Two days after the fight, Shien sat across from his father in the main office, watching Naobito pour himself sake with more force than strictly necessary.
"The Gojo clan," Naobito said tersely, "has agreed to support your promotion to Special Grade."
Shien raised an eyebrow. "That was fast."
"Gojo Satoru personally vouched for you." Naobito downed the sake in one gulp. "Apparently landing a Black Flash on him was 'impressive enough' to warrant his endorsement."
"And the Kamo clan?"
Naobito's expression darkened. "They've proposed a compromise. A Grade One sorcerer will accompany you on all missions for the next two years. 'To ensure proper development and provide guidance,' they said."
Shien snorted. "They're stalling."
"Of course they're stalling. They don't want another Special Grade upsetting the power balance." Naobito poured himself another cup. "But the higher-ups accepted the compromise. So for the next two years, you'll have a supervisor."
Though if Gojo had actually used his techniques, Shien thought, I would have lost immediately. Limitless, Red, Blue—any of those would have ended the fight. There's still a massive gap between us. The realization was sobering, but also motivating. He had so much further to go.
"Who's supervising me?" Shien asked.
"Mei Mei. Grade One sorcerer, excellent mission record, politically neutral enough to satisfy the Kamo clan." Naobito paused. "And pragmatic enough not to get in our way."
"Was she the one who can control crows? Ranta told me about someone like that. Heard she's expensive as well."
Naobito's eye twitched. "Yes. Speaking of expensive—the training field repairs are going to cost seventeen million yen. The damaged buildings, another eighteen million. The destroyed fence, trees, and landscaping..." He trailed off, glaring. "Do you have any idea how much destruction you caused?"
"Worth it," Shien said with a slight smirk.
"Worth it?" Naobito's voice rose. "Half the compound thought we were under attack! Three servants fainted from the cursed energy pressure alone!"
"But I won. Now Gojo Satoru is recommending me for special grade and letting me meet Dr. Shoko."
Naobito stared at him for a long moment, then exhaled slowly. "Yes. You did." His expression softened marginally—the closest thing to pride Naobito ever showed. "You landed a hit on Gojo Satoru. At nine years old. The clan elders are still in shock."
More than shock, Shien thought. Reverence.
The past two days had been surreal. Everywhere he walked in the compound, people bowed deeper. Shien was always a celebrity in the Zenin compound. After the incident with Naobuki, people avoided him like the plague. Now everyone treated him like he was some demigod.
He'd become the most powerful person in the clan overnight. Not through politics or birthright, but through pure, undeniable strength.
It felt... good to watch everyone grovel before him.
"I want to work on my domain," Shien said, shifting topics. "After the Black Flash against Gojo, I can feel it—I'm close to manifesting it. I need an isolated location to practice."
Naobito nodded slowly. "We have a training facility in the mountains, three hours north. Completely isolated. I'll arrange access."
"And RCT?"
"When you meet with Shoko Ieiri, that's your priority. Domain expansion can wait." Naobito's expression turned stern. "Don't get arrogant, Shien. You're strong, yes. Exceptionally so. But Gojo Satoru was holding back and not using the Limitless. Remember that."
I know, Shien thought. Believe me, I know.
"Of course, Papa."
Naobito didn't look convinced, but he waved a hand dismissively. "Dismissed. Your supervisor will arrive in a few days. Try not to destroy anything else before then."
Four days later, Shien sat in the common area of his quarters, watching Maki and Mai argue over whose turn it was to pick the video game they were going to play.
"I picked last time!" Mai protested.
"You picked twice last time because you cried!"
"I didn't cry! You're a liar!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
Shien ignored them, flipping through one of his medical textbooks. RCT remained frustratingly out of reach, but he'd at least narrowed down the theoretical framework. Meeting Shoko Ieiri would be the breakthrough he needed.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
Sayo looked up from her book. "I'll get it."
She opened the door, and a woman stepped inside.
Shien glanced up casually—and his brain froze.
She was gorgeous.
Tall and elegant, with long silver hair styled in twin braids that fell past her shoulders. She wore a dark bodysuit that somehow managed to be both professional and effortlessly stylish. It hugged her athletic and curvaceous figure perfectly. Sharp eyes swept the room with calculating precision, and she moved with the kind of confidence that came from years of experience. Shien looked at her with awe; he began feeling things that he had never felt before.
"Good afternoon," the woman said, her voice smooth and composed. "I'm Mei Mei. I'll be supervising Shien-kun for the next two years."
The moment she stepped into the room, Mei Mei felt it—a massive pool of cursed energy, far beyond anything she had ever felt even from a special grade. That's him, she thought immediately. The Zenin prodigy. Shien.
Her eyes found the boy standing across the room, and she had to suppress her surprise. He was tall for nine years old, already showing signs of the powerful sorcerer he'd become. And that cursed energy—it was extraordinary. The energy felt oppressive. Mei Mei felt that she was standing on a land mine that could explode at any moment. Then she calmed her nerves smoothly like the experienced sorcerer she was.
