Chapter 155. Don't learn from them, Learn from Me, Okay?
Purple lightning and crushing pressure swept across the entire space in an instant. Though Kujou Sara was the only spectator, she felt her blood surge violently.
To put it simply—damn it, it was igniting.
She knew she had no place in a battle of this level, yet the sheer spectacle stirred an uncontrollable heat within her.
She made a decision then and there. Once she left Tenshukaku, she would speak to her father. She would personally participate in the operation to eradicate the Resistance.
This was for the Narukami.
At the same time, Kujou Sara's gaze remained fixed on the clash. She was eager to see the outcome of the Musou no Hitotachi collision.
The Musou no Hitotachi of Raiden Shogun and that of Futsu Mitama met in direct opposition, locked in a momentary stalemate.
If anyone else had witnessed this scene, they would have been utterly stunned. No one in history had ever blocked Raiden Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi.
Even the deity once worshipped on Watatsumi Island now stood merely as a relic upon Yashiori Island, revered in memory.
And yet—Though Futsu Mitama had not caught Raiden Shogun's blade outright, the clash had entered a deadlock.
An impossible sight.
Kujou Sara observed closely and soon discerned the difference.
Futsu Mitama was gritting his teeth.
Raiden Shogun's expression had not changed in the slightest.
One was exerting everything. The other still held reserves.
The advantage was obvious.
The stalemate lasted only a few more seconds before Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi overwhelmed Futsu Mitama's.
"Boom—!"
With a thunderous explosion, Futsu Mitama was blasted backward. Both the Jade Shield and the Anemo barrier shattered under the impact.
He flipped midair and landed steadily on the ground. He had truly held nothing back in that exchange. The Electro Archon Authority was fully activated, and even the profound principles he had yet to fully master were forced into the strike.
Had it not been for the dual Archon Authorities and the Anemo Gnosis amplification, that would have been his strongest possible attack.
It was precisely because of that that he had endured over ten seconds in the clash. An achievement worthy of boasting about for a lifetime.
"Not bad."
The Raiden Shogun approached with her blade in hand, her voice calm.
"Your martial skill has improved since our last meeting. Each time we meet, your strength advances beyond before. That is rare."
"Shogun-sama's expectations—I would not dare neglect them," Futsu Mitama replied earnestly.
Naturally, he could not reveal the truth—that thanks to the Chat Group, he could grow stronger without effort. Most of his energy was spent refining techniques and mastering skills. The rapid leaps in strength were the result of two group level breakthroughs.
Now, however, raising the group to Level 4 would not be so simple.
"Mm." The Raiden Shogun nodded slightly.
"I acknowledge your diligence. However, you rely too heavily on external forces. In the future, you must forge your own path. Until then, you will walk mine. As for the inheritances of the Geo Archon and the Anemo Archon, do not devote excessive effort to them."
Like Raiden Ei before her, she could clearly perceive those inheritances within him.
Knowing was one thing. Seeing him use power derived from other deities was another.
It displeased her slightly.
The inheritances of Geo and Anemo were unnecessary. But the Electro Archon's inheritance—
That was different.
Futsu Mitama was Inazuman. An Inazuman should inherit the will of Electro.
"Yes."
He nodded obediently. Internally, he had no intention of abandoning the Geo inheritance. As for the Anemo inheritance—Venti had no such structured legacy to begin with.
After handing over the Authority and Gnosis, he had run straight to the Nameless Island. If a formal inheritance existed, he would have forced it upon him already.
Raiden Shogun did not know his thoughts. Seeing him agree, she smiled faintly.
"Then we continue. There is still much for you to learn."
Her figure vanished.
In the next instant, Musou Isshin cut through the air once more. Unlike Raiden Ei, the Shogun did not negotiate.
Her guidance came through combat.
For Futsu Mitama, this was both suffering and joy. Being trained by her spared him countless detours.
But it hurt.
Even the flat of her blade carried immense force.
They clashed again.
Kujou Sara withdrew her notebook and resumed recording.
Her thoughts, however, lingered on something else.
Shogun-sama had said the inheritances of Geo and Anemo were unnecessary.
That meant Futsu Mitama had visited Liyue and Mondstadt only once—And two Archons had already chosen him as a successor?
He had not even been gone long. How had he drawn the attention of two Archons?
And why had Raiden Shogun seemed displeased?
Did he possess some unique quality that attracted deities?
