what lovers do

chapter 26

"...by weaponizing your daughter?"

From Satoru's viewpoint, it sounds like a rhetorical question and doesn't need to be answered.

The board meeting composed of several business heads owned by the Gojo clan together with the clan council, finished ahead of time, which means Satoru still have a minute to relax and be alone, contemplate on a couple of issues and other happenings in and out of the sorcerer society and responsibilities in their clan. Much to his dismay, his grandfather asked (more like cornered if he's being totally honest) to have a private talk with him.

A strange, unwelcome air has been always present between the two of them and it never fades.

They are in the conference room with Satoru sitting across the table on the opposite side where Satoshi is. Low light and stunned silence as their only companions.

"Is that a question?" he raises a teacup on his lips with a mocking smile. "because I could answer that."

Satoshi stares at him sternly.

"I am no you, grandfather . I don't intend to throw my child into a battle and let her die there."

The old man chuckles humbly as a memory in the past - the day he delivered his second son into his death came rushing back to his mind.

Satoru lifts his chin and continues. "Well, you aren't entirely wrong about that." he puts down the cup gently onto the table. "I won't sugarcoat the term you used but if weaponizing her skills could save my daughter and her future, I suppose we should aim for that."

"A bold move and I'd say unpredictable too," Satoshi says. "this is a matter of longevity for our clan and you only have one shot to do this. None of us knows when that enemy, the one who took Tatsuya's body will return. If you failed, you're going to die."

"It's funny you know," Satoru gives him a firm look. "when a parent thinks of prestige and power more than the life of their child."

He isn't playing with the old man. Satoru wants him to think about his words rather than his actions. He wants him to look at himself in the mirror and question if they are the same. Maybe he and his father didn't get along but that does not excuse the madness that could have been avoided had Satoshi changed his mind before sending Satoru's father into that battle. Long story short, it was Satoshi's fault, something that the old man never regretted.

It is no secret that the council is treating him special because he has the Six Eyes, the crowning glory of the clan, and the reason why they rose into power. They want to retain it and the same goes for his life. That's why the council is keeping their eyes on the greatest threat of his existence - his own daughter.

"I highly suggest we mind our business." Satoru rises. "Noooow~ if you'll excuse me. If you truly are concerned about this clan you might as well let me do my job. I still have a mountain of paperwork on my table." he turns his back and walks away, not sparing to look over his shoulder.

"Satoru," the man calls. "and I suggest...that you'd be wary of your actions." a forewarning.

Satoru pauses shortly before exiting the room completely.

Huh, so annoying . He takes a deep breath as he walks into the corridors of the mansion. Can't he just give me a damn break?

But Satoru can't lie to himself. Behind his brashness, there is a tiny part of him that worries about this. They are dealing with something that no one in the entire history of the sorcerer world has dealt with before. There is no guarantee for them to succeed, just chances.