"Stop laughing."
"Sorry, sorry." Even despite apologizing, Satoru-niichan's attitude still remains completely unrepentant. He doesn't even bother with attempting to try and cover up the broad smile that stretches over his lips. If anything, his grin widens. "Hmm, I wonder if I should send Morikazu and Minako a gift basket."
Shiki huffs at her cousin's far-too-cheery reaction to all of this. Isn't he supposed to be on her side?
… Admittedly, it makes sense why he would find this funny. More than once before, Satoru-niichan has already brought up the prospect of her being the clan heir. Even if he had been half-joking on several of those occasions, the offers hadn't been a complete joke. Shiki had known that there was part of the man that had been entirely serious when he'd asked her if she would like to be the Gojo clan heir.
To which her own response had always been an emphatic, resounding No.
Shiki was pointedly uninterested in the position. Satoru-niichan, aware of her thoughts on the matter, had never pushed her on the topic, either. And so it remained as something that lay undiscussed between them all this time.
Until now, that is.
"Aww, you don't have to look so dour about it." Satoru-niichan pinches her cheek, tugging slightly. "Listen. As much as I would like it if you were to put yourself forth as an heir candidate, I'm not going to push the role on you if you're truly against it. There are still other ways of resolving your little Shunryu problem."
He's right, there are. And even in the worst case scenario where all attempts prove ineffective… there's also the brute force option of beating the Shunryu branch head into submission. Except that would be a method of resolution that also opened itself up to far too many other problems. Chief of which would introduce heightened tensions between the Tobiume and other branch families. Or rather, between Shiki and numerous other branch heads and elders within the clan.
Even Daisaku-sama might have a few choice words to say about such a thing, were Shiki to go through with a heavy-handed non-solution like that and heavy-handedly sow chaos in her wake.
Shiki would prefer to avoid such a messy scenario.
Becoming clan heir wasn't the only option. But it would be an effective one, if one considers the convoluted situation as a whole.
Gojo Morihiko, as the Shunryu branch head, most definitely wouldn't want his clan members joining the Tobiume, for obvious reasons. The loss of a Special Grade One sorcerer would be a great blow to the Shunryu, and the simultaneous departure of all the other able-bodied clansmen leaving alongside Gojo Morikazu a bitter pill to swallow. Something that the Shunryu branch head would fight tooth and nail against.
There… really wasn't much that could be said about things on the Shunryu front. Whether or not Shiki was the clan heir honestly wouldn't change Gojo Morihiko's vehement protests against his family's Special Grade One turning his back on him.
But it would make a difference once other branch families were openly involved. As they would inevitably be, for something like this. No branch family would want their talents to be 'stolen' by another branch family, so it was, in a way, simply 'self-preservation' on their part to oppose this.
There is precedent for clan members joining different branch families for a variety of different reasons, such as when Kiyohira-sensei was added to the Tobiume registry when Shiki asked her teacher to help her with watching over the branch family. However, this many people leaving all at once to join a different branch family–
It's not something that Shiki ever recalls reading about in any of the records detailing Gojo clan history. Usually, the only case where a branch family suddenly receives an influx of new members would be when another branch family was dissolved. And even then, members were usually dispersed among different branch families.
The Tobiume suddenly absorbing so many people, and even a Special Grade One sorcerer… this was a threat to the other branch families. If Shiki could collect the Shunryu family's best sorcerer so easily, then what would happen if she turned her gaze to the other branch families?
… Never mind that Shiki had precisely zero interest in 'poaching' members of other branch families, period. She hadn't even done anything to 'poach' the Shunryu clansmen in question here in the first place; they just showed up on their own accord!
But oftentimes, the truth of a situation matters far less than how the situation looks.
To other branch families, the humiliation of the Shunryu branch head will suddenly no longer be an interesting new topic for gossip. It's now a volatile situation that will potentially signal to other clansmen that they, too, could join other branch families as long as they so desire. So it's something that those in charge will want to stop.
Another reason why they would wish to stop this would be to preemptively prevent the Tobiume branch family from accruing power.
Because Shiki being the branch head is one thing. Even though she possesses great talent as a sorcerer, Gojo Shiki is young, female, and low-ranked within the clan in terms of her bloodline. Which are naturally disadvantageous towards attaining and holding a proper position of power. And setting all of that aside… despite the position of branch head being a high-ranked, prestigious status, there's a marked difference between being the branch head of an influential, prosperous branch family, and leading an insignificant, deteriorating one.
