It was a new day. We were fully awake and had breakfast. Durandal was in her Lord Paramount dress while Rita was in her Maid of Celestia dress. Theresa was in her Sakuno Rondo dress. Mei was in her Shadow Dash outfit. And Kallen was in her Hanami Daimyo dress without the hat. After finishing, we exited out of the teapot followed by Tamamo No Mae. All except the servants. Tesla and Einstein and Tesla-ZERO stayed too. Kongming arrived but stayed in the teapot also.

Paimon wanted to see if they can get out of Ritou but could not because we needed Travel Permits and Sakura, Kallen, and Tamamo were the only ones with Travel Permits. So we had to go to the Kanjou Commission but a guard wouldn't let us in until an old man who was the commissioner named Hiiragi Shinsuke let us in. He knew who we were and all our heroics. He needed us to deliver 709 letters but we didn't want to. But then woman was signaling Aether. Sakura and Kallen noticed also. Aether agreed that we should do it. A guard handed us a letter to meet Chisato the daughter of the Hiiragi at night tonight. So we had to wait.

When it became night we met Hiiragi Chisato. She wanted us to deliver a secret love letter to someone named Kujou Kamaji of the Tenryou Commision. Her father hated the relationship but Chisato loved Kamaji. She promised to help us leave Ritou. Her father wanted us to stay in Ritou as he was trying to trick us. She told us that he spoke to an arrogant sounding woman discussing how to keep us here. Then she told us her plans. Then she left us so we can go to the border to meet her there. She made up that we were going to guard goods and the soldiers bought it. Now we set off to guard the goods.

Higokumaru: Well that was easy.

Sakura: now we better get to Ayaka and deliver the love letter to Chisato's boyfriend.

We protected the cargo from treasure hoarders and monsters. After we delivered the cargo, we finally made it and now we were on our way. Sakura and Kallen lead the way to Komore Teahouse. We walked through Konda Village and passed by Byakko Plain. Then we arrived outside of Inazuma City.

Sakura: Inazuma city.

Mei: Just like in the trailers.

Tamamo: Reminds me of old Tokyo. I was a wife of an emperor until they thought I poisoned him because of how I was a fox.

Sakura: I feel your pain Tamamo. I lost my little sister because of how my village was cultish with sacrificing little girls.

Higikumaru: I caused that but changed after Theresa defeated me then Kiana, Patrick, Sakura, and Kallen defeated me. Then I changed and reformed.

Sakura: Follow us everyone.

The three lead the whole party into Inazuma city.

Inazuma City was beautiful. Like we were back in Japan in the past.

Katheryne: Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. You've come at last. I've been waiting for you, Adventurers.

Aether: An—Another Katheryne...

Katheryne: Another? Hehe, have you ever seen multiple Katherynes in a single location?

Sakura: Yes we have seen the others in Mondstadt and Liyue. But not at the same location.

Patrick: You and your others remind me of two woman who have multiple versions of themselves. Named Joy and Jenny.

Patrick in mind: Of course I mean Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny from "Pokémon".

Katheryne: They were one and the same. As the year-round receptionist in the Adventurers' Guild, I can us a special tool to instantly move between various locations in the world to deal with various important matters... After I help you with matters here, I need to head over to Fontaine. The adventurers over there are notorious for frugality, so I need to receive them well.

Aether: Re—Really?

Katheryne: Hmm... You believed me? Sorry, I was just joking. Please don't take it seriously. Also, I thought you knew how to use Teleport Waypoints?

Sakura: Yes we do know how to use them.

Katheryne: Anyway, I won't bother you with pointless trivia. Come, I'll help you process the work that's needed by the Inazuma Adventurers' Guild. Once things are processed, you can accept commissions here and also enjoy other benefits. Ad astra Abyssosque Adventurers.

(Komore Teahouse)

Paimon: According to the letter, this should be the place.

Sakura: This is the place.

Kozue: Sorry, we don't serve the general public. I'm afraid you'll have to leave.

Paimon: Wait! We're not the general public...

Sakura: She's right, we're not. We're here to see someone.

Kozue: Well then... you must be a couple of wandering outlanders that snuck into the nation... judging by your attires. Most of you.

Sakura: I am a Shrine Maiden.

Paimon: Are our clothes really so— oh!... What Paimon means to say is—

Aether: Here's our Invitation Letter.

Kozue: Hmm, the Yashiro Commission's seal... this must be from Mr. Thoma. It seems there's more to you than meets the eye. In which case, welcome to the Komore Teahouse, a safe haven for the Yashiro Commission.

Paimon: Well that sounds more like it.

Sakura: Let's enter in, shall we?

With that we entered into the Teahouse.

Paimon: Well, now that we're here, where's Thoma?

Sakura: I don't see him.

Paimon: *sigh* Paimon doesn't see him anywhere either, do you think he forgot his promise to meet us?

All of a sudden, the dog in clothing spoke.

???: Who forgot their promise? I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me!

All of us were shocked except for Sakura and Kallen and their small partners. Even Tamamo wasn't surprised.

Kiana: TALKING DOG!

Paimon: Wh—Wh—What!? Is that dog talking to us!

???: Hahaha, relax, no need to look so surprised. I take it this is the first time you've seen me in this form?

