73

Shiki's returning flight to Japan will see her arriving in the Kansai International Airport around noon. Then, after departing from the airport, it will be another two-hour drive to reach the jujutsu school in Kyoto. The exchange event had just concluded yesterday, but the Tokyo students were not scheduled to leave immediately –she'll be able to regroup with her fellow classmates there.

But admittedly, there's a little more that Shiki is planning to do than just 'regroup with her classmates.' She also intends to make it clear to the higher ups that she does not appreciate their meddling in her mission schedule the way they recently did. It might be harmless enough this time, merely intended towards barring her from a school event –one that she may not have minded staying out of to begin with, had she been properly asked– but Shiki is not interested in sitting back and observing what these manipulations might turn into next time.

So, a trip to Kyoto is warranted, instead of returning directly to Tokyo.

Shiki is in the middle of mentally reviewing the number of tasks that she'll have to deal with once she's back in Japan, when Choki's sharp intake of breath from the side draws her attention.

"Ojou-sama. Your classmate…" Choki's eyes are wide, and there's a faint tremble in his voice. Something that's more shock than fear, Shiki notes, even though Choki is not someone who is easily shaken. "Hakari Kinji used a Domain Expansion against a Kyoto student in his tournament match yesterday."

It takes a brief moment for the words to register.

"Oh." Shiki finds herself sharing her assistant's surprise. A Domain Expansion? From Kinji? "Did anyone die?"

"… Thankfully, it doesn't seem like there were any unfortunate incidents."

A Domain Expansion…

It's unexpected news. Very, very unexpected news.

Because a Domain Expansion is an advanced sorcery art. It's revered as the 'pinnacle of jujutsu,' and a sorcerer's 'ultimate technique.' Shiki knows precisely one other sorcerer who is capable of performing a Domain Expansion, and that's Satoru-niichan, who holds the moniker of the Strongest.

… Well, now that she's thinking about it, Tsukumo Yuki might also be capable of using Domain Expansion as well. And… maybe Geto Suguru would count among that number, too?

As far as Shiki had been aware, Geto-san had never even attempted to work on expanding a domain, back when Satoru-niichan had been making good progress on his own as a student. However, she also acknowledges that it's been years since then, and her understanding of Geto-san is… very lacking. So, it's entirely within the realm of possibility that Geto-san may, perhaps, be capable of performing Domain Expansion now as well.

Considering that the ones who come to mind in relation to the topic of Domain Expansions are all Special Grade sorcerers, this should say something about the sheer difficulty involved in attempting such a thing.

In sharp contrast to the struggles of human sorcerers, it's actually a different case altogether when it comes to Special Grade cursed spirits. It's far easier for a cursed spirit to successfully grasp and deploy a domain than it is for a sorcerer to do the same. According to various studies, this has to do with how a cursed spirit is largely composed of cursed energy. Something about this nature makes it more straightforward for cursed spirits to deploy a domain, as compared to sorcerers attempting the same task.

Not that it's a simple achievement for cursed spirits, either. Typically, it's only the rare few numbers of the most powerful Special Grade cursed spirits who prove themselves to be capable of such a feat, with the caveat of certain exceptions from time to time due to unique circumstances.

Regardless–

Domain Expansions are difficult to achieve, and it's traditionally something that's only attainable by the most accomplished masters of sorcery… again, with certain exceptions every now and then. Shiki has a feeling that Kinji falls under the category of 'exceptions' in his case.

Because while Hakari Kinji is talented, and has potential, that does not mean that he is a master by any means. Last she'd checked, her classmate had still been scratching his head over what his own cursed technique might be, and now he'd suddenly achieved Domain Expansion in one go.

So… perhaps this indicated that he possessed a unique cursed technique. One in which a Domain Expansion was automatically tied into the very technique itself? It's the most reasonable explanation that Shiki can think of given what little she's learned of the situation. She won't be able to say anything definitive until she's had a chance to see his Domain Expansion in person herself.

Shiki thinks it's unlikely that Kinji consciously expanded his domain the way a sorcerer traditionally would for a Domain Expansion. Because a Domain Expansion isn't just an expression of a sorcerer's cursed technique; at the same time, it's also a highly advanced barrier construct. To successfully deploy a Domain Expansion is to test both the sorcerer's mastery of their cursed technique, and their skill in the art of barrier-making.

Kinji, for all his talents, still has trouble drawing down a regular Curtain. Which is far easier an accomplishment than constructing the type of complex barrier that's required for a Domain Expansion.

Come to think of it, though…

For an instinctive learner like Kinji who picked up new skills through practice far faster than he did theory, maybe the Domain Expansion would help him to improve his proficiency with barrier techniques?

