Hiro's recklessness

The sun beat down mercilessly on the track field of Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College. The first-year students, clad in their gym uniforms, ran laps under the watchful eye of their instructor. Sweat poured down their faces, their chests heaving with exertion.

All except for one.

Hiro Miller sat in the bleachers, looking cool and unbothered despite the oppressive heat. He leaned back, sipping lazily from a glass of iced tea, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched his classmates suffer.

Maki Zenin, running at the head of the pack, spotted him. Her eyes narrowed. With a burst of speed, she broke away from the group and jogged over to the bleachers.

"Miller!" she barked, hands on her hips. "What do you think you're doing?"

Hiro grinned up at her, taking another slow sip of his tea. "Just enjoying the view, Zenin. You're looking particularly good out there, by the way. All hot and sweaty."

Maki's scowl deepened. "Why aren't you running with the rest of us?"

Hiro shrugged, setting his glass down. "Don't need to. My cursed technique already enhances my physical abilities. A little jog like this? Piece of cake."

"That's not the point!" Maki snapped. "Cursed technique or not, physical training is important for all sorcerers. It builds stamina, discipline, endurance."

"Boring," Hiro sing-songed. "I've got plenty of stamina and endurance where it counts, if you know what I mean." He winked salaciously.

Maki's face flushed, though whether from anger or embarrassment, it was hard to tell. "You're impossible," she hissed. "You think you're so above it all, don't you? Too good for basic training?"

Hiro's grin widened. "I am pretty good, it's true. But hey, if you don't believe me..."

In one smooth motion, he stood up and stripped off his shirt. Maki's eyes widened behind her glasses.

Hiro's body was a work of art. Tanned, toned, and rippling with muscle, he looked like he'd been chiseled out of marble. His abs alone looked like they could grate cheese.

He stretched, flexing deliberately, enjoying the way Maki's gaze followed the movement. "See?" he said. "I think I'm in pretty good shape."

Maki's mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. She seemed to be having trouble tearing her eyes away from Hiro's chest.

Hiro's smirk turned predatory. He took a step closer to Maki, invading her personal space. "Like what you see, Zenin?"

That snapped Maki out of her daze. She took a hasty step back, her face now definitely red from embarrassment. "Put your shirt back on, you idiot!" she hissed, glancing around to see if anyone was watching. "This is highly inappropriate!"

"What, afraid you won't be able to control yourself around all this?" Hiro gestured to himself, still grinning.

Maki looked like she was seriously considering punching him. Her fists clenched at her sides, her jaw tight.

"Listen up, Miller," she said through gritted teeth. "I don't care how naturally gifted you are or how much your cursed technique enhances you. When you're out there on a mission, when you're face to face with a powerful curse, all that matters is your training. Your discipline. Your ability to push through when things get tough. And that's something you can only get through hard work and practice."

Hiro rolled his eyes. "Spare me the lecture, Zenin. I can handle myself just fine."

"Can you?" Maki challenged. "Because from where I'm standing, all I see is an arrogant, lazy smart-a** who's coasting by on natural talent. But natural talent will only get you so far. One day, you're going to come up against something bigger and stronger than you. And if you haven't put in the work, if you haven't honed your skills and your mind and your body, you're going to get crushed."

For a moment, Hiro's cocky facade seemed to slip. A flicker of uncertainty, maybe even a touch of fear, crossed his face. But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by his usual smirk.

"Worried about me, are you, Zenin?" he teased. "I'm touched."

Maki scoffed. "Hardly. I just don't want to see your arrogant a** get killed because you were too lazy to train properly."

She turned on her heel, ready to jog back to the track. But Hiro's voice stopped her.

"Hey, Zenin."

She paused, glancing back over her shoulder. Hiro was looking at her, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

"Maybe you've got a point," he said. "About the training, I mean. I guess a little extra practice couldn't hurt."

Maki blinked, surprised. Was Hiro Miller actually admitting she was right about something?

Hiro's serious expression melted back into his usual grin. "Of course, I'd much rather get hot and sweaty with you in a different context, if you know what I mean."

And there it was. Maki rolled her eyes, turning away to hide the small, reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "In your dreams, Miller."

She jogged back to the track, leaving Hiro watching her go, a thoughtful look on his face. Maybe Maki Zenin had a point. Maybe there was more to being a sorcerer than just raw power and natural talent.

