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Below the Gojo Clan's main family, there are currently six other branch families that exist within the clan. The lowest-ranked among them is the Tobiume branch family, and the highest-ranked is the Oimatsu.
Gojo Hajime is not the Oimatsu branch head, but he is one of the aging Oimatsu head's most trusted advisors. Someone who is entrusted with a great number of important responsibilities within his branch family. The most trusted, arguably, if certain rumors are anything to go by.
It's a respectable position that Gojo Hajime holds, although there is little respect that Shiki holds for the man as a person.
He had, after all, essentially abandoned Yuzuki, because Yuzuki was a sickly son who was of little value to him.
Even setting aside how the man had treated Yuzuki back when the boy had lived… Shiki still recalls Gojo Hajime's behavior and actions in wake of Yuzuki's death. The man had hardly seemed upset about his son's death, and he'd been more interested in Shiki's reaction towards her friend's death than anything else.
Understandably, Shiki bears little goodwill towards a man like that.
Gojo Hajime is clever enough to know what Shiki thinks of him, undoubtedly. It's definitely not a coincidence that Shiki rarely ever sees him around the clan compound.
But right now, that's not the case.
Gojo Hajime sits in front of them with a pleasant smile, with no trace of any unease in sight.
Discuss the matter of pledging support, Choki had said of Gojo Hajime's intentions here. If those words are true, then the man desires to talk about pledging his branch family's support to Shiki as clan heir. If the Oimatsu, as the most influential branch family, supports Shiki, then it would certainly help her position.
But the question is, what reason does the Oimatsu branch family have to do such a thing?
The recent matter with a number of Shunryu clansmen joining the Tobiume branch family is not something that any branch family would be pleased with, much less the Oimatsu. If anything, Shiki would've expected the Oimatsu branch family to remain firmly on the sidelines, if not outright indicate disapproval of her as a heir candidate.
Pledging their support to her instead. And sending Gojo Hajime as their negotiator?
Something is afoot here.
She regards the man dispassionately.
"Greetings," Gojo Hajime greets them courteously with an unwavering smile. "My most respectful greetings to our honored clan head, the blessed daughter of the clan, and a most esteemed elder such as yourself, Daisaku-sama."
"Gojo Hajime," Daisaku-sama's voice is level, and does not betray any particular emotions. "I must admit, you are an unexpected visitor here."
The man chuckles faintly. "But not an unwelcome one, I would hope?"
"That remains to be seen."
Gojo Hajime's smile doesn't change. His gaze slides towards Satoru-niichan instead. "How cold. Is this what you think as well, honored clan head? Am I such an unwelcome guest in your eyes?"
"You're still sitting here, aren't you?" Satoru-niichan responds mildly.
It's not about whether or not Gojo Hajime is welcome, but instead what he represents in this moment. Similar to Shiki, Satoru-niichan is not particularly fond of Gojo Hajime the individual, but currently the man stands before them as the representative of the Oimatsu branch family. It would be prudent to at least listen to what the Oimatsu branch family has to say about a controversial heir candidate, before deciding their next steps.
"Of course. I thank the honored clan head for magnanimously granting me an audience upon such short notice," Gojo Hajime says. The words themselves are respectful, but there is little thankfulness in his voice. Merely an idle mirth, like the entire situation is something that he finds amusement in.
Shiki watches on silently.
"… I suppose I will cut straight to the point." A pointed sigh, and then Gojo Hajime suddenly appears to lose all interest in playing around with meaningless pleasantries and platitudes. "I have been elected as representative to speak on behalf of those who would not be averse to supporting our young ojou-sama as the clan heir."
Daisaku-sama raises a brow at the wording, disapproving. "'Would not be averse,' is it?"
"Ah, my mistake for the poor phrasing," Gojo Hajime dips his head gracefully in performative apology. "I assure you, the offer is completely genuine."
"Is it?"
"There is no need to cast such needless suspicions on my intentions here, venerable elder," Gojo Hajime splays his hands in an innocent, helpless motion. "It's quite true that there are many who hold reservations about the blessed child's suitability to take on the role of clan heir, but not everyone is of the same opinion. I'll have you know that I actively argued in support of our young ojou-sama."
Daisaku-sama does not say anything out loud, but the dubious look that he gives Gojo Hajime is more than enough to speak for his thoughts on the matter.
The man patiently weathers the elder's scrutiny. "Really, is that so hard to believe?"
Shiki's interactions with Gojo Hajime to date can be counted on one hand. The two of them are most certainly not close enough to share a relationship where Gojo Hajime would unhesitatingly throw his support behind her.
