"Kombumaru!" someone shouted, recognizing the adopted son of the Kagei family. Clearly, this boy wasn't unknown.
Kombumaru, a strikingly handsome youth and wielder of a Thunder Vision, stood tall and gallant. His impeccable manners and resilient character made him a rare gem, even among Inazuma's martial nobility.
"Is this guy really a commoner?" Reisen Riou whispered to Yae Saiguu beside him.
Though Kagei Tengu invited many, most were tied up. Raiden Makoto and Raiden Ei were off handling an Archon issue in the Dark Sea, with Chiyo and Reisen Anko in tow—likely no big deal.
"No idea," Saiguu whispered back. "But he doesn't seem like a commoner. Feels sharper than most nobles."
"He's quite the prodigy," Yureisai Kuroko joined in. "I taught him etiquette for just two days, and he mastered it flawlessly. Even I can't find fault."
"Like a born samurai noble," Kuroko added.
"That exaggerated?" Reisen asked, surprised.
"More than you think," Kuroko replied.
"Hold on, let me check the data. A standout like him should have a record," Reisen said.
[Name]: Kombumaru
[Life Energy]: LV26+
[Vision]: Thunder
[Ideology]: Skylight
[Theory]: Tengu-Style Archery Theory LV4, Inazuma Military Swordsmanship Theory LV4…
[Practice]: Tengu-Style Archery LV4, Swordsmanship LV4…
[Evaluation]: Prodigy Youth —by Resurrection [Details]: Omitted
Reisen clicked for details.
[Details·Growth Trajectory]: From Banjiao Village near Narukami Island's Araumi. Showed extraordinary talent young, recommended by local samurai Banjiao Isshin to the Shogunate forces. Mastered Inazuma Military Swordsmanship (LV3) in three months. Discovered with a Thunder Vision by [REDACTED] Yoriki, recommended for Okuzumeshu. After vetting, joined Okuzumeshu reserves for advanced training. Later scouted and adopted by archery master Kagei Tengu.
"This guy's a true genius," Reisen said, clicking his tongue.
Kombumaru's adoption banquet wrapped up quickly. After guests dispersed, Reisen and other youkai gathered in the Kagei family courtyard.
Kagei Tengu introduced the youkai elders to Kombumaru, starting with Reisen.
"This is Inazuma's top bow-wielder, the Shogun's attendant archivist, Lord Reisen Riou. He's also Inazuma's greatest barrier master. You can seek his archery guidance," Tengu said.
"Tengu flatters me. Inazuma's top bow-wielder? My archery pales compared to General Ei's," Reisen said, waving it off. "But for archery advice, come anytime."
Only Ei's Genryuu archery surpassed his. Reisen was close to mastering One Mind training, but even then, his archery—LV8 (99.4/100), Bow Heart LV8 (99.4/100)—lagged behind Ei's.
He didn't deny being the top barrier master. His barrier technique, rated LV12, rivaled lesser Archons. He doubted anyone in Inazuma could outdo him.
Kombumaru bowed respectfully. Reisen gifted a solidified Longevity Thunder Elixir. Now, like Ei, he could craft these elixirs. Thunder Vision wielders could refine them for a passive boost and a trump card.
Next, Tengu introduced Inazuma's top mage, Yae Saiguu, and top writer, Yureisai Kuroko. Then came other youkai, mostly tengu from Kagei Mountain, including the previous Kagei Tengu. As a tengu noble house, the Kagei easily summoned them.
Each gave Kombumaru small gifts. Saiguu's amulet was the most precious, Reisen's elixir the most practical.
Well, it would've been the most precious if Reisen hadn't flooded Inazuma's black market with them. Despite that, few elixirs left Inazuma—big shots snapped them up. Even non-Thunder Vision holders could use them with Thunder potions, activating effects to correct imbalances, heal wounds or illnesses, and strengthen the healthy. A universal miracle drug, priced at ten million Mora per elixir, no haggling, sold out instantly. Reisen limited sales to fund research, as some projects were costly.
Since passing Reisen Shrine to Banjiao Yaku, he couldn't freely tap its funds—not that it was impossible, but it bent propriety. So, he sold elixirs. In four years since mastering solidification, he sold seven on the black market, aided over thirty Okuzumeshu officers in fusing elixirs, and crafted more for high-ranking nobles.
With gifts given, the banquet concluded. Guests departed.
"Hey, Brother Reisen!" Yureisai called as Reisen headed back to Inazuma City.
"Yureisai, what's up?" Reisen turned.
"I heard the Shadow Warrior plans to fire up the forge. True or not?" Yureisai asked.
"When did you start calling yourself 'old self'? But yeah, it's true. She's forging three naginata, three katana, three bows, three catalysts, and three wakizashi—all true-forged. Some shadow-forged ones might leak out. Got any requests?"
"Heh, we'll talk later," Yureisai grinned.
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