Splash, splash~
The cool touch of the stream lingered on her fingertips. The crystal-clear water shimmered like silver gauze, endlessly flowing across her slender hands. From time to time, a drifting cherry blossom petal would float past, resting softly in her palm.
This was the small cove between Ritou and Konda Village—the location where Kurisu had previously mentioned the incident occurred. Now, she, Ayaka, and Kurisu had come together to investigate. However, since the footprints on the beach were too scattered, Ayaka had proposed they split into two groups to search separately. Of course, "splitting up" only meant dividing into two teams.
She and Ayaka formed one group, while Kurisu explored alone in the opposite direction.
"These footprints… they're deeply sunken—it must've been quite recent," Ayaka said softly, touching the prints with her fingertips.
"The footprints Mr. Kurisu found before were far too chaotic. Someone must have made them on purpose—to mislead us, perhaps?" she murmured as she crouched by the trail of footprints, analyzing carefully.
"…"
Hearing her, the Shogun tilted her head slightly, glancing at Ayaka, who was kneeling on the sand in serious thought. Then she turned her gaze back toward the clear stream before her.
Indeed… at this moment, the Shogun was crouched by the stream, playing with the water. Her fair hands dipped into the current, letting it flow over her skin—it was a childish gesture, like that of a little girl.
Ayaka didn't mind her at all, allowing her to idly swirl the water while she focused on the footprints.
However…
When she glanced up again at the girl sitting beside her, resting her chin on her fan in thought, a mischievous spark rose in her heart. Gathering a small handful of water, she suddenly called out—
"Ayaka."
"Hmm? Shogun-sama, did you find—"
Splash!!
"—Ah!"
Just as Ayaka turned, about to ask what she had discovered, a sudden wave of cold water splashed across her fair face.
Pfft…
Seeing Ayaka's startled, drenched expression, the Shogun couldn't help but smile inwardly.
"Ugh…"
Ayaka blinked her wet eyelashes, looking up at her with mild protest.
"P-please wait a moment, Shogun-sama~ we're still—"
Splash!
"—Mmph~!"
Before she could finish her sentence, another splash came her way. This time, though, Ayaka was ready. She quickly unfolded her fan to block the water, letting a thin layer of frost spread over its surface to keep it dry.
"…Still what?" the Shogun asked with a hint of laughter.
"Phew! No~thing~!"
Splash!
After blocking the attack, Ayaka lightly bit her lower lip, the corners of her mouth lifting into a playful smile. Then, joining in the game, she crouched by the stream and retaliated with a quick flick of her hand, sending a small wave back at the Shogun.
"Take this~!"
Splash!
"Ugh!"
She instinctively turned her face aside, the cool stream brushing across her cheek. The collar of her kimono grew damp, clinging faintly to her skin and revealing a subtle hint of color beneath.
"Come at me, then."
Splash…
The Shogun retaliated immediately.
"Heh~"
Ayaka, anticipating her move, deftly raised her fan to block the splash. "Perfect block," she giggled, flicking more water in return.
"!"
This time, the Shogun lifted the oil-paper parasol resting on her shoulder, shielding herself from the water.
"Shogun-sama… using tools is cheating, you know~?" Ayaka teased, folding her fan with a graceful snap.
"Foolish question. Didn't you use your fan too?" the Shogun countered, brushing her damp bangs aside.
"…Pfft." ×2
Both burst into laughter, the moment feeling as light and carefree as the days of Ayaka's childhood—when they used to play together like this.
After about a minute, the playful splashing finally ceased. Both of their clothes were dotted with water, though not soaked; they had deliberately aimed for each other's faces rather than their garments.
"Phew… Shogun-sama, please… enough already," Ayaka said, wiping the moisture from her brow. With a soft sigh, she sank into a relaxed sitting posture on the sand. The dampness of her white tabi made the faint color of her skin visible beneath.
"My fault," the Shogun murmured with a touch of regret. "I shouldn't have played around with you."
"You misunderstand… While I don't mind playing with you, now isn't the right time," Ayaka said softly, hugging her knees and gazing at the Shogun with affectionate patience.
"This vessel… behaved rather childishly," the Shogun murmured, reproaching herself quietly.
"…"
Ayaka merely smiled faintly in response. Then she reached out, gently taking the Shogun's hand and helping her stand. From the pocket of her dress, she took out a light blue handkerchief and tenderly lifted the Shogun's damp hands, wiping away the remaining droplets.
"…"
Watching the young woman carefully dry her hands, the Shogun couldn't help but lift her gaze slightly, her violet eyes falling upon Ayaka's delicate face.
"Even you, Shogun-sama, need to relax from time to time. If you're always burdened with duties, you'll grow weary, too," Ayaka said softly as she continued to wipe her palms.
"Besides… everyone has a childish side—whether it's me, my brother, or you, Shogun-sama."
She stopped wiping, letting their fingers interlace as she held both of the Shogun's hands in hers.