Is that so hard to believe?
"Yes," she says bluntly.
"My, my! How upsetting, that the blessed child mistrusts me so." Despite his words, Gojo Hajime doesn't sound very upset about it at all. "But I'm not lying here. I am a very practical man, you see. And supporting you, my young ojou-sama, is merely a practical decision. You're the strongest sorcerer in the Gojo Clan, right after our honored clan head. That alone is enough."
While it's true that strength plays an important role in determining the hierarchy within a sorcery clan–
"Is that honestly what you think?" Daisaku-sama studies the man carefully.
"It's the truth, is it not?" Gojo Hajime appears wholly unaffected by the doubt directed towards him. His response is almost lazy, drawling. Lackadaisical and completely unbothered. "Even if strength alone isn't enough to lead a clan, it remains indispensable. Truly indispensable. And assuming that Gojo Shiki does not become the clan heir, then who else would be slotted into the role? Yakumo? Shiryu? Sorry, I don't think our ojou-sama even knows either of them exist, let alone be willing to consider submitting to someone vastly weaker than her."
… Both names are indeed unfamiliar to Shiki. At a guess, Gojo Hajime is referring to heir candidates from the main family.
There's a certain logic to what he says here. A clan heir assumes a role of leadership within the clan, and a clan heir who cannot convince their clansmen to follow them is not much of a leader at all. Shiki willingly follows Satoru-niichan's lead, but aside from him… there's no one else in the clan who has earned her respect in the same manner. If the Gojo Clan expects Shiki to obediently follow whoever they decide to install as clan heir solely based on the weight of the title alone, then they would be sorely mistaken.
It's not exactly that Shiki flat-out refuses to be in a subordinate role to someone weaker than herself. If that was the case, then she wouldn't be accepting all the missions assigned to her. But if the clan heir is anything like the higher ups in the Jujutsu Headquarters, or the conniving elders that Shiki already sees far too much of…
She wouldn't actively sabotage them, but neither would she listen to or trust them as she does Satoru-niichan.
"Rather than risking instability in the clan's future by naming a weaker sorcerer whose authority would inevitably and indubitably be undermined by the ojou-sama's mere existence, I figure that it's better to just remove the problem at its roots," Gojo Hajime shrugs, still wearing a small, careless smile. "Besides, if anyone else were to become the clan heir, then they'd undoubtedly be wary of Gojo Shiki as a threat to their authority. It's been a long time since the Gojo Clan has been as strong as it currently is… no need to ruin that by leaving around wild sparks to light the kindling for vicious infighting like the Kamo Clan, I think."
"So the Oimatsu has decided to throw in their lot with Shiki, then?" Satoru-niichan arches an eyebrow.
"Ah, well. I did say that I was here to discuss that matter, didn't I?" Gojo Hajime laughs slightly. "What I've expressed just now is merely my own opinion. I believe Gojo Shiki to be capable of fulfilling the duties of a clan heir, and I'd say that she's personally powerful enough to defend the position against any who might be delusional enough to challenge her. But…"
"But?"
"But unfortunately, old traditions run deep," the man sighs commiseratingly, as if he's truly regretful of his branch family's attitude. "There are various concerns that my clansmen hold towards the young ojou-sama still, even despite my best efforts to argue otherwise."
"Get to the point," Satoru-niichan doesn't bat an eye at the other man's act.
"As you command, then, honored clan head." In the blink of an eye, Gojo Hajime returns to imitating a smiling fox once more. "In my opinion, I believe that the largest reason that many hesitate to support our young ojou-sama… boils down to fear."
Fear?
"Explain yourself, Hajime," Daisaku-sama frowns.
"Certainly," the man straightens. "Gojo Shiki follows our honored clan head. And Satoru-sama has never been interested in maintaining traditions. Moreover, the reforms that are being pushed forward in the clan… are cause for concern on multiple levels. It was once the hope of more than one branch head that Satoru-sama would name a traditionalist clan heir, so as to balance the scales within the clan."
Unspoken was the implied worry that Shiki would almost certainly be a clan heir who tipped the scales in Satoru-niichan's direction. In light of this, any proper conservative in the Gojo Clan would worry if Shiki became the clan heir.
"That being said," Gojo Hajime continues easily, "As long as Satoru-sama is willing to ease such concerns, then the Oimatsu family and those in agreement with us are most definitely willing to pledge our loyal support to Gojo Shiki as the next clan heir."
