"Mmmmno. Okay, looks like this is going to run on a bit long. Ready to go back to movie night, Tokan?"

Before Itadori can answer, an enormous flower lands on the ground in front of them, and a field of more flowers sprouts around it.

"—waaahh so pretty~~~"

...

Huh. This is weird. Everything isn't terrible? Life isn't meaningless? When's the last time he felt like this?

Wait, no, this is bad sign, damnation.

Volcano head is already gone. Probably snatched in the very brief moment that Gojo was distracted. He now has a choice between chasing after whoever took him, or...

"Ah, shit," he sighs, and then because he's a responsible teacher he prioritizes the safety of his student over everything else. C'mere, Tokan, you are getting the fuck out of this field of flowers.

Zip goes Itadori with his Sensei, which is enough to wake him up from the daze.

Just in time for a huge-ass vine to emerge from the ground exactly under where Itadori had been standing.

Okay, but can he figure out where the head snatcher went?

Nah. Flowers-and-vine curse is good enough at hiding its presence it's even hiding volcano head's.

The vine retreats back into the ground, and the last bit of cursed energy around the flowers dissipates.

...shit.

"Uh. Sorry, Sensei."

"Nothing to apologize for, I'm the one who brought you here. I do not regret prioritizing keeping you safe over killing them." He gives a little sigh. "The interesting curses just had to show up now that I'm reformed and responsible. Where were you assholes five years ago?"

"...what were you doing five years ago?"

"Eh. Bit of a global rampage looking for interesting things to kill. Spoiler: I ran out."

"Maybe a bit too early," says Itadori, grinning slightly.

"Apparently. Anyway. Back to movie night with your best punchy friend?"

"Ugh. I think I have the hang of it now but for the record: ugh."

"I know. Just think of all of the cursed energy it's helping you build, though!"

And shoulder grab and here they are, back with the couch, the TV, the movies, and the bear.

The fucking bear grump grump.

Well, nothing to it. Back to the movie marathon with the bear.

"Don't worry, you're doing very well. Tomorrow I'll even be by to spar with you, we've got to work on getting you over shutting down upon running into a curse of any real substance!"

"And you're sure I'll survive."

He laughs.

"Of course! It'll be very educational, though."

"Sadist."

"Yeah!" he agrees, laughing again, and then he heads out. "I recommend locking the bear in the bathroom when you want to sleep!"

"Yes, Sensei," he sighs, imagining the NIGHTMARE it'll be having to pee in the middle of the night.

Log: September 2018
Kanagawa Prefecture, Kawasaki City
Kinema Cinema

After a showing, three high school boys' disfigured corpses were found by staff. Cause of death: increased cranial pressure and respiratory paralysis due to cranial deformity.

"H-hey!" calls a young man, into an alleyway. This is the stupidest thing he's ever done, it might get him killed, but he has to know. And if he dies, well. It beats going to school. "Did. Did you do that? In the theater?"