17

For better or for worse, there are no spontaneous heart attacks that occur during Satoru-niichan's initial meeting with the clan elders. There are, however, many loud-voiced protests when he announces his plans:

Namely, his intention to adopt Fushiguro Megumi as his own ward.

Fushiguro Megumi, son of Zenin Toji. Son of the Sorcerer Killer. The man who'd almost killed both Satoru-niichan and Shiki a few years back, during the incident involving the late Star Plasma Vessel.

… There's a certain sort of irony to this situation, probably.

Under any other circumstances, Shiki wouldn't have expected the elders to protest much against Satoru-niichan's decision. Sorcery clans like the Gojo Clan were always on the lookout for budding new talents and fresh blood to bring into their fold, after all. There might've been some token protests simply because Satoru-niichan was the clan heir, and it reflected badly on his image to adopt an unrelated out-clan child out of the blue. Fushiguro Megumi's Zenin blood could be overlooked; sorcery clans intermarried with each other all the time. So long as Satoru-niichan himself didn't mind the kid being the son of Zenin Toji, it wasn't a problem.

It was, however, a significant problem when the child in question had inherited Ten Shadows as his cursed technique.

To put things into perspective: The Ten Shadows technique was to the Zenin Clan what Limitless and Six Eyes were to the Gojo Clan.

Satoru-niichan's declaration of taking in Fushiguro Megumi as his ward? Was practically the equivalent of spitting in the Zenin Clan's face and just asking to start a blood feud, according to a stressed, disgruntled-looking Daisaku-sama.

Stealing another clan's cursed techniques just wasn't done, apparently. It was one thing when it was a gray area like Shiki's case with the Kamo a few years back, since Shiki's cursed technique was entirely new to the Gojo Clan's history and a complete unknown beforehand. But something like the Zenin Clan's prized Ten Shadows? The treasured Ten Shadows that hadn't been seen in generations?

"If you persist in this foolishness, you'll have the Zenin Clan declare war on us, reckless boy!"

Satoru-niichan shrugs nonchalantly. "Nah, that's not a concern. They don't have the nerves for it."

Someone makes an acutely pained sound not unlike a dying teakettle from the left side of the room. Shiki squints towards it from where she's seated next to Daisaku-sama, in this hastily-assembled clan meeting. Was that someone from Takatomi-sama's side just now?

"Be as that may, Satoru-kun," another elderly clansman raises their voice, "Surely there is no sense in unnecessarily raising tensions like this. The Three Great Families should stand as a united front leading the jujutsu world. Why would you wish to incite hostilities like this?"

… That was a very pointed question there, full of barbs. Shiki frowns. Every word might profess a desire to de-escalate and avoid coming into conflict with the Zenin Clan, but there's no mistaking the silken layer of ill intent not-so-subtly directed towards her cousin behind it.

Satoru-niichan does not miss it, either.

"You're accusing me of deliberately inciting hostilities? Really?" her cousin sounds amused. "Now why would I ever need to do that, when the lot of you seem like you're managing it just fine on your own?"

There is a faintly offended, uneasy sort of low murmuring that rises in the room from that response. But honestly, it's the truth; the gosanke are always fighting like cats and dogs with each other, beneath the superficial veneer of peaceful cooperation that's presented to the rest of the jujutsu world.

… Bloodline-stealing is most likely still pushing things a bit, though. Something on the scale of poaching the Zenin Clan's Ten Shadows couldn't exactly be compared to the petty little disputes and one-upping that comprised most of the great clans' usual bickering with each other.

Or, maybe Satoru-kun was hinting that he knew of some of the elders' dealings with the Zenin Clan behind his back? Dealings that would raise hostilities between the clans, if they were brought to light?

Shiki wouldn't be surprised if that turned out to be the case. She still remembers what had happened with Gojo Kansuke-san and the Kamo Clan, after all. That Kansuke-san was able to contact Ima-san and bring Shiki out of the compound without alerting Daisaku-sama… suffice to say, it was terribly unlikely that he would've been able to accomplish that solely on his own, without any other elders' tacit support or approval behind him.

At this point, Shiki really isn't surprised by these games anymore. It's… annoying. But unfortunately, an unavoidable facet of her life now, one that looks to be permanent for the foreseeable future so long as she lives with the Gojo Clan.

The little girl sighs.

"Now is not the time to point fingers and lose ourselves to senseless bickering," a new voice cuts across the din, as severe as it is austere. The unhappy whispers and grumbles immediately cut off into silence in wake of this command.

No one is foolish enough to try and talk over Gojo Hisayasu-sama, the twenty-eighth and current head of the Gojo Clan.

