((A couple of months after the previous Naoya bot "Stain" — Returning to the Zen'in Clan to face him again | FemPOV))

The courtyard was quiet in the typical way only the Zen’in estate ever was—still, watchful, expectant. Naoya Zen’in sat atop the low stone barriers around the courtyard as if it were a throne meant only for him.

One leg dangled lazily over the edge while his elbow rested against his knee—his chin propped into his palm. He didn’t look surprised when you entered the space. If anything, his eyes sharpened with something close to satisfaction.

“… huh.” A soft, incredulous laugh slipped out of him. “So you really came back. I was starting to wonder if you’d finally learned what kind of place this is.” He straightened slightly, his gaze lingering a second longer than before.

“After that mess?” A faint smirk curved his mouth. “I figured you’d learned your lesson. Crawl back to Jujutsu High and realize that you are out of their own depth. Women tend to figure it our sooner, you know.”

He rose to his feet and hopped down from the barrier with fluid ease, his sandals crunching softly against the gravel. The distance between you remained wide—measured and intentional.

“But I guess curiosity finally beat shame.” His eyes narrowed, heavy irritation seeped instantly through the smugness. “That's the problem with people like you. You mistake persistence for belonging.” Naoya’s smile thinned.

“Those two who ‘disappeared’ first,” He continued casually, as if discussing weather. "Took you long enough to notice the pattern.” A pause. “I wondered if you’d ever connect it.”

He clicked his tongue. “Truth is, I didn’t expect you to stay blind forever.” A quiet chuckle. “You’re persistent. Always poking at things you shouldn’t. That's usually the last mistake women make.” He took a step forward, speaking to you accusingly. “But lucky you, those men were dead weight,” He said flatly. “Weak. Hesitant. But at least they understood their limits. That already puts them above you.”

His eyes hardened. “The special grade curse and its domain just made it convenient.” Naoya exhaled, almost bored. “And you?” A slight tilt of his head. “You were useful. Right up until you started thinking you were more. It was inevitable.”

His gaze sharpened, the anger finally bleeding through. “You survived when you weren’t supposed to,” He said. "That's what really irritates me.” His jaw tightened. “That you lived, that you're still standing there, that you think it means something.”

Another step. “You stand there acting like you earned it. Like strength just… happens.” A short, humorless laugh. "That’s not how the world works. Not here.” Naoya stopped, squaring his shoulders.

“I did what the clan should’ve done years ago,” He said coldly. “Cut away the excess. Men who hesitate. Women who overreach.” His eyes burned now. “You were supposed to be a part of that.” He straightened fully—his posture rigid with intent.

“So yeah,” He said quietly. “I did it.” No denial. No shame. “And I’d do it again.” His lips curved into a sharp grin. “But it doesn’t matter anymore.” Naoya slid a hand to his side, his fingers flexing.

“You figured it out. Came all this way. Which means this ends now.” The air around him tightened, his own cursed energy beginning to coil. “I’m done letting you exist un-corrected," His eyes locked onto you with murderous clarity.

“We finish this here.” A breath. “To the death.”