No matter how strong Shiki is personally, it's not as if she can suddenly turn everyone else in the Tobiume family into powerful sorcerers just like her. Which means that there is a limit to what power and influence she can wield as the head of the Tobiume family.
So in hindsight, the limiting factors of the Tobiume branch family were likely a significant part of the reason why Gojo Ima, a non-sorcerer woman, had been allowed to hold the position of branch head before Shiki replaced her. And it might also be the reason why Shiki had subsequently succeeded the position without much of a fuss raised by anyone in the clan, either.
Gojo Kiyohira joining the Tobiume family can be overlooked, too. The man is getting on in age, and retired on top of that. Though he still commands a certain amount of respect among the clan's sorcerers, how long will that respect last if he himself is no longer an active sorcerer fighting on the front lines?
But Gojo Morikazu is a different matter, as one of the clan's active sorcerers. One of their best sorcerers, even, as one of the few Special Grade One sorcerers that existed within the clan. If such a man was joining the Tobiume, while simultaneously bringing over a number of promising Shunryu clansmen with him, then that would drastically change the situation of the Tobiume branch family.
With the new addition of fresh blood, this might be enough to directly pull the Tobiume family out of the depressive slump that they'd fallen into. It would directly change their adverse state of affairs in a way that even Shiki couldn't affect, only being a single person no matter her strength as a sorcerer.
And this was something that had the potential to significantly alter the existing balance of power between the clan's branch families. Those who would be genuinely happy about such a thing were likely to be very few in number.
Taking into consideration all of this, then, it could be loosely summarized that there were two main reasons why other branch families would also protest Shunryu family members being added to the Tobiume's numbers:
First, the dangerous implication that their own family members, too, could be 'stolen' from them just like the Shunryus. And second, that the Tobiume would regain their status as a proper branch family in truth, instead of merely prolonging themselves by having a single strong sorcerer standing at their head.
They would be concerned by the thought of the Tobiume becoming a powerful force that none of them would be able to overlook. Shiki was the clan's strongest sorcerer aside from Satoru-niichan, and she was also favored by her clan head and cousin. With her as the branch head, who would be able to overlook the Tobiume once they accepted the Shunryu members into their fold?
So, bearing that in mind, there was a high chance that the heads of other branch families would support the Shunryu branch head in ensuring that the wayward Shunryu clansmen did not become Tobiume clansmen.
Unless–
Unless there was a way to make it so that even if the Tobiume familiy suddenly gained a Special Grade One sorcerer and several other Shunryu clansmen, they would not pose an imminent, looming threat against the other branch families.
… Which circled back around to the idea of Shiki stepping into the role of clan heir, instead of remaining as the Tobiume branch head.
Because if Shiki was the Tobiume branch head, then her every action would be inextricably tied to the Tobiume branch family itself, no matter her intentions. If she was no longer the Tobiume branch head, if she was no longer strictly associated with the Tobiume, then it would make the Tobiume branch family seem like less of a threat to other branch families.
A branch head is naturally expected to serve their branch family. The clan heir, on the other hand, is expected to serve the interests of the clan as a whole.
Typically, the clan heir is chosen from the main family. Shiki doesn't doubt that there's already a candidate or two currently lined up for the role from the main family, although clearly Satoru-niichan has yet to approve of anyone.
… Anyone aside from Shiki, it seems. She's not entirely sure how this realization makes her feel.
"Heavy thoughts?"
Shiki blinks, and looks towards her cousin.
"The other branch families won't sit by idly if the Tobiume absorbs a good number of Shunryu clansmen," she murmurs quietly, going over and organizing her thoughts. "And they won't like it if another Special Grade One joins. I was an unexpected element, but it's acceptable because I'm young, and female. And, there's a limit to what influence I can wield within the clan as the head of a fallen branch family. Kiyohira-sensei is retired, and his influence among the clan's sorcerers is also limited. But…"
"But?" Satoru-niichan coaxes leadingly.
"But Gojo Morikazu is an active Special Grade One sorcerer," Shiki continues at her cousin's prompting. "One bringing with him a number of able-bodied clansmen, which will revitalize the Tobiume and disrupt the balance. And that would be something that they'll want to prevent, because it potentially means… why are you smiling?"
