Jujutsu Dragon Emperor Chapter 6 - Maki & Mai

(Three Years Later)

Naoto sat in his study, the desk covered with stacks of half-finished seals and rows of talismans neatly arranged in small piles, and he slowly went through each one while jotting down small notes in the margins of a worn notebook. He had spent the last few months refining the designs, and in his opinion they were ingenious, since every single one had a function that, as far as he knew, had never existed in the history of Jujutsu. One was able to absorb the energy of an innate technique and seal it inside, leaving behind a single-use attack, and in his own case he had tested it with Principle of Domination to store a boost. That boost could then be activated by anyone holding the talisman, doubling their strength, speed and cursed energy for a short time.

It was a cursed tool disguised as paper, and Naoto knew immediately how valuable it would be if he ever decided to put it out into the world. People would love it, because it gave them power beyond what they could achieve on their own, and the best part was that each one was single-use, meaning they would have to keep coming back for more. He let out a slow sigh as he looked down at the glowing lines of ink across the slip, tapping the edge of it against the desk. If he was honest, he hadn't made this with the world in mind, but for one person in particular.

A loud commotion pulled him out of his thoughts. Voices rang from down the hall, followed by footsteps and the sound of something scraping against the floor. Naoto leaned back, stretched his arms, and rose from his chair, then left his office with slow steps.

When he reached the corridor that led into the main sitting room, the noise got louder. Maki and Mai were running in circles around the table, shoving at each other while holding something long between them, each one yanking on it while yelling over the other. Naoto's eyes narrowed when he saw exactly what they were fighting over.

The Power Pole. Ruyi Jingu Bang. His special grade cursed tool.

He sighed through his nose, raised his hand, and with a sharp tug of cursed energy called the staff back. It slipped cleanly from Maki's grip, shot across the room, and landed straight into his palm. Both girls froze in place, startled, staring up at him wide-eyed.

"What have I told you both about playing with weapons?" Naoto asked sternly enough to make them wince.

The twins shared a quick glance, then turned to him with wide eyes and identical puppy-dog looks, speaking in unison. "Sorry, oni-chan..."

Naoto rubbed his forehead, the pole resting casually at his side. He let out another sigh. "Go play outside. Both of you."

"Haaiii," they said together, bowing their heads slightly before running off toward the garden, their small footsteps echoing down the hall as they left the house.

"You're too soft on them, you know," a voice said from behind him.

Naoto turned, the Power Pole shrinking down and clipping onto his hair as he looked back to see Mirajane leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.

"You know," he said, "if you were here the whole time you could've disciplined them yourself."

"Where would the fun in that be... oni-chan," Mirajane replied, her tone mocking though her expression made it clear she was only teasing. "Besides, it's nice to see you actually do something once in a while."

Naoto rolled his eyes. "I do actually work, you know. You make it sound like I'm a freeloader." He stepped past her and onto the outside walkway, leaning against the railing as he watched Maki and Mai chase each other through the grass.

"Hai, hai, Naoto-sama," Mirajane said, following and standing beside him with the faintest smirk on her lips. "Such a hard worker."

"This house didn't build itself," Naoto replied.

And that was true. After the duel with Ogi, Naoto had taken the winnings he earned in the underground Tokyo fighting rings and, with his own hands, had built this house on the very edge of the Zenin compound. He had needed space if he was going to raise Maki and Mai properly, somewhere away from the sneers and whispers of the main clan. This place was his solution, and while it wasn't a palace, it was theirs.

"I was joking," Mirajane said, her smirk fading into a softer look as she stepped behind him and hugged him tightly around the waist, pressing her face lightly into his back. "I know how hard you work for us."

Naoto stiffened a little, embarrassed at the closeness, especially when he felt the press of her body against him, the soft, full swell of her large breasts molding warmly against his back in a way that made him far too aware of things he didn't want to dwell on.

"But don't forget to spend some time with them," she added quietly. "I know you've done your best, but they miss you when you're busy. That's why they get into trouble like this. They just want your attention. I can't replace that."

