Several days had passed since the abolition of the Vision Hunt Decree. Inazuma, having stepped into a new era, was gradually returning to its familiar peace. Yet, not long after tranquility returned, an unsettling rumor began to spread—a potential hidden danger.
One afternoon, Thoma hurriedly ran up the steps of the Yashiro Commission headquarters—the Kamisato Estate.
Clack...
Sliding open the wooden door, he stepped onto the familiar tatami mats and made straight for the sitting room.
"Thoma, what has you in such a rush?"
Sitting opposite the low table, Kamisato Ayaka continued polishing Snowswept Sakura with a soft cloth without even lifting her gaze, asking in a calm, graceful tone.
"Cough... My lady, I... I, huff... something's happened..."
Thoma leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.
"Deep breaths... There's no need to rush."
Ayaka finally raised her eyes, slid her blade back into its sheath, and set it beside her before looking at him reassuringly.
"Yes... huff... right... My lady, it's about the lightning storms off Inazuma's coast."
Thoma's expression turned grave. He had just heard the report moments ago—local fishermen were growing alarmed and had appealed to the Yashiro Commission for help. After all, lightning storms could only mean one thing: something involving the Raiden Shogun. And since his lady was on familiar terms with her...
"...Lightning storms? But aren't there always thunderstorms over the outer seas of Inazuma? Why the alarm?"
Ayaka's tone remained even, showing little concern. As she spoke, she casually brushed aside her silver hair, which hung loose today rather than tied in her usual ponytail. Though the front strands were neatly fastened with red cords, the rest of her hair flowed freely down her back. Scattered across the low table were her usual hair ornaments and a roll of crimson string, waiting to be tied.
With her hair down, Ayaka's presence felt softer—less like a crystalline blade and more like gentle snow melting under sunlight. She set Snowswept Sakura aside, took the red string between her lips, and began to gather her hair.
"Uh... no, it's different this time. According to the fishermen... the storms seem to be going out of control."
Realizing he hadn't explained properly, Thoma clarified in earnest.
"...Out of control?"
Ayaka froze mid-motion, lowering her hands. She removed the red cord from her lips and let her hair fall free again, rising to her feet as she instinctively reached for her folding fan.
"Are you certain?" she asked.
"Yes. Those fishermen have spent their whole lives at sea—they know the behavior of the lightning well. They wouldn't mistake something like this."
"..."
Ayaka paced thoughtfully toward the window, the sunlight spilling across her pale figure. Then she turned to Thoma.
"How serious is it?"
"Quite serious. They say the unstable lightning is starting to drift inland—toward the main islands of Inazuma."
"I see. Who's currently heading the Tenryou Commission?"
Since the matter could no longer be ignored, she needed to act quickly. After a brief pause to think, she turned her sharp eyes back to Thoma.
"They haven't officially appointed a new head yet, but... it'll most likely be Kujou Kamaji."
"..."
Ayaka fell silent for several seconds. Then, picking up the red cord again, she swiftly tied her long hair into her usual ponytail, fastening it behind her head with practiced precision. Passing Thoma, she slipped on her white tabi socks and stepped gracefully into her shoes at the entryway—ready to leave.
"My lady... where are you going?"
Thoma blinked in surprise, momentarily at a loss.
"To speak with Kujou Kamaji—and pay a visit to the Shogun."
She spoke softly, hiding her expression behind her folding fan as she slid open the door and stepped out, leaving only her graceful figure behind. Realizing her intent, Thoma hesitated only a moment before following in haste. There was no way he would let her go alone.
Leaving the Kamisato Estate, Ayaka made her way through Hanamizaka and arrived at the gates of Inazuma City—just in time to encounter Kujou Kamaji, who was strolling with his subordinates near the Statue of the Omnipresent God.
"Lady Kamisato! A pleasure to see you—ah, Thoma too!"
Spotting them immediately, Kujou Kamaji waved and greeted them warmly, offering a courteous bow.