… Shiki is starting to get sidetracked here.

Regardless. As surprising and completely unexpected as it was to learn that Kinji used a Domain Expansion out of nowhere, in the end Shiki is still glad for her classmate. A Domain Expansion is no small thing, and it would be an excellent addition to Kinji's arsenal.

Sparring with him should finally prove to be an interesting experience next time.

Oh, right. "Does Satoru-niichan know about Kinji's Domain Expansion?"

This definitely seems like something that her cousin would be interested in. Shiki spares a moment to briefly wonder if she'll run into Satoru-niichan in Kyoto. Maybe he'll visit Shiki's classmates at a later point; Satoru-niichan is currently a bit preoccupied with a long string of missions in Europe.

"I presume that the honored clan head would already be aware of this, but I will send an additional report of my own," Choki responds. Then, a small frown flickers his lips, as he continues reading the missive in his hands. "The matter of Hakari-san's Domain Expansion… it seems that information about it is currently being actively suppressed in Kyoto."

"'Actively suppressed?'" Shiki parrots, tilting her head.

Why? Wasn't it a good thing if a student proved themselves to be capable of using Domain Expansion?

She would've thought that the higher ups would be glad to see a jujutsu student achieve something as impressive as a Domain Expansion. Wasn't it a good thing, if students showed the potential to become stronger sorcerers? That was an important underlying reason as to why jujutsu schools were established in the first place, wasn't it? To train new talents?

… If there are people in Kyoto who are upset with Kinji for achieving a Domain Expansion because of politics, then Shiki is going to be even more displeased than she already is.

Ah, it really was a good decision to ask Ken-jichan to head to Kyoto. If any of the higher ups get it into their heads to pull something inadvisable during her absence, then at least Ken-jichan will be there to ensure that their efforts do not come to fruition.

Thinking about it all like this… it really is a shame that Shiki hadn't been able to attend the exchange event this year. She would've liked to see Kinji's Domain Expansion for herself.

"Perhaps next year, ojou-sama?" Choki suggests, when she voices the thought aloud.

He's right. Maybe next year, then…

… Wait, no, the exchange event is next year. As for Kinji's Domain Expansion, she could just ask him about it when she sees him again.

But maybe she should dock one of her classmate's souvenirs for springing a surprise Domain Expansion specifically when she was absent from the audience, though. Or… should she be getting him an extra souvenir as a congratulatory gift for successfully attaining his own Domain Expansion?

"… I wonder what Kinji's Domain Expansion is like."

Kinji is someone who likes to fight with his fists in melee combat. So, possibly a domain that would skew this in his favor? Something that would make use of the uniquely rough texture of his cursed energy, perhaps? Or would it be something else entirely?

A Domain Expansion is the combination of a sorcerer's innate domain within an enclosed barrier. The barrier component is what portions out a separate space for the sorcerer to, quite literally, expand their domain, creating a terrain that, in some ways, can be perceived as an expression of the sorcerer themselves. What qualities would Kinji's domain possess? What would it reflect about him?

It'll be interesting to find out.

Shiki leans back against the plush chair in the quiet hotel lobby, then twists around to look towards her assistant again. "Do you think that I'd be able to use a sword against Kinji if he's also using his Domain Expansion?"

Even through the thick layer of cloth wrappings, the cursed Muramasa blade sitting beside her almost seems to hum excitedly in response to her words.

Choki twitches. "… I would not presume to comment on that, ojou-sama."

Shiki blinks. "… I'm not going to cut his lines."

Domain Expansion or not, there's no guarantee that Kinji would survive the experience if she actually did. Shiki would prefer her classmates to stay alive for the foreseeable future.

"I wonder if it would be possible to cut the lines of a Domain Expansion." She's capable of perceiving inherent lines of death on barriers, and a Domain Expansion is still defined upon a barrier, right? Unless… would it run counter to the inherent binding vows underpinning the technique?

Hmm. Maybe it would be a better idea to ask Satoru-niichan about this first. Shiki is currently still working on developing her cursed technique reversal ("We should name it Black!" "And what if it ends up having a different visual effect, Satoru-niichan?" "We can still call it 'Black.'"), and Domain Expansions were a topic that she'd been planning to broach with her cousin afterwards. It was probably what Satoru-niichan had been planning as well.

There's no denying that it's immediately relevant to her now, though. And considering the rather… final nature of Shiki's skill set, it's probably better to receive Satoru-niichan's advice first before attempting any potentially unwise experiments with Kinji.

"It's time to depart for the airport now, ojou-sama."

Shiki glances at the clock hanging on the wall; so it is.

