That's right. Though their relationship appeared completely normal in front of the other Arataki Gang members, Lucas and Kuki Shinobu had actually been maintaining a close, secret connection behind the scenes.
After all, the Arataki Gang wasn't particularly large, and with their playful leader, Arataki Itto, often dragging his subordinates around on wild escapades, the gang's hideout was usually empty except for Lucas, who was busy researching weapons, and Kuki Shinobu, who was either preparing for certification exams or searching for new ones to take.
This naturally led to plenty of opportunities for the two to "deepen their bond." Of course, as Shinobu herself put it, this was merely the "payment" for saving Lucas's life once.
However, Shinobu was currently preparing for a particularly difficult certification exam. To avoid distractions, she had imposed a strict rule on herself—"No more than two meetings per week."
Today was Wednesday, and this week's quota had already been used up.
"I…" Lucas hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject, and could only stammer, "There's something I need to tell you…"
"No need," Shinobu sighed. "I already know."
Lucas froze. Had Shinobu's observational skills grown so sharp that she could already tell he was planning to leave?
"Honestly, you're hopeless…" Shinobu poked his forehead lightly with a finger. "I already told you I need to focus on studying these days. Can't you just endure it for a little while?"
Lucas replied, torn between laughter and tears, "No, that's not—"
"Enough, enough, no need to explain. You're still young—it's normal to lack self-control," Shinobu said as she walked over to the desk, which was piled high with reference books. She leaned forward, resting her hands on the surface, then arched her back slightly and glanced over her shoulder at him. "I still have to study. If you really can't hold back, take care of it yourself from behind."
Truly, the Certificate Queen of Inazuma—her time management skills were unparalleled.
But could she really focus on her books if they went through with this?
More importantly, he had come here today to resign from the gang, not to… well, "enter" anything else.
"You… why are you still standing there?" Shinobu frowned slightly. "Hurry up, or the others will be back soon."
The reason she kept their relationship hidden wasn't because of any special connection with Arataki Itto, but simply because, given the man's level of comprehension, the revelation might send him into shock.
Lucas figured that since he was already here, he might as well "go with the flow." Once things were over, Shinobu might be in a better mood and more receptive to his decision to leave the Arataki Gang.
Besides, the faint outline visible beneath her thin clothing was simply too tempting to resist.
"Hey…" Lucas rested his hands on Shinobu's waist and murmured, "Are you really going to be able to focus on your books?"
"Don't underestimate my willpower," Shinobu huffed. "This section is important—I have to memorize it today."
"Then I'll begin," Lucas whispered. "Sister Shinobu, please endure a little longer."
To his surprise, Shinobu actually started reciting from memory:
"…During routine maintenance… the cleaning device must be inserted… at a frequency of three hundred vibrations per minute… until the gel-form detergent… fills all gaps in the instrument… The entire process typically lasts fifty to sixty minutes… and must not be interrupted midway…"
This must be some incredibly difficult material—Lucas listened for a while but still couldn't figure out what kind of certification she was studying for.
And as it turned out, Shinobu had vastly overestimated her own "willpower." By the end, she hadn't even managed to finish reciting that single passage.
Yet, the thought that leaving the Arataki Gang would inevitably strain his relationship with Shinobu filled Lucas with a pang of melancholy.
"Are… are you done yet?" Shinobu asked in a hushed voice.
"Almost," Lucas replied, his breathing ragged. "Sister Shinobu, stop squirming."
Lucas had always been confident in his self-control, so he rarely took precautions. He usually managed to pull out at the critical moment.
But just as he was about to reach that point, a booming voice suddenly echoed from outside the door:
"Brother Yamano-kun! Shinobu! Trouble!"
That deafening shout could only belong to one person—Arataki Itto.
Along with the yell came the sound of hurried footsteps.
Shinobu's heart leaped into her throat, and she instinctively straightened up.
The sudden clenching of the "floodgates" triggered a violent surge. The two stared at each other, their expressions a mix of emotions—especially Shinobu's, which carried panic, embarrassment, and a hint of reproach.
Given Arataki Itto's personality, he wouldn't bother knocking in an emergency. Fortunately, Shinobu had reflexively locked the door. A series of loud bangs followed as Itto bellowed from outside, "Shinobu! Where's Brother Yamano-kun?"
Shinobu pressed a finger to her lips, signaling Lucas to stay quiet, then pointed at the nearby wardrobe. Understanding, he quickly scrambled inside.
"I… I don't know," Shinobu replied, forcing her voice to remain steady as she pulled up her pants. "What's wrong? Why the panic?"
"I was playing Genius Invokation TCG with some buddies when I spotted that damn Kujou Turtle leading Tenryou Commission soldiers straight for our hideout!" Itto blurted frantically. "She's holding that 'Scarlet Maru' we sold off last time—she's probably here to make trouble! You and Brother Yamano-kun need to get out of here! I'll hold them off!"
"Kujou Turtle" was Itto's derogatory nickname for Kujou Sara. The reason was simple: ever since his defeat at her hands, he had been itching for a rematch. But Sara, naturally, wanted nothing to do with his nonsense and avoided him at all costs—hence the "turtle" moniker.
As for "Scarlet Maru," it was a tachi forged by Lucas—a fine piece that had fetched a decent price on the black market. Its blade gleamed with a reddish hue, making it easily recognizable.
Itto was a regular at the police station and had no qualms about being arrested again. But if Kujou Sara discovered that the blacksmith behind the smuggled weapons was "Brother Yamano-kun," things would take a serious turn. After all, while smuggling weapons was one thing, privately forging them was an entirely different level of crime.
Shinobu was about to respond when another set of footsteps suddenly approached from outside. Then, from inside the wardrobe, Lucas heard a chillingly familiar voice:
"Where is the person who forged this blade?"
That voice undoubtedly belonged to Kujou Sara. Even through the wardrobe and two doors, Lucas could hear it clearly.
Outside, Arataki Itto stared at the tengu girl who had suddenly appeared before him. In her hand was the Scarlet Maru. She had come alone—otherwise, she wouldn't have arrived so quickly.
Her personality was usually steady, so the fact that she had rushed here alone showed just how important this blade—or rather, its creator—was to her.
"Tch, you got here fast…"
Itto frowned, but then a grin spread across his face. He raised his arm, and in an instant, an enormous spiked club materialized in his hand. He hoisted it onto his shoulder and beckoned Sara with a finger. "But as long as Arataki 'The One and Oni' Itto is here, you ain't getting through this door!"
"Move."
Sara, however, simply gave him an impassive look. "Or I'll kill you."
"Y-you think I'm scared of tough talk? Not this guy!" Itto's voice wavered slightly despite his bravado. He had been chasing Sara for a rematch every day, but the memory of his previous defeat still haunted him. "Today, I'll wash away my shame! Take this!"
Shinobu and Lucas, of course, couldn't see what was happening outside. All they heard was the clashing of weapons, followed soon after by a heavy thud, as if something massive had crashed to the ground.
Kujou Sara's petite frame couldn't possibly have made such a sound.
Clearly, a character's star rating in the game didn't necessarily reflect their strength in the story—otherwise, the five-star Arataki Itto wouldn't have lost to the four-star Kujou Sara.
A woman's silhouette appeared outside the door. The lock, no match for the tengu's monstrous strength, snapped with a crisp metallic ping, and the door was forcibly ripped open. The one who stepped inside was none other than Kujou Sara.
From inside the wardrobe, Lucas peered through the cracks and caught sight of that familiar figure. His heart raced, but he knew he couldn't reveal himself.
"Miss Kujou, what brings you here so late at night?"
Shinobu sat on the bed, her face the picture of calm as she regarded Sara's conflicted expression. "Don't tell me our troublesome boss has committed another crime?"
Normally, Shinobu wouldn't receive guests while seated, but right now, she had no choice. If she stood up, the sheer volume that brat had left inside her—without any time to clean up—would definitely spill out.
The two of them were acquainted, even friends of a sort, and had worked together before. Shinobu wasn't afraid of her.
"Apologies for disturbing you," Sara said, raising the crimson blade. "This sword was illegally sold by the Arataki Gang, correct?"
"Oh?" Shinobu narrowed her eyes slightly. "May I take a look?"
Given their respective statuses, Shinobu should have been the one to approach Sara. But in her current… predicament, she had no choice but to be a little rude.
Fortunately, Sara didn't care much for formalities. Her urgency overriding her manners, she strode forward and handed Scarlet Maru to Shinobu.
Shinobu pretended to examine it carefully before replying coolly, "Indeed. But if I recall, this was two months ago. Arataki Itto served half a month in jail, and the fine was paid. Is there still an issue?"
A flicker of emotion passed through Sara's eyes. "Who forged this blade?" she demanded. "Where is he now?"
"I wouldn't know," Shinobu said with a shrug. "The black market in Inazuma is flooded with thousands of illegal weapons. It could've been made by some no-name blacksmith."
"Don't lie to me!"
In her agitation, Sara grabbed Shinobu by the collar and lifted her off the bed, snarling, "A blade of this quality isn't something just anyone could forge! Tell me—do you know him? What's his connection to your gang?"
Shinobu was far too clever not to have pieced it together. Sara must have stumbled upon Scarlet Maru among confiscated contraband, recognized it as Lucas's work, and traced it back to the Arataki Gang after some investigation.