"Lord Kujou... it's been a while."
Ayaka approached with elegant composure, nodding politely in return, while Thoma offered a friendly smile beside her.
"Heh... Lady Kamisato is as graceful and radiant as ever."
Kamaji said with an awkward laugh, trying to make polite conversation.
"You flatter me, Lord Kujou. You're as dashing as ever yourself."
Seeing his awkward attempt at small talk, Ayaka immediately picked up on it and decided to play along. If both sides were awkward, perhaps the awkwardness would cancel itself out.
"Ahaha... You flatter me, Lord Kujou."
Kamaji rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Uh..."
Thoma glanced sideways at his lady, clearly unimpressed by her attempt to match the tone.
"You're here about the lightning storms, aren't you?"
Kamaji finally asked, steering the conversation to business.
"Indeed. It's said the recent lightning storms have become erratic. If left unchecked, they could pose a serious problem. We should prepare appropriate countermeasures."
Ayaka replied calmly, opening her folding fan as she spoke, her tone composed yet firm.
"Honestly, we're not sure what to do," Kamaji admitted. "In the past, the Shogun would issue directives for such matters, but now—"
"Hey~! Hello there~!"
A loud, cheerful voice suddenly interrupted them. The moment Ayaka heard it, she sighed inwardly—she knew exactly who it belonged to. Why were they still in Inazuma?
She had assumed the Traveler had already left long ago, yet here he was again.
"Oh, it's you! What a coincidence, meeting you here!"
Thoma turned and smiled when he saw Aether and Paimon approaching. He couldn't help but notice faint bruises on Aether's face. What happened to him—did someone beat him up?
"Thoma, Ayaka~!"
Paimon flew over, waving enthusiastically.
"It's been a while, Traveler, Paimon."
Ayaka turned with her characteristic grace, smiling politely at the two.
"It's good to see you again, Ayaka."
Aether relaxed slightly at her smile, returning it with courteous warmth.
"And these two are...?"
Paimon tilted her head, looking curiously at Kamaji and his attendant.
"Greetings. I must thank you again for delivering Miss Hiiragi's letter to me. I am Kujou Kamaji."
"Whoa... You're the one who's—"
"Paimon!"
Aether quickly cut her off before she could blurt out anything unnecessary.
"Ahaha..."
Kamaji gave an awkward laugh, pretending not to notice.
"They're friends of yours, I see. A pleasure to meet you. I'm Ippei, Lord Kamaji's assistant."
He offered a polite nod. What had been a group of four was now six—or five and a half, counting Paimon.
"What are you all talking about?"
Paimon asked curiously. It was rare to see Ayaka and Kujou Kamaji together like this.
"...Thoma, explain for me."
Ayaka didn't answer directly. She had other things on her mind—specifically, the possible cause of the storms. She was starting to form a theory.
"Of course," Thoma said, nodding. "Traditionally, the Tri-Commission's duties include gathering information and executing the Shogun's directives."
He turned to Aether and Paimon to explain.
"But recently, the Shogun has announced a period of seclusion. She isn't seeing anyone. In other words... there's no one to give us orders anymore."
He sighed softly.
"We understand she needs time to rest and reflect, but almost at the same time, the lightning storms off Inazuma's coast began to intensify."
He looked toward the distant horizon. Though the sky above was clear, far out at sea, dark clouds lingered faintly.
"Lightning storms... Could that be the manifestation of the Shogun's isolationist will?"
Aether asked, gazing in the same direction.
"Exactly. For as long as anyone can remember, the storms have always remained steady—unchanging. But now... they've become unstable, even drawing closer to the main islands."
Thoma folded his arms and closed his eyes in thought.
"Eh?! Is she going to destroy Inazuma?! Or maybe she's coming to finish us off?!"
Paimon went pale at once, trembling at the mere thought. Clearly, the Shogun still haunted her memories.
"Are you... afraid of her?"
Aether gave her a dry look.
"Of course I am! You are too! Don't even try to deny it!"
