concentrate if I eat it now." She said trying to find a reason to eat the sugary sweet.

"Awwww you didn't miss me, little red. Do you want to eat it that bad? You're going to have to beg for it." I teased her with the said cinnamon roll in hand. "Come in and get it."

"Pretty, please Gojo-kun. You promise, remember?" Her doll eyes glossed over and her big pouty lips stuck out slightly. How could a person be so cute, it's scary.

"I need about one more pretty first pipsqueak then I'll give it to you." Then she glared at me, maybe one too many nicknames today. "I'm waiting, short stuff."

"May I pretty, pretty please have my cinnamon roll Gojo-kun." Adding the extra pretty as asked. Who am I to deny when she's asking so nicely.

"Fine, you twisted my arm. Here you go Safaia-chan, one cinnamon roll as promised. You're lucky I like to honor my promises." I teased her while handing the treat away.

"Thank you so much Gojo-kun." Taking an elegant bit out of the cinnamon roll and licked her plump lips from some leftover icing. "I knew you would keep your promise." She hummed while continuing to finish her treat.

'Yeah, I desperately need to keep my hormones under control.' I sigh to myself and put my hand underneath my chin however seeing her eat happily made it worthwhile.

[tempenensis]

hi there!! I'm not sure if this has been asked before (apologies if it has :'> ) but do you know why, after the shibuya incident, the jujutsu higher-ups deemed Gojo an accomplice and exiled him? I went back and forth over those chapters for a bit but I couldn't figure it out... given the fact that he was sealed, wouldn't it be kinda clear that he was a target and not a perpetrator?

Yes, I actually have answered the same ask but I lost track of it. Tumblr is shitty to me, you see. Sometimes the search simply doesn’t work, sometimes my post get eaten (if it has URL, or if I put img in an ask post - as happened to the ask just before this. This matter has happened for a long time, I probably get shadowbanned or something)

Yes, it really is not explained well. Anyway, from an outsider view, the Shibuya incident involves two persons; Gojo and Getou. Mahito and co. are unregistered special-grade curse spirits, you can thought their existence as mostly unknown. Not to mention they decided to cover the incident in the school during exchange meeting, that makes the record on them even more shaded. In a short overlook, Shibuya incident looks like Gojo and Getou meets there, something get out of control, and cause huge incident. You have to remember that Gojo went to the basement alone and the others only started enter the station after getting informed that he was sealed. In addition, Getou is a special-grade curse user whose power is to manipulate curse spirits, who has a huge number and arrays of them at his disposal, so the scale of the incident is quite fitting.

The way it all finally falls to Tokyo school being blamed is because Getou used to be their student. He was supposed to be killed during vol. 0 and noone know that his body got taken over by others. It will look as if the school failed to finish him -- or even hide the fact that he is still alive, then released him. The school is seen as failed in their responsibility and that’s why Yaga got the death sentence. While Yuuji, we see the same as the people around him - because he lost control of Sukuna, but the upper people may have thought that he simply has ‘become one’ with Sukuna and killed all those people.   

But anyway, personally this feels like someone forces the higher ups to not look too closely to the incident. 

[detective-pulp]

Preview : BRZRKR #1

BOOM! Studios est une maison d‘édition indépendante. Elle occupe une place majeur dans l’industrie depuis maintenant 15 ans. Responsable de la publication de Giant Days, multi récompensé aux Eisner Awards, ils possèdent également de nombreuses licences comme les Power Rangers, Dark Crystal ou Robocop entre autres. La maison d’édition a annoncé, en juillet dernier, la sortie d’une série nommée BRZRKR (à prononcer "Berzerker"), limitée en douze épisodes .

Connu sous l’alias de Berzerker, il est un demi-Dieu maudit, assujetti à la violence au dépend de sa santé mentale. Après avoir parcouru la terre pendant des siècles, il a trouvé refuge aux États-Unis. Travaillant pour le gouvernement, il mène des batailles trop violentes et trop dangereuses pour le commun des mortels. En échange, Berzerker recevra la seule chose qu’il désire : la vérité sur son éternelle existence d’être sanguinaire… et comment y mettre fin.

La particularité de cette série, outre une direction artistique de qualité (mais on y revient), est que la série est co-scénarisée par l’acteur iconique Keanu Reeves. L’interprète de Néo dans Matrix a le vent en poupe ces derniers temps et enchaîne les collaborations artistiques en tout genre. Entre cinéma et la saga John Whick (prolongée à cinq films) et jeux vidéos où il prête sa voix et ses traits à Johnny Silverhand dans Cyber Punk, Baba Yaga ne s’interdit aucune expérience.

« J’aime les bandes dessinées depuis mon enfance et elles m’ont significativement influencé dans mes choix artistiques. Avoir la chance de créer BRZRKR et de collaborer avec des légendes de l’industrie comme le scénariste Matt Kindt, l’artiste Alessandro Vitti, le coloriste Bill Crabtree, l’artiste visuel Clem Robins et l’artiste concepteur Rafael Grampá - avec l’équipe formidable de BOOM ! Studios - est un rêve devenu réalité. »

L’acteur est accompagné dans l’écriture par Matt Kindt. Scénariste et dessinateur de talent, il est reconnu dans la profession pour son parti pris d’indépendant. Il évolue dans l’industrie depuis près de 20 ans en ayant très peu collaboré avec le Big Two : Justice League of America avec DC Comics et Spider-Man avec Marvel. Matt Kindt, c’est Dept. H, Mind MGMT et Revolver. L’artiste a déjà collaboré avec BOOM! sur l’excellent Grass King nommée aux Eisner Awards et récemment Folklords et Black Badge. Son travail a été traduit dans plusieurs langues, dont le français. Ses œuvres sont disponibles chez les éditeurs suivant : Monsieur Toussaint Louverture, Futuropolis et également chez Bliss Comics, si vous souhaitez vous plonger dans son travail.

Kindt a révélé sur ses réseaux sociaux être au travail sur ce projet depuis avril 2019. Il a déclaré que la série est un « cocktail puissant de tout ce que nous aimons: l’histoire de un guerrier immortel empreint d’Histoire, de conspirations, de spiritualité et d’une aide gigantesque d’action et de violence dingues – le tout avec un but intense et finalement une découverte déchirante. »

La série n’en est qu’�� un stade promotionnel, mais BOOM! Studios annonce déjà un changement dans l’équipe artistique. Pas des moindre puisque l’artiste italien, Alessandro Vitti (Secret Warriors, Iceman, Suiciders) a été évincé du projet. Il a été remplacé par Ron Garney (Wolverine , Captain America) pour des raisons encore inconnues.

Le reste de l’équipe à savoir le coloriste Bill Crabtree (BRPD) et le lettreur Clem Robins (Hellboy) reste inchangée. La couverture principale de BRZRKR #1 est illustrée par Rafael Grampá (Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child).  

L’éditeur BOOM! a décidé de lancer un Kickstarter. Une décision discutable quand on sait qu’avec un tel casting, les ventes seront assurée. Pourtant, l’éditeur en chef Ross Ritchie s’est justifié dans un long communiqué, de ne pas vouloir financer son projet, mais d’attirer de nouveaux lecteurs.

Si les contreparties seront livrées l’an prochain, vous êtes tous invités à suivre la série dont le premier épisode sera disponible début octobre.

[makingoutinyour30s]

one part of me sighs, “boys are dumb.” another says, “this is really all about the bison.”

Oh hi, S!

I just want to take a moment to voice my anxiety now that I have finally made an appearance. I realize my first blog post better be really damn good.