Kiana: Yes it is! You nearly gave us a heart attack!

Aether: So you're a... dog?

The talking dog was Thoma.

Thoma: Huh, so you didn't see anything like this when you were in Liyue Harbor

Fu Hua: Can't say that we have.

Paimon: Ah, now that you mention it, this does suddenly seem less out of the ordinary...

Aether: But it still doesn't really add up...

Thoma: Hahaha, Alright, alright, I've had my fun.

Thoma walked out of hiding.

Sakura: Hahahahaha! You're funny, Thoma.

Paimon: Hey! You're this close to getting an ugly nickname, mister!

Thoma: Hehe, well, I've had some time to kill, given that I've been waiting for you for so long... as was the case in Ritou... So I came up with this little fun fretting for when you arrived.

Sakura: He used the same greeting when we first came here too.

Thoma: But, in all seriousness, I would like to apologize about that little "test" you went through earlier. Through it was quite necessary... It helped us determine whether or not to bring you before Miss Kamisato, and whether you had the courage to face the lightning alongside us.

Sakura: Ayaka first met me and Kallen when we fought against monsters with her like we've said before.

Thoma: Only I had to put them to this test after first meeting her.

Paimon: Hmph. Don't think Paimon's gonna forgive you just because you're getting all serious now!

Thoma: Haha... Sorry, did I overdo it? My aplogies.

Aether: So, how did we do in our "test"?

Thoma: Let me just say this, you've often found yourself skirting "the rules" from the very beginning, haven't you? Naturally, this is due to your unwavering and resolute determination. A long time ago, we had a friend who was much the same... but when the lightning struck...

Aether: You mean Kazuha's friend...

Sakura: Yes... he was killed in the duel by the Raiden Shogun.

Thoma: Ah, so you've heard of his story, hmm... His light still burns all the more brightly...

Aether: So will we be allowed to meet the Shirasagi Himegimi?

Thoma: Yes, of course. I will bring you to the Kamissto residence, where the Yahsiro Commission is located. But before that, there is one other place I was hoping you would accompany me to.

Paimon: Oh? Where?

Thoma: I would like you to come with me to the Statue of the Omnipresent God. It's still under construction now, but you can already see it from practically anywhere on Narukami Island.

(Statue of the Omnipresent God)

We followed Thoma, Sakura, and Kallen to the statue. It had a few gems on it.

Paimon: This area sure feels gloomy. People probably don't come here often, do they?

Higokumaru: They don't.

Selune'e Elgy: People don't like coming here.

Paimon: Huh, are Paimon's eyes playing tricks, or are there things embedded in the statue...?

Sakura: There are.

Thoma: Visions.

Kallen: There are Visions embedded in the statue.

Paimon: Visions! You mean all the Visions that are collected from the Vision Hunt Decree are put into this statue!?

Thoma: So you've already heard of the Vision Hunt Decree.

Patrick: We have. Before coming to Inazuma, we had to give them to my master so he can keep them safe for us.

Sakura: Even without Visions, we can still use the elements.

Aether: Why did the shogun issue the Vision Hunt Decree?

Patrick: That's what we all want to know.

Thoma: Before I try to explain, I should perhaps remind you first that Mondstadt is the City of Freedom, and Liyue is the City of Contracts... As for Inazuma... It's known as the Nation of Eternity. The Raiden Shogun is both the nation's most powerful ruler, and its deity.

Sakura: Like Barbatos and Morax. She is an Archon.

Thoma: The "eternity" in question... is her endless and unchanging will to rule over Inazuma. As such, she relies on the Tri—Commission to regulate the nation's affairs, and the Sakoku Decree to limit the people's movement. The shogun wishes to keep Inazuma in stasis, allowing the stream of time to flow from one end to the other without disturbing it, for all time.

Paimon: Seems like every god has their own will...

Thoma: Of course, this is my own limited understanding. As for the reason behind the recent Vision Hunt Decree...

Thoma: Perhaps the shogun believes that Visions grant people the power to change, and that her eternity doesn't allow for such instability to exist.

Sakura: in other words, the shogun doesn't want people to change.

Thoma: Whatever the case, the fact is that the Raiden Shogun has dispatched the Tenryou Commission to scour the nation for Visions, embedding each one in this statue... ... and this Statue of the Omnipresent God can be seen as Inazuma's symbol of eternity.

Paimon: But if that's the case, wouldn't you say that the Raiden Shogun is being... I don't know, selfish?

Higokumaru: She could be.

Thoma: Haha, only outlanders such as yourselves would ever dare speak out so directly against the Raiden Shogun. And yet... I agree. The Vision Hunt Decree is something that simply should not exist, and Miss Kamisato has been committed to fighting it since the day it was announced.

When Aether placed his hand on the statue, he suddenly had a vision and many voices and sounds rush into his ears.

Paimon: Huh? Aether are you okay? You look like your mind is elsewhere.

Sakura: You touched the statue. What happened?

Aether: What was that... sound just now?

Thoma: Sound? What sound? I didn't hear anything... did something happen?

Paimon: Yeah, you touched the statue, and then... and then what?

Aether: I could hear the sound of... people's aspirations.

Thoma: "Aspirations"?