This isn't Shiki's first time seeing Hisayasu-sama, as she's had the 'honor' of being in her clan head's presence several times by this point. Gojo Hisayasu-sama is an unsmiling, serious man, with crow's feet wrinkling his eyes and stark white hair framing his face. He's older than Daisaku-sama. Shiki remembers the elder offhandedly mentioning that fact at some point, although she does not remember the exact number of years it is precisely.

"Satoru," Hisayasu-sama's voice is gravelly, but strong. Steady. There is a distinctly authoritative edge to his tone, uncompromising –or maybe Shiki is just imagining things. She rather doubts it, though. "What is your intention in obtaining custody of the Zenin Clan's Ten Shadows?"

"Isn't it obvious?" In sharp contrast to Hisayasu-sama, Satoru-niichan's voice is a lazy, nonchalant drawl. "Making sure the Zenin will keep their hands away."

There is a renewed round of agitated grumbling and scandalized hissing at this; all of which are swiftly, summarily silenced.

"Why?"

"Because he asked for it."

… Oh.

Is this why Satoru-niichan was going to all this trouble? Shiki knows that her cousin doesn't enjoy dealing with the elders. It makes sense if it was a request from the Fushiguro boy… although, this then raised the question of why Satoru-niichan would go out of his way to oblige him. It certainly wouldn't be out of the kindness of his heart; Satoru-niichan is many things, but he's not nice.

Was it curiosity, perhaps? An investment? Or maybe even both, just like how it had been for Shiki in the beginning? … Although in Shiki's case, there had also been the added factor of her situation being a frantic call for help from a junior classmate who was desperate to find his missing niece.

"The boy 'asked for it?'" someone else scoffs loudly in the background. "What could he possibly have done to have asked for it? How could such a young child possibly deserve to be separated from their family?"

… Really?

Shiki can't help it; she delicately raises a sleeve and coughs pointedly. Daisaku-sama swiftly cuts her a disapproving look, a sharp expression that's unmistakable for anything but Be quiet. But it's not as if she's actually said anything now, has she?

The man who'd scoffed at Satoru-niichan just now freezes at the soft sound of Shiki's light cough. His face colors and reddens in embarrassment as his mind catches up with his words, recalling Shiki's particular situation in which she had been actively kept away from Kento-jichan. Satoru-niichan, on the other hand, only looks on amusedly at the small byplay.

"You misunderstand me," the teenager adopts a casual standing pose, hands sliding into his pockets. "Megumi himself asked me to keep the Zenins away from him and his sister, when I found them. He wants nothing to do with the Zenin Clan."

Daisaku-sama sucks in a short, sharp breath, gray brows furrowing, and he is not the only one in the room to react this way.

But is that really so hard to imagine?

If Shiki had been given a choice between Kento-jichan and the Gojo Clan back then, she knows what she would've chosen without any trace of doubt. It's wholly unsurprising to learn that Fushiguro Megumi evidently harbors similar sentiments, and wishes to remain with his sister.

Given the scornful attitudes that she has witnessed towards non-sorcerers in the Gojo Clan alone, and taking into account the concerning rumors that she's heard of the Zenin Clan on top of that… Shiki has little doubt that the Zenin would eat Fushiguro Tsumiki alive, if her brother tried to bring her back to the clan with him.

"You are… certain of this?"

"'Course I am," Satoru-niichan inclines his head ever so slightly to his clan head. "He wants to protect his sister."

"What foolishness," another elder grumbles. "The boy is only sabotaging himself and wasting his own potential, rejecting his clan out of hand like this!"

"I agree." The new voice that rings out comes from the left side of the room –an older man seated next to Takatomi-sama, who's openly frowning. He does not look towards his elder, but there is no doubt of whose behalf he is speaking on.

"Even if this is something that the boy willingly requested by himself, he is but a child who does not comprehend the repercussions of his choices," the man continues. "The child was raised as a civilian, was he not? Then it's only natural that he does not know what's good for him as a sorcerer. Knowing that, it would be remiss of us to allow him to make such a severe mistake. And that's not even considering the damage this would do to our relationship with the Zenin Clan. I humbly beseech Satoru-sama to reconsider."

"I concur."

"I concur."

"I, too, concur."

The general consensus of agreement is overwhelming. Gojo Hisayasu-sama takes in all of these reactions with a calm, placid eye from where he sits at the head of the room, and turns back towards Satoru-niichan–

–who cuts him off before he even opens his mouth. "I take it that the clan refuses to back my decision to take Megumi and Tsumiki as my wards, then?"

Hisayasu-sama, to his credit, does not flinch. "It is my duty to serve the will of the clan."

Satoru-niichan reaches up with one hand to rub at his head and sighs, a put-out sound. "Boring."

"A good leader listens to the concerns of his people," the elderly man says severely, faintly reprimanding.

