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The next morning, Naoya, along with Kagenori, was walking towards the clan's central field, the one used for organising official clan duels and other such events.
Naobito, already dreading the things that his father and son were planning to do, was ordered by Naoya, the man in charge of the 'clean up', to bring some documents to him.
Right now, during the mission, Naoya was higher ranked than Naobito, who was currently acting as the clan head, making Naoya only below Kagenori, the actual clan head.
'Who knows what the crazy Grandfather and Grandson are planning...' thought Naobito grimly as he saw the two of them enter the field.
Seeing the two of them, Naobito gave a curt bow to Kagnenori and a small glare to Naoya.
Naoya noticed the glare and widened his eyes before looking towards Kagenori and pointing towards Naobito.
Kagenori, noticing his 'pitiful' grandson, gave a nod before a shadowy black hand extended from his back and flicked Naobito.
"Agh!"
Naobito winced in pain and yelped, not expecting the sudden attack.
"Is that how you act in front of your 'superior'?" asked Kagenori.
Naobito blinked in surprise as he stared at the duo. One was scolding while the other was puffing his chest in pride.
Naobito wasn't sure what to say. He simply gritted his teeth and sighed, deciding not to think much about it.
"Sorry," said Naobito.
He was in the wrong since Naoya was technically higher ranked than him, but because of their usual interaction, he was not able to abide by that just yet.
Seeing his father apologize Naoya felt bad and immediately shook his head.
"No No. Don't apologise. Sorry for taking this so far, Father," apologised Naoya.
Seeing the father and son apologize Kagenori sighed.
'At least these two are close...' thought Kagenori and mentally smiled at the scene, wanting to have a similar relationship with his own son as well.
"It's good that you two are close, but Naoya, you need to understand the Zenin way. You are currently higher ranked than Naobito. A higher-ranked person has the right to discipline a lower-ranked one when they are out of line. And Naobito was out of line," said Kagenori.
"Father is right. Just being strong ain't enough. If people don't understand your authority, all the strength is in vain. Strength and authority go hand in hand. Always keep that in mind," added Naobito.
Naoya nodded understandingly. He was a kind person, and maybe because of that, his clansmen and other people were targeting him. Satoru, who was in a similar condition to him, was also once a target of constant assassination attempts, but he actively made sure to make others realise how superior he was to them, and now he was rarely targeted.
'Maybe it's time to do what Toji nii-san taught me...' thought Naoya.
"Here. This is what you asked for," said Naobito and offered two sets of papers to Naoya.
Naoya took them and went through the pages.
The papers contained the information about all the active clan members and relatives currently in and out of the clan. The other contained the information about all the servants working for the clan.
"Okay. Let's start," stated Naoya and glanced towards Kagenori.
Kagenori nodded and snapped his fingers.
Immeditely 5 bodyguard that were secretly trailing them emerged and bowed to the clan head.
"Call all the clan members and the servants here. Make sure none of them are left behind. Make sure to tell them that it is an order from me. You are free to rough up anyone who disobeys," ordered Kagenori.
The five of them nodded and went away to follow their orders.
Seeing that they were gone, Naoya made a hand seal and started chanting.
"Emerge from the darkness, deeper than night.
Seal all paths and deny all return.
Bind those who tread within; none may walk beyond.
Expose the unseen, and map every living shadow."
A curtain-like barrier started to descend from the sky surrounding the entire clan compound.
Kagenori and Naobito looked at the curtain as it descended and were now prepared to see how things were going to unfold.
As time passed, one by one, the people present in the clan began to arrive in the field. They knew that something important was going on, considering that the clan head called them. Not to mention the barrier that descended upon the entire clan compound just a few moments ago made them realise that the matter requires grave confidentiality as well.
Naoya was looking at the gathered members intently. He was hoping to spot anyone acting suspiciously, but unfortunately, the people were acting normally.
Within 15 minutes, all of them were gathered.
