Chapter 139. Someone is Angry
Futsu Mitama was leaving Mondstadt.
No one knew who had spread the news first. Perhaps a Knight mentioned it in passing. Perhaps a tavern guest overheard a farewell at Angel's Share. Perhaps the wind itself carried it.
But within half a day, the entire city knew.
Only—Most of them were confused.
"Futsu… who?"
"Who is that?"
"I've never heard that name before."
The citizens of Mondstadt looked at one another blankly. The name meant nothing to them. No merchant by that name. No noble. No adventurer registered with the Guild.
It was only when several Knights of Favonius stepped in to clarify that realization dawned.
"The Honorary Knight."
"The one who helped resolve the Stormterror crisis."
"The Raiden Shogun's Retainer."
Those few reminders were enough.
Recognition spread like fire catching dry grass.
"Ah—him?!"
"The foreign swordsman!"
"The one who stood beside Lord Barbatos and Lord Dvalin?!"
Shock quickly replaced confusion.
"He's leaving?!"
"Why?"
"He just helped save Mondstadt!"
"He hasn't even stayed that long!"
Voices rose across plazas and taverns alike. Many had never spoken to him directly. Some had only glimpsed him during the Stormterror incident. Others knew him only through Jean's official commendation.
Yet the title "Honorary Knight" carried weight.
To the people of Mondstadt, that was not a casual honor. It meant trust. It meant contribution. It meant that even as an outsider, he had stood for their freedom.
And now he was leaving?
The Knights of Favonius responded as calmly as they could.
"He has another identity," they explained. "He is also the Retainer of the Raiden Shogun."
"He must return to Inazuma."
That answer quieted the speculation—but did not entirely soothe it.
"Inazuma…"
"That distant, closed nation?"
"Something must have happened there."
The more thoughtful citizens began to piece it together. If someone who had just helped resolve a dragon crisis departed so urgently, then Inazuma's situation must not be simple.
Still, a faint sense of reluctance lingered.
Mondstadt was a city of freedom.
It did not bind people with chains.
It did not demand loyalty through force.
But even freedom can feel the absence of someone who helped defend it.
Outside the city gates, the wind remained as gentle as ever.
As if unaware—
Or perhaps fully aware—That another traveler was about to leave its embrace once more
This news left the citizens of Mondstadt reluctant to part. Many insisted that, at the very least, they should see him off at the city gates the following morning.
Yet the Knights of Favonius soon announced that Futsu Mitama and his companions had already departed under Acting Grand Master Jean's escort. The information circulating among the citizens was already outdated.
The city fell into bewilderment.
Outdated? They had already left?
Indeed. After receiving word the previous day, Futsu Mitama and the others rose before dawn and made preparations to depart Mondstadt at first light.
Thanks to Diluc's timely notice, the Knights learned of their plans.
In the early morning glow, Jean, Eula, Amber, Albedo, Klee, and several others came personally to see them off.
"This time… you have truly done much for Mondstadt."
Jean looked at Futsu Mitama, her composure intact, yet her reluctance unmistakable. Though he had remained in Mondstadt for little more than a week, the assistance he provided had been immeasurable.
He had saved Stormterror Dvalin. He had conveyed the words of the Anemo Archon. He had reshaped Mondstadt's understanding of Freedom.
In recent days, the number of citizens troubling Jean with trivial matters had noticeably declined.
Only those facing genuine difficulties now sought her out.
Even so, the burden had lightened considerably. She found time to spar with the Knights, to exchange ideas, to make clearer plans for Mondstadt's future.
"It was nothing," Futsu Mitama replied calmly.
He himself was somewhat surprised by the change in Mondstadt's people.
Yet this was, after all, the City of Freedom—blessed by a god they revered with unwavering faith. Though Barbatos seldom governed directly, whenever calamity befell the city, the Anemo Archon always appeared to shield his people.
That alone was enough to earn eternal reverence.
"Come visit again when you're free!" Amber said brightly. "Mondstadt still has plenty of fun things to experience. It's just unfortunate you came at the wrong time."
She sighed lightly, regret tinging her smile.
Eula inclined her head. "The Windblume Festival has only just passed. The Ballads of Breeze Festival will still take some time. If you return… I will take leave and personally show you Mondstadt's festivals properly."
Futsu Mitama smiled and nodded. "Then I shall look forward to it."