Higokumaru: What do you mean you heard people's aspirations?

Thoma: Hmm... That would seem to confirm the saying. Have you heard it before? That when a person's ambition reaches a certain strength, the gods look upon them with favor.

Patrick: Can't say that we have.

Thoma: That is where Visions come from... In other words, a person's Vision represents their ambition.

Thoma: So, if what you just said is true... ...then the ambitions of these people are stronger than I imagined.

Aether: So a Vision symbolizes ambition, and not power...

Thoma: Alright. Time for the next stop on our tour of Narukami Island: the Kamisato residence.

Paimon: Whew, finally!

Thoma: Patrick, I know about your ability to summon a dragon. And I want to fly on him.

Patrick: There will be problems if I do. Samurai could try to shoot us down.

Thoma: Not unless if we go to somewhere else and stay out of sight.

Patrick: I guess we could.

(Later)

We flew over Chinju Forest and to the Kamisato Estate. We landed outside.

Thoma: That was fun and exhilarating.

Sakura: We've gotten used to riding on beasts.

Sakura: How are our Visions?

Toriyama: They are fine and they are completely safe.

We got off then I sent Toriyama back.

Sakura: Now let's go meet our friend, Ayaka.

Sakura and Kallen lead everyone inside the Kamisato Estate

(Inside)

Paimon: So this is the kind of place where the big shots of Inazuma live, huh? Paimon kinda expected it to be... snazzier.

Kallen: Yes. This is where some of the big shots of Inazuma live.

Aether: It's hard to top the Dawn Winery and the Jade Chamber.

Thoma: Welcome, at last, to the Kamisato residence, honored quests. Miss Kamisato is delighted to finally meet you.

Higokumaru: So where is she?

Sakura: She should be coming out to meet us.

Paimon: Is this the Shirasagi Himegimi you keep going on about? So, uh, where's she at?

Kamisato Ayaka: Ahem...

Her voice sounded.

Paimon: Oh... uh, behind the screen?

Thoma: Yes, haha, as the daughter of the Yashiro Commision, this is how Miss Kamisato is accustomed to receiving guests.

Sakura: It's like meet a certain princess who didn't want to show her face to 5 princes in her motion picture.

A split screen appeared next to Sakura and in the other screen came Kaguya Houraisan.

Kaguya: Yes. In my motion picture by Studio Ghibli, I never showed my face to any of the 5 princes. That's just how me and other beautiful women in Japan were a long time ago with never showing our faces.

Sakura: And SansoninHonkai was in love with your doctor, Eirin before marrying his Fu Hua and adopting his Bronya.

Kaguya: Yeah, he used to. I better get back to what I'm doing.

The split screen disappeared.

Sakura: Anyways, this is how Ayaka is with meeting guests. Not showing herself to her guests.

Aether: I think I understand.

Paimon: Makes sense, she's a super—important person after all.

Kamisato Ayaka: Please forgive my lack of courtesy for receiving you in this fashion... especially following such a long and wearisome journey over the sea. I have awaited your arrival with great anticipation, and Thoma assures me that you do indeed possess the power to change the tide of the times. Oh, and it's great that you came back Sakura. Kallen. And you as well, Higokumaru, Selune's Elgy, and Tamamo No Mae.

Sakura: Thank you, Ayaka. We have our friends here in Inazuma now. We can do what you want us to do.

Kamisato Ayaka: At present in Inazuma, in the name of the Vision Hunt Decree, the people's aspirations are being senselessly trampled underfoot.

Patrick: We are aware of that.

Kamisato Ayaka: Though the Yashiro Commission serves the shogun, it is the people with whom we share close bonds, given the contact we are required to have with them in the performance of our duties. A commission's power rises and falls with the trust of their people. Thus, we cannot remain indifferent to this situation without also remaining indifferent to our own fate. Traveler, St. Freya Knights and Valkyries, lend us your power, and we can—

Aether: I did not come to start a rebellion. I'm just here to meet the Raiden Shogun.

Sakura and Kallen: HUH?!

Higokumaru and Selune's Elgy: EHH?!

Tamamo No Mae: NANI?!

Valkyries: WHAT?!

Boys: WHY?!

Kamisato Ayaka: Oh...

Thoma: See, milady, it's just like I said... this will take us nowhere...

Aether: I'm going to leave now.

Sakura: No.

Sakura grabbed Aether's shoulder then turned him around and held both of his shoulders, forcing him to look her in the eyes.

Sakura: Aether, meeting the Raiden Shogun has to wait. We have to put an end to the Vision Hunt Decree! People are suffering because of losing their Visions and we have to put an end to all of this! Are you going to be a hero like in Mondstadt and Liyue or are you going to let the Raiden Shogun continue to steal people's Visions?

Aether: The Decree is none of my concern.

Sakura: No.

Aether: But we need to see the Raiden Shogun right away.

Sakura: The Decree is our concern now. Kallen and I have been waiting for you and the others to come to Inazuma for so long to help put an end to the Vision Hunt Decree and that's what we're going to do!

Aether: I cannot fight against it. We have to find the Raiden Shogun and that's that.

Kamisato Ayaka: No, please... wait! Please... Don't go... *sigh*

Aether: What?

Sakura let go of Aether's shoulders.

