[Kuki Shinobu: "We've left Ritou. It's truly disappointing; I didn't expect the Kanjou Commission to be so corrupt. The Hiiragi Clan has even allied with the Fatui."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Today's check-in was ten experience points. How about you all?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "?????? What?!!!"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "What? Allied with the Fatui?? Isn't that an organization from Snezhnaya?"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "That can't be right... If it's the action of an individual, it's understandable. But the Kanjou Commission is one of the Tri-Commission."]
[Raiden Makoto: "...No, human hearts can change. When those who once held firm will passed away, their successors might stray from the original path."]
[Raiden Makoto: "So this is possible. Someone must guide her—tell her that her current actions are wrong before her ambition misleads the subordinates."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "I still think this is the act of a few individuals. The entire Kanjou Commission can't have fallen this far; they're merely led astray."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "It's like a school of fish or a flock of birds. If the leader goes astray, the rest will follow."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Then which one of you two is the real leader of the Resistance?"]
[Aila: "Today's check-in, five experience points."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "This isn't about the Resistance... Just a discussion. Though I oppose the Shogun's Vision Hunt Decree, I still respect the Tri-Commission."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "They support Inazuma, managing its affairs for the Shogun. Even Watatsumi once received their aid."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Oh, and my check-in today was twenty experience points."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Likewise, twenty experience points. But has Inazuma really become so chaotic? Even the Kanjou Commission..."]
Outside Ritou, Kuki Shinobu could sense Raiden Makoto's sigh through the screen.
In Makoto's memory, the Kanjou Commission of the Hiiragi Clan had never been like this.
But she soon accepted reality—acknowledging that the Hiiragi Clan was no longer the same. That calm acceptance surprised Shinobu, especially since even Sangonomiya Kokomi believed the Commission's corruption stemmed from leadership alone.
To Shinobu, however, the rot had spread throughout the entire Kanjou Commission. The dealings of the International Chamber of Commerce alone reflected their state.
It was then that she realized how useful the Chat Group was—a place where one could speak freely without masks or fears of exposure.
Now, as Shinobu and Futsu Mitama discussed their next move, they had already left Ritou after settling matters at the Chamber of Commerce.
Futsu Mitama walked between Kuki Shinobu and Aila—an oddly protective formation.
Yet Shinobu couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched, a sense that had lingered even after leaving Ritou.
Back there, surveillance was expected. But now? It was off.
[Kuki Shinobu: "What do you think? Should we take the main road to throw them off or use the usual shortcut?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Shortcut. If they attack, we subdue and question them—see if they're from the Kanjou Commission or Fatui."]
[Aila: "Ready whenever you are, Young Master."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "A battle? You're too far from Watatsumi. I can't assist from here."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "If it were near the island, I'd send reinforcements immediately."]
[Raiden Makoto: "...Sigh."]
[Raiden Makoto: "@Futsu Mitama, if it truly turns out to be the Kanjou Commission or Hiiragi Clan, tell me."]
[Futsu Mitama: "No problem. Unless something unexpected happens, it'll be the Hiiragi Clan. Hiiragi Shinsuke isn't the type to take a loss quietly."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Understood. Once it's over, I'll upload something as thanks."]
Futsu Mitama raised an eyebrow.
Upload? From someone who existed only as consciousness?
Even Kuki Shinobu and Aila exchanged curious glances. What could a spirit possibly upload?
Meanwhile, across the hillside, a group of Nobushi crouched in ambush—two figures standing at their front: one clad in red, the other in violet.
"That's the one?" the Red Kairagi asked, resting his tachi on his shoulder. "A mysterious contact said a fat sheep worth twenty million mora left Ritou."
"Twenty million?" The Purple Kairagi's voice was cold. "No idea who he pissed off, but for that price, I'm not asking questions. I just want the mora."
Their subordinates buzzed with excitement. The biggest bounty they'd ever seen was a few hundred thousand mora—this was a dream.
"Remember," the Red Kairagi barked. "Don't kill the women. Don't touch them. Just grab the man and run!"
"After this job, we're done with banditry!"
"Snatch the man!!!"
The chant echoed down the slope as the Nobushi charged.
Futsu Mitama felt a shiver down his spine. MD! What kind of slogan is that?!
Shinobu drew her dagger. "As expected, they came." Her tone was calm, but her eyes sharpened.
Aila remained composed, hydro energy already forming in her palm.
"My twenty million!!!" roared the Red Kairagi, flames bursting along his tachi as he leaped toward Aila.
The Purple Kairagi lunged at Shinobu.
"Clang—!!!"
Aila met the attack head-on. Sparks and steam exploded—then, in the next instant, the Red Kairagi was sent flying.
The bandits froze. Their boss had been thrown back by a single strike.
"She's... that strong?!"
The Purple Kairagi hesitated, retreating instinctively—only for Shinobu to pounce, dagger flashing like lightning.
Meanwhile, the Red Kairagi, coughing up dirt, realized why the mysterious client warned them to avoid the women.
Still, he gritted his teeth and slapped a talisman on his blade—flames surged. "Finish it quick! Grab the man!"
The others roared and rushed Futsu Mitama.
Aila didn't move to intercept. She simply turned, blue light flaring. "Clang—!!!" Another fiery burst.
On Shinobu's side, the Purple Kairagi was barely holding on—each time he tried to use talismans, the nimble kunoichi struck, her movements a blur of precision.
But just as he dared to glance toward his men, his blood ran cold.
They were already down. All of them.
Futsu Mitama stood among a pile of unconscious Nobushi, yawning.
Weapons and straw hats littered the ground.
When did that happen?!
The Purple Kairagi's face paled. He hadn't even heard a fight. Were they all... one-shot?
Before he could process, a cold dagger pressed against his neck.
"Checkmate." Shinobu's whisper came from behind him.
He froze, dropping his weapon. "I surrender."
"Zzzzz—!!!" The sound of steam cut through the silence.
Aila approached, carrying the limp Red Kairagi with one hand, expression unreadable.
The Purple Kairagi stared at the three of them—realizing, too late, that twenty million mora wasn't nearly enough for this job.