Reborn in Jujutsu Kaisen as a Zenin

Shiho Gojo had not risen to her position within the Gojo clan through impulsiveness. Every action, every word was calculated with precision that rivaled even the most seasoned political operators among the Higher Ups.

As she stood before the gathered sorcerers in the Kyoto branch's meeting room, her mind was already several steps ahead in the conversation.

'First objective: secure a private audience,' she thought, maintaining her composed exterior. 'The real negotiation can't begin in this crowded setting.'

"Perhaps we could speak more privately," she suggested, her tone respectful despite the rejection she had just acknowledged.

"I believe there are aspects of this proposal that merit more detailed discussion."

Satoru snorted from his floating position. "Trying the diplomatic approach now, Shiho? How predictable."

She ignored her brother's comment with practiced ease, focusing instead on Indra and Kisara. "I understand your commitment to each other," she continued, addressing them both with equal respect.

"And I have no intention of disrupting that bond."

Kisara's expression remained carefully neutral, though her eyes betrayed a hint of surprise at Shiho's direct acknowledgment.

'She expected antagonism or dismissal,' Indra noted, studying Shiho's approach. 'Beginning with respect for our existing relationship is tactically sound, but also revealing of her character.'

"Then what exactly is your intention?" Yaga asked, his practical nature cutting through the social complexities.

"Alliance," Shiho replied simply. "Not just between individuals, but between clans. Between approaches to the challenges our world now faces."

'He's analyzing every word,' Shiho observed as Indra's penetrating gaze fixed on her. 'Good. I need him to see the substance behind the formal proposal.'

"The meeting room next door should be empty," Indra finally stated. "Kisara and I will hear what you have to say."

The decision caught Shiho by surprise, though she concealed it perfectly. 'First barrier overcome more easily than anticipated. He's genuinely curious about what I'm offering.'

"I would be honored," she replied with a slight bow that acknowledged both Indra and Kisara equally.

As the three moved toward the door, Satoru called after them, "Don't believe anything she says, little brother. Shiho hasn't had an honest moment since she was five years old."

"Your confidence in me is touching as always, little brother," Shiho responded without looking back, her voice carrying just the right balance of humor and dismissal.

The adjacent meeting room was smaller but equally formal, with a traditional low table surrounded by cushions.

Shiho waited for Indra and Kisara to seat themselves before taking her own place across from them, maintaining proper etiquette despite the tension in the air.

'They present a united front,' she noted, observing how they positioned themselves. 'Their partnership is genuine, not merely political. This requires addressing them as equals in this negotiation.'

"I'll be direct," Shiho began once they were settled. "The jujutsu world is changing at an unprecedented rate.

The emergence of intelligent Grade 1 curses, the formation of the Council of Earth, and now this Special Grade that specifically targeted the Sons of Heaven- all point to a fundamental shift in the balance of power."

'She's well-informed about the Special Grade incident, despite the report not having officially been filed yet,' Indra thought, his expression revealing nothing.

'Her intelligence network is more extensive than anticipated.'

"In such times, traditional clan rivalries become dangerous luxuries," Shiho continued.

"The Gojo and Zenin clans have maintained competitive relations for centuries, but current circumstances demand a more unified approach."

"And you believe a marriage alliance would achieve this unification?" Kisara asked, her tone neutral but her eyes sharp with intelligence.

'Direct and practical,' Shiho appreciated. 'She cuts to the heart of matters rather than circling with political niceties.

Perhaps having her as a sister wouldn't be so bad. Rather than a tolerant relationship, we may become friends if she continues this showing.'

"I believe it would be a powerful symbol," Shiho acknowledged. "But the marriage itself is less important than the partnership it represents.

What I'm proposing is not a replacement of your union, Kisara-san, but a complementary alliance."

"The Ten Shadows technique has evolved remarkably under your development," Shiho continued, directing her words to Kisara with genuine appreciation.

"Combined with Indra's power and the Gojo clan's resources, we could create a unified front against whatever forces are gathering in the shadows."

"You speak of partnerships and alliances, yet your father proposed a traditional marriage," Kisara noted. "Those seem like contradictory approaches."

Shiho allowed a small, rueful smile. "My father operates according to traditional jujutsu politics. I see a different path forward." She straightened her posture slightly before continuing.

"The proposal came from me, though I allowed my father to present it through conventional channels. I believed it would receive more initial consideration that way."

"A manipulation," Indra stated, speaking for the first time since they'd entered the room.

'He's testing my honesty,' Shiho recognized. 'Time for complete transparency.'

"A strategic approach," Shiho corrected gently. "I needed this conversation to happen, and I understood the barriers that would prevent it under normal circumstances."

"And what exactly are you proposing, if not a traditional marriage?" Kisara asked.

"A formal alliance between our clans, with multiple connections rather than a single union," Shiho explained.