It's finally time to head back.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Zhang-san is the driver who takes them to the Pudong Airport. There are dark circles surrounding his eyes –a clear sign that the young man has been overworking himself recently. Like Choki, this is also someone who could do with a vacation to take a break from things.

"Thank you for your service, Zhang-san," Shiki says politely, once they arrive at the busy airport.

"You're welcome," the young man responds automatically, hefting a luggage suitcase out of the back trunk of the car. "But really, I… I should be the one thanking you."

It takes a beat for Shiki to realize what he's referring to. "Oh, for arranging a chat with Tsukumo Yuki?"

Zhang-san twitches, a full-body motion that nearly sees him tripping over his own two feet. From what Shiki has observed of the man over their interactions the past few days, he appears to be rather unfortunately prone to sudden, inexplicable bouts of clumsiness –which can easily prove to be dangerous to someone in his line of work. He should probably work on that.

"For coming all the way here to China and exorcising powerful cursed spirits back to back," Zhang-san grits out through his teeth instead.

"I wouldn't call either of them powerful," Shiki disagrees. Both missions had been relatively effortless on her part. Perhaps the first one had involved a dangerous cursed spirit, but Tsukumo had already taken care of the bulk of the work on that mission by the time Shiki arrived. So that didn't have anything to do with her, really.

Zhang-san stares at her for a long moment. "No, I mean… even Mizuno-san would've struggled, in your place."

… Was that supposed to mean something to her?

"I told you that I was stronger," Shiki reminds him.

"That's not what I–… y'know what, I guess you did." Zhang-san presses a hand to his face, rubbing at his eyes with a slight groan. "On the very first day, even."

Exactly.

"No matter what, though… thank you for your hard work, Gojo-san," he states formally, and bends over into a respectful bow, heedless of the curious gazes that this gesture draws from those around them. Then he turns and bows again to Choki. "And, thank you for your helpful advice and for your patience with me as well, Suzurigi-san."

Choki politely bows back to him. "I'm glad that you found my words helpful. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors."

Zhang-san straightens. "You as well, Suzurigi-san."

…

And with that, Shiki and Choki's trip in China finally draws to a close. Zhang-san watches them walk into the terminal together, and does not leave until Choki turns around and waves at him in dismissal –oh, he's waving back to Choki. Had Choki waved at him in farewell, then?

Shiki blinks, "Zhang-san must be very grateful for the advice that you gave him."

"He asked me for advice on Curtains, and I was willing to share my experiences with him," Choki explains. "Unfortunately, there is only so much that can be imparted verbally. Whether or not he'll be able to make use of my words will depend on his own talents and diligence in practicing."

That makes sense.

Shiki follows Choki into the maze-like airport, trusting her assistant to see her home.

.

.

"–anyone believe something like that? That's… no, that doesn't make any sense. Why is Hakari Kinji being detained?"

The first thing that Shiki and Choki learn, coming out of the airport, is that Kinji has been locked up in Kyoto.

Thinly-veiled anger lends a tight note to Choki's voice. He is not the only one who is… displeased.

"Nanami-sama objected to it the instant the orders came out this morning. He is currently arguing with the ones responsible for it," Suzurigi Mutsuo –formerly under Yuzuki-san's service, and the driver responsible for picking them up from the airport– responds, grimacing. Choki's cousin turns the steering wheel in a corresponding turn to the winding road, "Naniwa Torikai and Zenin Akimitsu were the ones who proposed it."

"What was the reasoning?" Shiki asks calmly.

"They… claim to suspect that Hakari-san's Domain Expansion was achieved through illicit means, and intend to hold an inquiry and investigation," Mutsuo answers. "Enough members among the higher ups have agreed to proceed with this."

"Ridiculous." A Domain Expansion, achieved through illicit means? Were the higher ups somehow so divorced from the reality of a sorcerer's life that they thought a Domain Expansion was something that could be –bought or traded for, like stolen goods? What on earth were they even thinking?

… No. No, maybe there were some fools who somehow came to find themselves in positions of power that they did not deserve, but for Kinji to actually be physically detained meant that there had to be more to this situation than just a couple of elders kicking up a fuss and others humoring them along.

But what would be the reason for targeting Kinji like this? … Was it even Kinji who was their target, in this instance ? Or was he just a convenient excuse for them to use?

If this was in any part motivated by a petty power play in protest of Shiki arranging for her uncle to be in Kyoto–

…

Shiki frowns. Even though she's perfectly aware that killing is rarely the best recourse to solve issues cleanly when those in power are involved, sometimes she finds that she still can't help but think,"It would be a lot easier to just kill them all."

Mutsuo breaks into a sudden coughing fit.