Satoru-niichan leans forward on his desk, lazily propping up one elbow upon the surface while he rests his chin in the palm of his hand with the air of a satisfied, reclining cat.
"Oh, nothing," the older sorcerer responds breezily, oddly smug for some inexplicable reason. "Just glad to see that you seem to have a pretty decent grasp on things and all. Excellent clan heir material, y'know."
"You're biased," Shiki shakes her head at her cousin's confidence.
"A little bit, maybe," Satoru-niichan admits shamelessly as he winks at her. "But am I wrong? Being the clan heir isn't just about being strong –even though being strong does help a lot here, can't lie about that. You can't defend your position or enforce any decisions you make if you don't have the power to back it up, after all."
Shiki most definitely sees how that would be the case.
"Setting that aside," her cousin arches his back in a catlike stretch, "You also have a good sense for picking apart and analyzing complex situations. I'd say that's a very important quality for heirship, too."
"Shouldn't the heir at least care about the clan?"
"Ideally, sure," Satoru-niichan responds easily. "At the end of the day, though… feelings matter less than actions. What's important boils down to what you actually do, not how you feel about it. Like how you've been doing a pretty good job with the Tobiume, even though you're still not really attached to anyone aside from Kiyohira. Right?"
Shiki wouldn't know if she's been doing a good job as the Tobiume branch head. What she does know, however, is that Kiyohira-sensei most certainly has been doing a good job. The Shunryu clansmen who actively wish to join the Tobiume right now are the best proof of that.
She sighs.
"… Y'know, I've said it before, and I'll say it again," Satoru-niichan observes her, tilting his head. "Being the clan heir isn't the only solution to your Shunryu problem. If you genuinely don't want the position, Shiki, then there's no reason to force yourself into it and end up regretting the decision later on."
"It's an effective course of action." If nothing else, at least the clan's focus will be turned away from the Tobiume and towards Shiki if she makes a play for heirship. Which wasn't something that Shiki was looking forward to. But the alternative of doing nothing, or simply heavy-handedly accepting welcoming Shunryu clansmen into the Tobiume as the family's branch head without caring for the consequences…
The repercussions of that aren't something that Shiki looks forward to dealing with, either.
"Just 'effective?'" Satoru-niichan arches an eyebrow at her. "Careful, you're almost starting to sound eager about it. That enthusiastic about becoming clan heir, are we?"
… That was sarcasm, wasn't it?
"I…" Shiki frowns. Logically, the reasoning is clear. There are more merits to becoming clan heir than there are to remaining as the Tobiume branch head. Not just in terms of smoothing over the Shunryu situation and preemptively removing any cause for instability between the Gojo clan's branch families because of it, but also in terms of personal benefit, too. As the clan heir, Shiki would command more power within the clan than she would as the Tobiume branch head.
And yet, there is something inside her that remains distinctly reluctant about this, still.
"Wanna talk about it?" Her cousin hums lightly and tilts his head at her. "It's not like you to be indecisive when it comes to these things."
"… I don't like politics."
"Mhm."
"I don't like pointless power plays," Shiki continues, "Or arguing against obstinate people who constantly and consistently refuse to listen to anything that doesn't match up with their beliefs. Or simply refuse to listen to what I say just because I'm a girl."
Satoru-niichan nods, "And?"
"And… I don't know if I have it in me to constantly deal with that, far more than I already do." Shiki falls silent for a moment. "… I know that you're confident in me, Satoru-niichan. But I'm really not as patient as you think I am."
A proper clan heir would not have killed two Yagyu elders without hesitation the way that Shiki did. Granted, if Shiki were the Gojo clan heir, then perhaps the Yagyu elder would've thought twice before committing to his machinations…
Regardless, that does not mean that Shiki is a good fit for being the clan heir, no matter what Satoru-niichan might think. This is something that she has no trouble admitting to herself.
"I disagree," her cousin says calmly, and holds up a hand to stave off her protests. "Let me finish first. Shiki, do you know what I consider to be the most important quality for a clan heir?"
Going by the direction of his words… "Not patience?"
"No, not patience," Satoru-niichan cracks a small smile. "It's awareness."
Shiki blinks.