Kamisato Ayaka: I will introduce you to the Raiden Shogun, on one condition... You must fulfill three small wishes on my behalf.

Paimon: What are your wishes?

Kamisato Ayaka: They pertain to three whose Visions were taken from them... Perhaps once you've met them, you will understand...

Paimon: A warrior who guards a village, a former samurai who helped carry out the Vision Hunt Decree, and a swordmaster determined to become the best in the world... Does Paimon got that right?

Kamisato Ayaka: Correct. Please do all you can to help them. I will await your return here. Sakura, Kallen, I promise that I will show myself to your friends the next time you come here.

Aether: I will do as you wish.

Kamisato Ayaka: Hehe... Then, you have my gratitude.

Thoma: I'm sure you'll do great.

Sakura: We will. Once he's understood, maybe he will change his mind.

Kamisato Ayaka: I hope he does. I will take my leave now.

Thoma: Miss Kamisato's left, it seems. No cutting corners, now, okay?

Kallen: Okay.

We exited out of the door going to the exit.

Durandal: Where are we going? Which places are we going to find the three victims?

Sakura: I know where to find them so follow me.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

First we went to Konda Village where an old man named Tejima not only lost his Vision but also lost his memories once he lost his Vision. So we had to find clues to his past and found the clues and a diary where Tejima managed to remember some of his memories.

Next we went to a guy named Kurosawa in Inazuma City who also lost his Vision then become stuck in a quagmire of troubles brought upon him by the people. So we helped him with his issues and took care of treasure hoarders.

The third guy we went to was a swordmaster named Domon who aimed to be the greatest under heaven descended into madness after losing his Vision. So we had to help his disciples investigate the cause. As we investigated we ran into a suspicious guy named Anzai who doesn't wish to see Domon, or anyone else associated with him, ever again. He told us his backstory about his history with Anzai. We return back to the dojo to see the disciples talking to what looked like a shrine maiden.

(Montage music end)

Nanako: What? You're saying he isn't possessed?

Nanako: Does that mean he's just lost his mind? But how is that possible? ...No, I refuse to believe it. Something's clearly wrong!

Junya: Nanako, please, try not to get agitated...

Inagi Hotomi: I am sorry. With what powers I have, I can find no sign of any malignant spirit having possessed Domon. But spirits may take a myriad of forms in this world, many of which I cannot claim to have witnessed myself. Thus, I dare not rule out possession with complete certainty. And all is certainly not lost, for I received word not long ago that Lady Yae has taken an interest in your sensei's case.

Junya: L—Lady Yae? Is that... the same Lady Yae that I think you mean?

Sakura steps in and speaks.

Sakura: Yes. The same Lady Yae that looks exactly like me like we're twins.

Nanako: The head shrine maiden of the Grand Narukami Shrine? That's wonderful news! Then Sensei will be sure to recover...

Inagi Hotomi: Correct. Lady Yae is most knowledgeable indeed, and has abundant experience in the exorcism of evil spirits and aversion of great calamities. I am unable to say for certain whether an evil spirit has possessed your sensei, but Lady Yae can give a conclusive verdict.

Junya: Excuse me, Miss Inagi, but I must ask. Should we prepare a greeting gift for Lady Yae?

Inagi Hotomi: That won't be necessary. All that is required of you is your timely arrival at the Grand Narukami Shrine. Lady Yae does not like to be kept waiting. I must leave now, but we will meet soon at the shrine. I wish Domon a full and speedy recovery.

Junya: Who'd have thought Lady Yae herself would have taken notice of our sensei's case...

Nanako: Do you mean to say that sensei isn't renowned enough to deserve Lady Yae's attention?

Junya: No, no, that's not what I meant at all! You misunderstand me. I just mean... this is Lady Yae, the head shrine maiden! She has direct and close contact with the Almighty Shogun herself!

Junya: Ahem. Anyway, you should join us too, tomorrow. Given that you've traveled all this way just to meet our sensei, we the disciples of Meikyou Shisui Art will do our best to help you.

Aether: We will gladly join you.

Paimon: Sure! After all, everyone seems pretty excited about Lady Yae. We're curious to meet her, too. Who knows, maybe we'll be able to find out a thing or two about the Raiden Shogun from her...

Paimon turned to Sakura and floated to her.

Paimon: What do you mean Lady Yae looks exactly like you?

Sakura: You will find out soon.

(Grand Narukami Shrine)

We got up to the Grand Narukami Shrine the next day. We had to use different means to get up the mountain. Now we were walking through the torii gates up the steps.

Sakura: The torii gates. Reminds me of home back in Yae Village walking up the steps and through the torii gates.

Higokumaru: Yeah, home.

Tamamo No Mae: It's always great to walk up steps through torii gates.

Finally we made it up to the shrine.

Sakura: Well, there it is. The Grand Narukami Shrine.

Kallen: Let's go and meet Yae Miko.

Sakura, Kallen, and Tamamo lead the way and took us to the center where there was an old man on the ground holding his head with both of his hands, that was Domon, the sword master who lost his Vision. We saw a girl who looked exactly like Sakura come out of one of the buildings.

Paimon: D—Do you think that's Lady Yae...? No wonder Junya was so excited... she has a really striking presence...

