The golden sunlight of a summer morning subtly filtered through the dense green leaves of the camellia tree in the courtyard, casting dappled light and shadow onto the ground like poetry, dotting it with golden patches. A gentle breeze rustled through, the leaves dancing in the wind, accompanied by a rustling melody, as if whispering.
Under the shifting shadows of the trees, the Kamisato siblings sat quietly. A delicate tea table was placed between them, with two cups of fragrant milk tea sitting on it, emitting a faint aroma that was refreshing.
"Brother," Kamisato Ayaka's voice was soft as the wind, "Did you go to the Summer Festival yesterday?"
Kamisato Ayato nodded slightly, a trace of deep worry flashing in his eyes. He sighed, his voice heavy. "The Summer Festival was much more desolate than in previous years. If it weren't for Yoimiya's brilliant fireworks, it would have been difficult to find even a hint of festive joy."
A touch of sadness crossed Kamisato Ayaka's face. Inazuma City was visibly declining at an alarming rate. A brief silence flowed between the siblings, then Kamisato Ayaka broke the stillness. She softly asked, "Does the Raiden Shogun stay in Tenshukaku all the time?"
Kamisato Ayato replied calmly, "Not long ago, I submitted a memorial asking her to see the current state of Inazuma City with her own eyes, hoping she would understand the true sentiments of the people. Guess the result?" He showed a bitter and self-mocking smile. "She seriously replied that the people are living stable lives now, without even a single complaint."
Kamisato Ayaka's face showed a hint of sorrow. The Archon of Inazuma was so foolish! How could the people not complain? It was simply that those who dared to speak out were imprisoned by the Shogunate under the charge of "violating eternal justice."
Just as she was about to say something, a ninja's figure suddenly appeared in front of Kamisato Ayato. He knelt on one knee, offering a letter with both hands. "Master, this is recent intelligence from Fudé Port."
Kamisato Ayato said gently, "Shou, you have worked hard." He took the letter, quickly opened it, and read it carefully. The contents of the letter lifted his spirits. "Ayaka, I have good news," Kamisato Ayato said excitedly. "Kaedehara Kazuha has officially announced the establishment of the Inazuma Restoration Association in Fudé Port. They have already organized a Resistance army."
Upon hearing this, a brilliant smile bloomed on Kamisato Ayaka's face. This news meant that the day of change for Inazuma was within reach.
...
In the hall of the Tenryou Commission headquarters, the atmosphere was tense and oppressive. Kujou Takayuki's brows were tightly furrowed as he paced back and forth in the hall, each step revealing his inner turmoil and unease. His retainers stood trembling to the side, their faces filled with fear and worry, afraid of becoming sacrifices in this storm.
Finally, Kujou Takayuki stopped pacing. His sharp gaze swept across the retainers. "Now, I need your opinions. How should we deal with the new Resistance army formed by Kaedehara Kazuha?"
The hall was silent; the retainers were all as quiet as cicadas in late autumn. They knew very well that the Resistance army founded by Kaedehara Kazuha in Fudé Port was merely West Factory's front. Seeing that no one responded, Kujou Takayuki couldn't help but let out a cold snort. "Since none of you will speak, I will send all of you to the front line. Perhaps you will find your answers there."
Upon hearing this, the retainers immediately panicked. If they went to the front line, they, who usually wielded power and authority, would inevitably become cannon fodder. After a moment, a short, plump retainer stepped forward and carefully suggested, "Why not negotiate with West Factory? Let us use the resources of Inazuma to please West Factory."
As soon as he finished speaking, the young Kujou Kamaji immediately rebuked, "Shameless! You are selling out the country for personal gain!"
"Silence!" Kujou Takayuki interrupted Kujou Kamaji, his face livid. "Kamaji, you should understand that if we can exchange for Inazuma's peace and stability with a smaller price, that will be the wisest choice."
Kujou Kamaji did not back down, continuing to argue, "Our Shogunate still has brave warriors like General Kujou Sara. The army she leads has always been victorious. What can a newly formed Resistance army led by Kaedehara Kazuha do, even with West Factory's support? Defeating oneself without a fight—where in the world is there such a ridiculous notion?"
Kujou Takayuki roared fiercely, "Utterly foolish! How could I have such a foolish son! If Kujou Sara is defeated, do you know what that would mean?" He stepped forward angrily and kicked Kujou Kamaji to the ground, his eyes full of disappointment and rage. "It would mean our Kujou family will be completely annihilated! Our enemies will swarm over us like hungry wolves, tearing us apart and devouring us!"
Then, he spoke to the retainer who had just offered the suggestion, "Akashi Kojiro, you represent us to negotiate with West Factory. As long as their terms are not excessive, the Shogunate can consider accepting them."
Akashi Kojiro responded respectfully.
Just then, an attendant rushed in from outside and reported to Kujou Takayuki, "Master, General Sara requests an audience."
Kujou Takayuki frowned slightly and waved his hand. "Let her in." The attendant replied and left. Soon, Kujou Sara walked in with steady steps. As soon as she entered, she saw her adoptive brother, Kujou Kamaji, standing up from the ground in a sorry state, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. Although she didn't know what had just happened, it was obvious that there had been a conflict between Kujou Kamaji and Kujou Takayuki. However, with so many retainers present, it was not appropriate for her to ask what happened.
She took a deep breath and said in a serious voice, "Father, the actions of the Vision Hunt Decree are becoming more and more excessive. They must be rectified!"
Kujou Takayuki frowned slightly and asked impatiently, "What happened again?"
Kujou Sara replied, "The Vision Hunt Decree has now started targeting innocent civilians. Their reason is simply that these people have had contact with Vision holders."
Kujou Takayuki, however, seemed dismissive. "So what? Associating with Vision holders is inherently incorrect. While the Vision Hunt Decree's actions might be a bit extreme, everything they do is to uphold the Shogun's eternal justice!"
"Eternal justice?" Kujou Sara retorted firmly, "That is merely the excuse they use to cover up their crimes." This was the first time Kujou Takayuki had been contradicted by his adoptive daughter. The anger in his heart was instantly ignited. "I am the Tenryou Commissioner! I understand the Shogun's eternal justice better than you! You just need to follow orders; you don't need to worry about anything else!"
"Father, I request to see the Shogun and have her make a fair judgment," Kujou Sara said firmly.
Hearing this, the corner of Kujou Takayuki's mouth curved into a sneer. "Good. Since you are so insistent, let's go together and let the Shogun judge."