While Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu were talking, Aila, Kamisato Ayaka, and Thoma also came over. In fact, it wasn't just the three of them; behind them were people from the Yashiro Commission, brought by Kamisato Ayato specifically to handle the aftermath. Knowing that the Shogun and the Guuji had left, they naturally rushed over immediately.
"Did you gather the information?"
Futsu Mitama looked at Aila and Kamisato Ayaka. Aside from the Hiiragi Clan samurai named Ito—the one Aila killed at the beginning—there were still the samurai wielding a Delusion, the Debt Collector who had gone to help but was captured by Ayaka and Thoma, and the Debt Collector who ambushed Futsu Mitama but was kicked unconscious.
If none of those three knew the merchant's whereabouts, their only option would be to question the unconscious Mirror Maiden and Electro Cicin Mage.
"Mn, we already asked." Kamisato Ayaka seemed hesitant to meet Futsu Mitama's eyes, her expression slightly shy as she said, "After learning that the Shogun personally intervened and delivered that strike, the samurai with the Delusion told us everything."
"That included the location where those who opposed the Kanjou Commission were imprisoned. The place is extremely remote. Without questioning them, even if we overturned all of Ritou, we wouldn't have found it."
Though shy, Ayaka's tone carried clear relief. They were fortunate the Shogun had appeared; otherwise, extracting information would have taken far too long. By then, the Kanjou Commission would likely have relocated the prisoners. Thoma nodded as well, not noticing his young lady's shy demeanor.
At this moment, he added, "Yes, I never expected the Shogun to show up. Thankfully, the Clan Head warned us in advance."
"Otherwise, the three of us—wearing Visions—appearing before the Shogun would have been, in a sense, asking for death."
Thoma was deeply relieved. The Vision Hunt Decree had only recently been issued. For the three of them, wearing Visions and appearing before the Shogun, it truly would have been suicidal.
"Yes." Aila nodded in agreement. Though she had relied on connections to avoid the Tenryou Commission's arrests, she had still reported the existence of her Vision. When the time came for Kujou Sara to seize it, she would have been unable to refuse.
Because of that, Aila had worked through the night forging a very realistic glass bead, prepared to use it to prevent others from taking her real Vision. But the Raiden Shogun was different. She was a god. A fake could never deceive her.
Kuki Shinobu didn't speak. She was currently @-ing Futsu Mitama in the Chat Group's live feed.
[ Kuki Shinobu: "Stop the live feed. It's all over. Hurry up and turn it off. It's embarrassing seeing myself on screen." ]
[ Kamisato Ayaka: "Yes… I can't even look Futsu Mitama in the eye right now." ]
[ Azhdaha: "No, don't turn it off. It's rare for me to see the outside world. Let me watch a little longer." ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "Me too. I'm practically suffocating in this dark place. Group Leader, don't turn off the live feed! I'll upload something for you! As a reward." ]
[ Albedo: "I have matters to attend to. I'll stop watching the live feed for now. See you all later." ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Mm, goodbye. But why are Miss Shinobu and Miss Kamisato shy? It's strange. They're both very beautiful." ]
[ Kuki Shinobu: "You'd feel awkward too if you suddenly appeared in a live feed." ]
[ Kamisato Ayaka: "Yes… I didn't think much of it at first, but seeing myself appear on screen just makes me feel embarrassed." ]
[ Aila: "Really?" ]
[ Futsu Mitama: "It's fine. But don't mention the Chat Group in the real world for now. I can sense a faint prying feeling from the brocade pouch Yae Miko gave me. I'll first figure out a way to seal her." ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "That must be a fragment of her consciousness placed into the brocade pouch. No wonder she rushed to stuff it into your arms." ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "As for seals, Raiden Style · Martial Arts doesn't have any. I'll quickly create a Raiden Style · Skill that includes daily-life tricks." ]
[ Azhdaha: "I have no methods for sealing. But if it's forging, ore identification, or elemental application, I can teach you." ]
[ Futsu Mitama: "Thank you both. I'll keep the live feed on a bit longer so you can see Inazuma as it is now. But not for too long—I don't want to open the Chat Group and see everything from my own first-person perspective." ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "No problem." ]
[ Azhdaha: "Just keep it on a little longer so I can observe Inazuma's customs and compare them to Liyue's." ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "Then I guarantee you'll be satisfied." ]
[ Azhdaha: "Hahahaha! Then I shall look forward to it." ]
Futsu Mitama sighed softly. He tried his best to grant the small requests of Raiden Makoto and Azhdaha. Not because they could offer him benefits, but because both were in terrible circumstances. Raiden Makoto was long dead, leaving behind only a fragment of consciousness within Musou Isshin. Azhdaha, corrupted by erosion and exploitation, had turned hostile and been sealed by Morax.
One was trapped within a weapon, unable to move or perceive the outside world.
The other was sealed deep underground, equally unable to see or hear anything beyond.
Now, thanks to the Chat Group, both had regained consciousness, could converse, and could even watch scenery through the live feed. For them, this was a rare mercy. They had suffered enough. Since he had the ability to make their existence a little better, Futsu Mitama didn't mind doing so.
"Alright, let's go rescue the merchant first."
After a small sigh, Futsu Mitama chose to follow his original plan: rescue the merchant before heading to Ritou. Seeing Futsu Mitama keep the live feed going, Kuki Shinobu and Kamisato Ayaka didn't want to appear on screen. They walked slightly behind him, side by side.
Aila silently followed behind Futsu Mitama as always.
Thoma naturally led the way. He was accustomed to guiding people—this wasn't his first time.