"Watch the road, Mutsu," Choki says sharply, although there's also something else in his voice that sounds resigned at the same time. Then, he bows his head towards Shiki, his voice straightening out into something firm and settled. "Ojou-sama. I, and the rest of the Suzurigi Clan, will most certainly support you no matter which course of action you take. However… it is also with sincerest loyalty that I humbly ask you to also consider alternative methods involving less bloodshed."

Responsible as always, this man. There's no doubt that Choki is currently thinking about the sheer chaos and upheaval that the deaths of the venerated higher ups would end up causing.

Shiki sighs.

"… It will depend on their own actions," she tells him. Shiki is not averse to adding her own weight behind some of the bloodier rumors circulating about her. Might as well go ahead and substantiate them, if people are talking about it already, right?

Right.

Shiki nods to herself.

From the driver's seat, Mutsuo mutters something incomprehensible under his breath. "This might end up being difficult to settle peacefully without the honored clan head's presence, if the higher ups decide to be stubborn about things."

Choki shakes his head. "The honored clan head is currently away on an overseas mission in France."

The higher ups clearly chose their timing well, then. But…

"Satoru-niichan doesn't need to be present for this," Shiki says. "Kinji was only detained. They didn't do anything extreme, like an execution order. That means they want to bargain."

"To… bargain?" Mutsuo mumbles.

"Any sorcerer can see that their excuse is paper-thin," Shiki elaborates. "A Domain Expansion is something that relies on a sorcerer's development of their own abilities. It's not something that can be cheated or obtained through illicit means. For them to claim such a thing implies that they're accusing Kinji of theft of intellectual property, most likely. And to whom would such rare, precious information on a sensitive subject like Domain Expansions belong?"

Definitely not the jujutsu school's archives, that was for certain. And there was absolutely no way that Kinji would've learned how to expand a domain from Takagi-sensei, either, whose skill set most certainly did not include Domain Expansions. Shiki herself could also be automatically discounted from the meager list of potential teachers; not only was she currently incapable of using a Domain Expansion, it was also impossible for her to freely impart such information. There had been certain binding vows of secrecy that she'd been required to make to the Gojo Clan during her education with them, which forbade the sharing of information classified as 'secret' by the clan. Domain Expansions fell under this category.

Which meant that the 'crime' being pinned on Kinji for having the audacity to use a Domain Expansion was most likely–

"Theft from a sorcery clan is a severe offense," Mutsuo blurts out upon realizing the implications of her guess, eyes wide. "Depending on the severity of the crime and the value of what was stolen, punishments for this can range from –from branding, to losing fingers, to execution."

"Yes," Shiki nods. "Normally, the higher ups would want to recruit outstanding sorcerers, or at least find some sort of leverage to hold over them, instead of alienating them directly like this. So it's a little unusual in Kinji's case that he's being treated like this… which might be due to his close proximity with me. I don't believe that he's had the chance to offend any of the higher ups yet."

"It's not your fault, ojou-sama!"

"… Thank you, Mutsuo." True, and untrue at the same time. "Regardless, if they can pin a gross misconduct on Kinji, then they'll be the ones with the initiative if I ask for them to release Kinji without repercussions."

If the higher ups succeeded, then they would be able to wrangle some manner of concession from Shiki –or from the Gojo Clan behind her. If they didn't, then it was only a misunderstanding. Oh, what a terrible mistake. It would certainly garner Shiki's displeasure, but if they'd known that she was already displeased with them, then it wasn't as if this would change anything significant about their existing situation.

After all, Shiki was aligned with her cousin, and it was public knowledge that Gojo Satoru held no fondness for the higher ups in the jujutsu administration.

So there were no real losses for them no matter what the final result ended up being. Perhaps this was also their way of testing Shiki, of observing just how displeased she was with them for their interference in her mission scheduling. A response to Shiki's reaction to send Ken-jichan ahead as her statement.

… It's all one petty power play after another. Did the higher ups really believe themselves to be untouchable?

(What a laughable thought. It wasn't as if any of them had Limitless as their cursed technique.)

"Setting themselves against you like this, ojou-sama…" Mutsuo bites his lip. "What is it that they're attempting to accomplish?"

"I don't know," Shiki admits candidly, "But I suppose we'll find out."

.

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Extra.

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Tsukumo Yuki takes a big, satisfying bite of her pan-fried oyster cake. Mm, delicious.

Yeah, she knows that midnight snacks aren't exactly the healthiest, but it's only on rare occasions that she indulges like this. Especially since she doesn't pull all-nighters all that often anymore. Azechi-kun is always getting on her case about keeping a healthier work-life schedule and sleeping earlier and everything, that little mother hen. Like it's her fault that there's always so much to be done!

… There's always, always so much to be done.

And as Coco likes to say, 'You can't work on an empty stomach.'