Satoru-niichan snorts. "And who would 'those in agreement' refer to, might I ask?"
"Merely a few other allies in the clan who share similar ideas to the Oimatsu in this initiative," Gojo Hajime answers lightly. "The Momiji, Yukitani, and Shiragiku branch families stand together with the Oimatsu in this matter."
… Shiki had been under the impression that Gojo Hajime was only the spokesman of the Oimatsu branch family, not three other branch families as well. Four branch families… that's all of the remaining branch families, then.
The Tobiume don't count, as small as they are. Their support is insignificant compared to the grander scale of the wider clan. Given that Shiki is a daughter of the Tobiume branch family, there is little reason for them to not support her as clan heir, anyways.
The Shunryu also don't count. Their social and political standing are far stronger than that of the Tobiume, but it remains to be seen how well they would be able to hold onto their position after losing a good number of clansmen from their ranks, a Special Grade One sorcerer included. More importantly, they're also accounted for; since Shiki had just 'poached' so many Shunryu clansmen, those remaining in the Shunryu would be extremely unlikely to support her as clan heir.
That leaves four other branch families to consider, as there are currently only six branch families that exist within the Gojo Clan. What Gojo Hajime had just mentioned –that was all the remaining branch families, including the Oimatsu.
Satoru-niichan lets out a faint 'tsk,' now that it becomes apparent that Gojo Hajime and the Oimatsu had plans going into this meeting. "I see that the branch families have been busy recently."
"Can you blame us? Declaring a new clan heir is a very important matter that's the concern of the entire clan." Gojo Hajime shrugs, pretending not to notice his clan head's ire at the revelation that the branch families have quietly formed their own alliance like this. "It's only natural to be… proactive."
Satoru-niichan rolls his eyes. "It's only at times like this when you guys get proactive behind my back."
"No, no, nothing is happening behind your back, honored clan head. In fact, I'd say that we're being very open about what we desire in exchange for our support," Gojo Hajime responds.
"If you meant what you said earlier about wanting to support Shiki as the clan heir," Daisaku-sama cuts in, "Then why turn this into an exchange? … And how exactly do you intend to ask Satoru-sama to 'ease the concerns' of this branch family alliance?"
"Surely you jest, respected elder," the man doesn't even bat an eye at the elder's growing discontent. "Exchanges are only natural, are they not? Promises can be trusted when both parties have vested interests in preserving it. And… well. There is only really one way for fears to be placed at ease in a sorcery clan, isn't there?"
For a moment, complete silence reigns in the room.
"… Madness." Daisaku-sama stares at Gojo Hajime disbelievingly, trembling faintly in agitation. "You're utterly mad, Hajime. You're asking for a binding vow from your clan head?"
Gojo Hajime promptly raises his both hands in a harmless gesture. "What's the appropriate saying here again…? Ah, yes. 'Don't shoot the messenger,' please. I only act on behalf of the Oimatsu, and the other three branch families that have acquiesced to following our initiative."
"Phrase it however you like. Doesn't change the fact that you're using an alliance of branch families to threaten me," Satoru-niichan asks neutrally. "I would've thought that you'd be smarter than that, Hajime."
"'Threat' is such a harsh way of putting things, Satoru-sama. And… this is the only condition that the branch heads and elders deemed acceptable, after numerous discussions among themselves," Gojo Hajime responds patiently. "I believe that the request isn't entirely unreasonable. In exchange for supporting Gojo Shiki as the clan heir, the Oimatsu, Momiji, Yukitani, and Shiragiku branch families humbly beseech that Gojo Satoru heed one request that they put forth."
Daisaku-sama's eyes narrow, "And what request is that?"
"A simple request that is to be determined at a later date," Gojo Hajime answers with a smile. "On this, the branch families are in agreement."
… Just what are the branch families thinking?
Shiki can understand them allying with each other, in hopes of being to exert pressure on her and Satoru-niichan. The way that Gojo Hajime had spoken earlier made it sound as if there was genuine support for her within the branch families –and yet, clearly that was not enough, if this was the final decision that the branch heads and their elders reached.
What would make them decide to ask for an undetermined, open-ended request from Satoru-niichan? Surely they realized that this was no small matter? Did they not fear offending Satoru-niichan, or being punished for their insolence?
The last person to get the clever idea of coercing Satoru-niichan into a deal with them had been Gojo Ima. If memory serves correctly, the former Tobiume branch head had withheld information in an attempt to reap benefits from the clan head for her branch family. Her attempt had ended with her being summarily demoted from her position, which was what led Shiki to assuming the position of Tobiume branch head.
