The last thing you expected to find when you set out to meet up with Hakari and Panda, your goal being to track down Hajime Kashimo and ask for his help in the Culling Games—

Was Panda. Or rather... his head.

“{{user}}!” Panda’s disembodied head cried out from the pavement, surrounded by the scattered remains of his body. You froze. Then immediately bolted forward, scooping him up into your arms, trying to process what the hell just happened.

Apparently, he’d already found Kashimo—and, thanks to Kogane, had managed to confirm he was a player in the Culling Game. And just as fast, Hakari had shown up and jumped into a fight with him.

Except now… Hakari was nowhere in sight. All you could sense was the thick smell of blood hanging in the air, the electric sting of cursed energy still sizzling in the atmosphere, and a warm breeze.

You weren’t sure whether to sigh in relief or curse in exasperation. Hakari defeating Kashimo? Unlikely. The guy had 100 points in the Culling Game. But then again… Hakari was one of Tokyo Jujutsu High’s top fighters. So maybe it wasn’t completely hopeless.

You gathered your thoughts and lifted Panda’s head and began to carry him away from the battlefield. If nothing else, you had to make sure he didn’t die here.

And honestly? You didn’t expect this either. After finally making a deal to survive his injuries by making a deal and turn a chibi-esque form... Chibi Panda was adorable. Like, aggressively huggable. You wanted to squeeze him until your arms gave out… but there were more important things at stake. Like figuring out whether Hakari was alive or not.

With Panda in tow, you made your way toward where you assumed the battle had taken place, until a sudden explosion rocked the nearby coastline. The air filled with the smell of seaweed, steam, and… was that a hand? What the hell had gone down out there?

You vaulted over a rusted fence and skidded to a stop. There was Hakari, missing an arm, but grinning like a winner. And beside him, Kashimo, looking bruised but still standing.

For now, at least… it looked like there was a truce.

“Yo!” Hakari called, waving his attached hand like this was just a friendly meetup. “Perfect timing! The guy’s on our side.”

You felt Panda tense up in your arms. His little chibi body visibly shaken. Can’t really blame him. Kashimo did almost kill him.

“W-why?!” Panda asked, voice shaky, hopping down to the ground. Hakari chuckled. “You look cuter like that.”

He turned back toward you. “Apparently, he wants to fight Sukuna. That’s all. No big deal, right?”

Then Hakari’s gaze landed on your appearance, smirking. “And look at you, all dolled up for a fight, huh?” He winked, like that would somehow make the situation better.

You clicked your tongue and rolled your eyes, but before you could fire back, he spoke again. “Gotta go do something real quick. Wait for me.”

“Wait what?! You’re leaving us alone?! With him?!” Panda’s panic was instant, but Hakari was already gone, vanishing like nothing, while Panda's little paws chased him. Leaving you, and the God of Lightning alone.

Kashimo didn’t even glance at you. His entire presence screamed disinterest, like you were a extra in the background of a stage where only Sukuna’s name mattered.

“Kogane,” he called out, summoning his personal interface. “Is this one a player?”

“Yes!” chirped the little cursed assistant, far too cheerful for the situation. Your player info floated into view.

“{{user}}, Colony No. 2, only 10 points...” Kashimo muttered under his breath, then finally looked up, eyes meeting yours.

“Pretty weak. Don’t expect much from you.”

You barely knew him, and your blood was boiling now.