"Traveler, something terrible seems to have happened over there. It feels so scary."
Paimon spoke with some fear as she looked at the spiral-shaped thunderclouds over Yashiori Island.
At this moment, Lumine also had a serious expression. The commotion coming from over there made her heart pound with apprehension.
"It seems the Almighty Shogun has taken action."
Kamisato Ayato stepped forward and spoke slowly.
At this moment, Kamisato Ayato had finally cleaned up the Fatui from before.
Because Aoba had noticed their movements and set up traps in advance, none of the soldiers died, and only a dozen or so people sustained minor injuries.
Clearly, Aoba had distinguished himself again, which couldn't help but make Kamisato Ayato secretly marvel at his excellence.
"Older brother, are the enemies of Inazuma really this terrifying? Are you hiding something from me?"
Seeing Kamisato Ayaka so perceptive, Kamisato Ayato sighed with some helplessness and then stopped concealing it any longer.
"Ayaka, I didn't intentionally keep you in the dark."
"The enemies this time are too strong. Even if you knew this information, you would only be worried sick every day."
"In fact, when Inazuma City fell before, I received a letter from Kujou Sara and took people to prepare to go around to the enemy's rear to surround them."
"But now it seems that there have clearly been very serious problems internally. Those people have already forgotten the Almighty Shogun's severe methods after just two days."
Speaking of the last point, Kamisato Ayato's tone was slightly cold. He truly didn't expect Kamisato Ichiman to dare to lead the various families to rebel, and he almost caused his younger sister to get injured. Damn it!
After hearing Kamisato Ayato's explanation, Kamisato Ayaka finally realized why the previous incident gave her a very strange feeling.
"What happened before? The enemies have already fought their way to Inazuma City?!"
Paimon spoke in surprise, and at this moment, even Lumine and Enjou beside them turned their gazes toward this side.
"Alas, we were schemed against. A detachment of the enemy secretly landed on Narukami Island and slaughtered the civilians on a large scale."
"Because too many troops were drawn to the front lines, the rear was left empty, which gave the enemy an opportunity."
"Even Kujou Sara was forcibly stripped of her duties by the Kujou Clan because of this incident and is still imprisoned in the Kujou Clan's private prison."
Kamisato Ayato shook his head and spoke with some self-reproach.
In fact, it wasn't negligence, but rather that both he and Kujou Sara had trusted the Raiden Shogun, who was stationed in Inazuma City, too much.
In their view, Inazuma City was the place they needed to worry about the least, so they had sent more manpower to the front lines without worry. However, what they didn't expect was that the Raiden Shogun had never shown herself from beginning to end, let alone taken action.
Of course, it was impossible for them to blame the Raiden Shogun for this matter; they could only consider it their own dereliction of duty, and the doubts in their hearts had still not been resolved until now.
"Kujou Sara is locked in a prison?!"
Paimon's voice rose several degrees again, showing her inner turmoil.
"Isn't she the Raiden Shogun's right-hand person? The Raiden Shogun just let the Kujou Clan deal with her like this?"
Lumine and Paimon exchanged a glance. Having a deeper understanding of Raiden Ei, they suddenly realized that this wasn't Raiden Ei hesitating, but an action taken after she had already made her choice.
On one side was her closest kin, and on the other was Inazuma, which she had protected for over a thousand years and which countless people followed and believed in.
Raiden Ei had made a difficult choice, but she also found it hard to bear the consequences that came with it, so she simply pretended she knew nothing at all.
Of course, if one were to think more coldly, it meant that as long as the sacrifice wasn't so great that it was unacceptable, Raiden Ei would watch with cold indifference.
The Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree were just like this. Inazuma was already in a state where the people were living miserable lives, but Raiden Ei did not step in to stop it.
The gods' perspective differs from that of mortals. Just like Raiden Ei, even when she protects, it's only the concept of the people of Inazuma, not some individual, so minor sacrifices are not unacceptable to them.
Zhongli was the same. He used the immense pressure brought by the Overlord of the Vortex Osial to unite the Adepti and the people of Liyue like never before to overcome this difficult situation together, thus removing himself from the scene. A considerable number of people died in this process.
"The Kujou Clan is very clever. They know the limits of the Almighty Shogun's tolerance, so they haven't mistreated Kujou Sara. Although she's locked in prison, she's provided with good food and drinks every day."
"However, the current situation of Miss Hiiragi Chisato of the Hiiragi Clan is not very good. Of course, Ayaka and I are in the same position, being kicked out by our families."
