"To be frank my purpose in coming here is very simple: I wish to invite the three of you to temporarily join the Shogunate Army."
Kujou Sara spoke without hesitation, her gaze firm as it swept across the three before her.
"?????" ×3.
For a moment, Futsu Mitama, Aila, and Kuki Shinobu could only stare blankly. Sara had extended invitations before—subtle nudges, quiet suggestions that all three possessed the capability to serve in the Tenryou Commission.
But Kujou Sara had never once tried to force them. It wasn't in her nature. If they refused, she simply accepted it with quiet regret. A forced decision brings no righteousness—Sara understood this deeply.
Yet today—she looked anything but composed. Before they could ask why, Kujou Sara's tone tightened, her eyes sharpening.
"Inazuma stands at a critical juncture. The Resistance grows stronger by the day, and the Fatui continue their covert operations."
"Although the Shogun acted personally and punished the Fatui Harbinger, I have a feeling—one we cannot ignore—that our enemies will not retreat."
"The Kujou Clan and the Tenryou Commission believe firmly that the Shogun should not intervene lightly. If a god must constantly descend to resolve mortal affairs, other nations will begin to view Inazuma with disdain."
"Therefore, I went to Tenshukaku this morning to request the temporary suspension of the Vision Hunt Decree, so that we might recruit powerful individuals among the people to face the Fatui and the Resistance."
Her hands clenched slightly, rising and falling with a contained frustration—anger, self-reproach, and anxiety woven into a single breath. This should have been the Tenryou Commission's responsibility. Yet their forces were insufficient, and now she was left to seek aid from trusted friends.
"Did the Shogun agree?" Futsu Mitama asked quietly.
It was difficult to imagine Ei accepting such a proposal. The Vision Hunt Decree, despite its severity, was a pillar of her interpretation of eternity. To suspend it would be to acknowledge change. To acknowledge change was to accept the impermanence she had rejected. If she agreed, it would mean Ei was reclaiming her authority from the puppet—something Inazuma desperately needed.
But Sara shook her head.
"No. The Shogun rejected the request." Her expression dimmed. "However she allowed a compromise. Those who voluntarily join the Shogunate Army may retain their Vision temporarily."
She looked at them—steadily, earnestly.
"My purpose today is to ask the three of you to lend us your strength."
"Let me explain the situation briefly—"
She exhaled softly before continuing.
After the previous ambush by Scaramouche and the Fatui, morale within the Shogunate Army had collapsed. The overwhelming force Scaramouche unleashed had struck soldiers deeper than any wound.
They were overpowered so swiftly that many hadn't even realized what happened before losing consciousness. Those spared became unwilling shields for the enemy, preventing their comrades from retaliating.
Fear spread through the garrisons like a silent storm. Sara knew well what Harbingers were capable of, but most soldiers had never faced such an existence. At the same time, she learned from the head of the Kujou Clan that the Shogun had instructed:
If they encountered Kunikuzushi again, they were to call her name.
Yet the Resistance—supported by Sangonomiya Kokomi and three masked powerhouses—had succeeded in repelling Scaramouche and rescuing many Shogunate soldiers. Thus, Sara resolved to form a special task force: a squad of elites capable of responding to threats beyond ordinary soldiers' reach.
Their purpose was simple—intervene only when true calamity struck. When she finished, the three exchanged a look—subtle, restrained. Not with words, but silently—
In the Chat Group.
[Futsu Mitama: "I didn't expect stopping Scaramouche from slaughtering soldiers back then would catch Sara's attention—"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "I'm curious, if she knew two of those masked rescuers were you and Aila, what would she do?"]
[Aila: "Arrest us on the spot, probably. Unless Young Master agreed to enlist."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Hmm? What's going on? Weren't you testing weapons?"]
[Azhdaha: "Where are the weapons? Why no livestream? I want to see the Group Leader forge."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Kujou Sara has already returned to Inazuma City? So quick— She left only this morning."]
