Aiden's estate—an expansive, luxurious property that served as both a residence and a training ground. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manicured gardens and traditional Japanese architecture.
Inside, the mood was tense but focused. The gravity of what had just happened settled heavily on everyone—Gojo and Sukuna had agreed to a showdown on December 24th.
Yorozu floated near Aiden in the main hall—her expression troubled but relieved the immediate threat had passed. Maki sat cross-legged on a tatami mat—her cursed tools laid out beside her. Mai leaned against the wall—arms crossed.
Yuji paced—his jaw clenched. "How are we supposed to just... wait until December 24th?"
Aiden's voice was firm—leaving no room for argument. "We don't just sit around and wait. We train."
Yuji stopped pacing—his eyes meeting Aiden's. "Train for what? We're already strong enough."
Maki scoffed from her spot on the tatami mat. "Strong enough to face Sukuna?"
Yuji's face fell—ego bruised. "I can fight him!"
Maki's laugh was cold—unforgiving. "You'd be dead in seconds, brat." She stood up—picking up her cursed tools. "Aiden's right. You're nowhere near strong enough to face Sukuna. Not even close."
Gojo leaned against the wall—arms crossed, his Six Eyes gleaming with cold calculation. "She's right, Yuji. You'd be dead in seconds."
His voice was blunt—unforgiving. "Even I'm not going to be able to beat Sukuna without proper preparation. And you? You're nowhere near my level."
He glanced at Aiden.
Gojo continued—his tone clinical. "December 24th gives us a few months. Nothing less." He turned his gaze to the rest of the group—Yuji, Maki, Mai, Yorozu, and the others. "That means training. Intensified training. Starting now."
Yuji grumbled but didn't argue. Maki nodded—already mentally preparing.
The training sessions were brutal—intense, calculated, and completely merciless. Aiden, Gojo, Yuta Okkotsu, and Yuji pushed each other to their absolute limits.
Gojo's infinity forced Aiden to adapt constantly—finding gaps in the impossible defense. Yuta's overwhelming cursed energy pushed Aiden's endurance—while Yuji's raw tenacity kept him grounded.
The training sessions became a routine—Aiden primarily sparring with Gojo. Realistically, Gojo was the only one who could actually challenge him. Yuta's cursed energy was immense, but Gojo's infinity was a completely different beast—unpredictable, untouchable, and constantly evolving.
Over the months of intense training, an unexpected bond formed between Aiden and Gojo. What started as a brutal rivalry evolved into a deep sense of mutual respect—teacher and student. Gojo pushed Aiden to his limits, challenging his understanding of cursed techniques and strategies. In return, Aiden brought fresh perspectives and innovations to Gojo's already advanced techniques.
The bond between Aiden and Gojo deepened—something neither expected. Gojo, the strongest sorcerer, had found a student who could actually push him. Aiden, with his Mach 3 speed and innovative combat style, forced Gojo to evolve beyond his infinity and six eyes.
They spent hours sparring—sometimes late into the night, their cursed energies clashing and blending.
A few days before the December 24th showdown—Gojo approached Aiden privately at the estate. His usual playful demeanor was absent—replaced by an uncharacteristic seriousness.
"Aiden," Gojo said quietly—his Six Eyes fixed on the horizon. "There's something I need to discuss with you. In case... things don't go as planned."
Aiden noticed the shift immediately—his heart sinking slightly. "What is it?"
Gojo's jaw tightened—his blue eyes unreadable behind his blindfold. "This isn't something I'm just tossing around casually. And you're not allowed to object." He paused—giving Aiden a look that brooked no argument.
"I've made arrangements."
The training sessions continued—Aiden pushing his limits against Gojo, Yuta, and Yuji. But as December 24th approached, the atmosphere at the estate grew heavy. The countdown was on.
Gojo's brief, cryptic conversation with Aiden hung over the estate—a quiet tension that no one else noticed.
December 24th arrived—a cold, biting morning in Shinjuku. The sky was overcast—threatening snow. Crowds had been cleared—police cordons established for blocks around.
The strongest sorcerer versus the King of Curses.
Aiden stood in the wings—alongside Yuta, Maki, Mai, Yorozu, and the others.