"So… there's no need for you to feel guilty."
Her icy-blue eyes met the Shogun's gentle violet gaze.
"Phew… as expected, you're more mature than I am," the Shogun sighed quietly.
"Hehe… you flatter me. In front of you, Shogun-sama, I only pretend to be mature," Ayaka said, giggling softly. "Phew… let's not dwell on this. I've already found a lead. Shall we go find Mr. Kurisu together?"
With a sweet smile, she gave the Shogun's hand a little tug, gesturing toward Kurisu's direction.
"Let's go."
The Shogun glanced at their joined hands and sighed inwardly. This child… she's getting bolder by the day.
When the two finally regrouped with Kurisu—
"Did either of you find any clues? I couldn't find anything useful at all—just a mess of footprints everywhere," Kurisu said as he hurried toward them, looking both anxious and frustrated.
"Please, don't worry. We've already found something," Ayaka said calmly, her fan resting thoughtfully beneath her chin. She exchanged a quick glance with the Shogun.
"Ah… then, Miss Kamisato, what do you think?" Kurisu asked, breathing a sigh of relief. As long as Miss Kamisato wasn't worried, neither was he.
"The footprints on your side were simply a decoy—to hide the real escape route. The ones we found are the true tracks left behind by the culprits."
"Then you mean…?" Kurisu's eyes widened with realization.
"They're deep, and they were made recently. That means they haven't gone far. If we move quickly, we can still catch them," Ayaka analyzed calmly.
"Oh! I see now!" Kurisu exclaimed, enlightenment dawning on him.
"In that case… let's set off at once," the Shogun said firmly.
"Mm."
Ayaka nodded in agreement, then turned to Kurisu once more.
"Mr. Kurisu, please come with us."
"Of course!" he replied enthusiastically. Finding his lost goods had seemed like finding a needle in a haystack—but before him stood two women who had uncovered a lead with ease. Truly, they were remarkable.
Rustle…
A large hand lifted the cover of a wooden cart, revealing a pile of colorful fabrics. The man's eyes gleamed with greed—what he saw wasn't silk, but Mora. To him, this cart of fabric was a cart of gold!
"Boss… we've struck it rich today!" one of his men exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement.
"Yeah, yeah!! These silks are high-grade goods, no doubt about it… once we sell them—tsk, tsk!" another added eagerly, eyes shining at their newfound fortune.
"Ha… that so-called International Trade Association is really stingy, huh? Why didn't they bring out these treasures sooner? We've been living off scraps every day!" one of them grumbled, reaching out with his filthy hands to touch the fabric—but—
"Keep your filthy paws off!"
The giant man sitting cross-legged suddenly bellowed, his thunderous voice startling the others so badly they jerked their hands back instantly.
"B-but, boss… didn't we agree to split everything evenly?" one of them protested, sulking.
"Bah! Bunch of idiots! The value of these silks lies in their fine texture and vivid color! If you smear them with your mud-covered hands, who the hell's gonna buy them?!"
He growled furiously, his temper barely restrained. Pulling the brim of his tattered hat low, he gripped a chipped katana and clank!—plunged it into the ground.
"Anyone who so much as touches these silks in front of me—see this blade? It'll slice your damn head off!"
His voice echoed through the cove.
"Uh…" ×2
The two underlings exchanged uneasy glances, their faces twisting with discontent.
"This… wasn't part of the deal," one muttered to the other.
"Hmph… looks like he wants to keep it all for himself."
"…" ×2
They shared a sly look—and then, in perfect unison, both quietly drew their swords. Without a word, they lunged toward their "boss," blades flashing in the air.
"Heh… dogs biting dogs, huh? How fitting for the likes of you."
"!!" ×3
A cold, elegant voice pierced the air—crisp as frost, yet hauntingly beautiful. It echoed through the still forest like a ghostly whisper, sending a shiver down all three men's spines. They tensed immediately, raising their guards.
"Who's there?!" ×3
Crack! ×3
All three turned sharply toward the source of the voice, swords raised and poised for combat.
Their blades pointed toward a group of three… except that only two women stood before them. The third figure—a burly man—was cowering pathetically behind them.
The setting was still near the beach, right before the entrance to the forest—the border between shore and woods. The ronin had fled here to hide and rest, thinking they had escaped pursuit. But to their dismay, their hunters had already caught up.
Upon seeing who stood before them, the men's initial tension turned to mocking disdain.
"Who the hell are you two broads supposed to be? Get lost!" one of them sneered, waving his hand dismissively.
"Eek!"
Clearly, the insult was aimed at the two women—but it was Kurisu who flinched behind them, trembling in fear.
"Ayaka… comparing them to dogs would be far too generous," the violet-haired beauty beneath the parasol remarked coolly.
"Pfft… you're right. Dogs at least guard their homes and wag their tails for their masters~" Ayaka replied with a faint giggle. In that moment, the pure and elegant White Heron Princess transformed into a regal queen of frost.
