Little Fox was a little dazed by the sudden tight embrace.
Then it caught the familiar scent of cursed energy on him.
It was Sukuna, its Young Master.
It immediately relaxed, nestled obediently in his arms, and lifted its head to nuzzle his neck, awkwardly yet naturally.
Feeling how carefully he restrained the strength of the arms around it, just as he had before, it thought of everything it had just seen in those memories, everything that had happened after its death, and its heart ached.
It couldn't help licking Sukuna's jaw and nuzzling him harder with its fluffy little head.
It wanted to tell him he didn't have to be so careful. It wasn't that fragile.
Unfortunately, it was probably terribly fragile in his eyes. After all, it had died right before him twice.
It sighed. It would have to comfort its Young Master more from now on. Its poor Young Master really had it rough, ending up with a little fox capable of dying twice.
"Yip-"
[Don't worry, I won't...]
"Yip??"
[What's going on? I can't talk anymore?]
"Yip, yip, yip!"
[Help! I can't talk!]
"It's all right. I can hear you-"
Sukuna's voice interrupted its panicked yipping.
"Don't be afraid. As long as you think about talking to me, I'll hear you."
Now, he and Little Fox were one. Whatever Little Fox said in its mind could pass directly into his.
He stroked Little Fox soothingly in his arms. Its fur was just as soft as before, and he couldn't resist giving it a few more strokes.
Little Fox was stunned.
[So this is... telepathy? That's pretty advanced!]
[Wait, will I still be able to talk normally when I switch out?]
"Don't worry. This won't affect that."
While Little Fox was still reeling, Sukuna sneaked a stroke