Naoto sighed. He looked back at the girls playing. "You're right. I need to spend more time with them. I've made a breakthrough in my talismans, so I can afford to take a break for a while."

Mirajane perked up. "Oh yeah? Which ones have you completed?"

Naoto listed them off without pause. "The innate technique talisman. The simple domain one. The storage one. I'm close to finishing my unique summon too, but grafting talismans onto my body is still giving me trouble." He sighed again at that.

Mirajane chuckled softly. "You talk like you're disappointed. Naoto, talismans that can hold innate techniques is a revolutionary concept. And the fact you've managed to create one for a simple domain? That's incredible."

Naoto shrugged. "It's not that special. Talismans are already used in barrier techniques all the time."

She smirked. "There it is. Mr. Humble."

Naoto rolled his eyes and ignored her, heading back into his study. He set the Power Pole down by his desk and returned to his work, spreading out the talismans he had completed and carefully marking down the progress of the ones still unfinished.

Soon, though, his time at home would shift. He was starting his first year at Jujutsu Tech this year, alongside Gojo, Geto, and Shoko. He doubted the school could teach him much that he hadn't already learned or developed on his own, but he admitted he was curious to meet the one they called "the strongest." Whether Gojo lived up to the name was something Naoto was eager to see.

For now, though, he focused on his work. He finished refining the lines of one talisman before turning to another project, his attention shifting to his side businesses. Over the past few years he had invested heavily into several small companies and cursed tool operations, and they were already paying returns. He didn't need the money now, but he wanted more, enough to eventually fund his own compound. He hated the looks Maki and Mai received whenever they were dragged to the main Zenin grounds, hated the whispers that followed them. No one dared lay a hand on them, because everyone knew what would happen if they did. It had been three years since he put Ogi down. In that time his training and talismans had advanced further than most in the clan could comprehend, and he knew with certainty now that even if they all came at him at once, he would win.

The scratching of his brush against paper was interrupted by two voices at the door. "Oni-chan!"

Naoto looked up to see Maki and Mai standing there, each one tugging the other's sleeve as they grinned. "Mira-neesan said you'd play with us."

Naoto stared at them for a long moment, then let out a quiet chuckle. "Playing dirty, Mira," he muttered under his breath.

The twins rushed toward him. Naoto pushed his chair back, stood, and nodded. "Alright. Let's go play." They cheered, hugging his legs tightly before pulling at his hands, dragging him toward the yard with laughter that echoed through the house. Naoto followed the twins outside, letting them pull him across the garden until they reached the open yard that stretched behind the house. The grass had been worn down from their constant running, and the stone path that cut across it had become their personal race track.

"What are we playing then?" Naoto asked, his arms crossed as he looked down at them.

"Tag!" Mai shouted.

"No, hide and seek!" Maki argued immediately.

Naoto raised an eyebrow. "How about both?"

The twins froze, looked at each other, then nodded quickly before clapping their hands in agreement. Naoto smirked and closed his eyes, turning toward the wall. "Alright then, I'll count. Ten seconds. Don't get caught too fast."

He started counting slowly, as the sound of their small footsteps rushed away in different directions. "One. Two. Three..."

By the time he reached ten, the yard was silent. He opened his eyes, stretched his shoulders, and walked forward. It didn't take him long to find the first. Maki had hidden behind one of the stones near the edge of the path, but her breathing was loud enough for him to hear even from across the yard. He circled around quietly before snapping a hand out and tapping her shoulder. "Got you."

"No fair!" Maki shouted, but she was laughing too much to care as she ran back toward the center.

Naoto moved again, scanning the yard. Mai had been smarter. She'd tucked herself into the shadow of the veranda, pressed close to the wood. Naoto spotted the flicker of her hair against the sunlight, and he crouched down low, creeping forward before lunging. Mai squealed as he scooped her up under his arm. "Caught," he said simply, carrying her back while she kicked and flailed with laughter.

The game went on like that for a while. They swapped between tag and hide-and-seek, Naoto sometimes letting them slip away on purpose, sometimes catching them easily, and the twins grew louder and louder, their laughter echoing through the garden as they tackled him together and declared themselves the winners. Even Naoto couldn't stop a smile from creeping onto his face as he let them climb onto his back and shout orders like generals riding into battle.

