Futsu Mitama and his companions knew nothing of the turmoil unfolding between the Fatui and the Kujou Clan. Guided by information provided by the Hiiragi Clan samurai, they swiftly rescued the detained merchants and several nobles of Ritou.
As the young lady of the Kamisato Clan, Kamisato Ayaka's presence greatly reassured them. Their gratitude soon turned to indignation—hatred for the Hiiragi Clan and the Fatui burned fiercely in their eyes.
For the Kanjou Commission—the steward of Inazuma's civil affairs—to collude with foreign powers and frame their own citizens. Such a betrayal no longer fell under dereliction of duty.
It was treason.
Sensing their outrage, Kamisato Ayaka gently informed them that the Raiden Shogun had already dispatched the Okuzume to arrest Hiiragi Shinsuke. This news ignited a burst of emotion from the weakened nobles. Despite their days of confinement, many insisted on rushing to Tenshukaku at once, eager to witness the judgment of the Hiiragi Clan.
Ayaka quickly soothed them with calm reasoning. Matters involving the Shogun would not resolve instantly. Their health came first. In the end, the freed nobles heeded her advice, returning to their homes to recuperate before seeking further news of the impending judgment.
"Phew… it's finally settled."
A soft exhale escaped Kamisato Ayaka as the tension left her shoulders.
"You've worked hard today," Futsu Mitama said quietly. Only now did he understand the weight she bore as the Kamisato Clan's daughter—the need to consider every person's feelings from every angle.
"It's alright," Ayaka replied with a gentle smile. Then, with slight guilt in her voice, she added, "I should apologize instead. You did all the work, yet the credit goes to the Yashiro Commission."
She knew well that today's efforts were largely due to Futsu Mitama and Aila. She, Thoma, and Kuki Shinobu had contributed little beyond observation and support. Although Futsu Mitama had insisted beforehand that his involvement remain hidden and that the Kamisato Clan receive all recognition, Ayaka still felt uneasy.
"It's really not important," Futsu Mitama said, waving a hand dismissively. "Reputation does nothing for me."
Goodwill could boost his business at most, but it was not something he sought. If he truly desired recognition, he could simply bring his wine before Tenshukaku. If he could coax the Raiden Shogun into praising its flavor even once—
Inazuma's entire populace would flock to buy it. Even foreign nations would echo the effect.
"The Raiden Shogun herself commended this wine."
Such a statement needed no marketing.
Compared to that, the Yashiro Commission needed these connections far more. The nobles who had been imprisoned were antagonistic toward the Hiiragi Clan—some openly so. And even those who were not… would be now.
This was an opportunity for the Yashiro Commission to win favor among the nobles and merchants of Ritou, smoothing any future dealings there.
"Besides," Futsu Mitama said lightly, noticing Ayaka's lingering guilt, "we're friends, aren't we? Friends help each other. If I need something in the future, I'll count on you too."
Ayaka blinked, startled. A complicated light briefly flickered in her eyes before she smiled—a sincere, radiant smile—and nodded.
"Yes."
With the situation in Ritou settled, the group prepared to return to Inazuma City. The day had been long, and fatigue finally began catching up with them. Ayaka, however, walked with a buoyant step. The journey back was filled with light conversation and gentle laughter.
Futsu Mitama still had his group livestream on; he had promised Raiden Makoto and Azhdaha to keep it running so the two immobile observers could glimpse the outside world a while longer. As they walked, Ayaka's cheerfulness lingered. When they reached a fork in the road, a fleeting reluctance flashed through her eyes.
One path led to Inazuma City. The other to the Kamisato Estate. Evening had nearly arrived; though she would have liked to linger longer, she had to return home.
"Then—we'll part ways here."
Her tone was gentle, tinged with disappointment—but also with the hope of the next meeting.
"Let me know if you need anything," Futsu Mitama replied. He didn't stop her; he truly was exhausted.
From dawn to dusk, he had gone from Tatarasuna to Ritou, fought the Fatui and Scaramouche, rescued the nobles, and now returned to the city. Even friendly conversation could not mask the weight piling onto his shoulders. After bidding farewell to Ayaka and Thoma, Futsu Mitama, Aila, and Kuki Shinobu quickened their pace toward Inazuma City.