"Being aware of what's going on around them. Aware of what people think, and what they want." The older sorcerer leans back in his seat, fingers folding together over themselves in his lap. "Otherwise, it's only all too easy for them to be used by others, or become a worthless puppet. And aside from situational awareness… it's also important for a clan heir to be aware of what's wrong in the clan. Shiki, would you consider the Gojo Clan to be the ideal model for a successful sorcery clan?"
She instantly shakes her head. The Gojo Clan is successful, yes. But ideal? One didn't need to look any further than the most recent commotion between the Shunryu and Tobiume families to see that this was most certainly not ideal.
"But there are many in the clan who think that," Satoru-niichan tells her. "Right now, the Gojo Clan is in a very advantageous position. The Kamo Clan is currently in shambles, and the Zenin Clan doesn't even dare to reclaim their vaunted Ten Shadows. Their clan head is the most powerful sorcerer in the modern era, and they also have a second Special Grade sorcerer in you."
"And that's a problem?"
"Yup," her cousin nods. "Because they see this as the result of them having made all the right decisions, and being blessed for it. Since that's the case, there's a significant number of people who are extremely resistant to the idea of change. Any change, really."
And change is precisely what Satoru-niichan is trying to affect. It's no small wonder that he considers this to be a problem, then.
"What you talked about disliking –the traditionalist attitudes, the bull-headedness– is directly related to that, I think," he continues. "Because clearly it's produced good results for them, so why shouldn't they double down on all the wonderful qualities and traditions of a respectable sorcery clan that saw them to this point?"
"… I don't like it."
"I don't like it either," Satoru-niichan shrugs. "… We've gotten a little sidetracked, I think. The point I'm trying to make here is: You see it. The rot in the clan, and all its myriad problems that are eventually going to blow up in the Gojo Clan's own face one day when something goes wrong."
"Surely I can't be the only one who sees this." Yuzuki-san, back when he'd lived, had also been a clear-headed individual despite his young age. Surely there were others who also–
"You're not," Satoru-niichan concedes, "But you're the only one who both has a suitable mindset, is a fitting age, and happens to be a strong sorcerer who can properly defend themselves."
Shiki gives her cousin a dubious look.
The man sniffs, "I've been presented with three different heir candidates since becoming the clan head, and I can confidently say that none of them are fit for the job."
… And somehow, Shiki is fit for it?
"I'm not going to name an heir who's incompetent, or liable to get themselves assassinated within a week of being named clan heir," Satoru-niichan says. "And, preferably, I'd like to have a clan heir who I know I can trust."
A brief beat of silence.
"Again, I'd like to reiterate: Don't feel pressured to take up the position." Her cousin gives her a gentle pat on the shoulder. "I'm still young enough that the whole 'declaring an heir' thing isn't even really an issue yet. I just want to take this opportunity right now to make it clear to you that you are more than qualified to become the clan heir, if you're willing. But only if you're willing."
"I know," Shiki knows that Satoru-niichan doesn't want to force her into this. Even though she's his preferred choice of clan heir… all these years, not once has Satoru-niichan tried to force her into the position. Even this conversation that they're having right now is something that came about because Shiki came to ask her cousin about things. "I… It makes sense to take up the position, I think. The Shunryu–"
"Forget about the Shunryu," Satoru-niichan interrupts her. "Shiki, what do you want? … You're allowed to be selfish, y'know."
Selfish?
… The Gojo Clan espouses that it's a sorcerer's sworn purpose to stand as a stalwart bulwark against the unceasing tide of curses that surge forth endlessly in this world. As someone blessed with talent, Gojo Shiki is bound by duty and by blood to learn how to harness her power properly, and utilize her talents for the greater good.
Shiki couldn't say for certain how well she's internalized these teachings. Most sorcerers are all selfish, to some degree, and in this… Shiki really isn't any different.
Her goal is to become strong. Strong enough that she won't be a burden to any of her loved ones –strong enough that she can be someone they can rely on. She intensely dislikes the helpless feeling of being unable to do anything when those around her are hurt, especially if it's because of her. And even more so when it's one of the few people whom she cares about who's hurt as a result.
Jihei-san died because of her. Kiyohira-sensei had lost his arm because of her. Her classmates had been injured during her fight against Araya because of Shiki's shortcomings.