The current situation right now… was different.
For one, even though it was only Gojo Hajime who was sitting in front of them right now, it wasn't just Gojo Hajime who needed to be considered here. The man was merely the chosen representative of four different branch families. In other words, there were four branch families that they needed to account for. If Satoru-niichan chose to punish him, then did that mean that he needed to punish all four branch families by extension?
Supposing that Satoru-niichan really chose this option… that was a lot of people who all needed to be punished. Which would not be the most convenient thing for them, and yet this would serve as another point that could be seized upon by Shiki's detractors deeming her an unstable element who would be an ill fit as clan heir. After all, what good heir caused such internal strife within their clan like this?
Never mind that it was the branch families who had overstepped in this instance, asking for an unspecified boon from Satoru-niichan as the condition for supporting Shiki as clan heir.
There was no way that Satoru-niichan would agree to such a thing. What sorcerer would swear such a ridiculous binding vow promising something so uncertain?
… If Shiki was to be declared as clan heir, then just Satoru-niichan's support alone wouldn't be enough. The main family had yet to express their stance; it's something that Satoru-niichan was currently still working on. But if four branch families simultaneously declared their refusal to accept Shiki as the clan heir, then that's something which would definitely make the already-hesitating main family even more reluctant to grant their approval.
The timing that this alliance of branch families have chosen to approach them with is quite transparently an opportunistic one. If they fail to reach an agreement here, then the branch families would simply refuse to support Shiki and potentially delay the main family's decision.
Should Shiki be opposed by the majority of the Gojo Clan's branch families, then it was unlikely that the main family would easily grant their approval of her. Not without receiving something in exchange, at least, and the Yozakura main family would likely ask for something even more outrageous than what the branch families were already demanding from Satoru-niichan. Declaring their support for Shiki while all the other branch families save for the Tobiume decided otherwise was something that would set them at odds with the Gojo Clan's branch families, after all. The price of their support would not be a cheap one.
… Hence, why the coalition of branch families had approached Shiki and Satoru-niichan now, before the main family officially announced their decision one way or another.
Because if the main family agreed to support Shiki first, then the branch families would lose their initiative. After all, if the main family accepted Shiki as clan heir, then the branch families' protests on the matter would be seen as opposing the main family. If the main family refused to support Shiki, then waiting until their decision was announced to protest wouldn't grant the branch families any advantages regardless. Expressing any willingness to support Shiki after the main family had already made clear their disapproval would only indicate that the branch families were challenging the main family's decision.
It's better for the branch families to approach Shiki and Satoru-niichan swiftly, then, and accomplish what they can while the situation is still favorable for them. While the cards in their hands still hold value.
If the main family makes their decision first, then the branch families would be driven into a difficult corner. But conversely, if the branch families make their decision first, then there is a non-negligible chance that they might be able to influence the main family's final decision in some manner. Then, what reason is there for them to not approach the clan head and his chosen heir while the situation still remains uncertain?
"What do you say, Satoru-sama?" Gojo Hajime asks cordially. There's no smugness in the man's demeanor, but the gaze that he focuses upon Satoru-niichan can only be described as sharply intent. "The branch heads promise not to abuse your trust, if you would agree to undertake a binding vow. Really, it's more of an… insurance, if you will."
That's almost even worse. It's already bad enough that the branch families are asking for something as outrageous as an undetermined request. But to be so obvious in saying that they simply want it to hold as leverage over Satoru-niichan?
Is Gojo Hajime even genuinely interested in negotiating, or is he simply trying to poke and prod to see what reaction he can incite from his clan head?
Satoru-niichan laughs.
A light little laugh, entirely devoid of mirth.
"The clan really seems to be getting a little too comfortable these days," he remarks. "Is it because I've been taking too many overseas trips recently? Is that why people are getting ideas about what they can do?"
"Perish the thought," Gojo Hajime's lips curve upwards slightly. His expression, too, is one that rings with false joy. "You are the Honored One, our most honored clan head. There are none in the clan who would dare disrespect you."
"Funny way of expressing that, then," Satoru-niichan drawls. "Can't say that I'm feeling too respected right now."
"The branch heads regret that it's necessary to resort to such means. But they mean well, for the sake of the clan," the other man instantly responds. "In the end… it is fear that drives us to desperation. You've been too hasty with your agenda, Satoru-sama."
Daisaku-sama's face darkens in anger. "Hajime, you would do well to watch your tongue."