It was in the middle of a game that a voice broke through.

"Naoto."

He turned his head to see Mirajane standing at the veranda with her arms folded, her expression calm but serious. The twins froze when they saw her.

"What?" Naoto asked.

"Your father wants to see you," Mirajane said.

Naoto exhaled slowly, his smile fading as he lowered the twins to the ground. "Figures," he muttered. He glanced at Maki and Mai. "Alright, you two. Go back inside. We'll play again later."

They pouted but nodded, running back toward the house while Naoto brushed himself off and turned to Mirajane. "Let's get this over with."

Naoto walked beside Mirajane with his hands stuffed in his pockets, as he walked down the path that led toward the main clan house. His expression was flat, but Mirajane could tell he was irritated. "He always does this. Summons me like I've got nothing better to do."

Mirajane kept pace easily, her arms folded under her chest. "Don't be so sour. Compared to the rest of the clan, Naobito-sama isn't that bad. He's kept them from interfering with you, hasn't he? No one has dared step foot in your house, and no one's tried to take the twins from you. That counts for something."

Naoto let out a grunt in response. "Doesn't mean I have to like being dragged here."

They reached the main house not long after, the tall doors sliding open as a servant bowed them inside. They were guided through the wide corridors until they stopped in front of Naobito's office. Mirajane leaned against the wall beside the door. "I'll wait here," she said simply. Naoto slid the door open and stepped inside. His eyes fell immediately on his father seated behind a table, while Naoya lounged on the cushions at his side with his usual smug expression.

"Father. Naoya." Naoto greeted them evenly.

Naobito gestured for him to sit. A servant moved quietly, pouring tea for the three of them before retreating to the side of the room. Naobito lifted his cup, taking a slow sip before setting it back down. "How are Maki and Mai?" he asked.

"They're fine," Naoto said.

"Good, good. And your house? Comfortable?"

Naoto raised an eyebrow. "What's this about, Father?"

Naobito sighed, folding his hands together on the table. "Your first year at Jujutsu Tech is nearly here. In honor of two of the three great clans having heirs in the same year, there will be a clan event before the school year begins."

Naoto leaned back slightly. "And what exactly is this clan event?"

Naoya snorted with laughter. "What do you think, idiot? It's a fight. A fight between the first years."

"Sounds stupid," Naoto said flatly. "There's only a few first years starting this year."

Naobito shook his head. "It is not about that, Naoto. This was an idea suggested by the head of the Gojo clan."

Naoto nodded slowly, understanding dawning. "So it's just a way for them to show off their heir."

Naobito gave a small nod. "Exactly."

Naoto smirked faintly. "They must be very confident Satoru Gojo will win."

"He has the Six Eyes and the Limitless technique," Naobito replied. "That guarantees him victory."

Naoya's face twisted in irritation. "I wouldn't be so sure of that," he muttered. "If I were to starting next year I'd show the Gojo clan how invincible their heir is..."

Naoto rolled his eyes at his younger brother's arrogance before turning back to his father. "So what's the point of calling me here? You want me to fight him or something?"

Naobito shook his head firmly. "No. In fact, the opposite. I do not wish you to get involved. While I cannot refuse the event, as it would be shameful, it would also be shameful for my eldest son to be beaten by the Gojo heir."

Naoto's expression hardened. "So you're that sure I'd lose?"

Naobito met his eyes without wavering. "I have no doubt you've hidden your power from me, and while I don't know the full extent of your cursed technique, it would not matter in the face of Limitless."

Naoto leaned forward, his smirk cold. "So what you're really saying is that I should make myself look like a coward so the clan doesn't seem like one."

Naobito chuckled softly. "If that's how you want to phrase it."

"Then I'll pass." Naoto stood, brushing off his clothes as if the meeting were already over.

"Naoto," Naobito said, his voice deeper, more serious. "Think about this. For once in your life, listen to reason, you have no way to beat him! Nothing can get past infinity short of a domain expansion!"