For the most part, Yuki tries to be understanding, and generous with those who work with her. Call it a personal philosophy of hers. In her experience, she's found that happy workers are usually also efficient, productive workers. Plus, if she has people working on dangerous tasks for her –better make it worth their time, and all that.

Of course, there have been a handful of cases in the past where people have taken advantage of her generosity before. Idiots. Yuki might be a beautiful woman, but she's not brainless, and before any of that she's a Special Grade sorcerer. You'd think people would remember that.

Kamo Kosaku is probably the most egregious of the lot, though. Making a cursed spirit when Yuki's goal was eradicating them, honestly! She would've loved to know what was going on in that head of his when he'd thought of the idea. Clearly had the brains to try and hide it from her, too, effectively utilizing the fact that Yuki was always busy traveling around different countries to mask his own actions.

Good thing that Azechi-kun caught what was going on in China. Yuki should probably give the boy a raise, he definitely deserved it. And maybe an oyster cake, too?

She takes another bite of her midnight snack. Ooh, that really hits the spot–

Abruptly, with no forewarning at all, Yuki's senses sharpen. An inexplicable chill runs down her spine, unbidden.

For a single moment, everything in her surroundings almost seems to slow down, before the world suddenly resumes a veneer of normalcy once more at some invisible cue, proceeding at its usual pace.

Then, the empty stool to her right clatters as it's pulled back from the counter, and another person drops down in the seat beside her.

"Found you," Gojo Satoru says, a sing-song drawl that's just so slightly on the verge of threatening.

Yuki swallows her half-chewed bite of food.

"Congrats, you found me! Didn't realize you were looking for me to begin with, though." Man, that was fast. She'd only talked to Gojo Shiki, what. A few days ago? Wasn't this guy supposed to still be gallivanting around somewhere in Europe right now? "So, to what do I owe the honor?"

"Don't play dumb." The smile drops from Gojo's face, replaced with glacial blankness.

For a moment, Yuki can't help but marvel at the difference in mannerisms between the two white-haired cousins. In sharp contrast to this guy who dropped down to ambush her out of nowhere and wasn't even attempting to be nice about it, his little cousin had been all quiet and polite-like during her talk with Yuki. Even when she'd probably been fantasizing about knifing Yuki in the kidneys at the time, or something like that.

Yuki is usually pretty good at reading people.

She sighs gustily and shrugs, "I don't know what you want me to say, Gojo. I was just curious about that girl, and coincidentally happened to be in the area."

The other sorcerer's eyes narrow. "You expect me to believe that it was a coincidence Shiki ran into you on her very first mission outside of Japan?"

"I mean, yeah, it's probably not a coincidence," Yuki admits. The same thought had occurred to her as well, but her curiosity had won out in the end. "But I swear it's not me who's responsible. I was combing through the Chaozhou countryside days before your cousin showed up here. And it's not like I knew that she'd be the one that the administration would send to take care of this mess."

Honestly, Yuki had thought that it would be Gojo Satoru who'd show up here, given that it was a pretty darned dangerous curse on the loose. Going by the standards of most sorcerers, at least. Two Grade Twos and a Grade One on its kill record! Wow, what a powerful curse!

Anyways.

After Azechi had reported the spiraling situation to her, Yuki had promptly shoved some stuff around in her schedule to account for an unplanned trip to China. She'd been aiming to clean up her own mess and tie up loose ends before the jujutsu school got too involved. Gojo Satoru was said to be busy with a cluster of missions around Europe, so there was still some time for Yuki to properly resolve the situation and swan out before the guy came knocking–

And then it turns out that it was Gojo Shiki who was sent out to Chaozhou instead!

Nice, nice. Yuki had been interested in that girl for a long time, although she's never really had an opportunity to take a proper look at the kid. Which was why she just couldn't pass up the opportunity this time!

So yeah. All in all, Yuki had actually been feeling pretty good about this China trip before Gojo Satoru just rocked up here with that scary-scary look on his face.

Go figure.

"Did you really have to come here straight from Europe?" Yuki rolls her eyes. "What, did you think that I'd kidnap your little cousin or something? No thanks. I'm not interested in having the Gojo Clan put out a bounty for me or taunting you into hunting me down. I just wanted to have a chat with her."

"… I'm not sure you realize that 'having a chat' is a lot more concerning than orchestrating a kidnapping when it comes to you, Tsukumo," Gojo deadpans.

Eh?

Oh. Oh, she gets what he's referring to.

"Is this about Geto again?" Yuki asks.

… Man, in retrospect the thing with Geto had been a pretty big blunder on her part. But she's still a little indignant when she thinks about it, sometimes.

