Like many wandering samurai, the swordsman spent his entire life pursuing greater martial strength. His determination to reach the pinnacle of martial arts was stronger than anyone's. That was why, from the moment he learned that the Raiden Shogun stood at the peak of Inazuma's martial arts, he made her his lifelong goal. He would challenge that so-called "unreachable" strike.
But as his skills grew, he gradually shed the arrogance of youth and became more composed. He came to understand more clearly the vast gap between himself and the Raiden Shogun. He knew he was no match for her. Even if he only challenged that single strike, his chances of success were slim.
But with the promulgation of the Vision Hunt Decree, Inazuma fell into turmoil. Many wandering samurai who trained in martial arts—whether they possessed Visions or not—were arrested by the Shogunate for investigation. Under these circumstances, the swordsman's resolve to challenge that strike only grew stronger.
After sparring with Kazuha, his understanding of blade techniques deepened. He had already conceived several methods to counter that strike. But unfortunately, he could not test them. He knew that from the moment he decided to issue the challenge, he would have only one chance. Fail, and he would be doomed.
These thoughts, the swordsman kept buried deep in his heart. He knew that in the eyes of the world, that strike was unreachable, invincible. No one dared face the thunderous might of the Shogun. If he declared in public that he wished to challenge the Raiden Shogun to a duel before the throne, everyone would laugh at him, thinking him a fool or a madman. Because only fools and madmen believed they could withstand that strike.
After resting for a while, Kazuha stood up again. "Let's continue training. I've learned many new techniques from your swordsmanship. This time, I'll definitely beat you."
He was excited. He raised his blade and pointed it at the swordsman.
The swordsman did not hesitate. He picked up his sword from the ground and imagined that the Kazuha before him was the mighty Raiden Shogun. If Kazuha were to strike with that blade, how would he, the swordsman, counter it?
Dodge? Impossible. Though his speed was great, no one could evade that strike. He would have to block it head-on. Find a way, no matter what, to block it.
They clashed again, each imagining the other as the opponent they sought to challenge, simulating a life-or-death battle.
And so it went. Day after day, they trained together. When tired, they rested on the grass. When rested, they picked up their weapons and resumed sparring.
Under this regimen, both improved. Their swordsmanship and blade techniques reached new heights. Especially Kazuha. If he were to encounter the Shogunate forces again, even a general, he was confident he could hold his own.
Just as they were training, a figure rushed out from the bushes, interrupting them.
The newcomer panted, "Excuse me, which one of you is Kazuha?"
Kazuha turned. Seeing that the man wore the uniform of the Kamisato Clan's retainers, he relaxed.
"I am Kazuha. Did Ayato send you?"
At the mention of Ayato, Kazuha's expression flickered with both respect and shame. As a former retainer of the Kamisato Clan—though the Kaedehara family had not served them in this generation—they had often received the Kamisato Clan's care. Without Ayato's help, before meeting the swordsman, Kazuha would likely have been captured by the Shogunate and had his Vision forcibly taken.
Though he was not a retainer of the Kamisato Clan, he held great respect for Ayato.
The retainer's expression also grew solemn at the mention of Ayato.
"This is a letter from the clan head."
Without further words, he handed the letter to Kazuha and left quickly, leaving Kazuha and the swordsman staring at each other.
Kazuha opened the letter. One glance, and he recognized Ayato's handwriting.
After reading it, his expression grew complicated.
The swordsman asked, "What's wrong? Is your brother Ayato in trouble?"
Kazuha said seriously, "The letter says that Kujou Sara is leading a large Shogunate force to a location where samurai are hiding. If those people are caught, their Visions will be confiscated immediately."
The thought of having his Vision taken made Kazuha's expression darken. But there was nothing he could do. Against the Shogunate forces, they could only keep hiding to survive.
The swordsman said calmly, "Your brother Ayato wants you to help?"
Kazuha nodded. "Yes. He wants us to go together and help those samurai evade Kujou Sara and the Shogunate soldiers. After that, he will arrange for us to leave Narukami Island."
No one living here wanted to leave. But they had no choice. Even if they couldn't leave Inazuma, moving to another island was a good way to hide.
The swordsman was taken aback. "Leave Narukami Island? Go where?"
Kazuha answered, "To Watatsumi Island. Throughout Inazuma, Watatsumi Island is the only place without the Vision Hunt Decree."
Watatsumi Island was the stronghold of the resistance. Until the resistance was crushed, that island was safe. No need to worry about having their Visions taken.
Kazuha said urgently, "By now, Kujou Sara has probably already started. Those samurai are in danger. Let's go. We need to rescue them first."
With that, Kazuha rushed ahead.
The swordsman hesitated for a moment, then followed.
Following the directions in Kamisato Ayato's letter, they soon arrived at a dilapidated shrine on the other side of Narukami Island—the kind that had not been inhabited for a very long time.
But as they approached the shrine, they heard angry voices coming from inside:
"Kujou Sara, you dog of the Shogunate—"
"I spit on you!"
"If you want my Vision, come and take it by force! If you have the guts, just kill me!"
Every Vision was obtained at the most critical turning point in a person's life, under the weight of an unshakable belief and desperate longing, when the gods cast their gaze upon them, granting them the chance to realize their wishes.
To take away their Visions was to take away their wishes.