Chapter 140. Liyue~
At this moment, Raiden Ei was personally instructing him in naginata techniques. Futsu Mitama could only follow.
After all, she was definitely jealous now, wasn't she?
On one side, he was learning the Geo Archon's spear arts. On the other, he carried the Anemo Archon's Gnosis within him.
Although their earlier exchange had clarified his intentions, jealousy was not so easily extinguished.
However, this session was different from before. It was no longer simple guidance.
Raiden Ei understood clearly that his strength had grown too rapidly. His realm had advanced, but his foundation was not yet stable.
Thus, as before, she focused not merely on technique, but on principle—the underlying truths governing weapons and martial paths.
It was not limited to the naginata.
Almost as if demonstrating the breadth of her mastery, Raiden Ei guided him through the application of a hundred different weapons.
If he wished to elevate the power of Musou no Hitotachi, then he must comprehend these foundations.
Because, in essence, Musou no Hitotachi was a strike born from the culmination of countless profound principles.
For Raiden Ei to be proficient in a hundred weapons was entirely natural. Yet in her own practice, she favored the tachi and the naginata.
Gradually, as the instruction continued, the focus shifted again—toward advanced methods of wielding the tachi.
Hours passed.
Eventually, Futsu Mitama collapsed onto the ground once more.
Not from physical exhaustion—But from overwhelming mental fatigue.
Too much knowledge had been poured into him in a single stretch. His temples throbbed violently.
At that moment, a phrase surfaced in his mind. He could not recall where he had heard it, but it felt strikingly appropriate.
The path of martial arts is endless. Every time he believed he had nearly absorbed everything Raiden Ei had to offer—every time he thought the remaining techniques could be refined gradually—
She would unveil something new.
It was reminiscent of Zhongli's casual "a little knowledge." No matter how obscure the subject, he always had insight to provide.
"Not bad."
While Futsu Mitama lay sprawled across the ground, Raiden Ei nodded with visible satisfaction.
"In terms of technique, you learn exceptionally quickly. I am pleased. Seven days from now, the Shogun will guide you instead. I have been leaving the Plane of Euthymia too frequently of late. That is not ideal."
Originally, she had intended for the Shogun to handle his instruction from the beginning. Though rigid in temperament, the Shogun was reliable and precise in teaching.
Raiden Ei herself needed to remain within the Plane of Euthymia to resist erosion.
Yet she had noticed something.
Whenever Futsu Mitama was involved, the frequency with which she emerged had increased.
Why?
She was uncertain.
Was it because of the condensed resin candy?
Or because he was Inazuma's chosen successor?
Regardless, she made her decision.
In seven days, the Shogun would come. She would return to meditation and continue resisting erosion.
"Yes."
Futsu Mitama nodded. Then he seemed to recall something.
"Oh, Shogun-sama—I will be returning to Inazuma."
"Hm?"
A sharp glimmer flashed in Raiden Ei's eyes.
Returning to Inazuma? Before he could react, she reached out and lifted him directly from the ground.
"Eh?"
Futsu Mitama stiffened. Then realization struck him.
"Not now! I still have matters to handle in Liyue! Only after I finish handling matters in Liyue will I return to Inazuma! Shogun-sama, please don't be rash!"
Futsu Mitama truly panicked. For reasons he could not fully articulate, he had a strong premonition—
If he spoke even a fraction of a second too slowly, then within a dozen breaths he would already be standing inside Inazuma City.
Raiden Ei's posture made her intention unmistakable. She clearly wished to bring him back immediately.
After the Anemo Archon had attempted to pass on his position, and the Geo Archon had personally bestowed a legacy, it was only natural that she felt uneasy about leaving him outside her sight.
Futsu Mitama understood that feeling. If he had such an outstanding successor, running about and receiving instruction from other gods, he too would be restless. He would want to keep that person close—within sight, within reach.
—
A trace of regret flickered through Raiden Ei's eyes. She was clearly disappointed that she could not take him back at once.
Yet she still held him in her arms and said evenly, "You are going to Liyue Harbor? Then I will take you."