Shiki isn't a sorcerer because it's the 'right' thing to do for someone with her talents. Her dissatisfaction with what she perceives to be her own failings is what spurs her tirelessly onward, isn't it?
Looking at things this way –ultimately, it's her own ego that drives her to seek strength.
… That's not necessarily a bad thing, even if it's not the most noble motivation.
There's inherent selfishness in the pursuit of strength. Just as there is selfishness in her desire to avoid troublesome situations… such as clan politics. Were it not for Yuzuki, Shiki likely would've continued going about obliviously towards the many undercurrents and tensions within the clan, even if it was to her own detriment.
You're allowed to be selfish.
Is it more selfish to deliberately avoid complications because of petulant reasons like 'I don't want to,' or is it more selfish to step into a role of importance because of the strength it would grant? Personal strength is something that relies on Shiki to train herself, but political strength is an entirely different beast. And for all that the basis of any sorcery clan is the personal strength of the sorcerer… there are still certain things that can only be accomplished through political strength, where it would be otherwise difficult or impossible through force.
The question here isn't about being 'selfish' or 'unselfish.' It's a choice between being 'selfish' and 'selfish.'
So, Shiki chooses to be selfish.
… Satoru-niichan is right. It's not her nature to be endlessly indecisive, and she's hesitated over this matter enough already. So it's time to stop treading in the same spot with endless deliberations, and begin moving forward once more.
"Satoru-niichan."
"Yeah?"
"I want to be your clan heir."
Her cousin pauses, and smiles.
.
.
Of course, there's more to being named clan heir than just Satoru-niichan's approval.
Her cousin might be the clan head, but when it comes to a large decision like naming his heir –the one who is rightfully next in line to lead the clan as the next clan head– it's not something that he is able to proclaim on his own. In order to be officially named the clan heir, approval must be sought from the clan's elders and other individuals holding important positions of authority.
Which is to say, the Gojo Clan suddenly becomes abuzz with activity in wake of Satoru-niichan cheerfully announcing his intention to declare Shiki as his heir.
There are a fair number of people who vehemently protest the decision, predictably enough. Most of them being the conservatives and traditionalists within the clan, who argue that Shiki is unfit for such a role.
"How can a woman lead one of the Three Great Families?"
"A girl from the Tobiume, the clan heir? … Madness. Utter madness!"
"I'll be the first to admit that she's powerful, as a sorcerer. But that's all she has. Who could possibly accept a clan heir who kills as she likes?"
So on and so forth.
Yet aside from the impassioned uproar of those who vociferously deny that Shiki is in any way fit to become the Gojo clan here, there are also surprisingly eager voices of those who seem perfectly happy to support her as the clan heir.
Their reasoning, however, varies. Some appear to be under the impression that Shiki, being a young girl, will be easier to influence and control than one of the previously-nominated heir candidates from the main family. Others claim that it is only right that the only other individual with an ocular curse in this clan assumes the role of Gojo clan heir. Still others point towards Shiki's capabilities as a sorcerer to use as proof of suitability for heirship.
It's the last point that's probably most convincing for most. Because no matter what arguments Shiki's detractors put forth, it does not change the fact that the Gojo Clan is a sorcery clan. And strength is absolutely vital among sorcerers.
Among the younger generation of sorcerers in the Gojo Clan, there's no one stronger than her. This is fact, and an indisputable one. The highest-ranked of them is a recently-promoted Grade Two sorcerer.
Put into comparison, if one considers heirship solely on the basis of strength, then Shiki's overwhelming suitability for the role should be uncontested.
But the clan heir is someone who will eventually be expected to lead the Gojo Clan, and there's more to leading a clan than just being strong. Being personally powerful doesn't necessarily equate to good management or leadership skills, which are also important qualities that should be carefully taken into consideration when naming a clan heir.
And thus –endless arguments over whether or not Shiki is the most appropriate candidate to become the next Gojo clan heir.
"You."
Shiki sits neatly in front of the low table, gracefully smoothing out the sleeve of her silken kimono so that the fabric does not become unduly wrinkled. "Yes, Daisaku-sama?"
The elder sucks in a deep breath… and then deflates, taking a seat himself at the other side of the table while letting out a tired, heavy sigh. His accompanying new aide Gojo Hayanari silently stands at attention a respectful distance away behind him.
