The sky was clear today—perfect weather for sailing. Pure white clouds floated across the blue heavens like drifting cotton, while the bright sunlight painted Narukami Island in warm hues. From time to time, colorful fish surfaced from the pristine waters.
A large passenger ship, filled with people, glided steadily across the sea. The journey from Narukami to Seirai would take about an hour and a half—not too far, not too near. For the adventurers aboard, it was a rare chance for excitement.
"Ah… I can't wait!"
"Sit down and behave yourself!"
On deck, some eager young adventurers were brimming with energy, much to the exasperation of their older companions.
"This is my first time going to Seirai Island… I've never seen a thunderstorm up close!"
These youngsters brimmed with curiosity. For them, the unknown drew them in irresistibly—even if dangerous. Like being told a switch carried deadly current, yet touching it anyway, only realizing the danger after being shocked.
Humans truly were strange creatures.
"Don't run off once we get there. If lightning strikes you, no one will be able to save you."
An older adventurer crossed his arms, snapping at the reckless youth beside him.
"Okay, okay~! But hey… think there'll be treasure?"
"Treasure my ass… we're here to investigate the storms! Don't make trouble!"
The old man swore, glaring in irritation.
"Eek~!"
The young man flinched and quickly quieted down. Still, it wasn't just him—many of the adventurers carried the same thoughts. After all, going to Seirai wasn't easy. Who would want to leave empty-handed?
"Hey, senior…"
"Tch… what now?"
"Do you think… maybe the thunderstorm happens because that woman is in a bad mood—"
"Shut it! Who are you calling 'that woman'?! Address her properly as Shogun-sama! Insolent brat, where are your manners?!"
The old adventurer bristled with anger. These young people today—so rude, so undisciplined!
"Tch… it's not like she can hear me… why so serious?"
The youth muttered with disdain. Perhaps it was rebellion in his bones, or perhaps some dissatisfaction with the Vision Hunt Decree. Still, that was unlikely—he didn't even have a Vision.
"You—! Brat! Just wait till we're back, I'll deal with you properly!"
"Hah…"
Beside them, Sara sighed tiredly. She had heard the entire exchange. At the moment she was disguised—if such could be called a disguise. A purple satin sunhat, brim pulled low over her face. To most, she looked like just another passenger. Few would recognize the general of the Tenryou Commission.
She had been about to step in and scold the boy. But then her gaze shifted to the kimono-adorned woman standing leisurely at the railing, eyes upon the sea. Sara thought better of it. Better not trouble Shogun-sama.
Yes… none of these adventurers realized that the God of Eternity herself stood among them, on the very same ship.
For the Shogun, it had been so long since she had sailed so freely. The crisp sea breeze against her face filled her with rare comfort.
Her long hair spilled like a waterfall over her shoulders, tucked neatly beneath the folds of her kimono. A paper fan ornament tied her side locks, curving elegantly by her face.
Tap, tap…
Hearing footsteps beside her, she turned slightly. A figure approached, head hidden beneath a pale violet sunhat, carrying a quiet aura.
"That hat suits you well. I'm glad I brought it."
The Shogun said softly. Indeed, she had brought it especially for her. And now it seemed a perfect fit.
The girl under the hat ducked her head, as though shy, pulling the brim lower.
"Did you hear their conversation just now?"
Sara asked.
"Oh? What conversation?"
The Shogun tilted her head curiously.
Sara repeated the words of the youth and the older adventurer—including the boy's disrespectful remark.
"I see… this vessel has heard."
The Shogun nodded lightly, betraying no emotion.
"You're not angry?"
Sara asked, puzzled.
"Why be angry? It is only the rebellion of children."
As she spoke, her slender fingers idly spun the handle of her parasol, the paper canopy turning gently with the motion.
"These youngsters have never even seen me. It's only natural they lack any real sense of what 'Raiden Shogun' means. Why waste anger on such trivial matters?"
"Hah… if I truly grew angry over such words, he wouldn't be the only one to blame. I'd have far too much to endure."
Turning her head toward Sara, her tone carried a faint smile—half teasing, half playful.
"Mm… I was too immature, asking such a childish question."
