Inside Tenshukaku, the Shogun handed the personally written decree abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree to a member of the Tenryou Commission, instructing him to read it aloud to her.
"Shogun-sama... this..."
After finishing the reading, the samurai stood frozen in disbelief. It felt unreal—like a dream he couldn't wake from.
"Make several copies of it and post them on the bulletin boards at Hanamizaka for the people to see. Do not delay."
The Shogun's tone was calm but firm.
"...Yes, at once!!"
Finally understanding her intent, the samurai broke into a delighted smile. His voice trembled with excitement as he saluted and hurried off.
Even her own retainers were this overjoyed by the news? It seemed the people of Inazuma had been suppressed for far too long.
She turned toward the screen panel adorned with the symbol of Baal—the one separating the throne room from her chambers—and her violet eyes softened.
"Perhaps... it's time to change as well, don't you think, Ei?"
She spoke softly, addressing the presence within the Plane of Euthymia.
[I... I'm still not sure.]
Ei's voice carried hesitation.
[Shogun...]
"Hm?"
The Shogun responded gently.
[Do you... ever feel lost?]
Ei asked carefully, as if afraid of the answer.
"..."
The Shogun was silent for several seconds before turning her gaze away from the screen.
Tap... tap...
Her footsteps echoed softly as she walked toward the balcony of Tenshukaku, resting her arms on the railing. Below her stretched the vast panorama of Inazuma City—streets alive with people and the sea glimmering beyond.
"Of course I do."
She finally replied.
Whoosh...
A cool breeze brushed across her beautiful face, lifting the hem of her sleeves. It had been so long since she last felt such a pleasant, gentle wind.
[Is that so... even you feel that way. I thought it was only me.]
Ei's voice was fragile but warm, whispering as though right beside her ear, though she had not manifested.
"Heh... Ei, you overestimate me."
The Shogun smiled faintly, self-mocking in tone.
[I don't overestimate you. You're far more capable than I am—that's just the truth.]
"You flatter me. Even if I'm the 'Raiden Shogun' in the eyes of the people, I am not a true god. The only eternal god is you, Ei."
The sunlight streaming in from the horizon illuminated Tenshukaku, bathing the Shogun in a soft, dreamlike glow that made her already ethereal form seem almost divine.
[Shogun...]
"I know what you're about to say... But even so, I am your puppet. I understand my purpose better than anyone. Ei... this new path may be filled with uncertainty, but... I'll walk it with you."
She straightened her posture, looking up at the bright sky, her expression softening into a smile—sincere and radiant, from the depths of her heart.
[...Do not go back on your word.]
Ei's voice was quiet but firm after a long silence.
"Once spoken, how could I go back on it?"
The Shogun's answer was resolute.
[Hmm... if you break your promise, I'll truly be angry, you know?]
"I've never actually seen you truly angry before."
The Shogun teased lightly, her tone filled with gentle mischief.
[When you disobey me, that's when you'll see it.]
Within the Plane of Euthymia, Ei smiled faintly as well, their exchange warm and familiar—like a mother and daughter bickering affectionately.
Vmm~!
The Statue of the Omnipresent God erupted in radiant violet light. With a graceful sweep of her sleeve—
Crack!
The countless Visions embedded within the statue shattered their restraints, rising into the air. The freed orbs of light swirled and scattered like a sky full of stars before returning, one by one, to their rightful owners across Inazuma.
...
Clatter...
"Ah, finally, fresh air."
Stepping out of Komore Teahouse into the sunlight, Thoma squinted at the dazzling sky, his face full of emotion. The sight of Hanamizaka bathed in daylight nearly brought him to tears. After being confined for so long, he'd felt like he was growing mold.
He wouldn't have dared to walk so freely through the streets if not for the Shogun's decree abolishing the Vision Hunt. Otherwise, he'd still be hiding.
Shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight with one hand, he glanced toward the street—and immediately spotted Ayaka waiting with her retainers at a distance.
There she stood elegantly, her posture graceful, one hand resting lightly at her side. When she saw him, she smiled and waved. Several shrine maidens, Yashiro Commission officials, and even Sayu from the Shuumatsuban stood nearby. Such a reception—it nearly made him cry on the spot.
"L-Lady Ayaka..."
Thoma scratched his head awkwardly as he approached.
"Welcome back from 'prison,' Thoma."
