𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 | 𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨

- Chapter 7 -

"What's this I hear about you assaulting a maid?"

Toji tries to maintain his composure under Naobito's look, but it's evident that his confident facade is cracking. He has no excuses, no clever words to sway the clan chief's disapproval.

Helia almost thought that he looked like he feared his father, but she recovers, reminding herself that we're talking about Toji here and she's sure that nothing and no one frightens him.

When she turns back to look at Naobito's disappointed glare, she knows Toji won't get away with it this time and he will face the consequences for his actions.

Naobito's eyes remain fixed on Toji, his expression hardening further.

"Well? Care to explain yourself?"

Toji remains silent for a moment, his eyes darting around as if trying to come up with a viable excuse. But it's clear there's none. He's been caught red handed, and there's no bullshitting his way out of it.

Naobito lets out a huff of annoyance, his patience running thin.

"I won't ask again, Toji." He says coldly. "You'd better have a damn good explanation for this."

But Toji remains silent. It was surprising not to see him with his usual confident look and smug smirk. Right now, he almost looked vulnerable.

Naobito's jaw tightens at Toji's silence. It's clear that the clan chief's disappointment in him runs deep.

The elder beside him shoots Toji a look that is a mix of anger and disgust, clearly agreeing with Naobito's disapproval.

The room falls silent, the tension so thick Helia could slice through it with a knife. Everyone waits for Naobito to speak, to pass judgment on Toji's actions.

Naobito sighs, his mind apparently made up on how to deal with the situation.

"You have disgraced not only yourself but the entire Zenin clan with this act and all of your precedent ones too." He says sternly. "I can no longer turn a blind eye to your behavior, Toji."

He turns to the elder.

"Take him away. Lock him up for now. I'll deal with this later."

Helia's eyes widen slightly, this punishment was better than what she had expected. She thought Toji would have just been humiliated, but him being locked up is better than anything she could have wished for.

The elder nods, his face a mix of grim determination and satisfaction. He steps towards Toji, quickly grabbing him by the arm and pulling him to his feet.

Toji struggles for a moment, clearly not happy about his fate, but he knows that resisting would only make things worse. Helia is surprised to see that he finally decides to follow the old man.

The elder begins to drag him out of the room. Toji shots a final angry glance at his father, before his gaze locks a second with Helia's.

A shiver runs down her spine when she sees the enraged look in his eyes.

They all watch as Toji is escorted out of the room. Naobito's expression is stern but there is a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. He turns to Anna, who is still trembling in Helia's arms, and his face softens a fraction.

"Are you alright, my dear?" He asks, his voice surprisingly gentle. He then glanced over at Helia, his gaze assessing.

Naobito regards Helia for a moment, taking in her expression and body language. He can tell she's not as shaken as Anna, possibly because she knew this incident would happen eventually.