As the final descendant of the Kaedehara clan, Kaedehara Kazuha had seen his family decline long ago. Having little attachment left, he had freely dispersed his remaining wealth and embarked on a journey.
Riding a lone skiff across the seas, he traveled slowly
the heavens as his roof, all living things as companions in poetry.
When the heart reached emptiness, heaven and earth became void.
When the heart was clear, all things under the sky were pure.
Even when facing thunderstorms or raging winds, he remained at ease, treating nature as his constant companion.
He had believed that no matter how strange or extraordinary an event might be, he would face it calmly. But now
He simply couldn't withstand the shock of the scene before him.
"The Raiden Shogun?!"
Kazuha's mind reeled.
Why would the Shogun appear here?!
He had once witnessed his friend challenge Kujou Sara to a duel before the throne.
After losing, his friend was struck down by that exalted and supreme god with a single blade.
Though Kazuha dared not look for long, that fleeting glimpse of the Shogun
lofty, terrifying, divine
had carved itself deeply into his memory.
That overwhelming presence, that thunderous might capable of cleansing all directions…
he would never forget it for as long as he lived. And now
That very Shogun stood before him without warning.
Kazuha was utterly stunned.
He had fled Inazuma specifically to evade the Vision Hunt Decree.
Facing the Shogun herself now—wasn't this walking straight into a net?
Elsewhere, Beidou noticed Kazuha's sudden guarded posture toward the beautiful purple-haired woman and paused in confusion.
Everything had been fine just a moment ago.
There were no enemies nearby—so why the sudden tension?
Seeing this, Luo Li instantly understood.
"He probably finds my wife resembles someone he knows, so he's a bit startled."
He spoke casually as he guided Raiden Makoto forward.
Kazuha instinctively took a step back, his gaze finally landing on the man beside her.
He'd been so shocked earlier that he hadn't even noticed the young man standing next to the woman who resembled the Shogun.
That man was watching him with clear interest
a gaze that felt as though it could see straight through him.
Kazuha's heart skipped a beat.
He had the uneasy feeling that nothing could be hidden from this person.
"W-Wait… wife?"
He suddenly realized something was very wrong with what he'd just heard.
Only then did he notice that the "Raiden Shogun" was holding the man's arm, her posture intimate and gentle.
Moreover, unlike the Shogun of his memories, this woman
though still distant and dignified radiated warmth.
Her eyes carried a soft, tranquil light, not the dark, unfathomable depth of the one he remembered.
Luo Li turned his hand, clasping Makoto's gently, and smiled.
"You may call me Luo Li. This is my wife—Makoto."
Kazuha looked back and forth between them.
After a long pause, he finally forced himself to accept reality.
Aside from their nearly identical appearance, their temperaments were completely different.
Looking closely, there were many subtle distinctions.
Yet because of lingering psychological fear, he didn't dare stare for long.
At least… his tightly wound body relaxed somewhat.
"The Shogun… loving someone? That seems impossible."
He muttered inwardly.
He couldn't imagine anyone bearing the favor of a god.
All he could do was marvel that someone could look exactly like the Raiden Shogun—and feel a strange sense of envy toward the man beside her.
Even after accepting the explanation, something still felt off.
Before he could think it through, Luo Li had already regrouped with Eula, Noelle, and the others.
Beidou, having sensed that Luo Li was the leader of their group, spoke up:
"You're all heading to Liyue Harbor, right?"
"That's right. We heard the Rite of Descension is approaching and thought we'd come take a look."
"Haha! Perfect timing. We're returning as well. Since fate brought us together, why not sail back together? Safer that way."
True to her nature, Beidou loved making friends.
Despite meeting them for the first time—and Eula only twice—she openly invited them aboard the Alcor.
Luo Li saw no reason to refuse and turned to Makoto.
"What do you think?"
She glanced at him lightly.
"I'll follow your lead."
"Not worried that the wandering samurai might figure out your identity?"
Makoto narrowed her eyes slightly.
"It's only a matter of time. If a few rumors reach Ei's ears through him, perhaps she'll be mentally prepared in advance."
"You're serious?"
"Of course."
Understanding her intent, Luo Li accepted Beidou's proposal.
Leaving part of the Crux Fleet behind to handle cleanup, the group boarded the Alcor.
On the ship, Noelle experienced Liyue-style cooking for the first time and was utterly amazed, already considering learning it herself.
The ship's doctor, Ginkgo, told her that their cook's skills were rather average and suggested learning from Xiangling when the chance arose.
Bonding over food, Noelle and Ginkgo quickly grew close.
Meanwhile, Luo Li, Makoto, and Eula accepted Beidou's invitation to a modest celebration aboard the ship.
After all, they had just destroyed eight pirate vessels and saved an entire ship of civilians.
And now that they were within Liyue's waters, there was no danger left to worry about.
Only after spending time together did Luo Li truly understand Beidou's remarkable charisma.
The phrase "a true heroine among women" fit her perfectly.
In just one afternoon, after seeing Eula and Noelle's prowess, she had significantly deepened their camaraderie.
It was the first time Luo Li had seen Eula show such open goodwill toward someone so quickly.
As laughter and celebration filled the deck, Kaedehara Kazuha sat alone at the bow.
Seeing Makoto once more stirred memories of his homeland—Inazuma.
No matter how free a wanderer might be, longing for home was inevitable.
"Earlier, Yoimiya asked the boss to transport fireworks to Liyue…
By the time we arrive, it should be time to hand them over.
I should ask the boss to stay a few extra days."
He gazed out at the sea, lost in thought.
Because they were escorting the passenger ship, the Crux Fleet traveled at a slower pace.
Only as the sun dipped toward the horizon did Liyue Harbor finally appear in the distance.
The sea rippled gently, and the magnificent harbor city came fully into view.
Looking at Liyue Harbor—seemingly unchanged over five hundred years—
Luo Li, who was drinking with Beidou, fell into quiet reminiscence.
"Finally… I'm back."
The words were soft
heard only by Makoto.
And perhaps only she could truly understand the weight they carried.