The people brought by Kamisato Ayato tied up the unconscious Mirror Maiden and Electro Cicin Mage, preparing to imprison them like the previous captives, awaiting the master's orders—
Meanwhile, Futsu Mitama and the others headed toward the merchant's location to rescue him.
At the same time, in the Hiiragi Clan estate in Ritou, Hiiragi Shinsuke had a bad premonition. For many years, this was the first time the Shogun had taken direct action. As a citizen of Narukami, he should have felt pride and honor—but what he had done recently left him deeply uneasy.
A terrible thought flashed through him.
Had the Shogun's move—een because of him?
Was the matter of capturing Futsu Mitama exposed? But how could a few Fatui agents force the Shogun herself to strike?
Could it have been the Harbinger Kunikuzushi—Scaramouche?
No, highly unlikely. Judging from that arrogant fellow's expression, he would never bother acting against a mere winemaker.
"Knock, knock, knock."
A knock sounded at the door, making Hiiragi Shinsuke's heart jump.
"My Lord, the supplies for Watatsumi Island are ready. Inazuma has been unstable recently. It's said the Resistance has appeared near Yashiori Island. Should we increase security?"
A Hiiragi Clan samurai reported from outside.
"Hmph." Hiiragi Shinsuke patted his chest, annoyed at his own paranoia. Why did everything startle him today?
"No need," he replied, not opening the door. "Send them as planned. Don't worry about the Resistance. The Shogunate Army and General Kujou Sara are there. Are you still afraid of them?"
Yesterday, he had planned to send supplies as a "gift" to Kokomi—not only to build goodwill but also to use the Resistance as a tool to eliminate the criminals threatening the Hiiragi Clan. The main Resistance camp was far from their side, and the Tenryou Commission would intercept them. It was a convenient arrangement.
"But—" The samurai hesitated. These supplies included food and weapons. If they reached the Resistance, wouldn't the Kanjou Commission become accomplices?
"If I tell you to go, then go. Stop your nonsense." Hiiragi Shinsuke snapped impatiently. "Are you the head of the Kanjou Commission, or am I?!"
His subordinate fell silent and left with his orders. Soon, carriages loaded with food and equipment departed Ritou, escorted by a dozen Hiiragi samurai, heading toward Watatsumi.
But even half an hour later, Hiiragi Shinsuke remained uneasy. Tea and pastries couldn't calm him.
'Could it be that I just haven't slept well?'
He gave himself a flimsy excuse—
"Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump—!!!"
Urgent knocking erupted.
"Who?!" Hiiragi Shinsuke snapped. Who dared disturb him again?!
"Master." A familiar voice spoke—one of his samurai, the very man who had led the Fatui to capture Futsu Mitama.
"Something happened?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Hiiragi Shinsuke calmed slightly.
"You and the Fatui failed to capture Futsu Mitama? Did the Guuji interfere?"
He didn't think Yae Miko would involve herself unless it was major, but—
"No—Shogun-sama took action."
"!!!!!!!!!!"
Hiiragi Shinsuke's teacup dropped and shattered. His breath hitched in terror.
The samurai continued, "Lord Hiiragi Shinsuke, the Clan Head of the Kamisato has already reported everything. The Fatui Harbinger Scaramouche was struck by the Shogun. His status is unknown."
"The Shogun now knows everything—your dealings with the Resistance and the Fatui, your framing of nobles, tax evasion, embezzlement—everything."
Hiiragi Shinsuke's face turned pale. Summer heat felt like winter frost.
"No! Impossible!!! I didn't do any of that!!! I'm innocent!!!"
He screamed desperately. He wanted to beg the Shogun. He wanted her to know—
He wasn't the mastermind. The Resistance dealings were proposed by the Kujou Clan. He only provided supplies. He didn't mean to kill Futsu Mitama—he only wanted the drink recipe.
Tax evasion? Embezzlement? Complete nonsense!
"Bang!"
The door was kicked open. Several figures in unusual attire—distinctly different from the Shogunate Army—entered.
"Okuzume…" Hiiragi Shinsuke's face drained completely. These were the Shogun's personal unit.
The Shogun's will had come.
"You talk too much," the leading Okuzume said to the samurai. "Just get to the point."
The samurai fell silent.
The Okuzume turned to Hiiragi Shinsuke. "Lord Hiiragi, the Shogun requests your presence at Tenshukaku to explain everything. We are here to prevent you from worsening your crimes. Please comply."
The meaning was crystal clear: resist, and they would use force.
Hiiragi Shinsuke collapsed in his chair, hollow-eyed.
"Take him."
Unmoved by his state, the Okuzume forcibly dragged him away. Half a day ago, he was the mighty head of the Kanjou Commission. Now, the Shogun had personally ordered his arrest. Anyone who obstructed would be executed.
Naturally, such a scene drew the attention of Ritou's residents. Seeing Lord Hiiragi dragged away like a corpse, everyone was shocked.
Ritou's sky was changing.
Only one person could command the Okuzume: Shogun-sama
"The Kanjou Commission isn't great, but why arrest Lord Hiiragi?"
"I heard the taxes have become terrifying. Maybe he's responsible…"
"Some nobles vanished recently. All had refused Hiiragi recruitment."
"I heard a foreign woman frequently entered the Hiiragi estate—her aura terrifying."
"A traitor, then. No wonder the Shogun acted."
The crowd murmured, anger rising as more "details" surfaced. In the shadows, several disguised soldiers watched, stunned. They exchanged glances. They hadn't expected this outcome.
Unable to intervene, they retreated. They would wait for the new Harbinger before resuming operations.