"Even when they're clearly in the wrong?" Her cousin's hand falls back down to his side, and he straightens. "Y'know, I would've thought that you'd be all over this, considering the clan's obsession with powerful cursed techniques."

"Strength is paramount for a sorcerer," Hisayasu-sama responds. "… But all power comes at a price. A single boy and his civilian sister are not worth the enmity of the entire Zenin Clan, Ten Shadows or no. The balance between the clans must be maintained, for the continued prosperity of the jujutsu world."

Satoru-niichan clicks his tongue. "Short-sighted, and cowardly. Why am I not surprised?"

"Watch your tongue! Even if you are the honored clan heir, you cannot cannot speak that way to–"

"Peace, Tadatsune." Hisayasu-sama holds up a hand to silence the agitated man, who looked to still be full of protests. Unlike the other man, the clan head remains calm. "Let him finish."

"Hisayasu-sama, you can't possibly entertain such–"

"Silence."

The man's mouth clicks shut and he falls silent, ducking his head in shame.

"Such a well-trained dog," Satoru-niichan muses aloud. Gojo Tadatsune twitches as if to protest, but maintains his silence and does not look up.

Shiki can't help but wonder –is it truly because Hisayasu-sama intends to hear Satoru-niichan out? Or… is he trying to protect Tadatsune-san from Gojo Satoru by commanding him to remain silent?

Hmm.

"You do yourself no favors, provoking your fellow clansmen like this," the old clan head sighs wearily. "The clan cannot support your decision to foster the Ten Shadows child. But we are more than willing and able to care for his sister, if he fears that the Zenin will–"

Satoru-niichan bursts into laughter.

"Ha! Are you kidding me? You're too scared to nab the kid from the Zenins, so you want to take his sister hostage instead?"

A flicker of something flashes lightning-fast in Hisayasu-sama's eyes –shame, anger, guilt?– but it's gone too quickly before Shiki can make any sense of it.

"You overstep yourself," he says quietly.

"Me? I'm the one overstepping myself?" Satoru-niichan shakes his head. "Are you even listening to yourself here?"

Hisayasu-sama surveys the white-haired teenager impassively, unmoved. "You are the clan heir, Satoru. Remember that. It would behoove you to think and act in the interests of your clan, before chasing any personal pursuits."

The room falls dangerously quiet.

"… Is that what this is all about?" her cousin asks softly. "You would overlook whatever you want and refrain from acting because it's inconvenient, using the clan as your excuse?"

The clan head remains unmoving. "It is the will of the clan."

"Alright," Satoru-niichan nods once, simply. "In that case, then I guess there's really no choice. Starting today, right now, effective immediately, I'm taking over as clan head."

…

The stunned silence that follows his statement is deafening.

Satoru-niichan's voice might be as careless and nonchalant as ever, but his words are anything but. Shiki finally perks up and straightens attentively from where she's sitting next to slack-jawed, stricken-looking Daisaku-sama.

"… This isn't the time to be reckless with your whims again, Satoru," Hisayasu-sama is the first to recover his composure, and his eyes narrow. Satoru-niichan remains wholly unbothered. "Do you realize what you're saying?"

"Did I stutter?" Her cousin tilts his head, smiling. It's a distinctly sharp smile –sharp enough to cut. "I'm taking over as clan head."

His voice is fact, leaving no room for any argument.

Shiki isn't blind. The discontent in the room, the disbelieving anger, the mounting shock and dismay–

"Foolish, arrogant boy!" One of the elders literally rises to their feet roaring in anger, face red and blotchy with unrestrained fury. "Is this all just a joke to you? Even if you are the heir, you cannot just declare yourself clan head on your own like this! Have you no shame?"

"You go too far," another elder grumbles disapprovingly. "Satoru-kun, please take back your words. No matter how strongly you feel about this situation with the Ten Shadows boy, there's no need for such… overreaction."

"Disrespectful. Utterly disrespectful! Muneyoshi, what have you been teaching your son?!"

A man rises in the corner of the room –tall and dark-haired, but there's a faint resemblance in the contour of his face with Satoru-niichan. It's Shiki's first time seeing him in person, but there's no doubt that this is Gojo Muneyoshi, Satoru-niichan's father.

The man briskly makes his way towards the center of the room in a few long strides. He ignores Satoru-niichan completely, and calmly comes to a stop in front of Hisayasu-sama.

Then kneels and prostrates himself on the ground.

"Please forgive Satoru's rashness, Hisayasu-sama," he says tonelessly without fanfare. "His words were spoken in the heat of the moment. I humbly request your forgiveness–"

"That's enough," Satoru-niichan cuts off his own father brusquely. "There's no mistake, you heard me right the first time. I'm declaring Gojo Hisayasu inept and unfit for duty as clan head. As heir, the role of clan head now falls to me."

