74

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Although Shiki has visited Kyoto on several occasions over the years, surprisingly enough this is actually the first time that she's made her way to the Kyoto jujutsu school.

The school itself is nestled deep in the mountains, not unlike its Tokyo counterpart. But perhaps it should be clarified that it is the Kyoto school that is the original of the two, and its design had served as a base blueprint for the Tokyo school that came after. Walking through the Kyoto school grounds, it's easy to take note of the exceedingly familiar style of the surrounding buildings. Certain building structures are also uncannily similar to what Shiki has grown used to seeing in Tokyo.

"Gojo-sama." Mere moments after entering Kyoto school grounds, Shiki and her Suzurigi aides are immediately greeted by a servant approaching them. "It is an honor to be graced with your presence. Your arrival has been long-awaited, and you are hereby requested to appear before the honored council."

Shiki looks at the servant, and says nothing to acknowledge his words. She recognizes the power play for what it is: An attempt to grasp initiative to make it seem as if Shiki was the supplicant coming to them, acquiescing to the silent demand to follow along and be obedient. As if they weren't the ones who'd made a gross overstep first by interfering in her missions, and again by detaining Kinji for no real reason.

The calm, steady mask on the servant's face falters. "… Gojo-sama?"

Shiki sighs.

… She might be irritated at the moment, but there's no reason for her ire to be directed towards unrelated parties. The higher ups responsible for it, on the other hand, would most certainly deserve it.

"Lead the way," she allows.

Clearly relieved upon receiving a benign response, the servant bows deeply, then hurries steps forward to serve as a guide in front of them. Choki and Mutsuo follow along behind Shiki, flanking her sides.

The servant does not lead them far. They pass through two courtyards, then turn left and head up a flight of stone stairs, one that ends up leading into yet another courtyard. This particular courtyard, however, seems to be distinctly more finely maintained than the previous ones that they'd passed. The servant brings them directly to the central building in the middle of the courtyard, and reaches out with slightly-trembling fingers to slide open the set of translucent mulberry-paper doors.

He lowers his head to the ground, and does not say anything.

Choki casts the Kyoto servant a sharp glance, then sucks in a deep breath as he steps forward in the other man's place. His voice is level, and carries clearly through the air:

"Announcing the arrival of Gojo Shiki-jousama, Respected Head of the Tobiume, Blessed Daughter of the Gojo Clan."

And with that, Shiki steps into the hushed room.

Rather than neatly folding her hands in front of herself, though, her fingers casually encircle around the sheath of her cursed Muramasa sword instead. A clear indication of just how very unimpressed she is by the fact that they've seen fit to summon her here the very instant she'd set foot on Kyoto school grounds. Meaningless titles and social standing may not be something that she cares very much about, but she knows enough to realize that this deliberate refusal to acknowledge her rank and position is meant as intimidation. Dismissal.

But Shiki does not intend to entertain their games. She has far more productive things to be doing with her time.

"Shiki," Ken-jichan is there. He's standing in the center of the room, turning around towards her. The hard edge of the stern expression creasing his lips softens, and something akin to relief enters his eyes. "I'm glad you're back safely."

"It's good to see you well, Ken-jichan." Shiki makes her way towards her uncle. "Thank you for making time in your schedule for a mission in Kyoto."

"You don't need to thank me for that," the blond man responds, and this time there's a note of something almost exasperated in his voice. He shakes his head, "… At any rate, I suppose it was a good thing that I came here."

Shiki agrees with that assessment. Because it's entirely possible that Kinji would've faced something even worse than being detained, if Ken-jichan were not here to argue on his behalf.

Shiki offers her uncle a small smile, "Yes. I do not think that either of us foresaw that our Kyoto leaders would attempt something as nonsensical as–"

"Is this how the Gojo Clan teaches their children nowadays? Declaring her own introduction like an arrogant upstart throwing around her weight, and ignoring the basic courtesy of greeting her elders?"