Naoya went through the list provided by Naobito, and after he was convinced that everyone was gathered, he nodded and gave the list back to Naobito.
The clansmen and the servants were kind of surprised seeing Naoya standing with the clan head and the acting clan head, but knowing his relationship with the two, they didn't ponder much about it, thinking that the kid was probably acting as an assistant or something.
Kagenori stepped forward immediately, gathering the attention of everyone present there. All of them stared intently at the clan head, wondering what the man was about to say.
"As you all know, the Zenin clan is the most prestigious in the jujutsu world. Not only are we the strongest, but we also have a lot of influence in the say of both the jujutsu and the normal society," started Kagenori.
The clansmen and servants nodded. Some of them were even filled with pride hearing those words.
"As the rule of the world goes. Once a certain faction gets too strong, the weaker bugs surrounding it start to act up against it, not understanding their place. The Zenin clan is not unknown to such hardships. We have faced that for quite some time; from time to time, it is important to make these bugs realise why they are the bugs."
At that, all the Zenin clan members got serious while the servants got worried. From the way things were progressing, they were expecting that they might be going to a war or something similar.
"However, things are a bit complicated," added Kagenori, causing a wave of confusion amongst the crowd.
"You see. It is easier to spot and kill bugs that are buzzing outside the body....what hurts the most and causes the most damage are the bugs that lie within the body and cause harm from the inside."
The entire field turned silent at those words. None of them was stupid enough not to realise what Kagenori was trying to say. Even the Zenin clan members were as shocked as the servants at the revelation.
Kagenori's gaze swept around the crowd, gauging everyone's reaction.
"I am expecting that all of you might have already guessed what I am saying, but I will be blunt as well," said Kagenori, and immediately his shadow expanded and shadowy arms emerged out of it, grasping the necks of each and everyone of them.
A cold chill went down their spine as an invisible pressure descended upon them.
"Just because I have been remaining quiet for quite a while doesn't give you the right to act as you please. You are nothing more than 'bugs' to me, and let me make this clear for anyone who is the 'bug' or is planning to be one in the future. The Zenin clan will not tolerate this kind of treachery," said Kagenori in a cold tone.
The shadowy hand's grasp tightened a bit, making some of them almost piss themselves howeve,r the hands retreated into the shadows without causing any physical harm to the crowd.
Mentally, though, they were already quite bewildered. The warning was unexpected for them, which, combined with Kagenori's threat, was too much for them not to have their minds shaken.
"On that note, Naoya, being the one being directly harmed by these 'bugs', will now be taking over this mess," said Kagenori, making the Zenins shocked once again.
The old man was actually giving such a responsibility to a kid, and that to Naobito's kid. It was as if saying that he was favouring the man to take over his seat in the future.
This was not unnoticed by the other candidates, and Ogi immediately stepped up.
"Clan Head."
"What?"
"I believe that right now is not an appropriate time to go forward with this. In a few days, a lot of guests will be arriving at our estate because of my marriage. A major incident like this will surely ruin the clan's reputation. I promise you, after the marriage, I will personally handle all these bugs that dare look down on the clan," said Ogi with determination.
Kagenori eyed Ogi with mild annoyance, but before he could say anything, Naoya stepped forward.
"Uncle Ogi," called Naoya with a smile.
Hearing the kind voice, Ogi internally smirked, thinking that the kid was going to agree with the claim.
"Yes, Naoya. Don't wor-"
*BANG*
"Silence," said Naoya in a cold tone as gun shot resonated in the air.
Naobito, Kagenori and the rest of the clan blinked in shock, seeing the kid fire a gun at Ogi's feet, barely missing him.
"Just so you know. I didn't miss that," said Naoya with the gun still pointed at Ogi.
A vein popped on Ogi's forehead.
Naoya, however, didn't bother with the man's anger and asked.
"Is your marriage more important than the security and the integrity of the clan?" asked Naoya in a cold tone.
All of them heard the question and looked towards Ogi. It indeed seemed like Ogi was prioritising his marriage over such an important issue.