But in all the time Shinobu had known Sara, she had never seen her this worked up. It was clear that man held extraordinary significance to her.
Right now, however, there was a much more pressing issue…
Being lifted into the air had put Shinobu in danger of overflowing. She could barely hold it in through sheer muscle control, but a 200ml carton simply wasn't designed to hold a liter of milk.
A cold trickle ran down her calf. If even a drop hit the floor, Sara's tengu senses would detect it instantly.
"Miss Kujou," Shinobu said evenly, "what you're doing right now constitutes illegal interrogation. This isn't like you."
Her words were like a bucket of cold water, snapping Sara out of her frenzy. She immediately set Shinobu down. "My apologies. I… lost control."
Sara then turned and walked to the door, scanning the area. Seeing no one besides the unconscious Itto, she closed it firmly.
Meanwhile, Shinobu seized the opportunity to swipe a finger along her calf, intending to wipe away the troublesome fluid—but Sara turned back around too soon. With no other choice, Shinobu hastily stuck her finger into her mouth.
Sara blinked in confusion. "What… are you doing?"
Gulp.
Shinobu grimaced as she forced down the strange-tasting substance, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Nothing. Just… something from dinner stuck in my teeth."
Sara, of course, had no idea what had just happened. But Lucas, watching from the wardrobe, saw everything. Sister Shinobu… you really went through hell for me…
"Since there are no eavesdroppers here, I'll speak plainly," Sara said, biting her lower lip. "The one who forged this blade… is an old friend of mine. If you don't want to tell me where he is, that's fine. I just want to know… how is he? Is he safe? Is he well?"
Shinobu knew Kujou Sara well. She wasn't the type to chase glory—if she had truly wanted to arrest someone, she wouldn't have risked execution a year ago to let Lucas escape.
And the raw emotion in her eyes couldn't be faked.
But Shinobu wasn't foolish either. After a long silence, she finally shook her head firmly. "I really… don't know that man."
Sara's expression faltered briefly before realization seemed to dawn on her.
Most blacksmiths were men, but Inazuma did have female smiths. By specifying "that man," Shinobu had inadvertently slipped up—but someone as meticulous as her would never make such an obvious mistake.
The only explanation was that she had done it on purpose. Her message was clear: if Sara wanted to protect Lucas, the best way was to ensure this person "didn't exist" at all.
"That… does sound like something you'd say," Sara murmured, her expression easing slightly. "If anyone else asks, please answer the same way."
"The old friend you mentioned…" Shinobu asked casually, "Would he happen to be the assassin who escaped prison after attempting to kill the Raiden Shogun?"
Sara stiffened. "How did you know?"
"Just a guess," Shinobu said offhandedly. "According to the official report, didn't he die falling off a cliff?"
"No. The Thousand-Eyed, Hundred-Armed Cult considers him their greatest heretic. They sent followers to search for his body, but they found neither his remains nor the blade used in the assassination attempt. So they believe he's still alive." Sara sighed. "For the past year, the cult has been hunting him in secret. The longer he stays in Inazuma, the more dangerous it becomes."
Her words were a clear warning—Shinobu needed to get Lucas out of Inazuma as soon as possible.
Inside the wardrobe, Lucas clenched his fists. That damned cult had brainwashed his mother, ruined his life, and now they wanted him dead?
"I see," Shinobu nodded. "If I ever have the chance to contact him, I'll pass along the message."
"Thank you." Sara dipped her head. "Please keep tonight's conversation confidential. Farewell."
With that, she turned and left, exhaling softly.
Part of her desperately wanted to see Lucas again. But another part knew that staying away was the only way to keep him safe.
Once Sara was gone, Lucas finally emerged from the wardrobe. He opened his mouth to speak, but Shinobu shot him a glare. "Don't move. I… need to use the bathroom."
With that, the usually composed and aloof deputy of the Arataki Gang waddled awkwardly toward the washroom, legs tightly pressed together like a drunken duck. The sound of running water followed before she finally reappeared, looking visibly relieved.
"Are you okay?" Lucas asked awkwardly.
If he had just held back earlier, she wouldn't have been in that predicament.
"Lucky for you, it's a safe time of the month…" Shinobu crossed her arms and shot him a glare. "Or you'd be dead."
"I heard what she said." Lucas seized the moment to bring up his real intention. "Staying here will only put everyone in danger. I… want to leave the Arataki Gang."
Shinobu had expected this. While she wasn't afraid of being implicated, it wasn't fair to Itto and the others, who had no idea what was really going on.
But before she could respond, a booming voice cut in:
"I forbid it!"
Both of them spun around to see Arataki Itto—who had supposedly been knocked out by Sara—now standing upright, blood still smeared on his face. He crossed his arms defiantly. "The Arataki Gang isn't some place you can just waltz in and out of whenever you please!"
"Itto…" Lucas sighed. "I'm sorry for keeping this from you, but I'm a wanted man. Staying here will only drag you all down."
"Pfft, I figured that out ages ago!" Itto wiped the blood from his forehead and grinned. "You guys think I'm clueless, but this genius sees everything!"
Lucas and Shinobu exchanged glances. Was Itto actually… observant?
"Not just that—I know you two got something weird going on too, right?" Itto scratched his head sheepishly. "I even wrote to Miss Hina for advice on what to do when your bro and your other bro start getting frisky…"
In Itto's eyes, Shinobu and Lucas were both his "bros."
Both of them immediately flushed red.
"See? Called it!" Itto looked smug. "Hell, I've been dragging the guys out on purpose to give you two some alone time—"
"Shut up!" Shinobu stomped her foot. "We're talking about serious matters here!"
"I dunno what crime you committed," Itto thumped his chest proudly, "but even if we get caught up in it, so what? Worst case, I do some extra jail time. Those guys inside are hilarious—I love it in there!"
"This isn't just jail time," Lucas said gravely. "I'm guilty of attempting to assassinate the Shogun."
Itto's grin vanished instantly.
Even disrespecting the Raiden Shogun was a capital offense. Attempted regicide? Execution wouldn't even be the worst of it.
Lucas then gave a brief summary of what had happened.
He expected Itto to back off in fear. Instead, after a long pause, the oni slammed a heavy hand on his shoulder and bellowed:
"Holy shit, bro! That's badass!"
The reaction left both Lucas and Shinobu stunned.
"I knew it! My life's gotta be legendary!" Itto's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Assassinating the Shogun? Hell yeah! Count me in next time!"
For a normal person, this reaction would be bizarre—but coming from Arataki Itto, it somehow made perfect sense.
"Do you even hear yourself?" Shinobu rubbed her temples, exasperated. "Forget how impossible this is—what reason would you even have to assassinate the Shogun?"
"What do you mean, 'what reason'?" Itto said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Avenging my bro is reason enough! Plus, isn't the Shogun that Kujou Turtle's boss? If we take her out, just imagine the look on that smug face of hers! HAHAHA!!!"
Lucas suspected Itto had no real grasp of what "assassinating the Shogun" even meant—or maybe he didn't fully understand the concept of killing at all. To him, this was just about standing by his bro, consequences be damned.
He shook his head. "I appreciate the sentiment, Itto, but—"
"No 'buts'!" Itto cut him off. "You called me 'big bro,' didn't you? A real man keeps his word—live boldly, die gloriously!"
The words struck a chord in Lucas. Despite all his deception, Itto truly saw him as a brother worth dying for.
"And how exactly do you two plan to kill the Shogun?" Shinobu sighed. "Fine. I'm in too."
"Wait, really?" Itto gaped. "I thought you'd be all about self-preservation!"
"Must be catching your idiocy," Shinobu muttered dryly. "But if we're doing this, we're doing it right. No more half-baked schemes like trying to stab the Shogun in broad daylight with a fancy sword."
"Eh? That won't work?" Itto scratched his chin. "I was totally gonna suggest that!"
Lucas knew Shinobu was ribbing him, but she wasn't wrong—his last assassination attempt had been a suicide mission.
"There are three key problems to solve," Shinobu said calmly. "First, crafting a weapon capable of killing the Shogun. Second, gathering allies—the Arataki Gang alone isn't enough. Third, and most critical: our escape plan, regardless of success."
Unlike Lucas and Itto, who were ready to die for this, Shinobu had no intention of letting anyone throw their lives away. Survival mattered more than the kill.
"I'll handle the weapon," Lucas said thoughtfully. "As for allies… I'm sure there are others who've suffered under the Vision Hunt Decree and the cult."
"Leave the escape to me," Shinobu nodded. "I've got my Urban Planning License—no one knows Inazuma City's layout better."
"What about me?" Itto leaned in eagerly. "My job's gotta be the coolest, right?"
"Oh, absolutely," Shinobu said, humoring him. "You're in charge of naming the operation."
"Hell yeah! Let's see…" Itto stroked his chin dramatically before slamming his fist into his palm. "How about 'Arataki Itto's Super Awesome Lightning God Slaying Ultra Mission'? Epic and catchy!"
"Keep your voice down!" Shinobu hissed. "And that's the worst codename ever."
"Since our goal is to sever the Shogun's head," Lucas said quietly, "let's call it 'Raikiri.'"
The name of the blade that had failed its purpose.
