"Uraume, kill me."
Uraume's pupils constricted, but he instantly grasped Yukiori's intent.
Death would be kinder than falling into these sorcerers' hands, whose fate for Yukiori would be worse than dying.
Yukiori had fled such sorcerers before; Uraume knew what awaited him if captured.
Yet, to kill Yukiori himself—Uraume couldn't.
"I… can't, Yukiori. I can't."
"Uraume… you know I'll never go with them. This is the only way."
Yukiori thought death would end the filthy gazes lingering on him, letting him descend to hell with Uraume.
He gripped Uraume's shoulders, forcing their eyes to meet.
"Please, kill me."
Yukiori's plea made Uraume's breath hitch. He knew hesitation would cost them.
Meeting Yukiori's gaze, Uraume lifted his trembling right hand with his left, conjuring an ice blade of cursed energy.
As the blade neared Yukiori's neck, a middle-aged sorcerer spoke: "Do you want this cursed sorcerer to leave alive?"
The words, aimed at Yukiori, made him seize the blade, its edge slicing his palm.
Blood dripped down his pale wrist, blooming like plum blossoms on the snow.
Perhaps the cold numbed him; Yukiori felt no pain.
"What do you mean?"
Yukiori wavered, unwilling to forsake a chance to save Uraume.
Uraume's mind swirled with the crimson before him, clutching Yukiori's mangled hand, ignoring the sorcerer's words.
The middle-aged sorcerer, relieved, exchanged glances with his allies, a silent pact formed.
"If you come with us, we'll let this cursed sorcerer go."
"… "
Yukiori fell silent. The surrounding sorcerers paused, awaiting his answer.
Would they spare a cursed sorcerer for him?
He doubted his worth.
"You have one chance: both die, or he lives."
"Momoto… what's his name?"
Momoto Ichi answered softly, "My lord, he's Hananochi Yukiori."
"Oh, Yukiori, you care for this cursed sorcerer, don't you? So young, dying here—what a shame!"
The sorcerer read hearts well, or perhaps Yukiori and Uraume's bond was obvious.
"Why should I trust you?"
Yukiori met their gazes. Why trust those who'd kill his family?
"You have no choice."
Indeed, no choice.
Gamble, or die together.
As Yukiori lowered his head, the sorcerer signaled Momoto with a glance.
Once Yukiori approached, they'd kill Uraume instantly.
"… "
Yukiori touched Uraume's anguished face with his uninjured hand. Uraume grieved for him…
"Don't be sad."
Uraume felt Yukiori's hand, rigid from cold, unable to bend. He tried to channel cursed energy, but his own was gone.
"Uraume… meeting you and Sukuna was a joy. These days with you, besides those with my parents, were my happiest."
"You've cared for me so long. It's been hard. Let me do something for you now."
Uraume sensed danger in Yukiori's words, then gasped as Yukiori snatched the ice blade, pressing it to his own neck.
What?!
Suicide? No…
"They promised to spare you if I go, but I don't trust them."
Yukiori's eyes dropped, revealing his plan.
He'd gamble on his value to these sorcerers, betting they wanted him alive and whole.
Only then could Uraume escape unharmed.
Uraume spun to face the sorcerer. No, Yukiori couldn't go with them!
"Yukiori!"
Yukiori's sharp tone forced Uraume to look back.
"I want you to live. Leave here."
Uraume shook his head, chest heaving. His life didn't matter—he couldn't let Yukiori choose this.
Following these filthier-than-cursed-spirits sorcerers? Absurd!
Words failed him, voice breaking.
The sorcerers, poised to strike as Yukiori rose, hesitated at this twist.
Their pause confirmed Yukiori's gambit. He stepped back, pressing the blade to his neck, a thin bloodline blooming.
The faint sting sharpened his senses, clarity cutting through.
"Uraume, go. Flee as far as you can."
Don't waste my choice.
Reading Yukiori's eyes, Uraume sobbed uncontrollably.
Shunned as a monster by family, despised by peers, he'd never cried—until now.
"Go!"
As the sorcerers grew impatient, Yukiori shouted.
Uraume, facing away, read Yukiori's silent lips:
"Live, and there's hope."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
How could he be fine…
Uraume didn't look back, fearing he'd lack the courage to flee.
Falling, rising, numb to his destination.
Live. Just live.
Uraume chanted inwardly. Death ends everything…
He'd join Sukuna to save Yukiori, vowing to kill every sorcerer himself!
"… "
Yukiori held his stance as Uraume vanished into the forest, unsure how far he'd gone, only hoping it was far enough.
Lowering his hand would send the sorcerers after Uraume.
His body swayed, stamina drained.
If so…
The ice blade slashed his neck, crimson blood spilling, staining his white clothes.
"He's killing himself!"
The world spun, vision blurring, sounds fading.
He'd never planned to survive today…