S, I am not annoyed with you for how you are feeling. I feel a mess of emotions, most fueled by the love I feel for you and how much I want this to be easy, joyous, enriching, and simply happy for you. When things are harder than they should be my sister-feathers get ruffled. You are not wrong to sense that I am annoyed, though. My annoyances circle around me a bit like a swarm. Hard, at first, to find the center. But, as I’ve reflected on it the center isn’t you. It is, as you might expect, DD4. Perhaps even more accurately, my struggles in coming to a stable understanding of what is going on here.

I know that through this experience you have sometimes been less than vulnerable. Felt that you have been choosing to stay guarded when maybe, you know that you are more interested in engaging with life bravely and without walls up. However, like I said to you this morning, I have felt like you told him much more clearly than he has communicated to you that you like him. You have physically initiated. You have been cute and charming. You have been thoughtful about the experiences you’ve crafted to share with him. You have carved out space for him physically, emotionally, cognitively, and socially. You have explicitly said that YOU like HIM. While you have used strategies to avoid opening up in many ways, you have not filled your answers with vagaries when it comes to how you like him. My greatest unease comes from his employment of ambiguity in answers to questions that specifically place YOU as the subject. He is a smooth and thoughtful talker when it comes to topics where HE is the subject. I think I just want to see you at the center of his thinking. My own stuff with J made me realize that I am someone who can be spun around by smart people who know how to talk about feelings and desires but then exhibit behavior that feels incongruent. Some of what you’ve shared gives me that familiar feeling of being spun.

One can be spun by accident and one can be spun on purpose. We both tend towards giving people generous reads. Giving people the benefit of the doubt. Giving people space enough to fuck up with us without losing us. A new edge for me, a new skill I am learning now is to simply notice and then pay attention to an underdeveloped intuition. The feeling that something here is off. By no means do I think that things are over here. By no means do I think DD4 is a Bad Dude. I want you to engage hopefully. I want you to manifest exactly what you want and we have talked about how it is important to engage in interactions with the energy you wish to infuse them with and not out of places marked by fear and hesitation. During this time of confusion, I think my expressions of annoyance are my way of holding some of that for you. Holding some hesitation. My left eyebrow raised, firm gaze, eyes slightly narrowed, arms crossed, standing in front of my sister feeling a bit unimpressed by what sometimes looks like a very handsome but “dumb boy.” You just deserve more. That is all my annoyance is trying to communicate to me and to you.

Last night I had some friends over for dinner, drinks, games, and hangs. Near the end of the night, after you and me texted a bit, I filled them in on some of the latest happenings with DD4. They know a bit about what happened with OH and have asked about you from time to time. (You’ve got a little network of concerned strangers out here.) As I relayed the specifics and described the state of things (as of last night), they all effectively responded with “boy bye.” As you and I both tend to be more generous, I felt surprised by the firmness in their response. “Not worth it and this feels like game playing,” one said. “Boys are stupid but they are usually clearer than this,” another chimed in. Some unimpressed grimaces went around the room. But, I felt uneasy about this too. We are researchers right? I kept thinking, especially early on in getting to know someone, how on earth do you tell the difference between someone retreating and needing time to think and someone who is playing games? How can you differentiate between someone who is self-reflective and trying new and unfamiliar ways of being in the world (which would explain being clumsy in their execution) and someone who is manipulating things to keep them unclear? What is the right balance between being firm about what is right for you and being generous with others and allowing people to learn and grow and fumble things? How can we be advocates for ourselves while embracing that people are imperfect? I just do not have a good answer to this. And perhaps it is unknowable early on. I do feel like a detective, though, trying to suss that out.

My verdict is still out as to whether DD4 will or will not be capable of giving you that which you deserve. I have been playing a ton of basketball again, and I feel a bit like a coach, giving one last start to a player who has a ton of inherent potential but who has not been applying himself enough. A player who is not showing up for the team enough to go to the next level or in ways that I believe he is capable of showing up. I am waiting to see if DD4 can be a leader, a co-captain, and deserves to start more games—or if he’ll be moved to the second string (a friend), or ultimately benched (not even a friend). Right now, depending on his next moves, the generous part of me that feels right about accurately seeing his potential is willing to give him another start.  

As I was beginning to outline my thoughts, L was in the kitchen making us breakfast when she suddenly came into the living room. In her blue patterned robe, she walked in with conviction, and stopped just a few feet into the room. “It feels to me like S thinks she has something to prove and she doesn’t. Not to him.” I agreed. Then, “I had something else, but I forgot.” (She never remembered, by the way.) I jotted down the comment about proving something and smiled at how endearing I found her second comment. She turned and left, returned to making poached eggs. S, you don’t have anything to prove. Not to him. I think you had something to prove to yourself about vulnerability. About bravery. About not letting yourself down. Something about how you would push yourself to remain vulnerable and to engage with the world wholeheartedly despite the hurts you have suffered. Despite having spent time in Azkaban. Despite sometimes still shaving off old layers left behind by the time spent with OH.  

I have been talking a lot about feelings and vulnerability with a new important friend I met on that retreat I went to, which we all affectionately call “therapy camp.” (An experience I should tell you more about in its own post perhaps.) I shared with her, and I want to share with you this amazing supernatural “advice column.” It’s poetry, really. A poet channels Baba Yaga (my girl!) and offers profoundly beautiful perspective to people’s questions. All our talking about the feelings that have come up for you, about vulnerability, and about how you have handled everything life has thrown at you reminded me of this post:

When I stop investing time in thinking about DD4 and just think about you, my feelings change dramatically. And I want to tell you that I am so proud of you. Your friend joked, accurately, about how the Really Hard Time was akin to serving a sentence in Azkaban. But I don’t believe you were locked up in misery. Instead, I saw you walking, every day, towards the bison herd. OH’s actions affected you, but they did not imprison you. You never let them imprison you the way I let things with J imprison me for some time. Those experiences have not changed you and they have not damaged you into becoming some other person, some version of yourself that is forever changed or forever different. You never aimed to approach the bison as something to be killed and butchered. You also never tried to wall them in leaving them to fester and sicken. You are one of the bravest people I know.

I’ve been enjoying “bison” a lot. (Bison as emotions and bison as a visual to engaged with.) In a previous post you talked about the sensation of growing wings. Sometimes when I am feeling elated, so connected to the world or to people, or joyful about newly imagined futures in which I thrive, I imagine a posse of bison walking behind me. We stroll down the campus mall in harmony, enjoying the sun and the breezes. We listen to a new playlist I just started filled with music that make bison sway, and we radiate smiles and good vibes to those around us. You have been gentle and generous with your reads of DD4, I hope you give yourself the same courtesy when reflecting on any mistakes you may have made this round. May your bison give you a nod for the bravery you showed this weekend. May your bison give you a nod for the follow up text you sent to DD4. I’m proud of you for proving to yourself that you are capable of new ways of being vulnerable and ever more authentic ways of being in the world.

I read through a bunch of old posts before writing this one. Since the Really Hard Time, man has the sun ever come out. Some mornings maybe you still wake up to a cloudy day. Some experiences, like this confusion with DD4, bring some mist and fog rolling back in… but oh how the sun is shining on you dear sister, and it makes my heart happy.

Girl, when I see you in December, I am pretty sure it is going to feel like our bison are frolicking through downtown Chicago together. Not long now.

xo,

a.    

