On the second day after the Sister Goodwill Event ended,
outside the main residence of the Zenin Clan, one of Jujutsu Society's Three Great Families.
Three figures, one man and two women, marched toward the Zenin Clan's gates with an imposing air. They were Maki and the other two, who had received an invitation to visit the clan.
Akutagawa Shang held on to one of Maki's hands without letting go, ensuring he could buff her at any time.
Mai knew none of this, however. When she saw Akutagawa Shang holding Maki's hand, she clamored to take his other hand.
"Ah... dancing with three people really is too hard!!!" Akutagawa Shang sighed helplessly.
Hand in hand, the three approached the Zenin Clan together.
When they reached the entrance, two attendants in kimonos stood there.
As soon as they drew close, they heard snatches of conversation from the two.
"Isn't that Maki, the useless one? What's she doing back?"
"No idea... but apparently the clan head invited her."
"If you ask me, trash like her who doesn't even have Cursed Energy should be struck from the Zenin Clan's register. How does she even have the nerve to come back?"
Just what one would expect of the Zenin Clan. Even the gatekeepers only knew how to look down their noses at people.
Akutagawa Shang glanced at Maki, but her face remained expressionless.
Akutagawa Shang stepped forward, but neither attendant showed any intention of opening the gates.
"Hey, you three. Who are you here for?"
One attendant stood on the steps, looking down at them from above.
"Huh? Who are we here for? Weren't you people from the Zenin Clan the ones who asked us to come?" Akutagawa Shang looked speechless.
"Fine. I'll go announce you. Wait here." The attendant's voice was unmistakably impatient.