Kujou Sara was deeply puzzled. But she did not stop writing.
These observations were invaluable.
—
While Tenshukaku echoed with lightning, events unfolded within the Kujou Clan.
A samurai knelt before Kujou Takayuki.
"Clan Head, Kujou Sara has lowered herself to accompany a noble of the Yashiro Commission. This matter is already known to half of Inazuma City. It damages the prestige of the Kujou Clan. Shall we summon her back?"
Every movement within Inazuma City lay under the scrutiny of the Tenryou Commission.
The Yashiro Commission once retained influence.
But under Kujou Takayuki's personal campaign against the Resistance—arresting suspected sympathizers—their standing had nearly vanished.
Those who spoke for them were labeled rebels.
Power truly was useful.
Everything he did was for Inazuma. For the Kujou Clan.
Once the Resistance was eradicated, their authority would stand unchallenged for a century.
Yet upon hearing this report, Kujou Takayuki frowned slightly.
"Have you identified the individual? Sara is not foolish. She understands the implications of her actions."
He was highly satisfied with Kujou Sara. Had she been his biological daughter, she would unquestionably inherit the clan.
His sons would not compare.
Though adopted, the value she brought was extraordinary.
Beyond her identity as General of the Shogunate Army, she was one of the few—second only to the heads of the Three Commissions and the Okuzume—permitted direct audience with Raiden Shogun.
Even he did not possess that privilege casually.
Thus, he did not grow angry.
He asked instead.
"It has been investigated."
The samurai bowed.
"His name is Futsu Mitama. He departed Inazuma City a month ago; his whereabouts were unknown. He is a descendant of the Futsu blacksmith family—the one that sought to forge a unique path. Due to his distinctive techniques, he earned Raiden Shogun's favor and was elevated to nobility."
"The Futsu family is now affiliated with the Yashiro Commission. He himself is presently a winemaker. Additionally—Master?"
The samurai trailed off, noticing Kujou Takayuki's expression darken.
"It is nothing," Kujou Takayuki said coldly. "Withdraw. Do not concern yourself with Sara's affairs. She has her reasons."
The samurai departed in silence.
Left alone, Kujou Takayuki's expression shifted.
He knew of Futsu Mitama. The man was the new Raiden Shogun's retainer after the Guuji.
Through informants within the Okuzume and intelligence from the Fatui, he had confirmed Raiden Shogun valued him highly.
Two Fatui Harbingers had suffered setbacks in Inazuma because of him. Both the Lady and Scaramouche had paid a price.
But—Was he not supposed to be in Liyue? If he had returned, did that mean the Guuji had returned as well?
Kujou Takayuki's expression grew grim.
Eradicating the Resistance was inevitable.
From Scaramouche, he had learned a crucial detail: Futsu Mitama's ties to the Resistance ran deep.
The Fatui had intended to use the Resistance to weaken the Tenryou Commission and plunge Inazuma into chaos.
Instead, Futsu Mitama had intervened.
He had disrupted their plan. And he had sided with the Resistance.
Yae Miko, who had always remained aloof from Inazuma's political struggles, had, for reasons unknown, secretly aided the Resistance—providing them with substantial supplies and support.
Kujou Takayuki would never have uncovered this on his own. Without intelligence from the Fatui, he might have remained deceived by the two of them indefinitely.
Even with that knowledge, he did not dare bring the matter before the Raiden Shogun.
Two of the Shogun's retainers—Futsu Mitama and Yae Miko—were jointly supporting the Resistance. That could only mean they were planning something significant, though he did not yet know what.
What he was certain of was this: whatever they intended, it would not benefit the Kujou Clan.
That alone was sufficient reason for him to cooperate with the Fatui and move to eradicate the Resistance.
He had planned to take advantage of Futsu Mitama and Yae Miko's absence from Inazuma, personally leading troops to suppress the Resistance. Whatever schemes they had devised would be rendered meaningless.
Yet now, they had returned. And he had received no notice.
Only when Futsu Mitama openly appeared in Inazuma City did he learn of it.
"Thump. Thump. Thump."
A cold light flickered in Kujou Takayuki's eyes as he tapped the table lightly, as though arriving at a decision.
"Swish—"
Three figures dressed as shinobi materialized in the room, each bearing an electro symbol upon their backs.
They knelt in unison.
"Takayuki-sama. Your orders?"
