Seeing Sangonomiya Eigetsu, Reisen Riou was caught off guard.
Time and decay hadn't touched her—she looked unchanged.
Spotting Reisen, Eigetsu even cracked a joke. "The Water Elixir's healing is top-notch."
Beneath her shell, intricate Hydro elemental energy pulsed, courtesy of the elixir.
"You, you," Reisen shook his head, handing documents to Sangonomiya Kyouen at her side.
He sighed. Eigetsu, this woman, had traded life for beauty. By his estimates, she had one or two years left under normal backlash.
But she'd replaced most of her flesh and life force with Hydro energy.
Reisen didn't know what to say. He couldn't predict how long she'd last now—probably less.
Yet, this carved a new path for her. That's a story for later.
Reisen spent a few days with Eigetsu and Kyouen, attending Kyouen's ascension as Divine Priestess, and giving pointers to Watatsumi's hydroponics team before heading back to Narukami Island with Kyouen.
As the new Divine Priestess, Kyouen had to pay respects to the Raiden Shogun pronto.
Truth be told, Reisen's life energy was no match for his daughter's now.
Multiple Three Realms Gateway Offerings and Bloodbranch Coral surges had spiked Kyouen's life energy past LV80+, making her a top-tier mortal below gods and their kin.
But that was just life energy. Her combat experience was still green.
This competition was perfect for her to see the world, learn, and avoid stirring trouble for herself or Reisen.
Watatsumi's current strength, even at its peak before any decline, was no match for Inazuma's might. Clashing would be like an egg hitting a rock—no need for Narukami to step in.
While Kyouen grew, Inazuma's youkai didn't slack. Yae Miko, with Ei's backing, had become a great youkai years ago.
Reisen's sister, Banjiao Nisei, was close, at LV68. Her top-tier talent meant she'd hit great youkai status in a year or two, no sweat.
Others were on the cusp too—mostly oni and tengu.
The kamaitachi youkai who helped Alice recently got hefty rewards. Once healed, it could push for great youkai status.
It was already at the edge of that tier.
Other miscellaneous youkai were set to lead the youkai world for centuries.
Foxes and tanuki, though? Weak. Too comfy, they couldn't keep up. They focused on youkai arts, which boosted life energy less than martial training.
Some foxes and tanuki excelled at arts and barriers, but Reisen checked—no great youkai prospects.
Talent drought. Most capped at high-tier youkai.
…
Back on Narukami Island, Reisen led Kyouen to the Yashiro Commission, overseers of faith-related matters.
The Divine Priestess technically answered to them, but Sangonomiya's autonomy and direct Narukami link made it looser.
Still, the protocol was non-negotiable. Reisen had checked past records before heading to Watatsumi, and it paid off.
After the Yashiro visit, they joined the Commission's prepared honor guard to meet the Raiden Shogun at the Shogunate.
Kyouen received her formal appointment as Divine Priestess from Ei.
Then, with the honor guard, she was to return to Watatsumi to complete the process.
But Kyouen sent a stand-in back and stayed on Narukami to hang with Yae Miko.
Miko had finally cleared the Grand Narukami Shrine's backlog.
"You sure it's fine to stay?" Miko asked Kyouen.
"No biggie. Mother left some sharp shrine maidens. They've got everything covered. I'd just be in the way," Kyouen said, trusting her team.
"So, you're basically sidelined?" Miko raised an eyebrow. "Your mom doesn't care?"
"Nah, how's that sidelined? They handle the grind; I set the course," Kyouen said. "Mother always said we just need to steer Watatsumi's direction. Leave the details to the pros."
"Watatsumi's chill now anyway."
Watatsumi's military was now under Shogunate control. Their troops handled small stuff like neighbor disputes, while Sangonomiya managed daily life and rituals.
Taxes and research were co-managed by Watatsumi and the Shogunate.
Miko rubbed her smooth chin, in her teenage form. "Heard your dad's running this 'Sage's Private Competition.' Wanna check it out?"
"Father's competition? He mentioned it," Kyouen said, intrigued. "Let's go. Tons of samurai and scholars are in it."
"Hold up. The final debate round's in a few days, and you need a ticket," Miko said, grabbing Kyouen. "Got one?"
"Ticket? What's that?" Kyouen blinked, pulling out a white iron badge. "Father gave me this. Says it's a free pass."
The badge read: Sage's Private Competition Spectator Pass. Unrestricted access, includes a small private booth. Stamped with Reisen's personal seal.
Miko pinched Kyouen's cheek, fuming. "Hmph, teasing me, huh?"
"Ow, ow, ow!" Kyouen yelped.