"He blocked Lady Kujou Sara's attack again, is that for real?"
"This big fool's strength has increased so fast!"
"Am I dreaming? The boss's attack was stopped."
The soldiers were all stunned.
It felt like a dream.
The strongest combat force of the Shogunate Army was being stopped again and again by a reckless brute. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, no one would believe it.
Arataki Itto grew braver as the battle went on, feeling extremely proud.
But in the next instant, his opponent shattered into scattered feathers.
"Idiot, that's a decoy."
Su Han's voice exploded beside Arataki Itto's ear.
Immediately after, a chilling sensation rose from behind.
Arataki Itto's expression changed drastically. He quickly used Haki to defend his back, and a sharp pain struck him at once.
"You really are cunning."
The moment he was injured.
He swung his spiked club again.
But Kujou Sara's body once again turned into an illusion. This time, she appeared right in front of Arataki Itto, her slender hand gripping his throat. The battle ended almost instantly.
"I admit your strength is impressive, but defeating me won't be that easy."
The outcome was already decided.
To end the fight quickly.
Kujou Sara had no interest in continuing to play around. But just as she was about to knock him unconscious, a cold chill came from the side.
Her body froze.
It felt like being stared at by a ferocious beast. If she moved even slightly, she would die.
That man's strength was terrifying.
He suppressed her with nothing but his presence.
Kujou Sara was forced to release her grip, and the pressure restraining her disappeared.
"Cough, boss, this tengu is too cunning. She cheated."
Lying on the ground, Arataki Itto coughed while accusing her.
But Su Han shook his head and said, "A loss is a loss. Don't make excuses. That is not something a strong person should do."
"I understand, boss. It's my fault. I'm not strong enough."
Although Arataki Itto was a bit slow, he listened well.
Since the boss said so, then it must be his mistake.
As long as he corrected it, he would definitely become stronger.
However, judging from the situation, he would soon get to witness the boss's strength.
"You are the mastermind, aren't you?"
Kujou Sara's expression became extremely serious. The situation was far worse than she had imagined.
She was almost certain that everything here was orchestrated by the man in front of her.
If she could deal with him, everything would return to normal.
Su Han drew Enma. The cold blade emitted a chilling glow like that of the underworld.
"Enough talk. Let's fight over there."
He pointed toward the distant plains.
Although Su Han did not want to take action, Takuno was gone, and Hu Tao's identity was not suitable.
He was the only one left who could step in.
Kujou Sara did not move. Her gaze turned toward her subordinates.
Su Han understood and smiled, "Don't worry. I won't take my anger out on ordinary people, even if you lose."
"Then let's go."
The two headed toward the distance one after the other.
Their battle immediately drew everyone's attention.
The Kamisato siblings, needless to say.
Almost everyone present went to watch.
This was a rare battle.
Kamisato Ayaka asked Yae Miko, "Lady Guuji, who do you think will win?"
"Is that even a question? Why don't you guess how many moves that foolish tengu can last? Su Han's strength is no joke."
Yae Miko's eyes were filled with disdain.
Defeat Su Han?
Kujou Sara was not qualified.
It was not that she looked down on her. Even if she herself took action, she might not be able to defeat the current Su Han.
The moment the two landed, the battle erupted.
Kujou Sara clearly understood her advantage, so she chose to strike first. Her body turned into lightning, hidden within black feathers.
One streak of lightning after another enveloped the area.
What followed was a storm-like assault.
Su Han glanced at the feathers around him and commented, "Not bad, but if this is all you've got, I'm a bit disappointed. It seems there's no need for Enma to be unsheathed."
As he spoke, he actually put away his blade.
Such an obvious act of humiliation completely enraged Kujou Sara.
It also infuriated the accompanying Shogunate soldiers.
"Kill him, boss."
"Lady Kujou, take down this fool."
"He actually put away his weapon, who does he think he is."
Three afterimages appeared around Su Han in an instant.
Kujou Sara unleashed her ultimate technique.
"You should pay the price for your arrogance."
This killing move had once slain many opponents in the Shogun's duels and earned her the Shogun's praise.