Ogi felt their gazes as well and clenched his fists in anger.
"I am not worried about my marriage!!! Be within your limit, brat! I am worried about the image of the Zenin clan in front of the entire Jujutsu society!" yelled Ogi.
"What image are you trying to protect? The one where, despite knowing that there are some bugs within us, we still let them be. Important clan information is circulating out of the clan to the potential enemies, and you are asking us to wait. What happens when these bugs flee during the time that you are asking for the matter to be postponed? Are you willing to take on all the responsibility?.... Don't tell me that you are involved as well and were planning to do just that, and flee?" asked Naoya in a cold tone and readied the gun to fire at the man once again.
Realisation dawned upon all of them, and everyone near Ogi stepped away from the man; some of the Zenins even prepared themselves to attack the man in question.
Kagenori and Naobito looked at Naoya with surprised expressions. The kid had a great talent for cornering opponents. Ogi now literally had no choice but to give in at this point.
Ogi knew that as well. If he acted on the suspicion rashly, it will only get worse. He didn't know whether there was a trap from the beginning, but he knew that he had walked into one that had no way out.
"...I overlooked such an important detail....I apologize. Though let me make it clear. I am not involved in such a lowly act. I stake this on my name as a Zenin," said Ogi, albeit a bit bitterly.
Naoya slowly lowered his gun and snorted.
"I will be the judge of that. Anyone else who has issues with this arrangement?" asked Naoya and looked at the crowd.
None of them said anything. The kind boy they knew was looking quite dangerous to them all of a sudden.
"Good answer. Now let's get this over with. I won't take up much of everyone's time. I know that all of you are busy.... How many of you don't know what a binding vow is?" asked Naoya.
Hearing his question, almost all the servants and some of the lower-ranked clansmen looked confused.
"Quite a lot. Well, it's a lucky day for you. You all will be getting a live demonstration. Aren't you all lucky?" said Naoya with a smile and raised his hand.
"I will initiate a group binding vow now. I will be very detailed about it so don't worry. Alright?"
Cursed energy swelled up within him as he started dictating the vow.
[Binding Vow: I vow to judge none present here unfairly. The ones who didn't sin will be left unharmed, while the ones who betrayed the clan will be judged as such. In exchange, all the people present here must answer truthfully whether they acted either directly or indirectly in giving away the information about the clan. From directly passing the information to the one trying harm the clan or clansmen or passing the information onto some middleman within or outside the clan everthing will be considered as indirect means. The means of passing information consider all possible means, speaking, writing, secret codes, cursed techniques or any other special means known to the person in question. If anyone voids the vow.....let the cursed energy within them burst their left eye.]
"So was that detailed enough. I worked quite a lot on blocking any loopholes. Now, now don't be shy. One by one, when called, accept the binding vow by saying, "I abide by the binding vow." You will have 5 seconds each to accept it. Anyone who doesn't do so within that time...Well, this gun doesn't have an ammo limit."
All of them blinked in surprise at the kid's words.
'Isn't this too much of a shift from the kind kid we knew?' thought all of them present there.
Naobito and Kagenori also felt the same, even though they were somewhat familiar with that side of Naoya.
"Don't worry. It won't hurt you if you haven't done anything wrong. My father and the clan head will show you by accepting the vow," said Naoya and looked towards the two of them.
The two snapped out of their thoughts and raised their hands.
"I, Kagenori Zenin/ Naobito Zenin, abide by the binding vow. I have not divulged any information to any party that can harm the clan either directly or indirectly"
The cursed energy within them reacted to the vow and imaginary chains shackled around them, but none of them suffered any consequences.
"Now let's start. From the left side, one by one, do the same. Remember five seconds or bang," said Naoya, and looked at the man in the front, who was surprisingly Ogi.
Ogi followed Kagenori's and Naobito's example and accepted the vow, and, similar to them, didn't face any consequences at all.
