The streets of the town below bustled with afternoon energy — shopkeepers shouting over fresh produce, children chasing each other past rusted bikes, and housewives gossiping about urban legends. The world seemed normal. So blissfully unaware.
But in the corner of the town square, near an old bookstore covered in ivy, something unnatural stirred.
A pulse of cursed energy, subtle but undeniable, rippled across the pavement like a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure. Pigeons scattered into the air.
And then, he appeared.
Silver hair. Gold eyes. 7.8 feet tall, wrapped in a black cloak with a high collar and sleeves frayed at the edge like shadows licking the air. He looked about fifteen — but every step he took screamed ancient authority. His gaze was calm. Sharp. Predatory.
People turned to stare.
Some gasped.
Others simply froze, unsure why the sight of him made their skin crawl… or their heart beat faster.
Riku had entered the town.
It wasn't coincidence.
For weeks now, he had hunted small curses throughout the wilderness, sharpening his control over Sukuna's techniques and his Ten Shadows. But now, a stronger disturbance had called him — a faint signal like a broken scream beneath the surface of the city.
And more than that… a pull.
Something — someone — here was meant to shape his fate.
He strolled past a vending machine and caught his reflection in the glass.
Silver hair, glinting under the sun.
Golden eyes, glowing faintly even in daylight.
"Not exactly blending in," he muttered, then smirked. "Then again… I was never meant to hide."
He adjusted the cloak and continued walking.
The cursed energy here was low-grade, but tainted. Residual. Like something had just fed recently. He followed it through alleys and narrow gaps between buildings until he reached a back lot filled with broken toys and old bicycles.
A curse crouched atop a dumpster.
Thin. Lanky. Its eyes were stitched shut, but it saw him. It hissed in a language not meant for human ears.
"You fed here," Riku said quietly, stepping into the center of the lot. "On fear. On sadness."
The creature giggled.
Riku tilted his head.
"You left the body, though. A girl. Nine years old. That was sloppy."
The curse lunged without warning, its claws stretched like scythes.
Riku didn't move.
Divine Dog: Totality erupted from his shadow mid-air, catching the curse's head in its jaws and slamming it into the ground with a sickening crunch.
Riku kneeled beside the corpse and placed a hand on it.
A faint soul still lingered.
He fed reverse cursed energy into the child's remains, a warm light filling the space for a brief moment before it vanished.
"I'm sorry I was late."
The dog whined softly, brushing its muzzle against his arm.
He stood and turned to walk away.
And that's when he heard her.
"HEY! GIANT!"
He froze.
That voice.
Bright. Bold. Full of life.
He turned slowly… and there she was.
Momo Ayase.
Hands on her hips. Dressed in her usual punky fashion — short skirt, ripped jacket, and combat boots. Her pink hair fluttered in the wind as her big, defiant eyes locked on him.
"What the hell was that?" she asked. "Did you just… exorcise something?"
Riku blinked.
Of all people — her. Already.
Too soon.
She wasn't supposed to be involved yet.
"You're not supposed to see me," he said under his breath.
"What?"
"Nothing."
He smiled and raised a hand in greeting.
"I'm just passing through. Sorry if I scared you."
"Scared me?" Momo laughed. "You're like, freakishly tall and glowing and… did your shadow just move by itself?!"
Behind her, a different presence stirred.
Aira Shiratori.
Watching from a distance.
Quiet.
Curious.
Drawn.
Riku felt both of their signatures — one loud and electric, the other soft and smoldering.
Both of them... part of his future.
He took a slow breath. No more avoiding fate. It had started. They had seen him.
Momo stepped closer. "You're not from around here, huh?"
He chuckled. "No. I'm… new."
"Name?"
He hesitated.
"Riku."
Momo gave him a sideways look, then smirked. "Alright, Riku. I'm keeping an eye on you."
And just like that… she walked off.
Aira lingered, staring quietly, before offering a small smile… and following.
Riku stood alone again — heart pounding, not from battle… but from something stranger.
Connection.
He turned to the shadow beside him.
"They're going to change everything."
The shadow pulsed in agreement.