Marvel: The Cursed Hero

The sun was just beginning to rise over Shibuya as Yuji Itadori sat at the small dining table with his grandfather. The aroma of miso soup and rice filled the air, but Yuji could barely eat. His hands trembled slightly as he picked up his chopsticks, his mind replaying the events of the previous night.

Across the table, Wasuke Itadori was focused on the small television set perched on the counter. The news anchor's grave tone broke through Yuji's swirling thoughts.

"Breaking news: Three bodies were discovered in an alleyway late last night. Authorities report signs of a violent struggle, but details remain scarce. Investigators are calling the scene 'disturbing.'"

Yuji froze, his chest tightening. He avoided looking at the screen, shoveling food into his mouth to hide his panic.

"Damn shame," Wasuke muttered, shaking his head. "The city's getting worse every day."

Yuji forced a nod, his throat dry. "Yeah… crazy stuff," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Finishing his meal in record time, Yuji shot up from his seat. "I'm gonna be late for school! See you later, Gramps!"

Wasuke waved him off without a second glance. "Don't forget your lunch!"

Yuji snatched the bento box off the counter and bolted out the door, his heart pounding as he tried to shake the memory of blood on his hands.

The streets were busy with the morning rush, but Yuji barely noticed the commotion as he walked to school. His mind was elsewhere, replaying the strange figure he'd seen in the mirror.

"I will always protect you, brother."

Yuji frowned, muttering to himself. "Brother? I'm pretty sure I don't have a brother. Gramps would've told me… right?"

The thought unsettled him, but he didn't have time to dwell on it.

"Hey, Yuji!"

The familiar voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Isagi Yoichi, one of his soccer teammates, jogging up to him with a grin.

"Yo, Isagi!" Yuji greeted, slapping a high-five with him.

"Did you hear about those dead bodies they found last night?" Isagi asked casually.

Yuji's stomach twisted, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Yeah… pretty weird, huh?"

"Totally," Isagi said, nodding. "I just hope this doesn't lead to some of those American heroes showing up here. Every time they show up, it's just chaos and destruction. Like, can you imagine Shibuya looking like New York after one of their battles?"

Yuji managed a weak chuckle. "Yeah, that'd be a nightmare."

The two continued their walk, chatting about practice and schoolwork, but Yuji couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him.

The school day passed uneventfully. Yuji's friends laughed and joked around him, and his teachers praised him for his work ethic. On the surface, everything seemed normal. But Yuji felt like a ticking time bomb, waiting for the next crack in his fragile reality.

As the final bell rang, he packed up his things and headed home, taking the same route he always did. The streets were quieter now, with most people still at work or school.

Then, a deep voice called out from above.

"Yuji Itadori."

Yuji stopped in his tracks, his eyes snapping upward. His breath caught in his throat as he saw a man hovering in the air, a long purple cape billowing around him.

The man descended gracefully, landing a few feet in front of Yuji. His piercing gaze and helmeted face were unmistakable. Yuji had seen him on the news.

"Magneto," Yuji breathed, his voice trembling.

Magneto inclined his head. "Child, you possess a great power," he said, his tone measured. "Do you wish to join me in proving that mutants are superior to humans? Together, we can shape a new world."

Yuji blinked, his mind racing. "Mutant? I'm not a mutant. You've got the wrong guy."

Magneto's eyes narrowed. "Do not lie to me, boy. I can feel the energy coursing through you. It is extraordinary."

Yuji stepped back, unsure of what to say. But before he could respond, more figures appeared, emerging from the shadows.

He recognized them immediately—Sabretooth, Juggernaut, Blob, and Toad. Each of them radiated an intimidating presence, their eyes locked on him.

Magneto's voice was cold as steel. "It seems your power needs to be unlocked. Attack him—but do not kill him."

Yuji barely had time to react before Sabretooth lunged at him with terrifying speed.

The world slowed. Yuji's body moved on instinct, disappearing from Sabretooth's line of attack and reappearing behind him in the blink of an eye. Sabretooth stopped short, his chest marked with a glowing X. He grunted in pain, staggering forward.

Yuji turned slowly, his breathing heavy. His reflection in a nearby window caught his eye—his face was adorned with intricate tattoos, and his eyes burned a menacing red.

"What's happening to me?" Yuji whispered.

A low chuckle escaped his lips, but it wasn't his own. It was deeper, more sinister. Yuji reached up, pulling off his hoodie and slicking his hair back. His lips curled into a bloodthirsty grin.

"You tried to hurt my brother," the voice said, dripping with malice. "Now you'll pay with your lives."

Toad took a shaky step back, his knees nearly giving out under the oppressive wave of bloodlust radiating from Yuji. "Wh-who are you?" he stammered.

Yuji—or whatever had taken control of him—smirked. "I am the King of Curses, Sukuna Itadori."

Sabretooth roared in anger, ignoring the pain in his chest as he charged again. This time, Sukuna didn't dodge. He met Sabretooth head-on, his movements impossibly fast and precise. In an instant, Sukuna's palm struck Sabretooth's midsection, sending him flying into a nearby wall.

Juggernaut let out a bellow and rushed forward, his massive frame barreling toward Sukuna like a freight train. But Sukuna stood his ground, a sadistic grin spreading across his face.

As Juggernaut closed the distance, Sukuna raised a hand. A crimson slash of energy erupted from his fingertips, cutting through the air and slamming into Juggernaut's chest. The giant stumbled but kept coming, his momentum unstoppable.

Sukuna laughed, leaping into the air and landing gracefully on Juggernaut's back. He struck again, this time aiming for the base of Juggernaut's helmet. The force sent Juggernaut crashing to the ground, the earth shaking beneath them.

Blob and Toad exchanged nervous glances, neither willing to be the next to face Sukuna.

Magneto watched in silence, his expression unreadable.

Yuji's body was a whirlwind of motion, but his mind screamed from somewhere deep inside. Stop! Don't hurt them!

But Sukuna ignored him, relishing in the chaos.

"Enough," Magneto finally said, his voice cutting through the din. "Stand down."

Sukuna turned to him, his red eyes gleaming with excitement. "Not until they've learned their place."

Magneto's gaze hardened. "Do not test me, boy. You may be powerful, but you are not invincible."

Sukuna's grin widened, but before he could respond, Yuji's voice broke through.

"Stop! Please!"

The tattoos on his face flickered, and for a moment, his eyes returned to their normal color. Sukuna growled in frustration, his hold on Yuji weakening.

Magneto stepped forward, studying the boy carefully. "Interesting," he murmured. "Your power is unstable. You will need guidance."

Yuji collapsed to his knees as the markings vanished and his eyes returned to normal. He looked up at Magneto, his expression a mix of fear and confusion.

"I don't know what's happening to me," he whispered.

Magneto's lips curved into a small smile. "You will, in time."

With a wave of his hand, he signaled for his team to retreat. One by one, they disappeared, leaving Yuji alone in the empty street.

As he sat there, trembling, one thought echoed in his mind.

What am I becoming?