Because back then, Yuki had been curious about the rumored Special Grade students in the Tokyo school. She'd decided to head over and check them out in person. Admittedly, at the time she'd been mostly curious about Gojo Satoru. Upon her unannounced arrival, though, the only one who'd been present in the school during her surprise visit was Geto Suguru.

Yuki hadn't been discouraged by it. It had still been fun to chat with Geto and scope out his thoughts! She'd also helpfully shared her own perspectives and imparted a smidge of advice to him, telling him that he should think carefully and decide for himself what path he wanted to walk in the future. Just like a good senpai.

… How had she been supposed to know that this kid would decide on an agenda of mass slaughter, using her words?

A good portion of the reasoning and rationale that Geto used for his own agenda had been drawn directly from Yuki's own theories and beliefs, albeit significantly more extremist. Some of the stuff he'd said in the beginning were also modified turns of phrases that Yuki tended to use. So of course people had gotten suspicious of the parallels, and when it came out that Yuki had approached Geto as a student in an unsanctioned meeting–

Boom.

Boy, what an absolute mess that had been. The old codgers back in Japan had been throwing around terms like inciting another Special Grade and manipulating upstanding young sorcerers like Yuki was the one at fault here! And okay, so maybe she had unintentionally laid out some of the bread crumbs for it, but Yuki most certainly isn't the driving force behind Geto Suguru turning rogue. Nuh-uh, no way. That particular honor would probably rest with the administration themselves, not that they would ever admit it.

… But Yuki isn't interested in getting into pointless arguments with the administration, and so she'd decided to lay low for a bit. It worked out well enough for her; she'd even picked up a fun student of her own during the time!

If Yuki had been even an iota less curious about what Geto Suguru might be able to achieve, she would've gone and kicked his ass herself years ago. That option still wasn't entirely off the table just yet, depending on how things progressed in the future.

… There might be a line for it, though. Yuki supposes that Gojo Satoru would probably want to take a go at his best friend first.

Ah, well. Yuki isn't really all that miffed.

At any rate, after the situation with Geto, it was only inevitable that there would be multiple interested parties who were all very invested in ensuring that Yuki never met Gojo Shiki. Probably out of an irrational, sneaking fear that Yuki would contaminate another impressionable young mind with her heretical philosophies, or something.

Bummer, since Yuki would be able to learn some very interesting things from meeting with the girl, if given the chance to. It had probably been due to some sort of roundabout, convoluted politicking that Yuki finally got her chance just recently. Knowing how rare the opportunity was, she hadn't been about to let it slip past her fingers so easily.

Unfortunately, Yuki hadn't managed to learn what she really wanted to from Gojo Shiki. But that was okay. She'd gotten some pretty interesting information out of it anyways! Pity that the girl hadn't agreed to a second meeting, although Yuki had been amused by her choice of a substitute.

Zhang Tong hadn't been bad to talk to, although a little boring with how stiff and nervous he'd been the entire time. Completely different to dealing with someone like Gojo Shiki–

And also completely different from dealing with someone like Gojo Satoru.

"If you're concerned that there are any dangerous changes in your cousin's worldview after a conversation with me," Yuki informs her fellow Special Grade, "Seems to me like she's the one you should be talking to instead, y'know?"

"Oh, I will most certainly be checking in on her later," the young man says easily. "But there's a little something that I figured I'd take care of before I drop in on my cute little cousin."

Yuki side-eyes the other sorcerer. Gojo smiles.

Brr, scary.

But, he's going to have to try a little harder than that if he wants to intimidate her. Gojo Satoru might be the Strongest sorcerer, but Yuki is no slouch, either.

"Okay then. So what is it that you're here to take care of, hmm?" Yuki deliberately takes another bite of her oyster cake again. It's not often that she gets a chance to enjoy a good, authentic pan-fried oyster cake, and she refuses to let Gojo ruin this for her!

"I think you can take a guess, Tsukumo." A waiter comes by, placing down a bowl of sweet snow fungus soup in front of the younger sorcerer. Gojo picks up his spoon and stirs the soup idly. "If you approach Shiki again, I'm going to kill you."

Yuki can't help it. She bursts out laughing, "Wow, overprotective much?"

Gojo's smile widens, all teeth. "You think I'm joking? I'm not taking any chances, Tsukumo."

… Ha.

If there's another thing that Yuki regrets about her approach to Geto Suguru, then it's how her minor role in his defection had well and truly alienated her from Gojo Satoru. Of course, Gojo knows as well as she does that there's a lot more that factored into Geto's decision than just Yuki's words alone… but she's not entirely free of responsibility in this matter, either. Yuki won't deny that.

Still, it's probably only the fact that Yuki genuinely hadn't been trying to suborn or manipulate Geto or anything that Gojo didn't attempt to 'Red' her into oblivion or something the first time they'd encountered each other.

