Chapter 154. Revisiting Tenshukaku
"Stop!!!"
The command cut through the tension like a blade.
Kujou Sara strode forward, expression cold and unyielding, several Shogunate officers following in disciplined formation behind her.
The elite guards at the gate stiffened instantly.
"Lord Sara!"
"Yo, Sara~" Futsu Mitama greeted lightly, raising a hand as though they were meeting on an ordinary afternoon.
"You're back," Sara replied. The frost in her expression thawed for the briefest moment upon seeing him—but it vanished just as quickly. She turned sharply toward the guards.
"Futsu Mitama is an Inazuman noble."
Her voice rang with authority.
"If even he has sided with the Resistance, then Inazuma is finished!"
The guards lowered their heads. They were only carrying out orders.
Kujou Takayuki was personally leading troops to suppress the Resistance. To prevent intelligence leaks, the city now permitted entry—but not exit.
Only members of the Kujou Clan, in effect the Tenryou Commission, could move freely. Even the Kanjou Commission and Yashiro Commission were subject to restriction.
The soldiers understood what this meant. They were not fools. But understanding did not grant them power. When those above gave orders, those below could only obey.
Disobedience meant more than demotion. It could mean disappearance.
Sara, meanwhile, was genuinely alarmed. Few beyond the heads of the Three Commissions truly grasped the weight of Futsu Mitama's standing—favored by the Raiden Shogun herself.
If such a man were detained for three days under the accusation of being a "Resistance rebel," it would not merely be absurd. It would be catastrophic.
Her adoptive father, Kujou Takayuki, might very well have to kneel in Tenshukaku to offer a humiliating apology.
"I'm sorry, Futsu Mitama." Sara faced him directly and bowed her head slightly. "Recently, Resistance infiltration has increased."
"For various reasons, the Clan Head issued this order. In just the past few days, the Tenryou Commission has apprehended more than a dozen Resistance rebels. Please bear with us. If you are dissatisfied…you may strike me."
Her tone did not waver.
"But do not blame them."
As a friend, she stepped forward for him.
As a general and adopted daughter of the Kujou Clan, she stood for her soldiers.
This was the only compromise she could offer.
"More than a dozen Resistance rebels?" Futsu Mitama repeated, his expression turning faintly peculiar. "I've only been gone a little over a month. And this happened?"
His surprise was genuine. Within Inazuma City, the Resistance's intelligence pipeline had been singular.
Kamisato Ayaka. As the young lady of the Kamisato Clan, she possessed the unquestioned right to enter and leave the city. No one dared obstruct her.
And Thoma, ever resourceful, had shifted his focus to Inazuma City after Ritou yielded little new information.
Whatever Thoma knew, Ayaka knew. And whatever Ayaka knew, the Resistance knew.
In his understanding, there should have been no Resistance spies left within the city. So where had these "dozen rebels" come from?
Futsu Mitama did not press further. They were already labeled rebels. Arguing semantics would achieve nothing here.
"Mm." Sara nodded, faint frustration flickering in her eyes. "This is also my responsibility. If it weren't for me—no, never mind."
"Let's talk as we walk."
Futsu Mitama smiled lightly and glanced toward the gate guards, as if to ask how this matter would be resolved.
The guards did not dare respond. They stared straight ahead, rigid as statues, not even risking eye contact.
Since Lord Sara had spoken, what else could they say? Were they really going to arrest Futsu Mitama?
Lord Sara was a prominent figure within the Tenryou Commission, second only to Lord Takayuki. If they truly detained him, it would be nothing short of courting death.
The guard soldiers said nothing further, and Futsu Mitama walked toward Kujou Sara. The soldiers at her side replaced the original guards and took up their posts. It was clearly a shift change.
Under normal circumstances, these soldiers would have departed with Kujou Sara. But faced with such an awkward situation, they consciously remained where they stood, as if volunteering for overtime.
"Let's go."
