The Banquet

On the day of the banquet, the Zenin Clan was already bustling at first light.

Zhiyan rose earlier than usual. He sat at the stone table in the courtyard, a cup of tea in his hands, but his gaze kept drifting toward the gate.

The weather was lovely, crisp and clear, with not a cloud in the autumn sky. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering little shadows across the bluestone paving.

"Big brother!"

Wana's voice rang out from the courtyard gate, and a small figure came rushing in.

She wore a brand-new kimono, its cherry-pink fabric embroidered with tiny cherry blossoms and tied with a dark pink sash. Her hair had been carefully combed into two adorable little buns, with matching ribbons.

"Look, big brother!" She twirled in front of Zhiyan. "Do I look pretty? Do I?"

Zhiyan nodded.

"You do."

Wana beamed, her eyes curving into crescents, and sat beside him, pouring herself a cup of tea.

"Shoko's still getting dressed," she said, anticipation all over her little face. "Aoi said she was going to make her look beautiful, and she wouldn't let me watch. I waited and waited, then came to find you."

Zhiyan glanced at her.

"How long did you wait?"

Wana counted on her fingers.

"Maybe... as long as it takes an incense stick to burn? Two sticks? Anyway, a really, really long time!"

Zhiyan's lips curved slightly.

"So, not very long."

Wana pouted and was about to argue when her eyes suddenly lit up.

"Big brother, what do you think Shoko will look like today?"

Zhiyan's hand paused slightly around his teacup.

"Look like?"

"Like... someone really pretty!" Wana propped her chin in her hands, her eyes full of anticipation. "Shoko's already pretty, so she'll be even prettier today! Don't you think?"

Zhiyan fell silent for a moment.

"...Yes."

Wana watched him, then suddenly giggled.

"Big brother, you're blushing."

"I'm not."

"You are! Even your ears are red!"

Zhiyan set down his teacup and stood.

"I'll go check..."

"You can't!" Wana grabbed him, smiling like a little fox. "Aoi said we can't bother her while she's getting dressed! You have to wait with me!"

With her tugging at his sleeve, Zhiyan helplessly sat back down.

They sat facing each other like that, one sipping tea and pretending to be calm, the other resting her chin in her hands, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

The sunlight slowly shifted, and the shadows of the trees lengthened.

After an unknown stretch of time, soft footsteps finally sounded at the courtyard gate.

"Miss Shoko, this way, please."

It was a maid's voice.

Wana sprang to her feet, excitement filling her little face.

"She's here! She's here!"

Zhiyan's grip on his teacup tightened slightly.

He did not stand or even turn his head. He simply kept looking at the cup before him, as though studying what was so special about the patterns in its celadon glaze.

The footsteps drew closer.

Soft and slow, as though treading on clouds.

"Zhiyan, Wana."

The familiar voice rang out, touched with a faint smile.

Wana cried out in wonder.

"Wow!"

Zhiyan finally looked up.

Then he froze.

Shoko stood at the courtyard gate, backlit by the sun, like a painting.

She wore a pale pink kimono, not the delicate cherry pink of Wana's, but a simpler, gentler shade, like cherry blossoms opening in the dawn light. Tiny white plum blossoms were embroidered from the hem to the waist, rising and falling softly with her breathing.

Her obi was silver-gray, with subtle patterns embroidered in matching thread that gleamed softly in the sunlight. Her collar lay slightly open, revealing the snow-white lining beneath and making her neck look even more slender and fair.

Her hair had been carefully swept up instead of hanging loose as it usually did, coiled into a small bun and secured with a silver hairpin. A tiny pearl dangled from its end, swaying gently with her movements and catching the light.

A few loose strands fell beside her ears, making her small face look even more delicate.

Her features were already lovely, and the maid's careful makeup now gave them an even more ethereal grace. The beauty mark by her eye remained quietly in place, yet held something indefinable now-like a drop of ink on paper, a tiny dot that somehow brought the entire painting to life.

She stood in the sunlight, a pale golden glow surrounding her, her clear eyes fixed on him and a faint smile on her lips.

That smile was so faint it seemed a breeze could blow it away.

Yet that little smile made Zhiyan's heart skip a beat.

Then two.

Then three.

He forgot to breathe.

"Wow!" Wana cried again. She had already rushed over and circled Shoko several times. "Shoko! You're so pretty! So beautiful! Like a fairy!"

A little dizzy from watching her circle, Shoko gently held her shoulders.

"All right, all right."

