The day after Shao Yun concluded his conversation with Kamisato Ayato and Yae Miko.
At dawn, just as the sun rose over the horizon, several shrine maidens from the Grand Narukami Shrine boarded small boats. Following Shao Yun's prior instructions, ten teams were organized—each consisting of two boats—with fishing nets to begin clearing the floating corpses from the sea.
For a time, Tatarasuna became an open-air morgue. The stench of death permeated the air, thick with the reek of rotting bodies and buzzing flies.
Onshore, other shrine maidens handled disinfection, sprinkling medicinal powder on the corpses to prevent the outbreak of disease.
Despite the overwhelming number of corpses drifting on the sea, the shrine maidens managed to cleanse the surface entirely within a single day.
At dusk, Yae Miko led the shrine maidens in a ceremonial dance by the shore of Tatarasuna, offering prayers and using leyline energy to purify the blood-soaked waters.
From Kujou Encampment, Shao Yun observed the ritual through a telescope, watching Yae Miko and her shrine maidens move in harmony.
As the blessing dance concluded, the crimson sea began to fade back to clarity. The water, once stained by blood, was now restored to its pure azure, alive and vibrant once more.
Yae Miko slowly lowered her gohei, gazing intently toward the direction of Kujou Encampment.
At the same moment, Shao Yun, still stationed at Tatarasuna, was observing everything through his scope.
When their eyes met through the distance, Shao Yun smiled and waved at her.
But Yae Miko offered no response—she merely turned away and silently led the shrine maidens back.
As night fell, Shao Yun moved on to his next phase of planning.
He dispatched several members of the resistance into Inazuma City to spread false rumors of Orobashi's resurrection and his intent to seek revenge.
These resistance members cleverly left conspicuous slogans and notes around the city: "Orobashi returns for vengeance," "Judgment descends upon Narukami Island," and similar chilling phrases.
By the next day, panic and unease swept rapidly through the streets of Inazuma.
…
On the second day after Shao Yun's discussion with Kamisato Ayato and Yae Miko, the entire city of Inazuma fell into chaos.
The sudden appearance of these messages shocked the citizens, driving them to gather en masse before Tenshukaku, falling to their knees in desperation, praying for the Raiden Shogun to emerge and save Inazuma from doom.
They believed only the mighty Raiden Shogun could protect Inazuma from this ancient threat.
Some, driven by emotion, even climbed over the walls and stormed into the courtyard of Tenshukaku.
However, these frantic acts were stopped by the Tenryou Commission.
Unlike before, the guards of Tenshukaku were no longer the Okuzumeshuu but members of the Tenryou Commission.
This was because most of the Okuzumeshuu had been killed by Shao Yun. The few who remained simply could not defend Tenshukaku alone.
Thus, the security of Tenshukaku was now overseen by Kujou Takayuki and his faction within the Tenryou Commission.
Of course, Kujou Takayuki's motivation was not loyalty—but ambition for absolute power in Inazuma.
Upon hearing that the masses were trying to break into Tenshukaku, he made a swift and ruthless decision.
He immediately deployed the remaining Tenryou Commission officers to disperse the crowd—with orders to use force if necessary.
What followed was a violent clash between the terrified citizens and the law enforcers.
Fear and fury collided, spiraling out of control.
Countless innocent Inazuman citizens perished, and the path before Tenshukaku ran red with blood.
Notably, Kujou Sara witnessed it all...
The broken Statue of the Omnipresent God and the corpses of the fallen shook the general to her core.
She began questioning the meaning of all this chaos—but in the end, her conclusion was clear.
No matter what, loyalty to the Raiden Shogun came before all else.
Meanwhile, panic-driven hoarding and inflation set in. Prices in Inazuma City skyrocketed.
A small sack of rice that once cost 100 Mora now sold for 20,000.
Anxiety and unrest surged among the people.
The Yashiro Commission, led personally by Kamisato Ayaka, barely maintained order along the roads, which were plagued by frequent Nobushi ambushes.
Even so, nearly 80% of transported goods were looted before reaching Inazuma City.
As for the Kanjou Commission stationed in Ritou—they remained silent and passive.
Like ancient strategists biding their time, they waited patiently to seize power when all was done.
At dusk on the second day, Shao Yun used Naku Weed to substitute for Electrograna and successfully activated the Kamuijima Cannon, firing it directly at Narukami Island.
Although the blast caused no casualties or property damage, the psychological blow to Inazuma's citizens was devastating—many people's morale completely collapsed.
…
On the third day, at the first light of dawn, the Naganohara Fireworks Shop opened its doors.
Its wooden signboard, bathed in the soft morning glow, stood as a quiet witness to the changing tides of time.
Even though she knew no one would be buying fireworks, Yoimiya still rose early.
She quietly picked up a broom and began sweeping outside her shop—more out of habit than necessity, and out of her love for life itself.
As she cleaned, Yoimiya noticed several people carrying bundles and children, leaving Inazuma City in haste.
Worry and unease painted their faces as they sought somewhere safe to escape the coming war.
