Clatter! Clatter!! ×N
On the second day after the Shogun abolished the Vision Hunt Decree, a large group of heavily armored Okuzumeshuu warriors charged out from Tenshukaku. In addition to their sturdy armor, each carried a Amenoma Kageuchi sword granted personally by the Shogun. Some even hefted the mighty Seven Spears or long twin blades upon their shoulders.
Fully armed and mounted, the Okuzumeshuu warriors rode their warhorses in unison, galloping madly toward a certain location in Inazuma City.
Thud~! Thud~!
The deep rumbling of countless hooves made the townsfolk along Hanamizaka tremble in fear. Seeing this sight, pedestrians hurried to clear the streets, giving way to the Shogun's personal guards as they thundered past. Even the ground itself seemed to quake.
"W-What's happening now?"
"Someone must've caused trouble again?"
"No, normally it'd be the Tenryou Commission moving out. These men are clearly the Shogun's personal troops."
"Hiss~ whoever it is, they're doomed for sure~!"
People whispered anxiously among themselves.
Thud! ×N
A few minutes later, the armored warriors reined in their horses before the Kujou Estate gates. Before the Tenryou Commission guards stationed there could react, the Okuzumeshuu warriors had already drawn their blades and subdued them all!
"You—!" ×N
Crack! ×N
"Uwaaa!!" ×N
The guards at the gate had no chance to resist. Just as they raised their weapons to fight back, one of the Seven Spears swept his weapon in a wide arc, sending several flying at once.
As they hit the ground, several other warriors stepped in, pinning them down with their blades before they could rise. Every motion was clean, decisive, and perfectly coordinated—within mere seconds, the guards were subdued.
At that moment, reinforcements of Tenryou Commission soldiers poured from the distant barracks. But even they were no match for the Okuzumeshuu warriors, and within a few rounds, they too were struck down.
The Seven Spears' captain stood tall at the front, twirling his weapon before resting it upon his shoulder. With his booming voice, he declared to the trembling soldiers before him:
"By the Shogun's divine command, we come to seize the Kujou traitor! Her Excellency decrees—those who resist shall be slain without mercy!"
"!!" ×N
At those words, the soldiers froze, their will to resist crumbling. One after another, they dropped their weapons in surrender.
"Storm the Kujou Estate!"
At his order, the warriors advanced, lining up opposite the great gate in preparation for the assault.
Meanwhile, inside the estate... Kujou Takayuki remained oblivious, unaware of the chaos outside. He had no intention of finding out either—for the moment, he was too furious to care. In his trembling hands, he held the decree, his face twisted with rage.
"Ugh—AAARGH!!"
Bang!
With a roar, he slammed the decree onto the desk, startling the attendants kneeling below.
"Abolish the Vision Hunt Decree?!! Has the Shogun lost her mind?!"
He shouted as though the Shogun could hear him through the walls.
"A bunch of useless fools!! All of you—Fatui scum, every last one of you are idiots!"
Rustle, rustle...
In a fit of rage, he crumpled the decree into a ball and tore it apart viciously.
"They told me again and again—'Everything's under control!' 'A win-win situation!' 'We'll take root in Inazuma!' Root?! You rooted yourselves straight into oblivion!!"
Smack!
Papers scattered across the floor like drifting petals, landing upon the kneeling attendants. None dared utter a word.
"Two Harbingers strutted before the Shogun—one fled in disgrace, and the other got himself executed! Worthless! All of them worthless! Look at the mess you made before the Shogun!"
"Haa... I knew I couldn't rely on those fools. In the end, only I can fix things myself!"
He took a deep breath, trying to steady his dizzy head, then slowly sat back down.
"And that Kujou Sara... all these years, what did I raise her for?! A thankless wretch! And when it mattered most, she bites the hand that fed her! Hah?!"
Not a single one could be trusted—all of them, idiots!
Bang!
Just then, a thunderous crash came from outside. The heavy doors, once firmly shut, were kicked open from the outside. Everyone's gaze snapped toward the entrance—and there stood a mass of Okuzumeshuu warriors in dark armor, their presence so oppressive that those inside collapsed to the floor in terror.
Without the slightest hint of politeness, the armored warriors marched straight into the grand hall as if no one could stop them. The crisp clinking of metal echoed through the chamber, making the already oppressive atmosphere even heavier.
They moved in formation until they surrounded Kujou Takayuki.
Bang!
"Outrageous!! How dare you trespass into the Kujou Estate—have you lost your minds?!"
Furious, Kujou Takayuki slammed his palm against the desk, glaring at the heavily armored warriors before him.
