Chapter 45: 1st phase of the Plan

Gojo moved fast and crushed the head of the person who had Riko.

He grabbed Riko with his left hand making her suspended in air, attracting her body by the minuscule amount of laps blue.

"Tch. Clones," he said disdainfully. Beside him, Riko gasped.

"Be careful!" she warned. He flashed her a confident smile in return.

"Don't worry. This will be over quickly." With lightning speed, Satoru launched into action. "Cursed Technique: Lapse Blue!"

Two of the clones found themselves drawn violently together before bursting into smoke. Riko's eyes went wide at the display of power. But Satoru was just getting started.

As two more clones moved to attack, Satoru spun around Riko, lowering her safely out of harm's way. His blue eyes glowed halting the punches centimeters from his face.

"As I thought. The real one is up there," Satoru said calmly, pointing at the last remaining figure. Now exposed, the man paled. Satoru launched upwards and pinned him in a binding hold.

"Explain yourself," Satoru demanded coldly. With a sigh, the man went limp in defeat.

"B-bounty. Bounty on girl" He said.

Gojo: ".... And?"

"My technique lets me create five clones, including myself. I can swap places with any of them," he confessed sullenly.

Satoru eyed him disdainfully. "And you thought to challenge me with such a weak trick? Pathetic."

Knocking the man out with a swift chop, Satoru turned to Riko with a triumphant smile as he said,

He opened his phone reading a text from Suguru that Kuroi was safe "Let's go!"

Riko: "Where?"

***********

*Chirp chirp*

The warm sun beat down as Gojo walked along the beach in Okinawa. Behind him trailed Geto, Riko and Kuroi, all carrying various beach supplies.

"Remind me again why we're here?" grumbled Geto. Though his expression was dour as always, Gojo could see the beginnings of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Because it's Riko Chan's time to show off in her cute bikini and we need a break!" said Gojo cheerfully. "What better way to relax than with a beach trip?"

"H-Hey! Stop spouting bullshit!" Riko quickly retorted.

"Well, I read Kuroi San's data and she has been stuck keeping watch on the brat for a long time, she also deserves a break!" Gojo mocked.

"Y-you-" Riko tried to say something but stopped herself after seeing the smug look on Gojo's face, 'He wants me to say something so he can make fun of me, I will not then,' "Humph!"

Kuroi's eyes were wide with excitement as she took in the glittering ocean and soft white sand. "I've never been to the beach before. Thank you for bringing us, Gojo-san."

Gojo flashed her a grin. "You're very welcome. Now, let's set up over there - that spot looks perfect."

They unpacked their towels, umbrella and cooler full of drinks and snacks. Once settled, Riko began building an elaborate sandcastle while Kuroi helped.

Gojo stripped down to his swim trunks, ready to hit the water.

"Coming in, Geto?" he called. But Geto merely waved him off, content to read in the shade.

Laughing, Gojo raced into the waves. The cool water felt heavenly after the hot sun. He swam around for a while before returning to shore, flinging salt water every which way.

"Gojo, stop that!" scolded Geto, shielding his book from the spray. But his scowl didn't reach his eyes.

"Ahh! Finally" Riko stepped back to admire her finished sandcastle, which was topped with a cute flag.

But then with a yell of "Riko-chan, watch out!", a huge wave of water crashed over it, washing it away.

She spun around to see Gojo grinning mischievously. "Oops, sorry!" he said in a tone that didn't sound sorry at all.

Riko's eyes narrowed. Two could play at this game. "You're going to pay for that!" she shouted, racing towards the water.

Gojo took off running across the wet sand, glancing back over his shoulder. But Riko was gaining on him fast, splashing huge amounts of water with her hands. With a loud battle cry she launched herself at Gojo, and they both crashed into the shallows in a tumult of flailing limbs.

Laughter turned to competitive focus as their splash fight escalated. They darted around trying to drench each other, leaving trail of spray behind them. Geto and Kuroi watched from the beach, cheering them on.

By the end both Riko and Gojo were soaked to the skin, grinning from ear to ear. "You win...this time," panted Gojo. "But the splash wars are not over!"

Riko smiled, pleased with her victory. And as the sun began to set, she was glad Gojo had brought them all to the beach for fun and games.

******

Geto's POV:-

I watched Gojo and Riko playing in the water, unable to suppress a small smile.

Though Gojo acted like a fool, I knew his intentions were good.

He wanted Riko's last memories to be happy ones, before Tengen Sama merged with her completely.

My gaze drifted to Gojo. Even now, with his ability activated constantly, he showed no signs of fatigue.

But I have known Gojo for many years - I could see the subtle tension in his shoulders, the thinness of laughter. He was pushing himself to the limit for Riko's sake.

We got to know that the bounty on Riko's head had expired making my anxiety go away.

The next day our beach trip concluded.

The journey back to Tokyo passed quickly. When we finally reached the school, Gojo dropped his technique within the barrier. Immediately, exhaustion was written across his features.

Before I could say anything, a sharp gasp from Riko made me turn. 'Huh?'

A figure had materialized behind Gojo, arm thrusting forward with deadly speed. Metal glinted as a blade pierced Gojo's back.

Crimson bloomed across his shirt. Gojo's eyes met mine in shock. W-what just happened...? We were inside the school's barrier...?

"Satoru!!!!!!!" I shouted.

____________

Give me stones or no chapter for you Reader Kun!

And for those criticizing the slow pace just drop it and read some other work. I am not in a hurry and wanna write at least 100+ chaps of this FanFic with some fun and relaxing moments.

That's the reason most fanfic writers go P@treon only.

I'm not even promoting my P@treon, no KoF!, Just writing here for fun.

If you don't like it please don't discourage me. Constructive criticism is always welcome! Just sugarcoat your words lol!