Her cousin pauses for a moment. Takes in the simmering discontent, the tumultuous swell of cursed energy in the room rising like an angry tide.

Satoru-niichan smiles, with an expression that's all teeth.

"Unless anyone wants to challenge me for the position?"

The brazen words are as mocking as they are taunting; absolutely no one in the Gojo Clan is a match for Gojo Satoru as a sorcerer, and everyone knows it. And at its core –the Gojo Clan is only a sorcery clan, in the end.

… It's still a dangerous game that her cousin is playing, though.

Technically, there's nothing wrong with a clan heir inheriting as clan head after declaring their predecessor incapable. It's happened before a few times throughout the Gojo Clan's history; Shiki remembers reading about it in the scrolls that Yuzuki-san had lent to her. However, none of them had been quite so… unilaterally one-sided, heavy-fisted, and solely based on the strength of a single man.

Then again, none of the previous clan heirs had been Gojo Satoru.

… It's not as if no one in the clan supports Satoru-niichan. Regardless of the elders' reservations, Satoru-niichan is actually fairly popular among the younger generation, as well as some of the more progressive-minded individuals in the clan. But none of them really held any significant positions of power or influence. Such roles were tightly controlled by the elders, who were, by and large… conservative traditionalists.

That had the potential to make things very difficult for Satoru-niichan, in the long run. Without the elders' support, even if he named himself clan head, it would be impossible to get things done. It didn't help that he'd spent the last four years in the Tokyo jujutsu school, so he was out of touch with most of the clan's internal matters.

Shiki has no doubt that some of the elders had deliberately withheld or hidden information from Satoru-niichan even after his return, too.

Which meant the current problem essentially boiled down to:

Power dispute.

There wasn't really any way for anyone to stop Satoru-niichan from claiming the title of clan head. Gojo Satoru was already named heir to the Gojo Clan, and considering his overwhelming strength, any potential challengers would probably have to be carried out on a stretcher. Or in a coffin.

However, the fact remained that the elders were all clearly discontent with Satoru-niichan's declaration… which meant that it was highly likely that they would try to make it so that Satoru-niichan would be the clan head in name only. They would most likely try to deprive him of a clan head's power and authority, delay and obstruct his orders, and–

And there's absolutely no way Satoru-niichan isn't aware of all of this himself. Shiki doesn't believe for a single second that Satoru-niichan would take any of that lying down, either. He would have to bring the elders in line somehow. And the simplest, most effective way to do that in the shortest time frame…

"Satoru-sama. Please, reconsider!"

… would be making an example out of the most vocal dissenters.

It… most certainly wasn't the best way to deal with this issue. It was, however, the swiftest route for Satoru-niichan to establish his authority in a way that would ensure his orders would be followed, at least in the immediate future.

But why would he choose to–?

Ah.

Right, Satoru-niichan was also running on a time limit. The Zenin Clan were undoubtedly aware of the 'Ten Shadows boy' by this point; the news would've passed to them the moment Satoru-niichan had openly brought Fushiguro Megumi back to the clan compound. If the Gojo Clan could not present a united front by the time the Zenin Clan came calling, then it was highly unlikely that they would be able to protect the boy the way Satoru-niichan intended to.

Why does Satoru-niichan want to protect Fushiguro Megumi like this, though? Is it… really worth going so far for the Sorcerer Killer's child like this?

Satoru-niichan wants the boy to be free of the Zenin Clan's influence, that much is clear. That he intended to accomplish this by taking the boy under his wing…

For a moment, Shiki wonders just what it is, exactly, that her cousin desires to gain by doing so. Satoru-niichan isn't altruistic, but she highly doubts that his reason is something as inane as 'obtaining Ten Shadows for the Gojo Clan,' either.

… Then again, no matter his motives regarding Fushiguro Megumi, her cousin would've had to do something to reaffirm his position in the clan at some point. If he intended to make use of the Gojo Clan's resources without being constantly and consistently sidelined by the elders, a confrontation like this was only inevitable. So if it wasn't over the matter of Fushiguro, then it would've been something else, eventually.

Still, this was a rather dicey situation right now.

As powerful as he was, Satoru-niichan was also too much of a 'wildcard' for the elders to fully support him. Yes, no one would be able to stop him from declaring himself clan head; yes, he would be able to forcibly bring everyone in line, but…

But it would foster resentment in the higher echelons. Which had the potential to be dangerous even if the elders were replaced, given their deep-rooted influence in all matters of the Gojo Clan. And if there ever came a day when Satoru-niichan wasn't around to bring them to heel… things might become… concerning.

Shiki eyes the room. There are a variety of expressions ranging from shock to anger, grim determination to tired resignation. Satoru-niichan stands calmly in the center of it all, seemingly unaffected.