"Yay! The Ballads of Breeze Festival!" Klee exclaimed, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Albedo merely smiled. Festivals meant little to him; most days he remained in Dragonspine. If he attended, it would likely be to keep watch over Klee, ensuring no excessive commotion occurred.
Conversation continued in laughter and warmth as they walked.
Soon, they reached Springvale.
Beyond this point, Jean and the others could go no farther. The distance from Mondstadt was already considerable; further escort would delay their return.
"Let us part here," Futsu Mitama said first. "We will meet again."
He waved lightly. "When we return, let's gather at Angel's Share for a drink."
Jean, Amber, and Eula smiled.
Albedo's smile stiffened slightly—he was not fond of alcohol.
Klee shook her head vigorously. She was still young. Juice would suffice.
Laughter followed, gentle and unforced.
Thus, Futsu Mitama, Kuki Shinobu, and Zhongli turned toward Liyue.
Jean and the others watched their figures gradually recede into the distance.
Yet sentiment could not delay duty.
The Fatui still required vigilance. Post–Dragon Crisis matters demanded resolution. And though the Abyss Order had been temporarily suppressed during the last large-scale cleansing operation—
They were stirring once more.
Rumor spoke of the Statue of the Seven in Wolvendom having been stolen. Whether the Abyss Order was responsible remained uncertain.
Regardless, the Knights of Favonius would investigate thoroughly.
Jean, Eula, and Amber hastened back toward Mondstadt, with Klee and Albedo following behind—eyes drifting occasionally toward the ever-lively Chat Group.
Futsu Mitama: "Liyue! I'm back!"
Albedo: "At this moment, a certain Guuji is preparing to head toward Mondstadt."
Yae Miko: "Albedo, do you think you're the only one with a tongue? Believe it or not, I'll go to Mondstadt tonight and raid your Alchemy Workshop."
Klee: "Big Brother Albedo has many Alchemy Workshops—"
Yae Miko: "Hmm? Klee-chan, be good Tell me How many does he have?"
Kamisato Ayaka: "Guuji… surely you wouldn't…"
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "The Guuji holds grudges rather firmly."
Albedo: "Three in Mondstadt. Two in Dragonspine. Two in the wild. Seven in total. Each is equipped with defensive facilities. Guuji, do exercise caution."
Yae Miko: "You truly believe I would not dare? Once I finish with Inazuma's affairs, your manuscripts will be returned promptly."
Raiden Makoto: "Hahaha."
Guizhong: "This Chat Group truly is fascinating."
Azhdaha: "Futsu Mitama, how long do you intend to remain in Liyue?"
Futsu Mitama: "Long enough to obtain forging materials and contact Beidou. Then we return to Inazuma. The companion weapon must be forged before the great battle begins."
Zhongli: "With your current strength, lacking a dedicated weapon would place you at a disadvantage against opponents of equal tier."
Guizhong: "How impolite! Is my Memory of Dust not a weapon?"
Zhongli: "It is a catalyst. Moreover, it has endured millennia of erosion. Should it be damaged in intense combat, the consequences would be grave."
Maha Rukkhadevata: "Indeed. The Memory of Dust is your vessel. Before your revival, you must not engage in fierce battle. Consciousness requires a container. If the container breaks, even the Chat Group may not preserve you."
Futsu Mitama: "That is precisely my concern. I use it primarily for support."
Azhdaha: "It is good that you understand this."
Keqing: "How many days until you reach Liyue? We have grown rather busy. The Fatui have launched a large-scale operation targeting the Abyss Order—apparently to seize that machine."
Yae Miko: "Liyue is restless as well. Fortunately, it does not concern us. We are returning to Inazuma."
Aila: "I shall treasure my time on Mt. Aocang."
Futsu Mitama: "Four to five days, if nothing unexpected occurs."
Kuki Shinobu: "The path there is slightly more troublesome than the return."
Zhongli: "Four days, assuming no unforeseen obstacles."
Futsu Mitama: "Before we return, Kokomi—remain vigilant. Ayaka, gather intelligence, but prioritize your safety."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Understood. Gorou and Kazuha are acting cautiously. Swordfish I and II are patrolling. Those who lost their Visions yet retain martial prowess have been organized into a rapid-response unit."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "The talisman arts from Guizhong and the Jumpy Dumpties Klee crafted overnight have also been deployed."
Yae Miko: "With such preparations, holding out for a month should not be difficult."