At the city gates, the air had grown tight and heavy. A larger-than-usual number of guards scrutinized each visitor, checking documents and identities with solemn vigilance. The Okuzume's public escort of Hiiragi Shinsuke had clearly caused a greater stir than anyone anticipated.
Fearing assassins of the Hiiragi Clan or infiltrating Fatui operatives, the Tenryou Commission left nothing to chance. Just half a month earlier, during the Duel Before the Throne, a Vision had been stolen right under the Raiden Shogun's gaze. The culprit had vanished into thin air. The shame still lingered.
Now, they would not allow history to repeat itself.
Fortunately, Futsu Mitama held noble status, and Kuki Shinobu had connections within the Tenryou Commission. The group passed inspection swiftly.
"One Hiiragi Shinsuke caused all this?" Futsu Mitama murmured, astonished. In the game, he had never felt the weight of it—only vague mentions that the Kujou and Hiiragi Clans met unfortunate ends.
But now, the impact was unmistakable.
"It's not just him," Kuki Shinobu said, sighing softly. "The Three Commissions have always been held by the Kujou, Hiiragi, and Kamisato Clans. Since their founding, these positions have never changed."
"Now that the Hiiragi Clan has committed such crimes, many wonder if the Kanjou Commission will be replaced."
"Some clans that once relied on the Hiiragi Clan are already stirring, eager to seize the position."
She glanced toward the distant Tenshukaku, now surrounded by citizens awaiting the outcome.
"Today will be recorded in history. Since Inazuma's founding, this is the first time a Commission head has been judged by the Raiden Shogun."
"Hiiragi Shinsuke's name will be carved into Inazuma's annals… for all the wrong reasons."
Even if future generations of the Hiiragi Clan proved exceptional, the stain would remain.
"What a pity for Miss Hiiragi," Futsu Mitama sighed. He had met her before. Kind-hearted, helpful. Yet her father's downfall would overshadow her future. Still, unlike the rest of Inazuma, he felt no urge to witness the judgment firsthand.
He only wanted to go home, rest, and enjoy a meal cooked by Aila. Soon, they reached the Futsu Family mansion. Aila and Kuki Shinobu headed to the kitchen—both were starving—while Futsu Mitama sat quietly in the courtyard and began to meditate.
In battle against the Raiden Shogun in that mysterious inner domain, he had been under immense mental strain. Against Scaramouche, there had been no room for even a moment of carelessness. Kazuha had once told him: intense combat sharpens strength, but meditation afterward refines technique and reveals hidden flaws.
So Futsu Mitama let himself sink into that tranquil state, replaying every exchange—every clash of blades and wills—between himself and the Raiden Shogun and himself and Scaramouche.
Time slipped by unnoticed. He forgot entirely that his livestream was still on.
[Raiden Makoto: "Hm? Why isn't the screen moving?"]
[Azhdaha: "I hear breathing. He's still alive, Baal."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Obviously. I meant—is he asleep?"]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "He might have been exhausted…"]
[Kokomi: "Understandable. After all he went through today, collapsing the moment he relaxed wouldn't be strange."]
[Albedo: "No— something feels off. He is not the type to be careless."]
[Makoto: "Oh? Albedo, you're back."]
[Azhdaha: "Done with your tasks?"]
[Albedo: "Yes. I came as soon as I finished."]
[Kokomi: "Perhaps Miss Shinobu or Aila can check?"]
[Ayaka: "Good idea. @Kuki Shinobu @Aila"]
[Aila: "Cooking."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "?"]
Kuki Shinobu went to the courtyard. Only half her face appeared on the livestream, her expression shy as always—but she carried out her task. Moments later, she returned.
[Kuki Shinobu: "He isn't sleeping. He seems to be meditating."]
[Makoto: "That's good. Ei does that often—it helps her find her flaws."]
[Azhdaha: "Warriors all meditate."]
[Ayaka: "Yes— it eases fatigue."]
[Shinobu: "Mm. Sara does it too."]
[Albedo: "Meditation restores clarity. He may grow stronger from this."]
[Makoto: "Good. Scaramouche is still alive. Strengthening himself is wise."]