Sakura: That is her.

Paimon: Also, is it just Paimon, or did she look right at us just now? ...Eh, it was probably nothing... It's not like she's ever seen us before.

Sakura: She'll tell you later. Burt first...

Sakura went up to Yae Miko. The shrine maiden took notice of the other shrine maiden.

Yae Miko: Sakura.

Sakura: Miko.

Nanako: *gasps*. They look exactly the same!

Sakura turned around and stood next to Miko.

Sakura: We do look the same. When first coming here and around this island, a lot of people mistook me for Miko. I still remember the first time we met.

(Flashback)

Sakura, Kallen, Higokumaru, Selune's Elgy, and Tamamo No Mae were climbing up the mountain to get to the Grand Narukami Shrine. They were walking through the torii gates

Kallen: What a pain it was to get up here.

Sakura: Yeah, most shrines have lots of steps to get up to.

Tamamo No Mae: I remember the times I walked up lots of steps to get up to shrines. Mikon!

They finally got up to the top and the Grand Narukami Shrine was in their sight.

Higokumaru: There it is.

Selune's Elgy: Grand Narukami Shrine.

Sakura: Reimu or Sanae would want to come to a place like this.

Tamamo No Mae: Let's go up to it.

Sakura: Let's do that.

They walked up to the shrine that's when the shrine maidens noticed them and gasped which caused the group to stop.

Higokumaru: Why are they looking at us like that?

Inagi Hotomi: She looks exactly like Lady Yae!

Yamada: Who is that?!

Kano Nana: What's going on?! Why does that girl look exactly like Lady Yae?!

That's when Yae Miko comes out.

Yae Miko: What is going on? Why is everyone screaming...?

Miko noticed Sakura and that's when both pink haired girls became shocked at seeing each other.

Sakura: She does look like me just like the locals said. Yae Miko looks exactly like me.

Higokumaru: I think you should get rid of your fox ears now.

Sakura didn't reply but used a spell and her fox ears disappeared.

Yae Miko: You do look exactly like me!

Sakura: And you look exactly like me too!

Inagi Hotomi: Who is she? An imposter? A poser?

Yae Miko: What is your name?

Sakura: Sakura. Yae Sakura.

Yae Miko: Sakura?

Inagi Hotomi: Sakura? Are you perhaps one of Lady Yae's relatives?

Sakura: Maybe.

Yamada: They do have the same family name. There's no mistaking it.

Yae Miko: Yae Sakura... wait a minute... So you are one of the Outlanders from my intuition.

Sakura: So you've had a vision of us coming here?

Yae Miko: I did. Come with me.

So Sakura and Kallen followed Miko to a tree in the shape of a fox.

Yae Miko: I've had this intuition of outlanders coming to Inazuma. Four of you are here. There are more of you.

Sakura: There are more of us, Lady Yae.

Yae Miko: Please, call me Miko. We both look like relatives, so we better act like we're blood related.

Sakura: Yes Miko, will do.

(Flashback end)

Sakura: So that's Domon. The man who lost his Vision and went insane.

Yae Miko: Yes, that is him.

Domon: Keep away... Keep away from me... I gave up the art of the sword... Please, let me go, I beg you...

Kiana: He really has gone insane!

Inagi Hotomi: As you can see, Lady Yae. Domon has persisted in this state for some time now. He appears to see those who have lost to him in duels past, gathered all around him to persecute him.

Nanako: Lady Yae, it must be a possession... right? This is nothing like him at all. In the past, no matter what came his way, he would always face it with a confident smile.

Yae Miko: ... I am sorry. It is clear to me that your sensei is not possessed by any evil spirit.

Sakura: I don't sense any evil spirits inside of him either.

Tamamo: Neither do I.

Nanako: But... Then, d—does that mean he...

Yae Miko: Hmm, yes. This is a change in the person himself. Unable to cope with the tremendous pressure he was under, he suffered a spiritual collapse. With his wits impaired, he finally descended into madness.

Higokumaru: In other words, he's gone insane.

Yae Miko: As one who is thrown into the sea, though he fights back desperately against his predicament, it does nothing to prevent his descent into the depths. As for what has triggered this change, I believe it must be the loss of his Vision. For to be stripped of one's Vision is to be stripped of one's ambition.

Sakura: That's what we've thought too. Losing Visions have consequences.

Junya: Stripped of his ambition...? But, Lady Yae, even without his ambition, why should he suffer such a dramatic change? How does that explain his descent into madness?

Yae Miko: Your school practices Meikyou Shisui Art, does it not? "Stillness of mind, freedom from all agitation"... What a fine notion that would be, if any in this world could ever hope to achieve it... There was once one who claimed to be indifferent to rank and reward, and who fled enraged when defeated by his junior. And then there was an aged swordmaster who was aggrieved enough that he crossed blades with a disciple he himself had taught. Then, what of the one who crossed blades with his own sensei and beloved fellow disciple, and defeated them both? Can one truly remain unagitated, of still mind, in moments such as these?

Nanako: Lady Yae... I'm not sure I understand...