These were elite retainers personally cultivated by Kujou Takayuki—loyal solely to him, acknowledging no other authority within the Kujou Clan.
After entering cooperation with the Fatui, he had immediately requested enhanced delusion from Scaramouche and equipped them upon these three.
The improvement had significantly elevated their combat capabilities, enabling them to handle more sensitive assignments.
"You three," Kujou Takayuki said evenly, though his expression remained dark, "go to Yashiori Island and seek out the Fatui. Ask them what they intend. Why was I not informed of the return of those two?"
"Do they still regard me as an ally? If they cannot cooperate sincerely, then I will sever ties—even if it means open hostility."
The three shinobi were inwardly startled. They were well aware of their lord's alliance with the Fatui, yet they had not expected such visible anger.
Had circumstances shifted so drastically? And who were "those two"?
Though questions lingered, none dared voice them. Their duty was execution, not inquiry.
"Yes."
The reply came in perfect unison.
In the next instant, the three vanished, moving swiftly to depart Inazuma City for Yashiori Island.
After they left, Kujou Takayuki still felt unsettled. He contemplated briefly before summoning attendants and preparing to depart for Tenshukaku himself.
The situation had changed.
Adjustments were necessary. The authority of the Kujou Clan for the next hundred years depended on it.
The oppressive sensation faded.
Inside Tenshukaku, Futsu Mitama collapsed flat onto the cool floor. After four to five hours of relentless guidance under the Raiden Shogun, he was completely drained.
Only then did he realize something strange. Despite the intensity of their battle, Tenshukaku remained perfectly intact. Given their current strength, even a casual spar should have been enough to split mountains.
In Liyue and Mondstadt, brief exchanges had already caused visible environmental damage. At Mt. Aocang, that was only contained because of Morax's defensive barrier. In Mondstadt, that small ruin had been nearly destroyed. Venti had even joked that Raiden Ei had come to demolish Mondstadt under the pretext of "guidance."
And yet here—Two Musou no Hitotachi had clashed head-on. Not even the floor was cracked.
Since when did the Raiden Shogun start using materials from Ryudou Temple for flooring?
"You seem confused."
The Raiden Shogun calmly re-sheathed Musou Isshin within her body. Sensing his thoughts, she said evenly, "Speak your doubts."
Futsu Mitama pressed his palm against the cold floor.
"Shogun-sama…why did our battle cause no damage to the surroundings?"
Even Kujou Sara froze at the question.
Indeed. How could such a clash leave no trace?
"Ah. That."
The Raiden Shogun's expression remained composed.
"I established a barrier beforehand. When the guidance began, we stepped into a separate space. It appears we were within Tenshukaku. In truth, we were elsewhere. That space is highly stable. Unless an existence on par with this body—a Demon God or Archon wielding authority—engages in a true life-or-death battle, it will not collapse."
She had anticipated the issue.
With Futsu Mitama's current level of power, ordinary sparring would inevitably damage structures. To avoid unnecessary destruction, she and Raiden Ei had constructed this independent combat domain in advance.
It was not a particularly difficult technique. With sufficient mastery, Futsu Mitama himself could eventually create such a space.
But compared to peripheral techniques, they would rather see him inherit their full path swiftly and become a qualified Eternal Guardian.
There was urgency. The ones attempting to draw him away were not mortals.
They were Archons. Original members of The Seven.
That fact alone was enough to warrant vigilance.
"When?" Futsu Mitama and Kujou Sara asked almost simultaneously.
"When the battle began," she replied. Then she regarded Futsu Mitama curiously. "When you activated the Chakra Desiderata, did you not notice?"
His expression stiffened slightly.
When he had activated it, he had sensed something off about the surrounding space—but he had interpreted it as battlefield tension, not literal spatial displacement.
And at the true start of combat, his entire focus had been locked onto her. He had not spared a single thought for the environment.
He drew in a quiet breath. That was dangerous.
Being transferred into an isolated domain without awareness could be fatal in other circumstances. He could not rely on brute force to break through space. His physical body had not reached that level.
"It seems," the Raiden Shogun said calmly, "that martial training alone is insufficient."
"For spatial techniques, consult Yae Miko. She understands them thoroughly. It will aid your self-preservation."
With a slight wave of her hand, the violet radiance dissipated.
The oppressive atmosphere lifted.
The space brightened.
They had returned.
Futsu Mitama was now certain: before the first strike had even fallen, he and Kujou Sara had already been relocated.
