"We're cursed sorcerers, not sorcerers."
"You understand the difference, don't you?"
Sukuna's gaze locked onto Yukiori, searching his face for a reaction.
Unexpectedly, Yukiori wasn't surprised or afraid. He'd known Sukuna was a cursed sorcerer since that night, only wondering why they chose this path.
Weren't sorcerers revered? Why live in such sparse simplicity?
"Because they're hypocritical and arrogant."
Uraume snorted, their voice thick with disdain for sorcerers.
"If my lord hadn't saved me from a pile of corpses three years ago, I wouldn't be alive today."
Like Yukiori, Uraume had been rescued by Sukuna. From that day, they vowed to follow him to the death.
Whether Sukuna chose to be a cursed sorcerer, defying all, or ordered Uraume to die, they'd obey without hesitation.
"They envied my lord's immense cursed energy, fearing a sudden prodigy would usurp their status…"
Sukuna's power posed an unprecedented threat to sorcerers.
In this era, such a formidable sorcerer was no longer needed.
Worse, Sukuna's appearance—unacceptable to ordinary folk—branded him unfit to be a sorcerer in their eyes.
Even as a boy, before awakening his cursed energy, Sukuna was shunned. Becoming a sorcerer changed nothing.
"So that night, they tried to kill you."
Yukuna's voice was soft.
Sukuna stayed silent, Uraume answering for him. "My lord went out that day, not expecting to be targeted by those sorcerers."
Sorcerers and cursed sorcerers were mortal enemies. If Sukuna hadn't killed them, he'd have died instead.
Yukiori nodded, understanding.
Uraume, surprised Yukiori sided with them, pressed, "Don't you think cursed sorcerers are unforgivable?"
"But you're just trying to survive, aren't you?"
Compared to others, these two were a thousand times better.
Yukiori stepped forward, bowing to the cursed sorcerers, younger than himself. "Thank you both for your help, but I should leave soon."
Uraume's expression didn't shift, but they glanced at Sukuna, leaning nearby, before speaking. "You haven't rested properly in days. Your body's weak. If you must leave, rest here a few days first."
To sustain Sukuna, Uraume had studied some medicine. Before Yukiori woke, they'd told Sukuna of his frail condition.
Uraume's plea to stay was entirely for Sukuna's sake.
To Sukuna, all but Uraume were prey.
Yet Yukiori, saved by Sukuna, was different. Uraume knew he was special.
Special how? Uraume understood clearly.
It was those clear eyes, free of scorn or disgust, filled only with care and sincere thanks—something neither Uraume nor Sukuna had ever known.
Uraume wanted Yukiori to stay, to preserve a spark of purity in Sukuna's heart.
They didn't want Sukuna consumed by bloodlust forever. They hoped Sukuna could feel true joy, even once.
Perhaps Yukiori could change him.
As Sukuna's follower, Uraume read his lord's heart. Seeing Sukuna's reluctance to let Yukiori go, Uraume voiced what Sukuna wouldn't.
Uraume's words stirred Yukiori's awareness of his own weakness, but he shook his head. "I don't want to trouble you…"
"No trouble."
Sukuna stepped closer, wooden clogs clacking on the floor.
Despite being younger, he towered over Yukiori.
Glancing up, Yukiori averted his eyes. "I…"
Finally, he poured out his story to Sukuna and Uraume. With nothing left to lose, he hid nothing.
"If you're worried about sorcerers finding you, there's no need."
Uraume froze a nearby bucket of water with a gesture.
"My lord and I can protect you. If you want to avoid sorcerers, this place is safer than anywhere else."
Sukuna didn't object, silently watching Yukiori, awaiting his answer.
The family he'd met taught Yukiori he brought trouble to others, urging him to leave quickly.
But seeing Uraume's power and recalling that night, Yukiori knew Uraume's words weren't empty.
Yet he didn't want to burden anyone. What right did he have to their protection?
Momoto's lessons taught him nothing came without a price.
"And the streets are swarming with sorcerers. If you leave now, you'll be caught immediately."
Why so many sorcerers? Uraume and Yukiori glanced at Sukuna.
Sukuna: …
"… "
Confirming the town below teemed with sorcerers, Yukiori had no choice but to stay temporarily.
His room was on the second floor, near Sukuna's at the corridor's end. Uraume's was downstairs.
After a few days, Yukiori noticed Uraume handled nearly all chores, seemingly content with the arrangement.
"Um… Uraume…"
It was the first time Yukiori called Uraume's name. Seeing the dishes in Uraume's hands, he offered, "I can't just eat and live here for free. Let me help."
He reached for the dishes, but Uraume stepped back. "The river's too cold this season. Your body can't handle it."
Yukiori followed Uraume to the riverbank, where clear water splashed against stones, murmuring softly.
Uraume rolled up their sleeves and began… washing dishes.
Yukiori crouched, dipping a finger in the water. It was icy, no wonder Uraume refused his help.
But didn't Uraume feel the cold?
His stare drew Uraume's attention. Pausing, Uraume said, "My cursed energy is ice-based, so I don't feel the cold."
"If you don't believe me, touch and see."