Ayaka teased him lightly, her tone playful.
"Ahaha~! R-right... good to be back..."
He laughed awkwardly, trying to mask his embarrassment.
Clack...
Ayaka handed him a copy of the decree she held in her hand.
"What's this...?"
"A copy of the decree issued by the Shogun."
She explained simply.
"Wait—does that mean—?!"
"Yes."
Ayaka smiled softly, confirming his guess.
"Unbelievable... I thought it was just a rumor."
Thoma was stunned.
"Hehe... how could it be a rumor? Didn't I tell you before?"
Ayaka took a few graceful steps toward the direction of Tenshukaku, her gaze turning skyward.
"The Shogun truly gave us the best possible answer."
She lifted her fan to her lips and turned back toward him with a gentle smile.
"As expected of you, my lady..."
Thoma said admiringly.
"Waaah~ ugh~"
Beside them, Sayu let out a long yawn.
"My lady, it's almost time."
The woman standing nearby—Madame from Komore Teahouse—bowed slightly, reminding her.
"Mm. Let's go."
Ayaka nodded and turned to Thoma.
"Go? Where to?"
He still hadn't caught on—and why was everything so formal today?
"Back to the Kamisato Estate, of course. We're holding a welcome banquet for you, with plenty of fine dishes prepared."
"A banquet?"
Thoma blinked in surprise.
"My brother will also be returning today. It's the perfect occasion to celebrate your 'release.'"
A knowing, mischievous smile curved at her lips.
"Lord Kamisato?!"
"That's right. So hurry up—you wouldn't want to keep my brother waiting, would you?"
Ayaka urged gently, her voice full of amusement.
"Got it!"
Whoosh!
Thoma immediately bolted toward the Kamisato Estate, vanishing in a blur of excitement. The retainers she'd brought along exchanged helpless looks before following after him, leaving Ayaka standing alone.
She took a few quiet steps forward, closing her fan and holding it loosely in one hand. Her pale-blue eyes lifted toward Tenshukaku's balcony, where a violet-haired woman stood.
"...?"
The Shogun seemed to sense her gaze and looked back. Their eyes met—one pair blue as ice, the other violet as thunder—and for a moment, they silently exchanged something unspoken.
Ayaka smiled softly, her expression filled with warmth and quiet affection. She nodded gently in acknowledgment. The distant figure of the Shogun, standing against the sunlight, returned her gaze with a faint, serene smile of her own.
Seeing it, Ayaka's cheeks flushed. She turned away, walking off while basking in the tender warmth of that gaze upon her back.
[You're making eyes at Ayaka again.]
The voice in her mind brought the Shogun back to herself. She blinked, expression flat.
"Making eyes? That's... a rather odd way to put it, isn't it?"
[Forget it. Perhaps this is what they call... the bloom of youth. It seems I'm... slightly envious.]
Ei's voice carried a strange hint of bitterness.
"What are you talking about now?"
The Shogun sounded puzzled.
[Nothing...]
"...Haa."
The Shogun sighed quietly. There was no way to deal with her mother's sudden, whimsical remarks.
...
"Old friend... may you rest in peace."
Kazuha knelt before a weathered sword grave, his expression solemn. The blade embedded in the mound had long since grown rusted with age. He untied the red maple-patterned cloak from his back and draped it gently over the sword.
Whoosh...
A breeze swept past, lifting the cloak lightly. For a fleeting moment, it almost seemed as though his old friend were standing there again—in the whisper of the cold wind.
Step... step...
Footsteps approached from behind. A hand rested lightly on his shoulder, patting it in quiet comfort.
He turned his head to see Captain Beidou smiling at him encouragingly.
"The ship's waiting."
She said softly.
"Mm. I'll be there soon."
"Good."
As Beidou walked away, Kazuha turned back toward the grave once more.
"Hah... you were right, old friend. There will always be those in this world who can stand before the thunder's might. But—"
He straightened, resting a hand over the bandages on his chest, shaking his head with a faint, wry smile.
"—Perhaps all they can do is stand before it. Maybe that's what you felt too back then, isn't it? The will to fight, but not the strength to win."
He knelt again, placing the Thunder Vision—his friend's last relic—atop the mound of stones. Then, as if remembering something, he drew his own broken blade from his side and set it beside the sword embedded in the ground.
