"Hey!! Look!! Up there!! What is that?!"
At that shout, everyone—including the three who had been boasting moments earlier—stopped what they were doing and instinctively turned their gaze toward the distant horizon.
In the storm-filled sky, the constant rain and thunder began to give way to a thick surge of violet light. It wasn't ordinary lightning—it was a storm of Electro particles, rolling across the heavens like a tidal wave, illuminating the land below.
Whoosh!
Crackle!
A few seconds later, from within that deep vortex of thunder, a streak of light shot forth—a blinding bolt, descending like a meteor, its impact growing ever closer.
Whirr—!
As the lightning neared, a violent wind roared across the beach. Dust, sand, and even the rain itself were swept up into the storm, whirling wildly in the air.
"W-what is that thing?!"
"Run!!" ×N
Sensing mortal danger, the Fatui on the ground dropped their crates without hesitation, scattering in all directions to flee.
Boom! Boom!!
The lightning comet struck the ground, unleashing a devastating shockwave. The earth rippled like waves upon the sea, the explosion of Electro energy and pressure hurling the Fatui—and their heavy cargo—into the air as if they were nothing more than paper bags.
"Ahhhh!!" ×N
Their bodies crashed into one another midair before slamming back to the earth like scattered debris.
The three who had been boasting earlier managed to react in time—their leader threw up a wind barrier around them, barely shielding them from the blast.
"Who goes there?!" ×3
Weapons raised, they glared toward the center of the blast—the source of the attack.
Crackle…
In the heart of the lightning, a pair of glowing violet eyes appeared. Electro particles swirled and condensed, shaping themselves from left to right until the form of a violet-haired woman took shape.
Tap… tap…
With each measured step she took, the Fatui soldiers instinctively backed away, their boots scraping against the wet sand. Though her steps were light, each one struck their hearts like a hammer. This was the pressure of a god.
Crackle—!
Sparks arced across her form, the surrounding air distorting from the heat. Every raindrop that fell near her evaporated instantly into steam. Her cold, unyielding gaze swept across the scene—the soldiers, the cargo, the entire beach.
That single glance was enough to make several of them tremble. Cold sweat poured down their backs, and even those who stood managed it only by sheer will.
"Get it together!!"
The Fatui captain shouted, trying to jolt his men out of their terror.
"!" ×N
The soldiers straightened, forcing themselves into combat stances, glaring at the approaching figure.
"Shogun-sama… what's the meaning of this? Don't tell me you came here just to pick a fight?"
The captain smirked, feigning confidence, his tone dripping with mockery rather than respect.
Tap…
The Shogun stopped walking. Her eyes didn't meet his—instead, they were fixed on the crates stacked nearby.
"What is inside those boxes?"
She asked coldly, without preamble.
"…" ×N
The Fatui exchanged glances, their eyes darting between one another as if wordlessly debating how to respond.
"I won't ask again."
Her voice cut sharply through the rain—an unmistakable warning. Don't test me.
"U-uh, Lord Shogun, the boxes contain—"
"Who told you to speak?!!"
The captain roared, cutting off his subordinate before he could finish. The man flinched under his superior's shout, freezing in fear.
"Eek!"
The soldier flinched, snapping his mouth shut again.
"…"
The Shogun's eyes narrowed dangerously at the captain.
"Sigh… Shogun-sama, that's hardly fair of you. These supplies are classified cargo—our Lord Harbinger's personal order. No one is permitted to open them. Not even you. Besides…"
The captain smirked, his tone laced with mocking disdain.
"We're your allies, aren't we? You should trust us. We'd never bring harm to your Inazuma. In fact, we're helping you deal with the Resistance."
"How laughable. When did this vessel ever form an alliance with shameless vermin like you?"
Her voice dripped with contempt. An alliance? With them? Ridiculous.
"You! That's not what you said before!"
"As before? I don't recall. Hmph… Did you mistake a few remarks about the Vision Hunt Decree as some kind of agreement?"
Her cold ridicule cut deep.
"!"
The captain's face twisted with anger.
"Besides," she continued, her voice steady but sharp, "the Vision Hunt Decree and the Resistance are both internal affairs of Inazuma. Matters for Inazumans to resolve—not outsiders like you. Speaking of which…"
Her gaze sharpened, and a dangerous smile curved her lips.
"The Sakoku Decree is still in effect. So tell me—foreigners sneaking into Inazuma… what punishment do you think that deserves~?"
Though her tone was light, the threat hidden beneath it was palpable—a suffocating, deathly pressure that made every man's blood run cold.
"…" ×N
Silence fell. The air itself felt heavy.
The Shogun's eyes swept over the group. Then, fixing her gaze on a nearby crate, she raised her leg and casually kicked it.
Crash!
With that single motion, the massive box was sent skidding several meters across the ground, stopping right before the Fatui captain.
"Open it. Don't make me do it myself."
Her words were simple—but the chill in them froze every soul present.
A few of the Fatui hesitated, glancing nervously at one another, ready to obey. But—
"Don't move! No one touches it!"