"Not as cool as mine, but whatever," Itto grinned. "So what's next?"
"Right now, I need to learn how to make firearms," Lucas said seriously. "Which means, Itto… you're going to have to beat me up."
"Say no more, I'll—wait, what?" Itto's eyebrows knotted in confusion. "Why?!"
"I need an excuse to apprentice at Naganohara Fireworks," Lucas explained. "But their owner, Ryuunosuke, isn't the type to take in strangers."
"Oh, that old geezer? Yeah, he's stubborn," Itto mused. "But he's one of the few who doesn't yell at me for being loud."
"Because he's half-deaf," Shinobu deadpanned, then narrowed her eyes at Lucas. "So you're targeting… his daughter?"
"Exactly," Lucas nodded. "From what I've heard, she's kindhearted. If she sees me badly injured, she won't turn me away."
"Tch. Naïve," Shinobu scoffed. "You're that sure she'll help?"
"If even you saved me," Lucas smiled, "why wouldn't she?"
Shinobu's cheeks tinted pink. "…Somehow, you do have this… pathetic aura that makes people want to protect you."
Likely the effect of his [Favoured by Others] trait.
But really, who could resist a lean-but-toned (thanks to years of blacksmithing), absurdly-enduring younger brother who excelled at maintaining perfect rhythm in repetitive motions?
Ahem—forging. Obviously.
---
The next day, Hanamizaka.
"Wanna guess if Yoimiya's hair ornament has candy hidden in it?"
A lively blonde girl was laughing and playing with a bunch of children, clearly adored by them.
But just then, the sound of two boys shouting echoed from a distance: "Come quick! Something wild's happening! The Arataki Gang's idiot boss is beating someone up again!"
That, obviously, was way more interesting than candy. The kids immediately took off running toward the commotion.
"Arataki Itto again? Don't tell me he lost another game and flew into a rage?"
Yoimiya frowned and quickly said, "Wait for me—I want to see what's going on too!"
Sure enough, not far ahead, a crowd had already gathered. From the center of the commotion came the sounds of scuffling and cursing, punctuated by that unmistakably loud voice—it could only be Arataki Itto.
Pushing her way forward, Yoimiya arrived just in time to see Itto engaged in a brawl with a slender young man.
Though calling it a "brawl" was a bit generous—really, it was more like Itto was using the guy as a punching bag. The man could barely defend himself, shrinking back and taking the hits without fighting back.
Yoimiya found the whole thing odd. She and Arataki Itto were both well-known around Hanamizaka, practically childhood royalty of the area. Despite his size, Itto had never been a bully. He only picked fights with people who could give him a proper challenge, and even then, he never hit to hurt.
But now, not only was he targeting someone clearly weaker, he wasn't holding back at all.
That "someone," of course, was none other than Lucas. And this entire "bullying the weak" display was just an act—part of the plan they'd worked out to draw Yoimiya in.
The moment he saw her arrive, Lucas gave Itto a subtle look—time to crank things up.
Sorry, brother.
Itto hesitated, heart twinging with guilt, but balled up his fist and put on a furious expression. "I'm getting my money's worth today no matter what!"
With that, he landed a solid punch to Lucas's cheek. Lucas took the blow head-on, flying through the air like a kite with its string cut.
Itto clenched his fists and stomped forward, growling, "Get up! I'm not done yet!"
If Yoimiya didn't take the bait soon, he'd have to keep escalating. Lucas was mentally preparing himself to break a limb or two if that's what it took to make the act convincing.
"Stop it!"
Thankfully, Yoimiya's kindness exceeded even Lucas's expectations. She dashed in front of Itto, arms outstretched to block him, shouting, "Are you trying to kill him?!"
"Outta the way!" Itto stammered, clearly not used to playing the villain. "He owes me a mountain of Mora! Said he'd pay it back with one punch per hundred thousand! If he dies, the debt's cleared!"
As he spoke, he even whipped out a "promissory note" and held it up. "Black and white, clear as day! Even if we took this to court, I'd be in the right!"
Now this put Yoimiya in a tough spot. If this had just been regular bullying, she'd have stepped in no questions asked. But if it was about repaying a debt, then interfering wasn't so simple.
"Please, kind lady… don't get involved," Lucas said hoarsely, wiping blood from his mouth with a bitter smile. "My father was addicted to gambling. He owed the Arataki Gang a fortune. Now he's gone… it's only right for the son to repay the father's debt."
Yoimiya was still hesitating—until she met the boy's eyes. The moment she saw the pained expression in them, sympathy flared in her heart like a firework.
She immediately stepped forward to support Lucas, glaring at Itto. "I'll pay his debt."
Both Lucas and Itto were thrilled—that was half the plan done right there.
"You sure?" Itto asked, putting on a show. "We're talking about a lot of money here… fifty thousand Mora!"
Lucas nearly burst into tears. The amount was wrong—Itto had clearly forgotten the script. For someone as broke as Lucas, fifty thousand was already a massive sum.
"That's it? Just fifty thousand?" Yoimiya looked puzzled. "That's not that much."
Realizing his mistake, Itto quickly corrected himself. "No, no, that's just the interest! He owes me… five million!"
Still off-script, but closer to the mark. Given Itto's intelligence and acting skills, Lucas and Kuki Shinobu really couldn't expect much more.
"Five million, huh…" Yoimiya hesitated again. But when she looked at Lucas's battered form and those soulful, pitiful eyes, she bit her lip and nodded. "Five million for a life? Seems fair. I'll take on the debt."
"Great!" Itto blurted, getting a little too excited. Without thinking, he ripped the fake contract in half with a dramatic "Rrrrip!"
Everyone watching was stunned. Lucas, for one, nearly burst into real tears.
"Uh…" Itto scratched his head. "So if the contract's torn up… does that mean the debt's canceled?"
Great. And he had to go and say that out loud too.
But Yoimiya simply shook her head. "I said I'd pay it, and I will. With interest, even. But… you'll need to give me some time."
She'd already made up her mind. As long as she made more fireworks every day, someday she'd gather enough to pay back the full five million Mora.
Hearing this, guilt began to gnaw at Lucas. Tricking someone so kind and innocent just to achieve his own goals… felt a little too cruel.
"Then it's settled!" Itto said quickly. "This guy's your problem now. He's practically half-dead—you better take good care of him!"
With that, he bolted from the scene as if afraid Yoimiya might change her mind.
"That guy is so weird…" Yoimiya muttered, frowning. But before she could think too hard about it, her shoulder suddenly dipped under a new weight—Lucas had passed out cold, his head slumping onto her.
"Ahhh, great. Now I owe five million Mora out of nowhere and have to take care of this poor kid. How am I gonna explain this to Pops?"
She wore a deeply thoughtful expression for a few seconds—then broke into a grin.
"Oh well. Where there's a will, there's a way. Let's get him home first."
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Entering Text Mode]
[The plan went off without a hitch. You successfully got Yoimiya to bring you back to the Naganohara Fireworks Shop. After learning the story, her father Ryuunosuke was furious—but as someone who values integrity, he agreed to help repay the fake five million Mora debt. Of course, that means you now work as an unpaid apprentice at the shop until the "debt" is repaid.]
[At long last, you've officially become an apprentice at the Naganohara Fireworks Shop. However, Ryuunosuke, the shop owner, hasn't taught you a single thing about making fireworks—not even the basics, let alone how to mix gunpowder. At most, you're stuck doing odd jobs every day.]
[Age 19: Without even realizing it, a whole year has passed since you started working at the Naganohara Fireworks Shop. Yet Ryuunosuke still hasn't taught you anything related to fireworks. It's becoming a real problem, especially since time seems to be running out.]
[The goal of the Vision Hunt Decree is to collect one hundred Visions in order to forge the Statue of Omnipresence. Rumor has it, the day the statue is completed will be the day the Raiden Shogun attains her true "Eternity."]
[If she truly manages to grasp the path to Eternity, then your plan to assassinate her becomes even more impossible. You must complete the weapon capable of obliterating the Raiden Shogun before those one hundred Visions are fully collected.]
[Meanwhile, the Arataki Gang hasn't been idle. On one hand, they're recruiting like-minded rebels who also wish to oppose the Shogun. On the other, they're actively helping Vision holders escape capture—some are even being smuggled out of Inazuma altogether.]
[Though the Arataki Gang's size and strength aren't enough to halt the Vision Hunt Decree, their actions have, in some small way, slowed the Shogunate's collection efforts. This delay has bought you more time and opportunity.]
[On the surface, you've cut ties with the Arataki Gang to avoid suspicion. But behind the scenes, you still exchange information with them through letters. As the "strategist" for this assassination plot, Kuki Shinobu often sends you suggestions and tactical advice.]
[You told Shinobu about your current dilemma—how Ryuunosuke refuses to teach you anything about gunpowder. Her reply explained why.]
[The Naganohara Fireworks Shop has always been a family business. Its firework-making secrets are considered closely guarded trade knowledge, never shared with outsiders.]
[Yoimiya has shown exceptional talent in making fireworks, so it's only natural that Ryuunosuke would pass down the family's techniques to his daughter alone. If you want to learn those secrets... then you'll have to become part of the Naganohara family.]
[You understand exactly what Shinobu is hinting at. Your only option now is to marry into the family. If you can become Yoimiya's husband, then Ryuunosuke would have no reason to keep anything from you.]