Gojo Shiki… doesn't strike Yuki as the type to follow in Geto's footsteps. Poor Gojo is just worrying over nothing here. Unlike Geto, whose sense of right and wrong and responsibility towards what must be done demands that he take action to fix that which is broken in this world… Shiki doesn't care about any of it. Just, flat-out does not consider it to be her concern, and Yuki wonders if it's the girl's personality or her abilities that affects her worldview like this. Maybe both?

"You're so boring, Gojo," Yuki complains through another bite of oyster cake. "Threats and ultimatums. This is the sort of thing that those elders of yours do all the time, isn't it?"

The white-haired sorcerer rolls his eyes, "I'm not sure if you could come up with a less-flattering comparison."

Yuki snorts, "What? It's true. Going back to your ultimatum about that adorable cousin of yours, though –hey, don't give me that look, at least let me finish my sentence first!"

"I just thought I'd remind you to pick your words carefully," Gojo fires back at her, "Or else they might end up being your last sentence."

This time, it's Yuki's turn to roll her eyes. "Fine, I'll keep my distance from your cousin like you want. But… in exchange, you'll need to make sure that no higher up gets the idea to use Todo Aoi in their asinine games. 'Kay?"

"Greedy. I would've thought that getting to continue living would be incentive enough for…" Gojo trails off slowly. "… Wait, is that your student's name?"

"Yup! That's him," Yuki confirms, allowing a note of genuine fondness to seep into her expression for a brief moment.

… What she'd briefly mentioned to Gojo Shiki about Todo-kun hadn't been a lie. Her young student wasn't ready to go traveling around the world with her just yet, and Yuki truly did want him to go to school, make friends his age, get to know some other sorcerers and build good relationships.

But it also hadn't been the complete truth.

The frosty relations and stalemate between Yuki and the higher ups was something that had persisted ever since the Geto Incident, and when Yuki had registered Todo-kun as a Tokyo student, she discovered a month later that he'd somehow ended up in Kyoto instead.

'Paperwork error' her ass.

It's obvious that this was just a thinly transparent move to get leverage over Special Grade sorcerer Tsukumo Yuki, making her student into a political hostage. What gave the higher ups their nerve to do such a thing? Their confidence in Gojo Satoru? Were these old codgers trying to play off the fact that it was well-known among them that Gojo and Yuki did not get along with each other?

Getting along with each other isn't necessarily a requirement for successful cooperation, though.

"Todo-kun is a Kyoto first year," Yuki says lightly, "He's the same age as your little cousin."

"You think you're being subtle with this?" Gojo arches an eyebrow dryly, one that says he knows exactly what she's trying to do. Bringing up the similarities between the kids was a transparent attempt at hinting to him that Todo-kun was a child who could use someone looking out for him. Like Gojo was so clearly doing for that precious little cousin of his.

"Guilty as charged," Yuki shrugs. When it comes to dealing with Gojo Satoru, there are certain things that's better to be completely upfront about. "In an all-out fight, you could probably kill me. But we both know why an all-out fight between the two of us would be undesirable."

For one, the collateral damage would be massive. The loss of a Special Grade sorcerer –even an absentee one, but still exorcised cursed spirits that she came across– would also be detrimental to the jujutsu world. Yuki isn't about to hold back in a fight against Gojo, especially not if he's really being serious about all of this and actually aiming to kill her. She's pretty sure that she'd be leaving him with some severe injuries, in that case.

And in this hypothetical scenario, what would happen to the stability of the jujutsu world if its Strongest sorcerer were to be greatly weakened?

… At the very least, it would probably turn into a golden opportunity for Geto Suguru, Yuki thinks ruefully. Maybe there would be other interesting sorcerers like Araya crawling out of the woodwork as well, given the allure of such a rare situation. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that was unlikely to happen twice.

"So, let's negotiate," she smiles at Gojo. "Think you can pull a few strings to ensure that the higher ups keep their hands off of Todo-kun? His current teacher is okay, I guess. I've managed to take a look at Iori Utahime before, and she's not a blind little lackey. Naniwa Fusanosuke, however…"

Yeah, no. Naniwa, the Kyoto second year teacher, is someone who's essentially just another mouthpiece for the higher ups. The same goes for that third year teacher, too, but it's Naniwa who's the more pressing issue of the two, since he's the one who will be put into a direct position of authority over Todo-kun next year.

Gotta start making contingencies early.

"… You want both Naniwa and Minamoto out." As expected, Gojo catches onto things instantly.

"Can you do it?" It's no small thing to get teachers removed from the jujutsu schools. But then again, unlike Yuki, Gojo Satoru is someone with the power of an entire clan behind him, the head of one of the Three Great Families.

