After opening her eyes, the manga shop vanished from sight.
The mysterious Boss Han was nowhere to be found.
In his place was a breathtaking scene of cherry blossoms drifting through the air.
"So… I've already traveled through time?"
Looking at the familiar yet distant cherry blossoms, Yae Miko felt momentarily dazed.
She clearly hadn't fully adjusted yet.
A moment later, after regaining her composure, a flash of delight appeared in her eyes.
Because she recognized these blossoms instantly.
They were the exact variety grown in Inazuma.
That meant there was a very high probability she had arrived in Inazuma.
"I just don't know who I exchanged souls with…"
Miko frowned slightly.
The identity she now possessed would directly affect how difficult it would be to change the future.
With that thought, she stood up and walked toward a nearby stream.
When she saw the reflection in the water, she froze.
The figure wore a simple yet elegant light-purple kimono.
Long hair—smooth and flowing like violet silk— fell behind her back.
And most notably, the hair was adorned with the iconic wisteria fan ornament.
If it wasn't Raiden Makoto, who else could it be?
"I… I actually swapped souls with Raiden Makoto?"
Realizing the truth, Yae Miko stood there in stunned silence.
Before traveling, she had considered many possible targets—an ordinary woman, a shogunate general, even her past self.
But never, not once, had she imagined it would be Raiden Makoto, her former master.
In this era, Makoto was the Electro Archon.
And yet Boss Han's reward was powerful enough to exchange even the soul of a god.
It was unbelievable.
A Perfect Opportunity
"Still… this is actually good news. With Raiden Makoto's identity, everything becomes much easier."
Coming back to her senses, Miko's face filled with excitement.
Five hundred years ago, Raiden Makoto was the ruler of Inazuma.
Her words were absolute.
No one would dare disobey her—
including the somewhat stubborn Raiden Ei.
"Since Makoto is still alive, the war with Khaenri'ah hasn't begun yet. That means I still have time."
Staring at the reflection in the water, Miko murmured to herself.
Just then, a familiar voice called out from the distance.
"Makoto, why are you still standing there? The gathering is about to start!"
Miko turned toward the sound.
Walking toward her was someone with a face very similar to Makoto's— yet with a completely different aura.
It was her long-unseen friend:
Raiden Ei.
Reunion with Ei
"Ei… it's been a long time."
Seeing her old friend again, Miko sighed with emotion.
Ever since Ei created the Raiden Shogun puppet and sealed herself inside the Plane of Euthymia, they had never met again.
She never expected their reunion would happen five hundred years in the past—and under these circumstances.
"But we just saw each other earlier."
Ei looked at "Makoto" with confusion.
What's wrong with my sister today?
She's acting strangely.
Unable to figure it out, Ei simply continued:
"Sister, Chiyo and the Shrine Maiden have already arrived. Let's head over."
"Chiyo… and Lady Saiguu?"
Hearing those familiar names, Miko fell into memories again.
Back when she hadn't yet taken human form, she had often seen those two.
They were familiar figures from her childhood.
Especially Kitsune Saiguu, the White Fox matriarch.
Their bond had been particularly close.
Yet she too had perished in the calamity five hundred years ago.
The thought filled Miko with sorrow.
"Since I've returned here, I must stop those tragedies from happening."
Her resolve grew even stronger.
That was the entire reason she had come back.
"Makoto? Are you alright?"
Seeing her sister standing motionless, Ei waved a hand in front of her face.
"I'm fine. Let's go."
Miko smiled lightly.
"Alright."
Ei nodded.
But the doubt in her heart remained.
Something about my sister today feels off.
The Gathering Under the Cherry Blossoms
Soon, the two arrived beneath a large cherry tree.
Butterflies fluttered.
Petals drifted gently downward.
Combined with the pleasant weather, the atmosphere felt peaceful and serene.
A large purple-patterned picnic cloth was spread beneath the tree.
It was covered with wine and fruit.
Two beautiful figures sat there, chatting cheerfully.
On the left was a young woman.
She wore a white-and-red robe and had a pair of prominent horns on her forehead.
Rather than diminishing her beauty, they gave her a unique charm.
She was the noblewoman:
Mikoshi Chiyo.
On the right sat a mature woman.
She had white hair, golden eyes, and wore a classic shrine maiden outfit.
Most eye-catching of all were her fox ears.
Her expression carried a faintly seductive smile, and every movement radiated charm—almost like another version of Yae Miko herself.
She was:
Kitsune Saiguu.
A Peaceful Moment
"The Almighty Narukami has arrived."
Seeing "Raiden Makoto" approach, Chiyo and Saiguu quickly stood and bowed.
Although Makoto had a gentle personality and didn't care much for formalities, her subordinates still maintained proper etiquette.
"No need. This is just a gathering—relax."
Miko smiled softly.
They nodded and sat back down around the cloth.
A leisurely gathering began.
Because they had not yet experienced the tragedy of the Khaenri'ah disaster,
Ei's personality at this time was not the cold, distant figure of the future.
Though still quiet by nature, she listened with a gentle smile as Chiyo and Saiguu chatted.
Occasionally, when something amusing came up, she would add a comment or two.
The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
"What a beautiful time…"
Watching the scene, Miko's eyes softened.
If this peaceful moment existed, then it deserved to be protected.
She began thinking about what steps she should take next—when suddenly, a fluffy figure
popped up from the fruit tray.
"Yip…"
A small pink-and-white head emerged, its bright eyes filled with confusion.
It had clearly just woken up and didn't yet understand what was happening.
"I almost forgot about you."
Seeing the little fox, Miko's eyes lit up with delight.
She immediately scooped it into her arms and began examining it closely.
But soon, her expression turned strange.
"I never realized before… that I used to be this adorably silly."
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