[supertrendingnewsarticles]

This article was co-published with Responsible Statecraft.A former NBC executive who founded one of the earliest—and more successful—fake news websites quietly assumed a leadership role at The Epoch Times as the news outlet ramped up its pro-Trump messaging after the 2016 election.Epoch’s influential role as a Trump-friendly media outlet coincided with access to Trump allies seeking friendly interviews, uncritical coverage of the administration’s policies, and a venue to advance the White House’s militant anti-Beijing and hyper-nationalist messages.That change in direction—which included a flood of omnipresent YouTube ads costing at least $1 million, and a ban from Facebook for violating the platform’s rules about political advertising—appears to have occurred alongside the 2017 arrival of a new vice president at The Epoch Times, Chris Kitze, and huge jumps in the paper’s revenue from $3.8 million in 2016 to $8.1 million in 2017 and $12.4 million in 2018. Kitze, who now manages a cryptocurrency hedge fund, was listed as a member of the six-person board of the The Epoch Times Association, the nonprofit that operates The Epoch Times, as a vice president in 2017 and 2018 tax documents. But Kitze’s ties to The Epoch Times go back much further than 2017 and point to a mutually beneficial relationship. Since 2010, Kitze’s company, BeforeItsNews.com, an early fake news site that promoted conspiracy theories about then-president Barack Obama and offered extensive coverage of Trump’s insurgent candidacy in 2016, promoted Falun Gong—a spiritual movement that is persecuted by the Chinese government and has the stated goal of destroying the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—and The Epoch Times; meanwhile, Falun Gong-linked media properties quietly promoted Kitze’s other business ventures, including Unseen, an encrypted messaging platform.Captain Trump Steers America Toward Iceberg of InsanityChris Kitze’s career spans countless internet ventures and well-timed exits from companies across two tech bubbles. His LinkedIn profile shows an impressive career starting in 1991 with the founding of Acris Media, a company selling clipart on CD-ROMs, a stint as the VP of Marketing at the early search engine Lycos from 1995 to 1996 (“I led the Lycos marketing team through one of the first internet IPOs,” says Kitze on LinkedIn) and founding and serving as chairman of free-website company Xoom.com, leading to a merger with NBC Internet (NBCi).Kitze served as CEO of NBCi, NBC’s initiative to create an NBC controlled internet portal and landing page, from 1999 to 2000. Kitze’s post-NBC activities include serving as CEO of Yaga, a filesharing network, serving as chairman of Wine.com before pivoting his attention to a number of blockchain- and cryptocurrency-related companies five years ago.Kitze’s public resume contains at least two noticeable omissions: the 2008 formation of BeforeItsNews.com and Kitze’s appointment as a VP at The Epoch Times and membership on the paper’s board starting in 2017.BeforeItsNews.com appears to have begun operations in early 2009, shortly after Obama’s inauguration and, at launch, directly attacked the news media’s treatment of Obama, referencing then-MSNBC-pundit Chris Matthew’s March 2008 comment about how “I felt this thrill going up my leg” when Obama spoke.BeforeItsNews.com’s “about” page read:> Something strange happened during the 2008 U.S. election. The news media came down with a bad case of amnesia — they forgot exactly what it was they were supposed to be doing. Instead of asking critical questions of those running for office, they went out of their way to "get a tingle up their leg" for some candidates, or to ignore the constitutional requirements of the political office.> > We wanted to present a point of view that didn't seem to exist in the mainstream media. One that is hopeful, yet realistic, based on the natural law of truth, compassion and tolerance.What that meant in practice was the rapid production of enormous quantities of user contributed news articles, wide dissemination on social media, and no editorial oversight or fact-checking.The website encourages anyone to contribute articles, advertising itself as a “news utility—an internet platform that enables the hosting and distribution of any kind of news, worldwide.“It will get out through all the major search engines,” says the current “about” page.Conspiracy theories about Obama’s birth certificate, UFOs, the New World Order, and imminent economic and societal collapse all made the front page of BeforeItsNews.com.A 2017 Guardian article on Facebook’s failures to address the dissemination of fake news on its platform specifically mentioned Kitze and BeforeItsNews.com:> Chris Kitze, who runs BeforeItsNews.com, said that although he allows users to post any content without fact-checking, he hasn’t noticed Facebook tagging any of his site’s articles as fake news. That includes a recent piece debunked by Snopes claiming to include leaked photos showing how Obama practiced Islam in the White House.> > “A lot of people think Obama is Muslim. That’s what it plays on. Is it real? I don’t know,” he said. “The fact is a lot of people thought it was real or it reflects their sentiment.”Alongside publishing a steady flow of factually questionable content, Kitze, BeforeItsNews.com, and Epoch appear to have enjoyed a thriving relationship with over 20,000 Epoch Times articles appearing on the site between 2010 and 2012.Kitze’s involvement with Falun Gong was detailed in an Epoch Times article published in June 2012, in which he described coming across Falun Gong practitioners in New York’s Times Square in 2005 and, remembering that encounter, educating himself in the movement and practicing its meditation techniques two years later.The group’s persecution in China—the Chinese government banned Falun Gong and prohibits practice of the movement’s exercises in public and the dissemination of its written material—and freedom of participating in an activity defying the Chinese government clearly resonated with Kitze.The Epoch Times explained that Kitze was drawn to Falun Gong’s openness and participants’ voluntary decision to practice and study the movement. “Kitze said this may be why the Chinese communist regime was so afraid of Falun Gong that it launched a brutal campaign of hate and persecution against some 100 million practitioners, starting a decade ago in the country where the practice originated” said The Epoch Times. “Because it’s in your heart and mind—that’s something no government could ever control, that’s one reason why a totalitarian regime would oppose it,” Kitze told the paper.Matthew Tullar, who served as director of circulation at The Epoch Times from 2012 to 2014 and director of sales and marketing from 2015 to 2016, recalled Kitze speaking to Epoch advertising salespeople at a 2012 San Francisco seminar. “While I was already familiar with the fact that the Chinese Communist Party was officially persecuting Some [sic] 100 million Falun Gong practitioners in China and that the leftist media [...] was strangely ignoring this story, even to this day, that included over 75 Communist government hospitals busy murdering thousands of these people every year since the early two thousands, to harvest and sell their body parts to U.S. and other world customers,” wrote Tullar in an email. “Mr. Kitze was the first business guy I had ever met that was dedicating a significant part of his business profits and effort to exposing these facts. He struck me as a kind and genuine person who cared about his fellow man,” said Tullar. “While my understanding of and experience with him was limited, I was nonetheless inspired by his effort and compassion. And his presentation turned out to be useful as well.”The Hedge Fund Man Behind Pro-Trump Media’s New War on ChinaThe Epoch Times has always maintained a hawkish editorial tone towards China but that line took on a more overtly partisan and focused U.S. political message over the course of the Trump presidency, pushing a steady onslaught of articles and videos labeling the novel coronavirus “CCP Virus” and advancing a series of thinly reported or unsubstantiated theories about vast Chinese government cover-ups to hide the origins of COVID-19.Busted: Pentagon Contractors’ Report on ‘Wuhan Lab’ Origins of Virus Is BogusThe paper’s editorial board even went so far as to claim, “If someone is unfortunately infected with the CCP virus, we suggest that he or she sincerely says ‘down with the CCP.’ Maybe a miracle will happen.”“Staying away from the CCP and condemning the CCP can help any individual, organization, or country alleviate or even avoid attacks of the CCP virus,” the ed board added. “They may then embrace a wonderful future.”Over the course of the Trump presidency, Epoch emerged as a prolific pro-Trump media outlet.When Facebook banned the Epoch Media Group from buying ads in August 2019, it later said the news outlet spent over $9 million on ads, including approximately 11,000 pro-Trump Facebook advertisements, more than any other organization other than the Trump campaign.Epoch denied the ads were purchased by The Epoch Times but Facebook said Epoch evaded the company’s transparency rules for political advertising and “repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few.”Epoch’s pivot toward Trump appears to have coincided with the ramp up of BeforeItsNews.com’s drumbeat of pro-Trump articles, and Kitze’s conspiracy theories.“[BeforeItsNews] was one of the first news websites to really cover Donald Trump and his candidacy in a serious manner and, you know, we took him seriously,” Kitze told a conspiracy oriented podcast, The Common Sense Show, in July 2016. “We didn’t think he was just some flash in the pan.”In 2017, the alliance between Kitze and Epoch became official, when Kitze joined Epoch’s board as a vice president in 2017—an association that is listed nowhere on Epoch’s website, Kitze’s online social media profiles, or in a 2018 profile on him in the newspaper. His continued promotion of disproven or baseless conspiracy theories is seemingly in contradiction with Epoch’s “dedicat[ion] to truthful reporting.”Meanwhile, Kitze kept elevating the strangest of right-wing conspiracy theories. In a 2018 appearance on the Common Sense Show, Kitze referenced the alleged “organ harvesting” of Falun Gong practitioners in China, explaining that he believed they were also being used for “satanic” ritual purposes “as we’ve just seen in the U.S. with all the Pizzagate things.”Kitze’s reference to Pizzagate is particularly jarring as it came a year and a half after a man with an assault rifle was arrested outside a pizza restaurant in Washington D.C. attempting to investigate online conspiracy claims that a pedophile ring was operating in the restaurant’s basement with the help of Bill and Hillary Clinton.Kitze went on to echo a largely debunked assertion made by the Trump administration about child trafficking on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying:> All these kids coming across the border, these ones all the Democrats were up in arms about, you know, ‘how can you separate the families?’. Fifty-percent of them aren’t even with their family. They’re being trafficked and God knows where these poor kids are going to end up.In 2019, Kitze appeared on the same show to discuss, among other topics, a conspiracy theory involving the Clintons selling “all of the U.S. secrets” to China. “The Clintons had asked for $1 trillion but [the Chinese] got a deal and only had to pay the Clintons $900 billion,” said Kitze, referencing reporting in The Epoch Times Chinese language edition.Since forming BeforeItsNews, Kitze focused heavily on privacy-related products, including Unseen, a now shuttered secure messaging platform, and founding the cryptocurrency Flashcoin, both of which were featured in a glowing 2018 profile in The Epoch Times that made no reference to his role as an officer in the organization.Kitze also serves as chairman of the Alphabit Fund, a Dubai and Cayman Islands based cryptocurrency fund aiming to raise $300 million that Reuters described in 2018 as “one of the world’s largest digital currency funds.”Epoch Times Advertiser Deletes Facebook Page After Hacking InquiriesAlphabit’s co-founder and managing director, Saeed Al Darmaki, worked for over eight years at Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, raising questions about whether Alphabit has state backing. Kitze did not respond to a request for comment about the investors in Alphabit, his responsibilities as a vice president at Epoch or his current relationship with BeforeItsNews.Epoch, for its part, offered incomplete and contradictory answers about Kitze’s role at the news organization.Dr. Dana Cheng, a spokesperson for The Epoch Times, responded to questions about Kitze’s involvement, saying, “Mr. Kitze had limited involvement with The Epoch Times more than 7 years ago,” adding,  “There is no relationship between The Epoch Times and any of Mr. Kitze’s endeavors, including beforeitsnews."Cheng appeared to contradict her statement about Kitze’s involvement with Epoch more than seven years ago when questioned about his appearance on tax filings in the 2017 and 2018 tax years. “Yes, he was a board member in 2017 and 2018, with minimal involvement,” said Cheng, adding, “He is not a board member nor a VP now.”Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

from Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines https://ift.tt/2yAZFPN

[teeky185]

This article was co-published with Responsible Statecraft.A former NBC executive who founded one of the earliest—and more successful—fake news websites quietly assumed a leadership role at The Epoch Times as the news outlet ramped up its pro-Trump messaging after the 2016 election.Epoch’s influential role as a Trump-friendly media outlet coincided with access to Trump allies seeking friendly interviews, uncritical coverage of the administration’s policies, and a venue to advance the White House’s militant anti-Beijing and hyper-nationalist messages.That change in direction—which included a flood of omnipresent YouTube ads costing at least $1 million, and a ban from Facebook for violating the platform’s rules about political advertising—appears to have occurred alongside the 2017 arrival of a new vice president at The Epoch Times, Chris Kitze, and huge jumps in the paper’s revenue from $3.8 million in 2016 to $8.1 million in 2017 and $12.4 million in 2018. Kitze, who now manages a cryptocurrency hedge fund, was listed as a member of the six-person board of the The Epoch Times Association, the nonprofit that operates The Epoch Times, as a vice president in 2017 and 2018 tax documents. But Kitze’s ties to The Epoch Times go back much further than 2017 and point to a mutually beneficial relationship. Since 2010, Kitze’s company, BeforeItsNews.com, an early fake news site that promoted conspiracy theories about then-president Barack Obama and offered extensive coverage of Trump’s insurgent candidacy in 2016, promoted Falun Gong—a spiritual movement that is persecuted by the Chinese government and has the stated goal of destroying the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—and The Epoch Times; meanwhile, Falun Gong-linked media properties quietly promoted Kitze’s other business ventures, including Unseen, an encrypted messaging platform.Captain Trump Steers America Toward Iceberg of InsanityChris Kitze’s career spans countless internet ventures and well-timed exits from companies across two tech bubbles. His LinkedIn profile shows an impressive career starting in 1991 with the founding of Acris Media, a company selling clipart on CD-ROMs, a stint as the VP of Marketing at the early search engine Lycos from 1995 to 1996 (“I led the Lycos marketing team through one of the first internet IPOs,” says Kitze on LinkedIn) and founding and serving as chairman of free-website company Xoom.com, leading to a merger with NBC Internet (NBCi).Kitze served as CEO of NBCi, NBC’s initiative to create an NBC controlled internet portal and landing page, from 1999 to 2000. Kitze’s post-NBC activities include serving as CEO of Yaga, a filesharing network, serving as chairman of Wine.com before pivoting his attention to a number of blockchain- and cryptocurrency-related companies five years ago.Kitze’s public resume contains at least two noticeable omissions: the 2008 formation of BeforeItsNews.com and Kitze’s appointment as a VP at The Epoch Times and membership on the paper’s board starting in 2017.BeforeItsNews.com appears to have begun operations in early 2009, shortly after Obama’s inauguration and, at launch, directly attacked the news media’s treatment of Obama, referencing then-MSNBC-pundit Chris Matthew’s March 2008 comment about how “I felt this thrill going up my leg” when Obama spoke.BeforeItsNews.com’s “about” page read:> Something strange happened during the 2008 U.S. election. The news media came down with a bad case of amnesia — they forgot exactly what it was they were supposed to be doing. Instead of asking critical questions of those running for office, they went out of their way to "get a tingle up their leg" for some candidates, or to ignore the constitutional requirements of the political office.> > We wanted to present a point of view that didn't seem to exist in the mainstream media. One that is hopeful, yet realistic, based on the natural law of truth, compassion and tolerance.What that meant in practice was the rapid production of enormous quantities of user contributed news articles, wide dissemination on social media, and no editorial oversight or fact-checking.The website encourages anyone to contribute articles, advertising itself as a “news utility—an internet platform that enables the hosting and distribution of any kind of news, worldwide.“It will get out through all the major search engines,” says the current “about” page.Conspiracy theories about Obama’s birth certificate, UFOs, the New World Order, and imminent economic and societal collapse all made the front page of BeforeItsNews.com.A 2017 Guardian article on Facebook’s failures to address the dissemination of fake news on its platform specifically mentioned Kitze and BeforeItsNews.com:> Chris Kitze, who runs BeforeItsNews.com, said that although he allows users to post any content without fact-checking, he hasn’t noticed Facebook tagging any of his site’s articles as fake news. That includes a recent piece debunked by Snopes claiming to include leaked photos showing how Obama practiced Islam in the White House.> > “A lot of people think Obama is Muslim. That’s what it plays on. Is it real? I don’t know,” he said. “The fact is a lot of people thought it was real or it reflects their sentiment.”Alongside publishing a steady flow of factually questionable content, Kitze, BeforeItsNews.com, and Epoch appear to have enjoyed a thriving relationship with over 20,000 Epoch Times articles appearing on the site between 2010 and 2012.Kitze’s involvement with Falun Gong was detailed in an Epoch Times article published in June 2012, in which he described coming across Falun Gong practitioners in New York’s Times Square in 2005 and, remembering that encounter, educating himself in the movement and practicing its meditation techniques two years later.The group’s persecution in China—the Chinese government banned Falun Gong and prohibits practice of the movement’s exercises in public and the dissemination of its written material—and freedom of participating in an activity defying the Chinese government clearly resonated with Kitze.The Epoch Times explained that Kitze was drawn to Falun Gong’s openness and participants’ voluntary decision to practice and study the movement. “Kitze said this may be why the Chinese communist regime was so afraid of Falun Gong that it launched a brutal campaign of hate and persecution against some 100 million practitioners, starting a decade ago in the country where the practice originated” said The Epoch Times. “Because it’s in your heart and mind—that’s something no government could ever control, that’s one reason why a totalitarian regime would oppose it,” Kitze told the paper.Matthew Tullar, who served as director of circulation at The Epoch Times