After hearing Yae Miko's words, Raiden Ei sighed and slowly recounted to Yae Miko what had transpired in the Consciousness Space.
Even Yae Miko, who was usually as mischievous as could be.
Showed a solemn expression after hearing the sequence of events:
"You mean you planted the sacred sakura tree in the Consciousness Space, and then the sacred sakura sprouted in the Inazuma of the past..."
"To be honest... that is truly difficult to believe..."
After speaking, Yae Miko's gaze swept over Yuuko and the Tsaritsa, Empress of Snezhnaya, and she sighed:
"However, since they also witnessed all of this, I suppose I have no choice but to believe it."
After a long pause, Yae Miko spoke again with confusion:
"But... Ei, you said the sacred sakura tree only took root and sprouted five hundred years ago in Inazuma, yet in my memory, the sacred sakura tree has existed since ancient times."
"Wait, it's not just me; I believe all Inazumans think this way, right?"
Facing this question, Raiden Ei pondered for a long time before frowning and saying:
"I have also thought about this issue for a long time, but I have never been able to find an answer."
"In my memory, the sacred sakura tree suddenly appeared on Mt. Yougou five hundred years ago, yet you, Miko, stubbornly believe the sacred sakura tree has existed since ancient times..."
In Raiden Ei's memory.
The sacred sakura tree clearly took root five hundred years ago when Inazuma was attacked by the great army of Abyssal Monsters.
It inexplicably took root, sprouted, and grew during Inazuma's most desperate hour.
Yet, in the memories of Yae Miko and all the people of Inazuma, the sacred sakura tree seems to have existed since ancient times.
This contradiction in perception has always puzzled Raiden Ei.
But despite her confusion, Raiden Ei has never been able to resolve this mystery.
At this moment, Yae Miko spoke up:
"I know you have a strange perception of the sacred sakura tree, but for me, the sacred sakura tree has indeed always existed."
"However... since this contradiction in perception exists between us."
"It indicates interference from a higher power. I don't think Makoto's power alone..."
Her words were cut short by Raiden Ei:
"I know what you are trying to say. Perhaps 'that person' truly did interfere."
"But regardless, the sacred sakura tree is a treasure Makoto left for Inazuma, and the sacred sakura did indeed protect all of Inazuma during that critical moment five hundred years ago."
If not for the protection of the sacred sakura tree five hundred years ago.
Even Raiden Ei would have been unable to protect Inazuma from the great army of Abyssal Monsters.
If the sacred sakura tree left by Makoto hadn't taken root and sprouted five hundred years ago.
Inazuma would have perished five hundred years ago.
At this moment, Yuuko suddenly interjected:
"Perhaps I haven't lived as long as you all have, but regarding the sacred sakura tree, I feel it is more like a tree that intervenes between the future and the past."
"It was born in the future, traveled through the past under certain powers, and took root and sprouted in the past."
"It is both a product of the future and a product of the past."
It seemed that different people had different perceptions of the sacred sakura tree.
Yuuko's perception of the sacred sakura tree was completely different from that of Raiden Ei and Yae Miko.
Hearing Yuuko's words, Raiden Ei and Yae Miko fell silent, a rare occurrence, and wore expressions of deep thought.
Yae Miko even rested her hand on her chin, murmuring softly:
"So this is Mister Yellow Fox's perception of the sacred sakura? I see, this is certainly worth considering."
After speaking, Yae Miko turned her attention to the Tsaritsa, Empress of Snezhnaya:
"Just to be safe, may I ask Her Majesty the Tsaritsa for her opinion on the sacred sakura? What kind of existence is the sacred sakura tree in Her Majesty's view?"
Facing this question, the Tsaritsa, Empress of Snezhnaya, crossed her arms over her chest, contemplated for a long time, and then said indifferently:
"I was not in Inazuma back then, so I didn't witness what happened to Inazuma, however... regarding this tree, my view is the same as Beelzebul's."
"Is that so..." Yae Miko fell into contemplation once more.
As things stood.
It seemed that Raiden Ei and the Tsaritsa, Empress of Snezhnaya, both Archons of the Seven Nations, shared the same perception of the sacred sakura tree.
Whereas she, Yae Miko, and the people of Inazuma had a different perception of the sacred sakura tree.
And Yuuko's was the most unique; his perception of the sacred sakura tree was neither like that of ordinary people nor completely the same as these Archons of the Seven Nations... After thinking for a long time, Yae Miko helplessly spread her hands:
"Forget it, thinking so much is exhausting. I'd rather save my energy for reading light no—"
Halfway through her sentence, Yae Miko realized it wasn't appropriate to speak the truth in such a serious setting.
So she quickly changed her words:
"Ahem... My point is, since the matter is over, it's good that everyone is safe."
Following that, Yae Miko smiled and said:
"Speaking of which, Ei, how are you feeling now?"
Raiden Ei nodded: "My body has fully recovered, and the Shogun no longer prevents me from using this body."
"Your body is important, of course, but I'm more curious about your state of mind. You saw Makoto's consciousness, didn't you?"
Raiden Ei closed her eyes, then slowly opened them again:
"Perhaps there is still some nostalgia, but don't worry, I have decided to move forward."
"Furthermore, since even the Shogun intends to make changes, I certainly cannot fail the Shogun's will."
Hearing this, Yae Miko raised an eyebrow slightly:
"The Shogun is going to make changes? What does that mean?"
At this moment, Yae Miko was still unaware that the Shogun was already transitioning towards humanity.
Just as Raiden Ei was about to answer, the Tsaritsa, Empress of Snezhnaya, who had been ignored for quite some time, finally couldn't hold back and spoke first:
"I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave."
"Also, regarding the cooperation between Snezhnaya and Inazuma, I will come find you tomorrow, Beelzebul."
Having said that, the Tsaritsa, Empress of Snezhnaya, strolled away.
Raiden Ei watched the retreating figure of the Tsaritsa, Empress of Snezhnaya, and nodded silently.
Seeing this, Yae Miko sighed helplessly:
"Honestly, that Snezhnayan Archon's attitude towards people is completely different. She was so overbearing and rude to me before, but the moment you, Ei, are present, she becomes so polite, sigh~"
After speaking, Yae Miko asked again: "So Ei, what are your thoughts on cooperating with Snezhnaya?"
Raiden Ei pondered for a moment, then replied:
"Since we must make a change, we must take this step. Cooperating with Snezhnaya might lead to all sorts of possibilities in the future."
Yae Miko said worriedly:
"But is this really okay? Ei, you know the Snezhnayan Archon's intentions, right? Cooperating with her might drag Inazuma into trouble."
"Yes, I have decided to bear the wishes of all beings. Even if it means eventually becoming enemies with the heavens, so be it."
After speaking, Raiden Ei smiled, her gaze falling upon Yuuko, and she nodded:
"Moreover, now that everyone is here, I am not afraid."
Witnessing this scene, Yae Miko said helplessly:
"Ei, you really have changed so much. This... might all be thanks to Mister Yellow Fox."
Yae Miko also looked at Yuuko, a mischievous smile appearing on her face:
"However, cooperating with Snezhnaya might also be a good thing."
"Well, as long as you, Ei, find more things to occupy yourself with."
Yae Miko was in a very good mood now.
After all, the Raiden Shogun's mess was finally over.
And the Tsaritsa's attitude was confirmed to be friendly.
Furthermore, Raiden Ei would be preoccupied later, needing to negotiate with the Tsaritsa, Empress of Snezhnaya.
Therefore, afterwards, Yae Miko could peacefully enjoy 'her own' Yuuko all to herself!
She would never be disturbed again!
This round.
She won big!
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