Now that she knew he intended to return to Inazuma eventually, her mood brightened noticeably. As long as he returned, neither Morax nor Barbatos could take him from her under her very gaze. And once in Inazuma, he could visit the Shogun at Tenshukaku every week—far more convenient than traveling between nations.
"Please don't rush, Shogun-sama."
Futsu Mitama did not dare move. He was currently lying in Raiden Ei's arms, and the proximity was—dangerous. If he shifted carelessly, he would inevitably touch something he absolutely should not.
So he spoke with solemn restraint.
"I still need a few days in Liyue. I've already prepared the materials for the companion weapon. This trip is specifically to retrieve them. And there are other matters in Liyue that require my intervention."
In truth, there was little beyond collecting the weapon materials. He merely needed to greet the Qixing and exchange the one billion mora obtained from La Signora at Northland Bank. Though he could not help wondering—
If La Signora had indeed gone courting death on that island, and the Fatui learned of her demise, would they refuse to honor the agreement in anger?
As this thought passed through his mind, Raiden Ei set him down.
"You will return to Inazuma within seven days?" she asked seriously.
Before knowing of his plans, she had not cared. But now that she knew he would return, she wished for it to happen as soon as possible.
Too many gods were watching him. Though seven days were but a fleeting moment for an Archon, she disliked uncertainty.
"Perhaps not," Futsu Mitama replied.
Raiden Ei's brows drew together faintly.
"Because I cannot predict the sea," he explained quickly. "What if I encounter a once-in-a-century thunderstorm? Guuji Yae once did. If that happens, no ship can sail against it."
Under ideal conditions, Beidou could reach Inazuma in less than four days.
But ideal conditions were never guaranteed.
"It is nothing."
Raiden Ei's expression steadied.
"If such a natural disaster occurs—Do you still carry the exit permit the Shogun granted you?"
Futsu Mitama blinked at the sudden shift in topic, then nodded.
He had kept it carefully. The permit granted immunity against the thunderstorm encircling Inazuma. Beidou herself had said that the storm did not discriminate—it struck as it pleased. Many merchant fleets had abandoned trade with Inazuma because of it. Only bold fleets such as The Crux still dared make the voyage.
"That is sufficient."
Raiden Ei nodded.
"When you approach Inazuma, if the so-called natural disaster manifests, inject your Authority into the permit. The Shogun will act and disperse it."
Shock flickered through Futsu Mitama's eyes. Yet at the same time, it felt entirely reasonable. Natural disasters were terrifying. But Archons were, in truth, incarnations of natural calamity.
No storm could stand before the Raiden Shogun's will.
"But," she added calmly, and her calmness was more intimidating than anger, "do not use the wrong Authority."
The implication was unmistakable. If he infused the Anemo Authority into that permit, lightning would likely answer him first.
"Understood," he said at once.
Raiden Ei's expression softened slightly. Without further words, she transformed into lightning and vanished, returning to Inazuma.
Soon after, Zhongli and Kuki Shinobu reappeared.
"Let us continue to Liyue," Futsu Mitama said.
After receiving instruction from one god, he had no desire to immediately endure another's. That was no longer training. It was self-inflicted torment. He was not yet an Archon. His mental endurance had limits.
Neither Zhongli nor Kuki Shinobu objected. Thus, the three resumed their journey, now having fully crossed into Liyue. After a full day and night of travel, Liyue Harbor finally appeared before them.
"Liyue Harbor—I am back."
An inexplicable familiarity welled up within him. After so long in the wilderness, returning here felt almost like coming home. He had even purchased a residence here. Tonight, at last, he could sleep properly.
"What next?" Kuki Shinobu asked. "Guuji Yae is at the Jade Chamber playing chess with Tianquan Ningguang. Keqing is handling the aftermath of the Abyss Order. Shall we rest tonight, then go to Mt. Aocang to retrieve Aila?"
There was much to do.
The companion weapon materials.
The special husk doll for Yae Miko's research.
Aila, who remained at Mt. Aocang under Shenhe and Cloud Retainer's watch.