"...Farewell, my friend."
He might never return here again. This was his final goodbye.
Whoosh...
The wind blew harder, making the cloak flutter wildly atop the grave—as if echoing his feelings, or answering his farewell.
Kazuha smiled softly, turned his back to the grave, and began walking toward the distant Southern Cross fleet waiting by the shore. The bright sunlight fell upon his figure, stretching his shadow long across the ground.
Against the horizon, that dark silhouette grew smaller and smaller—until it vanished into the light.
...
Knock, knock~
That day, Kokomi arrived at the front of an old wooden house. She raised her hand and gently knocked on the door... then waited quietly for the person inside to answer.
Tap, tap...
She heard approaching footsteps from within, and then—
Click...
The door opened from the inside, revealing Teppei in his pajamas, peeking out sleepily.
"...Lady Sangonomiya?!"
The moment he saw her, he flinched in surprise and instinctively hid behind the door, flustered. He was still in his sleepwear—how embarrassing.
"Teppei... may I come in?"
Kokomi didn't mind the small details and spoke politely.
"O-of course! Please, come in!"
Teppei hastily threw on a jacket and opened the door wider, stepping aside to make space for her.
"Thank you."
Kokomi nodded softly and stepped inside with light, quiet steps. Teppei, still nervous, glanced outside before shutting the door.
"I didn't bring anyone else."
Seeing his cautious glances, Kokomi explained gently, smiling inwardly at his nervousness.
"Ah! R-right!"
Teppei quickly shut the door and sat back on his bed, leaning against the headboard while looking at her awkwardly.
Kokomi noticed the half-folded blanket and his nightclothes, realizing he must still be recovering. Perhaps her timing wasn't ideal—but she was here to check on the wounded anyway.
She sat on a chair by the bed and asked softly,
"How are you feeling?"
"Much better. I can't believe Lady Sangonomiya would take time out of her busy schedule to visit... in person."
Teppei scratched his head, his expression sheepish. His complexion looked far healthier than before—his aged features had regained some of their youth. It seemed he had recovered well.
"It's nothing. I planned to visit all the soldiers who were wounded by the Delusions anyway."
Kokomi shook her head.
"Yes... I suppose I'm one of the lucky ones. I should be grateful."
Just being alive was already a blessing. The thought alone made Teppei's heart tremble.
"It's all thanks to the Shogun's intervention that time—ah!"
He froze mid-sentence, realizing what he had just said, and glanced nervously at Kokomi.
"Hehe... you don't need to worry about offending me. You're right. If not for the Shogun, who knows what would've happened to us."
Kokomi noticed his unease and smiled faintly to reassure him.
"Lady Sangonomiya..."
"Hm?"
She looked at him curiously.
"Do you... dislike the Shogun?"
Teppei hadn't even noticed that he'd stopped calling her by the full title 'Raiden Shogun' and instead said 'the Shogun' naturally.
"Me? No, I don't dislike her."
Why would she? In truth, Kokomi even felt a sense of admiration toward her.
"Uh... are you two... close?"
"Close? Why do you ask?"
Kokomi blinked, momentarily confused by the sudden question.
"Because every time you talk about her, you always wear a faint smile... or am I mistaken?"
Teppei rubbed his cheek awkwardly.
"Me...? Smiling?"
Kokomi touched her face lightly with her fingertips, puzzled. Was that really true?
"Hmm... we're not exactly close. We've only met a few times."
That much was true. Their temporary alliance had been forged purely out of necessity against the Fatui. After all, they were both part of Inazuma—they had to stand united when facing a common threat.
Still... if she could grow closer to the Shogun, that would be ideal. Peace talks between Watatsumi and Narukami would depend on such a foundation.
Glancing at the time, Kokomi rose from her seat and looked at him warmly.
"Rest well, Teppei. Don't treat your body like a weapon again."
Her tone was soft, almost maternal.
"Yes... thank you, Lady Sangonomiya."
He smiled sincerely.
"Good."
She left his home quietly, closing the door behind her. Seeing him on the mend, she finally felt at ease.
"Lady Sangonomiya!"
A familiar voice called out to her.
"Gorou? What is it?"
She walked toward him, taking the sheet of paper he handed over.
"What's this?"
"Uh... it's from the shogunate. They sent supplies—grain and... some medicine."
"Medicine?"