from 2012 to 2014 and director of sales and marketing from 2015 to 2016, recalled Kitze speaking to Epoch advertising salespeople at a 2012 San Francisco seminar. “While I was already familiar with the fact that the Chinese Communist Party was officially persecuting Some [sic] 100 million Falun Gong practitioners in China and that the leftist media [...] was strangely ignoring this story, even to this day, that included over 75 Communist government hospitals busy murdering thousands of these people every year since the early two thousands, to harvest and sell their body parts to U.S. and other world customers,” wrote Tullar in an email. “Mr. Kitze was the first business guy I had ever met that was dedicating a significant part of his business profits and effort to exposing these facts. He struck me as a kind and genuine person who cared about his fellow man,” said Tullar. “While my understanding of and experience with him was limited, I was nonetheless inspired by his effort and compassion. And his presentation turned out to be useful as well.”The Hedge Fund Man Behind Pro-Trump Media’s New War on ChinaThe Epoch Times has always maintained a hawkish editorial tone towards China but that line took on a more overtly partisan and focused U.S. political message over the course of the Trump presidency, pushing a steady onslaught of articles and videos labeling the novel coronavirus “CCP Virus” and advancing a series of thinly reported or unsubstantiated theories about vast Chinese government cover-ups to hide the origins of COVID-19.Busted: Pentagon Contractors’ Report on ‘Wuhan Lab’ Origins of Virus Is BogusThe paper’s editorial board even went so far as to claim, “If someone is unfortunately infected with the CCP virus, we suggest that he or she sincerely says ‘down with the CCP.’ Maybe a miracle will happen.”“Staying away from the CCP and condemning the CCP can help any individual, organization, or country alleviate or even avoid attacks of the CCP virus,” the ed board added. “They may then embrace a wonderful future.”Over the course of the Trump presidency, Epoch emerged as a prolific pro-Trump media outlet.When Facebook banned the Epoch Media Group from buying ads in August 2019, it later said the news outlet spent over $9 million on ads, including approximately 11,000 pro-Trump Facebook advertisements, more than any other organization other than the Trump campaign.Epoch denied the ads were purchased by The Epoch Times but Facebook said Epoch evaded the company’s transparency rules for political advertising and “repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few.”Epoch’s pivot toward Trump appears to have coincided with the ramp up of BeforeItsNews.com’s drumbeat of pro-Trump articles, and Kitze’s conspiracy theories.“[BeforeItsNews] was one of the first news websites to really cover Donald Trump and his candidacy in a serious manner and, you know, we took him seriously,” Kitze told a conspiracy oriented podcast, The Common Sense Show, in July 2016. “We didn’t think he was just some flash in the pan.”In 2017, the alliance between Kitze and Epoch became official, when Kitze joined Epoch’s board as a vice president in 2017—an association that is listed nowhere on Epoch’s website, Kitze’s online social media profiles, or in a 2018 profile on him in the newspaper. His continued promotion of disproven or baseless conspiracy theories is seemingly in contradiction with Epoch’s “dedicat[ion] to truthful reporting.”Meanwhile, Kitze kept elevating the strangest of right-wing conspiracy theories. In a 2018 appearance on the Common Sense Show, Kitze referenced the alleged “organ harvesting” of Falun Gong practitioners in China, explaining that he believed they were also being used for “satanic” ritual purposes “as we’ve just seen in the U.S. with all the Pizzagate things.”Kitze’s reference to Pizzagate is particularly jarring as it came a year and a half after a man with an assault rifle was arrested outside a pizza restaurant in Washington D.C. attempting to investigate online conspiracy claims that a pedophile ring was operating in the restaurant’s basement with the help of Bill and Hillary Clinton.Kitze went on to echo a largely debunked assertion made by the Trump administration about child trafficking on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying:> All these kids coming across the border, these ones all the Democrats were up in arms about, you know, ‘how can you separate the families?’. Fifty-percent of them aren’t even with their family. They’re being trafficked and God knows where these poor kids are going to end up.In 2019, Kitze appeared on the same show to discuss, among other topics, a conspiracy theory involving the Clintons selling “all of the U.S. secrets” to China. “The Clintons had asked for $1 trillion but [the Chinese] got a deal and only had to pay the Clintons $900 billion,” said Kitze, referencing reporting in The Epoch Times Chinese language edition.Since forming BeforeItsNews, Kitze focused heavily on privacy-related products, including Unseen, a now shuttered secure messaging platform, and founding the cryptocurrency Flashcoin, both of which were featured in a glowing 2018 profile in The Epoch Times that made no reference to his role as an officer in the organization.Kitze also serves as chairman of the Alphabit Fund, a Dubai and Cayman Islands based cryptocurrency fund aiming to raise $300 million that Reuters described in 2018 as “one of the world’s largest digital currency funds.”Epoch Times Advertiser Deletes Facebook Page After Hacking InquiriesAlphabit’s co-founder and managing director, Saeed Al Darmaki, worked for over eight years at Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, raising questions about whether Alphabit has state backing. Kitze did not respond to a request for comment about the investors in Alphabit, his responsibilities as a vice president at Epoch or his current relationship with BeforeItsNews.Epoch, for its part, offered incomplete and contradictory answers about Kitze’s role at the news organization.Dr. Dana Cheng, a spokesperson for The Epoch Times, responded to questions about Kitze’s involvement, saying, “Mr. Kitze had limited involvement with The Epoch Times more than 7 years ago,” adding,  “There is no relationship between The Epoch Times and any of Mr. Kitze’s endeavors, including beforeitsnews."Cheng appeared to contradict her statement about Kitze’s involvement with Epoch more than seven years ago when questioned about his appearance on tax filings in the 2017 and 2018 tax years. “Yes, he was a board member in 2017 and 2018, with minimal involvement,” said Cheng, adding, “He is not a board member nor a VP now.”Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

from Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines https://ift.tt/2yAZFPN

[morningusa]

