Title: zenith of stars
Rating: T
Summary: "It's not the Six Eyes," they said. So then, the question is –what is it? [OC, Mystic Eyes of Death Perception!OC, AU]
Warnings: N/A.
AN at bottom.
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zenith of stars
"82: approach"
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"Takeru!"
Heading back to the Tokyo school together does not take long. There are no unexpected surprises that delay their return to the jujutsu school, fortunately. The worst of the returning trip is only the traffic that clears out once they reach the city outskirts.
What turns out to be rather more unexpected is the discovery of several new visitors waiting for them as soon as they step through the gates of the Tokyo school. Almost immediately, a light-haired woman sobs and lunges towards Kusakabe-sensei's nephew with a strangled cry. She is swiftly followed by a dark-haired man who also dashes forward, stumbling and nearly tripping over his own two feet in his sudden haste.
"Takeru, Takeru–!"
Judging by their distraught emotional states and how they immediately focus on the young child that Kusakabe-sensei is holding onto… it would be reasonable to suspect that Shiki is currently looking at Kusakabe-sensei's sister and brother-in-law. Her speculations are confirmed when the woman briefly lifts her head towards Kusakabe-sensei and tearfully mutters a heartfelt "Thank you, brother," before burying her face in her son's shoulder.
Her husband, on the other hand, is far more composed. Red-rimmed eyes serve as a clear indicator of his own emotional distress, but even so he still bows towards Kusakabe-sensei in gratitude –and towards Shiki and Okkotsu-san, too. Which makes Okkotsu-san quite flustered, stammering and stepping backwards in distinct discomfort. The man seems to recognize that, and straightens shortly with one last nod in their direction, then hurriedly returns his attention to his wife and child.
As for the third of their unexpected visitors…
There is a faint resemblance in the older man's appearance to Kusakabe-sensei's brother-in-law. It's in the eyes, and the general shape of the face. Another family member, in all likelihood.
This one, Shiki recognizes.
… The name escapes her, but she recalls seeing this older man before. To be precise, she'd encountered him in Kyoto, during the meeting when several higher ups had caused trouble for Kinji and attempted to intimidate Shiki in an ill-advised attempt to assert their authority over her. He had not been the one that acted as a rude spokesperson towards her –that had been a different Yagyu, if Shiki was remembering this correctly– but he had definitely been one of the elders present.
"Hello, Gojo-san." Of the three unexpected visitors, the older man is the only one who does not rush towards the child. There is a faint thread of tension that eases from his body upon seeing the child alive and well, so clearly there is some level of concern that he holds for the young boy, even though it's not enough to break his composure. "Thank you for assisting Atsuya."
'Atsuya' is a very familiar term of address. Shiki glances towards Kusakabe-sensei, faintly questioning.
"My sister's father-in-law, Yagyu Nariyasu," Kusakabe-sensei introduces straightforwardly.
… Ah. Yagyu, as in the Yagyu Clan that presides over Shin Kageryu in the jujutsu world.
To be honest, Shiki doesn't have a very good impression of the Yagyu Clan, considering what happened back in Kyoto. But she nods in acceptance of the gratitude that's expressed towards her all the same.
Setting everything else aside, there's nothing wrong with the sentiment that Yagyu-san is verbalizing here. On his own, Kusakabe-sensei probably still would've been able to successfully exorcise the cursed spirit and rescue his nephew and the rest of the elementary school in the end, but Shiki's presence had most likely expedited the process a little bit. Yagyu Nariyasu's words are spoken in acknowledgment of that fact.
"Yagyu-san," Shiki returns the man's greeting, and lifts her gaze towards Kusakabe-sensei. "Okkotsu-san and I will take our leave, then."
There's no need for Shiki or Okkotsu-san to remain here, especially not when it's become abundantly clear that this is an impromptu family reunion that they've inadvertently stumbled across with Kusakabe-sensei's family. Given the scare that Kusakabe-sensei and his family had just experienced with the near-loss of a young child, presumably there is much that they wish to discuss among themselves, now that the imminent danger has been resolved. Shiki wouldn't be surprised at all to learn if they decided to withdraw the child from his current elementary school.