The captain's furious shout stopped them cold. He glared at the Shogun, eyes burning with indignation.
"Haa…"
The Shogun sighed softly, lowering her folded arms before stepping forward.
Crackle—!
The lightning around her body intensified, sparking violently.
"!!" ×N
The Fatui all stumbled backward, fear spreading across their faces.
"Don't panic! She won't dare attack us!"
"But, Captain—"
"Don't be afraid! We serve the Tsaritsa herself! If she lays a hand on us, it's the same as defying our Queen!"
He sneered, emboldened by his own foolish words.
At that, the Shogun almost laughed. The Tsaritsa? Who is that supposed to be? Not someone she owed any courtesy to.
"Heh…"
A faint chuckle escaped her lips.
"What are you laughing at?!"
"Your ignorance. It's almost amusing."
Crackle…!
In an instant, time itself seemed to slow—the world entered a state of stillness. The Shogun's form blurred into lightning as she moved, crossing the space between them in less than a heartbeat.
Her hand rose, and an arc of Electro energy snared the captain by the neck, lifting his large frame effortlessly into the air.
Boom!
Time snapped back to normal.
"Wh—gahhh!!"
The captain's eyes bulged in panic as he felt an invisible force crushing his throat. He couldn't breathe, couldn't move—he dangled helplessly in midair, caught in her unseen grip.
The remaining soldiers froze, terror-stricken, backing away as if their very souls trembled.
"You… you… think this through—gahhh!"
"…"
The Shogun merely folded her arms, staring up at him with detached indifference, as though studying a pathetic insect.
"Listen well," she said coldly. "This is Inazuma. In the lands under this vessel's rule, those who defy order—no matter who they serve—even your so-called Tsaritsa—will find no salvation. Not even Celestia could save you."
Her eyes glowed brighter, electricity dancing like fangs of light.
"!!!"
The captain felt a piercing cold surge through his body, as though something monstrous was devouring him from within.
"You—!!"
Crack!!
A sharp snap echoed through the storm. In less than a second, his neck twisted a full turn. His body convulsed briefly before collapsing to the ground.
Buzz—
A massive mechanical arm—one of the Shogun's puppet extensions—materialized beside her, fading from invisibility. Its thumb and forefinger were positioned as if it had just twisted open a bottle cap.
"Ahhh!" ×N
Someone screamed first, then the rest followed, stumbling backward in horror, many collapsing outright. Even the Fatui were shaken to their core by the sheer brutality of it.
The terrified cries of the Fatui echoed through the rain, but the Shogun merely narrowed her eyes, tightening her grip through the puppet arm.
Crunch!
A sickening sound tore through the air as the massive mechanical hand clenched shut, crushing the captain's corpse to pulp. What remained slumped grotesquely to the ground, its blood spreading through the puddles, staining the water crimson.
"Captain!! Damn you—!!"
One of the men, standing closest to the fallen leader, roared in rage. His bloodshot eyes were wide with fury and fear, his composure shattered.
Crackle!
In the blink of an eye, the Shogun flashed forward in a streak of violet light. Her knee slammed brutally into his abdomen.
Boom!!
The shockwave blasted through the air, scattering rain and sand in every direction.
"Gahhh!!"
The man's organs twisted and shattered under the impact, a mouthful of blood erupting from his lips.
Whoosh!
His body shot backward like a cannonball, flying hundreds of meters before disappearing over a cliff. He crashed into the massive skeletal remains of a serpent—his corpse impaled on one of Orobashi's fangs.
If Orobashi still lived, perhaps he would've praised the flavor.
Splash! ×N
Around her, the remaining Fatui stumbled back in horror. None dared to resist—the Shogun standing before them was no mere human, but a predator among gods.
"Anyone else?"
Her tone was calm, even casual, her arms folded, her posture relaxed yet untouchable.
"Come at once. Save me the trouble."
"!" ×N
They exchanged glances, gritting their teeth. One by one, they raised their weapons and drew on their elemental power. Soldiers and elites alike readied for a hopeless charge.
"Attack!!" ×N
Boom! Boom!!
In an instant, every Fatui on the field charged her at once, their elemental blasts filling the air in a storm of fire, ice, and wind.
The Shogun's violet gaze swept lazily across them. Her lips curved faintly in disdain. Their fierce shouts—so loud, so desperate—were little more than noise to hide their fear.
Click!
Bang!
From the rear, a Pyrogunner aimed his rifle squarely at her forehead and fired. The bullet, burning with Pyro energy, tore through the air, cutting past his allies and racing toward her.
And then—time slowed.
Every raindrop hung suspended, frozen in the air. Even the flame of the bullet seemed to crawl forward at a snail's pace.
"..."
The Shogun's eyes shifted toward the approaching round. Calmly, she raised her hand, pinching the burning projectile between two fingers. Then, without looking, she turned and flicked it back toward another soldier.
Bang!
Time snapped back to normal. The bullet struck dead center on another man's forehead, punching through it cleanly.
