Overflow 2: A Gojo & Geto Tale

Chapter 52: Endure

"We are more prepared than that disgrace...the defected Zenin guy...oh what was his name?"

"Toji Fushiguro." Naoya speaks for the first time in months.

"Ah yes. He was quite the spectacle...for someone with no cursed energy that is." The leader and the rest laugh.

Naoya and I do not.

We know what that one man could do.

For me, he destroyed my two friends. The two strongest. Not even just physically but emotionally and mentally. They still deal with the aftermath that Toji left behind.

For Naoya, I heard he trained with Toji when he was younger. That combined with his inherited technique makes him a force to reckon with.

Unless you are Satoru Gojo of course.

"How are we more prepared may I ask?" My mouth speaks like the foolish kid I was before my adopted personality restrains it.

"That will all be revealed when it's completed." The leader directs me.

I focus on my heart, my breathing, my whole being to remain composed.

"Meeting adjourned. Stay alert. We are still in control."

Everyone moves swiftly to their doors that are in back of our seats. I stand and turn to leave.

"Yu. Can you come with me?" The leader asks politely but I know it's not really a question.

"Yes. Of course." I swallow my pride and turn with my concrete smile.

————

"You've talked more today than in other meetings. Why is that?" The leader walks deliberately slow. His has on a white Kimono with a black and green belt. His silver hair reflects the flame on the torch Naoya carries behind us.

I do my best to keep one step behind the leader.

Breathe
Breathe
Breathe

"I want this situation done just like the rest of you. I happen to be tired of waking in the dead of night to speed here." My voice is strong and deep.

Good job me.

"I do appreciate ALL of your help. Having a younger man who has priorities and his head on straight makes me know the future I have planned will be a reality." The leader makes sure to look back at his son.

I keep my eyes forward but I know I heard a quiet sniffle from Naoya.

After what he had me do to Gojo...I try not to look at him.

It was out of character...for even him. Being one of the youngest here Naoya, his one younger friend, and I had formed a small bond. Not a friendship, but just a circle knowing we would take over for these old geezers one day.

Naoya has witnessed horrible things.
Been a part of horrible things.
All of us have...

The leader opens up a locked door.
He keeps this key around his neck.
As I mentally make that note he swings the door open and holds it for me.

My mind screams to run, but my body walks in calmly and stands in the center. The low lights in the room make it hard to see into the corners making my hands clench my robe.

Naoya sets the torch in the hallway on the wall where it can hang. He enters and stands next to me.

His breathing shakes slightly.
He is definitely not the same as before...

"I have it here." The leader walks past me, his kimono brushing against my arm.

He taps the case that is locked that sits on a stand.