"..." ×N
The warriors exchanged glances. Though their faces were hidden behind masks, their subtle gestures carried unmistakable mockery—as if laughing at him silently.
"Do you even know who I am?! I am Kujou Takayuki, head of the Kujou Clan and commander of the Tenryou Commission! You're not worthy to arrest me!"
He stood up straight, puffing out his chest and trying to sound authoritative despite their imposing presence.
Clap~ clap~
Suddenly, a few crisp claps drew everyone's attention.
Step... step...
Footsteps followed.
"Heh... Lord Kujou is just as spirited as ever."
The voice was elegant and smooth—a young man's tone filled with poise. Kujou Takayuki's eyes widened instantly, his hands beginning to tremble.
The Okuzumeshuu warriors parted at once, stepping aside to form a path for the newcomer, as though he were the true commander of this operation.
With graceful poise, the man stepped into the center of the hall, his refined movements radiating confidence. A faint smile curved his lips as he gazed upon Kujou Takayuki.
"Y-you... Kamisato Ayato!!"
Kujou Takayuki's face paled, his features contorting with fury as he pointed a shaking finger at the man before him—his handsome face calm, his eyes narrowed like a sly fox's.
"Ah... it truly has been a long time, Lord Kujou."
Ayato smiled politely, bowing slightly, completely unfazed by the tense situation.
"You! Was all of this your doing?! Are you the one arresting me?!"
Cold sweat formed on Kujou Takayuki's forehead.
"Ahaha~! You give me too much credit. This is by the Shogun's own command. I'm merely carrying out her will."
That morning, Ayato had received a sealed letter from the Shogun herself, delivered directly to the Kamisato Estate. The order was clear—lead the Okuzumeshuu warriors and apprehend Kujou Takayuki for crimes of corruption, treason against the shogunate, and collusion with the Fatui. With evidence long gathered and the man's misdeeds well known, Ayato did not hesitate. He had waited a long time for this opportunity, and now the Shogun's will had given him full authority.
Of course... Kujou Takayuki wasn't the only one to be taken in. The head of the Kanjou Commission was to be arrested as well. Since they were partners in crime, Ayaka herself had led a separate squad to carry out that mission. By now, she should have already arrived.
"The Shogun...?"
Kujou Takayuki's strength seemed to drain all at once. His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the floor in despair.
"You just said these Okuzumeshuu warriors weren't qualified to arrest you... and perhaps I'm not either. But tell me, Lord Kujou—if even the Shogun commands it, will you claim she lacks the authority too?"
Ayato's tone was soft but laced with hidden sharpness.
"You—!!"
Kujou Takayuki's face flushed red, veins bulging at his temples as rage overtook him.
"Lord Kujou," Ayato said calmly, "let us not ruin the civility we once shared. Please, come with us peacefully to the Commission offices for questioning."
He stepped aside and gestured politely toward the door.
"Tch!! You'll regret this!!"
Though defeated, Kujou Takayuki still wore an expression of bitterness and defiance. Grinding his teeth, he rose to his feet and marched toward the exit. When several warriors moved to restrain him, he shoved them aside.
"Out of my way!! I can walk myself!!"
As the disgraced official was led away, Ayato's once-gentle smile faded into a cold expression. His sharp gaze followed the man's retreating figure.
From a shadowed corner, Kujou Kamaji watched the entire scene, his expression heavy with conflicting emotions. He knew well the kind of crimes his father had committed. The Shogun's decision to arrest him was justified—unavoidable. Though sorrow stirred within him, he could not bring himself to feel pity. Even if the man being taken away was his own father.
...
[Do not fear. As long as I am here, no one will harm you.]
[Rest for a while, won't you?]
[When you awaken, everything will have ended.]
...
"...?"
The fog of confusion gradually began to clear, thoughts forming bit by bit until her mind became lucid again. Her body felt weak—so weak that she could barely move her fingers. It seemed she was lying somewhere?
What happened to her?
At last, the one who had been asleep slowly opened her clear eyes. What entered her vision was a blur of shapes and a brightness that pricked at her sight.
A window? Sunlight?
She was puzzled... but one thing she was sure of—she was lying beneath a blanket. It was soft and comfortable, and both the pillow and the bedding carried a faint, refreshing scent.
"Mm..."
She tried to speak, but her throat felt parched and hoarse. Her body had no strength.
Was she sick?
The brightness stung her eyes, so she squinted uncomfortably, yet her body was too weak to turn away.
Perhaps the person beside her noticed her movement. They rose quietly and walked to the window. The rustle of fabric was followed by the soft swish of curtains being drawn shut, dimming the harsh light and restoring a gentle duskiness to the room.
Tap... tap...