He still had far too much to learn. His strength had risen too quickly; his knowledge had not kept pace. His gaze shifted briefly to the Chakra Desiderata behind him.
Could it detect spatial anomalies?
The thought lingered. This ability truly held countless applications. No wonder it had been the first gift bestowed by Raiden Makoto.
"I believe that is sufficient for today," the Raiden Shogun said at last, her gaze steady. "Futsu Mitama, you will one day become the Eternal Guardian. I will witness that moment."
With that, she turned away.
The audience was over.
Futsu Mitama and Kujou Sara understood and made their way toward the exit.
Kujou Sara was visibly energized. Whether intentional or not, the Raiden Shogun's techniques had answered many of her own martial uncertainties.
Coming here had been the correct decision.
"Futsu Mitama, when will you return?" she asked, eyes bright.
"Seven days," he replied helplessly. "Once a week. Next week, I also planned to ask the Raiden Shogun about—wait."
He suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
He slapped his forehead.
"I forgot something important. Wait here. I'll speak to her and return immediately."
Without further explanation, he turned and hurried back.
Kujou Sara opened her mouth to stop him, then sighed faintly and continued toward the main gate instead.
As a retainer, Futsu Mitama could seek audience freely.
She could not.
Inside Tenshukaku, the Raiden Shogun had entered a meditative state once more.
At the sound of hurried footsteps, she opened her eyes.
"What is it?"
A flicker of surprise crossed her gaze. He was in no condition for further combat.
"Shogun-sama" Futsu Mitama said seriously, "I have gathered the materials for the companion weapon. When shall we begin forging it?"
"Companion weapon—"
Her eyes shifted.
Then—
The presence changed.
Raiden Shogun receded.
Raiden Ei emerged.
"You have gathered them already?" Ei regarded him with calm curiosity. "That was swift. I assumed that within a month, you would not have secured the necessary materials. That is why I did not have the Shogun prioritize it."
She knew well how troublesome such materials were to obtain. Even as a god, procurement required both time and opportunity.
The most difficult component was the bloodjade branch—formed only through dragon blood. Had he encountered Dvalin in Mondstadt?
As her thoughts moved, Futsu Mitama quietly entered the Chat Group.
[Futsu Mitama: "@Azhdaha, are you there? I need bloodjade branches."]
[Azhdaha: "Bloodjade branches? What? I'm sealed by Morax! Where would I get materials?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Image. Image. Image. Based on information I've gathered, you should have this."]
[Guizhong: "That looks familiar. Azhdaha, wasn't that on your body yesterday?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Forging a companion weapon? Indeed, elemental weapons are no longer sufficient for you."]
[Keqing: "Didn't you already obtain one before?"]
[Albedo: "Perhaps its quality was substandard."]
[Azhdaha: "Oh. That thing on my tail? I never paid attention to it. How much do you need?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Two bloodjade branches will suffice. The one from a Primo Geovishap is ultimately inferior. I'm rather reserved, so I had planned to mention this later. I didn't expect Raiden Shogun to ask to see the materials immediately."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "You're forging it today? Tsk… unfortunate. I won't be able to witness it in person."]
[Aila: "…Damn."]
[Shenhe: "Forging weapons? I have some familiarity. My master once taught me refining techniques. I can relay them verbally."]
[Zhongli: "I possess some knowledge in this matter as well."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "As do I."]
[Azhdaha: "Very well. I've removed two bloodjade branches. Keep them secure."]
[Azhdaha: "@Futsu Mitama [Gift]."]
[Azhdaha: "@Guizhong — how did you notice that yesterday? You saw it immediately."]
[Guizhong: "Ehe ★~"]
[Venti: "Don't imitate that! I'm worried the old man will march to Mondstadt and strike me!"]
[Guizhong: "Do not worry, Anemo Archon. I cannot stop him, so you must rely on yourself."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Many thanks. I'll present the materials to the Raiden Shogun first. If forging begins today, I'll start a group livestream."]
Outside the Chat Group, Futsu Mitama laid out all the materials previously entrusted to him by the Shopkeeper's Daughter. Then he withdrew the two bloodjade branches from Azhdaha.
The moment they appeared, a strange pressure filled Tenshukaku.
It was dragon's might—the distinct authority of a Dragon King.
Even a single bloodjade branch carried enough residual aura to intimidate Geovishap Hatchlings whose consciousness had not yet fully awakened. Ordinary monsters, sensing such presence, would instinctively retreat.
