Chapter 8. Leave Inazuma Again
After the sparring session, the courtyard gradually quieted, and it was finally time to rest and prepare lunch.
Half a year had passed in the blink of an eye. For Futsu Mitama, his stay in Inazuma had always carried a clear purpose—refining his martial foundation. Six months ago, although his strength was already formidable, his techniques were undeniably lacking. Raiden Ei had been correct: external power was ultimately external. Without strengthening oneself, collapse was only a matter of time.
Now, that stage had come to an end.
His next destination was Sumeru. He had only completed half of what lay there, and much remained unresolved. What awaited him was uncertain, but some things were already clear—Scaramouche would undergo a major transformation, Il Dottore's God Creation Project would begin, and the situation within Sumeru's official ranks could not be trusted.
In simple terms, it was a place filled with danger. Either of those two alone was already enough to be a serious threat. Entering such a place without the strength of a weak god would be no different from walking into a trap—especially while carrying the Anemo Gnosis.
Even if Venti himself did not care about it, Futsu Mitama did. Since it had been entrusted to him, he would bear that responsibility. At the very least, he would not let it fall into others' hands unless he himself could no longer stand.
And beyond all of that—
There was another reason why he was so eager to leave.
Lunch that day was hotpot. Everyone gathered around the table, the pot already bubbling as steam rose steadily. Ingredients were placed in one after another, though Kuki Shinobu quietly stopped Kamisato Ayaka from putting cake into it.
"Are you leaving today?" Ayaka asked after taking a small bite of the cake she had picked up. She blinked slightly, her tone carrying a trace of reluctance. "Isn't this a bit too rushed?"
"Raiden-sama probably won't want you to leave, and Guuji Yae also…"
Over the past six months, Futsu Mitama and the others had played an indispensable role in Inazuma's transformation. Whether it was Raiden Ei, Yae Miko, or even Raiden Makoto within the Chat Group, all of them were reluctant to see them go.
Even more so for Futsu Mitama himself.
To them, he was someone of exceptional value.
Even gods had taken notice of him. Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had repeatedly urged him to visit Sumeru, even going so far as to place her inheritance within the Chat Group.
As for why Sangonomiya Kokomi would also be leaving with them, it was much simpler. After half a year of continuous work, the Resistance had already been fully dissolved, and she had arranged capable individuals to manage Watatsumi Island in her stead. With both Yae Miko and Kujou Sara overseeing Inazuma, and with Gorou still present, she felt reassured enough to finally step away for a time.
Ayaka, however, could only watch with a hint of envy. As the young lady of the Kamisato Clan, she could not leave so easily. There were still responsibilities she had to shoulder.
"Staying is not difficult," Futsu Mitama said after a brief pause, a faint sigh escaping him. "It's just that there are some things that need to be resolved."
"Resolved?" Ayaka blinked, confusion flickering in her eyes.
She still did not fully understand why he was in such a hurry to leave. Yet others did.
Shinobu remained silent, merely glancing at Aila. The reason was obvious to her.
Shenhe spoke instead, her tone calm as always. She picked up a beef ball from the pot and placed it into her bowl before continuing, "It's because of Junior Sister."
"That Black Junior Sister once said—once Junior Sister reaches the adeptus level, she will immediately come for a fusion battle. At that time, there will only be one Junior Sister in the world."
"But now…"
Ayaka's expression shifted slightly as understanding dawned.
Aila said nothing, but her silence carried its own weight. She knew very well why Futsu Mitama was acting this way.
Because that other "her" would keep her word.
More than a month had already passed since Aila reached the adeptus level. Even if she had traveled slowly, she should have arrived by now.
Yet there was still no sign of her.
Which meant—
Something had happened.
"She is someone who keeps her promises," Futsu Mitama said quietly, placing a piece of lamb into his bowl. "Because I understand Aila, I also understand her. If Aila reaches the adeptus level, she will definitely come. She won't give any extra time."
"So the only explanation is that something went wrong."
His gaze lowered slightly.
"If nothing unexpected happened, it's very likely related to the Fatui."
Black Aila had few enemies. The only ones who would have both the motive and the ability to act against her were the Fatui. As someone who had delved into the Abyss and touched upon divine authority, she was far too valuable—and far too dangerous—to be left alone. That was why she had hidden herself deep within the Abyss, waiting for the right moment.
And now, when that moment had come—She had not appeared.
Which could only mean one thing.
Her situation had worsened. Whether she was trapped within the Abyss, or had fallen into the hands of the Fatui, the outcome pointed in the same direction.
Futsu Mitama's decision—was already made.
Futsu Mitama was already prepared to go and look for her. Being trapped in the Abyss was one thing, but if she had truly been captured by the Fatui—then there would be no room for hesitation.
At that point, he would summon them all—the Anemo, Geo, and Raiden Ei—and go straight to Snezhnaya to bring her back as a favor.
Because Black Aila was Aila.
If anything happened to her, Aila would not remain unaffected.
"The Fatui…" Kamisato Ayaka fell silent, clearly at a loss for words. No matter where one looked—Inazuma, Liyue, Mondstadt, or Sumeru—their presence seemed unavoidable. Now even this matter was connected to them.
"They really don't stop."
"Let's eat first." Futsu Mitama cut off the topic. There was no need to dwell on it further. If Black Aila's condition had truly worsened, Aila would have sensed it already.
And once they reached Liyue and spoke with Tartaglia, the truth would become clear.
There was also another matter he intended to handle in Liyue.
