Upon entering Sangonomiya-sama's tent, they saw a mountain of documents piled on the table awaiting her attention. Sangonomiya, cheerful just moments earlier, instantly froze.
"Sangonomiya-sama!"
General Gorou hurried inside. The moment he entered, he spoke urgently, "You're finally back. What should we do with the Shogunate soldiers we captured? Even in custody, they're still extremely defiant and refuse to surrender."
Sangonomiya-sama let out a quiet breath, returning to her usual composure. She offered Gorou a small smile. "I understand. I'll handle it."
Then she looked apologetically at Futsu Mitama and the others. "I'm sorry. I hoped to host you properly, but something urgent came up. I'll attend to you later."
"It's fine," Futsu Mitama replied, looking at her with a trace of pity.
In truth, Sangonomiya-sama's situation was far more difficult than Acting Grand Master Jean's in Mondstadt. Jean, despite her workload, still had Kaeya, Lisa, Albedo, Noelle, and others to share responsibilities with. She could even take time to check on Klee or visit Barbara. At night, Diluc — that righteous man — would also help ease her burdens.
But here in the Resistance, aside from Gorou being notably dependable, nearly everything relied on Sangonomiya-sama's mind and direction. The entire island's affairs rested squarely on her shoulders.
Shortly after, Sangonomiya-sama and Gorou left to deal with the captured Shogunate soldiers. Not long after, several Resistance members brought food and water into the tent, setting them before Futsu Mitama and the others — clearly arranged by Sangonomiya-sama.
After eating, they rested. The fight against the Fatui had not been the difficult part; it was the clash with Scaramouche that had left both Futsu Mitama and Kazuha mentally exhausted.
Futsu Mitama opened the Chat Group.
——
Chat Group
[Sangonomiya: "Sigh~ The Shogunate Army's will is too strong. Even after capture, they refuse to surrender." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "Naturally. They believe they are fighting for the Raiden Shogun. Betraying their resolve would be unthinkable for them." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "But you can mention the Commissions' actions, and the Fatui's interference. Show them how dire Inazuma's situation truly is." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "If they remain unconvinced, let them see with their own eyes what the Resistance outside Inazuma City actually looks like." ]
[Sangonomiya: "The idea is good, but difficult to implement." ]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Not impossible. The moment I step into Ritou, I can feel eyes watching me. The Hiiragi Clan hasn't relaxed at all — still as cautious as ever." ]
[Futsu Mitama: "Anyway, did everyone sign in today?" ]
[Aila: "3 experience." ]
[Sangonomiya: "I was too busy and forgot. 6 experience." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "15 experience. Why always experience? Can't it be something different?" ]
[Kuki Shinobu: "7 experience. All this time and still nothing else. I guess my one lucky reward was that shrine maiden outfit." ]
[Futsu Mitama: "Be grateful. Aila and I have signed in for years and have only a handful of items." ]
[Raiden Makoto: *@Futsu Mitama "Group Leader, I've uploaded Raiden Style · Martial Arts. Please check it." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "It contains all of the Raiden Shogun's martial arts. I've compressed the file for you." ]
[Futsu Mitama: "How could I possibly accept something like this?" ]
[Raiden Makoto: "It's fine. You've earned it. Many Inazumans have learned fragments of this before, but only the surface level. If you truly master it, you could even surpass the Raiden Shogun someday." ]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Watch your words!" ]
[Sangonomiya-sama: "This is too much. The Raiden Shogun is irreplaceable to Inazuma." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "Even gods can fall. If something happened to the Raiden Shogun, and the Group Leader had mastered her knowledge, becoming the Electro Archon would be perfectly reasonable." ]
[Aila: "Even if that makes sense, young master is just a human." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "Humans have limitless potential. No law states that a human can't become a god." ]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Even if you're not wrong, something about this feels off." ]
[Sangonomiya-sama: "Yes. Every sentence individually makes sense, but when combined, my mind feels like it's going to collapse." ]
The chat grew unusually intense.
Meanwhile, Futsu Mitama began downloading Raiden Style · Martial Arts. He urgently needed to grow stronger. He could no longer rely on opening the Plane of Euthymia every time Scaramouche appeared — especially since even he had felt how much more difficult it was the second time.
If Scaramouche returned and acted quickly, Futsu Mitama might not be able to open the Plane at all. Once the download completed, thunder roared, and Futsu Mitama re-entered that familiar lightning-filled void.
The Raiden Shogun was already waiting, two weapons embedded before her — Raiden Makoto's Musou Isshin, and Raiden Ei's beloved Engulfing Lightning.
It was a choice: swordsmanship or naginatajutsu.
After a moment of hesitation, Futsu Mitama reached toward Musou Isshin. The tachi was what he found easiest to wield. As soon as he chose, the Raiden Shogun opened her eyes. She lifted the blade and spoke calmly:
"Swordsmanship is learned through movement, not theory. Let your body remember."
Instantly, she vanished — appearing right before him in a flash of lightning.