The girl lowered her head with guilt, softly repenting.
"It's fine… it only shows you're still young and pure of heart. That is no flaw."
With that, the Shogun straightened, parasol in hand, and walked over to a nearby rest area with tables and chairs for tea. Folding the umbrella, she set it gently against the table, smoothed her kimono, and sat gracefully. The white-and-lilac fabric shimmered dreamlike beneath the sunlight.
"Come. Sit opposite me."
Her words sounded almost like calling a pet dog. And sure enough, the loyal "puppy" followed obediently. Wherever she went, Sara would follow.
This section of the deck was filled with such rest areas, most already occupied by others.
Sara removed her hat, sitting opposite her. She unfastened the pouch at her waist and carefully produced the sweets she had prepared specially for this moment.
"Shogun-sama… these are for you. Please enjoy."
Obediently, she set the small box of sweets on the table.
"This is… something you brought for me?"
The Shogun's violet eyes widened slightly—so faint it was barely seen—before she asked in her usual calm tone.
"Yes… I know Shogun-sama likes sweets, so… I bought some."
Sara herself didn't care much for them, but for Shogun-sama's sake, she was willing to endure a little "sweet baptism."
"My thanks…"
The Shogun picked up a wooden skewer and placed a piece delicately in her mouth. She chewed in silence, eyes softening as the confection melted on her tongue. She almost closed her eyes in contentment.
—Delicious.
The word blossomed in her mind.
Another bite, then another… as though enchanted, she kept reaching for more.
It puzzled her. A love for sweets was Ei's taste. Yet why did she also crave them? Was it inherited? A program Ei had written into her? Or perhaps… Makoto herself had loved sweets?
She was born from a true soul, yet also shaped by Ei's settings. So now, she no longer knew whether this fondness for sweets was hers, Ei's, or Makoto's. Perhaps a little of all three.
"..."
Across from her, Sara watched quietly, her heart strangely warmed by the sight. Shogun-sama's daily habits often carried an unsuspected cuteness. Seeing her enjoy food she herself had chosen filled Sara with a swelling sense of achievement… and happiness. Her lips curved unconsciously into a smile.
Noticing Sara's gaze, the Shogun quickly realized she had indulged too freely. She lowered her hand, embarrassed.
"Ahem… though sweets are delicious, one should not eat too many. A taste is enough."
Covering her mouth with the back of her hand, she coughed lightly and offered this judgment.
"Eh?"
Sara blinked in surprise.
"You too, Sara… it's best not to eat too many sweets. Otherwise… your body may suffer (grow fat)."
She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, using it as an excuse to hide her own awkwardness.
"Y-yes… understood. Sara will heed Shogun-sama's words."
Her heart stirred deeply. To think—even in such a moment—Shogun-sama worried for her.
...
Seirai Island lay in the southern seas of Narukami Island, where the concentration of Electro had long since reached hazardous levels. Thunderstorms raged year-round.
While skies over Narukami might remain bright and clear, the closer one drew to Seirai, the thicker the clouds became, until sunlight vanished entirely at the heart of those seas. There, the heavens were painted in deep violet, lightning flashing and thunder roaring endlessly above.
As fate would have it, just as their ship arrived at the shore, heavy rain broke loose. The storms above grew ever more violent, thunder echoing like war drums.
Crash, crash…
Great raindrops poured from the sky, drumming noisily upon the earth.
The adventurers, just disembarked, hurriedly lifted cloaks or umbrellas over their heads and dashed for higher ground to make camp.
The Shogun raised her paper parasol to shield herself from the downpour. Glancing aside, she noticed the short-haired girl beside her, drenched and pitiful, clutching her hat to her chest as the rain soaked her completely.
"Sara… come here."
Sighing at the sight, she extended a hand, beckoning her closer.
The girl hesitated, but after a heartbeat she summoned her courage, running quickly to her side and shrinking into the shelter of her umbrella.
"Thank you… Shogun-sama…"
Sara wiped water from her face, voicing her gratitude.
"Put your hat back on."
The Shogun gestured toward the hat Sara clutched to her chest. But the girl shook her head.
