While Raiden Ei enjoyed ruffling Yae Miko's fluffy fur, Reisen Riou pondered Plan C, a worst-case contingency for Inazuma's darkest future. He thought of a yet-unborn figure: Kamisato Seinosuke, one of Yougou's Three Envoys, a rare male onmyoji. Like Reisen Riou, a white-haired fox-ear enthusiast, though Ei's charm now outshone all. Seinosuke would train Kairagi samurai to wield elements swiftly, pairing them with element-enhancing armor to rival Hatamoto generals. The catch? It burned lives—too cruel for Reisen Riou unless crisis demanded it.
He shelved it as a backup. With a century or two—enough for seven or eight generations—Khaenri'ah's early growth posed no immediate threat. "Worst case: the original timeline unfolds. Ei falling? Unlikely, unless the Sustainer herself intervenes," he mused under the moonlight. "The issue is Yae Miko, Torachiyo, and mid-to-high-tier forces. Plan A strengthens them beyond the original. With years of elite samurai development, we're solid. But never assume perfection—accidents happen. The Chief's spear looms."
Assuming Makoto and Yae Miko die, Reisen Riou planned resurrection contingencies. "My revival range is Ritou-bound. I need to study Inazuma's deep ley lines—big shots sink fast post-death. With proper safeguards, Celestia shouldn't notice a small fry like me. Or maybe a sealed cave heaven? Makoto's the real challenge. Ei might need to act, leaving Inazuma vulnerable—a loop. Fleeing's smarter, but kidding—I need a spell for a near-death stasis, ideally passive, to preserve life."
Longevity Thunder Elixir Art fit, excelling at life preservation, but was weak for Archon-tier beings. "I need plant-based monsters—Electro, Pyro, Cryo trees. Inazuma lacks them. Time to hit other nations' black markets—live or dead specimens, plus rare herbs like Cecilia Flowers. No luck yet," he sighed. Funding required Ritou Shrine's wealth.
He messaged Anko Renrei. "Riou, disturbing my sleep? Explain, or else," she snapped.
"Urgent matter," he said, sheepish.
"Spit it out!"
"Seven billion Mora," he said. As shrine lord, he needed Anko, the deputy shrine maiden, to approve such a massive sum from Ritou Shrine's coffers.
"What?!"
"It's the max," he said, feigning calm, omitting side plans for noble causes.
"For what?" Anko demanded, calming.
"How's Longevity Thunder Elixir Art?" he asked.
"Amazing. I'll ascend to Great Youkai in two or three years," she said, thrilled but irked he'd developed it.
"I need Electro, Pyro, and Cryo tree specimens, plus rare herbs, to enhance it. Necessary costs," he said, straight-faced.
"For a grand cause, fine. The Mora's in the vault, but tallying seven billion takes time."
"A week's fine," he assured.
…
At work, Reisen Riou used Longevity Thunder Elixir's mint properties to refresh. "Ei, I made you dessert," he said, excited.
"Tch, I'm jealous," Yae Miko teased.
"I brought your favorite fried tofu, Miko, and snacks for Lady Makoto," he added.
"That's better," Yae Miko said, snatching the tofu and darting off.
"Miko says her sister, married to the Red Fox Yae Clan, had cubs. Makoto's going to see them," Ei said.
Yae Sakura, already born? Reisen Riou nodded, noting the future sly fox. Makoto, clearly dodging work post-Seven Archons' Banquet, would go after duties. Reisen Riou joined the new Fifth Scribe—once his subordinate—for routine tasks.
[Year XXXX, Month XX, Day XX, Tenshukaku: Narukami met Fifth Scribe XX, handled XX matters.] Another thrilling day as a recorder, he thought dryly.
--------------------
Want to read ahead? Early chapters on: patreon.com/ShadowKage