The voice that had rudely just interrupted her is raspy, rumbling. It is an aged man who speaks, with gray-white hair and sunken eyes. Someone who honestly looks like he's standing halfway in his grave already.

His words are sharp, reprimanding.

Shiki could not care less about it.

"… As nonsensical as picking problems where there are clearly none, and engaging in petty, pointless posturing," she continues in a mild tone of voice, ignoring the man entirely.

"You–!"

"Peace, Naniwa-san," a different voice interrupts, calm where the red-faced elder is agitated. "I do not believe that Shiki-chan here truly meant any offense. She is, after all, the blessed child who is representative of the noble Gojo Clan. I am certain that it is merely the fatigue of travel that is to blame for this… brief lapse in judgment."

The new speaker is a man who appears to be far younger than 'Naniwa-san.' At a guess from appearances alone, Shiki would put him around Kiyohira-sensei's age.

A genial smile is directed towards her. "Dear child, will you not render an apology to the venerable Naniwa-san, so that we may return to discussing important matters?"

Despite the affable front that he puts up, Shiki is not blind. She can read between the lines well enough. By bringing up the title of blessed child in conjunction with the Gojo Clan, this man was reminding Shiki that her actions here would reflect on her clan. Warning her to watch her tongue, lest she shamefully tarnish the Gojo Clan's reputation. And a lapse in judgment due to fatigue was also a statement that was discreetly mocking. What kind of sorcerer allowed something like travel fatigue to impact their attitude and decision-making?

Then, the last line at the end was just downright condescending. Acting as if he and the other higher ups were only humoring Shiki's presence here? Demanding that she apologize to Naniwa-san, who was the one that had so rudely interrupted her to begin with?

Did they think that Shiki was here to pander to their delusions of being powerful men?

Mentioning 'important matters' the way he did, implying that an apology from Shiki was the only way that they would deign to listen to anything that she had to say to them–

Ridiculous.

… Although, it did serve to solidify one of Shiki's suspicions regarding the entire affair: It seemed likely that they wanted to establish some vague sense of authority over her. Obedience.

Again, ridiculous.

Shiki looks placidly at the grinning man who's so pleased with the verbal trap he laid out for her. If she had to take a guess…

He's either waiting for her to either take insult or offense at his condescension –in which case he would then shake his head and reveal her as an immature child whose words were not to be taken seriously– or waiting for Shiki to insist that she wasn't the one in the wrong. That Naniwa should be apologizing to her instead. In which case, Gojo Shiki would become a 'disrespectful upstart' for demanding an elder to debase themselves in front of their peers.

Yuzuki-san would smile and proceed to methodically tear this man into pieces, one logical point after another. But verbal articulation is not Shiki's strong suit.

So, "You will address me as 'Gojo-san,' or I will cut out your tongue."

The man's smile freezes, turning strained. A startled blink, then two, as he visibly recalculates in face of her unexpected response to his taunting.

"W-what?"

Clearly, Shiki hadn't reacted the way that he'd been hoping for her to. And why should she?

"You will address me as 'Gojo-san,'" she repeats serenely. "Or I will cut out your tongue."

Ken-jichan's eyes flick towards her. Do you really mean that?

Shiki calmly returns her uncle's gaze. Yes. Let me take care of this, Ken-jichan.

… Her uncle does not appear to be entirely approving of her decision, but it doesn't seem as if he's outright disapproving, either.

"I–" The elder who might be missing his tongue in very short order frowns. "… I am Yagyu Toshiatsu. Perhaps you are unaware of what my role in the council entails, child, but I am the–"

"If being respected is so important to you," Shiki is not interested in listening to his worthless excuses and meaningless justifications. "Then prove to me that you are worthy of at least a modicum of my respect through your actions, not your status."

Not that that looks to be very likely, going by what she's seeing of Kyoto's higher ups thus far. The Yagyu man draws back sharply at her retort, mouth opening and closing mutely in a brief loss for words. Next to him, another man chortles, clearly basking in amusement in his colleague's predicament.

The surname 'Yagyu'… this man who'd offered Shiki insult is of the Yagyu Clan, then.