[Albedo: "What happened? I thought we were discussing the design for your next weapon."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Long story short, the current General of the Shogunate Army came to recruit the three of us."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Last time we helped the Resistance, we encountered Scaramouche. To prevent being framed, we saved Shogunate soldiers. That's why Sara considers us 'capable individuals.' "]
[Aila: "If she ever entered this Chat Group, I wonder how she'd react."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Probably heartbreak. Her beloved Shogun helps the Resistance, her friends help the Resistance, and all of them are calmly discussing countermeasures against the Shogunate."]
[Raiden Makoto: "A descendant of the Kujou Clan? Ah… they would indeed feel crushed. But worry not—since I am here, your hearts shall remain strong."]
[Azhdaha: "Former Archon, technically. Now just a lingering consciousness."]
[Azhdaha: "We are the same. If not for this Chat Group, neither of us could even speak properly anymore."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Recruiting— all of you?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Yes. The question is: do we accept, or decline?"]
[Aila: "I follow Young Master's decision."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "!!!!!"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Of course I won't accept. If I suddenly agreed after refusing the Tenryou Commission and Okuzume— wouldn't that look like I'm plotting something?"]
[Kokomi: "True— hahaha— you startled me."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Even if we joined, we'd still pass intel to you, Divine Priestess."]
[Aila: "The true Inazuma lies with the Resistance."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "I— cannot fully deny that—"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Enough chatting. Let us handle this Kujou child first."]
After the group discussion, Futsu Mitama simply shook his head at Sara.
"No."
"Not even for this?" Her voice lowered, tinged with disappointment. She turned to Kuki Shinobu next—but even before asking, she already understood the answer. Three individuals whose strength equaled her own—and all unwilling.
For a brief moment, she looked utterly lost. "It's not impossible," Futsu Mitama said lightly. "But I am under the instruction of the Raiden Shogun herself. I must visit Tenshukaku weekly to receive her guidance."
"Aila only wishes to remain by my side. And Shinobu… well, you know her."
Sara blinked. "What?" Her hands slammed against the table.
"You—receive the Raiden Shogun's guidance?! Every week?! How—how could that be possible?!"
Even knowing his ability, it defied belief. Before she could continue, Futsu Mitama calmly produced a small pink brocade pouch.
"This was given to me by Guuji Yae Miko. Consider it proof."
Sara accepted it instinctively—then froze.
"This is indeed the Guuji's brocade pouch." Her voice trembled. "How did you obtain something like this—?"
Futsu Mitama briefly summarized the chain of events—from the Kanjou Commission's merchant, to encountering Scaramouche, to Miko's intervention, to Shogun's arrival, and finally the weekly instruction granted by the Shogun. He omitted only details that could not be spoken.
When he finished, Sara fell silent.
"So much happened—while I was away."
Her expression shifted—pride, shame, awe, confusion. She finally understood why he refused the Commission. And why the Shogun approved.
Unexpectedly—the path to eternity acknowledged him. Sara bowed her head.
"I have offended you today. I will not speak of this to anyone."
"When matters settle—I will come spar with you."
With that, she turned to leave. But just as she stepped forward—
"Wait, Sara."
She paused. "What is it?"
"You can enter Tenshukaku freely, correct?"
She nodded with quiet pride. "Yes. By the Shogun's permission."
"Then later—would you accompany me? I'm due to receive guidance today. I thought it might ease my nerves if you came along."
Sara opened her mouth to refuse automatically—
"I'm very busy… I—wait."
Her mind caught up to his words.
"You— want me to accompany you—to Tenshukaku—to witness the Shogun's guidance?!"
Her eyes widened. And then—
"What are we waiting for?! Let's go now!"
"Her change of attitude is impressive," Shinobu murmured.
"Her devotion to the Raiden Shogun is unfathomable," Aila added.
Futsu Mitama smiled at Sara's barely-contained excitement.
"No need to rush. Eat first. After dinner, we'll head to Tenshukaku together…"
Tenshukaku.
This towering palace was the very symbol of Inazuma's majesty. Anyone who laid eyes upon it would inevitably feel their heart stir—for this sacred fortress existed solely for one being:
The Raiden Shogun, Inazuma's Eternal Deity.
Even its guards were unlike those stationed anywhere else. The warriors who protected Tenshukaku were not from the Tri-Commission, but the Shogun's personal forces— the Okuzume.