"No, no! I haven't looked enough yet!" Wana tilted her little face up, stars in her eyes. "Shoko, you're really so pretty! Prettier than the fairies in paintings! Right, big brother?"

Only then did Zhiyan come to his senses.

He realized he was still holding his teacup, though the tea inside had gone completely cold.

He set it down, stood, and looked at Shoko.

She stood quietly in the sunlight, her clear eyes watching him as though waiting for his answer.

Zhiyan opened his mouth, only to find his throat a little tight.

He drew a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound normal.

"...You look beautiful."

Shoko watched him, her eyes curving.

"Just 'beautiful'?"

Zhiyan's ears reddened slightly.

"Very... very beautiful."

Wana laughed so hard beside them that she could barely stand straight.

"Big brother, you're stuttering! You actually stuttered!"

Zhiyan gave her a somewhat helpless look.

Shoko stepped up to him and tilted her head back slightly to look at him.

They were so close that he could smell the faint gardenia fragrance on her.

"Do I really look beautiful?" she asked, her eyes smiling.

Zhiyan looked at her face, so close to his, at the smiling corners of her eyes, at the tiny beauty mark beside one of them.

His heart began racing again.

"You do," he said, his voice lower than usual. "You look beautiful."

Shoko nodded in satisfaction.

"Good, then."

She reached out and gently squeezed his hand.

Her hand was small, soft, and warm, like a little puff of cotton.

"Let's go," she said. "We don't want to be late."

Zhiyan nodded.

He did not let go of her hand.

The three of them headed out together.

Wana skipped ahead, sometimes looking back at them, sometimes running back to take Shoko's other hand.

"Shoko, you have to smile lots today!"

"Why?"

"Because you're even prettier when you smile!"

"That sounds a little familiar, but I promise."

"And, and, if anyone picks on you, tell my brother! He'll definitely teach them a lesson!"

"All right."

"If anyone says you're pretty, accept the compliment! You really are pretty!"

"...All right."

Listening to their conversation, Zhiyan's lips curved.

Sunlight fell warmly over all three of them.

What a lovely morning.

Outside the Zenin Clan's main gate, the cars had been waiting for some time.

Today's entourage was larger than usual. A black sedan led the way, followed by two escort cars, while several accompanying sorcerers stood to one side, their expressions solemn.

For once, Naobito Zenin was neatly dressed as he waited for them in front of the car.

When he saw the three approaching, his gaze lingered on Shoko before shifting to Zhiyan, a knowing smile spreading across his lips.

"Well, boy, can't take your eyes off her?"

Zhiyan's ears reddened again.

"That's not true."

"Not true?" Naobito Zenin laughed. "All right, all right. Of course not."

He turned to Shoko, his smile fading a little as his expression grew serious.

"Girl, there'll be plenty of people with plenty to say where we're going today. If anyone says anything unpleasant, don't keep it to yourself. Tell this boy. Outsiders have no business passing judgment on someone from our Zenin Clan."

Shoko nodded.

"I understand."

Naobito Zenin looked at her and nodded in satisfaction.

"Sensible girl," he said. "Get in."

Zhiyan took Shoko's hand and helped her into the car. Wana climbed in too, sitting on Shoko's other side.

The door closed, and the convoy slowly pulled away.

Outside the window, the Zenin Clan's main gate receded into the distance.

Shoko leaned back in her seat and watched the scenery outside. Kyoto's streets were still unfamiliar to her, but she was slowly learning them.

Wana chattered beside her, talking one moment about how delicious the banquet pastries were and the next about who they might meet today.

Shoko listened quietly, responding now and then.

Zhiyan sat beside her, quietly looking ahead, his thoughts unreadable.

Shoko turned to look at him.

His profile was handsome, with well-defined features and a steady expression that hardly belonged to a nine-year-old boy. His eyes looked ahead calmly, as though they could see through everything.

But Shoko knew those eyes were different when they looked at her.

They grew softer, warmer, and a little... uncertain.

Her eyes curved into a smile, and she quietly reached out to take his hand.

Zhiyan gently tightened his fingers around hers.

He did not turn his head; only the corners of his lips lifted slightly.

Shoko's eyes curved too.

They sat hand in hand, watching the scenery outside the window.

Wana chattered beside them, completely oblivious to their little gestures.

The convoy traveled through Kyoto's streets, crossed the bustling city center, and headed toward the outskirts.

