"Kujou Sara?"
Qin Yu's expression soured.
Why did it have to be that troublesome woman?
Her name was practically legendary within the Tenryou Commission.
Anyone who heard it would tremble.
As a general of the Shogunate's army, she was notoriously strict.
Her methods of training troops were swift and ruthless, showing no mercy.
What was even more vexing,
was her absolute devotion to the Electro Archon.
She was arguably the biggest "General simp" in Inazuma.
At this thought, Qin Yu's heart leaped.
If Kujou Sara found out that Sakura had spoken disrespectfully to the Electro Archon,
wouldn't she be so enraged she'd demand a duel right there and then?
He had to get Sakura to leave immediately!
"Tenryou Commission performing official duties! Nobody move!"
From afar, a cold shout approached.
Sakura, arms still crossed, exuded a frigid aura.
She had no idea the commotion was directed at her.
Qin Yu panicked, "Hurry, leave!"
While things hadn't reached the absolute worst stage,
it would save a lot of trouble if Sakura remained out of sight for now.
However, he had clearly forgotten Sakura's temperament.
She raised her chin, her tone flat,
"Why should I leave?"
"They're here to hold you accountable!"
"Oh."
"..."
Qin Yu, clutching his forehead in exasperation,
was she truly this dense or just pretending?
Did she not realize how brutally she had beaten the samurai earlier?
And openly denigrating the Electro Archon, questioning her strength.
Yet now she was asking why.
This temper was incredible, just like Ei's!
"There's no time, let Yoimiya take you somewhere to lay low..."
Qin Yu trailed off, forced to stop.
Someone tugged his arm.
It was Yoimiya, hiding behind Qin Yu.
She tentatively pointed a finger in a direction,
"It-it's that woman!"
Someone who could make Yoimiya this fearful...
Qin Yu's expression sharpened, and he instinctively looked over.
"..."
The atmosphere abruptly froze, a palpable pressure approaching.
The chaotic scene fell into utter silence.
Everyone held their breath, their gazes fixed on one spot.
A woman emerged from the samurai ranks.
She wore a hunting robe, her figure tall and imposing, her aura chilling.
Her short, neat hair accentuated her competence.
Her eyes, glinting with coldness, turned towards Qin Yu.
"!"
Their gazes met, and an aura of iron and blood washed over him.
It was the presence of a soldier, one who had only been forged on the battlefield, truly stained with blood.
Qin Yu narrowed his eyes, his heart accelerating.
It was an instinctive reaction to encountering a true master.
"It's General Kujou!"
Someone shivered, regretting not leaving sooner.
This formidable figure who commanded the Shogunate's army had suddenly appeared.
Would she arrest everyone here?
But it was clearly too late.
A large contingent of samurai had already surrounded the area, making escape impossible.
Kujou Sara raised her hand.
"Clang—!"
The battle-hardened samurai drew their blades.
Their weapons gleamed, reflecting a cold light.
And the target they faced...
was the silent, purple-clad woman behind Qin Yu.
"..."
Sakura slowly lifted her face and let out a cold snort.
She was already aware of the Kanjou Commission's misconduct.
As for how the Tenryou Commission would act...
She needed to observe further.
Just as the atmosphere reached its peak tension,
a graceful young woman stepped forward, shielding everyone.
Facing the imposing military formation, her expression remained calm and serene.
The crowd's faces lit up.
Thank goodness, Princess Shirayuki was here!
"General Kujou, what are you doing here?"
"Do not forget, this area is temporarily under the jurisdiction of the Yashiro Commission."
Kamisato Ayaka closed her fan, her smile elegant.
Yet she did not bow.
Though she didn't know who was covertly provoking the Yashiro Commission,
did they truly believe that the Kamisato family, one of the Three Commissions, with its long lineage,
had maintained its position solely through holding festivals and having fun?
From beyond the crowd, a shadow flickered silently.
Kujou Sara's cold eyes narrowed.
The Shuumatsubang, perhaps.
Inazuma's great clans had all survived through struggle.
This was especially true for the Three Commissions at their apex.
None of them were clean.
After a moment of silence, Kujou Sara slowly lowered her hand.
The oppressive aura receded.
She withdrew her gaze and said expressionlessly,
"Miss Kamisato, the Tenryou Commission is performing official duties."
"We hope for your understanding to avoid any conflict."
Kamisato Ayaka smiled and said softly,
"The Yashiro Commission has full authority over any matters here."
"If you wish to attend the festival, the Yashiro Commission welcomes you."
"For any other issues, please depart."
Dismissing them, she yielded not an inch.
Sometimes, reason had to be set aside.
This was a matter of pride for both sides.
If they conceded today, how could the Yashiro Commission maintain its standing?
"Very well."
Kujou Sara's expression remained cold.
"Qin Yu, step forward!"
"General Kujou."
Qin Yu stepped forward, his expression resolute.
"Hmm."
Kujou Sara nodded slightly, her gaze appreciative.
"Rumors spoke highly of you, and you seem to live up to them."
Clearly, this genius young samurai of the Commission,
had already been under her scrutiny.
Qin Yu nodded slightly, not feeling smug.
He merely wanted to be a civil servant who slacked off and collected a salary.
Being noticed by such a workaholic was hardly a good thing.
"Tell me, who assaulted the Kanjou Commission's samurai."
"And who... showed disrespect to the General!"
Kujou Sara's voice was icy.
Her gaze subtly settled on Sakura.
Qin Yu's heart tightened; here it comes.
This was hardly an inquiry; it was just a formality.
After she finished speaking, the Tenryou Commission would arrest someone!
This was the operational style of Inazuma's most powerful force!