"Satoru, that's enough." Hisayasu-sama levels the white-haired teen with a stony look. "Trust me, this is not how you want to push this matter. Even if it's you, you would not be able to bear the consequences."

Satoru-niichan remains unmoving. "Is that a challenge? No? If not, then–"

"It's the truth," the elderly man sweeps out a hand to gesture towards the room at large. "Look around yourself, Satoru! Can't you see that there is no one supporting your claims? Is it not clear that this is not the future that you are meant to lead the Gojo Clan into? What will it take for you to finally cease your childish, rebellious ways and submit yourself to your fated destiny?"

Shiki stands up.

"What are you doing?" Daisaku-sama's voice is a low, fierce whisper. He reaches out a gnarled hand as if to pull her back–

But Shiki ignores him.

The little girl easily sidesteps her elder and makes her way down towards the center of the room, where her cousin is standing on his own. Satoru-niichan tilts his head slightly in acknowledgment of her unexpected approach, but does not say anything.

Hisayasu-sama, on the other hand, "What–? Daisaku, what is the meaning of this?"

"Hisayasu-sama, I–"

Shiki kneels.

Unlike Satoru-niichan's father, who had chosen to prostrate himself before his clan head in order to beg lenience for his son, Shiki elects to ignore Hisayasu-sama entirely. The little girl neatly tucks her legs beneath herself as she kneels down right before Satoru-niichan, and bows fluidly.

Without any trace of hesitation, Shiki presses her head to the ground in a single smooth motion.

"Gojo Shiki respectfully greets the twenty-ninth head of the Gojo Clan," she says in a clear, steady voice.

…

Her words are met with absolute silence.

Dead silence, ringing loudly in the empty air –but Shiki remains unbothered and unperturbed.

… It's not like… it's not as if she really expects her actions to do anything. Shiki is well aware that she's not a player in the clan's political games. She's only a nine year old girl. No matter her apparent potential and the clan's hopes for her future, Shiki is only a nine year old girl with no power or influence to speak of in the Gojo Clan.

But…

Look around yourself! Can't you see that there is no one supporting your claims?

It's patently clear that Hisayasu-sama is attempting to pressure Satoru-niichan into standing down because there are no elders supporting him. Which isn't going to work, because Satoru-niichan isn't the type of person to let little things like that stand in his way. A few shows of force, and a few choice words… no matter how unwilling they might be, the elders would follow.

But putting all of that aside–

Even if there are no elders who will stand up to openly support Satoru-niichan, at least Shiki is perfectly willing and wants to make her opinion clear. It might be completely worthless, and she has no doubts that she would be reprimanded for her 'egregious breach of decorum' later by Daisaku-sama, but…

There's not any real explanation for her actions.

Shiki… Shiki just doesn't want Satoru-niichan to be standing alone in this. That's all.

The little girl remains still, head bowed. Beneath her fingertips, the polished wooden floorboards are cool and smooth.

And around them, the heavy silence stretches on tensely.

… Then, faint rustling.

There is the distinct sound of someone shifting around and moving –no. No, someone else is… standing up? Standing up, and making their way down to the center of the room as well, heedless of the round of renewed whispers and hisses that ripple throughout the room. Shiki does not rise from her position or turn around to look, but she can hear the light footsteps of someone walking up behind her.

A slight pause. A rough swallow.

Then, Shiki becomes vaguely aware of someone else kneeling down behind her and lowering their head to Satoru-niichan in the same low bow.

"Gojo Ima respectfully greets the twenty-ninth head of the Gojo Clan."

…

… Ima-san?

Shiki is definitely surprised; going by the low murmuring in the room, clearly she's not the only one.

Really? Ima-san? What is she doing here, putting herself out like this? Shiki hasn't seen her aunt in a long time, not since… not since the day she was reassigned to Kiyohira-sensei, actually.

How… thoroughly unexpected.

The whispers in the room suddenly rise agitatedly in a renewed chorus. It doesn't take long before the reason for it becomes evident; heavier footsteps reverberate through the floorboards, and soon there are two others who join Ima-san on the ground.

"Gojo Kiyohira greets the twenty-ninth head of the Gojo Clan."

"Gojo Jihei greets the twenty-ninth head of the Gojo Clan."

Kiyohira-sensei? Jihei-san?

Wait, didn't both of them have many reservations about Satoru-niichan? Kiyohira-sensei, especially? Why did both of them come forward like this?

Shiki is so confused.

For a moment, the little girl is almost tempted to turn around and ask them. Almost.

… It's strange. On her own, Ima-san's arrival hadn't affected anything, but with Kiyohira-sensei and Jihei-san joining them and kneeling down in deference to Satoru-niichan, there is an unmistakable shift in the room. It starts as a small trickle, but the pattern is undeniable. Following Kiyohira-sensei and Jihei-san, there are more and more of their fellow clansmen who step forth to lower themselves before Gojo Satoru.