About an hour later, the car turned onto a tree-lined road. Maples grew along both sides, their leaves at the height of their autumn red. The crimson foliage blazed like flames, breathtakingly beautiful.

"Wow!" Wana pressed herself against the window, wonder filling her little face. "It's so pretty!"

Shoko looked outside too.

Red leaves filled the view like a crimson ocean. Sunlight filtered through the branches and foliage, casting dappled light and shadow across the ground like countless shards of gold.

The car slowly passed through the tunnel of red leaves, finally stopping before an enormous Japanese-style residence.

Its gate was a traditional wooden structure, with a plaque overhead bearing the words "Maple Mountain Estate."

Many cars were already parked outside, all black sedans, each grander than the last. Well-dressed people came and went, some exchanging greetings and others showing guests the way. The entire scene was lively yet orderly.

Zhiyan stepped out of the car and turned back, taking Shoko's hand to help her out.

Wana hopped out too and firmly took Shoko's other hand.

"Shoko, don't be scared! I'm here!"

Shoko looked at her, her eyes curving into a smile.

"All right."

The three stood at the gate, looking at the enormous residence.

This was a banquet of the Three Great Families.

There would be many people today.

Many watching eyes.

Many appraising looks, some friendly, some hostile.

But Shoko wasn't afraid.

Because he was beside her.

Because he was holding her hand.

That was enough.

"Let's go," Zhiyan said.

The three of them stepped through the doors together.

The banquet hall was huge, almost cavernous.

Dark wooden flooring covered the ground, and old-fashioned lanterns hung from the ceiling. The sliding doors on all four sides stood open, revealing the courtyard outside. Maple trees filled the courtyard, their leaves at the height of their autumn crimson. The red foliage blazed like fire, so beautiful it was hard to look away.

Many people had already gathered inside. There were elders in traditional kimono, elegantly dressed women, maids moving back and forth, and-many children.

Those children were around Zhiyan's age, some younger and some older. All wore formal kimono and stayed beside their elders. Some looked reserved, some curious, while others wore an expression that said, "I'm someone important."

The moment Wana entered, she began looking around, her little face full of curiosity.

"Wow, so many people!"

Holding Shoko's hand, Zhiyan calmly surveyed the room.

He knew many of the people here-or rather, he knew many of their families.

The people standing over there belonged to the Kamo Clan. Dressed in understated clothing and carrying themselves with reserve, they were speaking quietly with several elders. Leading them was a boy who looked about Zhiyan's age, wearing a dark kimono, with handsome features and a composed expression.

Kamo Xian Di.

The genius of the Kamo Clan's current generation. He was said to have awakened Blood Manipulation and could already exorcise cursed spirits on his own.

"That's Kamo Xian Di," Zhiyan told Shoko quietly.

Shoko followed his gaze and nodded.

The boy seemed to sense their eyes on him. He turned and gave them a slight nod in greeting.

Zhiyan nodded back.

Elsewhere, several children had clustered together, their bright laughter almost piercing. The boy in the ornate kimono at their center stood out. He laughed the loudest, and his sky-blue eyes were astonishingly bright.

"That one..." Zhiyan paused. "Satoru Gojo."

The Gojo Clan's pampered young master possessed the Six Eyes and had inherited Limitless, but his personality left something to be desired. Despite being one of Jujutsu Society's greatest prodigies, he spent his days running around and playing like any ordinary child, with no regard whatsoever for the rules.

Watching the boy dash around, Shoko tilted her head slightly.

"He looks... pretty lively."

Zhiyan fell silent for a moment.

"He certainly is."

No sooner had he spoken than the boy suddenly stopped, turned, and looked straight at them.

Those blue eyes blinked, and then his mouth spread into a broad grin.

"Hey!" He waved at them. "Who are you? I've never seen you before!"

Before Zhiyan could answer, an old man in a black kimono hurried over and planted a hand on Satoru Gojo's shoulder.

"Young Master Satoru, remember where you are."

Satoru Gojo pouted, but he didn't struggle. He simply kept staring at Zhiyan and the others.

His gaze was direct and unabashed, as though he were looking at an interesting toy.

Zhiyan ignored him and led Shoko farther inside.

They found seats in a corner, and Wana immediately began looking around, her little face brimming with excitement.

"Shoko, look! There are so many tasty things over there!"

She pointed at a long table nearby, laden with delicate pastries and fruit.

"Shall we go get something to eat?"

Shoko nodded and was about to rise when Wana took her hand and pulled her to her feet.

"Come on, come on! Wait here, big brother. We'll bring you back something tasty!"