[Shinobu is someone who knows how to weigh the greater good. For her to suggest this means she tacitly approves of the idea.]
[Truth be told, after a year of living and working together, you can tell Yoimiya has always been kind and caring toward you. Of course, that's mostly because you tend to draw people's sympathy, and Yoimiya already loves looking after younger kids. The relationship between the two of you feels more like an older sister and her little brother.]
[Still, you're confident that you can turn that kind of affection into something more. But to use someone so kind and sincere for the sake of your revenge... it's a heavy burden to bear. After much internal struggle, you finally decide—]
[1. Pursue her boldly. Make the first move.]
[2. Continue waiting. Wait for the right chance.]
Is that even a question?
Things are way too urgent now. Who has time to hesitate?
Even if it's not for the sake of your revenge, you still can't stand idly by—not when so many innocent people are suffering under the Vision Hunt Decree and the teachings of the Statue of Omnipresence.
"Bold pursuit! Make the first move!"
[Tch... So, your choice is—]
"Hey! You just clicked your tongue, didn't you?! That was a tongue click, I'm sure of it!" Lucas grumbled in annoyance.
[Nope. It's just... as expected of someone raised by the Villain Simulator. I'm impressed.]
"Quit it with the commentary..." Lucas flushed red. "Just keep going."
[You chose to pursue her boldly and take the initiative. Honestly, considering Yoimiya's outgoing personality, charming looks, figure, and decent family background, it's no surprise that she's always surrounded by admirers. But she's never accepted any confession—not once.]
[Yoimiya once told you that she wouldn't waste time on silly things like romance until she achieved her dream. When you asked what that dream was, she always answered with a mysterious smile and refused to elaborate.]
[It's currently summertime—festival season. This time of year, the Naganohara Fireworks Shop is usually swamped. After all, a summer festival can go without fish scooping stands, candied apples, or fox masks... but it absolutely cannot go without dazzling fireworks.]
[Normally, Yoimiya would be too busy to attend the festivals herself. But this year, the shop received a bulk order in advance, giving father and daughter enough time to finish preparations before the festivals began.]
[Naturally, this was thanks to the Arataki Gang's behind-the-scenes efforts. Over the past year, they've recruited plenty of capable individuals—some of whom are quite good at making money.]
[All of this was arranged to help create the perfect opportunity for you to pursue Yoimiya.]
[Entering Immersive Mode...]
[Mission Objective: Get Yoimiya to accept your marriage proposal.]
What the hell?!
This mission's way too hard!
Honestly, if the goal were to assassinate the Raiden Shogun right here and now, that might actually be easier.
A successful proposal? That's one hell of a jump in difficulty!
Before him stretched the lively hustle and bustle of the festival. The last time Lucas saw this exact scene, he was still in the simulator—a child who had gotten separated from his family.
"Lucas!" came a bright and energetic voice from beside him. "Don't just stand there spacing out! Look at me!"
Yoimiya was spinning in front of him, wearing a light and flowing yukata made of thin fabric, her face full of anticipation. "What do you think of my outfit?"
Usually, Yoimiya dressed for mobility—simple and practical. But tonight, she had chosen an elegant yukata. Her long hair, usually tied in a high ponytail, now flowed loosely down her back. The change gave her an entirely different aura.
"You... you look beautiful," Lucas murmured. "Like a proper lady."
"How rude!" Yoimiya leaned in and poked him lightly on the forehead, frowning. "I am a proper lady!"
"Real ladies don't wrestle on the ground over Onikabuto battles... or sit cross-legged on rooftops," Lucas muttered under his breath—and as his gaze instinctively dipped, his face flushed. "And they definitely don't..."
"What else wouldn't she do?" Yoimiya huffed, puffing out her cheeks. "Come on, say it!"
"She definitely wouldn't…" Lucas pointed to Yoimiya's neckline. "Let her collar come loose and not even notice—like she's trying to give me a nice view."
Only then did Yoimiya realize that in all her excitement, she hadn't noticed how much her neckline had slipped open.
Thankfully, most of the festivalgoers around were busy canoodling with their dates and hadn't noticed—but Lucas, who happened to be standing right above her, had gotten quite the eyeful of summer charm.
"Don't look!" Yoimiya glared at him with flushed cheeks, puffing them out again. "You've gone bad! Peeking like that…"
"I don't peek at just anyone," Lucas said nonchalantly. "I only peek at you, Yoimiya."
Yoimiya's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "W-what are you even saying! I… I…"
"Alright, enough talking," Lucas grinned and gently took her hand. "Come with me—I know a place that's perfect for watching fireworks. I bet even you haven't found it yet."
Normally, if any other guy tried to hold her hand like this, Yoimiya would've pulled away instantly. But when it came to the boy she'd spent every day with, she didn't feel uncomfortable at all—in fact, her heart was beating just a little faster than usual.
It… it's gotta be because the sash on this yukata is too tight!
That's what she told herself.
And yet, when she looked at Lucas's back as he led the way, she felt momentarily dazed.
That pitiful little boy from a year ago… he'd gotten so tall. He was a full head taller than her now.
Without realizing it, the two of them had wandered through a quiet forest and emerged at the edge of a secluded cliff.
Thanks to how remote it was, there wasn't a soul around. In the distance, the sky opened up into a vast blanket of stars.
As a fireworks expert, Yoimiya knew better than anyone that a place like this, free from obstructions, was perfect for watching fireworks. She gave him an offhand compliment. "Not bad. I'm impressed you found a spot like this."
"Yeah, I searched for a long time," Lucas said, gazing into the distance. "I wanted a place where I could fully enjoy the fireworks you made—without anything getting in the way."
Yoimiya's cheeks flared hot again. She quickly changed the subject. "Tch… Say, are you the type to bring a different girl here every year or something?"
"I've never brought anyone else here," Lucas shook his head. "You're the second person who knows about this place. I've always been waiting for the day I could bring you here."
Her heart skipped a beat.
Yoimiya had always liked Lucas—but she'd convinced herself he was just her "little brother." That's why she'd never really kept her distance, or tried to suppress those feelings.
But now… she was starting to realize her little brother had already become a man.
"You… you're acting weird today," Yoimiya mumbled, biting her lip. "Why are you saying all this weird stuff?"
Boom!
Before Lucas could answer, a firework streaked across the sky like a shooting star, bursting into a cascade of glittering light.
"Look!" Yoimiya's eyes lit up instantly. "That's my latest design! I call it 'Reverse-Falling Meteor'—looks just like the real thing, doesn't it?"
"If it's a meteor…" Lucas said, quickly tying a knot into the corner of his sleeve. "They say if you tie a knot when you see one, your wish will come true."
"Oh, right!" Yoimiya exclaimed, trying to grab her hem—but she'd forgotten she was wearing a yukata. The skirt was much longer than usual, and before she could finish the knot, the firework had already faded into the stars.
"Ugh, missed it!" she stomped her foot. "Should've worn my usual clothes. Now my wish totally won't come true!"
"So," Lucas tilted his head. "What did you wish for?"
Yoimiya hesitated, then answered a little sheepishly, "I… I wished to create the biggest, most beautiful firework in all of Inazuma. No—in the whole world."
"Alright," Lucas nodded. "Then my wish is for you to create the biggest, most beautiful firework in the world."
Yoimiya blinked in surprise, eyes widening. After a long pause, she placed a hand on Lucas's shoulder, furrowing her brow. "Seriously, what's with you today? Why are you saying all these embarrassing things?"
"Because I…"
Lucas opened his mouth and spoke three words—but right then, the next wave of fireworks exploded overhead, the booming sound swallowing his voice completely.
Yoimiya's face turned scarlet. She thought she heard what he said—but maybe she was imagining things? So she asked again, "I… I didn't catch that. Say it again?"
But this time, Lucas didn't answer with words.
He cupped her face and used a much more direct method to express his feelings.
The fireworks shimmered brightly above, casting a soft glow on their shy, clumsy kiss.
Of course, Yoimiya's clumsiness was just for show. Lucas's wasn't.
After all, this was a guy who'd cleared countless dating simulations and seduced some of the most difficult heroines imaginable. Compared to them, a first-love rookie like Yoimiya was practically on easy mode.
After a while, their not-so-expert kiss finally ended. Lucas wiped the corner of his mouth, put on his best serious face, and said, "Can I… help you make your dream come true?"
To Yoimiya, those words were nothing short of a proposal—because only someone from the Naganohara family was allowed to learn the secrets of making fireworks.
"That… that's not gonna be easy," she mumbled, glancing away shyly. "My lessons are pretty strict, you know."
"I'll study hard," Lucas grinned, fully aware he'd won. "Besides, I still owe you five million."
"You think you can skip out now? After doing that kind of thing…" Yoimiya rubbed her flat belly with a worried expression. "So… will the baby come out from under my armpit or something?"
"Pfft—hah!" Lucas couldn't help but laugh. "Yoimiya, kissing doesn't make babies, you know."
"Eh? It doesn't?" Yoimiya blinked in surprise. "Then… how do you make one?"
If any other woman had said something like that, it might've sounded a little flirtatious.