From what she recalls from the Gojo Clan's teachings, the Yagyu Clan was a fairly influential sorcerer clan, responsible for the establishment of several kenjutsu dojos throughout the country in modern times. These schools were focused towards teaching Yagyu Shin Kageryu swordsmanship to interested students… the vast majority of whom were actually non-sorcerers.

But in truth, this was only a front. A realistic one, perhaps, because for all intents and purposes these really were proper dojos that genuinely instructed their students in learning basic swordsmanship. But it was still a front, nonetheless. A way for the Yagyu Clan to discreetly discover new talents among the masses of their students who'd already proven themselves to be interested in martial arts, and recruit those who possessed the potential for sorcery. Students whom, depending on their performance, would possibly come to be placed in one of the jujutsu schools under the recommendation of the Yagyu Clan.

Kusakabe-sensei, for example, had been a student from a non-sorcerer background nominated for enrollment by the Yagyu Clan. He was their 'success story,' so to speak –a student of humble origins who'd risen to Grade One under the expert guidance of the Yagyu Clan that had recognized and polished his potential.

The Yagyu Clan taught basic Yagyu Shin Kageryu swordsmanship to their non-sorcerer students. To those undergoing a sorcerer's training, they would be taught Shin Kageryu. Their dojos served as a basic training center for any sorcerer who wished to learn Shin Kageryu. But for those who wish to learn the advanced forms of the style, then that would be considered to encroach upon Yagyu Clan secrets. Certain assurances were required in order for outsiders to gain permission to learn those techniques. Such as undertaking a set of restrictive binding vows, or tying themselves to the Yagyu Clan through marriage.

Perhaps far more importantly than any of this, though–

The Yagyu Clan had always been rather… disgruntled with the Gojo Clan, though they did not have the power to do anything against one of the Three Great Families. Their discontent had originated from the Yagyu Clan proclaiming themselves to be descendants of Sugawara no Nagayoshi. And through this connection, they identified themselves as children of the noble Sugawara Clan, thereby laying claim to the same blood as the legendary Sugawara no Michizane.

The legendary Sugawara no Michizane; scholar, poet, politician and sorcerer. One of the Three Great Vengeful Spirits. The very Sugawara no Michizane whom the Gojo Clan proudly traced their descent from.

And unfortunately for the Yagyu Clan, the Gojo Clan refused to recognize their claim to Sugawara blood.

In a similar position to that of the Yagyus, the Maeda Clan also claimed relations to the Sugawara Clan. However, the Maedas had taken things a step even further, proclaiming themselves to also be descendants of Sugawara no Michizane himself. Back during the early Edo Period, the wily Maeda clan head at the time had even directly convinced the ruling Tokugawa shogunate to recognize the claim, much to the Gojo Clan's collective outrage.

Officially, there were only a total of six different aristocratic families that were properly acknowledged as descendants of the Sugawara lineage: Takatsuji, Higashibojo, Karahashi, Kiyooka, Kuwabara… and Gojo.

Some were doing quite well for themselves during modern times, while others had quietly fallen into obscurity. Most branches of the bloodline had also long lost the ability to produce sorcerers from their families. And none save for the Gojos themselves had claimed a title for themselves as one of the Three Great Families, carving a place for themselves as one of the most powerful clans in the jujutsu world.

It was for that very reason that the blood of Sugawara no Michizane was considered to flow thickest within the Gojo Clan. Something that was considered to be an undisputed fact among sorcerers.

Regardless–

For all their power and influence, the Gojo Clan is not without its enemies in the jujutsu world. Or at the very least, there are those who are dissatisfied with them, which Shiki understands very well herself… if not precisely in the same context and manner of the Yagyu and the Maeda clans.

She sweeps her gaze over the higher ups in the room again.

… There are not that many people. Clearly, this is not the entirety of the Kyoto council. Perhaps this meeting is only meant to serve as a tacit warning for Shiki to know her place, then. Or maybe this indicates that the decision to detain her classmate for using a Domain Expansion was only the decision of a lesser faction, and therefore not actually representative of the headquarters' judgment.