Watching them leave, Zhiyan's lips curved slightly.

He picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip.

The tea was good. Of course, his own was no worse.

"Zenin."

A voice came from beside him.

Zhiyan turned to find Kamo Xian Di standing nearby, looking at him.

"Kamo."

Kamo Xian Di came over and sat beside him.

Zhiyan nodded.

Kamo Xian Di paused, looking toward the two girls choosing pastries nearby.

"That girl is...?"

Zhiyan followed his gaze.

Shoko stood before the long table with a plate in her hands while Wana chattered beside her, pointing at the various pastries. Sunlight streamed through the open doors and fell over Shoko, lending her a softness that made her look like a painting.

"Shoko Ieiri," Zhiyan said. "My fiancée."

Kamo Xian Di looked at him, something knowing in his gaze.

"Your fiancée?"

Zhiyan didn't answer.

Kamo Xian Di smiled and didn't press him.

"I heard..." He paused. "Jujutsu Headquarters came to your family a while ago, asking you to hand someone over?"

Zhiyan's movement faltered slightly.

"You're very well informed, Kamo."

"I just happened to hear about it," Kamo Xian Di said.

He looked at Zhiyan, his gaze gentle yet keen.

"It was that girl, wasn't it?"

Zhiyan fell silent for a moment.

"Yes."

Kamo Xian Di nodded and asked no more.

The two sat quietly for a while, watching the people coming and going through the hall.

After a while, Kamo Xian Di suddenly spoke.

"That girl," he said, "seems lovely."

Zhiyan turned to look at him.

Noritoshi Kamo met his gaze and smiled.

"I mean, she seems quiet and composed. Unlike..." He glanced at Satoru Gojo, who was running wildly around in the distance. "Unlike certain people."

Zhiyan said nothing.

But his lips curved slightly.

"She is."

Just then, Shoko and Wana returned with the pastries.

Wana carried two plates, both piled high, her little face full of pride.

"Look, big brother! We got loads!"

She set one plate before Zhiyan. It was heaped with all kinds of pastries, packed so tightly they were nearly falling off.

Shoko followed behind her, carrying just one plate with a few neatly arranged pastries. It looked elegant and restrained.

Seeing Kamo Xian Di, she paused briefly, then nodded in greeting.

Noritoshi Kamo nodded as well.

"Miss Ieiri."

Shoko blinked.

"You know me?"

"I do now." Noritoshi Kamo smiled. "Kamo Xian Di, of the Kamo Clan."

Shoko nodded and sat opposite him.

Wana sat down too, looking around as she ate her pastries.

"Shoko, that white-haired boy over there keeps staring at you."

Shoko followed her gaze and saw Satoru Gojo standing nearby, his sky-blue eyes fixed openly on her.

When their eyes met, he broke into another broad grin and waved.

Shoko tilted her head slightly, then nodded to him as well.

Satoru Gojo blinked, then smiled even more happily.

"Interesting!" he said loudly. "Which family are you from? How come I've never seen you?"

His voice was loud enough to draw the attention of everyone nearby.

Before Shoko could answer, Zhiyan spoke.

"The Zenin Clan."

Satoru Gojo looked at him and blinked.

"The Zenin Clan? But her surname isn't Zenin, is it?"

Zhiyan was silent for a moment.

"She's my fiancée."

At those words, their surroundings fell quiet for several seconds.

Satoru Gojo froze.

Kamo Xian Di's hand paused around his teacup, and then he chuckled softly.

Nearby, several adults who had been talking turned to look as well. Their eyes lingered on Shoko for a few seconds before they turned back as though nothing had happened.

Beside them, Wana's eyes went wide, her little mouth forming an O.

"Big brother, you... you actually..."

Shoko looked at Zhiyan, her eyes curving into a smile.

This time, Zhiyan's ears didn't turn red.

He didn't avert his gaze, merely looking calmly at Satoru Gojo.

Satoru Gojo blinked, then blinked again, before suddenly bursting into laughter.

"Interesting, interesting!" He clapped his hands. "A fiancée at nine! Naoya Zenin, you're really something!"

He walked away laughing, leaving a trail of bright laughter behind him.

Zhiyan watched him go, silent for a moment.

Then he lowered his head and continued drinking his tea.

Beside him, Shoko gently scratched his palm.

He turned to look at her.

Her eyes curved into a smile at him, but she said nothing.

Yet that smile reassured him more than any words could have.

The banquet continued.