[Azhdaha: "Ah! I forgot—I still need to invite him to Liyue! To see the Rite of Descension!"]
[Kokomi: "After he finishes meditating, perhaps."]
Then—
[Shinobu: "Wait—? Something's wrong. His expression changed."]
[Makoto: "What?"]
[Azhdaha: "What's happening?"]
[Albedo: "Can you record it?"]
[Kokomi: "Ah! No need—the livestream changed!"]
[Shinobu: "The livestream is from his perspective. If it changed—it means his consciousness was pulled somewhere."]
[Ayaka: "W–wait! This place—this is… the Raiden Shogun!!!"]
In that instant, within his sea of consciousness, the fragment of the Electro Archon's authority that Yae Miko had left with him suddenly blazed to life. A spike of foreboding shot through him.
Futsu Mitama inwardly cursed the fox with every insult he could muster. He had thought she left the authority with him for protection. Now he realized—
She had left it as bait.
Before he could react, a force yanked his consciousness out of his body. When his vision returned—
Across from him stood Raiden Ei, Engulfing Lightning in hand, calm as a moonlit storm. The realm around them was silent, still, endless.
The Plane of Euthymia.
And he, too, stood here in consciousness form.
Shocked—truly and utterly shocked.
While seated in meditation, Futsu Mitama's consciousness was torn away without warning, and when the world around him reformed, he found himself in the Plane of Euthymia. The sight left him momentarily speechless.
The countless torii, the muted, solemn hues, the still air charged with silent authority—and Raiden Ei, Engulfing Lightning in hand, standing at the center like a violet moon. Everything was unmistakable.
It was the very place he had glimpsed during his first use of Transcendence: Baleful Omen, when fragments of the inner realm had bled into his senses. Which meant only one thing:
The sly fox had set him up.
She had never reclaimed the Electro Archon Authority—not out of mercy, but because she was waiting for this moment.
As he silently cursed Yae Miko, Raiden Ei slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze, calm yet piercing, fell upon him.
Why now? Why pull his consciousness into this plane instead of waiting for their scheduled weekly visit to Tenshukaku?
His thoughts churned with questions. He didn't suspect Yae Miko for a second—if she had such ability, she would have stormed the Plane of Euthymia long ago, dragging Raiden Ei out with novels and sweets in hand, turning daily visits into routine.
"Miko likely intended for you to enter," Raiden Ei said, her voice steady and cool. "And in doing so, she left a pathway for herself."
Her expression remained unreadable as she continued, "I cannot meet her yet. Our bond remains frozen at the moment I went to retreat. When the path to eternity matures, I will go to her of my own accord. Tell her that."
To Raiden Ei, it was simple: everything Futsu Mitama had learned from the legacy she left behind had been guided by Yae Miko. And because the Electro Archon Authority entrusted to Miko rested within his body, she could summon only his consciousness—nothing more.
"Ah—understood…" Still dazed, Futsu Mitama nodded.
Seeing this, Raiden Ei rose. Engulfing Lightning gleamed faintly in her grasp as she spoke with composed finality:
"It is enough that you understand. Now—let me guide you in the Shogun's place."
Before the last word faded—
She vanished.
"—!"
Instinct took over. Futsu Mitama raised his hand, drawing the surrounding Electro into form—Musou Isshin condensed at lightning speed. Raiden Ei materialized before him like a phantom. Her Engulfing Lightning met his blade—
Clang—!!
The impact rang through the still realm. His conjured blade fractured instantly. A single normal attack had shattered it.
"My apologies," she said evenly, though her stance did not lighten in the slightest. "It has been long since I last fought. My strength slips at times."
Her words were gentle; her follow-up strike was anything but. Raiden Ei advanced. She used no elemental power, no named technique—only pure martial proficiency. Yet every swing carried crushing weight.
Even Scaramouche during his second awakening had not pressed him like this.
This was the difference. Raiden Ei, even restrained and approachable, was still an Archon—one who had survived the calamities of five centuries and carved her place among the victors of the Archon War.
Against Scaramouche at full power, Futsu Mitama believed he could trade blows, even find openings.
Against Raiden Ei as she was now—His efforts felt feeble.