This was a fragment of a Dragon King—an existence that once stood at the apex of Teyvat.
Even diminished, it was beyond the reach of common beings. Naturally, neither the mortal nor the deity present showed the slightest fear.
Raiden Ei's eyes shimmered faintly as she stepped forward and took the two branches into her hands.
"This…is Azhdaha's bloodjade branch."
Her tone held unmistakable recognition. Five hundred years ago, she had traveled to Liyue seeking this very material and returned without success.
She had not expected Futsu Mitama to acquire it.
And not one—Two.
Moreover, the dragon's might remained vivid, as though freshly severed. Such preservation was exceedingly rare.
Had he employed some sealing technique? Had Morax intervened?
Unlikely. That was not Morax's disposition in matters concerning a junior's growth.
Then the only explanation was that Futsu Mitama had secured them through his own means.
After examining them briefly, Raiden Ei returned the branches to him. Her gaze lingered a moment longer than before.
Truly remarkable. To obtain Azhdaha's bloodjade branches was not merely a matter of strength, but fortune. And fortune, in the path of forging destiny, was no small factor.
Raiden Ei found her estimation of Futsu Mitama rising yet again.
Inside Tenshukaku, Raiden Ei looked at Futsu Mitama with clear admiration in her eyes. As expected of the successor she had chosen.
Very good—exceptionally good. It seemed she had underestimated him.
"The quality of these materials is acceptable. Some are even top-grade. How did you manage this?"
Her gaze swept across the collection. Aside from the bloodjade branches, the other materials were also of remarkable quality. Acquiring such items within a single month was no small feat. Had he spent two or three years gathering them, she would not have questioned it. But one month? That was astonishing.
"This—" Futsu Mitama rubbed his nose and replied earnestly, "Through a friend's introduction, I found an old, well-established shop in Liyue Harbor. Her family specializes in collecting forging materials."
"Thanks to her, I gained quite a harvest. All the materials here, except for the bloodjade branches, were supplied by her."
"And at almost no cost."
He felt genuine gratitude toward the Shopkeeper's Daughter. From the surface, it looked like she had practically run a loss to support him.
Of course, he understood she had her own calculations.
Still, those calculations were far from guaranteed to succeed. Gaining Rex Lapis's recognition was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Many merchants in Liyue Harbor had made similar decisive investments over the years. Most received nothing in return. Some even destroyed their own cash flow and lost everything.
A certain merchant had gone bankrupt pursuing such a gamble and eventually sold his villa to Futsu Mitama. A pitiful outcome.
So although the Shopkeeper's Daughter ultimately gained substantial benefits through the Primo Geovishap scale and Rex Lapis's approval, she had taken a considerable risk.
"Oh?" Raiden Ei's interest deepened. "What is the name of this old shop? If the opportunity arises, I may send someone to procure materials there."
"And why would she assist you so diligently? Could it be that she…"
Her gaze shifted to his face. He was, after all, a striking young man.
"No, no, nothing like that."
Seeing the misunderstanding form, Futsu Mitama quickly explained the full context. From an outsider's perspective, it did appear as though she had placed a bold wager on him. But once the circumstances were understood, the decision seemed far less irrational. In that position, most would have made the same choice.
After hearing the explanation, Raiden Ei understood.
However, she tilted her head slightly. "Why does someone have such a peculiar name—'Shopkeeper's Daughter'?"
Futsu Mitama broke into a light sweat. "Her parents are the shopkeepers, and she's their only child. So that's what people call her. As for her actual name… we weren't familiar at first, so I didn't ask. Later, for various reasons, it never came up."
In truth, he had intended to ask. Somehow, he simply forgot. Perhaps he had grown too accustomed to the nickname.
Raiden Ei nodded. The matter held no relevance to eternity, and she did not dwell on it.
She returned the bloodjade branches—still appearing freshly harvested—and said calmly, "I have inspected the materials. They are excellent. Come to Tenshukaku in two days. We will forge your companion weapon then."
"I will personally stand as your protector. Whatever occurs during the process, I will handle it."
Futsu Mitama blinked. "Two days from now? Not today?"
She shook her head. "You sparred with the Raiden Shogun today. Your spirit and energy were expended. Additionally, you must reacquaint yourself with your craft. You have not forged in some time, have you? That is a serious lapse for a blacksmith."