Futsu Mitama glanced at Kujou Sara and strode forward. Kujou Sara followed behind him rather than walking at his side.
A flicker of surprise crossed the Shogunate soldiers' eyes.
Wasn't this man affiliated with the Yashiro Commission? Why was Lord Sara acting this way? Even if she felt apologetic, she shouldn't behave like this. Could it be that this man had an extraordinary background?
But no matter how extraordinary, could he surpass Lord Sara—the adopted daughter of the Kujou Clan and General of the Shogunate Army?
The soldiers were stunned.
Kujou Sara, however, felt there was nothing inappropriate about it. Futsu Mitama was someone valued by the Raiden Shogun. His standing was above the Three Commissions.
Simply put, he was on the same level as Guuji Yae Miko. Aside from the Raiden Shogun herself, no one in Inazuma had the authority to judge him.
"Given our relationship, this isn't necessary, is it?"
Futsu Mitama looked at Kujou Sara walking behind him, his expression faintly helpless. The incident just now was nowhere near enough to anger him. In fact, he had even considered letting himself be thrown into jail and waiting for the Raiden Shogun to retrieve him.
He wondered how Kujou Takayuki would handle imprisoning one of the Raiden Shogun's retainers. Even if Kujou Takayuki was unaware of his identity, it would still give him a tremendous headache.
In a sense, Kujou Sara had saved her adoptive father once again.
"It's fine. We need to send a message." Kujou Sara knew Futsu Mitama was not angry, yet she spoke calmly. "The atmosphere in Inazuma City is tense right now—particularly unfriendly toward the Yashiro Commission and the Kanjou Commission."
"I'm aware of it, but I can't resolve it. And it's impossible for you to reveal your identity. All I can do is use my status to make it clear to the Tenryou Commission that you are not to be provoked."
She had done this deliberately. The situation in Inazuma was chaotic, and her adoptive father, Kujou Takayuki, had issued a series of decisions that seemed reasonable on the surface but were ultimately self-defeating.
She once had some influence, but after two defeats against the Resistance, her authority within both the Shogunate Army and the Kujou Clan had diminished considerably.
Now she could see the Tenryou Commission's missteps, yet she lacked the power to correct them. The only thing she could do was ensure that no one in Inazuma City dared to trouble Futsu Mitama.
And the effect was immediate.
Many Shogunate soldiers were patrolling the streets. When they saw Futsu Mitama walking ahead with Kujou Sara behind him, shock and disbelief filled their eyes.
Even civilians stared in astonishment. In Inazuma, social hierarchy was rigid.
Kujou Sara stood second only to one and above tens of thousands. Only the heads of the Three Commissions, such as Kujou Takayuki, could marginally outrank her.
No other noble house could surpass her, because she embodied the authority of the Kujou Clan itself. The clan's history dated back to the founding of the Three Commissions. It was an ancient house. Apart from the Kamisato Clan and the Hiiragi Clan, few could rival it.
Combined with her position as General of the Shogunate Army, Kujou Sara was undeniably among the most powerful figures in Inazuma.
And yet she was walking behind a young man? What was going on? Could his status exceed even Lord Sara's?
Speculation spread rapidly.
Futsu Mitama was not unknown in Inazuma; he had some degree of fame. Before long, someone recognized him.
But recognition only deepened the confusion. How could a noble affiliated with the Yashiro Commission dare to provoke Lord Sara?
Regardless of their confusion, after this display, almost no one in Inazuma City would dare seek trouble with him.
Soon, the two arrived at a dessert shop.
Futsu Mitama asked the owner to pack the freshly made sweets.
"Are you hungry?" Kujou Sara looked at him, faint doubt in her eyes. "If you are, I can treat you to lunch at Uyuu Restaurant. Desserts are fine in moderation, but too much becomes cloying—and difficult to burn off."
As General of the Shogunate Army, she was keenly aware of what sweets could do. She used to enjoy them herself.
