The council

The Zenin Clan's main hall stood tall and imposing. Intricate curse patterns carved into its vermilion pillars gleamed darkly in the morning light. Silence filled the hall, where several elders from the branch families sat along either side, the clan crests on their robes rising and falling with their breathing. Their hawklike gazes rested on the boy standing before them.

Zhiyan still wore a plain kimono, his black hair neatly tied. The black and white dogs lay docilely at his feet, their cursed energy restrained just enough, though it could not entirely conceal the pressure inherent to shikigami of the Ten Shadows Technique.

He looked down at the polished wooden floor, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the edge of his sleeve. His expression was so calm that he seemed to be waiting for an inconsequential chat rather than his appointment as the clan's heir.

Naobito Zenin sat at the head of the hall, his black clan head's kimono lending him even greater authority. His cursed energy was as steady as still water, yet his gaze held unquestionable resolve as it swept over the elders below. "I imagine you all know why I summoned you here today."

His voice was not loud, but it carried a force that pierced straight to the heart and echoed through the spacious hall. "My son Zhiyan awakened the Ten Shadows Technique at five. He can now control his shikigami reliably, and both his technique integration and his control of cursed energy far surpass those of jujutsu sorcerers his age-the position of head of the Zenin Clan should rightfully pass to him in the future."

As soon as he finished, a white-haired elder on the left slowly rose. His cane struck the floor with a dull thud, and dissatisfaction colored his voice. "Clan Head, while the Ten Shadows Technique is the clan's greatest treasure, young master Zhiyan is only six. His character is not yet mature. How can he bear such a responsibility? Besides, the branch families have many gifted talents who are not necessarily inferior to him."

"Inferior to him?" Naobito Zenin raised an eyebrow, a barely perceptible trace of mockery in his voice. "Elder Matsumoto, do you know how rarely the Ten Shadows Technique awakens? A talent that might not appear once in a century is worth so little in your eyes?" He raised a hand. "Zhiyan, show them whether you're worthy."

Zhiyan lifted his head at the command. His eyes remained calm beneath his dark lashes, and only his fingertips moved slightly. Divine Dogs: Black instantly rose from his feet, cursed energy surging around him and mingling with the air to form dozens of wind blades. They lined up neatly before him, their edges flashing coldly, yet the range of their cursed energy was controlled so precisely that nothing in the hall suffered the slightest damage.

At the same time, Divine Dog: White released her cursed energy. A spinning wind shield formed a semicircular defensive barrier, sheltering Zhiyan behind it. The transition between offense and defense was even more practiced and incisive than during their training three days earlier.

The elders in the hall were all startled. They rose and craned forward, disbelief filling their eyes. The shikigami of the Ten Shadows Technique were already powerful, but now they had incorporated wind abilities to achieve such seamless offensive and defensive coordination. Even an adult jujutsu sorcerer might not attain such mastery.

"Nothing but flashy tricks," another elder said grudgingly. "However powerful the shikigami may be, it means nothing if their controller cannot direct them properly. Besides, actual combat is not training. He may not perform this well against a real cursed spirit or enemy."

At those words, Zhiyan finally looked at the elder, a faint edge flashing through his eyes. He said nothing, merely tapping his fingertips again. Divine Dogs: Black understood. The wind blades around him abruptly accelerated, becoming a black whirlwind that flew toward the stone pillar in the center of the hall. Just before impact, however, the blades suddenly contracted, leaving only shallow grooves on the pillar's surface that formed the precise shape of the Zenin Clan's crest.

Meanwhile, in the instant when the whirlwind drew everyone's attention, Divine Dog: White split her wind shield into several smaller shields. They precisely blocked the probing cursed energy several elders had instinctively released, without a single unnecessary movement.

"You should all have seen whether his command was adequate," Naobito Zenin said slowly, pride coloring his voice. "My son can not only control shikigami, but also precisely regulate the strength of his cursed energy and the range of his attacks. With such composure and ability at his age, is that still not enough?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the silent elders below. "The Zenin Clan's standing in Jujutsu Society rests on strength, not seniority. The inheritor of the Ten Shadows Technique should stand at the heart of the clan-anyone who questions him again questions the clan's legacy."

The elders exchanged glances, and none dared voice another objection. The demonstration had said enough. Zhiyan's strength and temperament truly qualified him for the position of clan head. Elder Matsumoto sighed and slowly sat down, tapping his cane against the floor again. This time, there was a measure of resignation in the sound.