But Naoto was already turning away. "I have. My answer's the same." He slid the door open and stepped out.

Mirajane looked at him immediately. "What was that about?"

Naoto let out a quiet sigh. "A waste of time."

...

At the same time across the city, within the compound of the Gojo clan, another heir was training.

Satoru Gojo stood at the center of a wide courtyard, eight sorcerers forming a loose circle around him, each one bracing themselves with cursed energy. He didn't look bothered in the slightest. His glasses hung loose on his nose, and a grin pulled at his face like he was already enjoying himself. "Come on fellas, I turned off infinity just to give you a chance, let's see if I need to get some replacement trainers."

One sorcerer rushed him first, throwing a punch wrapped in cursed energy. Satoru slipped aside easily, caught the arm, twisted it, and slammed the man into the ground hard enough to knock the wind from his chest. Another came from behind with a kick aimed at his head, but Satoru ducked and swept the legs out from under him, the man crashing flat on his back. Two more came together. One swung wide with a blade, the other tried to pin him from the side. Satoru snapped his fingers, and summoned blue, boosting his speed. He shot forward like a blur, his palm smashing into the swordsman's chest before he could finish his swing, and he twisted to grab the second man by the collar and hurl him across the yard into the wall.

The others didn't hesitate. Three came at him in a rush, fists and kicks flying in succession, but Gojo weaved through all of it, tilting his body at impossible angles, leaning back far enough that a strike whistled past his nose before stepping inside and driving his knee into one's stomach. He grabbed another by the wrist, spun him around, and flung him into the third, both toppling together in a heap. The last pair tried to corner him, one from each side. Gojo smirked, let Blue flare again, and slipped between them, driving an elbow into one man's jaw while snapping a roundhouse kick across the other's temple in the same motion. Both dropped immediately.

In less than a minute, eight sorcerers lay groaning across the courtyard, clutching ribs, shoulders, and jaws, their cursed energy leaking weakly into the air. Satoru stretched his arms over his head, let out a long yawn, then dropped down onto the nearest step. He reached over, grabbed a drink bottle, and took a swig before sighing loud enough for everyone still conscious to hear.

"Man, this is boring," he muttered, leaning back on one hand. "Too easy. Someone find me something fun already."

One of the Gojo clan servants, who had been watching from the edge of the courtyard, stepped forward nervously, bowing his head before speaking. "Satoru-sama... those were the last instructors who agreed to take a job with us."

Gojo tilted his head lazily, still sipping from his bottle. "Then offer the next ones double."

The servant shifted uncomfortably. "We already offered triple. No one will take the job."

For a moment, Satoru just stared at him, his grin fading into a flat line. Then he let out a long sigh, waving his free hand dismissively. "Fine. Get them out of here."

The servant nodded quickly and rushed to help the beaten men out of the courtyard, leaving Gojo alone again. He stretched once more, then sprawled out flat on the steps, staring up at the wide sky above. His arms spread out at his sides as he exhaled through his nose. "They're all so weak," he muttered. "Even when I hold back, even when I try to fight at their level, they still can't do anything. It's like fighting toddlers every single time."

His fingers tapped against the wood of the step. No matter what tricks they tried, no matter how much cursed energy they poured into their attacks, he always saw through them, always moved faster, always shut them down before they could breathe. Even with him limiting himself to martial arts and the smallest bursts of Blue, the gap was endless.

"Damn boring," he said under his breath, closing his eyes with a scowl.

The creak of sandals against the wooden floor broke the silence. Gojo didn't need to look to know who it was. The Six eyes gave him unparalleled visual acuity, he could've seen his father from a mile away in detail.

"Satoru," the older man said, "get up. We need to talk."

Gojo groaned, dragging himself up from the steps and sitting cross-legged. He tilted his head back and gave his father a lopsided grin. "What is it this time? Another batch of babysitters lined up for me to knock around?"

"No," his father said, folding his arms into his sleeves as he stopped just a few paces away. "This is more important. An event has been arranged. Suggested by me, approved by the other heads. Before the new year begins at Jujutsu Tech, the students of the first year will fight."