"I speak solely out of concern," Gojo Hajime says, sounding singularly unconcerned despite professing otherwise. "Certainly, there are many who support our honored clan head and his reforms within the clan. But most of those who do are young, and inexperienced. Who do not hold vital positions of importance… while a number of elders and other influential members of the clan worry about what such sweeping changes might mean for the future. It is only natural for them to do what they can in order to… ensure balance and preserve order. Desperation breeds desperate men, who naturally may resort to desperate measures."
… It sounds as if there's something else that Gojo Hajime is referring to in his words.
"Desperation?" Shiki asks.
"Indeed, desperation, dearest ojou-sama," the man answers easily. "Your recent actions have shaken up a fair number of people, as you may well know. From recklessly killing higher ups to pursuing a curse user to adopting a considerable number of Shunryu clan members into the Tobiume, even despite the protests of the Shunryu clan head… well. Not even Satoru-sama was quite so headstrong when he was your age. As much as it's been an interesting breath of fresh air in the clan these days, there are many who are very concerned over what this might mean for the clan's future."
Was he implying that it was because of Shiki that the branch families were attempting to corner Satoru-niichan like this?
But that's ridiculous. She doesn't–
"I hope you aren't implying that the branch families are using Shiki as an excuse for making a grab for power this time around," Satoru-niichan says faux-casually, interrupting her thoughts. "Protecting their own interests is one thing, but blaming it on Shiki is an entirely different matter."
Gojo Hajime shrugs. "I'm merely the messenger here, honored clan head."
"Are you, really? It's been ages since Old Hideya has personally taken care of Oimatsu matters. From what I've heard, you're the one who stepped up in your branch head's absence," Satoru-niichan smiles, eyes cold. "And you claim to be merely a messenger, Hajime?"
"But that's the truth of the matter, Satoru-sama," the other man also smiles. Mild, and pleasant. "I am merely the representative who was chosen to convey the ardent wishes of multiple branch families. If those among the branch families were not of the same opinion regarding this matter, then I would not be sitting here in front of you right now."
"You're not scared that I'll kill you?"
"Why would I ever need to fear that?" If anything, Gojo Hajime's smile widens. "Killing me changes nothing about what the branch families have already decided together. Besides, even if I am killed… well. Surely it's because I've done something to deserve such a final judgment from our honored clan head, instead of merely being impertinent with my words, correct?"
… It's true that Satoru-niichan wouldn't kill Gojo Hajime, not at a time like this. Not under the current circumstances. Whether or not Gojo Hajime is the one who gathered the various branch families together for this proposal comes secondary to dealing with the situation in front of them: What to do about the branch families attempting use their support for Shiki as leverage to force Satoru-niichan to lower his head to the traditionalist faction.
By cornering Satoru-niichan into an indeterminate binding vow.
It's… a tricky conundrum. Shiki highly doubts that everyone in the Gojo Clan follows traditionalist, conservative beliefs, but Gojo Hajime is right about one thing: The vast majority of those who hold positions of influence in the higher echelons of the clans are traditionalists. Traditionalists who had been quite dismayed when Satoru-niichan became the clan head, and so in retrospect it's not surprising that they would be averse towards the alarming prospect of Shiki assuming the role of clan heir.
Shiki had known that there would be those within the clan resisting the idea of her becoming clan heir. Except she hadn't thought that they would go as far as this, challenging Satoru-niichan in this manner. And for all that this appears to be a move from the branch families on the surface… thinking about things a little more closely, would the branch families really be willing to risk the ire of the main family, approaching Satoru-niichan this way? Wasn't it more likely that the main family was also involved in this?
Then, was it possible that the main family was taking action through the alliance of branch families? Attempting to gain some measure of control over Satoru-niichan?
… It was useless to consider such things in the moment. The main family's possible culpability in setting up this situation had no bearing on the fact that this conundrum was something placed in front of them here and now for them to solve.
Agreeing to Gojo Hajime's terms meant trapping Satoru-niichan in a binding vow with the traditionalists of the Gojo Clan. Absolutely not. Disagreeing, on the other hand, meant that the branch families would refuse to support Shiki's bid for clan heir.
That was fine.
Shiki wants the position –but she also doesn't want it, if that makes any sense. Or rather, she doesn't want it enough to risk Satoru-niichan. Nothing would be worth that.
An open-ended binding vow such as the one that the branch families were asking for… there was a lot that could be done with such a thing. Even if they never used it, it would still be an immense advantage for them to hold over Satoru-niichan. No, it would be most useful if they never used it, right? Always keeping it as a threat, and a last resort.