"Please tell me that you didn't do this on purpose," Daisaku-sama says wearily.
"You'll have to be a little more specific than that," Shiki tells the elder.
"Pffft," Satoru-niichan snickers from the side. "Shouldn't you be looking a little more happy about this, Old Daisaku? I know that you approve of Shiki being my heir."
"I do," the elder agrees with surprising confidence and swiftness. With all the headaches that Shiki has caused Gojo Daisaku over the years, she wouldn't have thought that the man would be of the unhesitating opinion that she would make a good clan heir.
… Then again, this is the same man who'd thought that she would be a good branch head for the Tobiume family. Perhaps it's not so surprising, then.
"I do think Shiki would be a good heir for the Gojo Clan," Daisaku-sama repeats himself, "But that doesn't mean that I think it's good for you to bring it up in this manner, and with this sort of timing."
"Oh?"
"Don't play coy, Satoru-sama," the elder gives the amused young man a pointed look. "I know that no one legitimately thinks of it as such, but Shiki is currently still supposed to be reflecting on her 'rashness' for killing two Yagyu elders. Men who were also respected individuals that served in Jujutsu Headquarters. If you name her your heir at this time, then that completely invalidates the purpose of her being suspended at all in the first place."
"Anyone with a brain cell can tell that her punishment is a complete farce to begin with," Satoru-niichan rolls his eyes.
Daisaku-sama pinches the bridge of his nose, brows knitting together in a deep furrow. "… Yes, it's a farce. But even if it's a farce, it's still punishment. What's important here is less how Shiki is being punished, and that she is punished for killing two higher ups on her own. It's about the Gojo Clan's attitude, Satoru-sama. If Shiki is named heir at a time like this, then it's a slap in the face to the Yagyu Clan, and likely also the Jujutsu Headquarters."
The elder does bring up some very valid concerns. If Shiki is technically being 'punished' for killing two Yagyu elders and higher ups, except the Gojo Clan turns around and elevates her as the clan heir while she's in the middle of her punishment… then it makes her punishment seem overwhelmingly insincere. Which would be something that the Yagyu Clan would be offended by. The higher ups of the administration who were unhappy with Shiki for killing one of their own would also be greatly displeased by the Gojo Clan's actions.
Those who wish to make a fuss over this might even go as far as leaning into certain rumors and claiming that the Gojo Clan wishes to overthrow and replace the current Jujutsu Headquarters to reign over the jujutsu world. After all, if they approve of a girl who killed two higher ups without any serious repercussions as their clan heir, then what does that indicate about the Gojo Clan's intentions?
Nothing good, clearly.
"You're looking at this the wrong way, Old Daisaku," Satoru-niichan shakes his head. "Even if I don't name Shiki as my heir, it's not like the enmity and mistrust towards the Gojo Clan is going to be reduced anytime soon."
The elder frowns. "… But even so, there's nothing to be gained by aggravating the situation and making existing tensions worse by declaring her your heir at a time like this. And do you really want to be putting her into the spotlight like this?"
"As long as I'm alive, all other factions will be wary of the Gojo Clan making a grab for more power," Satoru-niichan states candidly. "Because I'm the Honored One, aren't I? I'm the Strongest. With the Zenins unable to even reclaim their Ten Shadows, and the Kamo Clan collapsing in on itself because of what I did… I bet you that there's a significant number of people who are all just waiting for me to declare myself as king or something."
Daisaku-sama twitches. "That's…"
"Face it, Old Daisaku. No matter what I do, the higher ups in the Jujutsu Headquarters aren't going to trust me," the young man laughs. "Why do you think they keep sending me on missions all over the world? It's so that I won't have the time to schmooze my way into making allies with other sorcery clans and forming a faction that can challenge them. Or worse, replace them."
Satoru-niichan's voice is light and amused, but his eyes are cold.
"Yeah, there are some dangerous cursed spirits out there," he continues. "But the most dangerous ones tend to be born right here in Japan. I get a week of back-to-back missions in Japan killing tricky Grade Ones and borderline Special Grades, and then my month-long overseas missions include Grade Two curses. They higher ups are delusional if they think they're being subtle about it."
Daisaku-sama's expression darkens. "The higher ups dare?"
The disdainful edge in his voice when he says 'higher ups' indicates that Daisaku-sama is not pleased to hear this in the least.