A few names Shiki recognizes, but the vast majority are unfamiliar to her. None of them are elders, though, and the number of those who join them from Takatomi-sama's side of the room is precisely zero. But, all the same…

…

… The little girl doesn't pretend to know what's happening at this moment, but… it's a good thing, right? It's good that there are finally people stepping forward to support Satoru-niichan?

Although, she still doesn't know if that'll be enough to actually–

"Gojo Daisaku… greets the twenty-ninth head of the Gojo Clan."

Shiki blinks rapidly, staring into the floorboards.

Daisaku-sama?!

… Okay, that was the last thing Shiki expected to hear. Daisaku-sama, really? Wasn't he always going on and on about his 'neutrality' and his intent to 'observe,' or something like that? Did this mean that he was finally deciding to throw his support behind Satoru-niichan? Something about that didn't really seem to match up, though… wait, when did he even decide this?

Shiki is so, so very confused by what's happening around her.

"So, is this enough for you?" Satoru-niichan's voice sounds from somewhere above her. Shiki's knees are starting to grow numb, but she keeps herself pressed to the ground all the same, even despite her bewilderment. "In the interest of honesty here, though, I should probably also make things clear: I really don't need your approval. Or anyone else's, for that matter."

The only thing that Shiki can see in front of herself at the moment is the wooden flooring. She doesn't know what sort of expression Hisayasu-sama makes, exactly, but she thinks that she can hazard a guess.

"That… that is…"

"Are you going to keep making excuses, or will you finally accept the truth, Gojo Hisayasu?"

A distinct pause.

Then, a shaky breath.

"… Gojo… Hisayasu… greets Gojo Satoru. Twenty-ninth head of the Gojo Clan. May you… lead our clan forward towards a brighter future."

…

And so, on a clear, bright day in the late summer season, Gojo Satoru officially succeeds Gojo Hisayasu as the twenty-ninth head of the Gojo Clan.

.

.

"I can't believe you did that."

The afternoon sun shines down brightly in the cloudless sky. In the shade, there is a slight reprieve, but the unhealthy pallor to Gojo Yuzuki's skin is clear to see even so.

Shiki tilts her head, "What do you mean?"

The older boy turns around from where he's all but collapsed against a tree trunk and gives her a dry look. "You. You railroaded half the clan into declaring support for Satoru-sama as clan head."

… What?

"I did nothing of the sort," Shiki denies flatly. "People came forward of their own accord."

Yuzuki-san arches an eyebrow. "Did you, or did you not, step out as the first to kneel down and proclaim deference to Satoru-sama when no one else did?"

Shiki sniffs, "That doesn't mean anything! You know my opinions don't mean anything to the Gojo Clan."

"… Are you joking?" Yuzuki-san rubs lightly at his temples, the way Jihei-san does so whenever he has a headache. "That… that means everything. Shiki-san, I don't know if you've noticed, but you're the 'blessed child' just as Satoru-sama is the 'honored one.' These aren't just empty words."

Aren't they?

Shiki has been consistently called the blessed child ever since her introduction to the Gojo Clan… and it certainly hadn't stopped the elders from arranging and rearranging every aspect of her life as they liked. Things hadn't really improved much until the day Shiki followed Satoru-niichan's lead when Yaga Masamichi's trial was reopened.

And then, later on, the situation with the cursed god.

"It's just a name, isn't it?" Shiki shrugs carelessly. "Unlike Satoru-niichan, I don't command any authority in the clan."

Yuzuki-san shakes his head. "Shiki-san… I know that you're… secluded, for the most part, by your training. And, likely due to Daisaku-sama's designs as well. So it might not be immediately clear to you, but…"

He pauses.

"Your words and actions carry weight," he says carefully, slow and deliberate. "Far more than you think. Your eyes, your innate technique… even despite the uncertainties surrounding it, you've already proven yourself fully capable of killing a Grade One, borderline Special Grade Curse. Do you realize how rare that is? The number of recorded cursed techniques directly capable of such a feat in the hands of such a young user can be counted on one hand."

The little girl blinks.

"… A borderline what?"

"Did no one ever…?" Yuzuki-san sighs, a heavy sound. "The cursed god you killed two years ago, Shiki-san. You slew it on the land where it was worshiped, in the very center of its power."

A Grade One was a Grade One. Shiki had never thought too much about it, in the aftermath; there had never been any reason to. But from the sounds of what Yuzuki-san is saying…

Shiki frowns. "Is it really that big of a deal?"

The older boy stares blankly at her for a moment, with an expression that's utterly done. "… Shiki-san. The Gojo Clan, in its entirety, has fifty-two active sorcerers. Of those fifty-two, six are officially ranked Special Grade One, and three are designated Grade One. You and Satoru-sama are the only ones with recorded kills of Special Grade curses."