"Uh..."
Aether awkwardly looked away. She wasn't wrong.
"Haha! No need to worry. If the Shogun wanted someone dead, it'd be over in an instant—a single lightning strike and that's that. She wouldn't go to such lengths."
Thoma chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
"That doesn't make it sound any less terrifying! And don't smile while saying stuff like that!"
Paimon yelled, glaring at him while Aether nodded in firm agreement.
"Ahaha, my apologies." Thoma scratched his cheek with an awkward grin.
"What truly concerns us," Kamaji interjected, "is the Shogun's health. The erratic storms might be a sign that she's... unwell. Her absence these past days could be related."
"That's... possible," Aether admitted with a nod. "Though she didn't seem unwell the last time she beat me senseless..."
He muttered under his breath.
"That's why we need to discuss countermeasures before rumors start spreading and panic sets in."
Thoma added seriously.
"...I don't think it's due to the Shogun's health."
"?" ×5
Ayaka's sudden voice drew all eyes to her.
"Ayaka?"
"My lady, what do you mean?" Thoma asked.
Ayaka closed her eyes in thought. She knew well that the Shogun's body was an automaton—incapable of illness. And as for Ei... she was a god. Such a condition was equally impossible. If not a physical cause, then...
"It's likely... the storms reflect the Shogun's will—her emotions."
Yes... that had to be it. Why hadn't she realized it sooner? It seemed she would have to visit the Shogun herself and speak with her directly.
After all, if anyone could calm the storm within her dear childhood friend... it was Kamisato Ayaka.
"Her will, you say? That does make sense... Yes, Lady Kamisato is quite right."
Kujou Kamaji thought for a moment and found her reasoning sound. After all, the idea of a god falling ill was practically unheard of—nearly impossible. That left only one explanation. She was, after all, the God of Thunder.
"Say, Kamaji—are you the current head of the Kujou Clan now?"
Paimon asked curiously.
"Me? I suppose I'm serving as the acting head for now. No official successor has been chosen yet, and... things within the clan are rather chaotic at the moment."
Kamaji sighed with visible weariness.
"Because of what happened before?"
"Yes. The Kujou Clan's involvement with the Fatui nearly brought ruin upon Inazuma. We're still awaiting the Shogun's judgment. Everyone knows the Tenryou Commission will soon change leadership—but we've yet to receive formal orders."
His father, Kujou Takayuki, had been arrested and imprisoned just a few days prior. Fortunately, he'd only been detained—his punishment still pending. Kamaji knew the Shogun had shown mercy. Normally, such betrayal would warrant execution of the entire clan. Truly, they were fortunate she was lenient.
"It's my own inadequacy, really," Kamaji continued softly. "I failed to uncover the truth in time... failed to stop my father... and failed to quell the unrest that followed."
His face darkened with sorrow.
"The mood suddenly got heavy..."
Paimon whispered to Aether.
"..."
Aether's expression also grew somber.
"Enough for now," Kamaji said after a pause. "We can discuss this another time. For the moment, I'm going to meet with the head of the Takatsukasa family—Takatsukasa Susumu. He's the only one left capable of keeping order."
"Go on then," Thoma said encouragingly. "The sooner the Tenryou Commission stabilizes, the better it'll be for all of us."
"Right. Ippei, stay here. I'll go alone."
"Please be careful."
Ippei nodded obediently, though worry flickered in his eyes.
"Lord Kujou."
Just as Kamaji was about to leave, Ayaka finally spoke for the first time in several minutes.
"...Lady Kamisato?"
He turned back, puzzled, to see the ice-blue maiden resting her folding fan lightly against her chin.
"No matter what lies ahead, I ask that you face it with courage."
Her voice was calm yet filled with quiet strength.
"Eh?" Kamaji blinked in confusion.
"After all," she continued, "we—the younger generation of the Tri-Commission—are all that remain now, aren't we?"
Her cool gaze met his, filled with subtle meaning.