But after gaining some weight, she had decisively given them up.
"No, they're not for me."
Futsu Mitama shook his head. In his years in Inazuma City, he had tasted all kinds of desserts. There was no reason for him to buy them now.
"Then who are they for?"
Kujou Sara frowned slightly. He had only just returned—who could he possibly be buying sweets for?
"For the Raiden Shogun," Futsu Mitama replied with a chuckle as he took the wrapped box. "Next, we'll head to Tenshukaku. Although the seventh day is tomorrow, going today should be fine."
Kujou Sara froze.
Her body trembled as she stared at him, eyes wide. "You… you're going to receive the Raiden Shogun's guidance again?"
"And these desserts are for her? Isn't that somewhat inappropriate? This shop isn't even the best in Inazuma."
Over the past month, she had been preoccupied with countless matters and had almost forgotten about his regular sessions with the Raiden Shogun.
More importantly, the shop they had chosen was not the finest in the city. To Kujou Sara, the Raiden Shogun was the most exalted being in existence. How could she be offered anything less than the highest quality?
"It's fine," Futsu Mitama said casually. From what he knew of Raiden Ei, as long as the taste was satisfactory, that was enough.
Besides, most of Inazuma's most exquisite desserts had already been gathered by Yae Miko's people and delivered to Tenshukaku. And the desserts Raiden Ei had eaten in Mondstadt were of exceptional quality in both flavor and presentation.
Kujou Sara hesitated, wanting to argue further. But since he was someone personally valued by the Raiden Shogun, perhaps he understood her preferences better than she did.
In the end, she could only sigh softly and follow him toward Tenshukaku.
A surge of anticipation rose within her.
Would she witness the Raiden Shogun take action once more?
A month had passed. How much stronger had Futsu Mitama become?
The last time she had observed their sparring, she had gained profound insight.
She had no intention of missing this session—no, this guidance—from the Raiden Shogun.
On the way, she asked, "By the way, where are Aila and Shinobu? Didn't they return with you? Didn't you go to Liyue together? Are they staying there temporarily?"
She was genuinely concerned. She knew they had accompanied him to Liyue on business, though she did not know the details—only that the matter had the Raiden Shogun's approval.
The Shogun had even granted him an exit permit. Very few people knew of it. Kujou Sara was one of them.
"No." Futsu Mitama shook his head. "They've returned to Inazuma, but they have other matters to attend to and haven't come back yet."
"I came ahead to see the Raiden Shogun and complete this week's guidance. There's something else as well, but it's not convenient to discuss."
Kujou Sara nodded without pressing further. If it could be spoken of, he would have said so. Since he did not, there was no need to insist.
As for Aila and Kuki Shinobu, she assumed they were in Ritou. The International Chamber of Commerce there was connected to Futsu Mitama. The sake they sold was said to come from him.
That sake had been named Narukami Sake. The audacity to use such a name spoke to its quality.
Kujou Sara had sampled it herself and found it worthy of the title. Unfortunately, it had already sold out. Numerous nobles had personally visited the International Chamber of Commerce to purchase it, but the stock was long gone.
Some had attempted to replicate it, yet none succeeded. Most likely, Aila and Kuki Shinobu were in Ritou handling that matter.
Futsu Mitama did not elaborate. The more he explained, the more complications would arise. If nothing unexpected occurred, the Resistance would soon clash decisively with the Tenryou Commission and the Fatui.
It would be a battle that determined Inazuma's future.
Futsu Mitama, Aila, Yae Miko, and Kuki Shinobu would stand with the Resistance.
If Kujou Sara were to take part and see her acquaintances on the opposing side, it would shake her to her core.
Soon, the familiar outline of Tenshukaku came into view.
Tenshukaku, the residence of the Raiden Shogun, symbolized the highest authority in Inazuma.