But coming from Yoimiya, it felt surprisingly natural. Even though she was a bit older than Lucas, she'd always been the playful type, a neighborhood big sister who led the pack of kids. Her understanding of that kind of topic probably only barely surpassed Arataki Itto's.
And Itto, to this day, still firmly believed that children came from the trash can.
"You… want to know?" Lucas looked into Yoimiya's eyes, his voice carrying a hint of playful suggestion. "I could… teach you, maybe."
"Y-You're such a liar!" Yoimiya's heart was pounding wildly, but she tried her best to maintain the dignity of being the "older sister." She huffed, "Don't act like you're some kind of expert."
"I once found a few… banned light novels hidden in the grass by the river," Lucas said, a bit embarrassed. "They were smuggled over from Liyue or something. One of them was called Silver Pitcher Orchid. It had a lot of stuff about that… and even pictures."
"Seriously?" Yoimiya looked flustered but intrigued. At her age, curiosity outweighed embarrassment. She cleared her throat and held out her hand. "Kids like you shouldn't be reading that kind of thing! Hand it over!"
"H-Here!" Lucas quickly pulled out a book without a cover from behind him. "But don't tell Uncle Ryuunosuke…"
Of course, this book was just one of the props in Lucas's elaborate proposal plan—courtesy of Kuki Shinobu, who'd gotten it smuggled through a friend in Liyue.
"Stand still!" Yoimiya said with a red face, flipping open the book with trembling fingers. She tried to sound righteous. "Let me see just how inappropriate this is!"
Lucas obediently stood in front of her, while Yoimiya's face went from slightly pink… to bright red… and then into full-blown crimson, like a ripe apple on the verge of dripping juice.
She tried to close the book, but curiosity got the better of her, and she kept flipping through.
For a girl as innocent and sheltered as Yoimiya, a book that consistently ranked among the top three of Liyue's banned literature list was far too much to handle.
"Yoimiya…" Lucas said softly. "It's getting late. Maybe we should… head back to the fireworks store?"
He had just taken two steps when Yoimiya suddenly tugged on his sleeve.
"U-Umm…" Yoimiya's eyes darted everywhere. She stammered, "The stuff in here… have you… tried it before?"
Lucas shrugged. "Do you think I'd even have the chance to try it with anyone else?"
"That's true…" Yoimiya nodded. For the past year, Lucas had practically never left her side except to sleep. Even if he had someone in mind, he wouldn't have had the time or opportunity.
"But…" Lucas continued, his tone shifting, "I did imagine what it'd be like… if you were the one I tried it with."
"You!" Yoimiya gave him a light punch, pouting. "Don't go fantasizing about me like that!"
"Sigh, okay, I get it…" Lucas let out a theatrical sigh. "I was being disrespectful."
"D-Don't be dumb… that's not what I meant…" Yoimiya fidgeted with her fingers, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean… the real thing is right here. So why would you even need to imagine…"
Lucas's heart leapt, but he kept his excitement in check and tilted his head innocently. "What do you mean, Yoimiya?"
"Ugh! Do I really have to spell it out?!" Yoimiya snapped the Silver Pitcher Orchid shut and smacked him in the face with it. "If you're so curious, why don't you just… ask me directly?!"
From the moment they met to now, they'd been inseparable for over a year. Unknowingly, Yoimiya had already given her heart to him. Now that Lucas had made such a bold move, she finally found the courage to respond in kind.
"Then…" Lucas gently took her hand. "May I?"
Yoimiya didn't answer immediately. Instead, she bowed her head slightly and murmured, "Just… don't get my hair dirty, okay? If you do, my dad's totally gonna get suspicious…"
"I'll go ask Uncle Ryuunosuke for your hand properly," Lucas promised. "I just… don't know if he'll agree."
After all, Yoimiya had no shortage of suitors. While they hadn't exactly worn down the doorstep of the Naganohara Fireworks shop, there were plenty of promising young men—some even from prestigious families.
Lucas, by contrast, was a penniless wanderer buried in debt. Forget impressing someone like Ryuunosuke with high standards—most families wouldn't dream of letting their daughter marry a guy like him.
"H-He may act strict sometimes, but… Dad told me once he actually kind of likes you," Yoimiya mumbled, drawing little circles in the soft grass with her toe. "And if… if the rice is already cooked… then he probably wouldn't say anything."
If Ryuunosuke ever heard that, he'd probably drag out the secret stash of Gatling-style fireworks from the warehouse and unleash a barrage on these two little lovebirds.
Turns out, the phrase "a grown daughter can't be kept at home" rings true no matter what nation you're in.
Seeing Yoimiya's adorably flustered face, Lucas made a silent vow: this upcoming assassination mission against the Shogun—not only would he make it succeed, he'd make it out alive. He couldn't let down Yoimiya or Shinobu.
As for Kujou Sara… even though he still couldn't let her go in his heart, no matter how the assassination played out, their relationship was already doomed. Even if she still loved him, out of loyalty and duty, she'd hunt him to the ends of the earth.
"Then…" Lucas gently pushed Yoimiya down into the grass, his lips near her ear as he whispered, "let's hurry up and start… cooking."
"R-Right now?!" Yoimiya, though in love and willing to marry him, still hadn't fully prepared herself. She scrambled for an excuse. "W-What if there are bugs around?"
"No worries," Lucas smiled, clearly prepared. "I brought insect-repelling sachets. No snakes, bugs, or mice will come near us."
"W-Well… what if someone sees us?" she asked, grasping at another excuse.
"This is my secret base. No one's gonna find us," Lucas replied as his hands began to grow a little bolder. "Besides… I bet the other couples out tonight are doing the exact same thing."
Compared to Liyue, Inazuma's customs were far more open. Young men and women, when their passions ran deep, often engaged in "battle" right out in the wild.
It was said that some Inazuman surnames originated from such encounters—names like Tanaka (in the fields), Kawashita (under the river), and even Yamagami (on the mountain).
And on festive occasions like the Summer Festival, the romantic atmosphere often acted as a catalyst, igniting passions even further.
Boom!
Another firework shot into the sky, bursting into a heart-shaped blossom that painted Yoimiya's face a deep crimson.
Who knew how many more "fireworks" this one would inspire?
"Yoimiya," Lucas murmured, his voice low. "Do you have any other excuses left?"
By now, Yoimiya was too far gone to resist. She shook her head, whispering, "Let your fireworks bloom in my sky."
Before this night, Yoimiya had always believed that the greatest joy in life was watching fireworks explode brilliantly in the heavens.
Fleeting, yet utterly euphoric.
But now, she had discovered something else.
Something that didn't vanish in an instant like fireworks—something that could make her feel that same explosive joy, over and over again.
Lucas's "fireworks" kept launching into the sky, each burst blooming like a dazzling spectacle within Yoimiya's pure, untouched firmament.
The fireworks in the sky could be admired with the eyes.
But the fireworks inside her body?
Those could only be felt with the heart.
"Yoimiya…" Lucas asked hoarsely, "What was the happiest moment of your life?"
Dazed but still coherent, Yoimiya replied, "Years ago… during a festival… Lady Yae ordered nine hundred and ninety-nine fireworks… I didn't miss a single one… My eyes burned so much I almost cried… but I couldn't bear to blink…"
For a firework enthusiast like Yoimiya, every explosion was a marvel. To witness so many in one night? No wonder she remembered it to this day.
"Nine hundred and ninety-nine, huh?" Lucas chuckled softly. "Don't worry. Tonight's 'fireworks' will be ten times that number."
Yoimiya knew exactly what he meant by "fireworks." Though ten times sounded terrifying, Lucas's "launch speed" was over ten times faster than an actual firework's.
But for someone experiencing this kind of "firework" for the first time, the number was still daunting.
"T-Too much…" Yoimiya bit her lip. "Will it… explode?"
"Don't worry," Lucas reassured her gently. "The moment it finally explodes will be the most beautiful of all."
Just like real fireworks, all the buildup was for that one climactic burst.
Except Lucas's fireworks didn't need a fuse—just friction and heat.
Yoimiya stared blankly at the real fireworks still blooming in the sky, remembering when she had first learned to make them. Back then, she had accidentally burned her hand, crying from the pain—but the joy of her first successful firework had overshadowed it all.
This was the same.
It hurt more than gunpowder burns, but it was a happy kind of pain.
Watching Lucas's focused expression and the sweat dripping from his brow, Yoimiya even began to imagine—Would he be this dedicated when learning to make fireworks too?
The Summer Festival's grand finale erupted at that very moment, the most spectacular firework of the night bursting in sync with Lucas's own climax.
The energy of ten thousand "fireworks" finally detonated at once.
Of all the fireworks Yoimiya had ever witnessed in her life, none had shaken her soul like this one.
...
Silence.
The chirping of insects returned as the last firework faded. Lucas and Yoimiya lay together, basking in the afterglow.
Sweat pooled in the delicate hollow of Yoimiya's collarbone, reflecting the moonlight like a tiny mirror.
"Lucas…" Yoimiya leaned against his shoulder, murmuring, "Do you know what I was wishing for earlier?"
"Let me guess," Lucas said. "You wished to create the biggest, most beautiful firework in the world, right?"
Yoimiya gasped. "How did you know?! Are you a mind reader?!"
Of course, Lucas didn't need mind-reading—Yoimiya's personality was too open, her love for fireworks too obvious.