In the backwards jujutsu world, being descended from a noble bloodline, having a strong cursed technique, and being male was the holy trinity that would determine the amount of power and influence a person would wield. And Gojo Satoru? Essentially stood at the very top in all fields.

"Who do you think I am?" Gojo snorts, sounding almost insulted. "But the real question that you should be concerned about here, Tsukumo, is why I should even entertain your request in the first to me that it's you who's asking something of me. That's not how this works."

"I'm just making things easier for the both of us," Yuki says lightly. "So… it's really doable for you? How would you go about it, if you don't mind me asking? The higher ups will definitely kick up a fuss if someone starts interfering with how they run the schools –even if it's you, Gojo."

"Yeah, but it's a different story if it's something coming from one of their current faculty," Gojo tells her. "Maybe not for your average teacher, but what if the one who's bringing up their concerns is well-connected, a powerful sorcerer, and the head of one of the Three Great Families?"

Yuki blinks.

Then, the words click together in her mind at what Gojo is implying with these not-so-innocuous words.

"… No way," she starts laughing again. "Wait, are you actually being serious? You, a teacher? You think the higher ups and those elders of yours are going to let you, their Strongest Special Grade, play around in the school as a teacher?"

The spoon in Gojo's hand scrapes against the edge of the ceramic soup bowl with a distinct clack.

"You talk as if I'd be giving them a choice."

Tsukumo pauses. Oh. "… You're not joking. This is something that you've already been thinking about for a while, isn't it?"

Gojo grins sharply, and says nothing.

… Well, damn. "Huh… Then, deal. I'll stay out of your little cousin's hair, and you arrange things in the Kyoto school for Todo-kun."

Whew. Now that that was over with, she'd–

"No. I said it before just earlier, didn't I? That's not how this works," Gojo's eyes flash dangerously, his voice soft. "You think this is a deal? You get to keep your life, and I get the honor of helping you protect your own student? I think not, Tsukumo."

The shadows on the ground seemingly darken. Background noise in their surroundings swell to a crescendo, oversensitive and overwhelming, but maybe this is all just in Yuki's head. Blue eyes bore down on her, oppressive.

"Thank your lucky stars that I am of the opinion that no one has the right to destroy children's youth," Gojo tells her. "Just this once, I'll deign to show you mercy, even despite such brazen impertinence. You'll owe me for this, Tsukumo. Is that clear?"

Yuki suddenly finds herself acutely aware that there is no longer anyone still seated in their nearby vicinity. Something in the air feels cold. As cold as the eerie glow of fractal ice-blue eyes sweeping over her, a mere mortal before a hallowed god.

… Yeah, Gojo Satoru is definitely not as cute as his little cousin.

"… Fine. No going near Gojo Shiki, and an additional favor to you, in exchange for you keeping an eye on Todo-kun." It's not quite a binding vow, these words. But it's still an accord that has been reached between two Special Grade sorcerers all the same, and there is weight to their promises.

Gojo blinks, and the looming pressure in their surroundings abruptly fades. Suddenly, Tsukumo feels like she can breathe again.

Man, dealing with Gojo Satoru is always such a pain.

"Alright, then! Glad that we've managed to clear things up between us," Gojo chirps cheerfully as he rises from his seat, casually brushing a hand down his side to straighten out the nonexistent wrinkles in his clothes. "Nice catching up with you, Tsukumo! See you hopefully never."

Wow, rude. "Go back to Europe already, Gojo."

The white-haired sorcerer laughs, and waltzes out the small eatery, gone in moments as swiftly as he'd arrived.

Yuki exhales slowly.

Turns back around, and stuffs the last remaining bite of her cold oyster cake into her mouth.

(There's a thin layer of sweat running down her back, and goosebumps prickling along her skin. Excitement, too, thrumming in her veins in a way that's vaguely reminiscent of a battle high. Ah, how long has it last been since she's had a good, challenging fight? One that had her walking a tightrope on the very precipice of death, where one misstep would see her to her doom?)

…

Tsukumo Yuki is but a humble beauty who wishes to eradicate curses from this perilous world. Yet, there's only so much that one person can do, even if they surround themselves with like-minded allies. Since that's the case…

She doesn't mind striking a few deals here and there. Make use of the opportunities that fall in front of her, and nudge things along so that there are also others testing various routes and possibilities different to her own in the process.

Araya Souren. Geto Suguru.

Even Gojo Satoru has his own role to play, just as Yuki does.

Every step forward helps, even if the individual goals of every person are different. But that's okay. Yuki is sure that she'll reach her ultimate destination in the end.

.

.

…

.