The fireworks filled the sky, dazzling and magnificent.
Narukami Shrine.
Beneath the Sacred Sakura, a fox-eared woman gazed at the night sky.
"My, my, this fireworks display is quite well done."
Yae Miko's lips curved upwards, her expression a mix of languor and satisfaction.
She thought of something and chuckled, covering her mouth.
"I wonder if she's pleased?"
From a distance, hurried footsteps could be heard approaching.
"Guuji-sama, something terrible has happened!"
A shrine maiden ran over, her expression anxious.
Her demeanor brightened upon seeing the alluring figure.
Thank goodness, Guuji-sama was still here at this hour!
Just as she was about to speak, the maiden suddenly froze.
Cherry blossoms drifted down beneath the Sacred Sakura, but the woman was nowhere to be seen.
"Did I see things... Guuji-sama?"
The young shrine maiden called out urgently.
As she pondered in confusion, she felt a push from behind.
The maiden trembled, lowering her head to bow.
"Guuji-sama!"
"Sigh... my good mood has been ruined."
Yae Miko circled the maiden, smiling faintly.
Yet, there was little true mirth in her words.
The maiden lowered her head even further.
"Guuji-sama, I apologize!"
"Speak, what has you in such a rush?"
"It's a conflict during the festival...!"
The shrine maiden quickly relayed the news.
Upon finishing, she cautiously awaited a response.
Such an incident had occurred outside the shrine.
Guuji-sama would surely be angered.
"A woman beat up a samurai from the Kanjō Commission?"
Yae Miko mused, her emotions unreadable.
The shrine maiden bowed her head in affirmation.
This is it, Guuji-sama is angry!
"Pfft..."
Huh?
The shrine maiden's face registered bewilderment as she looked up.
Had she misheard?
Did Guuji-sama just laugh?
But the Guuji-sama before her had a frosty expression, devoid of any amusement.
She exuded an aura of solemn authority.
"How interesting. I didn't expect the Tenryou Commission to also..."
After a long pause, Yae Miko waved her hand.
"This Guuji is aware. You may leave."
The shrine maiden instinctively asked, "Then, then..."
"That woman?"
The fox-eared woman's smile grew increasingly pronounced.
It held a hint of malice.
The shrine maiden nodded quickly.
"As for that woman's identity, tell them this."
After a whispered exchange, the shrine maiden retreated.
The dignified Guuji-sama watched her depart.
From beginning to end, she maintained a noble and composed demeanor.
Silence returned to the courtyard.
"..."
After a while, a faint sound of the fox-eared woman's laughter could be heard.
...
Outside the shrine.
Qin Yu retracted his bow, gazing at the mountains in silence.
"Hey, don't be sad."
Yoimiya, thinking Qin Yu was feeling down, tried to comfort him.
"Mm, I did shoot very accurately."
Qin Yu nodded with satisfaction.
Only then did he turn to Yoimiya.
"What did you say?"
"..."
Qin Yu dodged Yoimiya's playful punch, smiling slightly.
He then turned back, his expression earnest and sincere.
"No joke, thank you all for this time."
"The fireworks were beautiful."
Yoimiya crossed her arms and puffed out her lips proudly.
She had made the fireworks precisely for this moment.
"Well said. Speak more."
"We must also thank Miss Sakura."
Kamisato Ayaka smiled and shook her head, hinting at something.
Everyone's gaze turned towards the aloof, elegant figure.
This country bumpkin was becoming increasingly mysterious.
However, Sakura clearly had no intention of celebrating.
"Hmph, don't forget your promise."
She huffed, out of sync with the festive atmosphere.
Qin Yu chuckled helplessly.
She was still thinking about sweets.
Can't you hear my wallet weeping?
"Never mind that, let's go enjoy the festival!"
Yoimiya raised her hands and cheered with a radiant smile.
No matter what, she was always the most lively.
"Yoimiya, be more composed."
Kamisato Ayaka tapped Yoimiya's head, her tone serious.
"What's the harm? We should be happy during a festival!"
Yoimiya rubbed her head. "Qin Yu would agree, right?"
The gazes of the women once again fell upon Qin Yu.
They seemed to be waiting for his decision.
Qin Yu sighed helplessly. Why were they all looking at him like this?
After some thought, he said softly,
"Yoimiya, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you this time."
"Why?"
Yoimiya blinked her beautiful eyes, a look of confusion on her face.
"You mean..."
Kamisato Ayaka's eyes flickered; she seemed to have realized something.
Qin Yu nodded slightly.
Their eyes met, and a knowing smile passed between them.
Qin Yu clasped his hands and said, "As expected of Miss Ayaka."
Kamisato Ayaka smiled without speaking.
Yoimiya's small face was puzzled. What were these two talking about?
Qin Yu then explained,
"The conflict earlier definitely won't end like this."
Yoimiya clapped her hands. Now she understood.
Someone would come looking for trouble again later.
How outrageous!
"Yoimiya, calm down."
Qin Yu felt a headache coming on as he saw Yoimiya preparing for a fight.
Can't you be more civilized, like me?
Try to avoid fighting if possible.
But if a fight were to break out...
To get back to the point, Qin Yu said confidently,
"With Miss Ayaka here, there won't be any trouble."
"Moreover, Sakura is a friend invited by Guuji Yae."
After all this talk, it all boiled down to one thing.
When you venture out, you need backing.
And now, without a doubt, their backing was incredibly strong.
Suddenly, a commotion could be heard from a distance.
A blurred figure appeared beside Kamisato Ayaka.
"Young Lady, it's the Tenryou Commission."
Kamisato Ayaka's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
What was going on today? All three Commissions were present.
If the Raiden Shogun were here too, the entire Inazuman Shogunate would be complete.
"Who is it?"
The dark figure lowered his head, his expression grave.
"Young Lady, it is the Grand General of the Shogunate Army."
"Kujou Sara."