This article was co-published with Responsible Statecraft.A former NBC executive who founded one of the earliest—and more successful—fake news websites quietly assumed a leadership role at The Epoch Times as the news outlet ramped up its pro-Trump messaging after the 2016 election.Epoch’s influential role as a Trump-friendly media outlet coincided with access to Trump allies seeking friendly interviews, uncritical coverage of the administration’s policies, and a venue to advance the White House’s militant anti-Beijing and hyper-nationalist messages.That change in direction—which included a flood of omnipresent YouTube ads costing at least $1 million, and a ban from Facebook for violating the platform’s rules about political advertising—appears to have occurred alongside the 2017 arrival of a new vice president at The Epoch Times, Chris Kitze, and huge jumps in the paper’s revenue from $3.8 million in 2016 to $8.1 million in 2017 and $12.4 million in 2018. Kitze, who now manages a cryptocurrency hedge fund, was listed as a member of the six-person board of the The Epoch Times Association, the nonprofit that operates The Epoch Times, as a vice president in 2017 and 2018 tax documents. But Kitze’s ties to The Epoch Times go back much further than 2017 and point to a mutually beneficial relationship. Since 2010, Kitze’s company, BeforeItsNews.com, an early fake news site that promoted conspiracy theories about then-president Barack Obama and offered extensive coverage of Trump’s insurgent candidacy in 2016, promoted Falun Gong—a spiritual movement that is persecuted by the Chinese government and has the stated goal of destroying the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—and The Epoch Times; meanwhile, Falun Gong-linked media properties quietly promoted Kitze’s other business ventures, including Unseen, an encrypted messaging platform.Captain Trump Steers America Toward Iceberg of InsanityChris Kitze’s career spans countless internet ventures and well-timed exits from companies across two tech bubbles. His LinkedIn profile shows an impressive career starting in 1991 with the founding of Acris Media, a company selling clipart on CD-ROMs, a stint as the VP of Marketing at the early search engine Lycos from 1995 to 1996 (“I led the Lycos marketing team through one of the first internet IPOs,” says Kitze on LinkedIn) and founding and serving as chairman of free-website company Xoom.com, leading to a merger with NBC Internet (NBCi).Kitze served as CEO of NBCi, NBC’s initiative to create an NBC controlled internet portal and landing page, from 1999 to 2000. Kitze’s post-NBC activities include serving as CEO of Yaga, a filesharing network, serving as chairman of Wine.com before pivoting his attention to a number of blockchain- and cryptocurrency-related companies five years ago.Kitze’s public resume contains at least two noticeable omissions: the 2008 formation of BeforeItsNews.com and Kitze’s appointment as a VP at The Epoch Times and membership on the paper’s board starting in 2017.BeforeItsNews.com appears to have begun operations in early 2009, shortly after Obama’s inauguration and, at launch, directly attacked the news media’s treatment of Obama, referencing then-MSNBC-pundit Chris Matthew’s March 2008 comment about how “I felt this thrill going up my leg” when Obama spoke.BeforeItsNews.com’s “about” page read:> Something strange happened during the 2008 U.S. election. The news media came down with a bad case of amnesia — they forgot exactly what it was they were supposed to be doing. Instead of asking critical questions of those running for office, they went out of their way to "get a tingle up their leg" for some candidates, or to ignore the constitutional requirements of the political office.> > We wanted to present a point of view that didn't seem to exist in the mainstream media. One that is hopeful, yet realistic, based on the natural law of truth, compassion and tolerance.What that meant in practice was the rapid production of enormous quantities of user contributed news articles, wide dissemination on social media, and no editorial oversight or fact-checking.The website encourages anyone to contribute articles, advertising itself as a “news utility—an internet platform that enables the hosting and distribution of any kind of news, worldwide.“It will get out through all the major search engines,” says the current “about” page.Conspiracy theories about Obama’s birth certificate, UFOs, the New World Order, and imminent economic and societal collapse all made the front page of BeforeItsNews.com.A 2017 Guardian article on Facebook’s failures to address the dissemination of fake news on its platform specifically mentioned Kitze and BeforeItsNews.com:> Chris Kitze, who runs BeforeItsNews.com, said that although he allows users to post any content without fact-checking, he hasn’t noticed Facebook tagging any of his site’s articles as fake news. That includes a recent piece debunked by Snopes claiming to include leaked photos showing how Obama practiced Islam in the White House.> > “A lot of people think Obama is Muslim. That’s what it plays on. Is it real? I don’t know,” he said. “The fact is a lot of people thought it was real or it reflects their sentiment.”Alongside publishing a steady flow of factually questionable content, Kitze, BeforeItsNews.com, and Epoch appear to have enjoyed a thriving relationship with over 20,000 Epoch Times articles appearing on the site between 2010 and 2012.Kitze’s involvement with Falun Gong was detailed in an Epoch Times article published in June 2012, in which he described coming across Falun Gong practitioners in New York’s Times Square in 2005 and, remembering that encounter, educating himself in the movement and practicing its meditation techniques two years later.The group’s persecution in China—the Chinese government banned Falun Gong and prohibits practice of the movement’s exercises in public and the dissemination of its written material—and freedom of participating in an activity defying the Chinese government clearly resonated with Kitze.The Epoch Times explained that Kitze was drawn to Falun Gong’s openness and participants’ voluntary decision to practice and study the movement. “Kitze said this may be why the Chinese communist regime was so afraid of Falun Gong that it launched a brutal campaign of hate and persecution against some 100 million practitioners, starting a decade ago in the country where the practice originated” said The Epoch Times. “Because it’s in your heart and mind—that’s something no government could ever control, that’s one reason why a totalitarian regime would oppose it,” Kitze told the paper.Matthew Tullar, who served as director of circulation at The Epoch Times from 2012 to 2014 and director of sales and marketing from 2015 to 2016, recalled Kitze speaking to Epoch advertising salespeople at a 2012 San Francisco seminar. “While I was already familiar with the fact that the Chinese Communist Party was officially persecuting Some [sic] 100 million Falun Gong practitioners in China and that the leftist media [...] was strangely ignoring this story, even to this day, that included over 75 Communist government hospitals busy murdering thousands of these people every year since the early two thousands, to harvest and sell their body parts to U.S. and other world customers,” wrote Tullar in an email. “Mr. Kitze was the first business guy I had ever met that was dedicating a significant part of his business profits and effort to exposing these facts. He struck me as a kind and genuine person who cared about his fellow man,” said Tullar. “While my understanding of and experience with him was limited, I was nonetheless inspired by his effort and compassion. And his presentation turned out to be useful as well.”The Hedge Fund Man Behind Pro-Trump Media’s New War on ChinaThe Epoch Times has always maintained a hawkish editorial tone towards China but that line took on a more overtly partisan and focused U.S. political message over the course of the Trump presidency, pushing a steady onslaught of articles and videos labeling the novel coronavirus “CCP Virus” and advancing a series of thinly reported or unsubstantiated theories about vast Chinese government cover-ups to hide the origins of COVID-19.Busted: Pentagon Contractors’ Report on ‘Wuhan Lab’ Origins of Virus Is BogusThe paper’s editorial board even went so far as to claim, “If someone is unfortunately infected with the CCP virus, we suggest that he or she sincerely says ‘down with the CCP.’ Maybe a miracle will happen.”“Staying away from the CCP and condemning the CCP can help any individual, organization, or country alleviate or even avoid attacks of the CCP virus,” the ed board added. “They may then embrace a wonderful future.”Over the course of the Trump presidency, Epoch emerged as a prolific pro-Trump media outlet.When Facebook banned the Epoch Media Group from buying ads in August 2019, it later said the news outlet spent over $9 million on ads, including approximately 11,000 pro-Trump Facebook advertisements, more than any other organization other than the Trump campaign.Epoch denied the ads were purchased by The Epoch Times but Facebook said Epoch evaded the company’s transparency rules for political advertising and “repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few.”Epoch’s pivot toward Trump appears to have coincided with the ramp up of BeforeItsNews.com’s drumbeat of pro-Trump articles, and Kitze’s conspiracy theories.“[BeforeItsNews] was one of the first news websites to really cover Donald Trump and his candidacy in a serious manner and, you know, we took him seriously,” Kitze told a conspiracy oriented podcast, The Common Sense Show, in July 2016. “We didn’t think he was just some flash in the pan.”In 2017, the alliance between Kitze and Epoch became official, when Kitze joined Epoch’s board as a vice president in 2017—an association that is listed nowhere on Epoch’s website, Kitze’s online social media profiles, or in a 2018 profile on him in the newspaper. His continued promotion of disproven or baseless conspiracy theories is seemingly in contradiction with Epoch’s “dedicat[ion] to truthful reporting.”Meanwhile, Kitze kept elevating the strangest of right-wing conspiracy theories. In a 2018 appearance on the Common Sense Show, Kitze referenced the alleged “organ harvesting” of Falun Gong practitioners in China, explaining that he believed they were also being used for “satanic” ritual purposes “as we’ve just seen in the U.S. with all the Pizzagate things.”Kitze’s reference to Pizzagate is particularly jarring as it came a year and a half after a man with an assault rifle was arrested outside a pizza restaurant in Washington D.C. attempting to investigate online conspiracy claims that a pedophile ring was operating in the restaurant’s basement with the help of Bill and Hillary Clinton.Kitze went on to echo a largely debunked assertion made by the Trump administration about child trafficking on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying:> All these kids coming across the border, these ones all the Democrats were up in arms about, you know, ‘how can you separate the families?’. Fifty-percent of them aren’t even with their family. They’re being trafficked and God knows where these poor kids are going to end up.In 2019, Kitze appeared on the same show to discuss, among other topics, a conspiracy theory involving the Clintons selling “all of the U.S. secrets” to China. “The Clintons had asked for $1 trillion but [the Chinese] got a deal and only had to pay the Clintons $900 billion,” said Kitze, referencing reporting in The Epoch Times Chinese language edition.Since forming BeforeItsNews, Kitze focused heavily on privacy-related products, including Unseen, a now shuttered secure messaging platform, and founding the cryptocurrency Flashcoin, both of which were featured in a glowing 2018 profile in The Epoch Times that made no reference to his role as an officer in the organization.Kitze also serves as chairman of the Alphabit Fund, a Dubai and Cayman Islands based cryptocurrency fund aiming to raise $300 million that Reuters described in 2018 as “one of the world’s largest digital currency funds.”Epoch Times Advertiser Deletes Facebook Page After Hacking InquiriesAlphabit’s co-founder and managing director, Saeed Al Darmaki, worked for over eight years at Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, raising questions about whether Alphabit has state backing. Kitze did not respond to a request for comment about the investors in Alphabit, his responsibilities as a vice president at Epoch or his current relationship with BeforeItsNews.Epoch, for its part, offered incomplete and contradictory answers about Kitze’s role at the news organization.Dr. Dana Cheng, a spokesperson for The Epoch Times, responded to questions about Kitze’s involvement, saying, “Mr. Kitze had limited involvement with The Epoch Times more than 7 years ago,” adding,  “There is no relationship between The Epoch Times and any of Mr. Kitze’s endeavors, including beforeitsnews."Cheng appeared to contradict her statement about Kitze’s involvement with Epoch more than seven years ago when questioned about his appearance on tax filings in the 2017 and 2018 tax years. “Yes, he was a board member in 2017 and 2018, with minimal involvement,” said Cheng, adding, “He is not a board member nor a VP now.”Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