Yae Miko: The path of the swordmaster is filled with twists and turns. It is no small undertaking to pursue the position of greatest swordmaster in the world. It requires one to take their sword firmly in both hands and cut down the hopes and dreams of others... even those of one's closest companions. Only a deep commitment to his ambition to become the best made it possible for him to rise above the pain of these encounters — to focus on the way ahead. When that ambition disappeared, he began to doubt himself. As he battled his growing anxiety... he slowly descended into the state you see him in now. Heh... Much like a certain fatally flawed friend of mine.

Nanako: Poor Sensei... To think he's been suffering so greatly...

Domon: I'm sorry... It's all my fault... Father, Sensei... Anzai...

Anzai: That's enough!

Party: Anzai!?

Anzai appears out of nowhere.

Paimon: Huh? Isn't that Anzai? Where'd he come from? Did he follow us the whole way here?

Selune's Elgy: Maybe he did.

Domon: Anzai... Why are there two of you...? Is that you, or a ghost? You're here for revenge, aren't you... I knew it would come... I never should have—

Anzai: You're right to assume that my feelings towards you are far from kindly. *sigh* But I didn't come here to settle a score. It's been so long now that I made peace with it years ago. You did nothing wrong that day, I just... I couldn't face the humiliation. That's why I ran. I don't think most of the people you beat along the way would hold it against you. On the contrary, when you cut our ambitions short, we entrusted them to you, in the hope that they might carry you further. Now, I know that we can't place our hopes in you any longer, since you've been stripped of your ambitions, too... But that is no reason to strip them of theirs! "Follow the way of the sword all the way to the highest peak."You taught them that, didn't you?

Domon: But, what if one day... the same thing happens to them... I put everything I had into trying to become the best... but what if it was all a huge mistake, right from the start? If there's a chance they'll end up like me one day, I'd rather they stay where they are now than go any further down this path...

Anzai: ...Have you asked them what they think?

Nanako: Sensei... After you rescued me from the hands of the pirates, I told myself I would follow in your footsteps for the rest of my days. I can't know whether I will suffer in my future as you do now. All I know is that here and now, in the present, I wish to continue. I want to keep going until the day that I can stand before everyone with my head held high and announce that I, like my sensei Domon before me, am a master of Meikyou Shisui Art!

Junya: Nanako's far from the only one... Actually, all of us think that way.

Domon: Goodness... Well, I...

Anzai: You see? You can place the ambition you once had in their hands. Being stripped of your ambition is something that's never happened to me, so I can't claim to understand it. But I do know what it feels like to have your ambitions crushed... that's what happened on the day that you so effortlessly defeated me. So, just as I once placed my ambitions onto you, it is time for you to release yours into their custody. You are not in the same position that I was. When I left, I had nothing to my name, but you have a great number of worthy disciples.

Domon: I... I understand. I am sorry to have made you worry for me and for the state of Meikyou Shisui Art. I no longer have the resolve to become the best in the world... the emptiness and suffering inside of me will not abate, so I cannot hope to still my mind and be free of agitation. But as your sensei, I shall commit to imparting unto you everything I have learned in my life so far. This is my promise, and I humbly ask Anzai, my senior, to hold me to my word.

Anzai: You can count on that. I'd be checking in on you occasionally anyway, just to make sure you hadn't lost your mind again... But I am now used to the life of a wanderer. I do not belong in the dojo anymore. So I will simply stop by once in a while to make sure you aren't cutting any corners with them. Well, don't just stand there staring at me. Say thank you to Lady Yae and then get yourself back home.

The Meikyou Shisui Art disciples thank the head shrine maiden, then they turn, and leave.

Paimon: So, even though his ambition was taken away, his disciples can take it over on his behalf. Guess that sorta solves this one, huh?

Aether: Yes, it seems as good of a resolution as we can hope for.

Inagi Hotomi: Travelers, a moment, please. Lady Yae has some words for you all.

The entire party listens to Yae Miko.

Yae Miko: ...So, my intuition was correct. The wind that blows from afar carries fresh life to these shores...

Sakura: That's what she told us when we first met.

Yae Miko: For us to meet now is premature. Nevertheless, you set foot on these islands at precisely the right moment.

Aether: ...

Yae Miko: Hmm... I have high hopes for you, children. Don't disappoint me.

Paimon: Ooh, Lady Yae seems to have taken a real interest in you.

Sakura: In all of us.

Paimon: She seems super mysterious... Paimon's so curious what she really meant by all of that... Hmm, we can come back to it another time. For now, we should go report back to Miss Kamisato.

Sakura: Thank you for your time, Miko.

Tamamo: We are grateful.

Miko: Anything for a relative.

Patrick: I guess that we should fly back now.

Sakura: We should. It's a lot faster.

(Later)

We returned back to the Kamisato estate where Thoma was waiting for us. Then we entered inside.

Paimon: Oh, Ayaka! Guess who fulfilled all your wishes~!

No reply.

Paimon: ...Ayaka?

Aether gets curious but Thoma pauses him for a moment before Kamisato Ayaka herself, with elegance, appears in the front of us from the screen.

Sakura: Ayaka.

Kamisato Ayaka: Sakura. Kallen. Higokumaru. Selune's Elgy. Tamamo.

Ayaka and Sakura shake hands.

Kamisato Ayaka: Traveler, Paimon, St. Freya Knights and Valkyries, and ELFs... It is a pleasure to finally meet you all face-to-face, hehe.