It was one of Kujou Sara's trump cards.
"Is that all?"
The man within the lightning spoke calmly.
No one saw Su Han make any move, yet all the lightning shattered instantly.
Kujou Sara was sent flying.
Yae Miko had not expected this outcome. Her eyes were filled with delight.
After recovering, Su Han's strength was actually this powerful.
It seemed there was hope in defeating Ei.
Kujou Sara stared at the sky, her mind blank. She had not even touched her opponent before being blown away.
What kind of power was this?
A sense of humiliation spread in her heart.
She got up and launched another attack.
"No improvement at all, disappointing."
Still, Su Han made no visible movement.
Kujou Sara was sent flying again, as if an invisible barrier surrounded him, capable of repelling anything.
Force works both ways.
When she landed, her face darkened and she coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"I haven't lost yet."
She stood up again and charged forward.
Again and again.
The result was always the same.
Su Han remained unchanged, while Kujou Sara was severely injured, barely able to stand.
"How can it be this easy?"
Kamisato Ayaka found it hard to believe.
Her brother, however, saw the underlying principle and explained, "It seems Mr. Su Han's technique involves repelling objects, or perhaps manipulating gravity. I've read reports from Fontaine about experiments that can repel gravitational force. That may be the secret."
"Yes, your guess is correct."
Yae Miko acknowledged Kamisato Ayato's analysis. Looking at Kujou Sara still struggling, she shook her head.
"Unfortunately, this general is controlled by her pride and still refuses to admit defeat."
"What will Mr. Su Han do?"
Kamisato Ayaka asked with concern.
Although Kujou Sara was stubbornly loyal, she was still one of Inazuma's top combat forces.
If she were killed, it would be a major loss.
Yae Miko smiled, "Don't worry. Su Han knows his limits. But this tengu, I'm afraid she will suffer quite a blow."
Unable to see the gap in strength.
Repeatedly mocked.
And losing so badly in front of her subordinates.
This would be a huge blow to Kujou Sara.
"I cannot lose."
Kujou Sara, covered in injuries, still picked up her weapon and charged forward.
Her subordinates showed expressions of distress.
Were they supposed to just watch?
No.
Absolutely not.
"Brothers, even if we die, we can't just watch the general be humiliated!"
"I think the same. Now is the time to show our loyalty."
"This is our bond."
Just as Kujou Sara prepared to charge again.
Her subordinates rushed forward together.
She froze for a moment, then her expression changed drastically.
"No, come back."
"This is not something you should interfere in."
Kujou Sara knew Su Han would not kill her due to her status.
But if ordinary soldiers intervened, it would be a provocation.
Even if they died, the Shogun would not intervene.
But those blinded by anger could not think that far.
"Oh my, I've been cast as the villain."
"But for mere fodder, don't talk about things like friendship or bonds."
"Those words are reserved for someone like me, the protagonist."
Su Han curled his lips and drew Enma once more.
The King of Hell.
Displaying its might.
Boundless demonic energy erupted from Su Han's body.
The overwhelming aura caused many soldiers to faint on the spot.
The impact of Conqueror's Haki was not something ordinary people could withstand.
And Su Han's power did not stop there.
"Not enough. Continue to release, Enma!"
He shouted loudly.
The power of the King of Hell was further unleashed.
The demonic aura grew even denser.
Those who had not fainted were completely suppressed, unable to move even a finger.
Kujou Sara reacted and rushed in front of Su Han.
"If you have the ability, come at me."
Su Han raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Admirable courage. Then I'll grant you a strike."
Haki condensed, and he slashed.
At that moment, the heavens and earth seemed to change. The ground split apart like the end of the world.
Kujou Sara, who bore the attack, was instantly sent flying. The sword in her hand shattered into countless fragments.
"The gap… is this big."
Before losing consciousness.
That was her final thought.
Everyone present looked at the cracked earth with admiration.
Lord Su Han's strength was truly overwhelming.
The battle ended.
All the Shogunate soldiers were unconscious, and General Kujou Sara was defeated.
