A rustling sound came from the small grove.
After a moment, the young man slowly pushed aside the bushes.
He looked into the distance.
On the wide road far ahead, there was no one.
"Good, the Tenryou Commission didn't chase me this far."
Qin Yu drew his saber and cut down the plants blocking his path.
Behind him, a cool voice sounded.
"Using a fine tool for a trivial task."
The blade she forged was not meant for chopping trees.
Qin Yu was helpless at the remark and said softly,
"I was afraid you'd ruin your skirt."
"Besides, the General's naginata are used for 'weeding'."
"This is learning from the great leader, improving my ideological awareness."
Sakura snorted, hearing this for the first time.
Qin Yu emerged first.
The surroundings were quiet, with fireflies flitting about.
It was a good environment for young lovers to meet.
It was a shame that the two of them were being pursued by the Tenryou Commission.
After confirming no one was around, Qin Yu turned around.
He extended his hand and smiled,
"Come out, runaway shrine maiden."
"..."
In the forest, the shrine maiden did not respond for a long time.
Qin Yu, as if comforting a child, said softly,
"Alright, come out quickly."
Finally, a delicate hand emerged from the forest.
Under the moonlight, her skin was warm and fair.
He wondered what intoxicating feeling it would be to hold that small hand.
The next moment—
"Slap!"
Qin Yu's hand was mercilessly swatted away.
The aloof country girl walked out of the bushes, elegant and composed.
She glanced at Qin Yu, her gaze warning.
Qin Yu withdrew his hand helplessly, such a cold look.
"..."
Sakura remained frosty, staring at him.
If Qin Yu hadn't stopped her earlier.
She probably would have already stormed the Grand Narukami Shrine.
"Let's wait here for a while, they should arrive soon."
Qin Yu looked around and confirmed.
It was too quiet here, definitely not normal.
"..."
Sakura sensed something and looked in a certain direction.
Her gaze instantly turned dangerous.
"Come out."
Qin Yu was taken aback, was someone there?
Seeing no response, Sakura's fingertips flashed with lightning.
"Waaah, wait a moment."
The bushes suddenly shook in a panic.
The next moment, a tanuki darted out of the woods.
"It's over, Sayu's been caught."
Sayu rolled to Sakura's feet, trembling.
Her innocent face looked up, on the verge of tears.
So, so terrifying, big sister.
In just an instant, she had seen through her stealth technique.
Her gaze was sharper and more terrifying than that of the Guuji Yae!
Sakura snorted and raised her hand.
"Wait, friendly fire!"
Qin Yu quickly shouted.
...
A man and a woman walked side by side.
And they were leading a tanuki?
Under the gentle moonlight, it was inexplicably warm.
In the distance, a magnificent complex of buildings was brightly lit.
The Yashiro Commission headquarters, the Kamisato Estate.
"In any case, Miss Kamisato sent me."
Sayu was dazed, stumbling.
She hadn't worked overtime this late in a long time.
If Qin Yu hadn't been holding her hand, she probably would have collapsed already.
"Mm."
Qin Yu nodded.
The situation was as he had imagined.
Kamisato Ayaka couldn't confront the Tenryou Commission head-on at that time.
After all, the Raiden Shogun's name had been invoked.
On Watatsumi Island, who would dare to defy her?
However, causing trouble behind the scenes and delaying them was not difficult.
This was the basis of Qin Yu's calm demeanor.
Next...
"There's no turning back."
Qin Yu sighed softly.
He had intercepted the intelligence of Kujou Takayuki's dealings with the Fatui.
He had already clearly declared his stance.
Furthermore, he had made an enemy of the Kanjou Commission.
Those two old geezers would certainly complain to the Shogun tomorrow.
After some embellishments.
The Raiden Shogun would be enraged and order his arrest.
Upon capture, he would be integrated into the statue, along with his Vision.
The script was perfectly laid out.
"To avoid being struck by the Musou Isshin..."
He could only temporarily stay at the Yashiro Commission and make further plans.
"Waaah, the General's slash."
Sayu mumbled, "Someone of that caliber, I won't see."
She couldn't help but sneak a glance at Sakura.
This was someone as terrifying as the Raiden Shogun...
Sayu, I need to stay far away!
Qin Yu couldn't help but laugh at this.
If she hid away.
Would she have to wait until Lumine finished her main story quest?
For example, in his past life, Thoma knelt before the statue for a month...
However, slacking off was his favorite thing.
"..."
Sakura looked at Qin Yu silently.
Being chased by the Musou Isshin?
Beneath her fox mask, the corners of her lips curled slightly.
...
As they walked, it was surprisingly quiet.
Even the gates of the Kamisato Estate had no guards.
One exception.
Speak of Thoma, and Thoma appears.
He was already waiting outside the estate, waving with a sunny smile.
"Yo! Brother Qin Yu, you've finally arrived."
"And this... beautiful Miss Sakura."
Thoma paused as he looked at the elegant and aloof Sakura.
With his experience as the Kamisato household's steward.
This woman was not simple.
He must treat her with great care.
Sakura nodded slightly, acknowledging him.
Although she said nothing, her mature aura was fully present.
As expected of the country girl who claimed she would tear down the Grand Narukami Shrine!
The invisible pressure made Thoma sweat.
"Thank you for your trouble."
Qin Yu smiled warmly and said sincerely.
After all, this was his future source of income, so he had to build a good relationship.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries.
Thoma led them deeper into the Kamisato Estate.
"The head of the family and the young lady are both waiting."