Still, no matter what course of action Kusakabe-sensei's sister and Yagyu in-laws decided to take, none of it has anything to do with Shiki. The degree of her involvement with this incident is only–
"Ah, may I have a moment of your time, Gojo-san?"
Shiki pauses in her steps, Okkotsu-san also coming to a halting stop beside her.
"What do you want, Yagyu-san?" Even though it appears that Yagyu Nariyasu is here in the role of a concerned family member rather than a higher up, Shiki is still well aware of his political position and what it means. She also has not forgotten that the higher ups have a vested interest in getting Okkotsu-san under their control –the entire point of Shiki bringing Okkotsu-san with her to find Kusakabe-sensei was to avoid handing the higher ups a potential opening to work with.
And yet it seems that, despite her efforts, there is still a higher up standing in front of her right now.
If the next words out of Yagyu-san's mouth are coaxing threats to fall in line and hand Okkotsu-san over to the higher ups in Kyoto, then Kusakabe-sensei will to have to accept the fact that Shiki is going to kill his sister's father-in-law. Which hopefully won't affect his agreement to teach Okkotsu-san swordsmanship, but in the event that he reneged on his words, Shiki would need to–
"It's less of what I want, actually," Yagyu-san says. "Rather, I thought I'd share with you what I know instead. Think of it as my way of thanking you for your help in saving my grandson, if you will. I'm sure that you already have your suspicions about the events that transpired today, correct? Perhaps I could help shed some light on a few other aspects that you might have overlooked."
Shiki remains impassive. "Are you admitting that the incident Kusakabe-sensei encountered was something that had been deliberately set into motion?"
"Set into motion? Certainly. But as for whether or not it was done so deliberately…" Yagyu-san sighs. "I suppose it depends on who you believe to be responsible. We higher ups are not always as in agreement with each other's decisions as you might think."
Shiki can read between the lines well enough: Yagyu-san is saying that this is indeed the work of certain higher ups, but it wasn't something that he had agreed with.
… Of course it wasn't something that Yagyu-san agreed with. Because if the sudden incident that Kusakabe-sensei ran headfirst into was actually a plot hatched by the higher ups, then it meant that Yagyu-san, as an active participant, would be deliberately putting his grandson at risk through such a dangerous plan with room for things to go awry.
Yagyu-san accepting the risks of doing so intentionally was a possibility, but not a particularly likely one, considering most clan sorcerers' attitudes towards progeny. Most sorcery clans cared very much for their younger children –until they did or did not show promise in jujutsu, at least– so it didn't make sense for Kusakabe-sensei's nephew to be blindly risked like this.
… Unless the intention was for the child to be risked, in order to draw out Kusakabe-sensei from the Tokyo school? And then the next step would be removing Shiki from the school afterwards, through a request for reinforcements by Grade One sorcerer Kusakabe Atsuya.
Shiki glances towards Yagyu-san. If he was lying to her and this plan was something that he truly agreed with, perhaps even helped to set into motion… then it indicated that 'family' only meant so much to him. But if he wasn't lying, then it meant that the other higher ups had proceeded to carry out this plan either without his approval, or without his knowledge, until it was too late for him to do anything about it.
"Speak plainly," she tells him.
"Of course," the man inclines his head. "Shall we take this conversation elsewhere, then?"
Kusakabe-sensei looks between them, brows furrowing slightly. "I will–"
"You should remain with your sister, Atsuya," Yagyu-san says lightly. "She was quite distressed earlier, and I believe that your presence would be of great comfort to her."
Kusakabe-sensei stills, hesitating briefly with one last glance in his sister's direction, before he turns back around. "My sister will be alright, now that she can see for herself that Takeru-kun is fine. I think it would be best if I came with you."