Guizhong: "A pity intricate mechanisms cannot be constructed there. Otherwise, I would have had you build the Guizhong Ballista."
Keqing: "The Guizhong Ballista?"
Zhongli: "Also known as the Final Ballista. After the God of Dust's passing, Cloud Retainer improved it into its present form."
Azhdaha: "Both Guizhong and Cloud Retainer delight in Mechanical Art. I fail to see the appeal."
Klee: "It sounds amazing! Klee is also working hard on new bombs!"
Albedo: "…"
Raiden Makoto: "Do not make them too powerful. Stunning is sufficient."
Klee: "Okay! Klee understands!"
The Chat Group remained lively.
Meanwhile, though Futsu Mitama pressed forward at full speed, the journey itself felt unhurried.
Zhongli was a patient instructor.
When Futsu Mitama encountered uncertainties in his Geo techniques, Zhongli would, on one hand, modestly claim his strength inferior—yet on the other, offer refined insights and subtle control methods born of experience.
He began instructing Futsu Mitama in spear techniques.
"The Raiden Shogun is proficient in many martial traditions," Zhongli explained. "Spear included. Learning it now will only benefit you."
Futsu Mitama agreed silently.
He did not expose Zhongli's intentions.
After all—
The Geo spear Zhongli cast into the Abyss had been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Its power surpassed even Planet Befall.
If he mastered such a technique, walking unchallenged across Teyvat might not be an exaggeration. Thus, he temporarily set aside the tachi and began from the fundamentals of the spear.
Zhongli guided him patiently, while also teaching Kuki Shinobu the foundations of talisman arts—specifically, the exorcism lineage.
"Arts of the Adeptus are not lightly passed down," Zhongli had said.
Kuki Shinobu possessed talent, but not the necessary temperament. Therefore, he withheld that lineage.
She bore no resentment. To receive instruction at all was already fortune.
And so the days passed in measured progress.
It was on the third day after departing Mondstadt, near the border between the two nations, that a thunderous sound echoed from afar.
Zhongli lifted his gaze.
After a brief silence, he rose.
"Remain here. Do not move," he said calmly. "I shall pick some fresh sunsettia."
With that, he walked into the distance.
Kuki Shinobu resumed drawing talismans.
Futsu Mitama continued practicing the spear, movements repetitive yet deliberate.
Then—
He sensed it.
He looked up.
At some unknown moment, the Raiden Shogun had appeared in the sky.
"Raiden Shogun-sama?!"
Kuki Shinobu followed his gaze.
The Raiden Shogun descended slowly, her presence quiet yet absolute. Her eyes fell upon the Geo Spear in Futsu Mitama's hand.
She nodded faintly.
"All weapons are but different manifestations of profound mysteries," she said evenly. "It pleases me that you have come to understand this."
A brief pause.
"But why the long spear? Why not the naginata?"
Though her tone remained composed, a subtle undercurrent stirred beneath it.
In her inheritance lay both naginata and tachi. If he must learn a polearm—
Why not hers?
Futsu Mitama tightened his grip slightly.
"This…"
Futsu Mitama was speechless for a moment. He had been so immersed in training these past few days that he had completely forgotten today was the seventh day.
The weekly boss — the Raiden Shogun — had come looking for him.
Kuki Shinobu quietly stepped aside. For some reason, she sensed that the Raiden Shogun seemed—unhappy.
Why?
Wasn't it just spear training? Why would she be angry?
Though puzzled, Kuki Shinobu understood that a god's temperament was not something mortals could easily fathom. She chose to wait silently, leaving space for the Raiden Shogun and Futsu Mitama.
At the same time, she couldn't help thinking that Zhongli's decision to go pick sunsettias at this moment was incredibly wise. If he had remained—
He would likely be standing in the same awkward position as her.
"Hm? Wait…"
The Raiden Shogun's voice shifted slightly. Her gaze locked onto Futsu Mitama.
"This is—?!"
She had clearly noticed something.
A terrifying aura erupted from her body. Dark clouds gathered overhead, swallowing the sky. Within them, violent purple lightning churned, and divine might descended upon the land.
At this moment, the Raiden Shogun was furious — utterly furious.
Under the crushing divine pressure, Kuki Shinobu nearly lost her footing. Shock flashed across her eyes.
What was happening?! Why was the Raiden Shogun so enraged?
Wait… could it be—?!
