"I'm almost ready for the Grand Sakura Purification. I'll probably be busy over the next few days, so don't put too much pressure on yourself… After all, the root of Inazuma's problems doesn't lie with humans."
Aiden watched her—graceful, composed, almost ethereal—and his lips twitched as if trying to form words, yet nothing came out.
He had considered telling Yae Miko and Raiden Shogun that he knew the unfolding story, but even before worrying whether they could accept such a revelation, he knew the real problem: even if he spoke, what difference would it make?
Tell Raiden Ei that she had fallen into the Fatui's trap, that the wishes of Inazuma's people should not be shackled—and that she herself wanted to let go of the past—and that a few words from him could somehow lift her from the shadow of loss after loss of friends and loved ones?
That was a fantasy.
Raiden Ei already knew the Eye of Judgement and the Seclusion Decree were Fatui schemes. And he wasn't Uzumaki, so where would he find such persuasive power? Even Naruto had to win before preaching his reasoning.
No matter how much Aiden said, he could not bring Raiden Ei's friends back.
"To change Raiden Ei's will, it'll take real battle, real swords… but that'll have to wait until that enthusiastic blonde aunt shows up in Inazuma. I have no ability to resonate with her wishes."
Still, he was willing to do what he could.
For instance, when the rebellion first clashed with the Shogunate, Aiden had persuaded Yae Miko to order the evacuation of Yashiori Island's residents to Narukami Island. As a result, when the sacred ward was lifted, the inhabitants of Yashiori Island did not suffer the divine torment that had originally awaited them.
Aiden shook his head and returned to his desk, tucking the sword Yae Miko had gifted him—the "Sword That Pricks Whoever Gave It"—into his coat, before stepping out of the room.
But as soon as he crossed the threshold, he paused, struck by the lingering atmosphere. He had to say something.
Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, he whispered, "I can't do anything."
Seven or eight seconds passed. Nothing. Neither reality nor his mind responded.
Hmph. Damn it, I entered the password!
A faint blush of embarrassment crossed his face, and he shrugged it off, pretending nothing had happened, and continued along the path.
Perhaps it was the taste of freedom, or the rare view, but even the familiar scenery seemed fresh and uplifting now.
Yes, he hadn't received a response to his password, but he wasn't disappointed. He never expected a new cheat to appear; the golden finger he had already was more than enough.
"The Final Harbinger's missions will certainly be dangerous. Although I cut down several so-called sword masters while guarding Kageyama, the tales of the Wild Hunters might be exaggerations. I'd better study tactics carefully."
As Aiden's thoughts settled, a virtual light screen appeared before him.
[Name: Aiden]
[Race: Human/???]
[Skills (Swordsmanship): Sword Technique·Yuanliu (Remnant) lv5, Sword Technique·Kamizato Style lv7, Sword Technique·Isshin Style lv9, Sword Technique·Tenmokuryu lv9, Sword Technique·Mirror Stillness lv10, Sword Technique·Iwakura Style lv10, Secret Sword·Swallow Return (Original) lv12]
The Grand Sakura Purification preparation wasn't a mistake—Yae Miko had been ready all along—but through intelligence she had realized that the Traveler was essentially a tool, so she left Inazuma's affairs in his hands.
The virtual light screen before Aiden was his golden finger, though not a system. It merely displayed his skill mastery. To grow stronger, he had to put in the work, step by step.
And he could proudly say that every achievement he had attained was through his own effort.
A small joke aside, the mastery panel allowed him to "gain from effort": skills could advance smoothly up to level 10, the pinnacle of human capability, giving him a solid footing in this otherworld.
Of course, he couldn't help envying the flashy systems of other travelers.
"I don't expect the life of a Dragon Overlord—becoming a Genin at seven, a Super Shadow at eight, or ascending to heaven at ten—but a cute, spiky-cat system would be nice!"
With that quip, he turned his attention back to the panel. It was simple but flexible. He could filter his skills, and if he wanted, even construct a skill tree. He chose the swordsmanship branch; other options included magic and life skills.
"Swallow Return is stagnating, but there's room to improve my swordsmanship."
"Ever since Miko took me to learn Sword Technique·Yuanliu from the Shogun, my training efficiency has skyrocketed. A month more, and Tenmokuryu can reach level 10."
Aiden resolved: he would focus on maxing Tenmokuryu first.
The swordsmanship of the Raiden Five Successors and the art of forging complemented each other. For example, the Isshin style emphasized "sword follows heart," while Tenmokuryu focused on foundations—essential for his growth.
Technically, the creation of Swallow Return stemmed from perfecting Mirror Stillness lv10 and Iwakura Style lv10. The former's post-mastery state, Ultimate Freedom, combined with the latter's secret art Tengu Copy, gave him the skill to surpass human limits.
"Level 10 brings a ceiling not because of the golden finger—it's just human limits. Beyond that, it's not our domain." Aiden reflected, finally understanding.
Indeed, humans have limits.
So—Raiden Shogun, I will rely on you to guide my training.
And Yae Miko as well—my magical arts need her instruction to advance.
Though young, his body full of vigor, a fleeting daydream of rebellious images surfaced in his mind—but he quickly severed it, sweeping away the dust from his heart.
He didn't reject pleasure—he would enjoy it fully when appropriate—but when it came to his work, indulgence was forbidden. He did not see himself as a genius, only as someone devoted to doing everything earnestly.
Switching into "youthful mode," Aiden stowed the panel and continued along the cobblestone path toward the mountain gate. He guessed Sayu was still napping in her usual spot.
Not far along, he stopped again—a shrine maiden was approaching him slowly.
"Shikao Nana? What brings you to the rear residence?" he asked, curious, greeting her.
Kageyama's Narukami Grand Shrine—the headquarters of Inazuma Shrine—was far larger than in the game. The solemn, understated buildings clustered around the Sacred Sakura, forming almost a small estate.