"What a pitiful person. Why did you have to provoke Su Han? Sigh. Yingmei, carry her up the mountain and apply some medicine."
"Yes."
The shrine maiden who had previously served Su Han quickly ran over.
Amid everyone's efforts.
The general was carried up the mountain.
Kamisato Ayaka followed quickly, worried something might happen.
Meanwhile, Arataki Itto ran up to Su Han and began praising him nonstop, only to be kicked away to continue training.
"If you have time to flatter me, go train. I don't want to clean up your mess next time."
"Hehe, I'm going right now, boss."
This battle made Arataki Itto admire Su Han even more.
He trained with even greater seriousness.
Night fell.
Kujou Sara woke from her unconsciousness. Looking at the dim yellow light above, she asked, "Where is this?"
"You're awake, General Kujou Sara."
Kamisato Ayaka, sitting nearby, quickly turned around.
Seeing the familiar face.
Kujou Sara frowned, "Am I at the Yashiro Commission?"
"No, this is the Grand Narukami Shrine on Mount Yougou. You were knocked unconscious by Mr. Su Han's attack. We brought you here in case something happened."
"And him?"
Kamisato Ayaka hesitated, then did not answer. Instead, she asked, "Are you still going to carry out your mission?"
Kujou Sara replied seriously, "The Shogun's orders must be carried out. Even if it costs my life."
"Even if it leads to the destruction of all of Inazuma's people?"
"…"
Kujou Sara did not know how to answer.
If everyone died, would Inazuma still be Inazuma?
It would likely become a wasteland.
Seeing her fall silent, Kamisato Ayaka sighed, "Lady Guuji always calls you blindly loyal. But in truth, we all serve the Shogun and wish for the nation to prosper. The Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree bring nothing but harm. If you have time, would you walk with me tonight?"
"Where are you taking me?"
"A special place. And don't worry. Mr. Su Han's strike looked terrifying, but he held back. With the medicine from the shrine, you should be fine now."
Hearing this.
It did seem her body was not in much pain.
Kujou Sara understood her intention, but she felt even more resentment toward Su Han.
That man had looked down on her.
If given the chance, she wanted to fight him again.
After getting dressed.
The two descended the mountain.
An elevator had been installed recently, so they did not need to walk down step by step.
With Kamisato Ayaka supporting her, Kujou Sara passed through the forest and arrived at a hill.
There, she saw countless graves.
"This is…"
Kujou Sara was stunned.
Why were there so many graves?
Who did they belong to?
"Some of these graves belong to soldiers who died in the war with Watatsumi Island, with no one to claim them."
"Others belong to civilians who starved to death, or those who lost their Visions and chose suicide."
"A total of thirty-nine thousand seven hundred twenty-five."
"The once lively villages are now empty. If this continues, does Inazuma really have a future?"
"How much blood has the Kujou Clan shed?"
"Wake up. Look at how many people have been driven to desperation by the Sakoku Decree and the Vision Hunt Decree."
"This doesn't even include those who died in the storms at sea."
Tears filled Kamisato Ayaka's eyes, her voice nearly breaking.
In the past, Inazuma was prosperous and happy.
But now it had become like this.
Who could accept it?
Kujou Sara's fists clenched tightly. Her will was shaken, yet she still refused to betray the Raiden Shogun.
"No. Even so, I will not betray the Shogun."
"Then have you ever considered that the puppet might be guided and deceived?"
From the darkness.
Yae Miko slowly walked out of the forest.
Her words made Kujou Sara frown.
"Are you slandering the Shogun?"
"I'm just stating the truth. The Shogun you see, Raiden Ei, is actually just a puppet. It was originally a secret, but telling you now doesn't matter. This is an opportunity, a chance to save Inazuma. I don't want to see more people die because of Ei."
After that.
Yae Miko told Kujou Sara everything.
After learning the truth.
The general fell into deep thought.
She had never imagined.
That the Shogun who sat in Tenshukaku was merely a puppet, while the true god resided within the blade.
"So, foolish tengu, think about it. Whenever there's something delicious or interesting, do Ei's eyes ever show liveliness and lightning?"
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