He glanced down at his discarded shirt, then back at the track where his classmates were still running. With a sigh, he pulled the shirt back on and started making his way down the bleachers.

Time to put in some work.

Hiro jogged over to the track, falling into step beside Maki. She glanced at him, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she schooled her features back into a neutral expression.

"Decided to join us after all?" she said, not breaking her stride.

Hiro grinned. "What can I say? You inspired me."

Maki just shook her head, focusing on the track ahead. But Hiro could've sworn he saw a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

They ran together, their footfalls syncing up. Hiro was impressed by Maki's pace - she was fast, her movements fluid and efficient. He found himself having to work to keep up.

Suddenly, Maki shot him a grin. "Try to keep up, pretty boy," she taunted. And then she was off, her speed increasing dramatically, leaving Hiro in the dust.

Hiro blinked, stunned. "What the hell?" he muttered. "How is she so fast?"

He gritted his teeth, pushing himself to run faster. His legs burned, his lungs ached, but he pushed through the discomfort. Lightning began to crackle around him as he tapped into his cursed energy, trying to give himself a boost.

Ahead of him, Maki glanced back over her shoulder. "What's the matter, doll face?" she called. "Can't keep up without your cursed energy?"

Hiro clicked his tongue in annoyance, but didn't respond. He just kept running, the electricity sparking and snapping around him.

They went on like that for a full 30 minutes, Maki always just ahead, Hiro never quite able to close the gap. By the time the instructor called for them to stop, Hiro was drenched in sweat and gasping for breath.

He staggered to a halt, doubling over with his hands on his knees. Then, unable to hold himself up any longer, he collapsed onto his back on the ground, chest heaving.

Maki stood over him, barely even winded. She smirked down at him. "So? I thought you said this would be easy for you."

Hiro managed a breathless laugh. "I was just letting you win," he said. "Didn't want to damage your delicate ego."

Maki rolled her eyes. "Whatever you need to tell yourself," she said, turning to walk away.

Panda, who had finished his laps a while ago, ambled over. "Come on, Hiro!" he said cheerfully. "Hit the showers, man! You reek!"

Hiro groaned, forcing himself to sit up. "Oh, sure," he said sarcastically. "Sharing a naked shower with a panda and a guy who can only speak in rice ball ingredients. It's always been my dream."

Panda laughed, offering Hiro a paw to help him up. Hiro took it, allowing himself to be hauled to his feet.

As they made their way to the locker room, Hiro's gaze drifted to Maki's retreating back. A slow grin spread across his face.

She was something else, that Maki Zenin. Fiery, fierce, and fast as hell. She'd pushed him today, forced him to work harder than he had in a long time.

And damn if he didn't find that incredibly attractive.

"Hurry up, Hiro!" Panda called, already halfway to the locker room. "Last one in the showers has to scrub Inumaki's back!"

"Kelp," Inumaki agreed solemnly.

Hiro shuddered at the thought. "Coming!" he yelled, jogging to catch up with his friends.

As he walked, he couldn't help but glance back at the track one more time. Maki was nowhere to be seen, but the memory of her taunting grin, the way she'd left him in the dust, lingered.

Oh yeah. He was definitely going to make that girl his. One way or another.

Hiro strolled into the cafeteria, freshly showered and looking as impeccable as ever. His blonde hair was artfully tousled, his skin glowing from his extensive skincare routine. He spotted Panda and Inumaki already seated at a table and made his way over.

"Took you long enough," Panda said as Hiro slid into a seat. "What were you doing in there, re-enacting the entire plot of 'Titanic'?"

Hiro rolled his eyes. "Listen, you overgrown teddy bear, some of us have to actually put effort into our appearance. We can't all just roll out of bed looking like a adorable children's cartoon character."

Panda snorted. "Excuses, excuses. You're just high maintenance."

"I prefer the term 'well-groomed'," Hiro said, running a hand through his hair. "And it takes time to achieve this level of perfection. Showering, scrubbing, shaving, moisturizing, styling... it's a process."

"Salmon roe," Inumaki said sagely, nodding.

Hiro's gaze drifted across the cafeteria, landing on a familiar figure sitting alone at a table. Maki Zenin, nose buried in a book as usual, an untouched tray of food in front of her.

"What's her deal?" Hiro asked, nodding towards Maki. "Why is she always by herself?"