Captain blushed then rubs the back of his head.

Captain: Oh, the pleasure is all ours, Ayaka.

Kiana: The whole party is here. Ehehe.

Kamisato Ayaka: I have heard all about how you helped out three friends. My sincerest thanks to you.

Patrick: Oh it was nothing. We helped them recover their emotions and their memories.

Aether: Actually, we didn't really help at all. The damage done by losing a Vision can't be completely undone.

Paimon: *sigh* Yeah... short of getting them their Visions back, it seems like there's no way to really help them...

Durandal: Unless if they got their Visions back, maybe they would fully recover.

Paimon: Um, Ayaka — how come this time you get to come out and meet us in person?

Kamisato Ayaka: Hehe, because now that you have done the three things I asked of you, I consider you to be my friends like I did with Sakura, Kallen, their small companions, and Sakura's servant. As you will observe, I dispense with the screen for Thoma, also.

Thoma: Mm-hmm.

Paimon: Wait a second, but isn't Thoma your, um... servant? Paimon's happy to help and all, but Paimon sure as heck did not sign up to be a servant!

Sakura: Not exactly.

Kamisato Ayaka: Oh...! Ahaha, Paimon you are most entertaining. Thoma is first and foremost my friend, and was so before he ever became my attendant. And so were Sakura and Kallen.

Sakura and Kallen: Yeah.

Higokumaru and Selune's Elgy: And us too.

Tamamo: And me too.

Paimon: Oh, okay then... Ayaka, you seem pretty different out in the open compared to how you are behind the screen. Mmm... Alright, we can be friends.

Aether: Friend request accepted.

Mei: We accept.

Kamisato Ayaka: Hehe, thank you all kindly. Back to the matter at hand. You have now witnessed the pain of those deprived of their Visions... What are your feelings on what you have seen?

Patrick: Terrible.

Kiana: Losing things after their Visions were taken away.

Mei: The Raiden Shogun stealing Visions, unforgivable.

Durandal: We're going to make her pay.

Captain: She's ugly and a dictator.

Aether: I hope they can one day be free from their torment.

Kamisato Ayaka: *sigh* ...Perhaps, in the eyes of a deity such as the Almighty Shogun, the lives of those who inhabit the world are inconsequential... Thunder's roar, lightning's flash, the wind's assault, and the rain's descent... all these things take place with no regard for the feelings of the common people. But I believe that surely you understand what they must endure.

Aether: ...

Kamisato Ayaka: It seems that perhaps now, you can appreciate my feelings on all of this. In which case... perhaps you would be willing to reconsider your stance?

Sakura: You have to. Too many people are suffering because of the Vision Hunt Decree.

Kallen: And we need to do something about it.

Aether was silent before answering.

Aether: I will help you fight the Vision Hunt Decree.

Kamisato Ayaka: You will? Really!?

Aether: But you must keep the promise you made me.

Kamisato Ayaka: Naturally, hehe.

Thoma: Alright, bravo, milady. You were right all along.

Kiana: Alright! We can fight against the Vision Hunt Decree!

Rozaliya: And we can return everyone's Visions back to them from the Raiden Shogun!

Rita: We will do it, Ms. Kamisato Ayaka.

Durandal: Whatever it takes. We'll end the Vision Hunt Decree.

Mei: And defeat the Raiden Shogun.

Kamisato Ayaka: See... I told you they wouldn't reject them. I'd placed my trust in the right people after all. Now then, given that the reminder of our discussion pertains to matters of a more... confidential nature... perhaps we could move to the Komore Teahouse? We ought not to involve other members of the Yashiro Commission.

Sakura: Yes we should. And we'll fly there.

(Komore Teahouse)

Once again we were at Komore Teahouse with tea.

Paimon: Well, here we are again...

Thoma: Please, continue without me. I'll keep watch.

Thoma goes outside to keep watch.

Durandal: So will I.

Durandal sits at the bar with the dog to watch whoever comes in while listening to everyone else.

Paimon: So, what's the deal with this place, anyway? What makes it your favorite meeting spot?

Kamisato Ayaka: This is land that was gifted to the Yashiro Commission by the shogun. The Kamisato Clan has the exclusive right to plan, build, and repair any property on this land — and even to allow or deny access. Such privileges exist due to the Yashiro Commission's role in managing ceremonial affairs. Oftentimes, it is not appropriate to discuss details in front of bystanders.

Sakura: Ayaka doesn't want any of her family members to get involved either.

Tamamo No Mae: So only we should know.

Paimon: Ohh Paimon gets it — gotta keep a bit of mystery, right?

Higokumaru: Yes.

Selune's Elgy: Yes.

Kamisato Ayaka: Once the number of ceremonial affairs conducted in the city began to decline, our forebears built a teahouse here. Only members of the Yashiro Commission are permitted to come and go as they please.

Paimon: Makes sense. Perfect place for a secret base!

Kamisato Ayaka: In any case, we can talk freely here. I presume Aether, you have a few questions that you wish to ask me?

Aether: What kind of god is the Raiden Shogun?

Kamisato Ayaka: The Almighty Shogun... I have seen her on but only a few occasions, most of them formal ceremonies...