"Use these two days to recover fully—and to decide what form your companion weapon should take."
He considered mentioning that his recovery would be swift, that sparring had not truly taxed him, and that he had resumed forging while in Liyue. After all, the bracelet Aila wore had been forged by him and Zhongli together.
Zhongli had contributed seventy percent. He had contributed thirty.
But since Raiden Ei had spoken, he found no reason to argue. Two uninterrupted days of forging might indeed become monotonous.
Venti and Kokomi were both asking for wine in the group for a while. Perhaps he could spend the time brewing in bulk. The process was simple enough. With sufficient materials, producing a large quantity within two days would not be difficult.
They certainly could not consume it all. The surplus could be sold through the International Chamber of Commerce. Though he had already earned billions of mora during his travels through Mondstadt and Liyue, wealth was never excessive.
With that settled, he bade farewell once more and departed Tenshukaku.
Raiden Ei did not stop him. It was enough that he remained in Inazuma. When he traveled abroad, she felt an unease she rarely acknowledged.
She feared—deeply—that her Eternal Guardian might be taken by another god.
But here, in Inazuma, no deity would dare. And if one did…she would not be blamed for losing her temper.
Soon, Futsu Mitama stepped outside to find five figures waiting.
Two Okuzume. A scruffy older man. A refined young man with a gentle smile. And a Tengu with an imposing presence.
In plain terms: Kujou Takayuki, Kamisato Ayato, and Kujou Sara.
A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. It was rare to see the heads of two commissions together at the gates of Tenshukaku.
He had seen Kujou Takayuki often in Inazuma City. Once, while selling weapons, he had even encountered him. At the time, Kujou Takayuki had merely snorted in disdain and walked away.
Shortly thereafter, members of the Kujou Clan nearly shut down his stall. Only Kujou Sara's intervention prevented escalation.
Had she not appeared, Futsu Mitama would not have remained passive. He was a man who believed firmly in reciprocity. If others did not provoke him, he would not provoke them. But once crossed, he did not forget.
When he realized the Kanjou Commission had targeted him, he immediately sought support from the Yashiro Commission and initiated a countermeasure.
Principles were not to be broken.
Now, facing the man who once dismissed him with a cold snort, Futsu Mitama approached with a smile.
Kujou Takayuki's expression softened slightly. It seemed the Raiden Shogun's Retainer still showed him courtesy.
Perhaps there was room to win him over.
And how would that be achieved? The role of his adopted daughter was obvious.
Just as Kujou Takayuki prepared to speak—
"Lord Kamisato, what brings you here?"
Futsu Mitama walked directly past him and greeted Kamisato Ayato instead.
"It has been some time."
Kujou Sara's expression did not change. This reaction was natural. When the Futsu family declined, the Kamisato Clan had extended support. Futsu Mitama's rise vindicated that earlier decision.
For him to prioritize Kamisato Ayato was only reasonable.
Kujou Takayuki, however, stiffened. He had stepped forward to greet him—only to be ignored.
"I would not dare," Kamisato Ayato replied lightly, stepping back half a pace. "You serve the Raiden Shogun. In rank, you stand above me. If you continue to call me 'Lord,' I fear my lifespan may shorten."
"You may simply call me Ayato."
Futsu Mitama nodded. "Very well, Ayato. And you may call me Futsu Mitama."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"In truth, I am not the Raiden Shogun's Retainer. She has never declared me as such."
At those words, a glimmer ignited in Kujou Takayuki's eyes.
Kujou Sara's expression, however, turned subtly complex. Because the Raiden Shogun had indeed never declared Futsu Mitama to be her retainer, Kujou Sara could personally attest to that fact.
"Oh?" Kamisato Ayato raised a brow slightly. "Then why did Her Excellency grant you divine authority?"
In Inazuma, divine authority was virtually synonymous with being the Shogun's retainer.
"Oh, that." Futsu Mitama chuckled. "That authority comes from Guuji, not from the Shogun herself. So, strictly speaking, I am not her retainer. Not yet"
Despite his words, both Kamisato Ayato and the astute Kujou Takayuki understood the underlying reality. Regardless of whether the authority originated from Yae Miko, Futsu Mitama was clearly someone the Shogun personally valued. Few could claim daily guidance from her hand.
"By the way." Futsu Mitama seemed to remember something and finally turned to Kujou Takayuki. "Were you looking for me, Head of the Tenryou Commission?"
