The moment it began—
Sukuna moved first.
Explosive power infused in his fist.
His foot dug into the concrete, shattering it as his body shot forward, cursed energy wrapping around his fist like a blade.
A straight punch—
Aimed to kill.
Sora's eyes sharpened.
Fast.
But—
It didn't land.
Satoru Gojo tilted his head slightly.
That was all.
The fist stopped.
Right before his face.
Sukuna's grin faltered for a fraction of a second.
"…What?"
Gojo smiled.
"Missed."
---
Sukuna didn't hesitate.
His other hand came in from the side—
A clawed strike aimed to tear through Gojo's torso.
Gojo leaned back.
Effortless.
The attack passed inches from his clothes.
Then Sukuna kicked—
A sweeping, cursed-energy-infused strike.
Gojo stepped over it.
Like he was avoiding a puddle.
No tension.
No strain.
Just—
Untouchable.
---
Sora watched from behind.
His pupils tightened slightly.
He's not even blocking.
No.
That wasn't it.
He doesn't need to.
Sukuna's expression shifted.
From amusement to irritation.
"…You brat."
His cursed energy surged violently.
The rooftop cracked further beneath his feet.
He lunged again—
Fast and precise.
A barrage of strikes.
Punches.
Claws.
Kicks.
Each one strong enough to tear apart a Grade 1 sorcerer.
But Gojo—
Walked.
Stepped.
Tilted.
Slipped through every single one.
Like Sukuna was swinging at empty space.
---
"Three seconds."
Gojo said casually.
Sukuna's eyes showed ferocity.
"…You're counting?"
"Of course."
Gojo smiled wider.
"Gotta keep it fair."
Sukuna roared slightly and sped up.
His movements became sharper—
More precise.
He adjusted mid-strike, twisting angles, aiming for blind spots.
A downward strike—
Gojo stepped aside.
An elbow—
Gojo leaned back.
A kick—
Gojo turned his body just enough to let it pass.
Then—
Sukuna vanished from sight.
Reappearing behind Gojo.
A full-force strike aimed at the back of his head.
But-
Gojo ducked.
Without even looking.
"Five seconds."
Sukuna clicked his tongue.
"…Annoying."
His grin returned—
Wider.
More dangerous.
"Let's see how long you keep smiling."
His cursed energy spiked again—
He lunged once more—
This time aiming not just to hit—
But to obliterate.
Gojo stepped forward.
Into the attack.
Sukuna's strike came in—
And passed through empty space.
Gojo had already moved.
Behind him.
Before Sukuna could react—
Gojo's hand tapped his shoulder lightly.
"Seven."
Sukuna's eyes widened—
Just slightly.
Then twisted his body violently.
Trying to grab him.
But alas!
Too late.
Gojo had already moved again.
---
Sora's breath slowed.
This isn't a fight.
This is downright domination.
"Eight seconds~"
Gojo's voice carried a cheerful hymm.
Sukuna turned fully now.
His eyes locked onto Gojo.
For the first time—
There was focus.
He was not fighting a average sorcerer.
He lunged again—
But this time, Gojo didn't dodge away.
He stepped in.
Closed the distance instantly.
And in one smooth motion—
He slipped behind Sukuna—
And jumped.
Landing directly onto his back.
Sukuna's eyes widened.
"…What—"
Gojo hooked an arm loosely around his shoulders—
Like he was casually leaning on him.
"Nine~"
He sang lightly.
Like a child humming his music.
Sukuna thrashed—
Trying to grab him—
But every movement felt just slightly off.
Just slightly out of reach.
Gojo leaned closer.
Right next to Sukuna's ear.
"Ten."
Silence.
For a brief moment—
Nothing moved.
Then—
Gojo dropped down lightly behind him.
Hands back in his pockets.
"Time's up."
Sukuna froze.
His body stiffened.
His expression twisted—
Annoyance.
Frustration.
Amusement.
All at once.
"…You—"
Before he could finish—
His body shifted.
The markings began to fade.
The overwhelming presence—
Collapsed inward.
And just like that—
Yuji Itadori returned.
---
He blinked.
"…Huh?"
Gojo stretched slightly.
"Welcome back."
Sora stood still.
Processing the fight.
That was ten seconds.
Not once did Gojo look like he was fighting seriously.
Sora exhaled slowly.
"fucking hell.."
Gojo glanced at him.
Grinning.
"Told you."
"I'm the strongest."