Panda followed his gaze, his expression turning serious. "The Zenin clan is complicated," he said. "They've got a lot of internal politics, a lot of pressure. Especially for someone like Maki, who's not from the main family."

Hiro frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The Zenin clan is old-fashioned," Panda explained. "They put a lot of stock in blood and lineage. Maki's incredibly strong, but because she's not from the main branch of the family, she's treated like an outsider."

"That's messed up," Hiro said, his brow furrowing.

Panda shrugged. "It is what it is. But it means Maki keeps to herself a lot. She doesn't really talk to anyone."

A slow grin spread across Hiro's face. "She talks to me."

Panda snorted. "Yeah, to insult you."

"Still counts." Hiro's grin widened. "In fact, I think I'm going to go have a little chat with her right now."

"Caviar," Inumaki said, which Hiro took to mean 'good luck with that'.

He stood up, straightening his uniform. "Watch and learn, boys," he said. "This is how you charm a lady."

With that, he sauntered off towards Maki's table, leaving Panda and Inumaki exchanging amused looks behind his back.

As he approached, Maki didn't even glance up from her book. Hiro cleared his throat. No response. He tried again, louder. Still nothing.

Finally, he reached out and plucked the book from her hands. "Whatcha reading, Zenin?"

Maki's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing dangerously behind her glasses. "Give that back, Miller," she said, her voice low and threatening.

Hiro just grinned, holding the book above his head, out of her reach. "Come and get it," he taunted.

For a moment, Maki looked like she was seriously considering leaping across the table and throttling him. But then, to Hiro's surprise, she sighed and sat back in her chair.

"What do you want, Miller?" she asked, sounding tired.

Hiro blinked, lowering the book. He hadn't expected her to actually engage with him.

"I, uh... I just wanted to talk," he said, suddenly feeling uncharacteristically unsure of himself.

Maki raised an eyebrow. "About what?"

"About..." Hiro floundered for a moment, then blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "About how amazing you were in training today. Seriously, you left me in the dust. You're incredible."

For a long moment, Maki just stared at him. Then, to Hiro's utter shock, a tiny, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

"Thanks," she said softly. "You weren't so bad yourself. For a pretty boy."

Hiro's heart did a little flip in his chest. Was that a compliment? From Maki Zenin? He felt like he might need to sit down.

He grinned, trying to play it cool. "Well, you know. I try."

Maki shook her head, but she was still smiling that tiny, secret smile. "You're ridiculous, Miller. You know that, right?"

"It's part of my charm," Hiro said with a wink.

And then, miracle of miracles, Maki actually laughed. It was a small laugh, more of a chuckle really, but it was like music to Hiro's ears.

"Sit down, you idiot," Maki said, gesturing to the seat across from her. "Before you hurt yourself trying to think of more lines."

Hiro grinned so wide he felt like his face might split in two. He sat down quickly, before she could change her mind.

As he settled in across from her, Maki shaking her head in amused exasperation, Hiro couldn't help but feel a thrill of victory.

He'd made Maki Zenin laugh. He'd gotten her to invite him to sit with her.

As they sat together, Hiro found himself growing more and more curious about Maki. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

"So, Zenin," he said casually. "What's the deal with you always sitting alone? Why don't you join the rest of us?"

Maki's expression immediately shuttered. She looked away, her shoulders tensing. "Because I didn't come here to make friends," she said stiffly.

Hiro couldn't help it. He laughed. The idea of Maki, so fierce and independent, saying something so childishly petulant - it was absurd.

Maki's head whipped around, her cheeks flushing. "What's so funny?" she demanded.

Hiro tried to stifle his laughter, but it was a losing battle. "Sorry, sorry," he said, waving a hand. "It's just... you sounded like such a bratty little kid just then. 'I didn't come here to make friends,'" he mimicked in a high-pitched voice.

Maki's eyes flashed with anger. Before Hiro could react, she reached across the table and smacked him upside the head.

"Ow!" Hiro yelped, rubbing his skull. "What was that for?"

"For being an idiot," Maki snapped, standing up abruptly. "I don't know why I even bother talking to you."

With that, she stalked off, leaving a stunned Hiro in her wake.

Slowly, Hiro made his way back to Panda and Inumaki's table, still rubbing his head.

"Dude," Panda said as Hiro slumped into his seat. "You were so close. What happened?"

Hiro shrugged, trying to play it off. "I couldn't help it. I laughed at something she said."