Shiki casts a look in the teacher's direction. There are two reasons that she could think of as to why Kusakabe-sensei insisted on coming along. Either Kusakabe-sensei is wary of what his sister's father-in-law intends to tell Shiki, or he is wary of what Shiki might do to his sister's father-in-law if left to her own devices. Or perhaps both?
"As you wish, then." Yagyu-san seems unbothered by Kusakabe-sensei's insistence on being present, nodding agreeably to the other man's words.
Okkotsu-san ends up following them as well, and soon the four of them are seated in one of the school's empty meeting rooms. Choki sets down a tray of tea in front of them, then moves to stand at attention in an unobtrusive corner of the room.
Yagyu-san glances briefly at him, but says nothing about the addition of another person when it becomes apparent that Shiki is not about to say anything about it.
And why would she? Shiki trusts Choki, and if a higher up belonging to the Yagyu Clan and a Yagyu-affiliated sorcerer ask to meet informally with her, then it's actually better that there's another adult in the room to balance out the scales a bit, and one who serves the Gojo Clan at that. Strictly speaking, Choki's presence here is not something that Shiki needs. But it should work well to serve as a silent warning to Yagyu-san if he intends to attempt something foolish by painting Shiki as a young, ignorant child.
Because by keeping Choki here, it's a message that Shiki holds a certain degree of power within the Gojo Clan, with assistants to serve her needs and carry out her orders. Is incurring the ire of the Gojo Clan worth whatever you're planning?
Like most sorcery clans, the Gojo Clan is not without its own share of infighting and other internal struggles. Yet for all its faults, the Gojo Clan has been fairly consistent in presenting a united front before any outsiders. Even should tensions with the higher ups escalate, the Gojo Clan will remain in support of Gojo Satoru… who had already said that he would support Shiki.
Shiki doesn't want to cause trouble for her cousin. But if it becomes necessary, then it's not something that she's going to shy away from.
"I appreciate your willingness to hear me out," Yagyu-san starts, breaking the silence that had fallen over the room once they'd taken their seats. Shiki and Okkotsu-san are sitting together on one side, while Yagyu-san and Kusakabe-sensei are seated together on the other couch across the low table. "I understand that you have not been given any reason to be particularly fond of the Yagyu Clan as a whole thus far, but please believe me when I say that many do not bear any ill will towards the Gojo Clan."
"If your only intent is to defend the Yagyu Clan, then there's nothing for us to discuss here," Shiki says bluntly. It's true that she does not hold a very high opinion of the Yagyu Clan, but this doesn't mean that she's about to exert pressure on them when their role in the recent incident is still unclear.
Really, the only reason why she's sitting here right now is because Yagyu-san seems to be in possession of more information regarding the current situation. Even if it turns out that he's lying to her, then at least Shiki will know what the higher ups want her to believe, which is also information that could prove useful in its own way.
"Ah, it's not… I suppose it would be better to just get to the point, then." For a moment, Yagyu-san's voice is distinctly thoughtful as he takes in her candid attitude. The man closes his eyes briefly, taking in a long breath and exhaling slowly. "… Regarding this incident. I have reason to believe that… certain members of the Yagyu Clan were involved."
Kusakabe-sensei's hands clench together for a moment, while Okkotsu-san makes a soft sound of surprise. Yagyu-san continues to maintain an even expression on his face, despite the incriminating admission that he'd just made as a prominent member of the Yagyu Clan.
"Explain."
Yagyu-san lowers his head. "Tomie was informed of the danger to her son's school earlier this morning by one of the Windows employed by the Yagyu Clan. And, as you may have already been aware of, Atsuya was the first to arrive on the scene. Not as a sorcerer assigned to an emergency mission, but as a concerned brother responding to his sister's call for aid, before the incident… escalated."
A slight pause, in which it's clear that Yagyu-san is deliberating over his next words.