"Because…" Lucas paused, then said, "My dream is the same. I want to create the most incredible 'firework'—one that could even outshine a god."
That "firework" was the weapon he intended to use to kill the Raiden Shogun.
"Yours sounds way cooler…" Yoimiya suddenly sat up. "I've decided! I'm gonna—Ow!"
She winced, clutching her waist. Lucas quickly steadied her, sighing. "After all that… don't move so suddenly."
"Whose fault is that?!" Yoimiya huffed. But she wasn't an ordinary girl—her resilience was impressive. "I've decided! I'll help you create the greatest firework in the world—one that even a god can't overshadow!"
The words twisted Lucas's heart.
Fireworks were meant to bring joy and wonder.
But he was turning them into a weapon of deicide.
If Yoimiya ever learned the truth, would she forgive him?
He didn't dare dwell on it.
Because this was no longer just his mission.
The Arataki Gang had gathered many like-minded comrades, all united in their desire to see the Shogun's head fall—and he was their last hope.
"Oh! One more thing!" Yoimiya's cheerful voice snapped him out of his thoughts. She patted her stomach, grinning. "Let's name our kid Hanabi (Fireworks)!"
Lucas burst out laughing. "You're getting way ahead of yourself! And it's not like kids just happen in one go!"
Sure, they hadn't used any protection, but this wasn't some cheap fantasy novel—no way it'd be a one-shot success, right?
…Right?
[Task Complete: Make Yoimiya accept your proposal]
[Reward Acquired: Talent – Art Is Explosion]
[Effect: You are now proficient in crafting explosives. All explosion-related skills have their range and destructive power increased by 50%.]
...What kind of strange talent is this again?
After all, among the current elements, "explosions" aren't exactly a recognized category.
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Entering Text Mode]
[After the Summer Festival, you formally proposed to Yoimiya's father, Naganohara Ryunosuke. You originally expected a dramatic reaction, but unexpectedly, the usually silent middle-aged man only let out a sigh before agreeing to the marriage.]
[It was clear he had seen it coming. Though his hearing had deteriorated over the years due to constant exposure to fireworks, his eyes were still sharp. He could tell that you and Yoimiya, after spending so much time together, had long developed feelings for one another.]
[And once he agreed to the marriage, Ryunosuke finally said the words you'd been waiting a year to hear: he promised to pass on the Naganohara family's fireworks techniques to you. He also explained that the reason he never easily shared them wasn't out of selfishness, but because of the potential danger—the craft could easily be misused for harmful purposes in the wrong hands.]
[So, he made you swear never to pass down the techniques to outsiders, and never to use them for anything other than making fireworks. Fireworks are meant to bring people joy, he said. To use them for harm would be to defile their essence.]
[Though your feelings were conflicted, you nodded. It was a vow you knew from the beginning you would have to break—but for the sake of your grand mission, you had no other choice.]
[Age 20: After months of preparation, your wedding with Yoimiya was finally held.]
[Ryunosuke clearly wanted his daughter to have a ceremony that rivaled any other, so he deliberately arranged for the wedding to take place at night—when fireworks could light up the celebration in full glory.]
[Among those fireworks were several designed by you. In just a few months, you had already grasped the fundamentals of pyrotechnics.]
[You'd always had a natural talent for crafting weapons. While fireworks weren't technically weapons, you realized during your studies that if harnessed properly, their explosive potential could rival even the power of a Vision—and might even surpass your father's sword techniques.]
[At first, you were hesitant. After all, weddings usually attract many guests, including members of the Tenryou Commission. Even though you looked quite different from how you did years ago, the risk of being recognized still existed.]
[Fortunately, according to Naganohara tradition, both bride and groom wore veils during the ceremony. Coupled with the dim evening lighting and everyone's attention focused on the fireworks, it seemed unlikely anyone would notice your identity.]
[On the big day, standing at the altar, your mind briefly drifted. Years ago, you had also stood as the centerpiece of a wedding—but that one had marked the beginning of your life's greatest tragedy.]
[Although the Naganohara Fireworks family had ties to the three Commissions, Ryunosuke was never fond of dealing with officials. As a result, most of the attendees today were close friends and relatives. At the very least, you didn't spot anyone who might pose a threat.]
[As for the Arataki Gang, while Arataki Itto and a few others were eager to attend your wedding, they were ultimately stopped by Kuki Shinobu, who didn't want to risk unnecessary trouble. She herself didn't even show up.]
[You understood that with Shinobu's skills, she could easily have attended undetected. The fact that she didn't likely had more to do with her complicated feelings toward you.]
[The wedding quickly reached its peak. Under the eyes of the crowd, you and Yoimiya completed the ceremony. As the officiant finished speaking, a volley of celebratory fireworks shot into the sky.]
[These were Ryunosuke's special gift to his beloved daughter. The massive explosions kicked up gusts of wind that lifted the veils from both your faces. Looking into each other's eyes, you and Yoimiya shared a knowing smile.]
["Happy?" Yoimiya asked quietly.]
["Of course," you rested your chin on her shoulder with a grin. "Starting today, we can finally... officially start working on having kids."]
[Though you and Yoimiya had already "made things official" during the Summer Festival, that wasn't something her traditionally-minded father could ever know. Even after the engagement, he would never have approved of any pre-marital transgressions.]
[But how could passionate young hearts be expected to wait? Things might've been fine before, but ever since Yoimiya discovered the joy of "setting off fireworks," she found it hard to resist. She often snuck off with you when her father wasn't home for a quick spark or two.]
[Thankfully, you had been careful with protection—otherwise, Yoimiya might've ended up walking down the aisle with a very noticeable baby bump.]
[Upon hearing your words, Yoimiya shyly thumped your chest with her fist, but inside, she too was starting to picture the beautiful future ahead.]
[But just then, you froze.]
[Standing just below the altar was a familiar woman with violet hair, watching you with a subtle, unreadable expression.]
[You recognized her instantly—Kujou Sara. And her gaze hadn't left you for a moment.]
[Panic welled up in your chest. No way... You were wearing a veil the whole time. There's no way she recognized you... unless... unless she caught a glimpse of your face when the veil flew off with the fireworks.]
[As your thoughts swirled, Yoimiya suddenly waved and beamed. "Miss Kujou! You actually came!"]
[You hadn't expected them to know each other. Escape was no longer an option. Bracing yourself, you let Yoimiya pull you over. Your veil had already been removed after the ceremony, exposing your face completely.]
[Now entering Immersive Mode]
Oh no—why now, of all times?!
Just thinking about it made Lucas want to curl up and dig a hole in the floor with his toes from sheer embarrassment.
And just like that, his face was laid bare before Kujou Sara. Their eyes met for a brief second—then both of them instinctively looked away.
"It was Mr. Naganohara who invited me," Kujou Sara said calmly. "He mentioned that you'd been under my care before."
Her expression seemed perfectly composed, but Lucas could still catch subtle details—like the faint twitch at the corner of her mouth—that betrayed her forced calm.
And honestly, Lucas wasn't doing much better. His emotions were a tangled mess, but neither of them could afford to show even a hint of awkwardness.
"Hehe, that's true," Yoimiya said, scratching the back of her head with a sheepish grin. "I used to get taken to the Tenryou Commission all the time because of public safety and firework violations. Miss Kujou was always different, though. She'd actually ask what happened before making a decision. If I wasn't in the wrong, she'd let me go."
Lucas tried to keep things light and breezy. "And what if you were wrong?"
"If she was in the wrong, I'd handle it according to the law," Kujou Sara replied expressionlessly. "I'm not the type to bend the rules, not even for close friends."
The remark was clearly aimed at Lucas. But Yoimiya blinked in surprise. "Wait—so, in your eyes, I'm actually a close friend? That's kind of flattering, honestly."
Kujou Sara didn't refute her. Her eyes finally met Lucas's, calm but direct. "But it seems you don't see me as a friend. Getting married all of a sudden like this… I don't think I've ever even met your husband."
"Not much I can do about that," Yoimiya replied, smacking Lucas lightly on the shoulder with a grin. "He's not exactly a social butterfly—always buried in his work. Ah, Husband, aren't you going to say hi to Miss Kujou properly? We'll need the Tenryou Commission's support for our family fireworks business from now on."
At the words "our family," Kujou Sara's brows visibly furrowed, and her hand instinctively clenched into a fist. Lucas noticed it all.
Because if none of that had happened… she would have been the one standing beside him today.
"Of course." Lucas extended a hand toward her, smiling. "We'll be relying on you from now on, Miss Kujou."
Kujou Sara gave a slight nod and reached out as well. "No need to be so formal. Yoimiya's a wonderful girl. Just… don't disappoint her."
"You're making me blush," Yoimiya laughed, clearly proud. "But Husband's great too! Don't let his slim build fool you—he's actually…"
She trailed off, her cheeks flushing red. After all, the "amazing" parts of Lucas weren't exactly the kind of strengths you could brag about in public.
Even though she stopped short, the blissful glow on her face gave it all away. Kujou Sara needed no imagination to figure out what they'd already done.
And just like that, her once still heart began to throb uncontrollably.
That happiness… was supposed to be hers.
Suddenly, Lucas's eyes widened slightly as he felt something cool and tingly in his palm. Kujou Sara, taking advantage of the handshake, had traced two characters into his skin with her fingertip—
[Come. Find. Me.]