"After all, we are not irreplaceable to the Almighty Shogun."
Kamisato Ayato gave a wry smile.
Of course, the reason for this was simple. One must know that before this, they had even formed a secret alliance with the Rebel Army to stop the Vision Hunt Decree, behaving just like rebels.
Although Yae Miko, who had also rebelled, ultimately vouched for them to prevent Raiden Ei from holding them accountable, the Archon still harbored a grudge in her heart. To be honest, Kamisato Ayato already felt that Raiden Ei was being very generous by allowing the Kamisato Clan to continue leading the Yashiro Commission.
Therefore, they did not feel any resentment about their current situation, which was different from Kujou Sara's.
"Those guys are absolutely despicable, stooping to collaborate with the Fatui again for the sake of power," Paimon said indignantly, then looked at Lumine and Enjou.
"Traveler, Enjou, let's drive those guys away together!"
"I'll do whatever Her Highnesses says!"
Enjou waved his hand and then fixed his gaze on Lumine.
"Wait a moment. My brother, Aoba, and I have already discussed this matter. The current situation might not necessarily be a bad thing."
"Ayaka is right. Inazuma can be temporarily left to them to govern."
Kamisato Ayato nodded with a smile.
"Aoba? Right, this person hasn't been introduced to us yet, has he?"
Hearing that name again, Paimon thought for a moment and then spoke.
"It seems Rosalyne's appearance earlier interrupted us."
Hearing this, Kamisato Ayaka immediately turned around and waved to someone behind her.
"Aoba, come here for a moment."
"Does Milady have something for me?"
Soon, Aoba appeared before Lumine and her group, and both sides looked at each other with curiosity.
"Let me formally introduce you. This is Aoba, a retainer we recruited recently."
"As for the Traveler and Paimon over here, there's probably no need for a detailed introduction. They are quite famous in Inazuma."
"Mr. Enjou was previously a member of the Abyss Order, but now he has returned to the right path and joined the Traveler, right?"
Hearing Kamisato Ayaka's words, Enjou's lips twitched.
Returned to the right path?
What a joke! The one standing before you is none other than the Princess of our Great Abyss Order!
However, Enjou nodded repeatedly with a humble expression.
"That's right, that's right! From now on, I'll be following Her Highness the Princess!"
Although Enjou's way of addressing Lumine was a bit strange, Kamisato Ayaka didn't think much of it, simply assuming it was some kind of odd manner of speaking.
Kamisato Ayaka looked at Lumine and suddenly smiled.
"Traveler, Aoba has traveled to many places just like you and knows a lot of interesting things. You should exchange stories when you have time."
"Ah, really?!"
Hearing this, Lumine and Paimon's eyes lit up. They still had many places they hadn't visited yet, so if he could share some information about unknown journeys, it would be invaluable.
"Of course. Moreover, Aoba is quite capable. The plan we discussed earlier was actually his idea."
Kamisato Ayato explained, then spoke to Aoba.
"Aoba, please explain the rest to the Traveler."
"Yes, My Lord!"
Aoba nodded and then shared his thoughts.
"During our investigation, we discovered that Kujou Ittou and his two subordinates have been secretly colluding with the Fatui."
"But how could there be so many Fatui now? It's obvious these Fatui are the ones who died before. They must be on the same side as those who were attacking the Shogunate Army."
"If they manage Inazuma for the time being, it will at least ensure that enemies attacking the Shogunate Army and slaughtering civilians won't happen again, thereby buying us more time."
After hearing this, Lumine and the other two were slightly surprised.
"So that's how it is. No wonder you guys don't seem to be in a rush."
Paimon had a look of sudden realization on her face.
"Yes, although our situation is a bit difficult, we're doing okay."
Kamisato Ayato nodded.
"We were pursued by many soldiers before, but after a few of Aoba's schemes, they didn't dare pursue us anymore."
"Moreover, Aoba even rooted out several traitors, which is why we were able to keep our whereabouts hidden."
As he said this, Kamisato Ayato could not hide the praise for Aoba in his tone. Of course, he had no need to hide it either.
"My Lord, you flatter me too much. This is all thanks to everyone's hard work."
"I have no power of my own; I can only offer a few ideas to help everyone."
Aoba's words undoubtedly earned him a great deal of goodwill.
"Both intellect and martial prowess are important. There is no need to be so humble, Aoba."