"… I have reason to believe that this was an intentional plan on behalf of certain parties to draw Atsuya away from the jujutsu school," the man continues. "And through Atsuya, a request for assistance in order to draw out another individual–"
"Me." Shiki is not surprised by where this is leading, not when it's something that she's also suspected herself. "And without me in the Tokyo school, I presume that there would then be certain individuals that arrive to make contact with Okkotsu-san."
"So you are already aware," Yagyu-san nods.
Okkotsu-san, on the other hand, nearly chokes on his tea in surprise. "S-sorry?"
"There's nothing that you need to apologize for, Okkotsu-san," Shiki informs the boy.
"I don't believe that's what he meant, Gojo-san," Yagyu-san's tone becomes colored with amusement for a moment. "Okkotsu-san, there are… various parties that believe it would be better for you to consider developing your abilities in Kyoto. This runs counter to what Gojo Satoru has planned for you, however, and all requests to meet with you have been summarily rebuffed thus far."
The boy swallows roughly, "Why…?"
"Because of your potential," Yagyu-san responds. "Ordinarily, I believe this would be my opportunity to explain to you the various benefits that studying jujutsu in Kyoto would bring to you… but unfortunately, I am not in the habit of quietly acquiescing to the plans of certain individuals who nearly ended up getting my grandson killed."
Towards the end of those words, there is an almost steely note that enters the man's voice.
… It doesn't seem like he's lying.
"You're not going to offer a recruitment pitch to Okkotsu-san anyways?" Shiki knows for a fact that the higher ups have a vested interest in getting a Special Grade sorcerer on their side. While Okkotsu-san isn't what Shiki would call a Special Grade sorcerer, the potential is there.
Even if Yagyu-san disagrees with his fellow higher ups' methods, it doesn't change the fact that he is sitting in the same room as Okkotsu-san right now, with a chance to speak directly to the boy in person. Shiki had been wondering if he was planning to take advantage of this golden opportunity. Because if he did, then–
"I am also not in the habit of getting myself decapitated," Yagyu-san says dryly with a wry look in Shiki's direction.
Fair enough, she supposes.
Kusakabe-sensei lets out a light cough, drawing attention to himself with the sudden motion. "It has already been decided that Okkotsu Yuta will study under the Tokyo school, and the higher ups have already agreed to this. Surely they're not going back on their words?"
It would be more accurate to call it a 'disgruntled agreement,' honestly. Shiki can't imagine that the higher ups were particularly happy to bend to Satoru-niichan's will on the matter.
"Not unless there are exceptional circumstances," Yagyu-san splays his hands out in front of himself. "But I do believe that we've gotten slightly sidetracked. Gojo-san, I do not know the names of all parties who are complicit to the unfortunate incident that transpired earlier today. If I were to share the names that I do know with you, though… may I ask what you intend to do?"
A test?
… No. If it were the Gojo elders who'd said something along these lines to Shiki, then in all likelihood it would be a test of her judgment and reasoning. But coming from someone like Yagyu-san instead, who was neither one of Shiki's elders nor someone who had any reason to act in this capacity towards her…
Shiki tilts her head, regarding the man idly. "You want to use me to get rid of your political enemies?"
It's the most reasonable assumption that immediately comes to mind. Judging by the way that Yagyu-san freezes lightly for a near-imperceptible moment, she's probably correct.
"What makes you think that, Gojo-san?"
Yagyu-san is cautious of her. He wants to make use of her for some purpose –otherwise, there would've been no reason for him to request a meeting with her at all to begin with. And if his goal had been Okkotsu-san, then he would be focusing on speaking with Okkotsu-san right now instead of Shiki.
So. A higher up wants to make use of Shiki. It's nothing new, even though it seems that Yagyu-san seems to have chosen a slightly different method of approach as opposed to his peers. He's also being remarkably upfront, for someone who usually pulls strings from behind the scene.
Or perhaps, is this what he wants her to think?
