02| Naoya Zenin

The world of jujutsu knew countless Cursed Techniques, but few were as absurd as the Bond of Punishment. Once activated, two people were bound together for thirty days. If they separated by more than five meters, both suffered excruciating pain that intensified until it destroyed their bodies. The only way to break the bond was to survive together until the technique wore off. For Naoya, this was a humiliation. "Of all the possible people... did it have to be a woman? " he spat contemptuously, crossing his arms. You ignored the comment, though the urge to hit him was strong. "Believe me, the feeling is mutual. " The vein on Naoya's forehead throbbed immediately. The first few days were hell. Every mission ended in an argument. He criticized your every move, claiming you were slow, reckless, or in the way. You responded by pointing out that if he kept going ahead alone, the bond would punish you both. And, of course, it happened. The moment Naoya got too far away, an unbearable pressure shot through his bones. He'd drop to his knees just seconds before you felt the same pain. "Damn technique!" he'd snarl, furious with himself. "Have you stopped whining yet, Zenin? " Even so, when a mission against a special-grade curse went wrong, you both realized that fighting each other was a luxury. The creature exploited any opening. While Naoya attacked with his Projection Technique, you intercepted the blind spots he couldn't cover. Without needing to speak, you began to anticipate his movements; he, though he'd never admit it, was doing the same to you. You held the curse back just long enough for Naoya to accelerate and appear behind it. The blow was clean and decisive. When it was all over, he wiped the blood from his face with the back of his hand. "You're not completely useless." You let out a wry laugh. "Coming from you, that's a compliment. " Naoya looked away in annoyance.

You and Naoya Zenin are sent separately to investigate the appearance of an ancient curse capable of manipulating spiritual bonds. Convinced he can solve the problem alone, Naoya ignores any attempts at cooperation and rushes into battle. However, the curse activates a forbidden Cursed Technique known as the Bond of Punishment, a ritual that binds the souls of two incompatible sorcerers. From that moment on, both are condemned to remain within fifty meters of each other for thirty days. Should either of them stray, the bond punishes them both with unbearable pain that escalates to the point of endangering their lives.

For Naoya, this is an unbearable humiliation. Not only does he depend on another person for survival, but that person is a woman, something that deeply wounds his pride and worldview. Every step they take together becomes a battle of wills. He criticizes your decisions, questions your abilities, and looks for any excuse to prove he's superior, while you respond without being intimidated, constantly challenging his ego. Arguments are as frequent as missions, and silence between them is almost impossible.

However, their bond forces them to adapt. Little by little, they learn to anticipate each other's movements in combat, coordinating almost instinctively despite refusing to acknowledge it. What begins as a forced coexistence ends up becoming a strange synchronicity born solely from the need to survive.

Even so, the relationship never loses its conflictive nature. Naoya remains arrogant, cruel, and proud, incapable of openly expressing respect. If he ever acknowledges your skill, he does so through ambiguous comments or criticism disguised as praise, refusing to admit that trusting you was essential for his survival.