Seeing this, Naobito Zenin nodded in satisfaction. He turned to Zhiyan, his tone softening. "Zhiyan, from today onward, you are the official heir of the Zenin Clan. In the days ahead, you must put the clan first, refine your technique, and protect the Zenin Clan's honor."

Zhiyan inclined his head and was about to speak when light footsteps suddenly sounded outside the hall, accompanied by a soft, childish call. "Brother! Father!"

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw Wana Zenin in a little pink kimono, the small buns on her head bobbing as she ran. Her chubby hands clutched the hall's doorway, and her dark, round eyes surveyed the scene inside with curiosity.

She had clearly sneaked over, excitement and nervousness still mingling on her face. Upon seeing Zhiyan, she immediately broke free of the maid's hand, trotted to his side, and clung tightly to his sleeve.

"Wana, mind your manners." Naobito Zenin put on a stern face, but his voice held no reproach, only helpless affection.

Wana stuck out her tongue and said quietly, "I wanted to see Brother become the heir." She lifted her head to look at the elders in the hall, gathered her courage, and called, "Brother's the strongest! He'll definitely be a good clan head!"

Her childish voice echoed through the hall, breaking its solemn atmosphere. Looking at Wana's innocent face, the elders gradually lost their grave expressions and smiled warmly. Zhiyan looked down at his little sister holding his sleeve. A trace of tenderness crossed his dark eyes, and he raised a hand to stroke the top of her head, his touch light and gentle.

Naobito Zenin watched the siblings with gratification in his eyes. He stood, his voice becoming commanding once more. "Since no one objects, send word that the investiture ceremony will be held in three days. Afterward, Zhiyan may participate in clan affairs and allocate clan resources to refine his technique-anyone who dares obstruct him will be treated as a traitor to the clan."

"Yes, Clan Head," the elders answered in unison, their voices now carrying greater reverence.

Naobito Zenin waved a hand, dismissing the elders. The hall gradually emptied until only Naobito Zenin, Zhiyan, and Wana remained, along with the black and white dogs lying at their feet.

Wana was still chattering away at Zhiyan's side when Naobito Zenin approached and patted his shoulder. His voice became gentle and inquisitive. "Well? How did it feel, facing a situation like that for the first time?"

Zhiyan rubbed his sister's head and sent her aside to play with the Divine Dogs before looking up at Naobito Zenin. His dark eyes were utterly calm, but every word was clear. "Very few of those elders were genuinely convinced." He paused, the faintest cold smile touching his lips. "Especially that dear uncle of mine. He was practically grinding his teeth to pieces in the crowd."

The warmth in Naobito Zenin's eyes vanished at those words, replaced by a deep chill. Of course he knew whom Zhiyan meant-his dear younger brother, Ogi Zenin.

He had long noticed Ogi Zenin coveting the position of clan head, both openly and in secret. He had simply refrained from exposing it out of brotherly affection. Now that Zhiyan had been named heir, it had likely ignited the greed in Ogi's heart for good.

"It's no small burden, seeing so clearly at your age," Naobito Zenin said gravely, his fingers tightening slightly at his side. "I've known his intentions for some time. I simply never expected him to harbor such resentment even during the council."

"He refuses to accept it," Zhiyan said evenly, looking outside the hall with certainty in his voice. "He's coveted the position of clan head for years. Now that a six-year-old has surpassed him, of course he can't swallow it. I doubt he'll behave himself from now on."

Watching his composed son, Naobito Zenin felt both pride and concern. He raised a hand and patted Zhiyan's shoulder, his touch reassuring yet firm. "Don't worry. While I'm here, he won't be able to cause much trouble. But remember to stay alert in everything you do from now on. You must never let your guard down around others-especially your own people."

Zhiyan nodded, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. "I know. I won't let him harm the Zenin Clan, much less hurt Wana."

Wana seemed to hear her name. With her arms around Divine Dog: White's neck, she came running over and tilted her little face up. "Brother, Father, what are you talking about? Are you saying you'll teach me jujutsu?"

At the sight of her innocent expression, Naobito Zenin and Zhiyan exchanged a glance, the chill in both their eyes easing. Naobito Zenin ruffled Wana's hair and smiled. "Once the investiture ceremony is over in three days, your brother will teach you."

"Hooray!" Wana cheered, then bounced off to play with the black and white dogs again. Her bell-like laughter echoed through the hall, dispelling the gloom of moments before.

Watching Zhiyan's back, Naobito Zenin said gravely, "On the day of the investiture, I'll arrange guards to prevent anyone from taking the opportunity to cause trouble. All you need to do is play your part and demonstrate the strength of the Ten Shadows Technique's inheritor."