"EH—?!" Futsu Mitama froze. This wasn't the gentle, hands-on teaching he had imagined. But with no other choice, he materialized a tachi of his own and braced for the oncoming strike.
—
Meanwhile, inside Tenshukaku.
The Raiden Shogun summoned the heads of the Tri-Commission.
"Strange. Why now?" Kamisato Ayato murmured as he approached. Even someone as composed as him felt puzzled — the Shogun rarely summoned all three leaders unless something significant had occurred.
"I have no idea," Kujou Takayuki replied, his expression rigid. If something had happened with the Fatui the consequences for the Kujou and Hiiragi Clans would be disastrous.
When Hiiragi Shinsuke finally arrived, panting heavily from his mad dash from Ritou, the three entered Tenshukaku together. Inside, the Raiden Shogun sat quietly. When they knelt before her, she finally opened her eyes.
"The Fatui have entered Inazuma."
Shock exploded across Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke's faces. Their bodies trembled. The Raiden Shogun extended her hand, forming the image of a young man with a straw hat — cold-faced and arrogant.
"Find this man. His name is Kunikuzushi. Do not fight him. Simply call my name."
"As for the Fatui, they are plotting something in secret. You will investigate."
With that, she closed her eyes again, dismissing them. After giving her instructions, the Raiden Shogun said nothing more, and the heads of the Three Commissions withdrew.
Once outside, none of the three exchanged many words and instead separated immediately.
"Strange."
Kamisato Ayato watched the departing figures of Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke, suspicion flickering in his eyes. He did not follow them.
Over the years, Ayato was well aware of how those two clan heads had consistently targeted the Yashiro Commission and the Kamisato Clan. What puzzled him was that the Raiden Shogun had actually entrusted them with finding someone—someone she explicitly warned them not to fight, but to summon her upon locating.
Which meant that person was strong. Strong enough that the Raiden Shogun needed to intervene personally. If so, Ayato now had a legitimate reason to act as well. After all, this person might had once framed both their interenst
"Clan Head."
Just as Ayato stepped out of Tenshukaku, Thoma hurried over.
Thoma gave a relieved smile as he approached, lowering his voice. "As you predicted, Mitama-dono has safely left the city with Kaedehara Kazuha. And the method he used was brilliant—the guards at the gate didn't notice a thing."
Ayato paused briefly, then sighed. "It's a pity Kazuha left at a time like this."
"What do you mean, Clan Head?" Thoma blinked in confusion.
"Nothing. Just thinking about how unpredictable life is." Ayato did not instruct Thoma to call Kazuha back.
Right now, Inazuma was more chaotic than ever under the Raiden Shogun's orders.
Even Ayato himself could not foresee what would happen next.
He turned to Thoma. "If Futsu Mitama returns, have my sister contact him. As for what happened inside Tenshukaku—"
Ayato relayed the Raiden Shogun's instructions and told Thoma to inform Ayaka. He himself was not suited to communicate with Futsu Mitama at this moment. Despite their affiliation with the Kamisato Clan, Futsu Mitama's current network was too complicated. Ayaka would be far more appropriate for the task.
"Understood." Thoma's eyes widened with shock, but he nodded earnestly. "I'll inform Miss right away, then find a good opportunity to invite Brother Futsu Mitama."
"Excellent." Ayato nodded and continued on his way. "I need to send people to search for Kunikuzushi's whereabouts. You should return first."
"Yes!" With news that important, Thoma didn't linger and immediately headed back to the Kamisato Estate.
——
On the other side, Hiiragi Shinsuke—the head of the Hiiragi Clan—was on his way back to Ritou, his expression growing darker by the minute. Along the way, he had exchanged a few words with Kujou Takayuki and learned some new information.
The Fatui had indeed begun their operation—starting today—and their target was the Resistance.
With Kujou Takayuki stirring public opinion, the Resistance had already become vilified across Inazuma City. To prevent Kujou Sara from wiping them out immediately, he had quietly asked the Fatui to delay her.
He didn't know whether the one leading the Fatui included the person known as Kunikuzushi, but judging from the Raiden Shogun's attitude. It seemed something about that name had caught her attention—thus the command to summon her upon seeing him.
Just as Hiiragi Shinsuke was about to reach Ritou, his carriage suddenly halted.
Already irritated, he snapped, "Why have we stopped?! Don't you know I have urgent business?!"
From outside, a trusted retainer replied nervously, "Clan Head… someone is blocking the road… you should come and take a look…"
"Who dares block my way?!" Hiiragi Shinsuke stormed out, but froze when he saw the figures ahead.
Three Fatui stood in his path.
A Mirror Maiden.
A Debt Collector.
And a young man in a straw hat, handsome yet expression twisted in displeasure.
Kunikuzushi.
The Raiden Shogun's words echoed in Hiiragi Shinsuke's mind.
"You are the Hiiragi Clan Head?" Scaramouche asked coldly. "I don't have time for nonsense. I know you have ties with the Resistance. I want information."
"If you help me, the Fatui will assist you in return. A simple, fair exchange."