"Have I proven my innocence?" asked Ogi and looked towards Naoya.
"Yup. Thanks for your cooperation. Now the one behind him, do the same," ordered Naoya.
One by one, they contracted the binding vow until someone hesitated.
"...Hesitation....not a good sign for your innocence," said Naoya and walked towards the man.
The person in question was a Kukuru unit member.
"1...accept the vow," threatened Naoya.
"2"
The man gulped. He knew how binding vows worked and did not want to be the one to demonstrate to others how the consequences worked for them.
"W-What in the cases of divulging information to a fellow clansman for a grudge he has against someone in the clan. What about such a case?" asked the man.
"If that information reaches someone from outside the clan, and you had no idea about that, then the clan head will decide. Don't worry, I can heal your eye back perfectly through RCT.....only after proper questioning though. Remember, you need to tell everything about this matter truthfully. Before each question, I will heal your eye. You lie. Pop," said Naoya with a smile.
The man gritted his teeth, seeing that Naoya caught onto his farce.
The Hei members who were in the clear were now behind Naoya, eyeing the man intently.
"I-"
"What do you know 5 seconds passed," said Naoya and fired a bullet at the man's foot.
"AH!!!" screamed the man as blood spilt out of his foot.
The onlookers looked surprised at how easily Naoya hurt the clansmen, and that the gun was real as well.
Naoya, however, was unbothered by the man's scream or the gazes, grabbed the man by the collar, before tossing him to the side.
"Stay there quietly and reflect on why it is important to follow orders."
"Next," ordered Naoya with a smile and looked at the next man.
The people, still in shock, were not able to register what Naoya just said.
"1"
The moment Naoya started counting, the man snapped out of his thoughts and recited the vow and was proven innocent, making him sigh in relief.
"Good boy. Next."
Just like that, the process continued, and within half an hour, nearly two dozen people had their eyes popped or foot shot and were tossed to the side.
"...that was the last one. Now then, let's deal with these," muttered Naoya as he finished with the binding vow ceremony.
He then walked towards the injured bunch and formed a hand seal.
[Round Deer]
"Senzu heal them," asked Naoya as the deer looked towards the injured bunch and used RCT on them, healing them perfectly.
"Now then, since you are all good and healthy. Let's have some question answers," said Naoya and picked the Kukuru member who questioned him earlier.
"Time to prove your innocence, big guy. Answer me truthfully, and you will be totally fine. Let's start with your question first. Did you knowingly give some sensitive information to a guy that can directly or indirectly connect you to someone from outside the clan?" asked Naoya.
The man looked at Naoya hatefully, to which Naoya just smiled.
"...No."
*POP*
The man's eye burst open, spilling blood and eye matter around.
Naoya, who was closest to him, had some spilt on his as well, making the kid look a bit disgusted, and he wiped the blood off him.
"Don't lie so blatantly. Senzu," said Naoya as the deer healed the man once again.
"Whom did you give the information to?" asked Naoya.
"..."
The man didn't answer this time.
More than 10 seconds passed, but the man didn't answer.
"Such a loophole. Should have added a clause of having one finger exploding every 10 seconds. Oh well, not like we can't do that now."
Naoya raised the gun and fired it, making the bullet cleanly tear through the man's finger.
'....Why does it feel like he intentionally left that loophole?' thought the onlookers, and Naobito silently shuddered in fear.
Kagenori was shocked as well, though he felt some pride seeing Naoya's actions.
"Will you answer?" asked Naoya, making the man who was bleeding glare at him, when finally he was unable to take it anymore, as he lashed out and tried to attack Naoya.
Before he could do that, though, wolf heads emerged out of Naoya's shadow and chomped off the man's legs, making him fall.
"...Tell me when you are willing to talk. I will heal you after you give the information," said Naoya and walked towards the next candidate.
"..."
The next man was already surprised by Naoya's actions.
Naoya, however, simply smiled at him. Though to the man, Naoya's smile didn't seem reassuring at all.