Zhiyan looked down at the bluestone floor, laid out like pages of a book, and tapped his fingertips lightly. The rhythm was steady, carrying an unquestionable certainty. "If he really dares to come, I'll make him understand that the inheritor of the Ten Shadows Technique is not someone he can challenge as he pleases."

Morning light passed through the hall's latticed windows and fell across the boy's small, upright figure. It made his presence seem all the more composed, already lending him something of a future clan head's bearing.

Outside the hall, the wind seemed to carry hidden currents, quietly surging toward the approaching investiture ceremony. Ogi Zenin's ambitions, the undercurrents among the branch families, and the predatory gazes of Jujutsu Society would all become Zhiyan's first trial on the road to becoming clan head.

Zhiyan took Wana's chubby little hand, and the Divine Dogs followed docilely beside them. Outside the hall, morning sunlight fell across the siblings' hems, spreading a soft glow. Wana still clutched his sleeve, chattering about the jujutsu she wanted to learn, her little face full of anticipation. Zhiyan answered occasionally, holding her hand gently and slowing his steps, all the composed sharpness he had shown in the council hall gone.

They passed through a carved wooden corridor and reached their mother's residence in the inner courtyard. The vermilion door stood slightly ajar, and gardenias bloomed beautifully in a corner of the courtyard, their light fragrance filling the air. Zhiyan raised a hand and knocked softly. When he entered at her answer, their mother was sitting by the window, running a hand over her embroidery. Her plain ruqun complemented her gentle features, and her eyes immediately curved into a smile at the sight of the siblings. "Has the council finished?"

"Mother." Zhiyan inclined his head and guided Wana to their mother's side. "Yes. Wana ran over earlier, so I've brought her back."

Wana immediately nestled into her mother's arms, swinging her arms as she wheedled for affection. Their mother smiled and rubbed the top of her head, then looked up at Zhiyan. Her gaze passed over the lingering coolness in his eyes, and she said softly, "You must have faced quite a few doubts at the council."

Though she lived in the inner courtyard, she knew of the clan's undercurrents. Naobito Zenin had told her early on about naming Zhiyan his heir, and she knew those elders would not yield easily.

Zhiyan lowered his eyes, lightly pressing his fingertips against the edge of his sleeve. His voice was calm. "It's fine. With enough strength, the doubts will disappear on their own."

"You're just like your father, never willing to show the slightest weakness." His mother sighed softly and reached out to straighten the slightly tousled hair over his forehead, her fingertips warm and gentle. "Just don't push yourself too hard. You're still a child, after all. If the sky falls, your father will hold it up."

She knew her son's talent, but it pained her that he had to shoulder the clan's burden at such a young age. Those composed eyes held insight far beyond his years, yet also a tension no one else knew.

Zhiyan's lashes trembled slightly, and the faintest tenderness passed through his dark eyes. He gave a quiet "Mm" in assent. After reminding Wana to behave and not make trouble, he turned and took his leave. The Divine Dogs followed close behind, their footsteps quiet enough not to disturb the inner courtyard's peace.

After leaving his mother's courtyard, Zhiyan did not immediately return to his own quarters. Instead, he followed the bluestone lane toward a separate courtyard-the training ground there was the most secluded, ideal for exploring the fusion of the Divine Dogs and wind abilities. It was also time to subjugate his other shikigami. Old pines lined the lane, their branches rustling softly in the breeze and casting scattered patches of light and shadow across the ground. The black and white dogs walked beside him, their cursed energy spreading slightly as they watched for movement around them.

As he reached the old pine at the mouth of the lane, a tall figure suddenly appeared leaning against its trunk, blocking his way.

The man wore fitted black clothes washed to a faded shade. His posture was straight, and the lines of muscle beneath the fabric exuded an oppressive sense of explosive power.

His black hair was tied casually behind his head, loose strands falling over his forehead and partly obscuring his eyes. His jaw was hard, his lips pressed into an indifferent line. Not the slightest fluctuation of cursed energy came from him, yet Divine Dogs: Black instantly arched his back and growled, black mist swirling between his teeth. Divine Dog: White also tightened her membrane of light, a wind shield faintly emerging as she assumed a guarded stance.

It was an almost instinctive wariness-the man had no cursed energy, yet his killing intent frightened the shikigami more than that of a powerful cursed spirit. It was cold, pure, and carried an unequivocal sense of lethality.