Having escaped from Tatarasuna, Scaramouche's fury had only worsened. To be mocked by a mortal, to flee before his subordinates—it was intolerable. All of it fueled his resentment toward the man in the purple oni mask. He wanted to uncover his identity. Capture him. Force out the source of that technique.
A humiliation like this would not be forgiven.
"You are Kunikuzushi?" Hiiragi Shinsuke spoke the name.
"!!!!!!!!!!"
Scaramouche went rigid. Then killing intent exploded from him, purple light burning in his eyes. In an instant, he shot forward like a bolt of lightning.
"Clan Head! Watch out!!!"
The two samurai guarding Hiiragi Shinsuke—one with a Pyro Vision, the other with an Electro Vision—rushed to protect him.
They were blasted away before they could react. Before they hit the ground, the Mirror Maiden conjured a water mirror, trapping them instantly. The Debt Collector grabbed the coachman, warning him to stay still or lose his head.
Scaramouche had Hiiragi Shinsuke by the throat. Years of pampered comfort had never prepared Hiiragi Shinsuke for this. Filled with rage and disbelief, he glared at Scaramouche despite the suffocating grip.
"Who! Told you! That name!!!!!!!!!"
Under normal circumstances, Scaramouche would not have reacted like this. But in his current unbalanced state, he was capable of anything.
"The one in Tenshukaku," Hiiragi Shinsuke forced out. He did not dare say the Raiden Shogun's name. If she descended here—
The Hiiragi Clan would be finished. Hearing this, Scaramouche threw Hiiragi Shinsuke back into the carriage.
"Cough, cough…!" Shinsuke sputtered.
Scaramouche stepped forward, expression icy. "My name is Scaramouche. That person died long ago."
"Who do you want me to investigate?" Hiiragi Shinsuke straightened, swallowing his fury. This man was insane—far worse than the Lady. Provoking him further would be foolish.
Seeing the clan head calm down, Scaramouche nodded in satisfaction. "In the Resistance, there's a man wearing a purple oni mask. No Vision, yet he can use the Electro element."
"Find out who he is. Every detail."
"And as compensation for my earlier… discourtesy, if you have enemies you want eliminated, tell me."
"If not, I'll give you a small gift."
Even Scaramouche understood he had gone too far. Since he still needed this man, he would offer benefits.
"Oh?"
Hiiragi Shinsuke's expression shifted to one of interest. "I do have several nuisances I want removed. And your gift also interests me."
He wanted both—the people dead and the items—since those were the price Scaramouche owed for disrespecting him.
"No problem." Scaramouche flicked his hand. A dark, ominous object appeared—one resembling a Vision.
"A Delusion," Scaramouche said. "A trinket from Snezhnaya. With a small price, even the visionless can use elemental power."
He tossed it to Hiiragi Shinsuke. Greed lit the clan head's eyes. Whether he used it himself or gave it to his elite soldiers, it was an excellent asset. The "price" did not concern him.
"Very well. I agree." He put the Delusion away and said, "I'll send people to investigate Watatsumi Island. But you must behave yourself in Inazuma."
"The one in Tenshukaku already ordered your capture. If anyone finds you and calls her name, she will descend immediately."
Hiiragi Shinsuke had gotten a taste of profit. The Lady often offered mora and favors—but this man gave power.
"Oh?" Scaramouche's face darkened briefly. But quickly, he regained his composure. If She personally acted, he would be caught no matter what.
But that puppet? She wasn't worthy of catching him. Rigid. Mechanical. Bound by rules.
A failure compared to Her.
One day, he would prove it.
Hiiragi Shinsuke knew none of this. He simply continued, "Also, I need you to suppress certain nobles in Ritou, and capture someone named Futsu Mitama alive."
"Hm?" Scaramouche frowned. Why specifically alive?
Noticing the look, Hiiragi Shinsuke explained casually, "That person took a brewing recipe from me. I want it back. Alive."
"Last time I sent the Fatui, they failed."
After witnessing Scaramouche's power, Hiiragi Shinsuke naturally had his own calculations. The clan needed that recipe. And Futsu Mitama had offended him. Hiiragi Shinsuke never forgot grudges.
The Debt Collector leaned in and whispered Futsu Mitama's details into Scaramouche's ear. Upon hearing he had been rescued by Yae Miko, Scaramouche frowned. He didn't want to be tangled with that fox.
But he answered coldly, "I understand. The Fatui will assist you."
"But in return, find that man's true identity. Or else…"
Lightning sparked in his eyes. A blatant threat.
But Hiiragi Shinsuke was unfazed. He had plenty of informants among the Resistance. Information from Watatsumi Island was easy.
"Then let this be a pleasant cooperation."
Scaramouche didn't bother speaking further. He turned and left with his subordinates. Behind him, the two captured samurai lowered their heads in shame. But Hiiragi Shinsuke didn't blame them.
Scaramouche was someone the Raiden Shogun herself had ordered captured.
No ordinary man could withstand his assault. Especially not during a sudden attack—and especially not when the samurai still assumed the Fatui were "allies."