NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29: Chapter 29: "They’re Not Going to Make Me Pay For It, Are They?"
The setting for their next meeting mirrored the previous one perfectly.
When Keikain Fukuki received the message and walked out of the school, the setting sun was sinking beneath the horizon. By the school gate, a certain kendo girl stood quietly beside the guard booth, holding a sword bag with a katana inside and gazing into the distance at the evening sky.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Senpai," he said.
"It's fine," Saeko Busujima gently shook her head, turning to face the boy who had just arrived. A serene smile, calm as still water, graced her lips.
"Actually, I just got here not too long ago myself. This time, it was a sudden notice, and I thought if I didn't notify you in advance, Keikain Daikō(acting head) might not see it until later. That would mean quite a wait. But you came so quickly—it's a pleasant surprise."
Daikō...?A question mark rose slowly above the boy's head.
"If I remember correctly, last time you addressed me as 'classmate,' didn't you?"
It's said that familiarity grows with repeated meetings, but why did it feel even more distant the second time around?
"Ah, about that..."
Mentioning this, a rare look of embarrassment appeared on Saeko's usually composed face.
"Last time, I wasn't aware of Fukuki-kun's identity. In fact, my father has always taught me to be polite to others, and this time, the Jujutsu Society emphasized that a formal tone should be used as it's an official matter."
...Why does this sound so awkward?
Fukuki silently mulled it over, scratching his head before clicking his tongue.
"Eh, forget it, forget it. No need to make it so complicated. I'm not like those old relics in my family. Just keep it casual with me. If it's not too much trouble, you can just call me Fukuki. Being too formal makes me uncomfortable."
"Hmm, in that case, I'll gladly take you up on that."
Hearing his words, Saeko immediately dropped her slightly stiff demeanor. She motioned slightly toward the west-side intersection of the student street outside the gate.
"Shall we find a place to sit down and chat, like last time?"
"Sure, let's go."
Although the time was different, the location remained the same.
Ten minutes later, in the familiar café.
Saeko ordered another coffee, while Fukuki opted for orange juice and a slice of tiramisu.
The kendo girl took a sip of her coffee and got straight to the point.
"Regarding the matter of Fukuki-kun destroying Sukuna's finger, I reported it to the Jujutsu Society the day I returned to the school. This afternoon, the Jujutsu Society gave their response."
"They're not going to make me pay for it, are they?"
Fukukii muttered around the straw in his mouth.
"Of course not," Saeko replied, chuckling softly. "The jujutsu society hopes Fukuki-kun can meet with them in person. Coincidentally, next month is the exchange event between the Tokyo and Kyoto branch schools. At that time, the principal of Kyoto Jujutsu High, Gakuganji, will come to Tokyo Jujutsu High with the exchange students."
Oh, so that's how it is.
Fukuki nodded in understanding.
Although Saeko hadn't spelled it out entirely, her meaning was clear enough.
In essence, the Jujutsu Society wanted to send the principals of both the Kyoto and Tokyo branch schools as representatives to negotiate with him.
There wasn't anything wrong with that—it made sense. Tokyo and Kyoto, their names alone carried significant weight, representing much of Japan's core strength.
It was like how the top-ranking university in Japan is the University of Tokyo, and the second is Kyoto University.
This wasn't necessarily because Tokyo and Kyoto were inherently superior, particularly Kyoto, which historically had been a battleground for powerful supernatural forces vying for dominance. Its heavy spiritual energy had led to the construction of countless temples, resembling a Minecraft world covered in torches to prevent mobs from spawning.
Rather, Tokyo and Kyoto held their status because resources and talent were drawn to these locations.
Japan's resources could be metaphorically divided:
Tokyo took 40%,
Kyoto 30%,
Osaka 15%,
The rest of the country shared the remaining 15%.
Of course, that's just in theory—the actual disparity could be even starker.
"That said," Fukuki put down his dessert spoon and raised an eyebrow, "For such an important occasion, discussing such an important matter, aren't the people from the Three Great Clans planning to make an appearance?"
"That... I don't know," Saeko said hesitantly, shaking her head.
As expected, theoretically speaking, the principals of the Tokyo and Kyoto sister schools represent half of the Jujutsu Society's power. But that's only in theory.
In essence, the Jujutsu Society is still controlled by the three great jujutsu clans: Gojo, Kamo, and Zen'in.
Compared to them, those two principals are mere front-facing representatives. They're like figureheads—no, perhaps even less influential than that. At least the Prime Minister of the UK, if determined to act, can compel the cabinet secretary to comply. But should the principals act on their own volition, the three great clans have plenty of ways to "melt the iron and reforge it."
This could only mean one thing: the three great clans have already prepared to "concede with humiliation."
It's like that episode in Yes, Minister where England renegotiates its borders with France. Jim Hacker initially wanted to handle the negotiations personally but was struck down by Humphrey's rhetorical tactics. In the end, if someone had to endure the disgrace of capitulation, that unpleasant task was delegated to the foreign ministry.
The three great clans are likely thinking along the same lines.
If they must bow their heads before an onmyōji and suffer embarrassment, then let the principals take the fall. Although it doesn't change the nature of the situation, at least it saves face on the surface.
With this insight clear in his mind, Fukuki didn't press further. He took a bite of cake and gave his agreement.
"Got it. Let's settle it this way, then."
"Then I'll send you a message in advance to arrange a meeting time."
The kendō girl nodded with a smile.
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Meanwhile, across Tokyo, in a quiet corner of a distant café:
"Kenjaku, how strong do you think I am compared to Sukuna's fingers?"
"Hm… at best, eight or nine fingers, I'd say."
"Eight or nine, huh? That's enough... Alright, here's the deal: for next month's exchange event, I'll personally take charge of killing Gojo Satoru. None of you interfere. After it's done, you give me the Prison Realm—I want it for my collection."
"Hmm, of course. As long as you can pull it off."