"This is not your full strength," Raiden Ei said, gaze unwavering. "Use everything you have. Even the authority bestowed upon Miko. A martial artist must never hold back in a spar."
Her movements grew sharper. Faster. Defending alone became a struggle.
"Yes!"
Futsu Mitama exhaled sharply. He understood her intention, even if he did not welcome this… unique style of guidance.
One Raiden Shogun in that consciousness domain had already pummeled him. A weekly dungeon in Tenshukaku awaited him. Now Raiden Ei herself was sparring with him in the Plane of Euthymia.
Three Raiden Shoguns in rotation—how was anyone supposed to live like this?
He tightened his resolve. Electro surged through him—purple arcs flashing in his eyes.
Transcendence: Baleful Omen—open!
A thunderous eye bloomed behind him. The Musou Isshin in his hand stabilized, hardened, strengthened by the awakened authority.
"Rumble—!"
Thunder rippled across the Plane of Euthymia itself.He struck first. Their weapons collided—
Clang—!!
Cracks spidered across his conjured blade, but it held.
"Not bad," Raiden Ei remarked, approval glinting in her violet gaze. "No wonder the Raiden Shogun recognized your potential. In time, you may truly become a guardian of eternity."
"However—you are still too green."
Her speed rose again. Once more, Futsu Mitama was forced onto the defensive.
Half an hour passed. The clash of thunder and steel echoed endlessly—
Until his strength was spent. At last, he collapsed to the ground, gasping.
"Not bad." Raiden Ei nodded. "With your current strength, even five hundred years ago, you could have slain the great demons and sea beasts that plagued Inazuma."
In those days, Inazuma teetered on disaster. Raiden Ei had crossed land and sea, striking down corrupted yokai and monstrous fiends. Many warriors followed her then—brave souls who fought for the realm. To be compared to them now was no small praise.
"You flatter me…" Futsu Mitama lay motionless, utterly drained.
"You still have a few fatal flaws." Suspended in the void, Raiden Ei looked down at him with calm authority. The spar had ended; guidance would follow.
Her reasons for bringing him here were twofold: To let him relay her message to Yae Miko—
And to instruct him directly in the Shogun's stead. She had also grown restless; the Plane of Euthymia offered little stimulation.
"Your first flaw," she continued, "is your reliance on elemental weaponization. It is effective, but not optimal. You must forge a true weapon suited to you."
"As a descendant of the Futsu Family, your forging skills should be sufficient."
Futsu Mitama froze.
Forging— Before brewing, he had considered that path. But forging didn't bring money, and before he gained fame, no one would pay for his work. Inazuma was a nation of swordsmiths; competing with that history was nearly impossible.
"I'll… do my best," he said helplessly.
"Difficulties?" Raiden Ei tilted her head slightly.
"Well—finding suitable materials will take time."
Indeed—if he were to craft a weapon worthy of his current strength, he would need rare, high-quality ores. Perhaps even a trip to Liyue—
Raiden Ei nodded. "That is true. A proper weapon requires time and material."
She paused. Then—
Her next words stunned him.
"In that case— why not use Kunikuzushi's limbs to forge your weapon?"
Futsu Mitama froze mid-breath.
"He has committed unforgivable sins. Though the Raiden Shogun spared his life, mere loss of limb is not enough. Let his body become a blade that guards eternity."
"Kunikuzushi is a puppet of my creation. His components are of the highest grade. A weapon forged from them will serve you well."
Cold? Perhaps. But Futsu Mitama understood. Whatever guilt Raiden Ei once held for Scaramouche had vanished the moment she learned of his crimes—especially the harm done to Yae Miko, her one true friend.
"Ah… that…" The thought of forging a weapon from limbs that looked so human made his expression complicated.
"It is your choice." Raiden Ei closed her eyes. "I look forward to your progress when next we meet."
A rift opened behind him. He was thrown out. Vertigo struck—like being spun inside a washing machine—and then—
He was back.
"Young Master, you've returned."
"You're back!"
Aila and Kuki Shinobu looked at him in awe. They had seen everything through the livestream. He—Young Master Futsu Mitama—had sparred with the true Electro Archon herself.
And she had praised him. If word of this ever reached the public…
Inazuma would be shaken to its core.