"..."
Kamaji fell silent, eyes widening slightly in realization.
"Perhaps in the near future," Ayaka went on, "the next time we meet, it will be as heads of our respective houses."
She had thought about this long before now. The Kamisato siblings had already inherited their positions—the Yashiro Commission firmly in their hands. The Kujou family's leadership, meanwhile, would almost certainly pass to Kamaji after his father's disgrace. As for the Kanjou Commission... it was in shambles, riddled with corruption. Its only viable heir was Hiiragi Chisato.
In short, the Tri-Commission was on the verge of renewal—a new generation poised to lead Inazuma into a different era. It would be a long, arduous journey for all of them. And so, Ayaka wished to remind him—to prepare him.
"I understand," Kamaji said finally, bowing deeply. "Thank you for your words, Lady Kamisato."
He turned and departed, his footsteps fading into the distance.
In truth, Kamaji thought to himself, Lady Kamisato's composure and foresight far surpassed his own. He had long heard of the Kamisato siblings' hardships, and seeing how she carried herself now—it made sense. To maintain such grace after all she'd endured... that was true strength. He couldn't help but respect her. For a woman so young, she bore herself with more dignity and confidence than most men. Truly, a model of strength and grace.
"Uh... what exactly was all that supposed to mean?"
Paimon asked blankly, tilting her head.
"You're better off not knowing," Aether replied with a sigh.
He gave her a flat look and shook his head. "You really don't get it."
"Hmph~! You're just being mean to me again!"
Paimon huffed, crossing her tiny arms in protest.
"No, no..."
Aether replied vaguely, waving his hand dismissively.
"You two still get along as well as ever, I see."
Ayaka smiled faintly as she turned to look at the pair. She couldn't help but notice the faint bruises still marking Aether's face—no doubt the result of the Shogun's 'training session.' But she said nothing. Bringing it up would only embarrass him.
"By the way, Ayaka, you said earlier that the lightning storms are caused by the Shogun's mood, right?"
Paimon asked curiously.
"Correct. That's my assumption."
Ayaka nodded.
"Then... why not have her go out and relax a little? Wouldn't that help?"
"...That's actually a good idea. Perhaps I could speak to her about it."
Ayaka lifted her fan, tapping it lightly against her chin in thought.
"Ha?! Lady Kamisato, you mean you can just go and talk to the Shogun face-to-face?! You're planning to enter Tenshukaku yourself?!"
Ippei looked absolutely shocked, stepping forward with wide, shining eyes as if he were staring at a living legend.
"Eh-heh~ You don't know, do you?" Thoma said proudly, puffing out his chest. "My lady and the Shogun have quite the close relationship!"
"Eh?! Really? How close?"
Ippei's curiosity only grew, his expression lighting up in admiration.
"Uh... let's just say... they grew up together. Pretty much inseparable, you know?"
After all, his lady had spent her childhood around the Shogun—it wasn't far from the truth.
"Whoa~!!"
Ippei's eyes practically sparkled.
"Thoma, do refrain from exaggeration."
Ayaka said softly, shaking her head with a gentle smile. Her voice wasn't stern—more like a quiet reminder.
"Uh... sorry, my lady..." Thoma apologized awkwardly.
"Eh? What's that supposed to mean?" Ippei blinked, confused.
"It simply means the Kamisato family once had the honor of the Shogun's favor, nothing more. I merely met her as a child—it's nothing worth boasting about."
That was the truth. She used to think the Shogun's affection for her was because of her own charm, but back then, she had been too naive. The Shogun's regard had been for the Kamisato family as a whole.
"...As expected of the Shirasagi Himegimi~! I, Ippei, am in awe!"
"..."
Aether, meanwhile, couldn't help but notice how Ayaka's expression subtly brightened whenever she spoke of the Shogun. There was a warmth there—one that wasn't present when she spoke to anyone else. For some reason, that made something twist faintly in his chest, though he couldn't quite understand why.