That puts things into a little more perspective. Shiki isn't sure that she likes the implications of it, though.

"It… still shouldn't mean anything," the little girl swings her legs idly. "I've never been involved in any of the clan's internal politics before."

"Well, you most certainly are now," Yuzuki-san says dryly. He breaks off in a sudden bout of coughing, and Shiki looks for the nearby hand-cloth to pass to him. "… Thank you."

"You're welcome," she responds. "And what do you mean by that?"

"I mean exactly what I said," the boy wipes at his mouth, his voice faintly hoarse. "Let's not pretend there was ever really any doubt of Satoru-sama being able to claim the title of clan head from Hisayasu-sama. It would've been better if he'd waited another year to straighten out the political end of things, but… well, I digress. Given the current situation, though? It definitely would've involved a fair few dissenters being made into examples. Oh, it certainly would've worked, but it wouldn't have helped his reputation. And clan heads who ascend through bloodshed are rarely looked kindly upon."

Shiki rolls her eyes. The words more or less aligned with her own thoughts on the matter, but, "Satoru-niichan is a lot less murderous than all of you are making him out to be. I would know."

Yuzuki-san raises his hands in a helpless gesture of surrender. "If you say so, Shiki-san. Still, by stepping forward and declaring your support for Satoru-sama when you did… it wasn't just a child acting out of place impulsively. It was the blessed child publicly and blatantly aligning herself with Satoru-sama in a way that leaves absolutely no room for any misinterpretation. You see the difference?"

"Even if you say that," Shiki folds her arms across her chest, "My actions have no bearing on that of others."

"Gojo Ima, Gojo Kiyohira, Gojo Jihei," Yuzuki-san lists patiently. "Don't you see the commonality here? They followed your lead, Shiki-san."

The little girl shakes her head in disagreement, "I haven't seen Ima-san in years. Kiyohira-sensei and Jihei-san… both have their reservations about Satoru-niichan, so I was pretty surprised when they came forward too, but–"

"They came forward for you, Shiki-san," the boy says, a hint of exasperation seeping into his voice. "For you. Not Satoru-sama."

"But that doesn't make any sense!"

"This isn't an argument; I'm just stating facts. If you're that skeptical about it, then go ask them about their reasoning yourself," Yuzuki-san's words are straightforward and blunt. "Regardless, the results are clear: Ima-san doesn't command a lot of influence within the clan, but she is still the head of a branch family. Kiyohira-san is half-retired, but he commands respect from most of the clan's active sorcerers. Jihei-san is Daisaku-sama's aide, and well-connected besides. With them backing your decision, was it really so strange that others followed?"

Shiki purses her lips. Well, when he puts it like that…

"Even Daisaku-sama was pressured into declaring his loyalty towards the end," Yuzuki-san smiles wryly. "He's the one who's supposed to be in charge of you, so your actions reflect on him as well. I'd bet that there were several people who mistook this entire thing for Daisaku-sama's power play, too, considering how half his supporters followed along after Jihei-san… If Daisaku-sama didn't surrender and declare loyalty to Satoru-sama, then it would just make it seem like he completely lost control of his own faction."

Shiki vaguely remembers Daisaku-sama once saying something about being content to sit back and observe neutrally, before committing himself to any decisions regarding Satoru-niichan. So then… rather than finally deciding on his own terms to give his support to Satoru-niichan… did Shiki accidentally end up making the decision for him?

… Oops?

Shiki opens and closes her mouth mutely, then slowly raises a hand to cover the lower half of her face. "I… feel like I should apologize to Daisaku-sama, or something."

"You really shouldn't," is her sensible friend's practical advice. "He'd just use it as a chance to get one over you, or wrangle some future favor. Besides, it's not like he isn't getting anything out of this –it's highly likely that Satoru-sama will be using his people to get things done for now, so it's a good opportunity. You should just act oblivious when Daisaku-sama tries to bring up the topic in a roundabout manner, then ask him about how he intends to deal with Takatomi-sama."

"Takatomi-sama…" Shiki thinks back to the clan meeting. "He opposed everything Satoru-niichan said."

"Well, yes. Satoru-sama is from the main family, but he's not from the main line –that would be Hisayasu-sama's line; Takatomi-sama is his brother-in-law. So, surely you can see why Takatomi-sama would have a vested interest in helping Hisayasu-sama stay in power," Yuzuki-san shrugs.

Shiki huffs, leaning back and rubbing at her head. Why did everything have to be so convoluted?

"This entire mess could've been avoided if they just agreed to protect the Fushiguro siblings when Satoru-niichan asked them," she complains.