The room is well-lit, not dark. There are no paper screens hiding each administrator as tradition would dictate in a formal summons of a sorcerer. So clearly this is not a formal, sanctioned summons of her person, no matter the implications or insinuations otherwise.

Given her warm reception, Shiki is guessing that the people present are most likely those already holding various grievances against the Gojo Clan. Or, possibly their grievances might be directed towards Satoru-niichan instead? … That was also another possibility, and not one to discard easily out of hand.

"Gojo Shiki." A low, deep voice calls her name. Another one of the Kyoto higher-ups sitting in the room, who'd finally chosen to break the dissatisfied silence that had followed Shiki's words to the Yagyu man. After Shiki had more or less declared to all of them that she did not consider them to be worthy of her respect. "Your impertinence does you no favors here."

Shiki turns to face the speaker. "And why would I need your favor?"

The dark-haired man raises an eyebrow. "Are you not present to beg mercy for that bold classmate of yours?"

Ah, so this is where they're trying to lead the conversation. If they successfully portray this situation as one where it's Shiki who needs to beg a boon from them, rather than them needing to ask for forgiveness from her, then they'll be the ones with the initiative.

So–

"I am not," she informs him.

"Then it would behoove you to compose yourself and act appropriately as befits a daughter of your station–" the man stutters, and freezes mid-sentence as Shiki's response finally registers. "… I beg your pardon? What did you just say?"

These higher ups certainly seem to be a little… hard of hearing.

"I am not here to beg for anything," Shiki says to the room at large. "I am only here to say two things: First, it is laughable that a sorcerer should be detained like a criminal for achieving the ability to use Domain Expansion on their own merit. Second, my acceptance of missions assigned by the administration does not indicate that I have also agreed to become a puppet to be directed according to your whims. If there is a repeat offense, then I will not be held responsible for the consequences of the fallout."

Briefly, silence reigns in the room.

"… This is madness," Naniwa coughs, trembling in anger. "Utter madness! You, you dare pose threats like this, when you're nothing but a little girl who–"

"Now, now, Naniwa-san," another man hurriedly interrupts with a well-meaning laugh, chuckling lightly. "Let's calm down, shall we?"

The wizened Naniwa's expression twists. "You would suffer such insolence? Where is your dignity and respect, Yagyu Nariyasu?"

That's another Yagyu among the higher ups present, then. Unlike Yagyu Toshiatsu from earlier, whose surface appearance of appearing to speak kindly in Shiki's favor had still done absolutely nothing to hide his true intent of backing her into a corner, Yagyu Nariyasu's mask is much more effective. The good-natured smile that curls over his lips despite the insult in Naniwa's biting retort almost appears to be truly genuine.

"Venerable Naniwa-san," the younger man says, ducking his head briefly, "Please, it is only the nature of the youth to be predisposed towards bouts of rashness, is it not? I do not contest your righteous ire; merely request for a fragment of your magnanimity –for your virtuous patience and understanding. After all, should it not be the prerogative of elders to portray proper conduct as an example for our children to follow?"

Somehow, the mix of flattery and leading words are enough to convince Naniwa to subside grudgingly, although not without one last 'Tch.'

"Shi… Gojo-san." Yagyu Toshiatsu is the next to speak up again, with a sharp glance in his fellow Yagyu's direction. His clansman Yagyu Nariyasu inclines his head graciously in acknowledgment of some unspoken command, seemingly unbothered by the subtle reprimand from the higher-ranked Yagyu, and turns aside, still smiling.

Appeased by his clansman's acquiescence, Yagyu Toshiatsu refocuses on Shiki. "I'm afraid that you seem to have several misunderstandings, regarding both of your complaints. You labor beneath the mistaken impression that we of the administration would sabotage our sorcerers, which I can assure you is most certainly not the case."

He's not being very convincing, is he?