"You've said that certain members of the Yagyu Clan were involved in the events that transpired today. Your grandson was used as bait." If this decision had been made without Yagyu-san's permission, then it meant that there were various individuals within the Yagyu Clan who would benefit from the death of Yagyu-san's grandson. And if it was made with Yagyu-san's permission, then it meant that Yagyu-san was willing to risk his own grandson in order to create the appearance that there were individuals within the Yagyu Clan who wished for his grandson's death –after all, what grandfather would attempt to kill his own grandson?
The emphasis placed on bloodlines and progeny within sorcery clans means that it's not likely that Yagyu-san intentionally attempted to murder his own grandson, but perhaps it had simply been a plausible risk that he was willing to take. That, or he had genuinely been speaking the truth when he claimed not to be involved.
Either way, it was clear that Yagyu-san had his political enemies. Kusakabe-sensei was a Grade One sorcerer, but being affiliated with the Yagyu Clan meant that Kusakabe-sensei couldn't easily raise his blade against any member of the clan.
Shiki, however, had no such restriction applying to her. And if she were the one to take action, then the less-than-stellar relationship that already existed between the Gojo and Yagyu clans meant that the Yagyus would likely focus on the Gojos as a target for any retaliation, rather than turn their attention towards scrutinizing any of their own elders.
Such as Yagyu Nariyasu.
"Ah… well, I don't suppose I've been very subtle now, have I?" Yagyu-san rubs his chin lightly. "But I wouldn't say that I'm trying to 'use' you, Gojo-san. It would be a mutually beneficial agreement, all said and done. Because if I'm reading things correctly, it seems that you aren't very pleased by recent occurrences that continuously try your patience, either."
"And?"
"And so I merely believe that it's the best course of action to solve our problems together," the man says lightly. "I understand that you do not quite trust me, reasonably so, and I will be frank. I have my reservations about how Gojo Satoru intends to approach training another Special Grade sorcerer. But for all his eccentricities, he has yet to make any severe missteps when it comes to the larger picture. So, I am willing to sit back and give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to Okkotsu Yuta's case. The higher ups have already spent far too long tarrying over this matter, to the detriment of other tasks that must be dealt with."
Yagyu-san is clearly implying that his political enemies are those who strongly desire for Okkotsu-san to fall under the higher ups' influence and control. Which is something that Satoru-niichan does not want to happen.
"… As a show of good faith, I will also offer you an additional piece of information," Yagyu-san continues easily despite Shiki's silence to his words. "Regarding the incident that occurred earlier… the cursed spirit in Takeru's school. How did it come to be there?"
The man leans forward and sets down his empty teacup on the table with a soft clack.
"There are usually signs, when a new cursed spirit manifests in an area. Windows in charge of patrolling their assigned sectors report their observations on a frequent, consistent basis so that the information can be compiled and analyzed properly to form reasonable predictions." Yagyu-san leans back in his seat, hands folding together in his lap. "None of that was present in this case. The cursed spirit was deliberately brought to and planted inside the school."
Which makes sense, if this entire situation was a plot by certain higher ups and select members of the Yagyu Clan.
"As a clan child yourself, I'm sure that you know of the various training methods that they like to use," Yagyu-san's fingers tap against each other. "Capturing and restraining cursed spirits, to use as training tools for their sorcerers."
"Your point?" Shiki asks bluntly.
"Have you ever thought of how they're obtained?" Yagyu-san's hands still. "Perhaps the Gojo Clan has their own methods. But for those without the skills or means… it's far simpler to purchase them."
Purchasing cursed spirits?
"What do you mean, 'purchase?'" Kusakabe-sensei frowns deeply, cutting in before Shiki is able to respond to any of this. "There are rules for how dangerous cursed spirits need to be sealed, if there are reasons preventing them from being exorcised directly. But there's nothing in the jujutsu regulation that permits the capture and sale of cursed spirits. They're a dangerous threat to be neutralized, not merchandise!"
"Not for sorcerers," Yagyu-san agrees. "But for curse users, it's simply another way for them to make a bit of additional profit. And it's even simpler when the curse user in question has a natural advantage in their cursed technique when it comes to subduing and controlling cursed spirits."