"Yes, a marriage would be part of that - a true marriage, not merely a paper arrangement.

Political marriages have been the foundation of jujutsu alliances for centuries, but they're effective precisely because they create real bonds, real bloodlines."

She paused, ensuring her meaning was clear. "To be explicit, I am proposing a genuine second marriage, with all that entails.

Children who would carry both Gojo and Zenin blood, who would strengthen both clans in the generations to come."

'She's not hiding behind euphemisms,' Kisara thought, appreciating the directness despite the subject matter. 'She's stating clearly that this would be a real marriage, not just a political fiction.'

"But this would be one element of a broader strategy, not its entirety," Shiho added, turning her attention directly to Indra. "The Sovereign's vision extends beyond traditional clan politics, does it not? Beyond the limitations of the current jujutsu society?"

'She knows about my title,' Indra realized. 'And has at least some understanding of my longer-term ambitions.'

"Your reputation precedes you, Shiho Gojo," Indra finally said. "The political mind of the Gojo clan. The strategist behind their recent policy shifts."

"I prefer to think of myself as a pragmatist," she replied. "I see the world as it is, not as tradition dictates it should be."

"And how do you see the world?" Kisara asked, her curiosity genuine beneath her cautious tone.

'This is the pivotal question,' Shiho recognized. 'My answer will determine whether they see me as a potential ally or merely another political operator.'

"I see a world where the old structures are failing," she began. "Where the Higher Ups cling to authority they no longer deserve.

Where international politics threatens to fragment the jujutsu community just when unity is most needed.

Where ancient threats move in the shadows, using our divisions against us."

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze moving between Indra and Kisara. "But most importantly, I see a world that will be shaped by the Sons of Heaven, regardless of what the Council of Earth or the Higher Ups might wish.

The question isn't whether this transformation will occur - it's who will guide it, and toward what end."

"And you wish to help guide this transformation?" he asked, deliberately testing her understanding of her own position.

"I wish to contribute to it," Shiho corrected carefully. "The Gojo clan has resources, knowledge, and political connections that could prove valuable.

My brother may have the Six Eyes, but he lacks the patience or interest for the detailed work of building new structures to replace the old."

She allowed a small, genuine smile. "Satoru excels at destroying obstacles. I prefer to build what comes after."

"Your vision is compelling," Kisara finally said, "but it still doesn't explain why a marriage alliance is necessary. Political cooperation doesn't require such personal connections."

'She's pushing me to be more specific about the marriage aspect,' Shiho noted. 'Good. Clarity is essential here.'

"In theory, no," Shiho agreed. "But in practice, jujutsu society remains bound by tradition. Formal alliances between clans are taken more seriously when sealed through marriage.

It creates obligations that even the most conservative elements must acknowledge."

She turned to Indra, her expression serious. "And there is another consideration.

The Sons of Heaven have always been targets - for those who fear their power, for those who wish to use it, for those who seek to understand it.

Having connections across multiple clans provides additional security, additional resources to draw upon when needed."

"You believe we need protection?" Indra asked, a dangerous edge entering his voice.

'A deliberate challenge,' Shiho recognized. 'Testing how I respond to perceived insult to his strength.'

"Not protection," Shiho replied carefully. "Strategic depth. Even the strongest position can be improved with proper alliance structures."

She paused, then continued with measured confidence. "The Special Grade curse that targeted you yesterday - it was no random manifestation.

Someone created it specifically to test your capabilities, to gather data on your techniques. Someone with enough power to retrieve it before you could destroy it completely."

"How do you know these details?" Kisara asked, giving voice to Indra's question. "The official report hasn't been filed yet."

"The Gojo clan has its own information networks," Shiho replied, not directly answering the question.

"What matters is that this incident represents a pattern - one that has been developing for years. Someone is studying the Sons of Heaven, preparing for something significant."

'She's aware of the larger game,' Indra noted. 'Not the specific player, most definitely, but at least the fact that someone ancient is moving in the shadows.'

'He's reassessing my value,' Shiho observed, noting the subtle shift in Indra's attention. 'Good. He recognizes that I bring more than just clan resources to the table.'

"And you believe a marriage alliance would help address this threat?" Indra asked, his tone now neutral, genuinely interested in her assessment.

"I believe unified clans with shared interests are stronger than divided ones," Shiho replied. "And I believe that facing whatever is coming will require all the strength we can muster."

She straightened her posture, meeting Indra's gaze directly. "But most importantly, I believe in being honest about my motivations.

Yes, this alliance would benefit the Gojo clan.

Yes, it would strengthen my position within jujutsu politics.

But it would also create a foundation for the changes that are coming - changes that I suspect you intend to guide, Indra Zenin."

'She's acknowledging my ambitions directly,' Indra thought. 'Unusual honesty for a political operator.'

