"I accept your terms, Fatui Harbinger. But I have one condition of my own."
Raiden Ei's voice was steady and powerful—each word carefully weighed.
"Snezhnaya must ensure that any of its activities conducted within Inazuma adhere strictly to Inazuman law. There must be no infringement upon our sovereignty."
Shajin smiled faintly, as if he had anticipated this response all along.
His gaze brimmed with confidence, as though he'd foreseen Raiden Ei would make this choice.
"Of course, Your Excellency. We Fatui pride ourselves on being reasonable. We have always respected the sovereignty and laws of other nations. Your condition is entirely acceptable."
As Raiden Ei's voice fell, the scales tipped decisively. The weight of the decision crashed down like a released boulder, altering Inazuma's fate forever.
She drew in a deep breath, knowing this decision would send tremors throughout Inazuma's political core.
But she also understood that only through this sacrifice and compromise could Inazuma avoid immediate annihilation.
Kujou Takayuki, head of the Tenryou Commission, was filled with resentment—but he knew Raiden Ei's decision was for the future of Inazuma.
He slowly stood and gave her a deep bow.
"Your Excellency, I understand your burden. The Kujou Clan will fully support your decision."
Shajin clapped lightly, clearly pleased with Kujou Takayuki's statement.
"Since the head of the Kujou Clan is so willing to cooperate, I trust it would be perfectly reasonable for you and the Kanjou Commission to surrender your years of… 'harvests' as well, yes?" His tone was laced with mockery, but his gaze was razor-sharp.
Cold sweat broke out on Takayuki's back, though he maintained his composure.
"I don't know what you're talking about. The Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions have worked tirelessly for the people of Inazuma. What 'harvests'?"
Though his tone remained calm, a storm of unease roared in his heart.
Shajin raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by the denial.
"You really won't cry until you see the coffin, will you?"
He shot Raiden Ei a glance. She understood immediately. Her eyes sharpened, her tone cold.
"Kujou Sara."
Without hesitation, Kujou Sara moved. In a flash, the Tengu wings unfurled behind her, sending a sharp gust roaring through the hall.
Like a falcon in flight, she darted toward Raiden Ei with stunning speed.
In the blink of an eye, she landed at her side.
Then, she lowered her head slowly in solemn deference.
"Your Excellency," she said firmly and with unwavering loyalty.
Raiden Ei narrowed her eyes and issued the order.
"Kujou Sara, lead the Shogunate forces and raid both the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions. I want to see just how much they've harvested all these years."
Her words brooked no argument.
"Yes, ma'am!"
With a respectful nod, Sara took flight once more, heading off to mobilize her troops. Kujou Takayuki collapsed onto the floor, muttering in despair.
"It's over… it's all over…"
Shajin waved a hand, signaling the Fatui battleships to dock at the harbor.
Squadrons of elite Fatui vanguard forces disembarked in perfect formation. The iron-blooded air around them and their imposing physiques made even Inazuma's Shogunate troops tremble.
Their eyes were cold, like those long used to killing on the battlefield. Their synchronized, heavy steps made it clear—they were well-trained, disciplined, and dangerous.
As the Fatui forces gathered at the port, the entire city's atmosphere tightened.
Inazuman citizens began to grow uneasy. No one knew what these foreign soldiers would bring.
Some merchants began quietly packing their belongings, preparing to flee if things took a turn for the worse.
Once all four battleships had docked, Childe, Scaramouche , Pantalone , and Pulcinella stepped off one by one, each clad in their Harbinger coats.
Circling high in the sky was the Dragon, just about to descend—when suddenly, Columbina, eyes closed, leapt off its head and landed directly in Shajin's arms.
Shajin's lips twitched, but he said nothing. By now, he was immune to Columbina's unpredictable antics.
La Signora walked up, raising an eyebrow at Columbina.
"What a rare sight. You're actually working a field assignment?"
Columbina didn't reply—she simply turned her head away.
A vein throbbed visibly on Rosalyne's forehead.
Hard. Her fists were hard.
Shajin gently set Columbina down.
"Pantolone. Pulcinella. I'm leaving things here in your hands."
Pulcinella chuckled, stroking his beard.
"Hohoho, what a proud young man. Then again, you've earned the right to be proud."
Regrator wore his usual formulaic smile, but it was clear he was pleased with the outcome.
He gave a slight nod.
"Leave it to the Mayor and me. We'll secure the maximum possible benefit."
"Oh, right—those 'resentment' still festering around Yashiori and Watatsumi Islands…"
Pantalone pointed up at the dragon.
"Let it handle them. I'm sure it still holds plenty of Imaginary Energy—more than enough to dissolve that stuff."
"Almost forgot…"
Shajin branded the Dragon's forehead with a Mora-shaped sigil made from Imaginary Energy, then hastily drafted a document.
Responding to the command, The Dragon let out a thunderous roar and soared off toward Watatsumi Island.
…
In the Sangonomiya Shrine, Kokomi sat at the head table, fingers tapping rhythmically.
Just moments ago, the entire Shogunate army had mysteriously withdrawn from the frontlines. The battlefield now lay eerily empty.
But Kokomi didn't dare move. It might be a trap.
Suddenly, Gorou burst into the room, so panicked he forgot to knock.
"Report! Lady Kokomi! Our informant says Snezhnaya has declared war on Inazuma!"
"What?!"
Kokomi slammed her hand on the table and shot to her feet.
The situation had already been chaotic—and now, at this critical juncture, Snezhnaya was waging war?
"Is the intel reliable?"
"Seems like it! Word is, the Raiden Shogun is already fighting one of the Fatui Harbingers!"
Kokomi pressed her lips together.
"Which Harbinger?"
"Uh… right, the informant said it's the Twelfth—The Gambler. Blonde hair. Apparently, he's got really pretty eyes…"
Kokomi exhaled softly.
If she had any doubts before, now she knew for sure.
Shajin was The Gambler.
…
"Lady Kokomi! Look over there—what is that?!"
Kokomi rushed outside—only to see a giant dragon hurtling toward them at terrifying speed!
Kokomi: ?
_
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