Shiki gives Yagyu-san a sharp look, because there's really only one name that comes to mind with that particular description. And if it's really that man whom Yagyu-san is referring to–
"It is as you suspect," the man nods. "As far as I'm aware, the cursed spirit that was in Takeru's school? Was one purchased from Geto Suguru by the Yagyu Clan."
Geto Suguru.
… Shiki had known that Geto-san was active as a curse user. However, this was most certainly not how she'd expected to hear about him again. Does Satoru-niichan know about this? Most likely not, because if he did then–
"That kind of sounds like a familiar name," Okkotsu-san murmurs quietly from the side, brows scrunching slightly in thought.
"So you've heard of him already?" Yagyu-san turns towards Okkotsu-san slightly. "Geto Suguru is one of the most prominent curse users of the modern age… ah, are you familiar with the term? A 'curse user' would be a 'criminal sorcerer,' to put it simply."
"A criminal?" Okkotsu-san's eyes widen.
"A criminal with standing orders for execution, to be precise," Yagyu-san supplies helpfully, which causes the boy to pale slightly. "Not that it's something I suspect you'll have to worry about, hm?"
"Clearly it's not something that you're concerned about, either," Shiki folds her arms across her chest. "You or any of the other higher ups dealing with Geto-san."
"In my defense," the man shrugs, "I am not the one dealing with a criminal. In fact, it wasn't something I became aware that my clan was doing until quite recently."
Thus neatly absolving him of responsibility in the matter, then. "What information has the Yagyu Clan collected on Geto-san?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot help you there. I do not have access to such information," Yagyu-san shakes his head. "And, given how careful he is… I suspect that any transactions are carried out and completed with his subordinates, rather than with Geto Suguru himself in person."
"You're saying that the Yagyu Clan is unaware of Geto-san's activities?" Shiki is highly skeptical that this is actually the case.
"Well, no." Yagyu-san lets out a light chuckle. "If there are members of my clan dealing with Geto Suguru's little cult, then it's impossible for there not to be any records. I also don't think that they would refrain from keeping an eye out for what he might be up to."
"Then–"
"If this is something that you wish to find out for yourself," Yagyu-san smiles. "Then I believe the answers that you desire can be found in the hands of the perpetrators of today's incident."
… And so they've returned to where they started once more.
Yagyu-san wants to get rid of his political opponents. Either because they are an obstruction to his goals, a danger to his family, or perhaps a combination of both reasons. Shiki wants the higher ups involved in this to stop meddling, since it's evident that none of them have taken any of her warnings to heart. Yagyu-san also helpfully stacked the exchange in her favor, too, dangling information about Geto Suguru in front of her like this.
Everyone knows that Gojo Satoru is searching for Geto Suguru, and that Geto Suguru is avoiding Gojo Satoru. Satoru-niichan is responsible for many matters and perpetually busy, so there is only so much of his time and attention that he can dedicate to his search, even with the resources of the Gojo Clan at his disposal. In light of the new information that Yagyu-san had revealed, however…
Shiki can't help but wonder if there are sorcery clans actively assisting Geto-san in hiding from Satoru-niichan, in exchange for certain favors and services –such as supplying cursed spirits for them to use. Collaborating with a curse user is something that is looked down upon, but as long as no one knows, then it's perfectly possible for both parties to benefit from their arrangement. There have also been cases of curse users being hired as assassins by sorcery clans, after all, which is something that Shiki knows from personal experience.
Once again, Shiki comes to the conclusion that she has no idea what Geto Suguru is thinking. For someone who had professed wanting to change things in the jujutsu world, collaborating with and enabling the higher ups seems like an awfully ineffective way to affect any meaningful change to sorcerers.
"What do you think, Gojo-san?" Yagyu-san's expression is patient, calm. "How about it? If you'll agree with me, I promise that I–"
The door to the room suddenly bursts open.
