Chapter 13: The Art of Zen'in Manipulation
A couple of knocks rang out against the door.
Toc, toc. Who is it? asked an old voice from within.
It is me, Naobito-sama, replied the woman guiding Kuro. I brought Kuro-sama, as he asked me.
Perfect. Let it go... and retire.
The woman bowed her head with respect and opened the door, letting the child in. Then he left with silent steps.
Kuro advanced quite naturally, as if he were not entering the office of the leader of one of the most influential clans in the world, Jujutsu. He hummed a light melody, shaking his head to the beat.
The office was spacious, loaded with ancient talismans, scrolls and statues that showed the history of the clan. And sitting in the background, drinking sake calmly, he was:
Naobito Zen'in.
The current head of the clan.
His eyes evaluated Kuro with interest and a hint of fun.
Let me introduce myself, he said, resting sake on the table. I am Naobito, head of the Zen'in clan. It's a pleasure to be able to talk to you, Kuro Fushiguro.
Kuro smiled as he dropped on a chair, without asking permission.
Well, it's also a taste. Not so glad, but it's understood.
He raised an eyebrow.
And I guess you know why I came, right, Naobito?
The old man burst out laughing in earnest.
Your shamelessness is identical to that of your father... but with much more charm, he remarked as he adjusted his posture. Yes, I know why you came. But before I talk about business...
His eyes, penetrating and calculating, fell on the child.
I want to see how real the monster that everyone is talking about is.
The shadow of Kuro subtly moved under his feet.
Well, said Kuro, crossing his legs. If you want to test me, say it straightforwardly. I do not like long conversations with old drunks.
Naobito released a loud "HA!" that echoed throughout the room.
Yes, you are definitely his son. He smiled, but his eyes shone with hidden danger. Kuro Fushiguro... before I help you, I want to know something.
He tilted his head slightly forward.
Are you a weapon... or an heir?
Kuro tilted his head, funny.
It depends. Is it up for whom? Is heir to what?
For the jujutsu world, Naobito replied without hesitation, and for this clan, if you wish.
Kuro let out an incredulous snort.
I see, so they want to stick their claws in me so quickly, he smiled with derision. How typical of Zen'in.
Naobito watched him for a while, silently.
Kid, you know very well that having a shadow technique equivalent to the Ten Shadows makes you someone this clan cannot ignore.
The eyes of Kuro shone with a dark hue.
And you also know, he calmly replied, that I am not someone they can control.
Naobito smiled as if he had found something very funny.
Perfect.
I like that.
He slowly got up, leaning on his cane.
All right, Kuro Fushiguro. Let us talk about why you are here. And we will see if our interests coincide... or clash.
Kuro kept his smile confident.
Perfect, he said, I prepared a very fun negotiation.
The tension in the room rose.
The real game was just about to begin.
Wouldn't you like to know? I don't know, maybe Kuro shrugged. From my damn technique unknown. After all, you only know that my technique is about shadows, which to me is practically nothing. Maybe in a distant time you can show up, others with my damn Zenin technique, and my information should be useful, don't you think? asked Kuro, shaking his head. And I just ask for the crap of the Zen'in clan. Mai and Maki, those two, are useless.
No, it's interesting, you give me a lot for what little you catch, don't you think? Raising an eyebrow. After that, Naobito breathed a sigh and had a glass of Saqué.
Kuro, I am looking for a guard. It would suit me and Megumi well, if you understand me. I hope he swallows it, or else he will swallow this old man or possibly throw a curve ball at me.
Naobito, if your cursed technique turns out to be strong, rest assured, he nodded slowly.
Suddenly, a man came into the room because of the loud noise he made, he did not seem to be happy.
A blond-haired man wears a traditional Japanese outfit. The black tips below. He wears a white T-shirt and on top of it, a black kimono. He walked through the door with a face that denotes that he is not in a very good mood. - Dad, we can't let a character outside the Zen'in clan rule over him! It's crazy! - Naoya shouted, furious that his father had such stupid thoughts.
Kuro, for his part, just thought that these people loved dressing like Gojutei. Too old for my taste. Giving a sigh, he hoped that the daddy boy would not give him any problems. "Quiet, blonde, I don't want to be the boss of your disgusting Zen'in clan. I have better things to do."
Seriously, Naoya asked more calmly, so why did you come to the Zen'in clan if you hate it so much?
I just want the crap from the Zen'in clan: Maki, someone with virtually no cursed energy, and Mai, with barely enough energy to strengthen her body with it. Not free, of course. I will give you information about my cursed technique. A good deal, right? So relax.
You can't take my favorite toys, especially now that I have met the father to be my warmers. But what will a brat like you know about such things? So look for other women. The two of them are mine and don't return in Tendas Niños.
Frowning, Kuro did not like what he was hearing.
Naobito, of course, saw Kuro's reaction to the news. "So that those girls care a lot more about what you let see, huh?" Naobito thought.
And would not a demonstration be better for all this? And not just words? What do you think of a battle? It would be more appropriate, said Naobito, funny about the show. After all, Kuro-kun, you do not seem to give in to having Mai and Maki. Oh, it's a pity that my son doesn't give his arm to twist. So to decide a winner, what would be better than a battle? This poor old man asks too much of you, a great Jujutsu sorcerer who is only 10 years old is already grade 2, a prodigy that few can achieve. I just ask for the battle to be entertaining, or do we not want Naoya to keep your thing, right, Kuro-kun?
Naoya clenched her teeth, with what prodigy, huh? I will knock you down so that everyone realizes that you are not the big thing. The look would be different if you had been born without the cursed energy of your father. You see like this, as if you were someone strong, but neither you nor your sister inherited their potential. When you go round, you should not waste your time here; be prepared for the whole clan to see your defeat.
This old man thought, with his dark face, that he not only realized that Maki and Mai care more than I can see, but he also took advantage of that to agree to fight Naoya in a fight, making sure to show my potential to the Zen'in clan and that everything he knows about my technique is true. That happens to me because I believed I could get away with it.
I hope you like the chapter.