"He's probably waiting outside Tenshukaku already!"
Thoma didn't dare to hesitate, speaking quickly.
The atmosphere at the scene was terrifyingly silent.
Kamisato Ayato's expression was grim, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.
"It seems they are quite confident."
"However..."
"Inazuma is not solely dictated by the two Commissions."
Ripples appeared on the surface of the hot tea, reflecting his icy gaze.
He slowly stood up and said softly,
"It seems I must pay a visit to Tenshukaku."
Kamisato Ayaka's brows furrowed slightly, her voice laced with concern,
"Brother, do you need me to..."
"No, wait for me at home."
A gentle smile appeared on Kamisato Ayato's face.
Whatever happens, your brother will shoulder it for you.
"...Yes."
Kamisato Ayaka pursed her lips and nodded slightly.
Kamisato Ayato and Thoma departed.
The atmosphere in the room was oppressive.
Qin Yu pondered for a long time, sighing silently.
He hoped the Vision Hunt Decree would not be repeated.
"..."
Sakura looked up towards the window.
At the edge of her vision, a magnificent structure stood against the backdrop of the world.
Tenshukaku.
The residence of the Raiden Shogun.
...
Kamisato Ayaka smiled faintly.
"It's alright now."
"Brother has handled such situations many times before."
Everyone nodded slightly, encouraged by the power of her smile.
Now, all they could do was await the outcome.
The atmosphere had slightly eased.
However, it was clear that no one was in the mood for tea and conversation anymore.
"Huu."
Qin Yu shook his head gently, a look of exhaustion on his face.
As he relaxed, a deep sense of weariness washed over him.
He had experienced so many events throughout the day.
And endured continuous battles.
Even an iron man couldn't handle this much.
"..."
Sakura glanced at Qin Yu.
He had been so boastful in front of her earlier.
Qin Yu secretly raised his hand and smiled helplessly.
As expected, he was disliked again.
He had even said he would protect the "earthy girl."
To end up like this was rather embarrassing.
"..."
Qin Yu suddenly froze.
He blinked, looking at the dessert that had suddenly appeared.
It lay quietly on the table, small and helpless.
How had it appeared in the span of a single daze?
He wasn't entirely sure, so he looked again.
It was real.
He instinctively looked towards the aloof, beautiful silhouette opposite him.
Could it be that while he was distracted just now...
"..."
The cool and elegant "earthy girl" was expressionless, her profile exquisitely refined.
She was gazing out at the scenery beyond the window.
"..."
As if sensing Qin Yu's gaze,
She turned her head, her eyes calm.
Qin Yu tentatively picked up the dessert and shook it.
"What is it?"
The "earthy girl's" tone was a bit sharp.
Qin Yu silently mouthed several words.
"Thank you, beautiful shrine maiden."
"..."
The "earthy girl" crossed her arms and let out a cold huff.
Mysterious.
Don't disturb her view if there's nothing else!
A slight smile curved Qin Yu's lips, and he let out a soft cough.
No, he had to hold back his laughter.
It was strange, though.
He suddenly felt his strength returning throughout his body.
Could it be the magical power of the shrine maiden at work?
"..."
The "earthy girl" shot him a glare.
Kamisato Ayaka noticed Qin Yu's fatigue.
She smiled kindly and said softly,
"It is getting late, everyone should rest now."
She called for a servant and arranged accommodations.
"Yay, I get to spend the night at Ayaka's place again!"
Yoimiya exclaimed happily, her face full of anticipation.
It seemed this wasn't her first time.
"Everyone, please excuse me."
Kamisato Ayaka left first.
With her brother absent, she had many matters to attend to.
...
In the Kamisato Estate.
"See you tomorrow."
The young ladies waved goodbye to Qin Yu.
"Mm, mmm... Goodbye."
Yoimiya blinked her eyes.
Qin Yu mumbled indistinctly, eating something.
But it looked sweet and delicious.
The girl's gaze shifted between Qin Yu and Sakura.
Hmm... a little suspicious.
The master of emotions from Hanamizaka detected an anomaly.
"Hmph."
Sakura crossed her arms, indicating she didn't know Qin Yu.
A grand display of disdain.
"See you tomorrow, Qin Yu!"
Yoimiya, pulling Sakura and Sayu along, departed.
They navigated the familiar path to their lodgings.
It seemed they were frequent visitors to the Kamisato Estate.
In the courtyard.
Yoimiya suddenly ran up to Sakura, doing a little spin.
She blinked her bright eyes and said mysteriously,
"Hehe, Sakura-neechan, you don't know, do you?"
"We're sleeping together tonight."
Sakura was taken aback, then nodded silently.
A strange custom.
She recalled Qin Yu's advice.
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do"... was that it?
Never mind, she would listen to him just this once.
It was just one room, so it wasn't a big deal.
"Yay!"
Yoimiya leaped up excitedly, cheering.
"Sakura-neechan didn't refuse! That's great!"
So, it was possible to refuse?
Under the moonlight, the girl busied herself fetching bedding.
"..."
The world suddenly fell silent.
Sakura stood still in the center of the courtyard.
Seemingly waiting for something.
After a long while.
A gentle night breeze blew, her hair fluttering.
Silently, a purple light ignited, gathering at the tips of her hair.
Beauty imbued with destructive power.
"Crack—"
In the star-filled night sky, thunder suddenly rumbled.
The Electro energy of heaven and earth was restless, jubilant.
"Noisy."
A cold snort echoed.
The restless thunder subsided, trembling.
Sakura withdrew her gaze.
After a long moment, she sighed softly and murmured,
"I command the thunder of the ten directions to be still, and may you enjoy a peaceful sleep tonight."
"Goodnight, Qin Yu."
...
"Sakura-neechan, such loud thunder! ...Huh?"
Yoimiya ran out.
In the courtyard, a purple aura permeated the air.
But the aloof silhouette had already departed.
As if she had never been there at all.