"In Hakari Kinji's case, you cannot deny that his situation warrants an investigation!" Yagyu Toshiatsu swiftly changes targets. "Domain Expansions are the pinnacle of sorcery, and yet your classmate, a first year student of a non-sorcerer background, has somehow created a… a perverse mockery of a Domain Expansion through unknown means. Surely you would admit that this is both unusual and suspicious, and must be thoroughly scrutinized. If he has stolen and twisted clan techniques–"

Shiki has no more patience to listen to this man's rambling.

"Kinji has been a student of the Tokyo school this entire time, and instructed within the school," she says flatly. "When would he even have had the opportunity to commit theft like this?"

"He was present in Kyoto during Obon, was he not?" Another new voice, this time from a man with Zenin-dark hair who's been silent from the moment Shiki entered the room –until now.

"Precisely! It's as Zenin-san says," Yagyu Toshiatsu seizes onto the other man's words. The Zenin. In all likelihood, if Shiki's guess is correct –the man who'd just spoken would be Zenin Akimitsu, the one whom Mutsuo had named alongside Naniwa Torikai as being responsible for proposing that Kinji be locked up.

… Isn't it funny? Naniwa Torikai and Zenin Akimitsu were the ones supposedly responsible for Kinji's detainment, and yet it was Yagyu Toshiatsu who was actively speaking as the representative of the higher ups who were present here.

In some ways, it's understandable. The Naniwas were an old, high-ranked bloodline –with rumored relations to the Fujiwara in their ancestry, even– and the Zenins were one of the Three Great Families. If neither of them desired open conflict with the Gojo Clan, then it was better for them to find a lesser mouthpiece instead. Yagyu Toshiatsu… certainly seemed like he would be a suitable candidate for such a role.

But, there's something that they've all gotten wrong here.

Shiki didn't travel to Kyoto to throw a tantrum over what they did to her mission schedule, or to play mind games with them. She's not here to request a favor from them to release Kinji, either. And she's most certainly not here to talk in circles with a Yagyu, something that would only prove to be utterly meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

… These higher ups seemed to have grown too comfortable in their lofty positions in Kyoto. To the point where they've forgotten one of the basic tenets of the jujutsu world:

Ultimately, strength is what speaks loudest for a sorcerer.

"–you must see now, don't you?" Yagyu Toshiatsu smiles, grandfatherly and benevolent. Shiki had glossed over his earlier litany. "You are quite powerful for your age, Gojo-san, but this does not change the fact that you are still young, and thus easily misled by… undesirable influences. If you will listen to other opinions, you'll find that–"

"I've heard enough."

… The words echo Shiki's own thoughts, but they had not been spoken from her mouth.

Ken-jichan?

Her uncle's lips are flattened into a thin line, and while his expression is not upset, one would have to be both blind and foolish to not sense the displeasure that all but radiates from his person.

"Yagyu," Ken-jichan says flatly, "You stonewalled me with meaningless excuses earlier, when I brought up the invalidity of Hakari-kun's detainment, and dismissed me as a conspiracy theorist grasping at shadows when I brought up concerns of my niece's irregular mission schedule. And now, right before my eyes, you've done nothing but attempt to gaslight, manipulate, and condescend to Shiki. Is this what I am to expect of those responsible for upholding order and law in our society?"

Yagyu Toshiatsu's eyes narrow, reprimanding and reproving. "You forget yourself, Nanami Kento."

"I forget myself?" Ken-jichan arches an eyebrow. "No, I think not. Baseless accusations and ungrounded suspicions without any sort of legitimate proof are not enough to justify the imprisonment of a student and a minor. The unsanctioned imprisonment, might I add. It's been nearly… nineteen hours since Hakari-kun was taken into your custody, and there still hasn't been an official statement endorsing your actions. Because there is no justification for it."

Of course there isn't. Without an official statement ordering the capture and imprisonment of Hakari Kinji, this means that there's still wiggle room for the entire incident to be brushed off as an accidental misunderstanding, rather than something that they can be held accountable for. Plausible deniability.