Splurt!
"Gaaah!!" ×N
The soldier crumpled instantly, his corpse colliding with those behind him, sending them tumbling like dominoes.
So much for a coordinated assault—panic spread through their ranks, their formation collapsing before the battle had even begun.
Flash!
The Shogun vanished in lightning. Every streak of violet that appeared left behind another fallen foe—charred silhouettes collapsing into the mud.
Crash!
One palm struck a man's chest, sending him flying tens of meters through the air before slamming into another group, scattering them like leaves.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
She moved through them like a storm—each strike clean, efficient, merciless. The flashes of lightning were so fast that from above, it was impossible to tell where she stood—only the trails of light and the sound of bodies hitting the ground remained.
Snap!
She caught a blade mid-swing, the weapon crackling in her hand. With a slight pull, she yanked the wielder—a man twice her size—off his feet, dragging him effortlessly toward her.
Whoosh!
Then came a blast of raw force.
Crack!
Her palm struck the man's face, twisting his head a full half-turn with a sharp crack! The sound of splintering bone was loud and clear. Without sparing him a glance, she used Electro energy to toss his limp corpse aside like trash, sending it crashing into another soldier.
More enemies surged toward her, surrounding her in a tightening circle.
"...Hmph."
It seemed they were finally ready to throw their lives away. In that case, she would end this quickly.
Whoosh!
Tilting her head slightly, she sidestepped a volley of kunai from behind and spun around, her foot lashing out in a blur.
Crack!
"Gahhh!"
Her kick connected squarely with a Fatui Debt Collector's knee, twisting it at an unnatural angle. The man screamed as he dropped to the ground, crippled.
As the others closed in, the Shogun cast them a dispassionate glance. Raising her hand, she made a single downward gesture toward the kneeling man.
Crackle!
Lightning surged through the air. Above her, the storm clouds whirled into a vortex of light. From its heart descended her beloved blade—Engulfing Lightning.
Schrrk!
The blade pierced straight through the man's back, pinning him to the earth. The moment it struck, a tidal wave of lightning erupted outward.
Boom! Boom!!
The storm consumed him, burning his body to ash before spreading out in all directions.
"Bury the Thunder."
Her calm voice was followed by a deafening roar. The ground itself quaked beneath the storm's power. Every Fatui soldier within range was swallowed by violet lightning, reduced to nothing but dust.
When the storm finally faded, the Shogun stood at its center. She spun her naginata once, resting it against her shoulder. A few enemies still clung to life, scattered around her.
"Grahhhh!!"
Behind her, a gust of icy wind surged. A Fatui Electrohammer leapt in from behind, his massive hammer swinging down with all his might.
Clang!!
The Shogun turned and caught the weapon's head between the blade and hilt of her naginata. Sparks burst from the clash, blindingly bright—but her eyes didn't even blink.
Such force…!
The hammer-wielder's face twisted in disbelief. He was among the Fatui's elites, yet even his full strength couldn't budge her single hand.
Crackle…
Electro energy tangled and sparked between them, scorching the ground beneath their feet.
Using Electro against the Raiden Shogun herself? Bold.
Crash!!
With a sharp motion, she twisted her weapon inward, forcing the hammer to the ground. The earth trembled under the impact.
"Wh—what?!"
The man panicked, his stance faltering.
Her gaze flicked to the joint between the hammer's head and its handle. One swift slash—and the weapon shattered in two, fragments of glowing metal flying through the air, reflecting their mirrored forms.
"!!"
The man froze for an instant too long. The Shogun stepped in, kicking the hammer's detached head into his legs. His knees bent grotesquely backward as a streak of violet light crossed his waist.
Shrrk!
His massive frame split cleanly in two. Blood and flesh splattered across the red-soaked ground, deepening its hue.
Once more, her form dissolved into lightning. Like a dragon of pure violet light, she streaked through the remaining enemies in an instant. Each flash of her blade left behind only headless corpses.
When she reappeared, standing calmly amidst the rain, the battlefield was silent—save for the sound of waves crashing below. Severed heads fell from the cliffs into the churning sea below, while their bodies slumped where they stood.
Only one enemy remained—a Fatui Anemoboxer, trembling as he gathered Anemo energy. A vortex formed before him, sucking in dust and rain alike, growing stronger with each passing second.
"..."
The Shogun could feel the pull—the sand and pebbles at her feet beginning to slide toward the swirling wind.
"I see… Anemo, is it?"
Her lips curved faintly. How convenient.
Crackle…
Instead of resisting, she raised her hand and unleashed a surge of lightning directly into the vortex. The Electro energy fused with the moisture in the air, forming a thunderstorm of violent force.
Then, she closed her fist.
BOOM!!
A blinding explosion erupted point-blank before the Anemoboxer's face. The vortex reversed, sending the full brunt of the blast back through his body.
"Gaaahhhh!!"
The man convulsed violently, his entire form blackened in an instant. Within seconds, he collapsed to the ground, nothing more than a charred husk.