After a month, Futsu Mitama returned once more, his heart still stirred with emotion. He remembered how he once did not dare approach this place, afraid that the Raiden Shogun would deem him a variable to eternity and cut him down with a single strike.
Now, however, he had come of his own accord—bringing with him Raiden Ei's favorite desserts.
"Lord Futsu Mitama, you've returned?"
As soon as he and Kujou Sara arrived, the Okuzume guards at the gate noticed them, surprise flickering across their faces.
They had not expected Lord Futsu Mitama and Lord Sara to appear together. These two effectively represented the Yashiro Commission and the Tenryou Commission. The two clans had long been at odds, and tensions had escalated recently.
It was rumored that the Tenryou Commission had been aggressively detaining members of the Yashiro Commission. Though no real damage had been done, it was clearly a warning—an indication that the Yashiro Commission should refrain from interfering in matters beyond its scope.
Of course, such political struggles had little to do with the Okuzume. As long as conflict did not reach Tenshukaku, it was none of their concern.
"Mhm." Futsu Mitama gave a slight nod. Looking at the two guards, he said calmly, "I would like to see the Raiden Shogun. Please inform her."
"You are too courteous. This is our duty," one of the Okuzume replied politely. They were well aware of Futsu Mitama's special standing.
Being personally valued by the Raiden Shogun was, in itself, a status beyond ordinary rank.
One guard entered Tenshukaku. After a short while, he returned and said respectfully, "The Raiden Shogun invites you inside."
Futsu Mitama and Kujou Sara nodded and stepped into Tenshukaku together.
Just as before, the Okuzume did not confiscate their weapons or stop them for inspection. They were permitted to enter directly.
Once they were out of earshot, the guards at the gate began chatting animatedly.
Futsu Mitama, aligned with the Yashiro Commission, was walking so closely with Kujou Sara of the Tenryou Commission.
Could the two clans be reconciling?
If so—Would that mean the Kanjou Commission would become the next target, while the Yashiro and Tenryou Commissions joined forces?
And if that were the case—
Could Futsu Mitama and Kujou Sara be planning to marry?
From a status perspective, there were very few in Inazuma who could be considered suitable for Kujou Sara. Those of excessively high rank would be reluctant—the Kujou Clan was powerful, and marriage would likely require the man to marry into the clan, unless the Raiden Shogun herself decreed otherwise.
Those of lower status, meanwhile, would not be deemed worthy. Inazuma still placed great importance on equal social standing.
Looking at it now, Futsu Mitama seemed remarkably suitable. He was powerful, of noble background, personally valued by the Raiden Shogun, and unlike many nobles in Inazuma, entirely free of scandal.
The two Okuzume continued their discussion in hushed excitement. When the guards arriving to relieve them asked what they were talking about, they eagerly explained—drawing them into the speculation as well.
Inside Tenshukaku, the Raiden Shogun stood with her eyes closed, as though in quiet meditation.
When Futsu Mitama and Kujou Sara entered, she slowly opened her eyes and looked at them.
Her gaze settled on Futsu Mitama, a faint emotion flickering within it.
"So you've finally returned," she said calmly. "Sooner than I expected. That is acceptable. Your talent is astonishing. It is only natural that other Archons would take an interest in you."
"However, even if Barbatos favors you, you are destined to become an Eternal Guardian. Once Barbatos leaves that forbidden place, I will personally return that item to him."
To the world, the Raiden Shogun and Raiden Ei were one and the same. Both valued Futsu Mitama highly. They could understand Barbatos's sudden "snatching" of him, though they did not approve.
'Barbatos?'
Kujou Sara was inwardly stunned. She clearly remembered that Futsu Mitama had gone to Liyue. How had he encountered Barbatos there?
And according to legend, Barbatos had not appeared in Mondstadt for thousands of years. During the calamity five centuries ago, he had not even shown himself—his familiar had resolved the crisis instead.
Yet Futsu Mitama's presence had caused Barbatos to reappear?