Sakura: So have we.

Kallen: We've seen her before.

Tamamo: The Raiden Shogun is really menacing.

Kamisato Ayaka: She inspires awe, commands respect, and exudes a sense of absolute authority. But as I recall, there was something else about her that struck me even more deeply...

Kiana: What is it?

Mei: What was it about her that struck you even more deeply?

Kamisato Ayaka: It was her almost complete lack of any emotion. In that sense, she appeared to me to be less of a ruler and more of... well, an executive official, I suppose. Focused exclusively on her single goal of implementing Eternity, acting accordingly without feeling.

Sakura: I've sensed how she felt and she can't feel any emotion and only cares about her rule in Inazuma.

Aether: Is no one else fighting the Vision Hunt Decree?

Sakura: Yes and no.

Kamisato Ayaka: The issue is this... For the vast majority of people, the Vision Hunt Decree is something that has no implications whatsoever. After all, it is but a tiny minority of people who receive Visions. Moreover, it is not unknown for Visions to spark jealousy in others. Because of this, the attitude of most people towards the Vision Hunt Decree is one of indifference.

Paimon: How can they be like that...? Hmph, Paimon's getting mad...

Kamisato Ayaka: Nevertheless, in addition to us, there is also the resistance on Watatsumi Island.

Paimon: Resistance? You mean, like, an army fighting against the decree?

Kamisato Ayaka: Yes, many who have lost or fear losing their Visions have rallied together under Sangonomiya on Watatsumi Island to form a resistance group.

Kallen: We've met a lot of people from the resistance.

Tamamo: Those who want to keep their Visions runn away from the Raiden Shogun to the resistance.

Sakura: We've fought against her generals who support the Vision Hunt Decree.

Kamisato Ayaka: To say a little more about Sangonomiya... Historically, there has always been some conflict between them and the Shogunate of Narukami Island due to their different belief systems. But I do wonder whether there may be some other agenda behind their resistance movement, beyond merely fighting the Vision Hunt Decree...

Aether: Have you raised a formal objection to the Vision Hunt Decree?

Kamisato Ayaka: Of course. We have tried on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, each time a proposal to repeal the decree arrives at Tenshukaku, it is promptly vetoed by both the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission, and subsequently scrapped...

Sakura: It's just no use.

Kamisato Ayaka: They invariably adopt a stance of unconditional support for the shogun's decisions. They have no interest in discussing anything. It almost makes one wonder whether they had a hand in the shogun's sudden decision to issue the Vision Hunt Decree...

Aether: I have no further questions.

Paimon: Ooh, ooh, Paimon has a question though!

Kamisato Ayaka: Oh? What would you like to know, Paimon?

Paimon: Have you got a plan yet? To fight the Vision Hunt Decree?

Kamisato Ayaka: To be honest... we do not.

Paimon: Wh—What!

Paimon turned to Sakura.

Paimon: What about you?! Don't you have a plan?!

Sakura: Sorry, but we only said that our plan was to put an end to the Vision Hunt Decree but we didn't say how.

Kamisato Ayaka: Please, do not forget that challenging the Vision Hunt Decree is tantamount to challenging a deity. Coming to terms with that is already a difficult step to take.

Paimon: So... So, what're we gonna do?

Kamisato Ayaka: Well, for the moment, all we can do is to try and reduce the harm that is being caused by this decree.

Kamisato Ayaka: For example, by providing Vision bearers with safe refuge, or manufacturing counterfeit Visions for them as a contingency measure.

Paimon: You're telling Paimon that there are people out there who can make fake Visions!?

Kamisato Ayaka: Don't underestimate the talents of the craftspeople in Hanamizaka. To the naked eye, their counterfeits are indistinguishable from the genuine article.

Aether: Must have been where Venti went...

Kamisato Ayaka: The problem we are facing right now is that Master Masakatsu, who was providing us with counterfeit Visions, has recently been arrested by the Tenryou Commission.

Paimon: Oh darn! So they found out about it? Ugh...

Kamisato Ayaka: Yes... We knew it was not a long-term solution and that it was only a matter of time before it would be exposed... But we cannot simply abandon Master Masakatsu.

Aether: He has saved many others. It is only right that he should be saved, too.

Kamisato Ayaka: Exactly, I feel the same way. But given mine and Thoma's identities as part of the Yashiro Commission, breaking him out of prison would risk dragging down the reputation of the entire Kamisato Clan should we be caught. That would only serve to cast suspicion on any future activity we might seek to attempt.

Wetter: So you're offloading that job to us, huh?

Kamisato Ayaka: Hehe, by no means do we intend to place the burden of such a task on your shoulders alone. When you are ready, go to Hanamizaka, and look for a fireworks shop run by the Naganohara family. There, you will find someone who can help you.

Sakura stands up.

Sakura: I know where the place is, so follow me. I will take you there. I know someone over there who has a Pyro Vision and loves fireworks.

Kiana: Just who is this person we're meeting?

Kamisato Ayaka: You want to know who you'll be meeting in Hanamizaka? Let's just say... they'll be easy to find. You'll see what I mean when you get there, hehe.

Sakura: She's right. Wait until we get there. Hehe.

We followed Sakura, Tamamo, and Kallen out of the teahouse.