Since that day, my life had settled into a predictable, if busy, routine. It consisted of playing with Maki and Mai, who had finally started crawling, sparring with Naoya, and making trips outside the estate to visit Toji, Sister Ayame, and little Megumi.
'Wait... looking at it like this, isn't my life a bit strange? I feel like a glorified kindergarten teacher. Even though Naoya is only a year younger than me.'
Because I visited them so often, Maki and Mai seemed to have memorized my face. Every time they saw me, their little faces would light up with radiant smiles. Perhaps because of my devotion to the children, my Aunt began to treat me with far more ease. She was well aware that I was the one who had severed Ogi's fingers, but she seemed to consider her husband's state—trapped in his room in a pathetic daze every day—as his own fault rather than mine.
'Perhaps because the rumors of me doting on Maki and Mai have spread, no one dares to openly insult the children anymore. I have to keep leading by example if I want to truly purge the rot from this clan.'
Of course, Naoya didn't exactly approve of my behavior. It wasn't that she cared about protecting the weak; it was purely about attention.
"Brother, you've grown quite fond of those babbling infants lately, haven't you? Is it because I've grown older and less interesting to you?" Naoya asked with a sharp pout.
"That's not it, Naoya... please don't make your brother sound like some kind of predator."
"Then why do you go to see those brats more often than me? I thought you'd grown bored of my company."
"It's not like that. Those children are hated by the clan more than anyone else through no fault of their own. I'm protecting them because I can. My voice carries weight in this family now. And I could never get bored of you, Naoya. You're my precious younger sister, after all."
Naoya's face flushed crimson. She snapped her head away, trying to hide her reaction.
"Hmph... fine then. I'll forgive you. But in exchange, you have to stay with me for the rest of the day."
"Haha... alright, Naoya. What shall we play today?"
I couldn't help but smile. She really was cute when she wasn't being a terror.
That evening, the family gathered for a meal.
"Now that I look at you, Touya, you've grown quite tall," Saya remarked. "You almost look as tall as your father already."
"Isn't it obvious he'd take after us?" Naobito added, puffing out his chest. "Saya, you're tall for a woman, so it's only natural Touya would be a giant."
'I'm exactly 180cm now, so there's only a 3-4cm difference between me and the Old Man. Mother is 168cm, which is indeed tall for a woman.'
"Hehe... it's all thanks to your good genes, Mother, Father."
"He's so handsome, too," Saya continued dreamily. "He's exactly what I imagined you looked like in your youth, darling."
"Hardly... looking at the shape of his eyes alone, he looks nothing like me."
'Mother really does have some thick rose-tinted glasses when it comes to the Old Man... well, I suppose it's a blessing their marriage is still so affectionate.'
As I let out an awkward laugh, Naoya cut in.
"Mama, I don't care what you say, Brother looks nothing like Papa. My Brother is much, much handsomer!"
We all shared a strained laugh as Naoya stated her 'fact' without a single change in her expression.
"Why are you laughing? Was I wrong?"
"No, no. Not at all," I said, clearing my throat. "Actually, Father. Mother. There's something I've been meaning to discuss with you."
'It's time to say it.'
"Oh? What is it, dear? Speak your mind," Mother said.
I looked at my parents and spoke with careful resolve.
"I want to enroll in Jujutsu High next year."
I braced myself, squeezing my eyes shut for a moment.
'They'll probably say no. They'll want me to receive internal education to inherit the clan once I'm of age.'
"I want to go to the High School and make some friends..."
"Do as you wish."
"...and gain experience exorcising— Wait, what did you say?"
I blinked, my ears failing to register the promptness of his response.
"I said, go ahead."
Confused by my father's nonchalant smile, I pressed him.
"Why? Shouldn't I be staying here to receive lessons on how to run the clan?"
Father let out a booming laugh.
"Wasn't this what you wanted? Why the interrogation? As for the Clan Head lessons, you can do that slowly after you graduate. This old body is still more than capable of handling things for a few more years."
"And besides," Mother chimed in, "it would be good for you to go out and make some friends, Touya."
The reasoning felt a bit thin, and Father seemed to notice my skepticism.
"Furthermore, interaction between our clan and the Jujutsu High schools has been quite sparse lately. We usually train our own within the Kukuru Unit or through private tutelage. Sending the clan's greatest talent to 'study abroad' at the school will help mend those relations. Go and make as many allies as possible. That is what will benefit the Zenin most in the long run."
'I see... he wants me to squeeze every bit of political benefit out of the institution while I'm there.'
I bowed my head in gratitude.
"Yes, Father. Mother. Thank you for your permission."
I was dazed by how easily the barrier had crumbled.
"Jujutsu High... that's the school where all those sorcerers gather, right?" Naoya asked.
"That's right, Naoya. I want to go there to gain field experience and meet fellow sorcerers."
"Hmph... you're just going there to seduce more girls like that Shrine Maiden girl, aren't you?"
"Naoya... it's not like that. And you should at least call her 'Sister.' She's an elder sister to me, too."
"I've never even met her, so why should she be my sister? Have you ever seen me call anyone that but you?"
"Well, I suppose not. Anyway, that's not why I'm going, so don't worry."
"Then you have to play with me as much as possible before you leave. Understand, Brother?"
"Just how much longer do you plan on playing with me..."
As I let out a sigh, Naoya didn't even flinch. "What do you mean 'how long'? Forever, obviously."
I was starting to get a little concerned. 'Naoya is thirteen now... surely she doesn't mean that literally, right?'