"What?! You damn wench—say that again, I dare you!!"
Their faces twisted red and purple with rage as they pointed their swords at the two women, shouting furiously.
"What a pity… I never repeat myself," Ayaka said smoothly, bowing slightly with unshakable poise.
"You—!!"
"Silence!!"
The ronin leader roared, cutting off his subordinate. His eyes locked with the two women's, studying them warily before letting a crooked smile curl across his face.
"So… you two are here for this batch of silk?" he asked slowly.
"Indeed," came the Shogun's calm reply.
Ayaka covered her mouth lightly with her fan and nodded, her eyes glimmering with cold light.
"Go back… you're not capable of this. Don't get in the way of my profits," the man said dismissively, waving his hand.
"Profit?" Ayaka chuckled softly. "I'm afraid today, not only will you earn nothing—but even if you did, you wouldn't live to spend it."
Her tone grew colder by the second, yet her voice remained calm as ever.
"Hah? Just the two of you came here thinking you can take it back? Beat us? Two frail little women like you?" he sneered. The two in front of him were stunningly beautiful—clearly pampered noble ladies playing at heroism. The thought alone made him laugh.
If only he had the time, he thought wickedly, he'd capture these two and sell them along with the silk. Their price would fetch more than the goods themselves. After all, the "market" always favored pure, delicate beauties like them. Maybe… he really should try?
"How about this?" he said with a leering grin. "A fair trade—I'll give the silk back, and in exchange, you two pretty ladies come along with me."
"Phew…"
The Shogun sighed impatiently. She was speechless. In her mind, people like this could not be reasoned with—only silenced by a blade.
"Pfft… haha…"
Ayaka couldn't help but laugh. The sound was clear and musical, like silver bells. She wasn't laughing out of amusement, but rather at the sheer stupidity and ignorance of the man before her.
"My, such 'imaginative' thinking you have, sir," she said mockingly, her fan hiding her smile.
"You dare mock me! You—"
Kurisu, trembling behind the Shogun, couldn't bear to hear his companions insulted so crudely. He poked his head out to shout back—but—
"What's that? Oh~? You, a grown man, hiding behind two women? Don't you feel any shame?!"
"Ugh!"
Kurisu froze instantly and ducked back behind the Shogun. She looked at him, half-lidded, clearly unimpressed.
"Eh~? I recognize you! You're from that International Trade Association, aren't you?"
The man sneered. "That pathetic group crawling around Inazuma's territory, begging to survive—aren't you just parasites? Who protects you? Who stands up for you? Oh… right, women do, huh?" he said with mocking emphasis, glancing at the two women before him.
"Ha…"
A cold, elegant chuckle shattered the one-sided arrogance in an instant. Kurisu, who had nearly given up hope, froze and stared blankly at the violet-haired woman in front of him.
"You dare laugh?! What's so funny?!" the leader roared, veins bulging in anger.
"A pack of rabble," she replied simply.
The few words, cold and cutting, froze the air around them. Her tone alone was enough to drain the warmth from the air.
"…"
Ayaka frowned slightly. Not good… the Shogun's about to lose her temper.
"What?! Say that again—"
"The International Trade Association is a business guild. If they can profit in Inazuma, they can profit elsewhere as well. Isn't that ability?" the Shogun said, her voice like thunder hidden beneath calm waves.
"If they are parasites… then what does that make you?"
"You—!"
"Ignorant of the world, like stray dogs—no, worse. Dogs at least know loyalty and survival. You steal from others because you lack the strength to earn. Are you even worthy of being called parasites?"
"You—! You—! You damned—"
"Useless. Disgraceful. Lawless. You disturb Inazuma's peace and bring harm to its people—you have no right to live here."
Crackle!
In an instant, lightning burst from her body, the air itself trembling. Her violet eyes glowed with divine authority, their radiance pressing down on all who stood before her.
Drip…
Then, she felt a cool touch on her hand—Ayaka's hand, gently resting against hers. The chill was enough to calm her heart, freezing the rising storm within.
"…What is the meaning of this?"
"Phew… please, Shogun-sama, calm yourself. They are not worth your effort. Leave them to me," Ayaka said softly.
No need to dirty your hands…
With a whisper as light as the wind, she released the Shogun's hand and stepped forward, standing protectively before her like a loyal guard.
Clack…
Ayaka closed her fan, her icy-blue eyes glinting like frozen steel. Her hand moved to rest upon the hilt of her sword, Snowswept Sakura.
Crack…
A wave of frost swept from her body, freezing the stream at her feet into solid ice.
"Mr. Kurisu, do you remember our agreement?"
Her voice, edged with frost, pierced through him like an icy blade, making him almost collapse from fear.
"Y-yes…" he stammered.
"…Keep your silence, and I will fulfill my promise."
"R-right!" he nodded rapidly like a frightened bird.
"Please, step back to a safe place—and protect yourself. From here on… it's time I fulfill my word."