Kokomi blinked in surprise, then followed Gorou to the clearing behind them. There, crates upon crates of goods were neatly arranged—each carefully sealed and packed. When she opened them, she found exactly what the list described: food that Watatsumi Island couldn't produce, and high-quality medicinal supplies.
Why would the shogunate send them these things? Was it a trap?
Rustle...
"?"
As she pondered this, her fingers brushed against a small bulge on the back of the document. Curious, she turned it over—and found an envelope affixed to the back.
"..."
This seemed oddly familiar—just like that time with the sparrow message. She sighed softly, half amused, and tore the envelope open. Inside was a letter, written in beautiful, graceful handwriting.
[These supplies were sent to Watatsumi Island at my request. Distribute them among your soldiers. The medicines are made from the finest materials—they'll work wonders for those whose bodies were affected by the Delusions.]
Rustle...
After reading the letter, she noticed there was more written on the back and turned it over.
[By the way, there's something else... Based on what you did last time, I left you a little gift. It's inside one of the smaller boxes—take a look.]
A gift? A small box?
She blinked and began searching through the pile of crates. Just as the letter said, there was one box—smaller and quite different from the others, with ornate patterns unlike the rest.
Click...
Unfastening the metal latch, she lifted the lid open.
"..."
Her eyes widened for a moment. Why?
Inside was a raincoat—custom-made to match her own clothing's colors. White and pale lavender, with hints of soft blue embroidery. It was exquisite, even adorned with seaweed-like embellishments along the back. Beside it rested a matching oil-paper umbrella.
She picked up the raincoat with both hands, still dazed, and noticed a small handwritten note pinned to its hem.
[When it rains, use an umbrella. If you don't want to, then wear a raincoat.]
At the bottom, the sender had doodled a small lightning bolt in purple ink.
"Pfft... hehe..."
She couldn't hold back her laughter anymore, clutching the raincoat to her chest as a bright, bell-like laugh escaped her lips. Though she tried to restrain it, her eyes glistened as she brushed away a tear. That person had prepared both just for her—it was ridiculous and touching all at once.
"L-Lady Sangonomiya? Are you all right?"
Gorou froze at the sight, utterly confused. Why was his usually composed commander suddenly laughing like this? And that raincoat—who in the world dared send her something like that? His mind immediately began cursing the "culprit."
"Hah... It's nothing, really... just that someone's... adorable behavior made me laugh."
Kokomi covered her mouth, trying to calm herself as she giggled again before finally regaining composure.
"Anyway, Gorou—store these supplies properly. Oh, and give the medicines to the army physicians. They'll know how to prepare them for those affected by the Delusions."
"Understood! But... are you sure these were sent by the shogunate?"
"Mm—let's just say they were sent in the shogunate's name by someone. Beyond that... I can't say."
She left it at that, unwilling to reveal more.
"Ah... understood!"
Gorou called over the soldiers to move the crates. Even though he couldn't help feeling suspicious about the raincoat's origin—who was that bold?!—he still prioritized the mission first.
"...Haa."
Once they left, Kokomi finally exhaled. She hugged the raincoat close to her chest, then glanced again at the handwriting on the envelope.
Step... step...
She took a few steps forward, turning her gaze toward distant Narukami Island. News of the Vision Hunt's abolition had already spread across Inazuma. And for her—it brought genuine joy. Finally, the endless war between the shogunate and Watatsumi was over. Peace—true peace—was the greatest blessing of all.
Holding the raincoat tightly, she bowed deeply—ninety degrees toward Tenshukaku.
Thank you... Shogun.
...
Thus—
Ei abolished the Vision Hunt Decree, just as she had promised.
The wishes of the people had finally opened her once-locked heart.
Beyond the Plane of Euthymia, the world saw another kind of "Eternity." For when human wishes burn brightly enough, even the gods cast their gaze upon them.
Some wishes can ease pain, bring victory, and grant hope. And some—though their bearers have long perished, their souls returned to the heavens—remain unchanged since the moment they were born: sincere and burning... enduring for all Eternity.
Yes, though the path ahead remained uncertain, the two—bound by trust and unity—stood unshakable. Eternity had taken a new form, yet the heart that sought it had never changed.
Inazuma was stepping into a new age of Eternity—but it remained, as always, the land protected by its eternal god—the Nation of Eternity.
—
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