Some made for Ritou, hoping to board ships leaving Inazuma;
Others aimed for Chinju Forest—the domain of yokai.
Though many feared the creatures there, the looming war left them with no other choice.
To be fair, most yokai were kind, so Chinju Forest wasn't a bad option.
However, not everyone chose to flee.
Most residents remained in the city, doors shut tight, praying for the Raiden Shogun to emerge from Tenshukaku and guide them through the storm.
In this moment of turmoil, Yoimiya couldn't help but feel a sliver of anxiety.
But as a fireworks artisan, there was little she could do—except continue to cherish her life in her own small way.
After finishing her sweeping, Yoimiya stretched and muttered to herself.
"Finally done. Time to head inside and rest for a bit!"
She leaned the broom against the doorway and pushed open the door. A familiar scent of cooking greeted her—it was her father, busy in the kitchen.
Hearing the door, Naganohara Ryuunosuke peeked out and smiled.
"Yoimiya, breakfast's almost ready. Just hang on a minute."
Because of his partial deafness, he spoke quite loudly.
Yoimiya smiled helplessly and raised her voice in return.
"Got it, Dad! I'm going to check on Miss Kiyoko first!"
With that, she walked toward the living room.
Miss Kiyoko was a merchant from Watatsumi Island who had come to Narukami Island recently to buy supplies.
Yesterday, while trying to leave Ritou, she was ambushed by a band of Nobushi—but luckily, Yoimiya had been nearby gathering materials and stepped in just in time to save her.
Entering the living room, Yoimiya saw Kiyoko sitting on the floor, changing the bandage on her wounded arm.
She rushed over with concern.
"Miss Kiyoko, let me help you with that."
Taking the ointment from her, Yoimiya carefully applied it to the wound.
Kiyoko looked at her with gratitude.
"Thank you so much, Miss Yoimiya. If it weren't for you, I'd have died under those Nobushi blades."
As she wrapped the bandage, Yoimiya replied warmly.
"It's nothing, really. Just doing my part. The wilderness around Narukami Island isn't safe right now. I'm just sorry I could only recover half your goods."
Though Kiyoko was safe, her merchandise hadn't fared as well—half of it had been looted.
Kiyoko shook her head.
"It's fine. Even a single apple reaching Watatsumi Island is a blessing right now."
At the mention of Watatsumi Island, Yoimiya paused.
"Watatsumi Island? I thought you were here to sell goods in Inazuma City?"
Kiyoko smiled and explained.
"No, I'm a regular trader between Ritou and Watatsumi Island. Even though the Shogunate has banned trade with them, I've got my own legal channels."
Yoimiya's eyes widened.
"You're still trading with Watatsumi? Aren't you afraid of getting caught?"
Kiyoko went on to explain what had happened.
When she visited Bourou Village, her heart went out to the suffering people. She decided to help them.
Watatsumi Island was suffering from severe sanctification, turning the land barren—so barren even carrots couldn't grow.
The island was on the brink of a famine.
Kiyoko patted her chest proudly.
"If I don't do something, they'll starve. Thankfully, I get along well with the folks in Bourou Village."
Yoimiya was deeply moved.
"Miss Kiyoko, that's amazing…"
Then she asked with concern.
"But isn't the journey from Narukami Island to Watatsumi dangerous, especially now with the war? How do you travel safely?"
Kiyoko chuckled confidently.
"Because I know a safe route. I can avoid the danger and make it through."
Relieved but still uneasy, Yoimiya offered.
"Well, once you're better, you can go. Don't worry—my home is safe."
Kiyoko tapped her bandaged arm and replied with determination.
"I'm feeling much better. I'm planning to leave in a bit."
Yoimiya quickly objected.
"No way! That wound on your shoulder is deep—it needs several days to heal!"
Kiyoko pursed her lips, visibly troubled.
"But the people on Watatsumi are starving…"
Her eyes brimmed with urgency and concern.
Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she exclaimed.
"I heard the resistance has taken over Kujou Encampment. I'll go ask them for help!"
Yoimiya rubbed her chin, considering the idea.
"Hmm…"
Worried she'd overstepped, Kiyoko quickly apologized.
"Sorry. I shouldn't have brought that up. I know the resistance and the Shogunate…"
Her face flushed with embarrassment and anxiety.
Yoimiya quickly smiled to ease the tension.
"Oh, it's fine. I was just thinking we'll need some time to find a boat. For now, just rest."
But Kiyoko shook her head and stood.
"Thank you, Miss Yoimiya, but I'm well enough now. Really."
"I hid my boat nearby on the beach. You don't have to worry. Thanks again for everything—the medicine, the care."
Seeing her about to leave, Yoimiya quickly stood up and grabbed her hand.
"Hey, if that's the case—then let me go all the way. I'll take you to Kujou Encampment."
"You're still alone. I'd feel better seeing you off safely."
Kiyoko scratched her head shyly.
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
Yoimiya laughed brightly.
"Haha, not at all! Let's have breakfast first, then we'll head over to find the resistance."