Chapter 7: Alluring Gaze
The weather seemed to be getting on the chillier side. Leaves were turning more red and orange and falling on command. The wind blew them away but no one was watching through the windows. Mechamaru, Muta Kokichi, and Miwa Kasumi were both busy with each other's comfort. Mechamaru gained his name due to his robotic body. His main body operated separately to keep his robotic body running. Mechamaru was very strong despite his appearance; he fought to keep Miwa and everyone else safe during the Great War with the Kenjaku. He was sweet and caring; both characteristics that Miwa admired.
"Muta, I really appreciate you always looking after me even if we are serving two different clans" Miwa was a bodyguard of the Gojo family while Mechamaru was a respectable guard of the Zenin clan. That didn't stop their feelings though. They have been in love since their academic days.
"Please, Miwa. I don't need a reason to look after you" afterall, I am so in love with you. Mechamaru desperately wanted to say those words.
"I-I want to be with you Muta. Even if it's impossible" Miwa closed the gap between them. She slipped her hands in his and raised her head up to kiss his cheeks. Mechamaru couldn't feel the gesture but his real body felt himself blushing. He wanted to be with Miwa so bad; very bad. Mechamaru searched for ways to get a full human body but no doctors in the world are able to do that. He needed someone in the jujutsu world. He is willing to do anything to be united with her.
"I feel exactly the same. I love you more than anything" Mechamaru knew kissing her through his robotic body wouldn't bring any pleasure but he wanted to make sure she knew he meant every word. Miwa's lips felt cold from the metal but she didn't care. They were always sneaking away like this. Both repeated, "I love you", more than they could ever count. It never led anywhere but Mechamaru and Miwa just wanted reassurance that they still belonged to one another.
Mechamaru thinks back to the night before, where he and Naobito Zenin were away on a mission. The meeting was between Yuta Okkotsu, Satoru Gojo, Megumi Fushigoro, and Naobito Zenin. Mechamaru was one of the trusted soldiers of the Zenin clan. He served under Naobito. The four were in a meeting to discuss the strange events a mysterious group was plotting. The two clans were on edge about the situation.
"It's getting very dangerous. Shoko studied two new cursed spirits that I defeated a while back. The curses were once originally humans" Satoru sipped some tea while the rest stared at him, their tea left unattended.
"What!?" Naobito was in disbelief. "I thought we defeated these fuckers and put an end to world destruction".
"They might not be looking to destroy the world this time" Yuta already discussed the matter with Satoru. "Based on our discussion, Lord Satoru and I concluded that the group is actually looking for revenge" Yuta stated while Satoru looked uncomfortable being called a lord. He knew Yuta was always polite but it felt weird being called "lord" by his former student.
"Revenge? On who? Do we know who exactly is plotting this?" Fushigoro asked, "because it means that someone in that group holds a grudge against us and using the rest to get their revenge" he thought back to his crowning ceremony. He felt a cold shiver that night; like someone was watching him. Could it be the same person? Fushigoro thought to himself.
"That's most likely. However, we have to inform Yuji and the Kamo clan. Something tells me Yuji is a big part of this" Satoru had a sickening feeling that Yuji was being targeted. He had a soft spot for all of his students but Yuji was the one who reshaped the whole jujutsu world. He holds a special spot in Satoru's heart.
"I agree. The Zenin clan will do our part in researching more. Your clan can inform the Kamo residence about the incident and warn Yuji. Now, as for the next matter" Fushigoro continued talking to the rest of the leaders. They were discussing matters exclusive to the Zenin and Gojo clan, which is probably why the Kamo's weren't invited.
Mechamaru listened thoughtfully. Even if he wanted to add his own thoughts on these matters, he could only speak if one of the lords asked him directly. Otherwise, Mechamaru was just an observer. Usually, he and Maki would whisper to pass the time. However, she wasn't present that night. Maki, unfortunately, wasn't feeling well. She was resting at the Zenin mansion. Mechamaru stood up from the tatami mat to bow down to the lords. They were done with their lengthy meeting.
"Congratulations on the engagement Fushigoro. I can't wait for the wedding" Yuta happily hugged Fushigoro who seemed less excited for the wedding.