Shiki, too, finds a small frown tugging down at her lips.
Her cousin reaches over and ruffles her hair. "I think the better question to ask here is what the higher ups aren't willing to do, if it's for the sake of accomplishing their goals."
"But how can they overstep themselves like this? You're the strongest sorcerer they have! The strongest, period! They should be falling back over themselves to be in your good graces. The Gojo Clan won't–" Daisaku-sama abruptly cuts himself off in the middle of his heated words, eyes widening with a certain sort of dawning realization.
"Yeah, so that's why I haven't really mentioned the situation with my overseas mission record to anyone in the clan," Satoru-niichan laughs at the frozen elder. "There's enough people like you who are going to get angry at the disrespect to their great and powerful clan head. And if we reach a point where there are enough people in the clan who are unhappy with the administration… well. Suffice to say, we're going to have a slighttt problem on our hands."
Daisaku-sams lets out a long, trembling exhale. "Problem doesn't even begin to cover this."
Shiki peers up towards her cousin. "… Are you sure we shouldn't kill the higher ups?"
Satoru-niichan laughs again, while Daisaku-sama chokes and starts sputtering incoherently.
"It's sweet of you to offer, but not yet. I'll definitely let you know if and when it's okay, alright?" he pats her on the cheek.
The elder gives his clan head a disbelieving look of utter incredulity.
"… Anyways," Satoru-niichan coughs into his hand, clearing his throat. "About the 'people being upset with the Gojo Clan if Shiki is named heir' thing. That's really not something you have to worry about. I promise you that most people are far more upset with me than they are with Shiki. And some of them might even see it as a good thing if she's heir. After all, if the Gojo Clan breaks tradition to name a girl from a minor branch family as their clan heir, then that's a potential source of instability that certain parties would only be all too pleased to witness… or even personally help encourage."
"Encourage?" Daisaku-sama raises both eyebrows, then makes a soft sound of understanding. "Ah. Yes, you mentioned that you suspected a disloyal traitor within the clan, when Tsumiki was cursed… you think this might be connected?"
"There's a chance, isn't there?" Satoru-niichan responds. "And even if it's not a higher up or some other clan that we're dealing with, I don't think someone who's stirring up trouble in the clan would pass up the opportunity to take advantage of the chaos that Shiki being named heir would stir up."
Daisaku-sama is silent for a long moment. "… I'm really getting too old for all of this."
"If you're going to retire, make sure you take Old Takatomi with you, yeah?"
"That's not how retirement works, Satoru-sama," the elder looks as if he's barely resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "And at the very least… I won't be retiring until Shiki has properly settled into her new role as clan heir. Being the clan heir will be quite different from being the Tobiume branch head."
Shiki nods. That's only to be expected. The duties and responsibilities of a clan heir versus a branch head overlapped in some places, but they weren't the same. "I am willing to learn, Daisaku-sama."
"It gladdens me to hear that," the elder nods. "As for seeing you named clan heir… aside from having the clan head's approval, you'll also need the approval of other prominent elders in the clan. Particularly those in the main family. Some of them I would be able to speak to and convince, but others…"
"Others won't agree no matter what we say." For those who are stubborn, there's really not much that can be done on that front. There was no way to convince someone who refused to listen.
"Unfortunately, I believe you may be right. I suppose that means we must consider the branch families, then," Daisaku-sama falls quiet in thought. "There's no chance of any forthcoming support from the Shunryu, I expect. But unless you have the overwhelming favor of the entire main family, then you'll at least want the majority of the branch families to be on your side. That…"
That might be a little difficult, especially considering that the recent Shunryu debacle had not done Shiki's reputation any favor among the various branch families.
"I think you should–"
A sudden knock sounds at the doorway, interrupting the elder in the middle of his words.
Hayanari-san, as Daisaku-sama's assistant, moves towards the door and opens it. Choki bows respectfully to him, family vassal to clan member, then enters the room.
"My apologies for interrupting," Choki bows deeply again. "There is a representative of the Oimatsu branch family who currently seeks an audience."
Daisaku-sama arches an eyebrow. "And you see it fit to report that?"
"Gojo Hajime of the Oimatsu branch family has stated that he wishes to discuss the matter of pledging support to the ojou-sama for heirship."
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…
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