A certain "Doctor."
Before heading to Sumeru, he wanted to speak with him.
But for now, none of that mattered.
They were leaving Inazuma today. It was only right to enjoy a proper farewell meal.
Soon, everyone had eaten their fill. As they chatted, they began packing their belongings. It was at this moment that Thoma arrived, informing Ayaka that the Yashiro Commission required her presence.
Ayaka could only smile helplessly. "I'll have to excuse myself for now. Next time you return, we'll have hotpot together again."
Before leaving, she added with a hint of anticipation, "Next time—how about we try adding small cakes into the hotpot? Maybe it will taste even better."
Thoma paused for a moment, then laughed awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
Even Kuki Shinobu had no idea what to say. Cakes in hotpot— it was difficult to imagine such a combination.
Futsu Mitama, however, only smiled. "Next time for sure."
With that, Ayaka and Thoma departed.
After finishing their preparations, Futsu Mitama and the others set off toward Ritou. Sangonomiya Kokomi had already contacted Beidou to arrange their return to Liyue. With the captain known as the "Dragon King" leading them, the journey would be smooth.
The Alcor would first pass by Watatsumi Island before arriving at Ritou. They would meet there.
By the time Futsu Mitama and his group arrived, Ritou was bustling with activity—far more lively than it had been half a year ago. Under Raiden Makoto's policies, it had begun to recover a trace of its former prosperity.
Even so, there was still a long road ahead before it could fully return to its past glory.
As soon as Futsu Mitama appeared, the crowd stirred.
After all, he was now known as the next Raiden Shogun, and his appearance bore a striking resemblance to Raiden Ei. Rumors had even spread among the populace—some absurd enough to claim he was the Shogun's illegitimate child.
Naturally, those who spread such claims had already been dealt with.
"Hmm? Futsu Mitama? Why are you here?"
A familiar voice interrupted the noise. Futsu Mitama turned and saw Kujou Sara approaching with a group of Shogunate soldiers.
"Eh?" He looked at her in surprise. "Why are you here? Is there another event at Ritou?"
Under normal circumstances, Kujou Sara should have been in Inazuma City managing the Tenryou Commission.
"A merchant convoy from Snezhnaya has arrived," Kujou Sara explained calmly. "I'm here to warn them and to conduct inspections. We're also checking the surrounding waters for any Fatui attempting to infiltrate."
Futsu Mitama nodded. "I understand that. But why did you come personally?"
Kujou Sara gave a faint smile. "Just a routine patrol. Nothing major."
Then she looked at him again. "What about you? Are you heading to the International Chamber of Commerce? Or staying for a meal?"
"We're leaving Inazuma," Futsu Mitama replied.
Kujou Sara paused, slightly puzzled. Then, as if understanding something, her expression turned serious. "In that case, I will escort you. Now that the Sakoku Decree has been lifted, the Shogunate Army can deploy warships."
"No need." Futsu Mitama shook his head and pointed toward the sea. "The one picking us up has already arrived."
Kujou Sara followed his gaze and was momentarily surprised. "Sangonomiya Kokomi—?"
On the deck of the approaching Alcor stood Kokomi. She leapt down gracefully, supported by a summoned jellyfish, and landed beside them with a gentle smile. "Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting."
Her appearance immediately caused a stir among the surrounding crowd. The former leader of the Resistance appearing here—and meeting directly with Futsu Mitama—naturally sparked endless speculation.
Even the elite soldiers behind Kujou Sara instinctively tensed.
There was nothing they could do. Half a year ago, they had been completely overwhelmed by the Resistance. Though Kujou Takayuki had borne the responsibility, that defeat still weighed on them.
Kujou Sara frowned slightly.
The soldiers immediately relaxed and returned to their positions.
"Sangonomiya Kokomi," Kujou Sara said after a brief pause. "This is our third meeting."
Kokomi smiled gently. "Yes. The first two were on the battlefield. But this time, we meet as allies. As friends."
"Are you going to Liyue with them?" Kujou Sara asked.
Kokomi nodded. "Watatsumi Island's affairs have already been arranged. Compared to that… I'd like to go to Liyue and relax. Perhaps bring back seeds so our people can grow fresh vegetables."
"I've also long been interested in outside world."
Her words were entirely reasonable.
Kujou Sara listened and nodded, her expression filled with respect. "As expected of the Divine Priestess."
After a brief exchange, their impressions of one another deepened.
Kujou Sara then offered once more, "We can escort you with warships."
"No need."
Another voice sounded.
Beidou stepped down from the Alcor, laughing lightly. "If warships follow, it'll only slow us down."
Kujou Sara did not object. She knew well who stood before her—the captain of the Crux Fleet.
"I understand."
"Aila." Beidou nodded toward her. "Raiden Shogun's successor"
"Beidou." Aila returned the greeting.
"Just call me like usual," Futsu Mitama said helplessly. "Don't call me the next Raiden Shogun."
Beidou laughed. "Your reputation has already spread through Liyue. To get a mission the befriend the Next Raiden Shogun, I really should thank Kokomi"
After a brief exchange, Futsu Mitama and the others boarded the Alcor.
The crowd had already begun to swell, making it difficult for the guards to maintain order. To avoid causing trouble, they left quickly.
Soon, under the cheers of the people, the Alcor set sail.
Kujou Sara stood at the shore, watching the ship gradually disappear into the distance. A faint trace of emotion passed through her eyes before she turned and led her soldiers away, continuing her patrol.
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