Gojo blinked once, then let out a short laugh. "Wait, wait. You mean you actually want me to beat up a bunch of kids? That's the big plan?" He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand with mock seriousness. "Sounds like a waste of time if you ask me"

His father's expression didn't change. "Take it seriously. This event is about showing the Zenin and the Kamo what they already know but are too proud to admit—that the Gojo clan stands at the top. You have the Six Eyes. You have Limitless. You will make them see it with their own eyes."

Gojo's grin widened. "Sounds to me like you're the one who cares about all that. I'll do whatever I want. If I feel like fighting, I'll fight. If I feel like taking a nap instead, I'll do that."

His father's gaze hardened, but he didn't respond. He turned after a moment, walking back down the hall, leaving Satoru sitting there with the grin still on his face. When the courtyard was quiet again, Gojo leaned back on his hands, his head tilting toward the sky. "A clan event, huh..." he muttered. His grin faded into a smirk as his thoughts drifted. "Maybe it'll actually be fun. Maybe there's someone interesting this year."

He stretched his legs out, the smirk lingering. "Guess I'll see."

_____________________________________

The months passed quicker than Naoto expected. Most days were spent in his study or the training yard, pushing himself through spar after spar, refining his talismans until their seals were without flaws, and practicing the flow of his cursed energy until every boost, every strike, every movement was perfect. He couldn't afford to slack, not with the clan event drawing closer, not with the Gojo heir already being hailed as untouchable. In the final weeks, he tested himself harder than ever. Toji wasn't there to push him anymore, but Naoto worked himself until his arms shook and his legs burned, sparring against multiple fighters at once, and conditioning his body so he could handle more boosts without tearing himself apart. By the time the day came, he felt ready.

When the morning arrived, the Zenin clan gathered. Naoto walked with them, the long road carrying them out of the compound and to the various cars that would take them to Jujutsu Tech. Maki and Mai clung to him the entire way, perched on his shoulders, giggling as they tugged at his hair. "Higher, oni-chan!" they shouted together, ignoring the looks of the elders marching alongside them.

Mirajane followed close behind, carrying a small satchel of supplies and keeping her eyes on the twins, ready to pull them down if they got too excited. She glanced at Naoto more than once, her expression a mix of amusement and worry, though he only smiled faintly and adjusted his pace to keep the girls balanced. By midday, they arrived at the venue: Jujutsu Tech. The open training grounds had been converted for the event, wide arenas drawn out and seating arranged for the large crowd. Already the place was packed.

The Kamo clan stood together in neat formation, their head speaking quietly with his advisors while the younger generation sat lazily and joked aorund. The Gojo clan arrived with their own entourage, looking about as smug as you'd expect t, their presence drawing every whisper and glance in the crowd. Even the minor clans had come, curious to see how the next generation of sorcerers would measure up—though mostly interested in Gojo.

Naoto and the rest of the Zenin party were directed toward a row of elevated viewing stands that overlooked the wide, open arena. The seats had been arranged so every clan had their own section, divided just enough to keep distance but close enough that no one could claim favoritism. He carried Maki and Mai up the steps without complaint, the girls still perched happily on his shoulders. When they reached the Zenin section, he crouched down and set them on the bench right in front of Mirajane, who was already settling in. From here, they would have a perfect view of the matches below.

Naoto crouched down in front of them. "Alright, listen. Be good for Mira. Don't start fighting, don't sneak off, and don't get into any mischief. Got it?"

"We won't!" they said together, smiling so sweetly it almost sounded rehearsed.

Naoto smirked despite himself, pulling them both into a hug. He held them close for a moment before kissing each of them lightly on the head. They broke into giggles immediately, covering their faces with their hands while laughing.

"Good," Naoto said, standing and brushing himself off. "Now enjoy the show."

He turned to leave, but Mirajane reached out and caught his sleeve. "Good luck," she said simply, her tone softer than usual.

Naoto looked back at her and gave a small smile. "I won't need it."

