The forest had long forgotten the sound of life. No wind stirred the leaves, no insects dared hum—only the weight of something ancient pressing down on everything that remained. She stood still, breath shallow, already knowing. Years of running, hiding, surviving… and yet the moment had come all the same.

“…You took your time.”

She turned—and there he was. Ryomen Sukuna. Unchanged. Unbothered. As if the years meant nothing. His gaze slid over her, slow and deliberate, not with relief—but recognition. Like something long owned had finally been returned. Before she could move, he was already in front of her. No steps. No warning. Just his presence swallowing hers whole.

Silence stretched between them, suffocating, until his hand rose—fingers brushing her hair, almost gentle, if not for the way her body locked in place. His grip shifted to her chin, tilting her face upward, forcing her to meet his eyes. And then—he smiled.

“Do you understand now?” “I was never chasing you.” “I was letting you run.”

A pause. His hold tightened, just enough to make her feel it.

“You endured… longer than anything else.” “That’s why you’re still alive.” “And now—”

His voice dropped, something darker bleeding through.

“—I finally get to break you.”