The tonal contrast from his earlier warmth toward Ayato was unmistakable.
Kujou Takayuki's smile faded. He studied Futsu Mitama for a long moment before replying evenly, "Nothing of consequence. I merely came to fetch Sara."
"Now that she is here, I shall take my leave. It was a pleasure to meet you, Futsu Mitama. Please convey my regards to Guuji. She should have returned by now."
With that, he turned and descended the steps without further attempt at conversation.
Futsu Mitama's attitude had already conveyed everything. There was no reason to extend courtesy where none was offered in return.
And even if the young man truly were the Shogun's retainer—so what? Should he violate the rules, he would still fall beneath the Musou no Hitotachi.
Watching her adoptive father depart so decisively, Kujou Sara found herself momentarily torn. One side held her close friend; the other, the man who had raised her.
Though she harbored dissatisfaction toward many of Kujou Takayuki's recent actions, that bond could not be erased.
"Sara, go ahead," Futsu Mitama said calmly, unwilling to place her in a difficult position.
He bore no goodwill toward Kujou Takayuki. But Kujou Sara was different. She had helped him—and Aila—more than once. Both allies and enemies alike held her in high regard.
If the Shogunate Army still retained formidable strength, it was because of commanders like her—individuals who truly fought for Inazuma.
"I'm sorry, Futsu Mitama," Sara said softly. "Next time, I'll treat you to a meal. As for Father… sigh…"
She spoke at length, then ultimately sighed and left. She understood well why his attitude toward her father was so cold. Given the Tenryou Commission's past actions, expecting warmth would be unreasonable.
After the Kujou father and daughter departed, Kamisato Ayato withdrew a cup of milk tea from his sleeve and offered it.
"Care for some?"
Futsu Mitama accepted it and took a measured sip. The flavor was balanced and smooth.
Ayato produced another cup for himself, glancing toward the retreating figures. "You could have moderated your approach," he said lightly. "A little diplomacy might have yielded hidden benefits."
He saw through the situation clearly. Kujou Takayuki had come seeking to gauge and possibly win over Futsu Mitama.
"No need." Futsu Mitama's gaze remained steady ahead. "In my eyes, he's no different from a dead man."
The impending war between the Tenryou Commission, the Fatui, and the Resistance would soon erupt in full. No matter the final outcome, Kujou Takayuki's position was untenable. Investing in him held no strategic value.
To watch him later imprisoned like the former head of the Hiiragi Clan? There was no profit in that.
Ayato's eyes flickered with quiet comprehension. A faint smile touched his lips.
"Would you consider visiting the Kamisato Estate?" he asked. "My sister has not seen you in some time. I am also curious about certain matters regarding Guuji."
Futsu Mitama considered briefly, then shook his head. "Not now. I have several matters to settle first. When everything is resolved, we can speak at leisure. As for Guuji and my role in what follows—you already know, don't you?"
Ayato merely sipped his tea and smiled without answering.
But Futsu Mitama understood. Few in Inazuma possessed the capacity to shoulder true responsibility. Ayato was one of them. His network of informants and strategic placements rivaled even Yae Miko's. There was no possibility he was unaware of the currents moving beneath Inazuma's surface.
Yae Miko might deceive Kujou Takayuki. She would not deceive Kamisato Ayato.
Silence settled between them.
Nearby, the two Okuzume felt cold sweat gather along their backs.
Could the two of them not speak elsewhere?
Every sentence felt like classified intelligence.
Guuji and Lord Futsu Mitama were cooperating on something significant. Lord Kamisato Ayato knew. And Lord Futsu Mitama had just declared the head of the Tenryou Commission a dead man walking.
Was that information truly meant for their ears?
Though the Okuzume served directly under the Shogun, their authority rarely surpassed that of commission heads except during explicit orders. Most days, they simply guarded Tenshukaku and exchanged idle conversation.
"Since you are occupied, I will not delay you," Ayato said at last. "I came because I learned of your return. Inazuma City has been unstable of late. I wished to caution the Kujou Clan against overstepping."
"It appears that precaution is no longer necessary."
Futsu Mitama inclined his head. "Thank you for the consideration."
With Kujou Sara's presence alone, few would dare move openly against him within the city.
"Then I shall take my leave."
Before departing, Ayato looked back at him with quiet interest.
"I very much look forward to seeing how this play concludes."
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