Light footsteps approached—bare feet padding softly against the tatami mats. The sound was muted and deliberate, as if the person didn't want to disturb her. The figure returned to her side, adjusting the hem of their clothing before sitting down gracefully. She could even hear the faint friction of cloth against cloth.
"?"
Curious, she tried to tilt her head slightly to look—but before she could, a warm hand gently covered her eyes. The scent, the warmth... both were familiar. And so was the tenderness.
"Close your eyes a bit longer... Rest more."
As if confirming her guess, a soft, feminine voice came from above—gentle, soothing, like a mother speaking to her child.
Obediently, she closed her eyes again, savoring the comforting touch of that hand brushing against her forehead. Whether this was a dream or reality no longer mattered. If it was real, she had never felt such happiness; if it was a dream, then let her sleep a little longer.
"Shogun... sama...?"
She tried to call out in a faint, hoarse whisper.
"Mm? How do you feel?"
The Shogun sat casually beside the futon, one leg bent, her tone soft as her hand brushed over Sara's closed eyes.
"Any discomfort?"
"...No, only... weakness throughout my body."
Sara answered meekly.
"Anything else?"
Sara shook her head.
"You... had a high fever before. It was severe—you were unconscious for quite some time, even talking in your sleep."
The Shogun explained quietly, recounting what had happened.
"..."
Sara remained silent, still dazed.
"Fortunately, I noticed it in time. I gave you medicine and treated your wounds. Your condition has mostly stabilized now."
The Shogun knew exactly why she had fallen ill. It must have been from her previous battle against the Fatui Harbinger—fighting under extreme temperature shifts despite the shield's protection. From burning heat to piercing cold, the fluctuations were too much for the human body to endure. Catching a fever was already the mildest outcome.
It had been her own carelessness. When she found Sara collapsed, drenched in sweat and gasping with a flushed face, she had immediately carried her into her own chambers to nurse her back to health. She hadn't left her side for two full days, afraid that even the smallest lapse might worsen her condition.
Haa... She wasn't even five hundred years old yet, and already she felt like she was acting like a mother. Was this how Ei felt all the time?
"Shogun... have you... been... cough... staying with me... all this time?"
Sara's usual composure was nowhere to be seen—her voice now soft and frail, almost childlike. Perhaps it was the lingering weakness from her illness.
"Yes. You were unconscious the whole time. I was afraid your condition might worsen if I left. I'd never forgive myself if that happened."
As the Shogun finished speaking, she lifted her hand from Sara's eyes, allowing her to finally open them.
The first thing Sara did upon waking was search for her figure—and when her gaze found her, she froze in stunned silence.
She was still dressed in her violet gentian kimono—the familiar attire of the Raiden Shogun. However, since they were in her private chamber, her appearance was less formal. Sitting cross-legged upon the tatami, her sandals had been left by the door, revealing her slender feet wrapped in sheer stockings.
Perhaps due to her sitting posture, the neckline of her kimono, already slightly loose, had slipped further down, exposing her smooth, graceful shoulders beneath a layer of purple silk. The soft fabric pressed around her bust, forming a clear line of cleavage where the folds met.
Her long, lavender hair, unbound from its usual braid, cascaded down her back like a shimmering waterfall, spreading across the tatami.
"///!!"
The sight before her completely shattered Sara's composure. Her face turned bright red in an instant, as vivid as a ripened apple. Her gaze, unable to resist, kept drifting toward the Shogun's exposed shoulder—and even slightly lower.
"...What's wrong?"
The Shogun, seeing her expression, asked in confusion. Assuming Sara might still have a fever, she leaned closer, her soft skin and the curves of her chest now dangerously near the flustered girl beneath the covers.
"Mm~!"
Sara let out a faint, bashful sound through her nose, her eyes darting away the moment that perfect skin drew near.
"Are you feverish again?"
The Shogun brushed aside Sara's bangs, bending down to press her forehead gently against hers, closing her eyes to sense her temperature.
"///!!!"
Sara immediately shut her eyes tight, trembling all over, her face so red it looked as though it might bleed.
"Your temperature's normal... not feverish anymore. Hm... strange, your face looks quite red though."
The Shogun tilted her head slightly, drawing back as she ran her fingers through her long hair, her tone now soft and warm—far removed from the usual authority she carried.
"Sh-Shogun-sama... ///"
Sara turned her flushed face aside, whispering weakly.
"Mm?"
The Shogun answered with a tender hum, her voice like velvet.
"Your... shoulder... and chest... your clothes... they're—um... slipping."
Sara's throat was unbearably dry, yet she still managed to stammer out the reminder.
"My shoulder?... Chest?"