Then, with a look that carried a distinct air of threat, she added, "I'm not feeling well. I think I'll excuse myself to rest."
"Eh? Really? That's such a shame…" Yoimiya, ever the innocent one, completely missed the silent exchange. "You'll miss out on the best fireworks tonight!"
"No matter. I've never been that fond of fireworks to begin with…" Kujou Sara turned her head slightly, her tone laced with meaning. "I prefer to keep the things I cherish… tightly in my own hands."
"Huh?" Yoimiya tapped her chin. "Why do people in the Commission always talk in these riddles I can't understand?"
"Um…" Lucas forced a smile. "I think my stomach's acting up. I should go… take care of something."
"You too? I knew those dango didn't look fresh," Yoimiya said with a shrug. "What, your stomach's having its own fireworks show now? Go, go!"
He laughed on the outside, but his heart was a mess.
Kujou Sara had always wanted him to leave Inazuma. She wanted him safe and far away from danger. And now, instead of doing that, he had gone and held a wedding right under the Raiden Shogun's nose. What was she going to say?
Would she try to force him to leave again?
Or… would she turn on him out of jealousy and hand him over?
No point worrying now. He could only face her head-on.
As soon as he stepped into the restroom, a nearby stall door flew open, and a hand yanked him inside.
It was cramped inside the stall—two people barely fit. But the warm, familiar softness pressed against his chest left no doubt about who it was.
A reunion like this… definitely wasn't what he expected.
After a long moment, Lucas awkwardly muttered, "Uh, I…"
"You don't need to explain," Kujou Sara cut in, shaking her head. "I just want to know—why didn't you listen and leave?"
"I didn't know where to go," Lucas replied, helpless. "You know as well as I do… my fate has never really been mine to decide."
"I see…" Kujou Sara lowered her gaze. "So, you're still chasing that impossible plan?"
Of course, she meant the assassination of the Raiden Shogun.
And Lucas knew—if she found out he still intended to go through with it, whether to protect him or the Shogun, she'd do everything in her power to drag him out of Inazuma.
"Hahaha… come on, how could I?" Lucas gave a dry laugh. "How could a mortal hope to challenge a god? I've come to terms with things. I just want to live quietly with Yoimiya now. So… I hope you'll let me be."
He'd already lied once. What were a few more?
"Well said… let you be." Kujou Sara's shoulders trembled as she laughed bitterly. "You know… I wish it were me standing beside you today, not her."
Kujou Sara's words left Lucas speechless for a moment. After a long pause, he finally responded calmly, "After everything that's happened… I've moved on."
"But I haven't."
As soon as the words left her lips, Sara suddenly yanked open the collar of her uniform.
Like fireworks illuminating the night, the dazzling white before his eyes seemed to brighten the dimly lit stall.
"What are you doing?" Lucas flushed, but his gaze lingered despite himself.
"I can't accept it," Sara bit her lip. "Seeing Yoimiya so happy… I just can't stand it. Even if I can't take you back, at least… let me have a little of that 'happiness' for myself."
Lucas understood exactly what she meant. Normally, in immersive simulations, he was quite unrestrained. But today was his wedding day—he was still wearing his groom's attire. Doing something like this behind Yoimiya's back felt… inappropriate.
"This…" Lucas hesitated. "It's not right."
"You're free to refuse, of course," Sara pressed a finger against his throat, her voice icy. "But… you wouldn't want the Tenryou Commission to learn your true identity, would you?"
Lucas never imagined the day would come when he—the one who usually did the threatening—would be on the receiving end.
The Sara he knew would never resort to coercion. But when it came to matters of the heart, even the most rational woman could lose her senses.
As she had said earlier, she simply couldn't bear it. Compared to Yoimiya, she wasn't lacking in any way. It was only because of their differing circumstances that she had to watch helplessly as the man she loved married someone else.
And Yoimiya's radiant happiness had been the final straw.
Sara could have chosen far crueler methods of "revenge." But in the end, she was too kind-hearted. So instead, she settled for this—just a small way to soothe the bitterness in her heart and the loneliness of all these years.
"Fine," Lucas's lips curled slightly. "But aren't you afraid… of being caught?"
BOOM!
A deafening explosion echoed from outside—another firework.
To celebrate the wedding, Naganohara Ryuunosuke had prepared an extravagant display, each blast louder than the last.
The sound seemed to answer Lucas's question.
Everyone was watching the fireworks.
Even if they made a little noise, it would be drowned out completely.
Though it felt like a betrayal to Yoimiya, Lucas had no choice. His secret was at stake.
And if he was honest with himself… he still held feelings for Sara, too.
Yoimiya was lively and energetic, her body always ready to ignite at the slightest spark.
But Sara's body had been "asleep" for years—untouched since their last encounter two years ago.
So when Lucas first began, her entire frame shuddered violently, her Vision flaring to life as arcs of electricity crackled across her skin.
"Are you okay?" Lucas asked, concerned.
"I'm… fine," Sara gasped, biting her lip. "Just… a little dry."
"Don't worry," Lucas whispered in her ear. "I applied lip balm earlier."
With that, he slowly lowered himself.
The stall was cramped, forcing Sara to press flush against the door just to give him room to move.
Long drought meets sweet rain.
Sara rediscovered sensations she had nearly forgotten, losing herself in the rising tide of pleasure.
But even as bliss overtook her, a pang of sorrow struck her heart.
Yoimiya gets to feel like this every day.
Outside, fireworks boomed; inside, their own private display kept pace, forming a strange, synchronized rhythm.
Then—footsteps.
Two sets. One bold and careless, the other cautious and hesitant.
"Boss, are you sure we should be here?" The wary voice muttered, "If the Tenryou Commission spots us…"
"Relax! They don't know about our plans!" The louder voice boomed. "Besides, it's our bro's wedding! How could we not show up?"
Lucas's blood ran cold.
That's Arataki Itto.
The other voice likely belonged to Shirou Sawaki, a recent addition to the Arataki Gang.
Itto had fished him out of the ocean months ago—a fugitive fleeing the Vision Hunt Decree, forced to leap into the sea to escape the Tenryou Commission's pursuit.
He'd joined out of gratitude, but also shared their goal of overthrowing the Decree. With a Cryo Vision and considerable combat skills, he often accompanied Itto on missions.
"Let's be real, Boss—you just wanted to see the fireworks," Sawaki sighed. "And I saw Kujou Sara in the crowd earlier. We should lay low."
"That damn turtle's here?!" Itto sounded thrilled. "Perfect! Once I clear out the inventory, I'll go say hi—URK—"
A deeply ominous gurgle erupted from his stomach.
"I told you those dango looked sketchy," Sawaki groaned. "But you ate a whole plate anyway!"
"Sh-Shut up!" Itto staggered toward the stall, grabbing the door handle. "It's—hnng—coming up!"
Inside, Lucas and Sara froze.
Sara immediately braced her full weight against the door, panic flashing through her eyes.
If they were discovered—especially by Itto, of all people—the consequences would be unthinkable.
Watching her desperate struggle from behind, Lucas couldn't help but find it amusing.
And his body, ever the traitor, kept moving.
Sara's eyes widened in alarm. She whipped her head around, glaring at him—but soon, her expression shifted to pleading.
Was she begging him to stop? Or to find a way to get rid of Itto?
"O-Occupied!" Lucas finally called out, pitching his voice higher. "Try another one!"
"That voice sounds kinda familiar, Uncle," Arataki Itto said suspiciously, though he still seemed to be buying the act. "How much longer are you gonna be?"
"Oh... it's gonna take a while," Lucas replied, pressing down on Kujou Sara's shoulder. "I've been holding it in for quite some time."
Kujou Sara, of course, understood the double meaning. The one who had been holding it in wasn't Lucas—it was clearly her. Her cheeks flushed red, but she couldn't say anything aloud. Instead, she shot him another sharp glare to protest.
"Boss, it's not like there's only one stall," Sakaki Shirono rubbed his forehead, exasperated. "Can't you just pick a different one?"
"No way! I'm Arataki Itto! I have to be number one in everything—whether it's a duel, a feast, or even using the toilet. First stall or nothing!" Itto's face turned slightly green from the strain, but he stood firm. "No worries, I'll hold it in a bit longer… Let's go find another bathroom!"
Hearing that, both Lucas and Kujou Sara let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Thank goodness for his bizarre sense of pride. If he'd started making a scene in the next stall over, the mood between them would've been completely ruined.
"Ugh, fine. Whatever you say, Boss," Sakaki sighed. "I'll take this chance to go check on Kujou Sara…"
The moment she heard her name, Sara—who had been somewhat dazed—suddenly snapped to attention.
Her personality had always been vigilant and strict. If someone was snooping around trying to gather information on her, she'd immediately be on alert.
Lucas seemed to notice this shift as well. Her scattered thoughts were beginning to reassemble—so to keep her mind from refocusing, he gritted his teeth and metaphorically slammed his foot on the gas.
The sudden "acceleration" left Kujou Sara completely defenseless. She had been trying to focus, trying to listen in on the situation outside, but now she was left clinging to the door panel, her eyes rolling back involuntarily.
Granted, this time it wasn't from Lucas's antics—it was simply a sensory overload.