Panda slapped a paw to his forehead. "Hiro, my man, you can't laugh at the girl you're trying to woo. That's like, basic stuff."

"Natto," Inumaki agreed solemnly.

Hiro sighed, resting his chin in his hand. His gaze drifted to the door Maki had stormed out of, a thoughtful frown on his face.

In the courtyard of the Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College, a bizarre sight greeted anyone who happened to pass by. Hiro Miller, the cocky American transfer student, was riding on the back of Panda, who was walking on all fours like an actual animal.

Maki Zenin, crossing the courtyard on her way to class, stopped dead in her tracks at the sight. "What on earth is going on here?" she demanded.

Hiro grinned down at her from his perch on Panda's back. "I beat Panda in a sparring match," he said proudly. "Now he has to pay up on our bet."

Panda sighed heavily. "I didn't think Hiro would be so good at hand-to-hand combat," he admitted. "He's stronger than he looks."

Hiro patted Panda's head condescendingly. "I bet you thought I was just a pretty face, didn't you?"

Maki rolled her eyes. "Idiots," she muttered under her breath, turning to walk away.

As she left, Hiro called after her, "See that, Zenin? I'm full of surprises!"

Maki didn't even dignify that with a response, disappearing into a building.

Hiro looked down at Panda, grinning. "I think she's warming up to me."

Panda just shook his head and continued his reluctant plodding, Hiro bouncing gleefully on his back.

Unbeknownst to them, Satoru Gojo was recording the whole thing on his phone, a huge grin on his face. "If Principal Yaga sees his precious Panda being treated like this, he's going to blow a gasket," he chuckled to himself.

Just then, a new voice cut through the courtyard. "Hiro? What the hell are you doing?"

Hiro looked up to see a blonde girl with twin tails and piercing blue eyes staring at him, her hands on her hips.

"Isn't it obvious?" he said with a cheeky grin. "I'm riding a panda."

"Who is she?" Panda asked, craning his neck to look at the newcomer.

"That's my cousin, Momo," Hiro explained. "From the Kyoto school."

Momo marched over, her eyes flashing. "Uncle sent me to check up on you, and this is the first thing I find? You using your classmate as a pack mule?"

"He also wants to date a Zenin," Panda added helpfully.

Momo's eyes widened. "A Zenin? Seriously, Hiro? Do you have any idea what their clan is like?"

Hiro just shrugged, unconcerned.

Gojo sauntered over, still grinning. "The Zenin clan is a headache and a half," he said cheerfully. "They're even more arrogant than Hiro here, if you can believe it. The world would be better off without them, honestly. Except for our dear Maki, of course. She's the exception."

Momo turned to Gojo, surprised. "Maki? As in, Mai's twin sister?"

Hiro nearly fell off Panda's back. "Twin sister?" he yelped. "She has a sister? Holy shit, have I been blessed?"

Momo shot him a warning look. "Be careful, Hiro. You don't want to piss off the Zenin clan. They're not to be trifled with."

Hiro waved a hand dismissively. "Whatever. I could take them all on."

Gojo laughed, shaking his head. "I admire your guts, kid. But trust me, the Zenin clan is full of some seriously strong sorcerers. Several of them, you wouldn't even be able to touch."

Hiro's eyes narrowed, a competitive gleam entering his gaze. "Is that a challenge, Sensei?"

Gojo's grin widened. "More like a warning. But hey, if you want to take on the entire Zenin clan, be my guest. It'll be entertaining to watch, at least."

Momo slapped a hand to her forehead. "Hiro, please don't start a war with one of the Three Great Clans just because you have a crush."

"It's not a crush!" Hiro protested. "It's... a profound admiration and desire to get to know her better."

Panda snorted. "That's a crush, bro."

Hiro ignored him, his mind already racing. Maki had a twin sister. Identical, or fraternal? Did she have the same fiery personality? The same incredible strength?

He had to find out. But first, he had to figure out how to win over Maki.

A slow grin spread across his face. A plan was forming. A brilliant, daring, possibly suicidal plan.

Hiro's eyes lit up with a determined fire. "That's it," he said, snapping his fingers. "I'll defeat the entire Zenin clan. That'll impress Maki for sure!"

Gojo threw his head back and laughed, his amusement ringing through the courtyard. "Alright then," he said, clapping his hands together. "Let's go. Right now."

Everyone stared at him, shocked.