And what was this "item" the Raiden Shogun intended to personally return?
Kujou Sara was shaken, but she remained silent. Matters between Archons were not for her to question.
"Thank you, Raiden Shogun!" Futsu Mitama replied brightly.
Who would actually want a Gnosis?
Venti likely understood that the object had become more trouble than it was worth, which was why he had handed it over. On the surface, he had claimed it would enhance Futsu Mitama's combat ability. In truth, he had passed him a burden.
Still, at the cost of his own safety, Venti had delivered a great deal of Power of Time for the Chat Group. It was only fair for Futsu Mitama to temporarily safeguard the Gnosis.
Even so, he genuinely did not want the Anemo Gnosis. It was useful, yes—but undeniably a hot potato. Possessing it meant drawing the attention of a Fatui Harbinger.
Now that the Raiden Shogun had spoken, promising to return it personally once Venti left that forbidden place, the problem would resolve itself.
"Mm."
Seeing his obvious relief, the Raiden Shogun allowed a faint smile to touch her lips.
She had not misjudged him. To remain indifferent—even faintly disdainful—toward something as precious as a Gnosis… such temperament was rare. He truly had the makings of an Eternal Guardian.
Kujou Sara was even more stunned.
In her memory, the Raiden Shogun was always dignified and solemn, her expression calm and unchanging.
Yet she had just smiled.
That single smile filled Kujou Sara with overwhelming motivation. She felt as though she could sweep aside every obstacle before her Shogun.
Coming here with Futsu Mitama had been an exceptionally wise decision.
"Oh, right." Futsu Mitama lifted the bag of sweets in his hand. "Raiden Shogun, I brought you a small gift."
She paused, her gaze resting on the bag. A subtle emotion passed through her eyes.
"You are…thoughtful."
She extended her hand. With a soft crackle of lightning, the bag flew into her grasp.
A spatial rift formed at her side, woven from violet electricity. The sweets vanished into it, sent to an unknown destination.
"Very well."
She then drew Musou Isshin from her chest and looked at Futsu Mitama.
"Although the seventh day is still a day and a half away, since you are here, you must be prepared to receive guidance."
"This is an opportunity to measure your progress. This time, do not hold back. Show me your limits."
As she spoke, her blade had already descended.
Futsu Mitama condensed Musou Isshin in his own hand, violet lightning flashing in his eyes. Since she permitted it, he would not restrain himself.
Kujou Sara swiftly retreated the moment the Shogun drew her blade, avoiding the crossfire. She skillfully produced her notebook, her expression serious as she prepared to record everything.
How many moves could he withstand now?
"Clang—!"
The two Musou Isshin collided. Though the Raiden Shogun held back slightly, she had grown more serious.
Cracks instantly spread across the elemental blade in Futsu Mitama's hand. At this rate, it would shatter within three strikes.
But in the next instant, he invoked the Electro Archon Authority within him. Power surged into his blade, repairing the fractures.
At the same time, a verdant wind swept through Tenshukaku, spiraling around the sword and sharpening its edge.
Kujou Sara's eyes widened.
She knew he possessed the Electro Archon Authority—Guuji Yae had granted it during a previous session.
But now she saw something else.
Anemo. The wind coiled around his blade with strength comparable to the Shogun's authority.
Combined with what the Raiden Shogun had just said, there was only one conclusion. He might have obtained the Anemo Archon's authority as well.
Kujou Sara drew a sharp breath.
To be valued by two Archons—His future achievements would be unimaginable.
Futsu Mitama, however, had no time to consider her thoughts.
The pressure he faced was immense.
Raiden Shogun's strength felt greater than before. Worse still, the surrounding space seemed perilous—charged with unseen danger.
He had activated Chakra Desiderata at the outset, heightening his perception.
And then he understood why.
Thunder roared. Dozens of violet lightning bolts, each as thick as a water bucket, erupted from the void within Tenshukaku and crashed toward him.