Lucas hadn't expected this, but somehow, he'd just accidentally protected the entire Arataki Gang.
A few minutes later.
In the calm after the storm, the air between them had grown a little awkward again.
"How do you feel?" Lucas suddenly asked.
"What kind of answer are you looking for?" Kujou Sara shot him a cold glare. "You want me to say something like Yae Miko—'You're amazing'?"
That shut him up. Lucas scratched his head awkwardly. "That's… not what I meant. I just—"
"It was good," Sara interrupted, her voice cool and composed. "Better than two years ago."
And of course it was. That time, in prison, had been her first. It had been passionate, sure—but also came with inevitable pain. This time, they were both far more experienced.
"In the end, you're still a woman. If you need—" Lucas paused, realizing what he was about to say might not land well. He corrected himself. "I mean… do you really plan to stay alone forever?"
"Coming from my ex-husband, that's rich," Sara sneered. "But no, I'm not planning on seeing any other men."
"Why not?" Lucas asked.
"Do you still remember your Raikiri?" she replied calmly. "After using that blade… every other sword just seems dull."
She looked at him. "Same goes for people."
Lucas was momentarily speechless. Then he saw Kujou Sara smile faintly and say, "Honestly… I'm relieved. At least now, I know you'll be well taken care of for the rest of your life. Since someone else is looking after you, I can finally let go."
The only problem was—Lucas had lied. He was never going to get that peaceful life.
"Lucas, what are you doing here? I've been looking all over for you—" a familiar voice called out.
Not far off, Yoimiya came stumbling over, looking a bit unsteady. The new outfit she wore made her, someone usually full of energy, look a little out of place.
Lucas quickly caught her and helped her balance. "Miss Kujou was… just looking for a quieter spot to watch the fireworks. I happened to run into her, so we just said hello."
"But…" Yoimiya tilted her head. "Didn't you say you didn't really like fireworks?"
Lucas tensed. For someone usually so carefree, Yoimiya's instincts were surprisingly sharp. Had she noticed something?
But before he could panic further, Kujou Sara offered a soft smile and said, "Other people's fireworks… can be nice every now and then."
As she spoke, she glanced sideways at Lucas—and the meaning in her gaze was unmistakable.
Lucas himself was "someone else's fireworks."
"Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed together, you know!" Yoimiya nodded enthusiastically. "Miss Kujou, you're always welcome to join us any time—we've got plenty of room for more guests."
"That won't be necessary," Sara shook her head, turning to leave. "If I end up getting addicted, I might not be able to stop."
"Wait!" Yoimiya suddenly stepped forward, reaching out to help fasten the front of Kujou Sara's disheveled collar. "You shouldn't walk around like that. Be careful—some shady people might take advantage."
"…Thanks," Kujou Sara replied, her eyes sweeping past Lucas as she added, "Not that it matters if someone takes a peek every now and then."
As she walked off, Yoimiya tilted her head, cheeks flushing pink as she murmured, "Wait, Miss Kujou is… that big?"
"Don't worry about things like that," Lucas quickly tried to change the subject. "Come on, let's go watch the fireworks."
"Hmph! And you!" Yoimiya suddenly jabbed a finger at Lucas. "Don't think I didn't notice! You totally sneaked a peek when her collar wasn't buttoned properly, didn't you?"
"I-I did not!" Lucas stammered. "You're just as beautiful—I don't need to peek at anyone else!"
"But… hers seemed a lot bigger than mine…" Yoimiya looked down at her chest and pouted. "Don't all guys prefer bigger ones?"
Lucas nodded solemnly. "That's true—"
"You actually admitted it?!" she huffed and gave him a light kick. "Go find someone with bigger ones then!"
"Well…" Lucas pulled her into his arms, one hand already wandering. "I still prefer the ones I raised myself."
To be fair, maybe it was all the love and care he'd poured into her—but Yoimiya did seem a bit more… developed than a few months ago. No doubt the result of his constant, dedicated "tending."
"Let go already..."
Yoimiya's cheeks were tinged with red as she tried to push Lucas away. But there was no way she could match the strength of a man who worked with iron all year round. Within moments, she melted into his arms like molten metal.
One major advantage of the simulator was... no cooldown period. No "post-action fatigue," either. Right now, Lucas could remain at full power—indefinitely.
There was no helping it. Since he'd already done those things with Kujou Sara, the only way he could now make it up to Yoimiya… was to pour even more passionate "affection" into her.
The last firework had long since burst into countless specks of starlight, fading into the air. The guests who had been invited all left in high spirits.
Just like in a real wedding, most guests, after enjoying the food and entertainment, simply wanted to make a quick exit.
After all, no matter how beautiful the bride was, she wasn't theirs.
Once Kujou Sara left, everything around them fell silent. Even Yoimiya's father, the famously sober Naganohara Ryunosuke, had surprisingly made an exception—drinking himself into a stupor. A few friendly neighbors helped carry him home.
"What… what are you doing?" Yoimiya had thought Lucas was just teasing her, but his actions were clearly going too far. She tensed up. "We're in the middle of nowhere!"
Normally, this many fireworks—on this scale—would require approval from the Tenryou Commission to be used inside the city. That's why Ryunosuke had chosen the outskirts, just to give his daughter the perfect fireworks wedding.
"It's fine. Everyone's gone," Lucas whispered close to her ear. "At most, there might be a few raccoons watching. Besides… isn't the great outdoors just perfect for this sort of thing?"
"Ridiculous!" Yoimiya bit her lip. "What's so 'perfect' about the middle of nowhere?"
"Have you forgotten? In Inazuma, people's surnames often relate to where their ancestors did... well, the deed," Lucas chuckled. "Mountaintop, Tanaka, Kawashimo... Think about it. Your surname's Naganohara. Wouldn't it be a disgrace to your family legacy if it didn't happen in the wilderness?"
"Your family's the disgrace, you… you…" Yoimiya was too flustered to finish that sentence.
"You what?" Lucas pressed teasingly, continuing to test her boundaries.
Although their first time had been under the open sky, since then, they'd always made sure there was a roof over their heads. That time had been on a cliff with no one around. But this place—though wild—still had lights from nearby villages visible in the distance. Who knew if someone might pass by?
"You… you know exactly what you're doing…" Yoimiya was sweating as she tried to hold her ground. "Can't you just wait a little longer?"
"I could wait. But right now, I just... can't hold it in anymore." Lucas continued pressing forward. "You know what I was thinking when I stood on that altar earlier, looking out at the crowd?"
"You were thinking..." Yoimiya pondered seriously, "With that many guests, we're probably gonna get a lot of wedding money."
"Pfft!"
Even Lucas couldn't help but laugh. Her innocent cuteness was impossible to resist. Shaking his head, he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and said, "I was thinking... every one of those guests probably knew exactly what the couple on the altar would be doing tonight."
That's right—weddings meant that everyone present knew the couple was going to consummate the marriage that very night.
Yoimiya blinked. It took her a few seconds to catch the meaning, and when she did, her face flushed a bright red. But she didn't know how to respond.
"Which means... we can't let them down, can we?" Lucas whispered, lips brushing her ear. "It's almost midnight. If we wait until we're back home, it'll already be tomorrow. Wouldn't it be a shame to let such a memorable thing slip into the next day?"
"But... but..." Even though her heart was already racing, Yoimiya's last shred of reason still tried to hold on.
"And most importantly—your father... no, my dear father-in-law, he drank quite a bit just now. He's definitely passed out by now," Lucas delivered the final blow. "You know how loud his snoring gets."
"Fine! Let's just do it here."
At last, Yoimiya relented and nodded. "Dad's snoring... you can't even sleep through that, let alone... ugh—eh?!"
Before she could finish her sentence, her body was already pinned against the thick trunk of a crooked tree.
The tree was so wide it would take two people to wrap their arms around it, and it leaned at just the right angle—like a natural reclining bed.
Over the past few months, the two of them had gotten quite experienced. Yoimiya immediately understood what Lucas had in mind. Though embarrassed, she still shifted into the right position, fitting snugly against the tree.
The night was calm. The faint scent of fireworks lingered in the air like traces of powder.
Two finches were napping in the branches overhead. But suddenly, the branch began to tremble, waking them with a start. They assumed a mischievous raccoon must've climbed up again.
But after a moment, they realized it wasn't the branch that was shaking—it was the trunk. The tremors weren't too strong, but they were rapid and rhythmic.
The finches flapped out of their nest. Looking down from the branches, they spotted two pale figures entwined at the base of the tree. With a few disgruntled chirps, the birds took off and vanished into the night.
As for the culprits who had disturbed their dreams? They were still tangled together. Lucas wielded his iron hammer, clanging it rhythmically against the snow-white, jade-like iron before him, gradually shaping it into something he liked.
He'd forged countless blades in his life—the sharpest, of course, was Raikiri. But the softest? That would be the one in his hands now.
"How does it feel?" he asked, admiring his "creation."
"It's a little..." Yoimiya furrowed her brows. "...hard."
"You're just realizing that now?" Lucas blinked in confusion. "Haven't you always known?"
"Idiot," Yoimiya raised an eyebrow. "I meant the tree."
---
Author's Note: Have a nice day!
---
🔹 Read 100+ chapters ahead! → patreon.com/NiaXD