Perfect, Mei Mei thought, maintaining her pleasant expression. Getting close to the Zenin heir would open so many doors. Naobito was already paying her handsomely—both official fees and the more discreet payments to ensure she gave favorable reports. But the real value was in building a genuine connection with the boy himself. If she played this right, if she could become someone he trusted, relied on... well. A future Special Grade sorcerer who valued her counsel would be worth far more than money.
And from the way he was staring at her right now, clearly smitten, she was starting from an excellent position.
Shien stood immediately, trying to appear composed. "I'm Shien Zenin."
"My, you're tall for nine years old, Shien-kun," Mei Mei said warmly. "I was expecting someone smaller."
"I get that a lot," Shien said, straightening his shoulders.
Mei Mei walked closer, allowing herself to show genuine surprise. "Your cursed energy—" She stopped, eyes widening. "It is amazing you are able to contain so much power. You must be very talented."
Hook him with genuine admiration, she thought. He's still a child. Praise works wonders.
"I know," Shien said, unable to keep the pride out of his voice.
Mei Mei looked genuinely impressed—which wasn't hard, since she was genuinely impressed. "Good grief. You really are something special, aren't you?"
"I prefer 'prodigy,'" Shien replied with a smirk.
Mei Mei laughed, letting it sound bright and genuine. "Fair enough. So you're the one who landed a Black Flash on Gojo Satoru. When I heard the rumors, I thought they were exaggerated."
"They weren't."
"Clearly." Mei Mei settled onto the couch with casual grace. "Well then, Shien Zenin, why don't you tell me about your cursed technique? I like to know what I'm working with."
Shien's expression brightened—good, he wants to show off—and he stood a little taller. "My cursed technique is Detonation. I can manipulate my cursed energy's explosive properties—controlling whether it detonates as concussive force, heat, smoke, or pure light. I can also adjust the intensity and directionality."
Versatile and powerful, Mei Mei noted. Even better than the reports suggested. "So is that how you managed to catch Gojo off guard? A flash?"
"Exactly. I shaped the cursed energy into pure luminescence without heat or force. Blinded his Six Eyes long enough to land the hit."
"Brilliant," Mei Mei said, and she meant it. "Versatile, powerful, and you're creative with its applications. That's rare."
Shien tried very hard not to preen at the compliment, and Mei Mei hid her satisfaction. So easy.
She could see him studying her now, analyzing what he could sense of her cursed energy. His expression shifted slightly—probably noticing that her reserves were almost negligible compared to his own.
Let him think he's figured me out, Mei Mei thought. Underestimation is useful.
"Your technique is bird manipulation, right?" Shien asked. "Controlling crows?"
"You've done your research. Yes, that's correct."
"That's actually really impressive," Shien said, and he sounded genuinely earnest. "To reach Grade One with a technique like that—you must be exceptionally talented. Most people couldn't make surveillance-focused abilities work at that level."
Mei Mei blinked, genuinely surprised by the compliment. Most people did assume her technique was weak, dismissed it as support-only. But this kid had immediately recognized the skill required to compensate for its limitations.
Smart, she thought, revising her assessment slightly. Not just powerful. Actually intelligent.
"Well, aren't you sweet?" Mei Mei said, letting warmth color her voice. "Most people just assume my technique is weak."
"It's not about the technique," Shien said seriously. "It's about how you use it. You're clearly skilled enough to compensate for any limitations. I can learn a lot from someone like Mei Mei-san. For a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Power works the same way—only people with limitations are forced to think harder and become resourceful, using their skills creatively."
"I think I'm going to like working with you," Mei Mei said, and for once, she wasn't calculating the statement. She might actually enjoy this assignment.
Shien's face flushed slightly. Perfect. "So, uh," he cleared his throat, trying to pitch his voice lower. "Two years is a long time. I'm sure we'll get to know each other pretty well."
"Oh?" Mei Mei smiled playfully. "Is that so?"
"Yeah, I mean—we'll be working closely together, and—"
"Shien-chan," Maki called from across the room, not looking up from her game. "Why are you talking like that?"
Shien's eye twitched. "Like what?"
"Like you're trying to sound grown-up. It's weird."
"I'm not—"
"You sound like Gramps when he's pretending not to be drunk," Maki added helpfully.
"I do not—"
Mai, who had been watching the interaction with growing displeasure, chimed in. "Your voice keeps going all deep and then cracking. It's funny."
Shien shot her a look. "Mai—"
"What? It's true!" Mai said, standing up and moving closer. Her eyes had narrowed slightly when she'd seen how Shien was looking at Mei Mei, and she didn't like it one bit.
Mei Mei laughed, genuinely delighted by the dynamic. This is going to be entertaining.
Sayo appeared with a tea tray, smiling politely. "Would you like tea, Mei Mei-san? Or perhaps coffee?"
"Black coffee would be wonderful," Mei Mei said. "Thank you."
"I'll have the same," Shien said immediately, straightening his posture.
Sayo blinked. "Shien-chan, you don't drink coffee."
"I do now."
"Since when?"