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This NBC Executive Became a Conspiracy King and a Pro-Trump Media Boss

This article was co-published with Responsible Statecraft.A former NBC executive who founded one of the earliest—and more successful—fake news websites quietly assumed a leadership role at The Epoch Times as the news outlet ramped up its pro-Trump messaging after the 2016 election.Epoch’s influential role as a Trump-friendly media outlet coincided with access to Trump allies seeking friendly interviews, uncritical coverage of the administration’s policies, and a venue to advance the White House’s militant anti-Beijing and hyper-nationalist messages.That change in direction—which included a flood of omnipresent YouTube ads costing at least $1 million, and a ban from Facebook for violating the platform’s rules about political advertising—appears to have occurred alongside the 2017 arrival of a new vice president at The Epoch Times, Chris Kitze, and huge jumps in the paper’s revenue from $3.8 million in 2016 to $8.1 million in 2017 and $12.4 million in 2018. Kitze, who now manages a cryptocurrency hedge fund, was listed as a member of the six-person board of the The Epoch Times Association, the nonprofit that operates The Epoch Times, as a vice president in 2017 and 2018 tax documents. But Kitze’s ties to The Epoch Times go back much further than 2017 and point to a mutually beneficial relationship. Since 2010, Kitze’s company, BeforeItsNews.com, an early fake news site that promoted conspiracy theories about then-president Barack Obama and offered extensive coverage of Trump’s insurgent candidacy in 2016, promoted Falun Gong—a spiritual movement that is persecuted by the Chinese government and has the stated goal of destroying the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—and The Epoch Times; meanwhile, Falun Gong-linked media properties quietly promoted Kitze’s other business ventures, including Unseen, an encrypted messaging platform.Captain Trump Steers America Toward Iceberg of InsanityChris Kitze’s career spans countless internet ventures and well-timed exits from companies across two tech bubbles. His LinkedIn profile shows an impressive career starting in 1991 with the founding of Acris Media, a company selling clipart on CD-ROMs, a stint as the VP of Marketing at the early search engine Lycos from 1995 to 1996 (“I led the Lycos marketing team through one of the first internet IPOs,” says Kitze on LinkedIn) and founding and serving as chairman of free-website company Xoom.com, leading to a merger with NBC Internet (NBCi).Kitze served as CEO of NBCi, NBC’s initiative to create an NBC controlled internet portal and landing page, from 1999 to 2000. Kitze’s post-NBC activities include serving as CEO of Yaga, a filesharing network, serving as chairman of Wine.com before pivoting his attention to a number of blockchain- and cryptocurrency-related companies five years ago.Kitze’s public resume contains at least two noticeable omissions: the 2008 formation of BeforeItsNews.com and Kitze’s appointment as a VP at The Epoch Times and membership on the paper’s board starting in 2017.BeforeItsNews.com appears to have begun operations in early 2009, shortly after Obama’s inauguration and, at launch, directly attacked the news media’s treatment of Obama, referencing then-MSNBC-pundit Chris Matthew’s March 2008 comment about how “I felt this thrill going up my leg” when Obama spoke.BeforeItsNews.com’s “about” page read:> Something strange happened during the 2008 U.S. election. The news media came down with a bad case of amnesia — they forgot exactly what it was they were supposed to be doing. Instead of asking critical questions of those running for office, they went out of their way to "get a tingle up their leg" for some candidates, or to ignore the constitutional requirements of the political office.> > We wanted to present a point of view that didn't seem to exist in the mainstream media. One that is hopeful, yet realistic, based on the natural law of truth, compassion and tolerance.What that meant in practice was the rapid production of enormous quantities of user contributed news articles, wide dissemination on social media, and no editorial oversight or fact-checking.The website encourages anyone to contribute articles, advertising itself as a “news utility—an internet platform that enables the hosting and distribution of any kind of news, worldwide.“It will get out through all the major search engines,” says the current “about” page.Conspiracy theories about Obama’s birth certificate, UFOs, the New World Order, and imminent economic and societal collapse all made the front page of BeforeItsNews.com.A 2017 Guardian article on Facebook’s failures to address the dissemination of fake news on its platform specifically mentioned Kitze and BeforeItsNews.com:> Chris Kitze, who runs BeforeItsNews.com, said that although he allows users to post any content without fact-checking, he hasn’t noticed Facebook tagging any of his site’s articles as fake news. That includes a recent piece debunked by Snopes claiming to include leaked photos showing how Obama practiced Islam in the White House.> > “A lot of people think Obama is Muslim. That’s what it plays on. Is it real? I don’t know,” he said. “The fact is a lot of people thought it was real or it reflects their sentiment.”Alongside publishing a steady flow of factually questionable content, Kitze, BeforeItsNews.com, and Epoch appear to have enjoyed a thriving relationship with over 20,000 Epoch Times articles appearing on the site between 2010 and 2012.Kitze’s involvement with Falun Gong was detailed in an Epoch Times article published in June 2012, in which he described coming across Falun Gong practitioners in New York’s Times Square in 2005 and, remembering that encounter, educating himself in the movement and practicing its meditation techniques two years later.The group’s persecution in China—the Chinese government banned Falun Gong and prohibits practice of the movement’s exercises in public and the dissemination of its written material—and freedom of participating in an activity defying the Chinese government clearly resonated with Kitze.The Epoch Times explained that Kitze was drawn to Falun Gong’s openness and participants’ voluntary decision to practice and study the movement. “Kitze said this may be why the Chinese communist regime was so afraid of Falun Gong that it launched a brutal campaign of hate and persecution against some 100 million practitioners, starting a decade ago in the country where the practice originated” said The Epoch Times. “Because it’s in your heart and mind—that’s something no government could ever control, that’s one reason why a totalitarian regime would oppose it,” Kitze told the paper.Matthew Tullar, who served as director