"What?" Momo sputtered. "Right now? Gojo-sensei, you can't be serious."

Gojo grinned, his eyes twinkling behind his sunglasses. "Oh, I'm deadly serious. I was actually planning to accompany Maki to her clan's compound today. She needs to pick up some paperwork. And since I despise the Zenin clan, I was going to ask you all to come with me anyway. So Hiro can just tag along."

Hiro's face split into a wide, excited grin. "Perfect! This is my chance to show Maki what I'm made of!"

Panda and Momo exchanged worried looks. "Hiro, this is a terrible idea," Panda said. "The Zenin clan is no joke. You could get seriously hurt."

But Hiro wasn't listening. He was already hopping off Panda's back, stretching his arms above his head. "This is going to be great," he said, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "I'll march right in there and challenge their strongest fighter. They won't know what hit them!"

As Hiro chattered on, making increasingly grandiose proclamations about his impending victory, Gojo watched him with a secretive smile.

Perhaps a little humbling would do Hiro some good, he thought. The boy was talented, no doubt, but his arrogance was going to get him into trouble one day.

And what better way to teach him a lesson than by letting him face off against the notoriously powerful and ruthless Zenin clan?

It would be a learning experience, Gojo mused. A painful one, most likely, but a learning experience nonetheless.

And if it knocked Hiro's ego down a few pegs in the process, well... that was just a bonus.

"Alright, everyone!" Gojo called out, clapping his hands again. "Gather your things. We leave for the Zenin compound in ten minutes. Hiro, I hope you're ready for the fight of your life."

Hiro grinned, cracking his knuckles. "I was born ready, Sensei."

Momo and Panda trailed after them as they set off, both looking deeply apprehensive.

"This is going to be a disaster," Momo muttered.

Panda nodded sagely. "Yep. But it'll be an entertaining disaster, at least."

As they walked, Gojo hung back a bit, falling into step beside Hiro.

"You sure about this, kid?" he asked, his voice low and serious for once. "The Zenin clan doesn't mess around. They're not going to go easy on you just because you're a student."

Hiro met Gojo's gaze, his blue eyes blazing with determination. "I'm sure," he said firmly. "I can handle anything they throw at me. And when I win, Maki will have to acknowledge my strength."

Gojo studied him for a long moment, then shrugged. "Alright then. But don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, he strode ahead, leading the way towards the Zenin compound and the challenge that awaited them.

Hiro followed, his heart pounding with anticipation. This was it. His chance to prove himself, to show Maki and everyone else what he was truly capable of.

Momo, Gojo, Hiro, and Maki stood before the imposing gates of the Zenin mansion. Maki turned to Hiro, her expression incredulous.

"I can't believe you actually came," she said, shaking her head.

Momo sighed. "I can't believe you made me come with you."

Hiro just shrugged, a cocky grin on his face. Gojo was barely containing his laughter, his shoulders shaking with mirth.

As they entered the compound, they found themselves in a large courtyard where several clan members were training. Maki tensed, her steps quickening.

"Let's hurry and get out of here," she muttered.

Suddenly, one of the training members was struck by a bolt of lightning, crumpling to the ground. Everyone turned to stare at Hiro, who had his hand outstretched, wisps of electricity still crackling around his fingers.

"Oops," he said, not sounding sorry at all.

Gojo slapped a hand over his face, but he was grinning behind it.

Hiro cupped his hands around his mouth, shouting across the courtyard. "Hey, idiots! Who wants a fight?"

Maki grabbed his ear, twisting it painfully. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" she hissed.

Hiro winced, but his grin didn't falter. "I'm courting you, obviously."

At that moment, Naobito Zenin, the head of the clan, stepped out into the courtyard, sipping from a cup of sake. He surveyed the scene - the fallen clan member, the grinning Hiro, the exasperated Maki, and the amused Gojo.

"Who do you think you are," he said slowly, his voice cold and dangerous, "coming here and insulting our clan?"

Hiro cocked his head, looking Naobito up and down. "What are you going to do, old man? Throw warts at us?"

Gojo placed a hand on Hiro's head, ruffling his hair. "Please excuse us, Zenin-san," he said, smiling brightly. "I brought this idiot here so one of your members could teach him what real jujutsu is like here in Japan."

Momo just sighed, rubbing her temples.

Naobito's eyes narrowed. "Teach? This fool thinks he can mock us and get away with it?"