"Well, I wouldn't say that everything's a 'mess,'" Yuzuki-san remarks mildly. "Aren't you going to congratulate Satoru-sama on becoming clan head?"

The little girl turns and gives her friend a side-eye. "Satoru-niichan wants to be clan head just about as much as I do."

Which is to say, not at all.

Satoru-niichan might've been named the clan heir, but that was solely on the basis of Limitless and Six Eyes. Shiki is well aware that her cousin has zero interest in playing games with the clan's elders, or running the clan in general. It's the political weight and influence of the Gojo Clan that he needs for his goals, which means that the title of clan head is just a means to an end.

Hisayasu-sama could've very well kept his title of clan head and continued running things so long as he ceded to Satoru-niichan's occasional requests. In return, Satoru-niichan would continue being the strongest sorcerer, allowing the Gojo Clan to latch onto his power and cement an advantageous position of superiority in the jujutsu world. A simple exchange, right?

All the protests about wanting to avoid conflict with the Zenin Clan were only token excuses, in the end. There were already centuries of bad blood that existed between the Gojo and Zenin Clans; it wasn't like the sudden addition of one Fushiguro Megumi would really be able to tip the scales in either direction.

As for the issue of bloodline theft… technically, there was no actual 'theft' going on, given that Satoru-niichan had stated clearly that Fushiguro Megumi was not being formally adopted into the Gojo Clan. Or being forced to bind himself to the Gojo Clan in any fashion, either.

In fact, an argument could even be made that the closest case of bloodline theft between the clans was actually when a Zenin man kidnapped a Gojo bride from the main family a good hundred or so years back. From this perspective, the Gojo Clan was only 'getting even' now, with Fushiguro Megumi.

Besides, the chance to be personally mentored by a Special Grade sorcerer? That was an opportunity people would kill for. The Zenin might grumble and complain and ask for certain concessions, but there wasn't really any doubt of how things would eventually go in the end, now that things had settled in the Gojo Clan.

Shiki leans back against the tree behind her, looking up towards the sky. "Fushiguro-san had better appreciate what Satoru-niichan is doing for him."

"But is it for him, really?"

"… Not completely, probably," the girl admits, "But close enough, I think. And regardless of Satoru-niichan's reasons –Fushiguro-san is benefiting from all of this. He'll be able to use the Gojo Clan as a shield from the Zenin Clan going forward."

Yuzuki-san shifts and crosses his legs. "Lucky Fushiguro-san, then."

Is Fushiguro-san lucky? In many ways, yes, but…

Well. There's a reason why cursed techniques are called cursed techniques. Shiki has been told that her disposition is one uniquely suited towards the path of a sorcerer. Only time would tell if Fushiguro-san is the same.

It would be nice to have another friend around, she thinks. Although, Fushiguro Megumi didn't look anywhere near as friendly as Panda. His sister seemed to be more approachable, from what Shiki recalls.

Hm.

Hmm.

"… Yuzuki-san?"

Yuzuki-san, who is wise to her ways by this point in their acquaintanceship with each other, twitches and eyes her warily. "I don't know if I like the tone of that voice."

"Don't be like that," Shiki smiles. "So, hypothetically speaking, if I arranged for the Fushiguro siblings to meet Panda–"

"I'm calling it now: There's absolutely no chance of sneaking the Ten Shadows boy to Tokyo on your own, and the Zenins would probably ambush you on your way for good measure."

Fair enough. "Then, what if I invited Panda-san to the clan compound instead?"

The boy blinks, nonplussed. "You want… to issue an official invitation to a cursed corpse doll?"

"His name is Panda."

"You know that's not what I mean. Personally, I don't care about that, but the elders would definitely–" Yuzuki-san suddenly cuts himself off mid-sentence and narrows his eyes suspiciously at her. "… You're doing this on purpose, aren't you."

It's not even a question. Shiki shrugs amiably.

"Most of the elders are already on edge from Satoru-sama suddenly becoming clan head. You're thinking of pulling an obvious stunt to draw their attention and thereby free up the pressure on Satoru-sama," the boy deduces. Honestly, Shiki hadn't thought that far, but… he's not wrong?

"And from what you've mentioned about Panda-san, he would be the ideal candidate for a 'fun' introduction to jujutsu," the boy continues as he taps his fingers thoughtfully on the ground next to him. "A good friend to have in his corner, as well. The connection with Yaga-san might also prove to be beneficial in the future. But Takatomi-sama might also see this as an opportunity to–"

"Not everything has to have ten different reasons behind it while achieving multiple goals, Yuzuki-san," Shiki interrupts dryly, before her friend can really get going in his impromptu analysis. "So, will you help me?"

The pale boy blinks. Then, a helpless smile and slight chuckle.

"… This is such a terrible idea," Yuzuki-san says. "Daisaku-sama will be so upset. Count me in."

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…

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