of circulation at The Epoch Times from 2012 to 2014 and director of sales and marketing from 2015 to 2016, recalled Kitze speaking to Epoch advertising salespeople at a 2012 San Francisco seminar. “While I was already familiar with the fact that the Chinese Communist Party was officially persecuting Some [sic] 100 million Falun Gong practitioners in China and that the leftist media [...] was strangely ignoring this story, even to this day, that included over 75 Communist government hospitals busy murdering thousands of these people every year since the early two thousands, to harvest and sell their body parts to U.S. and other world customers,” wrote Tullar in an email. “Mr. Kitze was the first business guy I had ever met that was dedicating a significant part of his business profits and effort to exposing these facts. He struck me as a kind and genuine person who cared about his fellow man,” said Tullar. “While my understanding of and experience with him was limited, I was nonetheless inspired by his effort and compassion. And his presentation turned out to be useful as well.”The Hedge Fund Man Behind Pro-Trump Media’s New War on ChinaThe Epoch Times has always maintained a hawkish editorial tone towards China but that line took on a more overtly partisan and focused U.S. political message over the course of the Trump presidency, pushing a steady onslaught of articles and videos labeling the novel coronavirus “CCP Virus” and advancing a series of thinly reported or unsubstantiated theories about vast Chinese government cover-ups to hide the origins of COVID-19.Busted: Pentagon Contractors’ Report on ‘Wuhan Lab’ Origins of Virus Is BogusThe paper’s editorial board even went so far as to claim, “If someone is unfortunately infected with the CCP virus, we suggest that he or she sincerely says ‘down with the CCP.’ Maybe a miracle will happen.”“Staying away from the CCP and condemning the CCP can help any individual, organization, or country alleviate or even avoid attacks of the CCP virus,” the ed board added. “They may then embrace a wonderful future.”Over the course of the Trump presidency, Epoch emerged as a prolific pro-Trump media outlet.When Facebook banned the Epoch Media Group from buying ads in August 2019, it later said the news outlet spent over $9 million on ads, including approximately 11,000 pro-Trump Facebook advertisements, more than any other organization other than the Trump campaign.Epoch denied the ads were purchased by The Epoch Times but Facebook said Epoch evaded the company’s transparency rules for political advertising and “repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few.”Epoch’s pivot toward Trump appears to have coincided with the ramp up of BeforeItsNews.com’s drumbeat of pro-Trump articles, and Kitze’s conspiracy theories.“[BeforeItsNews] was one of the first news websites to really cover Donald Trump and his candidacy in a serious manner and, you know, we took him seriously,” Kitze told a conspiracy oriented podcast, The Common Sense Show, in July 2016. “We didn’t think he was just some flash in the pan.”In 2017, the alliance between Kitze and Epoch became official, when Kitze joined Epoch’s board as a vice president in 2017—an association that is listed nowhere on Epoch’s website, Kitze’s online social media profiles, or in a 2018 profile on him in the newspaper. His continued promotion of disproven or baseless conspiracy theories is seemingly in contradiction with Epoch’s “dedicat[ion] to truthful reporting.”Meanwhile, Kitze kept elevating the strangest of right-wing conspiracy theories. In a 2018 appearance on the Common Sense Show, Kitze referenced the alleged “organ harvesting” of Falun Gong practitioners in China, explaining that he believed they were also being used for “satanic” ritual purposes “as we’ve just seen in the U.S. with all the Pizzagate things.”Kitze’s reference to Pizzagate is particularly jarring as it came a year and a half after a man with an assault rifle was arrested outside a pizza restaurant in Washington D.C. attempting to investigate online conspiracy claims that a pedophile ring was operating in the restaurant’s basement with the help of Bill and Hillary Clinton.Kitze went on to echo a largely debunked assertion made by the Trump administration about child trafficking on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying:> All these kids coming across the border, these ones all the Democrats were up in arms about, you know, ‘how can you separate the families?’. Fifty-percent of them aren’t even with their family. They’re being trafficked and God knows where these poor kids are going to end up.In 2019, Kitze appeared on the same show to discuss, among other topics, a conspiracy theory involving the Clintons selling “all of the U.S. secrets” to China. “The Clintons had asked for $1 trillion but [the Chinese] got a deal and only had to pay the Clintons $900 billion,” said Kitze, referencing reporting in The Epoch Times Chinese language edition.Since forming BeforeItsNews, Kitze focused heavily on privacy-related products, including Unseen, a now shuttered secure messaging platform, and founding the cryptocurrency Flashcoin, both of which were featured in a glowing 2018 profile in The Epoch Times that made no reference to his role as an officer in the organization.Kitze also serves as chairman of the Alphabit Fund, a Dubai and Cayman Islands based cryptocurrency fund aiming to raise $300 million that Reuters described in 2018 as “one of the world’s largest digital currency funds.”Epoch Times Advertiser Deletes Facebook Page After Hacking InquiriesAlphabit’s co-founder and managing director, Saeed Al Darmaki, worked for over eight years at Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, raising questions about whether Alphabit has state backing. Kitze did not respond to a request for comment about the investors in Alphabit, his responsibilities as a vice president at Epoch or his current relationship with BeforeItsNews.Epoch, for its part, offered incomplete and contradictory answers about Kitze’s role at the news organization.Dr. Dana Cheng, a spokesperson for The Epoch Times, responded to questions about Kitze’s involvement, saying, “Mr. Kitze had limited involvement with The Epoch Times more than 7 years ago,” adding,  “There is no relationship between The Epoch Times and any of Mr. Kitze’s endeavors, including beforeitsnews."Cheng appeared to contradict her statement about Kitze’s involvement with Epoch more than seven years ago when questioned about his appearance on tax filings in the 2017 and 2018 tax years. “Yes, he was a board member in 2017 and 2018, with minimal involvement,” said Cheng, adding, “He is not a board member nor a VP now.”Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

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