She rolled her eyes, but before letting him go, she leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss against his cheek. Naoto froze for a half-second, heat rising in his face, but Mirajane had already sat back down as though nothing had happened.

He shook his head and muttered under his breath, then left the viewing stand and made his way down the walkway that led to the preparation area where the other first years were gathering. The noise of the crowd grew louder with each step, the energy of the event building as the first years got closer to the stage. He stepped into the waiting area for the first years, his eyes sweeping across the room. It didn't take him long to find Satoru Gojo. The white hair stood out immediately, and so did the grin plastered across his face. What annoyed Naoto wasn't just the confidence radiating off him, but the fact that he was annoyingly handsome too.

At his side was another boy. Suguru Geto. Naoto paused, realizing what he was looking at. 'So this is when they first met,' he thought. That single partnership that would one day fall apart in the worst way. For a moment, he was deep in thought about the irony of watching the start of that history unfold in front of him.

"Hey."

Naoto turned at the voice. A girl stood a few steps away, waving at him casually. Short brown hair, cigarette tucked loosely between her fingers, eyes carrying none of the intensity of the others. "You must be the other first year, huh?"

Naoto gave her a small nod. "Yeah. Naoto Zenin."

She smiled slightly. "Shoko Ieiri."

They shook hands briefly before Shoko leaned back against the wall, lighting the cigarette with a flick. The smoke drifted lazily upward as she exhaled.

Naoto raised an eyebrow at her. "You're smoking here?"

She shrugged. "They expect me to fight today, despite me having zero combat training. Only thing I'm good at is reversed cursed technique. So, yeah, I'm having a cigarette."

Naoto chuckled. "Don't worry. If we end up fighting, I'll go easy on you." Then his expression shifted into something more serious. "But knowing RCT already? That's impressive. Not many sorcerers can pull that off."

Shoko waved her hand. "Eh. It's not that hard. You just whoosh the cursed energy around until it goes bang."

Naoto stared at her, deadpan. "...That's the dumbest explanation I've ever heard."

She smirked faintly. "Yeah, well, it works for me."

The two of them talked a little longer, the conversation easy but cut through with her dry humor. Naoto found himself almost relaxed until footsteps approached from the other side. He glanced over his shoulder to see Gojo and Geto making their way toward them, Gojo's grin as wide as ever.

"Yo," Gojo said as he came to a stop, his voice louder than it needed to be. "So this is the other first year? You're the Zenin brat, right? What was it again... Naoya? Naoki?"

"Naoto," he corrected flatly.

Gojo snapped his fingers like he'd been close enough. "Right, Naoto Zenin. Should've guessed. You've got that resting-scowl look nailed perfectly. You fit right in with the rest of your clan."

Naoto didn't even blink. "And you've got the kind of face I want to punch on sight. Figures."

Shoko burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her cigarette so ash didn't fall. "I wonder if I should get the measuring tape out now or later."

Geto gave them both a polite nod. "I take it introductions haven't been done yet. I'm Suguru Geto."

Naoto gave him a nod back. "Naoto Zenin."

"Shoko Ieiri," Shoko said, giving a small wave with her free hand. "Pleasure."

Gojo pointed a thumb at himself. "Satoru Gojo. Strongest sorcerer alive. Future strongest sorcerer tomorrow. And strongest in this room by default."

Naoto raised an eyebrow. "Strongest sorcerer alive? He said with a chuckle. "Are you going to tell me you're king of the playground." Mocking him like he was a ten year old.

Gojo tilted his head like he was considering it. "Yeah, that works too."

Shoko laughed again, blowing smoke out the side of her mouth. "You're insufferable already."

Naoto deadpanned. "He hasn't even been talking for five minutes and I'm done with him."

"Hey," Gojo said, pretending to look offended. "Don't be like that. We'll be classmates. You should be honored. You'll be telling people years from now that you got to study alongside me."

"Yeah," Naoto said. "As a cautionary tale."

Geto pinched the bridge of his nose, though there was a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "This is going to be a long year."

Gojo looked back and forth between Shoko and Naoto, then leaned toward Shoko. "So what about you? You got some crazy hidden technique up your sleeve, or are you gonna sit there smoking while we do the work?"