"Watch your tone, sorcerer," Yagyu Toshiatsu frowns, a hint of anger entering his eyes. "Do not presume to know better than your superiors, especially regarding matters that you clearly do not understand."

Shiki's uncle doesn't make any indication of being cowed by the warning. "If this is your rudimentary attempt at intimidation, then I must express my disappointment that you would rather resort to such means than hold a proper, meaningful conversation like civilized people."

His words come sandpaper-dry and thoroughly unimpressed. Shiki quietly smiles into the sleeve of her kimono.

"Arrogance is unbecoming of a Grade One, Nanami Kento," Yagyu Toshiatsu levels a severe look, one that is completely ineffectual towards Ken-jichan, who merely looks back calmly. "I would advise you to have a little more consideration for your attitude. A sorcerer who is unsuitable for their rank can always be brought down to their proper place."

"Threats of demotion tend to be more effective when the matter of their ranking is important to the individual in question."

Dark eyes narrow. "You claim that your rank is unimportant to you, then?"

"I had hoped," Ken-jichan says mildly, "That perhaps the modicum of respect afforded to Grade One sorcerers would weigh heavier in whatever abstract factors are considered when it comes to the administration's treatment of my niece. Clearly I was mistaken. Demote me, then. I have no use for the rank otherwise."

But the demotion of a Grade One sorcerer, when sorcerers were already in short supply, wasn't something that could be done on a whim and quietly brushed under a rug, no matter how hard Yagyu Toshiatsu seemed to be implying otherwise. There were formal processes that needed to be followed, and an official reason that needed to be announced –and the nebulous 'crime' of 'disrespect' wasn't going to cut it.

More importantly, if Ken-jichan were to be demoted, then the Gojo Clan would most certainly demand an inquiry and investigation into the matter. Although Nanami Kento was not a sorcerer of the Gojo Clan, nor one who was officially sponsored by them, he was a close blood relative of Gojo Shiki. He was her uncle.

Harmless power plays that did not result in any actual consequences for the involved parties were one thing. But an undeniable insult to the Gojo Clan, which the demotion of Nanami Kento by higher ups who already held various grievances against the Gojos would most certainly qualify as, would not be something that they would ignore.

Shiki wonders if Ken-jichan was aware of all of this, challenging Yagyu Toshiatsu to demote him as he did. Like herself, Ken-jichan is not a particularly political person, but after so many years… it really is only self-defense.

Yagyu Toshiatsu glares at Ken-jichan, but he does not say anything else. Does not even attempt to carry out his threat, which is quite telling. Even he himself is aware that demoting Ken-jichan is not something that's a legitimate, valid course of action.

But that had already been obvious from the previous activities that they'd engaged in –detaining Kinji, and interfering with Shiki's mission schedule behind her back.

"… Let's go, Ken-jichan." She had arrived here thinking that it might very well be possible that she would need to express her displeasure in a rather more permanent manner if the higher ups refused to be cooperative… but, Shiki has decided against it. There's no meaning to it.

The informal meeting that she'd been led into proved that Kinji's detainment, despite being nominally ordered by Kyoto higher ups, was not actually an official decision that had been reached by Jujutsu Headquarters. Had that actually been the case, then the full council would've been present, rather than a scattered handful of deluded men.

It was also abundantly clear that the higher ups themselves knew that they had no real reason or justification to stand on. That was why they kept emphasizing Shiki and her uncle's 'disrespect' and not-so-subtly laying verbal traps for them so they would become angry. So the two of them would perhaps say something unwise for these men to capitalize upon.

This entire thing was a farce. Perhaps the higher ups present here truly all had a hand in Kinji's imprisonment and intervening in Shiki's schedule. But this entire time, it's only been Yagyu Toshiatsu doggedly playing the role of an antagonist to Shiki, instead of her being forced to face censure from the collective gathering. Even Naniwa Torikai, who'd taken offense at Shiki's disrespect towards him earlier, had subsided after the tacit reminder from the other Yagyu and had not openly antagonized Shiki again.