"Thank you. Please take care Lord Satoru and Lord Yuta" Fushigoro and Naobito waved goodbye. They, along with Mechamaru, departed the Gojo mansion on their carriage. Mechamaru wished to see Miwa but he had to remain by his master's side all the time. He promised himself to stop by the Gojo residence the next day to visit her.
"I have a life-changing request for you Kokichi" Mechmaru jerked up at this statement made by Naobito. They were back at the Zenin mansion. Fushigoro went straight to his chamber to rest while Naobito was enjoying some sake in his office accompanied by Mechamaru. Naobito was sitting on a pillow-seat on top of the tatami mat. His ground-level office table separated him and Mechamaru, who was patiently seated on the opposite side. Suddenly, the tatami mat felt uncomfortable under Mechamaru's socked-covered robotic legs.
"What do you mean Lord Naobito?" He was tense.
"Oh relax Kokichi. It's just a request but it is about your future so it can be life-changing" Naobito was gulping down more sake.
"My future? Apologies, but I don't understand" Mechamaru was puzzled. What is this old man implying?
"Kokichi, son. I chose you as my guard over anyone from my clan because I trust your powers" Naobito was taking his time making a point, "you are more valuable than half of the members in my clan, which is why I am asking you to join my family. Please take Maki to be your wife" Naobito finished his whole sake bottle. Despite being drunk, the old man was serious.
"I…" Mechamaru didn't know what to say. He respected Naobito very much. He even looked up to him as his own grandfather. However, as much as he respected the Zenin clan and wanted to be a part of it, Mechamaru was in love with someone else. Miwa's face flashed by and Mechamaru was instantly brought back to his senses. "Lord Naobito, I will be more than happy to join the Zenin clan. Lady Maki is beautiful and a strong woman; however, my heart already belongs to someone else. Please reconsider" Mechamaru bowed down on the floor to showcase his apology.
"I will give you a full body. I am the only one who can" Naobito offered. He knew Maki was in love with the leader of the Gojo clan, Yuta Okkotsu. But he couldn't let this happen. The old man knew how dangerous it could be to unite the two clans in marriages. It could easily create conflicts amongst the big three. Intermarriage was strictly forbidden. Naobito had to break the two up. Mechamaru was his most trusted and royal guard. If he could hand Maki to anyone, it would be him.
"Wh-what do you mean?!" Mechmaru rose from his position. His eyes went wide with shock. He knew Naobito was strong but he couldn't believe that he could do the impossible.
"I am the only one who can. I haven't told you this before because I wasn't able to. The war had me use up my normal power. However, after going into retirement, I was able to conjure up enough energy to focus on other subjects" Naobito had Mechamaru's full attention. "Kokichi, please think about this. You always dreamed of acquiring a full body, right?".
Mechamaru gulped. All his life, he wanted a full body. He dreamed of it. If he could acquire such a thing, it would mean everything. Mechamaru started fantasizing about all the things he could do with a body but quickly, his thoughts were filled with Miwa. Getting his dream to come true means he had to betray her. Mechamaru loved her to death; he could never do that. "I...don't...know".
"Kokichi! Think about this! You always wanted a body!" Naobito was sober now. He stood up to sit in front of Mechamaru. He placed his two hands on Mechamaru's shoulder to shake him to reality.
"But, how could I do that?! I will betray the one I love!" Mechamaru had tears in his eyes. He was conflicted.
"We all have to make sacrifices for what we want" Naobito relaxed. He knew all too well how that felt. The old man had to make tons of sacrifices to get where he is. Naobito stood up and walked towards the exit. He slid the two sliding doors open.
"Think about this. I will be waiting for an answer soon" Naobito closed the doors behind him, leaving Mechamaru to cry to himself.
"What's wrong Muta?" Miwa asked innocently. He has been in a daze for a long time; she started worrying.
"It's nothing. I love you" Mechamaru hugged Miwa tightly to her surprise. His clothes made her feel warm and welcoming. She happily took the offer and hugged him back. She wished she could stay in his arms forever.
Mechamaru was sure of himself now. He will marry Maki Zenin, acquire a full body, and escape with Miwa. They will go far away from this place. They might be on the run for their lives by betraying the Zenin and Gojo clans; but, that didn't matter when Mechamaru could be with Miwa forever.