He handed his sake cup to an attendant, cracking his knuckles. "You're lucky Naoya is out on an errand. So I'll be your opponent. The strongest member of the clan. That's what you wanted, isn't it?"

Hiro yawned loudly, stretching his arms above his head. "Nah, I'll pass. I don't fight old geezers."

A collective gasp went up from the gathered clan members. Maki closed her eyes, looking like she was praying for patience. Gojo's smile widened, his eyes glinting with anticipation.

Naobito's face darkened with rage. "You insolent little - "

"Hiro," Maki said through gritted teeth. "Apologize. Now."

But Hiro wasn't listening. He was bouncing on the balls of his feet, electricity sparking around his body.

"Come on, gramps," he taunted. "Show me what you've got. Unless you're scared of getting your ass kicked by a kid."

Naobito moved so fast he was almost a blur. One moment he was standing across the courtyard, the next he was right in front of Hiro, his fist cocked back.

Hiro barely had time to widen his eyes before the punch connected, sending him flying back to crash into the compound wall.

Maki winced. Momo gasped. Gojo just kept smiling.

Hiro staggered to his feet, wiping blood from his split lip. But he was grinning, his eyes alight with excitement.

"Now that's more like it," he said, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "Bring it on, old timer."

As Hiro charged forward, lightning crackling around his fists, Gojo leaned over to Maki.

"You might want to step back," he said cheerfully. "This is about to get messy."

Maki just shook her head, her expression torn between exasperation and something that might have been, just maybe, the tiniest hint of admiration.

Only Hiro Miller, she thought, would be crazy enough to pick a fight with the head of the Zenin clan just to impress a girl.

She just hoped he lived long enough for her to tell him what an idiot he was.

Hiro's body crackled with electricity as he launched himself at Naobito. The elder Zenin moved with blinding speed, dodging Hiro's attack. Hiro pursued him, both of them moving so fast they were almost invisible.

Momo watched with wide eyes. "Incredible," she breathed. "They're moving so quickly I can barely see them."

Gojo nodded, his smile never wavering. "Naobito is the fastest sorcerer in the world, aside from myself. It's quite a feat that Hiro can keep up with him at all."

Naobito threw a punch, but Hiro, grinning wildly, dodged and grabbed his arm, throwing the older man to the ground. From his prone position, Naobito lashed out with a kick, sending Hiro tumbling as well.

Both sprang to their feet, exchanging and dodging blows at a dizzying pace. Then Naobito activated his cursed technique, Projection Sorcery.

For a split second, Hiro felt as if time had stopped. But in that second, Naobito landed a solid hit, sending Hiro flying.

A massive aura of electricity exploded outwards as Hiro skidded to a halt, his eyes blazing. "Now you've done it, old man," he snarled. "You've made me angry."

Hiro shot a bolt of lightning at Naobito, but the elder Zenin dodged easily and closed in, striking Hiro again.

"You lack speed," Naobito said coldly.

Hiro, his face contorted with rage, clapped his hands together. "Domain Expansion," he roared.

Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

"He has a Domain Expansion?" Momo gasped. "Seriously?"

Maki couldn't believe it either. "That idiot actually has that level of jujutsu?"

Naobito took a step back, wariness entering his expression for the first time.

But then Hiro stuck out his tongue, grinning cheekily. "Just kidding," he said.

Taking advantage of Naobito's momentary confusion, Hiro lunged forward, driving his knee into the older man's face. Blood spurted from Naobito's nose as he staggered back.

A hush fell over the courtyard. The Zenin clan members stared in disbelief. Momo's jaw had dropped. Even Gojo looked mildly surprised.

Maki just shook her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. Trust Hiro to turn a fight with one of the most powerful sorcerers in Japan into a prank.

Naobito wiped the blood from his face, his eyes narrowing to slits. "You'll pay for that, boy," he growled.

But Hiro just laughed, bouncing on his toes. "Bring it on, gramps. I can do this all day."

As the two squared off again, electricity crackling around Hiro, cursed energy swirling around Naobito, Gojo leaned over to Maki.

"Your boyfriend's not bad," he said, grinning. "A little rough around the edges, but he's got potential."

Maki sputtered, her face going red. "He's not my boyfriend!"

Gojo just laughed. "Not yet, maybe. But give it time."

Maki opened her mouth to retort, but was cut off by a particularly loud crack of thunder as Hiro and Naobito clashed again.

