"Izumi, go with them," Sangonomiya Eigetsu said, glancing at the swaddled infant and addressing a shrine maiden behind her.
"Yes, Lady Sangonomiya," Izumi Yansa replied.
The next day, at Sangonomiya Shrine, Khaenri'ah's envoy arrived earlier than Eigetsu expected. They were impatient.
"Lord Envoy, the Three Realms Gateway Offering is still half a month away," Eigetsu said.
"We're here to discuss Watatsumi's choice of representative," the Khaenri'ahn envoy said. "Mutual understanding is crucial for the days ahead."
"This is Izumi Yansa, our records keeper. She'll assist you with the Offering," Eigetsu said, gesturing to the maiden.
A figure behind the envoy nodded subtly, confirming Izumi's identity.
"Here's to a swift ceremony," Eigetsu smiled. "We'll leave the details to you."
The Khaenri'ahns weren't chatty. Their subordinates began discussing logistics with Watatsumi's.
Watatsumi was at a disadvantage—many experts were gone, and while the maidens were loyal, they lacked technical finesse.
But they had a trump card: talk profits, they'd counter with faith. After a few rounds, Khaenri'ah felt the pressure.
Eigetsu didn't linger on the talks. Watatsumi's daily affairs kept her busy.
"Still green," she sighed, leaving the meeting. "Right?"
"Lady Sangonomiya jests," came a voice as water rippled. Banjiao Nisei emerged from a Stealth Barrier.
He handed her a letter.
Nisei had just finished reorganizing Inazuma's lively groups, setting up safe and restricted zones per Reisen Riou's vision.
But, unlucky as ever, he was roped into delivering a letter to Sangonomiya right after reporting.
Come on, didn't he, Banjiao Nisei, deserve some face? Delivering to Watatsumi was high-risk.
"Hm," Eigetsu mused, reading the letter. She penned a reply on the spot. "I know his concerns. Please deliver this to him."
Nisei took the letter, stepped back, and vanished into his barrier.
"Inazuma's brimming with talent—Banjiao Nisei, that Kombumaru from the tournament…" Eigetsu said, envying Nisei's silent exit. Watatsumi paled in comparison.
"With such techniques, maybe Watatsumi could shine like that," she hoped.
As heirs to a complete legacy, Watatsumi was keenly aware of Inazuma's changes.
Two hundred years ago, Narukami's rule was diligent but barely fed most folk. To live well, you joined the Shogunate as foot soldiers or maidens—or became a pirate or ronin, living off raids.
The turning point came decades ago when scholars brought knowledge and tech to Inazuma.
The previous Sangonomiya saw progress and wanted in.
But Watatsumi's unique situation stumped the scholars. No good solutions came.
In recent decades, as Eigetsu grew, Inazuma's military and prosperity soared. Yet Watatsumi's nobles, stuck in old ways, indulged in pleasure.
After digging and even consulting Lord Narukami secretly, Watatsumi pinpointed a culprit blocking tech spread: "Distant Wisdom," "Sumeru Honorary Scholar," "Narukami's General's Chronicler"—Reisen Riou.
His status made him untouchable. Watatsumi's reformers despised him but couldn't act.
He was a key to Inazuma's rise. Targeting him could doom Watatsumi's progress. Plus, he was strong, Narukami's half-body, and the shadow warrior's husband. Force was out.
…
"So, you predicted Khaenri'ah's moves? They're screwed," Raiden Makoto said, rubbing her temples.
"Yeah, they're pouring forces into Watatsumi. The Rock-Shadow-Thunderlight Brigade's local branch and Sangonomiya's forces won't cut it. I'm leading a team myself," Reisen said.
"Go, but find someone to cover your duties," Makoto said.
"I've got a guy. I'll be gone a month or two. Yureisai Kuroko's been idle lately—he can sub as chronicler," Reisen said.
"Approved," Makoto nodded, granting his leave.
Reisen tracked down Kuroko.
"Kuroko, cover my shift, and I'll give you Thunderpeal's shadow-forged copy."
Thunderpeal was one of Ei's dazzling catalysts from the Great Forging. The best was with Narukami, but Reisen's shadow-forged copy was still stunning.
Reisen had one, Saiguu too, but Kuroko, less close to Ei, had begged Reisen for it.
"Leave it to me. No issues," Kuroko boasted. "I've handled paperwork for the Yashiro Commission. I got this."
"Here's some tips…" Reisen said, then vanished in a flash of lightning.
He'd planned this mission for weeks. Half a month ago, he'd ordered Rock-Shadow-Thunderlight Brigade elites from all branches to gather at the Yashiori Island base.
Now, he just needed to head there and muster the team.