This means that the majority of these higher ups do not wish to openly set themselves at odds against her –against the Gojo Clan, against Gojo Satoru– and so remain silent instead. Watching, and observing.

…

Shiki's upbringing with the Gojo Clan had been a largely secluded one. Perhaps it's due to the near-disaster of her first visit to the Kamo Clan, or the ill-understood principles underlying her lethal abilities, or maybe even the Gojo Clan deliberately desiring to maintain a layer of mystique–

But the fact remains that even despite her reputation, Shiki is still a relatively unknown element to jujutsu society by and large, with only sparingly few appearances during certain ceremonies and festivals. Is this what this is all about, then? Baiting her out and observing her reactions, trying to see what motivates her to behave a certain way? First by inconveniencing Shiki, and then by targeting Shiki's classmates when she'd shown herself to be aware of what they were doing?

What would be next, then? Bothering and harassing Ken-jicihan? Yagyu Toshiatsu, at least, had shown himself to be perfectly willing to do so. If there were other like-minded men among the other higher-ups…

… hm. Perhaps some bloodshed would be called for, after all. But Ken-jichan might not approve–

"Leaving so soon?" A casual, seemingly-careless voice. It's the Zenin who speaks, again. "The situation with Hakari Kinji remains unresolved, and the same is also true of your own grievances. And you have not been dismissed yet, Gojo-san."

Shiki sighs.

… A warning, then.

Standing at the threshold of the doorway, Shiki casts a halfhearted glance back towards the higher ups –and consciously releases her cursed energy.

The effect is instant: Choked gasps, distinct thuds. Multiple elders all lurch over from an invisible weight.

Shiki could not be further disappointed by her so-called 'superiors.'

"Your actions are unjustified. There is nothing to discuss," she turns her back on them. "I am taking my classmate, and leaving with my uncle."

"Y-you… dare…?!"

Seems like there are still those who stubbornly refuse to understand their situation.

"Let me be clear," Shiki pauses by the doorframe. "If it ever becomes necessary for me to return here again because of your petty power plays, then those responsible will be leaving in caskets. I am not as patient and good-natured as my cousin."

And with that, Shiki firmly slides the door shut behind her.

"… 'Patient and good-natured?'" Ken-jichan asks skeptically. "Are we really talking about the same person?"

"Of course." What else could possibly explain why Satoru-niichan had allowed these worthless, conniving men to continue living in positions of power?

Consternation flickers briefly across her uncle's features, before he ends up shaking his head. "There are many adjectives that would describe him, and… I'll agree that Gojo Satoru does have his redeeming qualities. However, patient and good-natured are not terms that I would use."

"But he is," Shiki protests in her cousin's favor. Although, that is perhaps not the most important thing to be focusing on at the moment… "Ken-jichan, do you know where Kinji is being held?"

"I do," her uncle nods, and takes a brisk step forward to lead the way. Shiki follows her uncle beside him. "Hakari-kun is not being held captive in one of the containment cells –thankfully, the higher ups were not that idiotic– but he's still been placed in a specialized separate building. From what I was able to observe, it's locked under an assortment of seals and barriers that both prevent the entry of any visitors and the escape of its inhabitants."

"I see. What about Takagi-sensei?" Wasn't Takagi-sensei the adult who was nominally in charge of overseeing the Tokyo students during the Kyoto exchange event? What had he been doing this entire time?

"Called away by an emergency summons to fill in for an injured sorcerer's mission halfway through the first day of the exchange event."

… How convenient.

"This is the building," Ken-jichan says, as they finally come to a stop in front of a traditional building that outwardly looks to be no different from the others around it. Choki and Mutsuo, who had silently followed along behind them since they'd walked out on the higher ups, also stop obligingly. "The key is held in the hands of the higher ups, who I suspect made themselves deliberately unreasonable and difficult to deal with… but you already have an idea in mind as to how you'll deal with this, don't you?"

Red lines gleam invitingly before her eyes.

"Yes," Shiki nods, and unsheathes her sword.

.

.

…

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