Anyone who wished to set foot inside had to pass through them. Just yesterday, the Hiiragi Clan's final judgement was delivered here. Even now, the topic still lingered on the lips of citizens throughout Inazuma City.
Now, Kujou Sara and Futsu Mitama stood before Tenshukaku's grand steps.
For someone known to move with unwavering resolve, Kujou Sara's eyes showed an unexpectedly faint trace of unease. She lightly tugged at Futsu Mitama's sleeve.
"Perhaps—we shouldn't. I already met with the Raiden Shogun this morning. Returning again now… may be inappropriate."
Despite her hesitation, Sara could not deny her curiosity. She longed to witness how the Raiden Shogun instructed Futsu Mitama. After all, she had never seen either of them truly fight.
The day the Shogun's blade cleaved the heavens, Sara had been stationed at the military camp, discussing strategy with her soldiers. By the time she rushed outside, only a lingering flash of violet remained—and then nothing. She and the soldiers carried the regret deeply.
As for Futsu Mitama, the one time she happened to glimpse him in combat, it had ended in an instant—she blinked, and the battle was already over. Now, Futsu Mitama was to receive direct guidance from the Raiden Shogun. She naturally wished to witness this scene. Yet even so, Sara hesitated. She still had official duties to fulfill—she needed to seek out strong individuals in the city and persuade them to temporarily join the Shogunate Army.
Returning to Tenshukaku purely out of personal curiosity made her feel—guilty.
She wanted to retreat.
"What are you afraid of?!"
But Futsu Mitama grabbed her hand firmly. He could clearly sense her wavering. And besides—if she ran away now, he would be the one facing the Raiden Shogun alone.
With no room left to flee, Kujou Sara allowed herself to be pulled toward Tenshukaku's entrance. Before they stepped inside, two Okuzume guards spotted them. A flicker of surprise crossed their eyes, as though the sight of these two appearing together was wholly unexpected.
"Excuse me— Are you Lord Futsu Mitama?"
One guard stepped forward, curiosity evident in his gaze. After all, the day Guuji Yae Miko arrived to deliver orders, she had specifically instructed the Okuzume to take note of someone named "Futsu Mitama." According to the Guuji, he would be entering Tenshukaku regularly, and any questions regarding the matter should be directed to the Raiden Shogun herself.
Naturally, the Okuzume leader had gone to confirm this. The Shogun affirmed the instruction and even provided a description of Futsu Mitama's appearance. Thus, the moment they saw him, they immediately recognized the one who had been granted permission to approach the throne.
"Yes," Futsu Mitama replied, slightly surprised. He had expected to undergo questioning, followed by a long wait as they sought confirmation from within. He had not expected to be recognized so swiftly. Clearly, this was yet another arrangement made by the ever-calculating Yae Guuji.
"Lord Sara, you…?"
Both guards looked at Kujou Sara next. She had already been here once this morning—why return again so soon? Had her mission already concluded? If so, her speed was truly extraordinary.
"I—" Sara began.
But Futsu Mitama spoke first.
"I invited Sara. I would like her to accompany me and observe during my audience with the Raiden Shogun."
"I see."
The two guards exchanged a brief glance. Though slightly puzzled, both individuals were qualified to enter. Thus, the Okuzume stepped aside, allowing them passage.
"Unbelievable—"
Upon entering Tenshukaku, Kujou Sara could not hide her astonishment. Ordinarily, weapons would have to be set aside. Inspections would follow. Security within Tenshukaku was strict beyond measure. Yet this time, the Okuzume treated them as if everything had already been arranged. They did not even check Sara's bow or fan.
(Well—Futsu Mitama carried no weapons to begin with.)
Guided by Sara, they quickly arrived at the inner chamber where the Raiden Shogun resided. Although this was Futsu Mitama's first time here, Kujou Sara had walked this path many times in her capacity as envoy of the Tenryou Commission.
Inside the hall, the Raiden Shogun stood in serene silence—eyes forward, posture unwavering, lost in thought. When the two entered, Futsu Mitama couldn't help but think to himself:
She looks like she's contemplating something profound. But in truth, she's just as idle as Raiden Ei in the Plane of Euthymia.
