Dusk. Shinjuku.
The afterglow of the setting sun painted the sky in stunning shades of orange and violet. Passing through rows of pure white Torii gates, Maki and Mai Zenin arrived at the headquarters of the Star Religious Group. They carried a wriggling Cursed Spirit—the Caterpillar—that White Zetsu had requested.
There were no armed guards blocking the way. Only two figures stood at the entrance: An old man with a white mustache reeking of alcohol (Naobito Zenin), and a woman in a formal kimono (The Sisters' Mother).
"Leave the things here," the woman said, her eyes expressionless. "You can go back now. Unless you withdraw from the Academy... the Head of the Family will not see you."
"Mother..."
Maki and Mai looked at the woman blocking the doorway. Their expressions were complicated. She was as cold and subservient as ever.
"The Head is receiving a guest," Naobito took a swig of strong sake from a gourd. "He won't see you. Burp... Either leave Jujutsu High, or leave Japan."
Naobito looked at the twins with glazed eyes. "Although I don't know the full extent of the brat's plan... know this. That kid won't stop his ambitions just because of you."
...
Deep within the corridors of the Star Religious Group. A stylishly dressed figure sat across from Zenin Mirai. He slowly lifted the hood covering his face, revealing a forehead covered in stitches.
"I didn't expect you to dare to come to my door," Mirai said calmly, sipping his tea.
"And I didn't expect you to block Gojo Satoru head-on," Kenjaku (Pseudo-Geto) replied, his eyes narrowing. Kenjaku looked at the steam rising from the tea. He had taken a huge risk coming here.
"Spare me, my old friend," Kenjaku smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm worried about the old proverb: The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. If I successfully seal the Six Eyes... what if you simply kill me afterward? Wouldn't I be at a huge loss?"
Mirai put down his cup. "You overthink things." Mirai sat back, analyzing the thousand-year-old sorcerer. "It's rare to see such an interesting plan. I've been waiting for a new Golden Age. I don't intend to steal your thunder... yet."
"Good," Kenjaku relaxed slightly. "I've been preparing for a thousand years. I don't want my efforts wasted."
"So," Mirai asked. "What did you come here to say?"
"My old friend," Kenjaku leaned forward. "You know that a thousand years ago, I formed Binding Vows with famous sorcerers from various regions of Japan, correct?"
Mirai nodded. "I have heard. The Stone Drift Dragon (Ryu Ishigori) of the Mutsu region... the one with the pompadour?"
"Exactly," Kenjaku grinned. "Before we return to the Golden Age of Sorcery... Let's establish a truce. A non-aggression pact until the operation is complete."
"Fine," Mirai replied coldly. "But let's set a time. Just in case you disappear."
Kenjaku stood up, adjusting his kasaya. "The time to deal with Gojo Satoru is almost here. October 31st. Halloween. Shibuya."
Kenjaku turned to leave, his silhouette blending into the shadows. "Old friend... you must attend."
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