She turned back to the fight, her heart pounding. As much as she hated to admit it, there was something thrilling about watching Hiro fight. The way he moved, the fierce joy on his face, the raw power crackling off him...

No. She shook her head, banishing the thought. Hiro was an idiot. An arrogant, reckless, infuriating idiot.

Hiro grabbed Naobito and unleashed a powerful electrical shock. Naobito gritted his teeth, enduring the pain, but blood continued to drip from his nose. Both fighters paused, breathing heavily.

"Hey, old man," Hiro said, smirking. "If you keep this up, I'm going to fry your brain."

Naobito realized that Hiro wasn't bluffing. His brain had indeed suffered significant damage from the electrical assault.

Gojo watched with a frown. "This isn't good," he muttered. "I wanted Hiro to learn a lesson in humility, but it looks like the old man is the one getting schooled."

Naobito glanced at Gojo, panting. He wiped the blood from his face and turned back to Hiro. "Tell me, what's your name?"

"Hiro Miller," Hiro replied, still grinning.

Naobito nodded slowly. "You're strong, I'll give you that. But you're underestimating me. If I were sober, I'd wipe the floor with you."

Hiro laughed. "Excuses, excuses."

Just then, a new figure burst onto the scene. Naoya Zenin, moving faster than the eye could follow, launched a punch at Hiro. The American barely managed to dodge, stumbling back in surprise.

Naoya straightened up, a cocky smile on his face. Hiro eyed him warily.

"And who the hell are you?" Hiro demanded.

"Naoya Zenin," the newcomer replied. "The strongest of the Zenin clan."

Hiro snorted. "The old man also claimed to be the strongest-"

But before he could finish his sentence, Naoya moved. His fist connected with Hiro's jaw, sending the American flying across the courtyard.

Hiro crashed into the wall, cracking the stone. He slumped to the ground, dazed.

Maki started forward, concern flashing across her face, but Gojo held out an arm, stopping her.

"Wait," he said, his eyes fixed on Hiro.

Slowly, Hiro pushed himself to his feet. He wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes narrowing.

"Okay," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Now you've got my attention."

Electricity crackled around him, more intense than before. His hair stood on end, his eyes glowing an eerie blue.

Naoya's smile widened. "Bring it on, American."

The two charged at each other, clashing in the middle of the courtyard with a boom of thunder. They exchanged blows at a blinding speed, the air around them crackling with energy.

Maki watched, her heart in her throat. She'd never seen Hiro like this before. So focused, so intense.

It was almost frightening.

But at the same time, she couldn't look away. There was something captivating about him in this moment, something raw and powerful and mesmerizing.

Gojo watched the fight with a critical eye, assessing each combatant's moves. "Naoya is strong," he murmured. "Possibly even stronger than Naobito. Hiro's going to have a tough time with this one."

As if to punctuate his words, Naoya landed a particularly vicious blow, sending Hiro skidding back. But Hiro just grinned, blood staining his teeth, and launched himself forward again.

"He's insane," Momo whispered, her eyes wide. "He's actually enjoying this."

Maki couldn't argue with that. Hiro was laughing as he fought, even as Naoya's hits landed, even as blood flew from his nose and mouth.

He was in his element, reveling in the challenge, the thrill of pitting his strength against a worthy opponent.

Naoya's fist slammed into Hiro's jaw with a sickening crack, snapping the American's head back. Blood sprayed from Hiro's mouth, splattering the ground. But before he could even register the pain, Naoya followed up with a knee to the gut, driving the air from Hiro's lungs.

Hiro doubled over, gasping, only to be met with an elbow to the back of the head that sent him face-first into the dirt. He could taste blood, could feel it running down his chin, but he pushed himself up on shaking arms, spitting out a mouthful of crimson.

Naoya was on him again in an instant, his foot connecting with Hiro's ribs with a dull thud. Hiro felt something give way, a sharp pain lancing through his side. Broken ribs, probably. But he gritted his teeth and rolled with the kick, using the momentum to stagger back to his feet.

He launched himself at Naoya, lightning crackling around his fist. He swung with all his might, pouring every ounce of his pain and frustration into the blow. And against all odds, it connected, his knuckles slamming into Naoya's cheek with an electric sizzle.