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Maki was once again at the Gojo mansion. This afternoon she wanted to train but had to run an errand. She has been beaten down by a severe cold and cursed at herself for failing to be on Fushigoro's side. This is the second time she missed an important event. No matter what, Maki will serve her duties as the lieutenant properly. Afterall, she didn't reach Toji Fushigoro's strength for nothing. Maki made her way straight to her sensei, Satoru Gojo.
"Makiiiiii! It's so exciting to see you!" Satoru rushed towards his student and hugged her tightly. He still had a nastly habit of greeting his students improperly.
"Lo-rd Sato-ru" Maki was pushing her sensei off her. As much as she appreciated his warm gestures, she had to get to business.
"That kimono really suits you. You should wear kimonos more often" Satoru let go of her and put his usual smile on. He was in a yukata despite it being almost winter-time. The two were at Satoru's office. His office was the most modern office out of everyone's. Everything was up to date with the current Taisho era.
"Ah...thank you Lord Satoru-I mean Sensei" Maki knew how much he hated being called a lord. "Do you have the documents?".
"Of course! Here you go" Satoru handed Maki the envelope. It included detailed information of Shoko's research. This would help the Zenin clan know the danger they are facing.
"Thank you Sensei. I will be on my way then" Maki exited his office. He waved goodbye.
"I wish they would hang out with their dear Sensei, sometimes" Satoru sighed.
Maki was walking on the veranda when her hand was grabbed by someone. She was surprised that she didn't detect anyone. The room Maki was brought into was a large space, which held ceremonies and banquets. The huge entrance held no doors so it was wide open; anyone can walk-in. Maki was pushed against the wall; harmlessly.
"Yuta! What are you doing?!" Maki was in shock at Yuta's reckless behavior.
"Shh" Yuta held a finger to his lips before kissing Maki breathlessly. She knew it was wrong but she couldn't help it; she longed for him too.
The two were kissing each other from all sides. Yuta cupped one of Maki's breasts as he used his other hand to lift Maki's kimono up. She was so glad that there were only two layers to her kimono. Yuta slid his hand inside her and Maki moaned in pleasure.
"Yuta~" Maki kissed his neck while he bit her earlobe.
"Maki. I love you!" Yuta was trying to keep his voice down but it was too intense. He kissed her to drown their voices. Yuta then parted his own kimono and hauled Maki up in the air. He had her two legs wrapping around his waist. The two kissed once again as Yuta entered her.
"Mmh" the two were moaning in pleasure. "Yesss, Yuta!" Maki said in between kisses. He was thrusting in her while Maki moved her hips as they fucked. "Makiiii!" Yuta pulled away to finish. She came at the same time. She lowered herself to the floor. Both were panting for a second before they cleaned themselves up.
"Yuta" Maki was brought to her senses now, "this is...sadly goodbye" Maki was in pain. However, she had to end it for real this time.
"What do you mean?!" Yuta wouldn't let it end like this. He was still working on finding a way to be with her. All the commotion with the mysterious evil group has sidetracked his mission. However, he was still determined to make her his.
"I-I am getting married to Muta Kokichi" Maki dropped her gaze from Yuta. On the other side of the wall, Miwa heard their conversation. She was aware of the love between her friend, Maki, and her master, Yuta. Miwa of course would never reveal their secret. She was happy for both of them but this news shattered her reality. What?! Muta would never lie to me! Maki has to be lying about this… Miwa was about to collapse from this news. She knew Mechamaru would never betray her like this. They were deeply in love; they were going to be together forever.
"There is no way…" Yuta was in shock. All this time he thought he had time. Everyone was so busy with Fushigoro's wedding that they wouldn't have thought to plan Maki's future. Yuta had the perfect opportunity to form his plan. But now, it is all over if Maki is married off.
"It's true. Lord Naobito made it clear to me. Muta is going to be my husband" Maki stopped herself from crying. She had no choice in the matter. The higher lords decided it for her. Even if Naobito went into retirement, he was still pulling the strings. Miwa ran away. She couldn't take it anymore.
"Maki" Yuta stopped Maki from leaving by grabbing her hand. "You can stop this. You can say no".
"Why should I? It's better for the both of us" Maki jerked her hand away. They always ended up like this. One chasing after the other. She quickly exited the residence, leaving Yuta in shambles…
Mechamaru has to marry Maki in order to get a full body. Maki, however, is in love with Yuta but she always puts her duties first. Miwa is devastated by the news as well as Yuta.