Not far away, Zhongli, having finished picking sunsettias, calmly took a bite. A faint trace of pity for Venti surfaced in his heart.
"The Anemo Archon's Gnosis?!"
The Raiden Shogun's voice had changed.
No — it wasn't merely a change in tone. It was a change of person.
Raiden Ei had emerged.
Her gaze fixed on the Gnosis within Futsu Mitama. She was intimately familiar with such an object; after all, she had entrusted her own Gnosis to Yae Miko for safekeeping.
But why… was the Anemo Archon's Gnosis inside Futsu Mitama?
As a victor of the Archon War, Raiden Ei's thoughts surged rapidly. The foremost conclusion rose almost instantly—
Barbatos intended to find a successor. Yet Mondstadt had no one worthy of inheriting the Anemo Archon's seat. So he had turned his attention to Futsu Mitama.
Even Raiden Ei had to acknowledge Futsu Mitama's monstrous talent. He was studying the legacies of two gods. Whether it was her own teachings or the heritage of Morax, who had lived for millennia, neither was something an ordinary person could master.
And beyond that — could any ordinary individual elevate their strength to this level in merely one month?
Across thousands of years, Raiden Ei had witnessed countless prodigies, and countless beings who clung to life through various means.
None compared to Futsu Mitama. He possessed the potential of an Archon. This was not exaggeration. Likewise, when the Raiden Shogun once referred to him as the future "Eternal Guardian," it had not been casual praise.
"Eternal Guardian" was the title Raiden Ei bestowed upon the Shogun herself — an upholder of eternity.
To become such a guardian required not only longevity, but overwhelming strength.
Futsu Mitama possessed both the potential and the future to reach it.
If she could see that—Then the Anemo Archon could as well.
"Hoo… hoo…"
Raiden Ei's breathing grew heavier. Violet lightning flickered within her eyes as divine pressure radiated outward once more.
Futsu Mitama felt suffocated. In the distance, Kuki Shinobu was already immobilized, and he fared little better. Was this the gulf between an Adeptus and a god?
Between an Adeptus and a true god stood the rank of Archon.
Futsu Mitama had just entered the Adeptus realm. He carried two divine legacies and bore the power of two authorities — already extraordinary.
Yet before true divine wrath, he still struggled to endure.
Unless he invoked authority.
Or the Gnosis.
The thought surfaced — and he inwardly cursed.
In the original storyline, how had La Signora dared challenge the Anemo Archon one-on-one?
She had been slain instantly by the Raiden Shogun.
"You will remain here."
Raiden Ei withdrew her pressure.
Without another word, she transformed into a bolt of lightning and shot toward Mondstadt.
Swish—!
In an instant, she vanished beyond the horizon.
Only after she disappeared did Zhongli return, holding sunsettias and raspberries.
"The Raiden Shogun has departed?" he asked calmly.
"Yes… Mr. Zhongli, your timing was impeccable," Kuki Shinobu replied dryly.
Zhongli shook his head.
"It is noon. The seventh day. I anticipated her arrival. To avoid unnecessary complications, I stepped away to gather fruit."
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu exchanged subtle looks.
So he had foreseen this all along.
The divine pressure from moments ago still lingered in their bones. Only now did they fully understand the terror of a god's anger.
Zhongli gazed toward Mondstadt, his tone faintly contemplative.
"Still… I did not expect her to leave so decisively."
He understood why.
The suspicion of "stealing a successor" was provocation enough for any god. Raiden Ei had likely gone to settle matters with Venti directly.
Now—They could only wait.
—
Meanwhile.
After yesterday's events, La Signora had transmitted intelligence regarding the Anemo Archon to the Fatui. That very night, she traveled to Starsnatch Cliff.
Once, she had admired the scenery there beside a certain knight.
Now, she stood alone.
At midnight, a faint island materialized upon the distant sea.
Excitement stirred within her.
The air carried dense Anemo energy. A visible tornado twisted upon the island's surface, as if maintaining something.
It was enough confirmation.
Barbatos was there.
After learning that Futsu Mitama had departed for Liyue, La Signora ordered Mondstadt's elite Fatui to construct ships and sail toward the island.
Why not purchase vessels within the city?
Because the Knights of Favonius already regarded her with suspicion. At such a critical juncture, she could not allow interference.
Thus, La Signora personally led the expedition.
Two hours passed.
Ahead lay only endless sea.
"Lady La Signora—have we lost our course?" an Electro Cicin Mage asked cautiously.