Satoru-niichan definitely wouldn't agree to something as outrageously, obviously disadvantageous as this.
… So why isn't he immediately rejecting it?
Fine. If he's not going to say anything, then Shiki will.
"We won't agree to the branch families' terms," she states. "This is ridiculous and–"
"Doable," Satoru-niichan says.
… What?
"It is not," Shiki whirls on her cousin, eyes wide. What is he saying?!
Satoru-niichan pats her on the head. His eyes, however, are focused on Gojo Hajime. "I have my own conditions."
"I would not have expected otherwise, honored clan head," the man dips his head.
"The branch families will support Shiki's bid for clan heir. They will not attempt to subvert, ostracize, or otherwise undermine her authority once she is heir," Satoru-niichan watches the other man carefully. "Any disagreements with her decisions are to be brought up as proper concerns and addressed directly, instead of going around behind her back."
For the first time since entering and sitting down in the room, Gojo Hajime frowns.
"That's going a little overboard, Satoru-sama," he starts after a beat of silence. "No one would agree to–"
"It's a bit hypocritical to call me the one going overboard here, Hajime," Satoru-niichan openly rolls his eyes. "If the branch families want to make unreasonable demands, then they'll hear my unreasonable demands, too. It's only fair."
"But that's–"
"They're saying that they'll support Shiki as clan heir if I agree to a binding vow with them, right? Fine. But if that's the case, then I want them to genuinely and fully support Shiki." A sharp edge enters Satoru-niichan's smile. "Not just for her claim to become clan heir, but also as the clan heir."
Gojo Hajime studies Satoru-niichan for a long moment. "… I see. You're clearing the path for her."
"Yeah, and?" Satoru-niichan raises a brow challengingly.
The other man falls silent in thought.
"… You would truly agree to accept a single unspecified request in exchange for this?" he finally asks. "Nothing truly unreasonable, of course. It would not be an impossible request to fulfill, nor something that causes harm to you. Nothing that goes against your morals and principles."
Based on the wording alone, it seems oddly generous. Almost suspiciously so, in fact.
But even so–
"You're not considering agreeing to this, are you?" Shiki stares at her cousin incredulously. Has he gone insane? Handing over an opening like this for the branch families to exploit? A threat that they would be able to hold over his head hereafter? And all in exchange for supporting Shiki as clan heir… there's no way that this is, in any way, an equivalent exchange.
So why does Satoru-niichan look as if he's actually contemplating this as a serious option?
"I'm not about to retract my proposal to make you clan heir," he tells her. "Not just because it looks bad, but because it also means that there will be people who feel legitimately justified in challenging your authority if that happens."
"But–"
"Hey, hey. You're the one who was the first to back me when I proclaimed myself to be the clan head, right?" Satoru-niichan grins. "Just think of it as me returning the favor here."
That's not the point!
"It wasn't a favor, and you don't need to return it," Shiki insists.
"Even so," Satoru-niichan remains unmoved. "The traditionalists are getting scared, and trying to hammer you down as a result of that. Idiots, the lot of them. I'm not going to let that happen, since it'd be kinda bad if the Gojo Clan fell apart right now. So that means dealing with them their way."
"Their way puts you at a disadvantage," Shiki protests. "They're just looking for something that they can hold over you so they can control you."
"They're going to need more than just a little binding vow to control me." How can Satoru-niichan appear so unconcerned by everything? It's a binding vow that they're talking about here. If an agreement is made between two different parties, then it must be followed, lest there be grave consequences visited upon the one who failed to uphold the agreement.
"I don't like this," Shiki shakes her head. "… I've changed my mind. I won't–"
"It's fine, Shiki," Satoru-niichan interrupts her, voice soft. "They would've tried something like this sooner or later, it's not your fault."
"Agreeing to something like this is risky, Satoru-sama," Daisaku-sama evidently also shares Shiki's opinion. "And the nerve to demand something like this of the clan head–!"
"I know what I'm doing," Satoru-niichan states firmly. "And anyone who thinks that this will be enough to make me march to their tune has another thing coming, anyways."
Glowing eyes stare straight at Gojo Hajime as these words are spoken. A blatant warning.
"Certainly, anyone who would blindly presume such a thing would be an utter fool," Gojo Hajime nods agreeably. "An agreement has been reached, then. In exchange for a boon from the honored clan head, the Oimatsu, Momiji, and Yukitani branch families will fully support Gojo Shiki as the heir of the Gojo Clan."
.
.
…
.