On the surface, she appeared busy. But in reality, neither the puppet nor her creator ever truly looked down upon the state of Inazuma. If the Shogun walked among the people—If Ei opened her eyes to her nation's suffering—Perhaps Inazuma would not be in its current state—with scattered Nobushi, growing poverty, Fatui running rampant, and two Commissions barely functioning.
"You've arrived."
The Raiden Shogun acknowledged Futsu Mitama with calm indifference. But then her gaze shifted toward Kujou Sara.
"Kujou Sara. Have your duties concluded?"
"Raiden Shogun-sama—"
Sara knelt on one knee, intending to offer an explanation. But once again, Futsu Mitama cut in.
"I brought Sara. I hope she may observe while you guide me."
"Is that so? Very well." The Shogun nodded, accepting the arrangement without further comment. By rule, Sara was fully qualified to enter Tenshukaku. The one receiving instruction was Futsu Mitama. Sara's presence was merely to observe—what she gained would depend entirely on her own ability.
"Raiden Shogun, I also wished to ask regarding—"
But before Futsu Mitama could broach the question of forging—
"—Buzz."
The Raiden Shogun drew her blade. Unlike Raiden Ei, who wielded a pure, unaugmented strike, the puppet's Musou Isshin radiated a bright Electro glow.
"Seriously?!" Futsu Mitama instinctively blurted out as he moved to manifest his own Musou Isshin—
But in the next heartbeat, the Shogun was already in front of him.
Her blade swung.
"Bang—!!!"
In an instant, Futsu Mitama was launched backward. Kujou Sara stood frozen, unable to react.
"R–Raiden Shogun-sama…." She had not expected the guidance to begin immediately upon entering the hall.
This was far too fast! And—was Futsu Mitama all right?! No one could endure a direct strike from the Raiden Shogun!
"It is fine. I used the blunt side of the blade." The puppet Shogun spoke coolly, fully aware of Sara's alarm.
"Cough—cough…"
Futsu Mitama rose unsteadily to his feet, manifesting a dim Musou Isshin. Behind him, the Chakra Desiderata flickered as the Electro Archon Authority flared to life.
This puppet truly was as rigid as her creator. She said she would guide him—and without waiting for a single word more, she had simply begun.
"Use your own strength," she commanded. "Do not rely on the Authority granted by Miko."
"Understood."
At her words, the Chakra Desiderata dimmed, and the Musou Isshin's glow weakened. Without the Authority, his power dropped sharply. Yet the Shogun's expression did not change.
She vanished.
"Clang—!!!"
This time, he managed to block. But before he could feel relief—
"Clap—clap—clap—clap—clap—!!!"
The Shogun's blade descended again and again from impossible angles, leaving Futsu Mitama no choice but to parry what he could and get struck by the rest.
"Yes—he was yelping."
The Raiden Shogun held nothing back. Though every strike used the blunt edge, each blow was delivered with full precision.
"Not bad."
She nodded, quietly impressed. His progress was visible—where he had blocked two strikes earlier, now he managed three or four. Pressure was necessary. Only under pressure would uncut jade reveal its brilliance. And so—
She struck harder.
Her pace quickened, forcing Futsu Mitama to abandon refining technique—they were simply too far apart. He had to rely on another option:
The Chakra Desiderata.
Through it, he had once predicted Scaramouche's attacks, discerned weaknesses, and countered him. Now, he had to develop it fully—or be thoroughly beaten.
"Buzz—!!"
He summoned it completely. A faint gleam ignited in his dim Musou Isshin. He sensed an incoming strike—
"Swish—!!"
He dodged. Then countered. The Raiden Shogun raised two fingers, calmly catching the blade between them. A flash of surprise passed through her eyes. And then—
She increased her strength yet again.
"Is this—how they fight?"
From the sidelines, Kujou Sara had already taken out a small notebook, diligently recording their techniques. As a devoted admirer of the divine, she felt a pang of envy witnessing someone receive direct guidance from the Raiden Shogun. At the same time, she pitied Futsu Mitama, who was being thoroughly beaten—
Yet another part of her thought: If only I could be beaten like this by the Raiden Shogun…!!!
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