On succession

After the Zenin Clan witnessed their own Ten Shadows Technique summon a third shikigami, Rabbit Escape, and even defeat the Six Eyes, they suddenly became much more efficient.

-Specifically, when it came to holding a banquet to spread the word throughout Jujutsu Society and formally announce the appointment of their Young Master.

Although the Zenin Clan's higher-ups had already tentatively agreed to make Naobito Zenin's daughter, Kamu Zenin, their Young Master after the incident with the special grade cursed spirit, she only had two shikigami at the time.

Considering the assassination attempts the Gojo Clan's Six Eyes had faced since birth, they did not dare formally reveal Kamu Zenin's existence too early.

-Even if people in Jujutsu Society already had their suspicions.

But after witnessing her fighting prowess firsthand, they were overjoyed.

And she had even defeated the Six Eyes!

Making the announcement now was the perfect opportunity for the Zenin Clan to flaunt its strength and establish its authority.

As for becoming the heir, I had stopped thinking about it once I was granted the authority that came with the Young Master position.

Actually, as far as I was concerned, the fact that they had called me over to tell me about it meant I was already the Young Master.

It was like my parents in my previous life holding my younger sister's hand and saying, "You'll definitely inherit our company." That was something you only needed to discuss in private, not broadcast to the world.

So when the Seventh Elder told me my clan lessons would be suspended for three days because he needed to prepare for my appointment, I was genuinely surprised.

-Was this the red tape of a feudal clan?

How grand.

I didn't understand, but I was deeply impressed.

Still, that was fine by me. Unlike compulsory education in my previous life, my clan lessons did not offer the bliss of two days off every week.

The Seventh Elder came to teach me every day. I only got a day or two off on holidays, when the rules required us to perform a whole pile of rituals and the like.

I really could not understand it. The Seventh Elder's monthly stipend would not go up, so why was he so dedicated?

-Did he just enjoy teaching and giving his all?

And yet I could not skip class. These were not useless etiquette classes like before, but proper lessons in jujutsu and hand-to-hand combat.

If I did not attend... I might die on a mission someday.

So-when I learned that preparing for my Succession Ceremony actually warranted three days off, I was once again acutely reminded of how little I knew.

Oh well, that didn't matter.

What mattered was that I had three days to rest.

This was fantastic!

My mistake. I'd celebrated too soon.

When the maid appeared in front of me carrying an elaborate outfit that looked difficult to put on, I should have realized I was in trouble and made a run for it.

-Then I wouldn't have been forced to stay here and change.

I had initially wanted to use my status to flatly refuse, but unexpectedly, my father in this life had come along too, wanting to see how it looked on me.

He dressed it up nicely: "After all, as the Zenin Clan's Young Master, you'll represent the clan whenever you go out. There's nothing unreasonable about me coming to take a look."

At last, the utterly torturous process was over.

It was a red kimono, soft to the touch, with a lustrous fabric that draped beautifully. The Zenin Clan's crest was subtly embroidered in silver thread along the hem.

The maid noted down the places where the fit was slightly off, then silently left.

Only my father in this life remained, still sitting in my courtyard drinking tea.

I had no choice but to walk over. "Father, don't you have things to attend to?"

Naobito Zenin smiled. "They can wait a little while."

He'd come, he'd looked, and even the maid had left. What was he still doing here?

Perhaps he noticed my confusion, because a moment later, Naobito Zenin sat up straight.

His expression turned solemn, and he asked me in a serious tone, "Kuang Wu, do you want to leave the Zenin Clan?"

In an instant, my breathing quickened sharply, and my heart pounded like a drum.