Back at the Mitsuya estate after resting at the Sibah villa in Okinawa, Yuzo was summoned by Gen. As a special officer in the National Defense Forces, joining combat without orders warranted a lecture, but Gen's words were gratitude mixed with apology.
"You joined the fight and became an unofficial strategic magician. Sorry, Yuzo. You've been burdened, especially with the Juumonji issue. We adults should've stepped up," Gen said.
"I caused trouble too, with that basement," Yuzo replied.
"That shocked us, but now everyone uses it. Can't get rid of it," Gen chuckled. "Now, to the main point."
A meeting with Yotsuba Maya, head of the Yotsuba clan, was set for three days later at a Tokyo hotel under a Yotsuba-affiliated (but discreetly named) company. Gen wanted Genji and Yuzo there.
"It's about Okinawa, right?" Yuzo guessed.
"Yes. This ties the Mitsuya and Yotsuba clans. It's a face-to-face, like a truce, considering the Ten Master Clans," Gen explained.
Yuzo learned Tatsuya's secret, and Tatsuya saw Yuzo's talent. Gen, secretly at the airport to see off Genji and Yuzo, spotted Maya, Miyuki, and Tatsuya. "I checked the passenger list and knew they were Yotsuba-related. I didn't approach, respecting their privacy."
The Saegusa clan might suspect Tatsuya and Miyuki's ties. High school exposure would make them stand out. "We don't pry into each other's magic magician's code. Their identities stay secret until the Yotsuba reveal them. Same for us, given our rule of anonymity until high school," Gen said.
Antagonizing the Yotsuba risked ruin, so Gen chose alliance. He'd heard about Honami and was relieved Genji's bride search was simplified.
"Officially, Genji's bride doesn't need status," Yuzo noted.
"Exactly. With Mototsugu, Shizuru, Kana, and Mika's achievements at First High and the Nine Schools, we don't need more. I learned that humility from you," Gen said.
"That makes me sound like a bad example," Yuzo quipped.
Gen laughed, but Yuzo understood. Genji saved a Yotsuba relative, earning Honami as a bride. Gozo might arrange her adoption into a Hundred Families to dilute Yotsuba ties.
"Won't other clans, like the Saegusa or Juumonji, be wary?" Yuzo asked.
"We don't hold territory, so we're free. The Saegusa aren't a big concern I've given them some leverage. The Juumonji? Your actions eased that," Gen said.
"You met Todo Aoba?" Yuzo asked.
"Yes, a former Fourth Institute owner and Yotsuba sponsor. He saw you training at the New Shadow dojo and called you a 'deterrent' surpassing Gozo," Gen explained.
"Despite an official strategic magician?" Yuzo said.
"Exactly. Your quick thinking is unmatched," Gen praised.
Japan's official strategic magician, Mio Itsuwa, was frail in the original story. Yuzo gifted her a CAD with a psion-release sequence and advised physical training, improving her condition. She maintained a wheelchair facade to deceive enemies.
Multiple strategic magicians are standard for major nations. Yuzo's Mirror Dispersion was sufficient, but he could unleash worse rivaling foreign strategic spells with minimal prep. His psion capacity surged after near-death in Okinawa, a bizarre power-up.
"Not a 12-year-old's words. I'll reflect," Yuzo said.
"Do as you think best. Maya's the Yotsuba head be respectful," Gen advised.
Yuzo was to use his real name, as Maya likely knew it through Maya and Gozo. Knowing Tatsuya and Miyuki's secrets meant reciprocal risks, especially after treating Maya and Honami.
"Any warnings about my combat involvement?" Yuzo asked.
"Maya will ask. Use your judgment, but don't tell Jirou or Shina," Gen said.
"Understood," Yuzo agreed, wary of discussing the gruesome battle and Tatsuya's role.
Three days later, Gen, Genji, and Yuzo arrived at the VIP room of a Yotsuba-affiliated hotel. Hayama Tadahide, the Yotsuba butler chief, greeted them.
"Mitsuya Gen, Genji, and Yuzo," Hayama said, bowing.
"We're grateful for the invitation. This is Hayama, the Yotsuba butler chief," Gen introduced.
Genji and Yuzo bowed, sensing Hayama's influence despite his servant role.
"Mitsuya Genji, eldest son."
"Mitsuya Yuzo, third son. Pleased to meet you, Hayama-san."
"Honored. I'm Hayama Tadahide, a humble Yotsuba servant. Please, follow me," Hayama said, leading them to a grand room.
A woman with an extraordinary presence sat at the head Maya Yotsuba, the "Demon King of the Far East" and "Queen of the Night."