The Shogun blinked, lowering her gaze. Only then did she notice her kimono had slipped down, revealing her fair shoulder and her curves beneath the silk. Realizing what Sara meant, a faint blush colored her porcelain face.
"Ahem~ Within my own chamber, I tend to be... a bit more casual."
She quietly pulled her robe back into place, her gentle voice betraying a trace of embarrassment.
"...Does it bother you?"
It was true—this was how she usually behaved in private. The only reason she had been so relaxed today was because Sara was no stranger to her. After all, no outsider would ever be allowed to enter her "inner quarters." Still, the girl's sudden comment caught her off guard, leaving her feeling shy in a way she hadn't expected.
"N-no... just... a little... surprised///."
Sara had shrunk almost entirely under the blanket, looking utterly adorable.
"Is that so? You've seen a side of me unlike the one you're used to?"
The Shogun averted her gaze as well, brushing her fingertips over her slightly warm cheeks.
"Mm... But... no matter what kind of... Shogun you are... Sara still... li—li—likes..."
The word stuck in her throat, and the harder she tried to say it, the redder she became.
"Pfft... If you can't say it, don't force yourself. I understand your feelings."
The Shogun chuckled softly, pinching the girl's cheek gently before standing and taking an empty cup from the low table.
"Are you thirsty?" she asked.
"Mm..." Sara nodded, cheeks still flushed.
Hearing that, the Shogun smiled faintly, slipping on her sandals and sliding open the door. Beyond the main hall of Tenshukaku lay her private living quarters—no one else was permitted entry.
She walked gracefully along the quiet corridor toward the adjoining room where the water jug was kept. But just as she stepped forward again—
Bzzt~!
"!!"
A sharp pain surged through her head, scattering her thoughts. Her body stiffened, and she instinctively leaned against the wall for support.
Bzzt~!
The strange sound echoed again within her mind—something was tampering with her core functions, disrupting her control over her own body.
Clatter!
The cup in her hand slipped from her grasp, striking the floor with a crisp sound.
"Ugh~!"
For once, a faint groan escaped her lips. She pressed a trembling hand to her forehead, her body sliding weakly down the wall until she collapsed onto the floor.
Bzzt~!
The sound returned.
She lifted her head, looking down the corridor ahead. Her vision began to distort—static flickered across it like electromagnetic interference, and her violet eyes started to glow faintly, flashing erratically as though short-circuiting.
"Kh..."
She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to endure the feeling of her systems faltering. One hand pressed tightly against the wall as her forehead rested against it, trying to steady the pain.
In her vision, strange text began to appear—lines of what looked like code, writhing like swarms of tiny insects crawling rapidly across her sight.
The dense lines of code seemed to be forming words. Squinting through the pain, she tried to read them.
"Protect... Eternity."
That seemed to be the phrase—flashing over and over, as if trying to warn her of something.
Soon after, the text began to spread and distort further, twisting across her vision like a living thing. And then—the pain spiked sharply, reaching its peak!
...
A minute later, it was gone.
All the strange sensations vanished, leaving only silence behind. Everything returned to normal.
"Haa... haa..."
She leaned weakly against the wall, her body trembling from exhaustion. Her once-flawless composure was gone—now she sat slumped against the wall, drained and breathless.
Her bangs clung damply to her forehead. She wiped them aside with trembling fingers, closing her eyes briefly to calm her internal functions. Even her gaze seemed to shimmer faintly with fatigue.
She lifted her hands, flexing her fingers a few times, then curled them into fists. Nothing seemed out of place.
"Scan."
Her voice came out barely above a whisper.
Beep-beep—!
Her eyes lit up once more. Complex circuits shimmered faintly within her irises as her pupils shifted rapidly, scanning unseen data streams.
Lines of code filled her vision—this time orderly and functional. They scrolled upward continuously, accompanied by occasional interface windows and 3D diagnostics, flashing rapidly like a real machine running a full system check.
Time passed...
Finally, a message appeared: No anomalies detected.
She closed her eyes for a moment, then reopened them. The circuit-like patterns faded from her pupils, the glow dissipating entirely.
"...Haa."
Letting out a slow breath, she steadied herself and pressed a hand against the wall, pushing to her feet. Her legs still felt weak, but she managed to take a few steps forward.
Noticing the cup still lying on the floor, she turned back, bent down to pick it up, and began walking again—slowly, carefully—toward the other room.
She didn't understand what had just happened to her body... but fetching water for Sara came first.
Besides—she had no intention of telling Ei about this. Not because of pride, but because she didn't want to make her worry. Ei was still lost in her own uncertainties, and the last thing she needed was more trouble.
So... she would endure it herself. Perhaps...
—Perhaps it would all be fine in a few days.