"Yagyu Nariyasu!" The name is spoken through gritted teeth, filled with frustration by the new arrival standing in the doorway. "How dare you, you lowly–"
"Yagyu Toshiatsu," Yagyu-san interrupts, still calm –except now, there is a distinctly frosty mien to his calm. "You're here sooner than I expected."
"The servants have been watching you, upon my order," the other man retorts. Yagyu Toshiatsu, Yagyu-san had called him, and Shiki recognizes this man as the one who'd been so outspoken towards her during her brief trip to Kyoto to pick up her classmates from the mildly disastrous exchange event. "You think I don't know what you've been planning, behind that agreeable facade of yours? You might have half the clan tricked into thinking you're harmless, Nariyasu, but you can't fool me."
"Is that so? Unfortunately, I can't say the same," Yagyu-san sighs. "You've certainly fooled me, Toshiatsu. I did not think that you were the type of man to turn upon your own kin in cold blood."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Yagyu Toshiatsu blusters angrily. "Your grandson is perfectly fine."
"No thanks to you, I'm sure."
"Nariyasu!"
To the side, Kusakabe-sensei grimaces at the verbal spat taking place between the Yagyu elders.
Shiki rubs her forehead. "… Get out."
"Excuse me?" Yagyu Toshiatsu whirls on her, eyes narrowing. "You –you! You may be the blessed child, arrogant girl, but you… no…"
Yagyu Toshiatsu wavers, staring at Shiki with a look of dawning realization, then turns on his fellow Yagyu clansman.
"Nariyasu, you're colluding with the Gojo Clan?" Instead of disbelief and horror, what Shiki is hearing in the man's voice is delight. "Have you betrayed the Yagyu Clan?!"
"That is not–"
"I must report this to our clan head!" Yagyu Toshiatsu spins on his heel and turns to leave, a sickeningly joyous smile spreading across his face. "And you, Gojo girl, once it becomes known what you're doing, don't think that we will continue to allow you and that fickle cousin of yours to–"
The man never receives a chance to finish his words.
"Gojo-san!" Kusakabe-sensei surges to his feet, blade in hand. "You can't–!"
He's too slow.
There's a loud thunk, and Yagyu Toshiatsu's headless body falls to the ground. His decapitated head hits the wooden flooring beside him, bouncing twice before rolling and hitting the wall in the hallway. The man's features are still frozen in a rictus smile, an expression that's torn halfway between joy and pain –and perhaps just the faintest shred of bewilderment.
Shiki lifts her bloodied blade, blocking Kusakabe-sensei's too-late strike, and kicks her teacher in the midsection; the strike is infused with cursed energy, and more than enough to blow him into the other side of the room.
"Gojo-san…?" Okkotsu-san's voice is trembling slightly. Unfortunately, there is something else that Shiki needs to deal with first before placating the boy.
She turns towards Yagyu-san. The man is still composed, serene and calm despite the sudden death in the room.
"Are you happy, Yagyu-san?" she asks.
"Please do not think of it that way, Gojo-san," Yagyu-san demurs.
But Shiki has no patience left for him.
She crosses the room in an instant, knocking the man to the ground. The grunt of surprise is enough to indicate that Yagyu-san had not expected this abrupt turn of violence towards his own person, and when he clambers upright again, he freezes entirely.
Because the tip of Shiki's sword presses against his throat, still dripping with his clansman's blood.
"I don't appreciate being used for your personal agenda, Yagyu-san," Shiki says idly. "Only one person is allowed to use me like this, and you're not him."
"Gojo-san, I–"
"Look at me," Shiki commands, pressing the blade up beneath his chin and forcing him to look up and face her directly. The man is no longer so composed anymore –instead, his eyes are blown wide, and his breaths are beginning to stutter in short, shuddering gasps. "I'm genuinely curious, Yagyu-san. Do you really think I wouldn't kill you?"
.
.
…
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Author's Notes:
This chapter we have: Politics with a slight dash of murder. (Nods)
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