Naoya's head snapped to the side, a look of shocked pain flashing across his face. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by a cold, cruel smile. He spat blood, then blurred into motion, his fists hammering into Hiro's body with ruthless precision.

Hiro felt like he was being hit by a train. Every blow was agony, sending shockwaves of pain through his battered body. He could feel his bones creaking, his muscles screaming, his skin splitting under the onslaught. But he refused to fall. He stood his ground, absorbing the hits, waiting for his chance.

And when it came, he took it. As Naoya drew back for another punch, Hiro lunged forward, his forehead slamming into Naoya's nose with a sickening crunch.

Naoya reeled back, blood gushing down his face. For a moment, he looked stunned. Then his eyes narrowed, rage twisting his features. He came at Hiro with renewed ferocity, his technique abandoned in favor of raw, brutal violence.

Hiro met him head-on, lightning exploding from his body, illuminating the courtyard in stark blue-white flashes. The two clashed in a whirlwind of blood and electricity, their blows shaking the very ground.

Maki watched, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst. Every blow Hiro took felt like a physical pain in her own chest. But at the same time, she couldn't look away. There was something hypnotic about the way he fought, something raw and primal and beautiful in its savagery.

But it couldn't last. Hiro was strong, but Naoya was stronger. And he was fresh, while Hiro was battered and exhausted. It was only a matter of time.

The end came suddenly, brutally. Naoya, seeing his opening, unleashed a final, devastating combo. His fist slammed into Hiro's solar plexus, doubling him over. Then a knee to the face, snapping Hiro's head back, followed by a spinning kick to the side of the head.

Hiro crumpled, his body going limp as he collapsed to the ground. He lay there, unmoving, blood pooling around his head.

For a moment, there was silence. Then Naoya began to laugh, a harsh, cruel sound. He stood over Hiro's prone form, savoring his victory.

But his laughter was cut short by a sudden burst of cursed energy. Gojo was there, standing between Naoya and Hiro, his usually playful expression replaced by something cold and dangerous.

"That's enough," he said, his voice quiet but laced with menace. "The fight is over."

Naoya looked like he might argue, but one look at Gojo's face made him think better of it. He stepped back, his hands raised in a mocking gesture of surrender.

As Hiro crumpled to the ground, blood pooling around his head, Momo let out a scream. She ran forward, shoving past the stunned onlookers, and skidded to her knees beside her cousin's prone form.

"Hiro!" she cried, her hands shaking as she reached for him. "Hiro, can you hear me?"

There was no response. Hiro lay still, his face a mask of blood and bruises. Momo felt a sob welling up in her throat, but she choked it back. Now was not the time for tears.

With trembling fingers, she checked for a pulse. It was there, weak and thready, but present. She nearly collapsed with relief.

Behind her, Gojo was standing between Naoya and Hiro, his cursed energy crackling around him in a silent warning. Naoya, for once, seemed to have the sense to back down, his hands raised in a mocking gesture of surrender.

Maki stood off to the side, her face an unreadable mask. She watched as Momo fussed over Hiro, her eyes dark and troubled.

"We need to get him to a healer," Momo said, her voice shaking. "He's in bad shape."

Gojo nodded, his expression grim. "I'll take him. Shoko should be able to patch him up."

He knelt down, scooping Hiro's limp body into his arms with surprising gentleness. Hiro's head lolled against his shoulder, blood dripping from his slack mouth.

Momo stood up, her fists clenched at her sides. She turned to face Naoya, her eyes blazing with fury.

"You bastard," she hissed. "You could have killed him."

Naoya just smirked, wiping blood from his face. "He asked for it," he said with a shrug. "He should have known better than to challenge the Zenin clan."

Momo looked like she wanted to hit him, but Gojo laid a hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

"Not now," he said quietly. "Hiro needs us."

Momo deflated, her anger draining away, replaced by a bone-deep weariness. She nodded, turning back to Gojo.

"Let's go," she said, her voice dull.

As Gojo carried Hiro away, Momo trailing behind them, Maki stood motionless, watching them go. She felt a strange tightness in her chest, a feeling she couldn't quite name.

It wasn't worry, exactly. She knew Hiro would be fine. He was too stubborn to die from something like this.

But seeing him like that, so still and broken, had shaken her in a way she hadn't expected.

She looked down at her hands, surprised to find them trembling. She clenched them into fists, taking a deep, steadying breath.

"Idiot," she muttered under her breath. "Reckless, stupid idiot."