"Since now. I'm sophisticated enough to appreciate coffee."
Maki snorted. "You said coffee tastes like burnt hair last week."
"That was—I was... Shut UP!"
"No, you said it. I remember. You made that gross face."
"What gross face?"
"The one you made when Sayo-san made you try natto."
Mai saw her opportunity and took it. "Shien-chan always drinks hot chocolate," she said, moving to stand near Shien's chair. "He likes it with lots of marshmallows."
"Mai!" Shien hissed.
"What? It's true." Mai kept her tone light and innocent. "And he always asks for extra whipped cream too."
Shien looked betrayed. "Why are you like this?"
"I'm being helpful!" Mai said, though she did not like how Shien kept glancing at Mei Mei.
Mei Mei was grinning openly now. The little one is jealous, she realized with amusement. How adorable. "Hot chocolate sounds lovely, actually. Sayo-san, could you make it two? With marshmallows for both of us."
Shien tried to recover. "See? Mei Mei appreciates quality beverages."
"Mm-hmm," Mei Mei agreed, eyes twinkling.
Mai's expression soured slightly, but she kept her smile in place. "Shien-chan and I drink hot chocolate together all the time. Every evening."
"Do you now?" Mei Mei asked, amused.
"Every single evening," Mai confirmed quietly, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her kimono. It was their thing. Theirs and Maki's and Sayo's. Not this stranger's.
Maki looked up from her game, finally catching on. "Oh, this is gonna be good," she muttered.
Shien shot both of them a look that promised retribution later.
Sayo returned with two mugs of hot chocolate, topped with generous amounts of marshmallows and whipped cream. She set them down with a knowing smile.
"Thank you, Sayo-san," Mei Mei said warmly, accepting her mug. She took a sip and sighed contentedly. "Perfect."
Shien picked up his own mug, trying to maintain some dignity despite the fact that his attempts at appearing mature had been thoroughly demolished. He was going to twist Mai's ears off after Mei Mei left.
Mai settled onto the arm of Shien's chair. "So, Mei Mei-san, are you going to be around a lot?"
"For the next two years, yes," Mei Mei confirmed.
"Oh." Mai's fingers traced the armrest. "That's... a long time."
"It is," Mei Mei agreed, clearly amused. "But I'm sure we'll all get along wonderfully."
"Mm." Mai didn't sound convinced. She glanced at Shien, who was still watching Mei Mei with that stupid impressed look on his face. Mai did not like this development not one bit.
Maki snickered from the couch. "You're being so obvious."
"Shut up, Maki!"
Mei Mei watched the interaction with growing amusement. The dynamic here is fascinating. She could work with this. The twins clearly adored Shien, and the younger one was already territorial. That could be useful—or at least entertaining.
"So," Shien said loudly, trying to redirect the conversation. "When do we start training?"
"Tomorrow," Mei Mei said. "We'll head out on our first mission together—nothing too difficult, just a Grade Two in Osaka. It'll give me a chance to see how you operate in the field."
"Sounds good. Grade Two is easy work," Shien said, trying to sound confident and mature.
"I'm sure it will be," Mei Mei replied, smile never wavering.
Start with missions, Mei Mei thought. Show genuine interest in his development. Build trust gradually. Two years is plenty of time to become... indispensable. She'd cultivated relationships with powerful sorcerers before, but never one with this much potential. The key was patience, subtlety. Let him come to her naturally.
Mai shifted closer to Shien, watching Mei Mei with thinly veiled suspicion. Maki had abandoned her game entirely and was now openly observing the situation with a smirk.
"Well then," Mei Mei said, standing gracefully. "I should let you all get back to your evening. Shien-kun, I'll see you tomorrow morning. Eight o'clock sharp at the entrance."
"I'll be there," Shien said, standing as well.
"Good." Mei Mei headed for the door, then paused and looked back with a warm smile. "It was lovely meeting all of you. I look forward to working together."
Shien bowed. "Mei Mei-san, I will be in your care."
Mei Mei bowed and took her leave, her perfume wafting towards Shien as she left. She smells like jasmine, Shien thought, feeling giddy.
Shien stood there with his face slightly flushed while Maki cackled.
"You like her!" Maki announced gleefully.
"I do not—"
"You totally do! You were trying so hard to sound cool!"
Mai picked at her sleeve, voice quieter. "She's not that pretty."
"She's very pretty," Maki said matter-of-factly. "That's why Shien-chan was being all weird."
"I wasn't being weird! What would you runts know about anything!"
"Hey!! I am not a runt! You are just BIG! And you were absolutely being weird," Maki confirmed.
Mai stared at the floor, frown deepening. "I just... I don't think she's that great. That's all."
Sayo watched the exchange with quiet amusement, then returned to her book.
Shien collapsed back into his chair, rubbing his face. Two years, he thought. This is going to be a very long two years.
But despite the embarrassment, despite the twins' interference, he couldn't quite suppress the small smile that tugged at his lips when he thought about seeing Mei Mei again tomorrow.
She is totally going to be impressed when she sees my strength, Shien thought to himself.