"Thank you for coming, Mitsuya-dono," Maya said.
"The honor is ours," Gen replied.
"No need for formality. We're both Ten Master Clan heads. And I must thank you for aiding my family," Maya said.
Gen avoided Saegusa-like pride, showing deference. "I'm not arrogant, and my stepfather spoke of Yotsuba's strength. Humility keeps me grounded."
"Let's dine and talk," Maya said, signaling Hayama, who left quietly.
"Introduce your sons," Maya prompted.
"My eldest, Genji, next head, and Yuzo, third son," Gen said.
"I'm Maya Yotsuba. Thank you for saving my sister and her children," Maya said, her gaze piercing.
Genji tensed, but Yuzo stayed calm, noting Maya's resemblance to her twin, Maya. Over a lavish Western meal, they discussed Okinawa. Though classified, Maya had heard from Kazama. Yuzo explained their annihilation of enemies, Gen sweating, Maya intrigued.
"You acknowledged your kin earlier. Is that wise? Other clans might probe," Yuzo said.
"They'll suspect anyway, especially the Saegusa. High school exposure is inevitable. Let's keep it secret?" Maya proposed.
Miyuki's allure and Tatsuya's curiosity would draw attention. Yuzo elbowed Genji. "No objections, right, brother?"
"Y-Yes," Genji stammered.
Gen sighed, Maya chuckled.
Over dessert and tea, the main topic emerged.
"This meeting concerns Sakurai Honami, my sister's guard. I hear Genji-dono confessed to her," Maya said.
"Gozo confirmed. An engagement?" Gen asked.
"Yes. Ueyama-dono agreed to have her adopted by a suitable family. Engagement to follow. Acceptable?" Maya asked.
"No objections. My son's serious choice is a fine match. As head and father, it's a relief," Gen said.
Likely a Hundred Families adoption to avoid direct Yotsuba ties, leveraging Gozo's connections.
"So easily decided?" Maya teased.
"We owe you an apology for our presumption. Your approval is appreciated. My compromising son choosing for himself leaves no room for objection," Gen said.
The clan heads' exchange felt routine, leaving Genji stunned. Yuzo elbowed him again. Gen apologized for Genji's etiquette, praising Yuzo's manners, thanks to Gozo. Maya found it endearing.
Later, Maya addressed Yuzo. "Kazama says you're with the Defense Forces' Weapons Development, as a special technical advisor and officer."
"Yes. You want me to aid Yotsuba's magic tech directly, not through Father?" Yuzo asked.
"Too extravagant and against clan rules. My acquaintance, FLT's top shareholder, seeks your involvement. How about joining them?" Maya suggested.
FLT's shareholder was Maya, indirectly requesting Yotsuba collaboration. Likely aware of Tatsuya's CAD and Third Eye Zero via Kazama. FLT buffered potential "collusion" accusations.
"Intriguing. Where would I be assigned?" Yuzo asked.
Maya consulted Hayama. "CAD Development, Third Division. Your talents won't be envied there," Hayama said.
"No objections. I'll join FLT," Yuzo agreed.
Perfect. The Mitsuya basement was secure, but Shina's curiosity risked accidents. Not siscon okay, maybe broadly.
Yuzo planned to avoid opposing Tatsuya, tackling Echelon III and Frithskjalf issues later. Information-blocking magic formed instinctively, startling him.
He needed a dedicated CAD, more adjustments, and spells like Deep, Beta, and Baryon Lance. Work piled up.
Post-meeting, only Maya and Hayama remained.
"Was that wise? Mitsuya-dono is cooperative, but Honami…" Hayama began.
"No reason to oppose. Her genetic issues are resolved our doctors confirm a normal lifespan," Maya said casually.
"She even rejuvenated slightly," Maya added, shocked.
Extending an adjusted magician's life defied nature. Yuzo's feat secured generations of prosperity, also curing Maya's condition.
"Yuzo could solve Yotsuba's greatest issue," Hayama suggested.
"Yes, but we can't force him. Miyuki's fond of him, per Maya. Tricky," Maya said.
Miyuki's feelings and Yuzo's strategic status risked clan tensions. Forcing him could upset Miyuki and Tatsuya, who showed no hostility. Gozo's letter from Maya's father, Genzo, helped mend their bond.
"Yuzo could be Tatsuya's confidant," Maya mused.
"Indeed. My intuition says he'll succeed," Hayama said.
"Butler's instinct or magician's?" Maya asked.
"Life experience," Hayama replied.
"Convincing. Pour me a drink," Maya said.
As Hayama left, Maya gazed at Tokyo's nightscape. No stars, but a fleeting meteor seemed to sparkle.