At that moment, a window from the nearby building suddenly slid open. Yoimiya poked her head out, her eyes widening in surprise as she looked at the three of them and whispered, "Lumine, Paimon, and… Mr. Tacitus! So, it was you guys—I thought someone was peeping outside my bedroom window."
Paimon stared at her, wide-eyed. "Yoimiya?"
It turned out they had unknowingly arrived at the Naganohara Fireworks Shop!
Yoimiya glanced at the distant Tenryou Commission patrols, then at Lumine, who looked extremely weak leaning on Shao Yun. A sense of worry rose in her heart.
She waved her hand gently and said in a low voice, "Come inside, quickly. Inazuma City is under martial law now. There are patrols everywhere."
Shao Yun cast her a grateful glance and nodded in thanks.
Yoimiya quietly opened the door of the Naganohara Fireworks Shop and signaled them to come in.
Shao Yun carefully supported Lumine into the shop, with Paimon following closely behind.
Yoimiya led them into the living room.
Because of the curfew, she hadn't lit any candles, making the room pitch dark.
Scratching her head sheepishly, Yoimiya explained, "Sorry, we're not allowed to have lights on at night under martial law. Sit tight—I'll get you something to eat."
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon obediently sat on the soft cushions on the floor.
Yoimiya disappeared into the kitchen and returned shortly with a plate of delicious seaweed senbei and a pot of warm water.
She gently placed the plate on the table, poured a cup of water for each of them, and said enthusiastically, "Here, have something to eat! These seaweed senbei are my favorite late-night snack—they're really good! Try them!"
Paimon couldn't wait—she grabbed a piece and popped it into her mouth. After a few chews, a blissful expression spread across her face. "Wow, this is so tasty! Yoimiya, your cooking is amazing!"
Shao Yun and Lumine each took a bite as well, nodding in agreement.
In the darkness, the crisp crunching and the rich aroma of the snacks spread warmth and comfort through the room.
For a while, Lumine and Paimon forgot all about their flight from Inazuma City.
…
Yoimiya sat off to the side, watching the three of them closely, a flicker of anxiety and tension in her eyes.
She pressed her lips together, internally struggling over whether to ask the question weighing on her mind.
Finally, she broke the silence and asked softly, "I heard about what happened during the Vision Hunt Decree… and in the streets. Is it all true?"
Shao Yun swallowed the food in his mouth, looked up at Yoimiya, and slowly nodded.
"Yes, it's true. The Raiden Shogun wounded Lumine. She was lying on the ground, bleeding heavily. I killed the Shogun. After that, I slaughtered the Yashiro Commission pursuers from Tenshukaku who came after us. Most of them died—though maybe one or two survived."
He admitted it without the slightest attempt to hide. For him, killing wasn't something to be ashamed of.
Yoimiya's brows furrowed slightly, a flash of worry in her eyes.
She glanced toward Lumine, who looked frail and weak leaning against Shao Yun. Her lips parted as if to speak, but she ultimately said nothing.
Instead, she shook her head and returned her concerned gaze to the group. "So… you're planning to escape, right?"
Lumine nodded gently, her voice tired but firm. "Yes. We must leave Inazuma City and head to Watatsumi Island for shelter."
Yoimiya let out a deep sigh. "Watatsumi Island, huh… yeah, that might be a good place. It could be a peaceful refuge for you…"
Her words carried a mix of concern and blessing for their future.
She fell silent again, lost in thought.
After eating a few more senbei, Lumine, with Shao Yun's help, rose to her feet and thanked Yoimiya.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Yoimiya. We're leaving now—we don't want to trouble you."
She made to go, with Shao Yun and Paimon following.
Startled, Yoimiya sprang to her feet. "Wait! Why don't you rest here for a while longer? It's so late, and Lumine, you…"
If they needed rest, Lumine would've stayed at Komore Teahouse. But time was pressing—they couldn't afford delay.
Lumine shook her head firmly. "No, we must reach Watatsumi Island quickly. Thank you for your kindness."
Seeing she couldn't persuade them, Yoimiya grew anxious and offered, "Then let me help you escape Inazuma City. With the lockdown in effect, it's easy to get caught by the Tenryou Commission."
She knew how dangerous things were now. Without help, it would be hard for them to slip through.
But Shao Yun declined. "It's alright, Miss Yoimiya. I can get Lumine out by force if I have to. Frankly speaking, you'd be assisting fugitives…"
He truly didn't want her dragged into this.
Yoimiya, however, patted her chest confidently. "No worries! I've helped plenty of people escape from Inazuma City—and even made some fake Visions for them! When it comes to fooling the Tenryou Commission, I'm a pro!"
"And with Lumine like this, it's best to be cautious."
Shao Yun was moved by her enthusiasm and sincerely said, "Then... thank you so much…"
Yoimiya tapped her chin, thinking carefully, then said, "Alright, I'll lure the guards away with fireworks. We'll also need a small boat…"
Just then, Lumine interjected, "No need to prepare a boat—I have one. Just get the guards away from the path. We'll go to Tatarasuna via Nazuchi Beach."
Yoimiya nodded in agreement. "Okay, I'll go get everything ready." She turned to leave and head out.
But just as she reached the door, Shao Yun called out, "Miss Yoimiya, wait!"
Yoimiya stopped and turned back, confused. "What is it?"
Looking at her seriously, Shao Yun asked, "You didn't have to get involved. I could've taken Lumine and Paimon and fought our way out. Why are you helping us?"
Yoimiya smiled sweetly, her little fangs showing as she answered without hesitation, "Because Lumine and Paimon are my friends—and helping friends is what friends do!"
With that, she left the room to create the diversion.
