"It's not an act. Everything I said is true," Natsuko retorted, turning her head away.
"No one said you were lying, but since you're here to 'seize the opportunity,' stop pretending to be pitiful and innocent. You've already learned everything you should and shouldn't have, and whether you want to learn more or not, the Kamo family will teach you. This is just your style."
Compared to her sister's overly straightforward approach, Mai's slightly more roundabout method actually carried more lethality. Having adapted to the rules of the Big Three Families, she knew better how to "strike at the heart."
Among the Big Three Families, there is also a ranking, and the Kamo family is at the bottom.
A rumor that has circulated in the jujutsu world to this day: During a certain imperial martial arts competition, the then-head of the Gojo family used "Limitless" against the then-head of the Zenin family's "Ten Shadows Technique." Neither side gave in, and the fight escalated to the point where both perished.
At first glance, one might think that the "Ten Shadows Technique" has an incredibly high ceiling, being able to perish together with "Limitless."
But if you think deeper, why was the imperial competition between Gojo and Zenin? And why did it escalate to the point of mutual destruction? It was just a competition—was there really no room for retreat?
What was the Kamo family, the last of the Big Three Families, doing during all this? Whether it's the "strength argument"—that the Kamo family's "Crimson Blood Manipulation" is too weak—or the "conspiracy theory"—that the Kamo family deliberately stirred up conflict between the other two families to reap the benefits—both are questioning the Kamo family's strength.
The Kamo family has no way to refute this, because the expressive power of "Crimson Blood Manipulation" is indeed lacking. Since then, the Kamo family has been tasked with mediating between Gojo and Zenin, gaining many benefits, yet they remain at the bottom of the Big Three Families...
To borrow a phrase often used by certain influential figures: "Who asked us (certain jujutsu families) to arrive late?"
Of course, considering the influence of the Big Three Families themselves, these words are never openly spoken unless it's internal strife within the families.
Because of this, Natsuko no longer held onto tradition and meekness, speaking bluntly:
"And what about you, Mai? What are you here for? You keep mocking the higher-ups, mocking me, but if you really didn't want to be here, you could have refused. With Lady Yuki protecting you, you have far more autonomy than I do. Do you know how much I envy you?"
"Uh..." Mai, who had been on the offensive, was now left speechless.
Noticing Akira's amused gaze, her previously rising anger deflated, and she hung her head, saying:
"Fine, I admit it. I could have refused. Lady Yuki said my technique could be of help to her, and after I graduate from Jujutsu High, I can become her assistant."
"I see."
Akira nodded, not surprised.
Yuki Tsukumo is not a conservative who blindly worships jujutsu and refuses to evolve. How could she not recognize the value of "Construction Technique"?
Moreover, with the sample of the twins going to extremes, she would only be more invested in the Zenin sisters than Akira.
With this protective talisman, even the Zenin family, which has the most jujutsu sorcerers, wouldn't dare to act rashly against Mai.
Don't forget, they already have a strained relationship with Gojo, and now they've provoked Akira. If they were to also offend the most senior Special Grade, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"So, why did you come? You didn't really fall for me, did you?"
"Narcissist," Mai shot back with an eye roll. "I came to remind you not to get so dazzled by beauty that you forget who you are."
Akira let out an "oh," then asked with genuine sincerity, "Then who am I?"
"You—" Mai, furious, stood up to leave. "Who knows who you are? Do whatever you want. You helped me once, and I've reminded you once. That's enough to not be ungrateful."
"Just joking, don't be mad. Thank you, Mai."
"Sha~ Sha~"
Gardevoir, like Akira, moved closer, using the same coaxing tactics that always worked on Maki to apologize to Mai. This time, she accurately sensed Mai's sincerity.
"Hmph." Mai finally relented.
Unlike her straightforward sister, who wears everything on her sleeve, Mai's personality is more dark and twisted, with more subtle emotions and thoughts.
Faced with a request like "find a way to climb into Akira's bed," Maki would undoubtedly curse it as shameless and punch her way out, but Mai thought about it deeply.
The higher-ups' intentions, the follow-up arrangements, and the fact that there were more than one candidates.
She knew she had more than one choice, and she also knew that the final decision didn't align with her pursuit of "stability," because doing so would involve risks.
The risk of misjudging Akira, the risk of the reminder backfiring, the risk of the news reaching the higher-ups and causing displeasure—things like reporting, exposing, and snitching are all too common among conservatives.
And the risk of Akira losing control and forcing himself on her.
But she still came, out of gratitude, and with a feeling she couldn't quite understand herself.
So, when Akira failed to recognize her good intentions, she was deeply dissatisfied.
But when Akira thanked her, the anger in her chest dissipated, and she felt that her trip wasn't in vain—it was worth it.
Once Mai sat back down, Akira said, "Now that we've cleared the air, let's have an open and honest conversation. What are your plans moving forward?"
"I... I'll follow the young master's lead," Natsuko said meekly.
"Still pretending," Mai raised an eyebrow. "He told you to be open and honest, so just say you want to stay by the young master's side and preferably help him have a child, why not?"
"Ugh... That's still too shameful."
The Big Three Families receive the most traditional education, and in Natsuko's eyes, the Zenin twins are outliers.
"So you admit it?"
Mai wasn't bothered by this misunderstanding; in fact, she felt a sense of innate superiority, perhaps seeing a reflection of her past self in Natsuko.
"As for me, I want a lot of things. I want you to feel grateful to me, to provide me with more help, to help me teach Maki a lesson so she stops being so arrogant."
"Sha~" Gardevoir shook her head at Mai before Akira could respond.
"She says sisters should get along," Akira translated.
To prove her point, Gardevoir picked up Serperior, but the snake sister was having none of it. Though she knew she couldn't win against her big sister and gave up resisting, the disdain on her face was unmistakable, making Mai chuckle.
See, this is how siblings normally interact.
Akira scratched Serperior's weak spot, breaking her signature tsundere expression, and said, "I won't directly interfere in your squabbles, but Maki does have the upper hand lately. I'll find a way to help you balance that out. Anything else?"
"Anything else? Not really," Mai thought carefully. "I'm doing pretty well now. I've gotten stronger, can complete missions, and don't lack money or anything else. Oh, there's a limited-edition Givenchy item I want, but asking you for that would be pointless."
"Who's asking about that?" Akira was speechless. "I'm talking about reputation, reputation."
Being sent to a man's bed isn't exactly a good look, no matter the outcome: either being kept as an ambiguous lover or being rejected and kicked out, labeled as unwanted.
"Oh, that. That doesn't matter. The moment we were sent here—no, even earlier, the moment we were born into the Big Three Families—having no power was already a sin."
Mai had long understood this. If it weren't Akira, it would have been someone else.
Those with power control the fate of others; those without power have their fates controlled by others. This is the reality of the Big Three Families and the conservative faction.
For the powerless, the only way to break free is to gain the protection of the powerful.
This is why Natsuko willingly came here, and why Mai's so-called greater autonomy is also due to the influence of Akira and Yuki Tsukumo.
"I know what to do now," Akira said, placing Serperior back on the ground from Gardevoir's arms. He then ordered, "Tie them up again."
"??????"