"Haha... Naoya, I'm going there for training. Don't be like that."
"Come now, Naoya," Father intervened. "Think of it as him going on a long trip. It's only five years. It's not like he's leaving for good; he'll be home for holidays often enough."
"Fine, Papa."
Only then did Naoya seem satisfied, returning her focus to her meal.
"I'll contact the school then. Enlistment starts at fifteen, so that will be next year. You have about a year to prepare, so take your time," Father said.
"Thank you, Father. For everything."
"Hmph. Save your thanks. If you're truly grateful, just seduce a few high-born women with powerful techniques and bring them back to the clan. That will suffice."
"Haha... Father, not you too. I told you, that's not why I'm going."
"Perhaps not for you, but those girls might feel differently. You'll understand what I mean when the time comes."
'What is he even talking about? I don't get it at all.'
"Sure... I'll keep that in mind."
After dinner and some idle chatter, I returned to my room. Naoya followed me in, having apparently decided to crawl into my bed despite us not sharing a room for quite some time, likely triggered by the news of my departure next year.
"Naoya? You're sleeping here?"
"Yes. I'm sleeping here every night until you leave, Brother."
"Haha... fine, have it your way."
'I'm worried she's a bit too attached to me. But at least, despite her selfishness, she isn't treating others like trash. That's a start.'
I spent some time chatting with her before we eventually fell asleep.
The remaining months passed without much fanfare, and eventually, the day came when I turned fifteen—the age to enter Jujutsu High.
'Sister Utahime must be seventeen now. I didn't mention my enrollment in my letters because I wanted to surprise her.'
On the morning of my departure, my entire family came out to see me off. Father was going to accompany me to the school, while Mother and Naoya came to the gates. To my surprise, Maki and Mai were also there, holding their mother's hands.
'Even the twins came? I guess they really did grow fond of me after all those play sessions.'
I knelt down and pulled Maki and Mai into a hug.
"Did Maki and Mai come to say goodbye to their brother? Such good girls. Thank you. I'll be back before you know it, okay?"
"Yeth. Brother going thchool. Bye-bye," Maki chirped.
"Bye-bye... Brother," Mai echoed softly.
Watching them struggle with their words while trying to send me off warmed my heart. I chuckled and patted their heads.
"Thanks, you two. I'll visit often, so listen to your mother. And make sure to listen to Sister Naoya, too."
"Hmph. He's my brother, why are they calling him that?" Naoya grumbled.
I ignored Naoya's pouting and bowed to my Aunt.
"Aunt, thank you for coming out. While I'm away, if anyone gives Maki or Mai any trouble, please let me know immediately."
"I will. Thank you for everything you've done for them. I wish you a safe journey."
Bowing once more, I turned to my mother.
"Mother, I'm heading out. Don't worry about me. I'll visit whenever I can, so just relax here with Father and Naoya."
Mother embraced me tightly. "I'm not worried. My son is going to do great things. Go and show them what you're made of. But come home often."
"I will, Mother. I'm off."
Finally, I walked over to Naoya.
"Naoya, I'm leaving. Watch over the house. Aside from Father, you're the strongest one here while I'm gone, okay? If you miss me, just call. I can get permission from the school to visit."
Naoya threw herself into my arms. "Brother... you're really leaving me behind? Hmph... fine, go then. But if you get hurt, I'll kill you. Now, give me a kiss on the cheek before you go."
'I expected a tantrum, but she's actually letting me go quite easily. I can manage a peck on the cheek.'
Just as I leaned in to kiss the cheek she offered, Naoya suddenly jerked her head, and our lips met.
"Naoya! You—"
"Hehe! Don't you dare go getting distracted by other girls while you're there! Have a safe trip!"
With a triumphant grin, she scurried back into the house as if her mission was accomplished. I stood there dumbfounded, watching her retreating figure, before letting out a long sigh.
"I'm leaving now. Mother, Aunt, please go back inside. I'll call you."
My Aunt led the twins back inside, and as I climbed into the car with Father, Mother waved until we were out of sight.
I kept watching until her figure vanished into the distance. Father, sitting beside me, finally spoke.
"It seems I raised at least one child right. Stay devoted to your family, Touya. That is the only thing I ask of you."
"Yes, Father. I will."
"And don't get hurt. Even if you can heal with Round Deer, I have no desire to see my son carried back here on a stretcher."
"Don't worry. I'm stronger than you think, Father."
I spoke with a confident smirk, and Father let out a faint chuckle.
"Look at you. Now that you're off to school, it's 'Father' instead of 'Papa'? How formal. Naoya still calls me 'Papa' even now."
'Actually, I've wanted to call you Father for a while, I just didn't want to seem like a precocious brat.'
"Fine then. Get some sleep. The drive to Tokyo Jujutsu High is quite long."
"Yes, Father."
Following his advice, I closed my eyes and began to visualize the people I would meet at the school.
'Suguru Geto. He uses Cursed Spirit Manipulation and has those... peculiar bangs. And Shoko Ieiri, a rare asset who can heal with Reverse Cursed Technique. I remember liking her character design, though my memories of her face are a bit fuzzy.'
There were others as well. Sister Utahime, Mei Mei... and the most important one.
'Satoru Gojo. My friend and the head of the Gojo clan. The one who stands alongside me as the strongest of this generation. It's been a while since I've seen him; I can't wait to see that annoying face again.'
Lost in these thoughts, I finally succumbed to sleep as the car hummed along the highway.
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