"Impossible." Her tone was unwavering. "Even if nothing appears before us, my memory is flawless. Continue forward. If we cannot see it, then it is hidden. And I do not fight battles without confidence."
Cold authority gathered in her palm.
Divine might spread outward.
The sea froze.
She invoked the Cryo Archon's authority, seeking to reveal the concealed island.
The surrounding Fatui felt both awe and exhilaration.
If a Harbinger wielded Her Majesty's power—Could even a god resist?
Then—
Dark clouds surged across the sky.
A streak of violet lightning descended and took human form above them.
La Signora looked up.
Her expression froze. That presence—
The Raiden Shogun. Had Futsu Mitama not left Inazuma?
No…Then her departure from Inazuma…Had it been for this?
For her?
A dull ache throbbed in La Signora's unhealed wounds.
Despair crept in.
She could not escape.
And she had brought Mondstadt's elite.
If they perished here, the Gnosis plan would be delayed for years.
Yet—
Raiden Ei did not look at her.
Her gaze was fixed elsewhere.
An island invisible to mortal sight.
She could see it clearly.
Barbatos was within.
The island bore the Power of Time.
Istaroth.
A taboo existence.
Since that ancient battle, both she and the Heavenly Principles had fallen silent. None among The Seven knew their present state.
If she interfered—It might draw Istaroth's gaze.
Even Raiden Ei would not act lightly.
Barbatos remained within, unmoving.
She would not risk provoking Time itself.
Her gaze shifted downward.
Fatui ships.
So close to the island. Did they seek death?
Should they enter, temporal turbulence would swallow them whole. Even a god might fail to rescue them.
As her gaze fell upon them, the Fatui felt dread pierce their spines. If she struck now—They would perish instantly.
Then—
Snow began to fall. Snow upon the sea. Ice spread across the waters.
La Signora's pupils contracted.
"This is—"
A tremor entered her voice.
"Her Majesty the Tsaritsa?!"
"What?!"
At Her Ladyship's words, the surrounding Fatui elites felt both excitement and unease.
Her Majesty the Tsaritsa? Where? Where was she?
Before their thoughts could settle, a veiled woman descended from the sky.
With her arrival came snowfall—bitter, piercing cold snow that blanketed the air in silence.
Yet the Fatui smiled with reverent exhilaration and immediately bowed.
Even Her Ladyship, proud and unyielding as she was, lowered her head in solemn respect.
"It's you?"
Raiden Ei's gaze fell upon the Cryo Archon, surprise flickering briefly in her eyes. She had not expected her to appear in Mondstadt.
Still, the shock did not linger. Only seven days ago, she had shared desserts with Morax and Barbatos.
"Mm." The Cryo Archon inclined her head slightly. Her voice was gentle, distant. "Beelzebub. What brings you here?"
It was not accusation—only inquiry. Why had the Electro Archon come to the City of Freedom?
"To teach Barbatos a lesson." Raiden Ei's eyes shifted toward the island below, her voice edged with restrained irritation. "He has done something foolish."
Silence followed.
After a moment, the Cryo Archon asked quietly, "Was your authority offended as well?"
Given Barbatos' history, nothing would surprise her. The most carefree Archon in Teyvat was never predictable.
"No." Thunder rolled low around Raiden Ei as her displeasure intensified. "It is worse than that."
That answer stirred genuine curiosity. What could Barbatos possibly have done to provoke Beelzebub—who rarely left her own nation—into personally crossing borders?
Raiden Ei refused to elaborate. She had no intention of discussing the matter of her successor entangled with another Archon.
Instead, she returned the question. "And you? Why are you here?"
"Me?" The Cryo Archon's gaze lowered to the Fatui below. Her tone remained calm. "To save my people. And to prevent them from angering that existence… and bringing disaster upon Snezhnaya."
She lifted her hand slightly. Snowflakes drifted from her palm, carrying silent instruction.
Below, Her Ladyship caught them. Understanding dawned immediately, and her expression darkened. She muttered several sharp curses before sweeping her arm in dismissal.
The operation was canceled. They would withdraw at once.
Though the Fatui elites still looked upward with fervent devotion, confusion lingered in their eyes. Yet it was Her Majesty's will. None dared question it.
"Then I shall take my leave."
The Cryo Archon did not linger. Having ensured her people's safety, she intended only to return swiftly to Snezhnaya. She could not remain away for long.