With the Tenryou Commission and the Fatui preparing a full assault in a month, the Resistance's survival was critical. To Raiden Makoto and Yae Miko, it was not merely a faction—
It was the blade that would force Raiden Ei to face her people again.
It was the means to purge corruption from Inazuma.
Futsu Mitama himself owed them.
Sangonomiya Kokomi had arranged his escape. If the Resistance fell, Kokomi would not escape consequence.
He had to return.
And he had to bring Yae Miko with him.
Without her, turning the tide would be nearly impossible.
"Northland Bank first," Futsu Mitama decided.
He wanted to see Tartaglia. Negotiating with La Signora had required constant vigilance.
With Tartaglia, things were simpler.
Straightforward.
Almost refreshing.
Zhongli spoke calmly. "I will return to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
He had matters to oversee—seals, ley lines, and preparations for Guizhong's resurrection.
They parted.
—
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu headed toward Northland Bank.
At the entrance, a male Fatui stood reading a letter with evident interest.
After finishing, he glanced around before discreetly beginning to write one of his own.
"Hey."
A familiar yet unfamiliar male voice called out.
Startled, the Fatui hastily put away the letter and turned.
"Welcome to Northland Bank. May I inquire what business you wish to conduct—"
His voice faltered.
His pupils contracted.
He had recognized them.
"Fu—Futsu Mitama?!"
Just like during his previous visit to Northland Bank, the male Fatui agent instinctively staggered backward, as though he had seen something deeply terrifying.
"Hm."
Futsu Mitama had long since grown accustomed to such reactions. He merely nodded and walked inside.
"Where is Tartaglia? I'm here to see him. If he's not inside, send someone to call him back. Tell him I have business to discuss."
He spoke as if returning to his own residence. It was midday—the peak hour for transactions. Numerous clients were present, and many cast curious glances at the two figures in unmistakable Inazuman attire.
No one present was foolish.
The moment Futsu Mitama stepped inside—
Every Fatui employee froze. Their gazes turned toward him simultaneously.
It was not hostility.
It was fear.
Internally, they wailed.
Why has this calamity returned to Liyue?!
News from Mondstadt had already spread.
It was said he had nearly succeeded in ambushing the Lady. Had Her Majesty the Tsaritsa not intervened personally, no one knew how that encounter would have ended.
To the Fatui, the Tsaritsa was sacred beyond measure.
And because of Futsu Mitama's actions, she had been forced to leave Snezhnaya to intervene.
From that day onward, his reputation within the Fatui had ascended from "dangerous" to "disastrous."
"L-Lord Futsu Mitama… p-please follow me to the VIP room…"
A trembling Electro Cicin Mage stepped forward. Though fear was evident, someone had to receive this "demon" from Inazuma.
"It's you?"
Futsu Mitama recognized her immediately. She had once gone to Mt. Aocang to relay the Doctor's request.
"Y-yes… it's me…"
Her trembling worsened under his gaze. She forced composure, but the stammer betrayed her.
"P-please… this isn't a suitable place to speak…"
Kuki Shinobu glanced at the mage, then at Futsu Mitama. He hadn't done anything especially outrageous recently—so why did the Fatui appear even more frightened?
"Very well."
Futsu Mitama agreed without comment. He found the reaction strange as well, but he would ask Tartaglia later.
The relief among the Fatui was palpable.
They escorted him to the familiar VIP room. Tea and pastries were served immediately.
They informed him that the Childe was currently outside Liyue Harbor and had been summoned back.
Futsu Mitama did not mind.
He and Kuki Shinobu drank tea, sampled the complimentary pastries, and chatted idly while waiting.
An hour later, the door opened.
A smiling Tartaglia stepped inside.
"Futsu Mitama. You're finally back. To be honest, I've been wondering how long it would take you to return after leaving Mondstadt."
"I didn't expect that just as I was thinking of you today, you'd appear before me. What timing."
The warmth in Tartaglia's expression made Futsu Mitama's mood subtly darken.
When Tartaglia was this cheerful—
It meant he wanted something.
Tartaglia sat down, still smiling.
"Yes. Because I do have something to discuss with you."
Futsu Mitama moved first.