'He's considering it seriously now,' Shiho noted, observing the subtle shift in his expression. 'The directness has earned his genuine attention.'

"You present a compelling case, Shiho Gojo," Indra finally said, his deep voice giving nothing away. "But you've overlooked one crucial element."

"And what is that?" she asked, genuine curiosity in her tone.

Indra's hand moved to rest lightly on Kisara's, a subtle gesture that carried significant meaning. "Choice. Alliances of convenience have their place, but my marriage to Kisara is a matter of personal choice, not political calculation."

'He's establishing his fundamental principle,' Shiho recognized. 'Not rejecting my proposal outright, but making clear that Kisara's position is non-negotiable.'

"I understand and respect that," she acknowledged. "Which is why I'm not proposing to replace your union, but to complement it with additional alliance structures."

"Including a marriage to you," Kisara noted, her tone neutral.

"Yes," Shiho acknowledged. "A true marriage, with all that entails. Though the specific arrangements would need to be discussed in detail, should you be open to considering the broader alliance."

She looked directly at Kisara, woman to woman. "I have no desire to intrude upon what you and Indra have built together, Kisara-san.

My proposal is about strengthening all our positions, not undermining yours."

'She's sincere in this,' Kisara realized, studying Shiho's expression. 'She genuinely sees this as complementary rather than competitive.'

"Your approach is... unexpected," Kisara said after a moment. "Most would have tried to appeal to tradition, to clan obligation, or even to male ego."

"Those approaches would have failed," Shiho replied with a small smile. "And rightfully so. The world is changing too quickly for such outdated tactics."

"We will need time to consider what you've presented," he finally stated. "This isn't a decision to be made hastily."

'A measured response,' Shiho thought. 'Neither rejection nor acceptance, but genuine consideration. That's all I could reasonably hope for at this stage.'

"Of course," she replied, inclining her head in acknowledgment. "I would expect nothing less." She rose gracefully from her cushion, maintaining perfect formal posture.

"I'll remain in Kyoto for the next three days. Should you wish to continue this discussion, I'll be available."

As she prepared to leave, she addressed one final comment to them both. "Whatever you decide, I hope we can maintain open communication.

The times ahead will require cooperation, even if not in the specific form I've proposed today."

With that, Shiho bowed respectfully and departed, leaving Indra and Kisara to consider her unexpected approach to what had initially seemed a straightforward political maneuver.

Once the door closed behind her, Indra turned to Kisara. "Your thoughts?"

"She's formidable," Kisara acknowledged. "And better informed than she should be about recent events."

Indra nodded. "The Gojo clan's intelligence network has always been extensive, but her knowledge of the Special Grade incident suggests sources within Jujutsu High itself."

"Do you think she understands what she's really proposing?" Kisara asked. "The true scope of your ambitions?"

"No," Indra replied with certainty. "She sees pieces of the larger vision, but not its entirety.

She operates within the existing framework of jujutsu society, seeking to reform it rather than transform it completely."

"Yet you're considering her proposal," Kisara observed, no judgment in her tone, merely recognition of his strategic thinking.

"I'm considering its potential value," Indra corrected. "The Gojo clan's resources and connections would be useful in the coming years.

And Shiho herself has proven more politically adept than most of the Higher Ups combined."

He paused, his dark eyes meeting Kisara's directly. "But no decision will be made without your full agreement.

What we have built together takes precedence over any political alliance, no matter how advantageous."

Kisara's expression softened slightly. "I know. That's never been in question." She considered for a moment before continuing.

"From a purely strategic perspective, there is merit in what she proposes.

Unifying the Gojo and Zenin clans would create a power base that even the Council of Earth would hesitate to challenge directly."

"And children with both bloodlines would be formidable," Indra acknowledged, addressing the aspect of Shiho's proposal they had both recognized but not yet discussed directly.

"Yes," Kisara agreed. "Though that raises its own considerations."

'I never expected to be contemplating such an arrangement,' she thought privately. 'Yet the strategic value is undeniable. And Shiho herself is... not what I anticipated.'

They fell silent for a moment, each contemplating the implications of Shiho's unexpected proposal. Not just the political dimensions, but the personal ones as well.

"We have time to consider all aspects," Indra finally said. "For now, let's focus on completing our mission here in Kyoto. The Special Grade curse and its creator remain our immediate concern."

Kisara nodded in agreement, but her thoughtful expression suggested that Shiho Gojo's proposal would remain in both their minds in the days to come.

Not as a disruption to their own plans, but as a potential addition to them - another piece on the board that might serve the Conquerer's desire for dominion and domination.

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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

How did you find the discussion?

I hope I clearly showed Shiho's intelligence while not undermining either Kisara or Indra's.

So yeah, do please comment and review if you haven't and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)