Raiden Ei said nothing further. She merely cast one final, fierce glare toward Venti below.
This was not over.
She had agreed to lend Futsu Mitama briefly. Once the Dragon Crisis ended, that should have been the end of it. But Barbatos had gone so far as to grant him the Anemo Authority—and the Gnosis?
That drunkard was clearly trying to steal him.
Though fury simmered within her, Raiden Ei restrained it. She would settle accounts once Venti emerged.
Lightning flashed. She transformed into a bolt of electricity and vanished into the horizon.
—
At the border between Mondstadt and Liyue, Futsu Mitama practiced diligently.
He had abandoned spear techniques.
At present, he was refining his tachi forms.
He could sense it.
Raiden Ei was in an extremely foul mood. According to Raiden Makoto, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, and Venti in the chat group—
Raiden Ei could not forcibly shatter the Time Authority enveloping the island to drag Venti out. To do so would draw the gaze of the God of Time and potentially bring calamity upon Inazuma.
For Inazuma's sake, she would not force the issue. Which meant she was already frustrated.
And now? Likely furious beyond the soothing power of desserts.
If he continued practicing Zhongli's spear techniques under such circumstances—
That would truly be courting death.
Zhongli and Kuki Shinobu had clearly anticipated this. Upon learning Raiden Ei was returning, they had quietly departed.
A strategic retreat.
Lightning streaked across the sky. It struck the earth beside him and condensed into Raiden Ei's form.
"Shogun-sama—"
Futsu Mitama swallowed. Her expression was unmistakable.
Unhappy.
He had a distinct premonition—If he said the wrong thing, today's "guidance" would not remain instructional.
It would become a brutal beating.
"You wish to become the Anemo Archon?"
Her brows drew together slightly. Her voice carried unmistakable displeasure.
Futsu Mitama now possessed both the Anemo Authority and the Anemo Gnosis. Though still weak, within a few years he would surely reach Archon-level strength.
With those two assets, ascending as Mondstadt's next Archon would be entirely feasible.
But that was unacceptable.
Raiden Ei intended for him to inherit her position—to become Inazuma's next Electro Archon. She had even hinted clearly that he should seek Yae Miko and claim his own Electro Gnosis.
And now?
He carried another nation's Gnosis within him.
What was that supposed to mean?
"No." Futsu Mitama answered immediately, his voice firm and sincere. "I have no intention of becoming the Anemo Archon. That is not the eternity I seek."
He continued earnestly, "Barbatos did say that if anything were to happen to him, I should succeed him. But—"
Lightning flared in Raiden Ei's eyes.
"What?" Her tone sharpened dangerously. "He truly said that?"
Futsu Mitama silently apologized to Venti and nodded solemnly.
"Yes. The Anemo Archon said so. But I refused."
His voice did not waver.
"I was born in Inazuma. I will die in Inazuma. My roots are there. How could I ever become Mondstadt's Archon?"
Raiden Ei studied him carefully.
He was not lying.
He genuinely had no such ambition.
"Then this Gnosis?" she asked quietly.
Her gaze fixed upon the Anemo Gnosis within him.
If he wished, he could remove it at any time.
Why keep it?
"It's like this…" Futsu Mitama replied cautiously.
"Barbatos gave it to me with the condition that I only inherit it if something happens to him. He said it was too important to carry into that situation. So he entrusted it to me."
Raiden Ei fell silent.
She recalled what she had seen.
After a moment, she nodded.
"His condition is not optimistic. But it is not life-threatening."
She looked up at him.
"Within a year, he will emerge. When he does, you will return the Gnosis."
Her gaze sharpened slightly as she observed his reaction.
"Okay."
He agreed instantly—without hesitation—as though the Gnosis were a burden he could not wait to discard.
A faint smile touched her lips. Authority mattered little.
But a Gnosis signified succession.
For her chosen successor to harbor another nation's symbol of inheritance—That was intolerable.
Satisfied, Raiden Ei summoned Engulfing Lightning.
"Very well."
"Today, I will teach you naginata techniques. Through the Shogun's perspective, I saw you practicing spear arts. Studying multiple disciplines is beneficial."
"But first, you must master the naginata."
Without further warning, she raised her weapon and struck.
"Yes…"
Relief flickered briefly across Futsu Mitama's face. He condensed a naginata in his grasp—
And prepared to endure her guidance.
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