"Are you sure about this?" Paimon asked uncertainly.
"One never knows unless one tries. I can't guarantee anything... Thoma, return home for now."
Ayaka spoke decisively, closing her fan and starting toward the great gates of Tenshukaku.
"Yes, my lady!" Thoma responded with confidence—he had no worries at all about entrusting his lady to the Shogun.
"Uh... what about us?" Paimon asked blankly.
"Hehe... if you're curious, you can follow along. I doubt my lady would mind."
Thoma replied casually.
"Uh... Aether, should we go too?" Paimon turned to him, noticing how his golden eyes lingered on Ayaka's retreating figure.
"...Yeah."
He nodded quietly and began to follow.
"Hey~! You're really going?! That woman beat you up! And she's in a bad mood right now!"
Paimon yelped, flying after him. But Aether ignored her protests, his steps steady as he followed Ayaka toward the towering structure ahead.
Tap, tap...
Ayaka passed through the grand doors of Tenshukaku, her gaze falling on the ranks of armored Okuzumeshuu samurai stationed along both sides. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she considered her next move.
"Lady Ayaka! Wait for us!"
She paused, then turned slightly to glance back.
"You're coming too?" she asked.
"Uh... it's this guy's idea!" Paimon said, pointing accusingly at the golden-haired traveler.
"I'm coming with you. I don't trust her."
Aether said firmly.
"..."
Ayaka blinked, taken aback. For a moment, she wasn't sure what he meant by 'don't trust her.' But before she could ask—
"Stop right there! Who are you?! Outsiders are not permitted to approach Tenshukaku!"
Clack!
The armored Okuzumeshuu guards at the entrance instantly gripped their katana hilts, glaring sharply at the pair approaching.
"Uh... we—"
Both Aether and Paimon froze on the spot, not sure what to say.
"Excuse me," Ayaka stepped forward gracefully, ignoring their tension as she spoke in her refined, gentle tone. "Is the Shogun currently in residence?"
"Oh... Lady Kamisato! Yes, the Shogun is indeed inside."
The guard's demeanor changed in an instant, his tone turning respectful—leaving Aether and Paimon both stunned by the sudden shift.
"May I request permission to visit her?" Ayaka continued politely, her voice calm and courteous.
"Uh... my apologies, Lady Kamisato... The Shogun has given strict orders—no one is permitted entry at this time."
The guard lowered his head apologetically.
"I see... She won't come out, and no one's allowed in. Then perhaps we should—"
Before Paimon could finish suggesting they leave, Ayaka reached into the pocket of her elegant kimono and drew out a small lacquered credential. Its surface gleamed with faint violet hues, decorated with a golden crest of the Electro emblem—a symbol of unmistakable authority.
"This is...! The Shogun's personal access permit?!"
"That's correct," Ayaka replied softly. "May this grant me permission to enter?"
Her tone was as composed as ever—no hint of pride, only poised courtesy.
That particular pass was among the rarest items in all of Inazuma. Fewer than three people possessed one. One belonged to her. Another, to Kujouu Sara. And the last—to Guuji Yae herself. Yes, only three existed in total.
"Of course! Please proceed, Lady Kamisato!"
The guards immediately stepped aside with utmost respect, bowing as though before royalty.
"Thank you," she replied, tucking the pass neatly back into her pocket before stepping forward.
Behind her, Aether and Paimon exchanged awkward glances—neither daring to move or speak.
"Are the two of you accompanying her?" one of the guards asked.
"Uh..." ×2
Both of them turned their eyes toward Ayaka for help. Ayaka looked back at them thoughtfully for a moment, then answered softly.
"Yes. They're with me."
"In that case, you may enter as well."
"Phew..." ×2
And so, the three of them—Lady Kamisato and her two unlikely tagalongs—were granted passage into Tenshukaku. Ayaka, of course, was there to visit the Shogun. As for the other two... she honestly didn't care what they planned to do, as long as they didn't cause trouble.