Shao Yun murmured under his breath, "I don't deserve your help…"
…
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon crouched nervously near the entrance of the Naganohara Fireworks Shop, waiting, hoping the plan would work.
Minute by minute passed. Then suddenly, a series of explosive fireworks thundered in the distance, followed by Yoimiya's shrill, disguised voice shouting:
"Help! Something's happened!"
That shout, coupled with the fireworks' deafening blasts, immediately caught the attention of the Tenryou Commission soldiers.
The guards blocking the street looked at each other uncertainly. None wanted to abandon their post—but their squad leader foolishly barked, "What's going on? Let's go check!"
Moments later, footsteps shuffled past the shop, then silence.
Shao Yun gently opened the door and, just as he suspected, the guards were gone.
Turning back to Lumine and Paimon, he said, "Lumine, Paimon, let's move!"
…
The trio made their way across the shallows and arrived at Nazuchi Beach.
Moonlight spilled over the ocean, casting shimmering ripples across the surface.
A salty breeze blew in with the sound of waves crashing along the shore.
On this quiet night, Lumine brought Shao Yun and Paimon here.
Normally, the beach would be bustling and brightly lit—but under martial law, it was hauntingly silent.
Once-crowded stalls stood abandoned, their wares untouched. The distant waves and whispering winds echoed memories of happier times.
"Turn around, Shao Yun. No peeking," Lumine said with a mischievous grin.
The phrase felt oddly familiar—it reminded Shao Yun of the old Lumine. Curious, he asked, "What are you doing?"
"Don't ask!" she urged, flustered.
Shao Yun turned around with a sigh. A moment later, he heard a splash.
When he looked back, a familiar-yet-unfamiliar Waverider appeared on the water.
Shao Yun teased, "Where'd this boat come from, Lumine?"
Imitating his tone, Lumine quipped, "Don't ask. Ask and it's Paimon the Grand Mage's magic!"
Paimon blinked. "Why am I in this now?!"
As the three prepared to board, Yoimiya's voice called from afar.
"Wait up!"
Shao Yun turned and saw her running toward them, hugging a box.
She was panting from exertion but still wore a bright smile.
After catching her breath, she handed the box to Shao Yun. "Just made it! This is for you."
Shao Yun carefully opened it and found six neatly packed onigiri inside.
Scratching her head, Yoimiya said bashfully, "They're for the road. Tatarasuna's pretty empty now. Please take care of yourselves."
Shao Yun was overwhelmed with guilt. I'm going to Watatsumi Island to start a war—and yet she's giving me food and helping me escape. I could cry.
But he couldn't afford to stop now. Gritting his teeth, he thanked her.
"Thank you. I… I don't deserve this…"
Yoimiya smiled and reassured him. "Don't say that. We're friends—no need to be so formal. Just be careful. Avoid the Kujou Encampment at all costs—if the shogunate finds you, it'll be bad."
Shao Yun nodded solemnly and packed away the box, at a loss for words.
"Yoimiya, thank you again. Please take care of yourself and stay safe." With that, he boarded the Waverider with Lumine, heading for Tatarasuna.
Yoimiya stood at the shore, quietly watching them disappear into the distance.
In her heart, she silently prayed for their safety.
…
The Waverider's interior was cramped, but it could still fit Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon.
While Lumine and Paimon handled the steering, Shao Yun sat uncomfortably in the tight space—but thankfully, it was a short ride.
They soon arrived at the beach between Tatarasuna and the Kujou Encampment. The three disembarked.
Just as Shao Yun glanced back, he was shocked to find the Waverider had completely vanished.
Looking at Lumine, he chuckled, "You're really getting the hang of this! I turn around for one second and the boat's gone."
Covering her now fully healed wound, Lumine mimicked his tone and grinned. "Stop talking nonsense—let's go."
Of course, walking was out of the question. Shao Yun whistled.
Ten seconds later, the chestnut-colored Boadicea galloped out from nowhere and stopped before him.
Lumine frowned. "Shao Yun, where's Buell?"
Gently stroking her hair, Shao Yun replied, "I don't feel safe letting you ride alone. Come on, sit behind me."
Lumine nodded obediently. "Just don't go too fast."
Shao Yun smiled. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
Carefully, he helped her onto the saddle. Once she was stable, he mounted the horse himself.
From his Legend of the East satchel, he pulled out the machete given to him by the Man with a Top Hat and gripped it in his right hand.
Lumine eyed the blade curiously. "Why are you carrying that?"
Shao Yun wasn't about to explain—it was a price he had to pay, though he didn't yet understand why.
So, he quickly changed the subject. "Just trying to look cool. Don't sweat the details."
He nudged the horse lightly, and it began a gentle trot.
This time, Shao Yun didn't rush. He kept the pace slow and steady along the coast toward Watatsumi Island.
As they moved forward, the scenery of Tatarasuna slowly unfolded.
Scattered carts, broken armor, and discarded weapons littered the road—reminders of the fierce battles once fought here.
Suddenly, Lumine tapped his shoulder from behind, her voice brimming with excitement. "Shao Yun, look over there!"
Shao Yun pulled the reins, halting the horse.
He turned his head toward Tatarasuna. "What is it? What's going on?"
Lumine clung to his back, beaming with joy. "A few days ago, Paimon and I were adventuring here and helped a guy named Xavier. We fixed the issue with the Mikage Furnace."
Shao Yun followed her gaze and saw the furnace restored to calm. He remembered that world quest—Tatara Tales.
He looked back at her and praised, "Lumine, that's amazing! Got any more fun stories?"
Lumine smiled softly. "I'll tell you more once we get to Watatsumi Island."