He knew this technique well—he had used it himself. It forced opponents to guard against descending lightning while defending against his blade.
Now that it was directed at him, his mood darkened.
"Focus," the Raiden Shogun said.
She had appeared before him without warning, Musou Isshin already descending. He could not block directly—doing so would expose him to the lightning.
In a flash, he vanished and reappeared elsewhere, blade already sweeping out.
Blinding violet radiance erupted. The pressure was unmistakable.
Kujou Sara recognized the technique immediately.
Musou no Hitotachi.
Though not as overwhelming as the Shogun's own strike, it was undeniably formidable.
Could she withstand it? Perhaps.
But was this his limit? Unlikely. No one revealed everything at the outset.
In just over a month, his growth was staggering.
"Not bad."
The Raiden Shogun nodded faintly. His raw power had slowed in growth, but his martial skill had improved considerably. He had not wasted his time.
Lightning bolts crashed down again, yet he shattered them with a sweeping slash.
In the next instant, he appeared before her once more.
"Clang—!"
She blocked effortlessly.
"Better than before," she said. "But still insufficient. You must grow stronger."
He twitched slightly. That strike had nearly been his full power. Was the gap between Adeptus and Archons truly this vast?
"Watch carefully."
She stepped back two paces. Lightning flashed in her eyes.
"Musou no Hitotachi is used like this."
Divine power surged from her blade, enveloping the entire hall.
Kujou Sara felt her body grow heavy, nearly immobile. Had the Raiden Shogun become serious?
Even the faintest aura nearly overwhelmed her.
What, then, was Futsu Mitama experiencing at the center of it?
Yet his expression remained steady.
He had endured the might of Archons before—within the Abyss.
He had felt Morax's unrestrained aura crushing all opposition.
He had witnessed Raiden Ei's fury when she discovered the Anemo Gnosis within him, her presence sweeping toward Mondstadt without concealment.
Compared to that—He would not falter.
The aura the Raiden Shogun released at this moment was insignificant to Futsu Mitama. His solemn expression stemmed from a different reason—he could clearly sense that the next strike had to be taken head-on.
This was an aura lock.
In other words, the Raiden Shogun had imposed a "guaranteed hit" upon him.
There would be no evasion.
So we're raising the stakes now? Futsu Mitama muttered inwardly. It used to be technical suppression—now it was a direct confrontation.
Despite the complaint, he reacted immediately. For safety, he clasped his hands together.
"As firm as a rock!"
Geo energy surged upward, condensing into a Jade Shield that enveloped him. At the same time, the Anemo Archon Authority previously woven into his blade shifted form, transforming into a wind barrier that circled his body.
The dual layers of defense solidified around him.
Raiden Shogun watched in silence, her eyes narrowing slightly.
She said nothing. But the aura radiating from her intensified further.
Kujou Sara felt it immediately.
Just moments ago, she had still been able to move with difficulty. Now, she could not move at all.
If the Shogun-sama's presence grew any more overwhelming, she felt she might collapse on the spot.
Shock filled her. What had Futsu Mitama done to provoke this reaction?
Futsu Mitama also sensed the shift. The pressure had grown sharper—denser.
He tightened his grip on Musou Isshin. A formidable aura rose from him in response. His gaze locked onto the Raiden Shogun, his expression utterly calm.
She met his eyes. She knew he was gathering power. So she waited.
Then—As though reaching a silent threshold, the Raiden Shogun moved first.
Musou Isshin swept forward.
Musou no Hitotachi.
Once again, it manifested within Tenshukaku and descended upon him.
At the same instant, Futsu Mitama swung his own blade.
He too invoked Musou no Hitotachi.
Musou no Hitotachi versus Musou no Hitotachi.
Two ultimate strikes collided.
Blinding violet lightning exploded outward, illuminating the entire interior of Tenshukaku in a storm of radiance.
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