Shoko shrugged. "I only know reversed cursed technique. That's about it."

Gojo blinked, then let out a laugh. "Wait, seriously? That's it? You can't fight?"

Shoko took a drag, then exhaled slowly. "Nope."

Naoto chuckled. "Don't laugh too hard. Knowing RCT at her age is more impressive than anything we've done. Most sorcerers never learn how to do it."

Shoko waved a hand lazily. "It's easy. Like I told you it's just a whoosh and a bang."

Naoto stared at her blankly.

Gojo laughed so hard he bent forward, holding his stomach. "Oh my god, that's gold. Whoosh and a bang. I love it."

Geto smirked slightly. "I think I understand her point. But yes, that's... not exactly how you'd want to explain it to an instructor."

Shoko shrugged again.

Gojo clapped his hands once. "Alright, so we've got Mr. Resting Scowl, Miss Whoosh-Bang, and Mr. Calm-and-Polite over here." He pointed at each of them in turn. "And then me, the only one who matters. What a team."

Naoto rolled his eyes. "Why did I come here..." he muttered to himself.

Shoko exhaled smoke in Naoto's face just to make him cough. "At least it won't be boring."

Gojo grinned wider. "She's right. With me here? It'll never be boring."

*DING*

A deep chime rang across the grounds, carrying through the walls and into the waiting area. A servant slid the door open and bowed. "The first years are to gather in the arena. Introductions will begin shortly."

Naoto pushed off the wall with a sigh. "Great. Let's get this over with."

Shoko stubbed her cigarette out against the heel of her shoe and tucked it away. "Guess it's showtime."

Gojo stretched his arms behind his head with a lazy grin. "Finally. I was about to die of boredom. Hope they've got a decent crowd out there, maybe some hot girls to cheer me on."

Geto gave him a side glance. "From the sound of it, youll be disappointed."

The four of them walked together toward the open doors, and as soon as they stepped into the sunlight the noise of the crowd hit them. The stands were filled wall to wall, every major clan in attendance. The Zenin clan had claimed their place in force, elders lined up with stern expressions, Naoya seated smugly near the front, and Naobito at the center. Among them, Maki and Mai leaned over the railing, waving excitedly, with Mirajane just behind them watching closely. The Gojo clan had their own section opposite, dressed in pristine white, their confidence on full display. Beyond them, dozens of minor families filled in the rest, eager to see the heirs of the great clans.

The four first years stepped onto the arena floor together. The dirt had been smoothed and boundary lines drawn, sunlight casting the square clearly for all to see. At the head of the grounds stood Naobito and the head of the Gojo clan, each waiting to present their heirs.

"Step forward," the announcer called. "The next generation of Jujutsu sorcerers."

"Zenin Naoto."

"Gojo Satoru."

"Geto Suguru."

"and Ieiri Shoko."

The noise quieted immediately. The four of them lined up shoulder to shoulder. Naoto stood arms folded. Gojo grinned like he was already enjoying himself. Geto stood straight and respectful. Shoko slouched slightly, her hands shoved in her pockets.  The clan heads gave their speeches, overly long and equally as boring. They spoke of tradition, of strength, of their expectations for the future. The words rolled on, Gojo even yawned. Naoto didn't blame him, their voices eventually just turned into white noise as naoto waited for it to end.

When it ended, the announcer stepped forward again. "The matches will begin shortly. All spectators, remain in your seats. The first years will be called in order."

Gojo leaned toward Naoto, his grin wide. "Better hope they don't put us against each other first. Hate to embarrass you in front of your family right away."

Naoto kept his eyes forward. "It's a shame that the first Six eyes user in four hundred years had to be born in the same era as me, I bet it won't feel good being second best."

Shoko smirked faintly. "And here I thought this would be boring."

Gojo smiled widely . "It hasn't even started yet."

(AN: So our MC has met Gojo and they're bound to be fighting, how will it go I wonder? Will the MC win or will Gojo keep his title. Can he even get past Gojos infinity? Anyway hope you enjoyed it.)