"If I wear it, it'll get soaked… I… I want to keep it safe."
Her words left the Shogun torn between laughter and helplessness.
"Hah… if it gets wet, I'll give you another. Put it on—you see how soaked your hair is already."
Her tone carried a faint rebuke. How stubborn this child could be.
"Mm… alright."
Sara flinched at her words, then obediently donned the hat.
"Hah… let's go."
Sighing, the Shogun grasped her damp hand, firmly "locking" her beneath the umbrella. Side by side, they stepped toward the adventurers' camp.
"…!"
Sara's face flamed crimson, as though the rain had only heightened her fluster. Looking up at the Shogun, who held her hand and shielded her beneath the umbrella, her nose stung faintly. No one in the Kujou family had ever shown her such care. She had always borne everything alone. To her, perhaps Shogun-sama was her only true family—her gentle family.
In that instant, Sara felt her hardships were worth it, all for the sake of this woman. From the day they first met beneath pouring rain, her path had been decided.
Gathering courage, she tightened her grip on the Shogun's hand. The Shogun noticed the strength in her grasp, turned her head, and seeing the girl's flushed cheeks, breathed a quiet sigh of relief. At last, the girl had opened her heart.
They reached the encampment. Adventurers clustered beneath makeshift shelters, some poring over maps, others busy raising tents for the night or waiting out the storm.
The Shogun drew Sara aside to a stone wall, where the overhang offered better protection from the rain. Though she still had her parasol, it was safer to wait for the storm to pass.
The downpour had already soaked the ground, puddles forming across the earth. Her kimono bore darkened spots of dampness, and her wooden sandals had splashed through muddy water. Even her exposed white stockings were damp, faintly revealing the delicate shape of her toes.
"Shogun-sama… your clothes are wet."
Sara produced a handkerchief from her pouch, meaning to dry her.
"Oh… it's nothing. Rain is only to be expected outdoors."
She smiled softly as the girl dabbed gently at her kimono.
"And you… are you cold?"
She asked in return, brushing her hand lightly over the girl's thin frame.
"No… thanks to your help just now."
"Pfft… you call that help?"
The Shogun chuckled softly, teasing her.
"O-of course it counts. If you hadn't helped me just now, I would surely have caught a chill. Then… I'd be unable to handle the Tenryou Commission's duties, and in turn… I'd hinder your commands, Shogun-sama."
Sara spoke with firm conviction, her eyes round and earnest like little bells.
"…Still so serious. Very well, let's say you're right."
In truth, she found the girl's seriousness endearing. She herself was usually earnest as well, but never quite this rigid. Perhaps the better word was… stiff? Or stubborn?
After a while, Sara, ever diligent, opened her pouch once more, producing a map of Seirai Island. Like the other adventurers, she began carefully studying its terrain.
Above Fort Hiraumi, the storm clouds gathered into a massive whirlpool, violent as though the sky itself were collapsing. Beneath it floated shattered cliffs and scattered stones, like a natural magnetic field.
That, she concluded with narrowed eyes, must be the destination.
Yet still the rain poured on, without the faintest sign of easing.
Her gaze wandered across the gathered adventurers, searching. She recalled the commission Katherine had mentioned earlier.
From her kimono's pocket she drew the paper slip, unfolding it again. Etsuko… where was she?
She had not asked for the woman's appearance beforehand, but there were hints. Etsuko had not landed with them; she had arrived earlier. That meant she would already have a camp prepared. And among the adventurers, few were women—excluding herself, of course. It would not be difficult to find her.
Soon, she spotted her target: within a complete, orderly camp stood a black-haired woman in adventurer's garb, busily moving about.
The Shogun stretched a hand past the rock wall, testing the rainfall, then lifted her paper parasol once more.
"Sara, I'll go find Etsuko. Stay here and keep out of the rain."
She gave her instructions before leaving.
"Eh… as you comm—"
"Mm~?"
Her humming, lilting tone carried meaning, as though to say, And what did I tell you before?
"U-uh… alright!"
Sara instantly corrected herself.
Satisfied, the Shogun turned and departed, heading toward the opposite camp.