He produced the one-billion-mora contract signed by the Lady and tossed it across the table.
"This is the contract she signed. You understand the contents. I'm here to redeem the one billion mora."
Tartaglia caught it, glanced over it, and chuckled softly.
"One billion mora is simple. But your methods were rather—unethical. You nearly ambushed the Lady. If Her Majesty hadn't intervened, Snezhnaya itself might have suffered consequences."
A trace of dissatisfaction entered his tone. He did not object to the Lady being killed. Fatui Harbingers lived with danger by default. If she had died, he would merely have acknowledged it and continued forward. But dragging Snezhnaya into potential catastrophe—
That, he resented.
"Oh?"
Futsu Mitama blinked faintly. He had not expected the Tsaritsa to intervene personally. That revelation confirmed something else as well—
The existence tied to Time was more terrifying than he had estimated.
Calmly, he replied, "I did not ambush her. I clearly stated the island involved secrets related to Time. The Anemo Archon was present as well."
"According to the contract, I concealed nothing."
Tartaglia's smile did not waver. His eyes, however, carried a certain helpless amusement. As if to say—
Must you pretend in front of me?
Even if he had not known every detail, he surely understood the island was extraordinarily dangerous. Revealing that information so casually had not been coincidence.
Borrowing a knife to kill—
It was an elegant tactic.
Tartaglia admired it.
That did not prevent him from complaining.
"Enough."
He waved it off.
"One billion mora is no issue. But let's move to the real matter."
His expression turned serious.
"I want the Juvenile Jade extracted from the Primo Geovishap. It is extremely important to me."
"Will you sell it?"
"I've prepared mora, elemental materials—even materials not native to this world. I'm prepared to offer satisfactory compensation."
He was direct.
He wanted the Juvenile Jade.
Futsu Mitama tilted his head slightly.
"You're aware I sold it to Ningguang, correct?"
To his knowledge, the Fatui's intelligence network was thorough.
Tartaglia nodded.
"I know. Then let's alter the proposal. I want to borrow it. It is of immense importance to me."
"Surely, with your standing, arranging a temporary loan would not be difficult. And leaving such a thing with the Qixing is a waste."
Futsu Mitama stared at him, speechless.
Kuki Shinobu pressed her fingers to her forehead.
At this point, Tartaglia had discarded subtlety entirely.
The Juvenile Jade was not merely a rare material. It had strategic value for Liyue. It had already been used to expose the Abyss Order. There was even a slim possibility it could cultivate a non-hostile Primo Geovishap. Who would relinquish such a thing?
"Go to Ningguang yourself," Futsu Mitama said flatly. "I handed it to her. If you can persuade her, then persuade her. She's a capable businesswoman. Offer sufficient benefit, and perhaps she'll consider it."
Tartaglia's smile thinned subtly. If it were that simple, would he have waited?
Negotiating with Ningguang on this matter was functionally impossible. That was precisely why he had hoped Futsu Mitama might intervene.
But the answer was clear.
Internally, he sighed. Perhaps he would have to seek Zhongli's advice. Without the Juvenile Jade and the forced evolution apparatus, replicating a Geovishap would be impossible.
Without that—
He could not trace Azhdaha.
Without Azhdaha—
He would be forced back to poring over ancient Liyue records in search of another Archon-level force to enact his plans.
"Anything else?" Futsu Mitama asked warily.
If Tartaglia intended to push further— He would simply leave.
He had not even inquired about Scaramouche or the Doctor yet. And now Tartaglia was the one making demands? Was this still the same Tartaglia?
"No."
Tartaglia shook his head and lifted the contract.
"I'll arrange the one billion mora. If you have nothing further, you may leave afterward."
Disappointment lingered in his voice, but the Fatui would honor the contract.
Credibility was non-negotiable.
"Wait."
Futsu Mitama smiled faintly.
"I have something to trouble you with."
Tartaglia stared at him, bewildered.
You rejected me outright—and now you ask favors?
Still, he sat back down.
"What is it?"
Futsu Mitama leaned slightly forward.
"How much do you know about Scaramouche… and Dottore?"
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