Seeing Kamisato Ayato's smile, Aoba nodded.
"So, what should we do next?"
Paimon flew over and asked Aoba.
After a moment's hesitation, Aoba spoke.
"I think we need to find a way to rescue Lady Kujou Sara first."
"Although I believe the enemy is unlikely to strike again, it's not without risk."
"Lady Kujou Sara commands great respect within the army. If any unexpected situation were to arise, her presence could minimize the damage and help salvage the situation."
After hearing Aoba's words, Lumine and the other two couldn't help but marvel at his thorough thinking.
"After we've taken care of that, we will need to investigate the enemy's true motives on one hand, and find Lady Guuji on the other."
"If this matter still remains unresolved, we will need Lady Guuji's help to persuade the Almighty Shogun."
"Or..."
Aoba suddenly turned his gaze toward Lumine.
"If the Traveler were to try personally, perhaps she could change the Almighty Shogun's mind."
Lumine shuddered, then hurriedly waved her hands in refusal.
Are you kidding? Let her go alone to persuade Raiden Ei?!
Lumine was terrified that Raiden Ei would slice her in half.
Although a long time had passed since the last incident, Lumine still shuddered at the memory of that strike.
Though her strength had improved significantly, she still wasn't confident she could withstand that same blow.
"Let the Miko do the talking. Ei probably won't listen to us right now."
Paimon scratched her head awkwardly. Raiden Ei was likely in a foul mood, and she really didn't want to get on her bad side.
However, upon hearing Paimon's words, Aoba and the others exchanged glances, then shrugged.
The problem was, they couldn't find Lady Guuji.
"Huh?!"
Meanwhile, Sangonomiya Kokomi and Thoma had returned to Watatsumi Island on a very crude small boat, or perhaps it was better called a raft.
To their surprise, as soon as they stepped ashore, they were surrounded by a crowd of people from all directions.
Seeing that the crowd showed no intention of attacking, Sangonomiya Kokomi signaled Thoma to hold back.
Shortly after, Sasayuri's figure appeared before them.
"What is the current situation on Yashiori Island?"
As soon as they met, Sasayuri asked Sangonomiya Kokomi and Thoma about what had happened on Yashiori Island.
"If you tell me everything you saw, I will let you go."
After speaking, Sasayuri glanced at Sangonomiya Kokomi.
"I assume your strength is now less than a tenth of what it was."
"What do you want to know?"
Sangonomiya Kokomi neither confirmed nor denied it, asking Sasayuri in turn.
"I want to ask... who is the person fighting on Yashiori Island?"
"Don't you already have the answer in your heart?"
Just as Sangonomiya Kokomi finished speaking, Sasayuri fell into a long silence.
"Let her go."
After an unknown amount of time, Sasayuri slowly spoke.
"But as for the other one, stop here. I will allow you to retreat."
"I'm sorry, but Thoma has to come with me."
Sangonomiya Kokomi shook her head, and then a brilliant blue aura gradually appeared around her body as a terrifying aura erupted from her.
Sasayuri was slightly stunned. The pressure Sangonomiya Kokomi exerted on him at this moment was even greater than it had been on Ritou.
Although she clearly looked exhausted, her strength seemed to have grown significantly.
Seeing this, Sasayuri sighed softly and raised his hand.
"If you insist on this..."
"Seize them!"
Sasayuri gave the order, and the battle broke out instantly.
Half an hour later, Sangonomiya Kokomi and Thoma fought their way back to Enkanomiya.
Although they sustained some injuries during the process, they quickly recovered fully thanks to Sangonomiya Kokomi's powerful healing abilities. However, by the time Sangonomiya Kokomi appeared in Enkanomiya, her complexion had clearly turned very pale.
Fortunately, the enemy could not follow them, or rather, they had no intention of doing so. After a period of rest and recovery, Sangonomiya Kokomi and Thoma returned to the Watatsumi Army's encampment.
"Lady Sangonomiya, you're finally back!"
Just as Sangonomiya Kokomi returned to her temporary residence, an incredibly excited voice, sounding as if it had seen a savior yet still tinged with a hint of panic, rang in her ears.
Sangonomiya Kokomi looked strangely at the figure in the room, who was both unfamiliar and yet a little bit familiar, and asked, "Who are you?"
Upon hearing these words, the other person instantly burst into tears.
"Lady Sangonomiya, it's me!"
Thoma was even more shocked to see the person, then asked in surprise.
"Isn't this Miss Hina?"