Boom—Boom!
The sky began to rumble with deep thunder, and blinding flashes of lightning pierced through the clouds, illuminating the entirety of Yashiori Island.
Splash…
Raindrops, the size of beans, poured down from the heavens mere seconds after the lightning's glare faded, drenching the once-still earth in a veil of moisture.
At this moment, on Nazuchi Beach, two opposing forces stood facing one another across the open field. Soldiers from both camps glared with hostility, tension so thick that it felt as though a single spark could set them upon each other.
Yet, even under such strain, the leaders of both sides remained calm, standing at the front of their respective troops, watching one another with composed, unyielding gazes.
"..."
Leading the resistance, Gorou quickly swept his sharp eyes over the shogunate army's formation and numbers. Their situation was dire—the enemy outnumbered them several times over. Just as Lady Sangonomiya had predicted, there was no ambush this time. Instead, the shogunate aimed to crush them head-on through sheer force. If that was the case… then Lady Sangonomiya must already have prepared accordingly.
He lifted his gaze toward Kujou Sara, who stood at the forefront of the opposing army. His brows furrowed slightly, his aura no weaker than hers.
"So, it's only you here… I thought I might see your 'strategist lady' this time."
Sara, unsurprised by his defiant tone, crossed her arms and replied coolly. The golden hue in her eyes reflected only the figure of the young general before her.
"After all, she's given our shogunate troops quite the trouble. The fact that your rebellion has lasted this long… you have her to thank for that."
She had half expected to encounter Sangonomiya Kokomi in person, yet it seemed the girl preferred to hide behind the scenes. What scheme was she plotting now?
"But this ends here. Against such an overwhelming difference in numbers, strategy holds no meaning."
Her sharp gaze narrowed, her commanding voice—low and magnetic—carried a chilling authority that brooked no defiance.
"Heh…"
Gorou's lips curved into a scornful smile. He had long expected those words. Such arrogance was typical—and he was long used to it.
"We already know the resistance's full strength. Those who defy our Shogun-sama will be punished," Sara declared coldly, ignoring his mockery.
Gorou shook his head, still smiling faintly.
"It seems we're the same as ever… neither side willing to listen. Heh… perhaps that's for the best."
His tone turned frigid.
"You believe in your Shogun-sama, while I believe in Lady Sangonomiya—and in every soldier of the resistance. Fair enough, isn't it?"
"..."
Sara frowned dangerously.
"Besides… the 'Vision Hunt Decree' is not the right path. We will never give up our resistance!"
Gorou's firm voice rose to rally his men, his conviction burning bright.
"!" ×N
The soldiers behind him all nodded resolutely.
"…It doesn't matter. That's your belief—it has nothing to do with us," Sara replied flatly, her tone unchanging and devoid of anger.
"..."
For a brief moment, Gorou hesitated, wondering if she had some other plan.
"There's one more thing. You've probably received the latest wanted list, haven't you? That blond-haired Traveler should be with you now."
Sara brought up the recent nationwide warrant issued across Inazuma. Since the Traveler was someone Shogun-sama herself had ordered to be captured, Sara would make sure to see it through personally. The Traveler's interference at the Vision Hunt Ceremony had earned her wrath—how dare they disrupt her Shogun-sama's divine rite?
"If you're willing to hand him over, I can grant you a short reprieve."
"!"
Gorou clenched his fists tightly, anger flashing across his face.
"At this point, a decisive battle benefits neither side. You understand that, don't you?" Sara continued, ignoring his expression as she placed a hand on her hip, her voice calm but authoritative.
Just as Lady Sangonomiya had foreseen… the enemy also wished to avoid needless losses. In that case, perhaps…
No! I must not act on my own! Everything must follow Lady Sangonomiya's plan!
Forcing his impulses down, Gorou drew in a deep breath and looked straight at Sara.
"Give up. That's impossible."
He rejected her offer coldly.
"…This is Shogun-sama's command. The Traveler must be captured and returned to the shogunate."
Sara's tone dropped low, her words carrying a clear warning, as though she might act at any moment.
"To you resistance fighters, he shouldn't matter that much, should he? If that's the case… why not hand him over to us? In exchange, we'll halt our offensive for a while. How about that?"
"You're wrong… He's very important to the resistance! Whatever your Shogun-sama desires has nothing to do with us! Besides, he's already joined us—he's one of my subordinates now. I won't hand him over to you!"
Gorou's expression hardened with anger, his voice sharp and firm.
"Heh… a bow with no strength left to pull."
Sara smirked faintly, mocking him.
"What did you just say?!"
Her words struck a nerve, and Gorou snapped, glaring fiercely.
"Nothing… I just don't understand why you'd protect an outsider who's barely even joined you."
"'The resistance will never betray a single comrade!'—that's a rule Lady Sangonomiya set long ago," Gorou declared proudly.
"Oh, I see… but that's her rule, isn't it? What does that have to do with our Shogun-sama?"
Sara's lips curved into a cold smile as she countered his words with the same logic he'd used.
"Ha ha ha…" ×N
The shogunate soldiers behind her joined in, laughing mockingly in unison.
"You—!"
Gorou's face flushed red, choked with anger.
"I'll admit Sangonomiya Kokomi is impressive—but I wonder how long her little strategies can last. Today she uses one plan, tomorrow another—does she think she can rely on tactics forever? Eventually, your resistance will crumble. It'd be wiser to surrender now."
"!"
That final taunt completely provoked Gorou.
"Am I wrong?" Sara said with a faint smirk, pressing the attack. This was a technique Shogun-sama herself had once taught her—psychological provocation. To see it still work so perfectly was quite satisfying.
"Kujou Sara!"
"General Gorou!"
Just then, a young voice cut through the rising tension. Gorou froze briefly and turned toward the sound. Three figures approached… or perhaps two and a half.
One was the blond-haired Traveler, Aether; another, the floating companion Paimon; and beside them stood a young man in resistance armor.
"Teppei? Aether? What are you doing here?"
"We came to help you! Whew… you almost fell for Kujou Sara's provocation just now!" Aether said, still a bit shaken.
"Ah… sorry. I'm still not mature enough. But since you're here, good! Let's fight together this time!"
"Mm!"
"Don't worry, we've got this!" Paimon and Aether both nodded firmly. Finding the resistance had taken them days of travel and inquiry, and though the journey had been exhausting, they were finally here—standing beside General Gorou and Teppei as allies.
"So, we meet again… This time, I won't let you escape," Sara said, shifting her focus to Aether the moment she saw him. Their gazes locked—neither yielding an inch.
The prey had walked right into her hands. Perfect. It saved her the trouble of hunting him down herself.
"Whether I leave or not isn't for you to decide," Aether retorted coolly.
"He's right~! Last time, we couldn't fight properly… but this time, that's going to change~!" Paimon added, puffing up and crossing her arms, trying to look fierce.
"I thought joining the resistance meant you'd hide behind them for protection," Sara said, ignoring the little creature entirely as she kept her eyes fixed on Aether.
"Hey! Don't ignore me—!"
"Silence."
Sara's cold, cutting tone snapped through the air like a blade. Her gaze was sharp, her voice full of disdain. "Keep talking, and I'll shoot you down myself."
"Eek!! Aether—she… she's being mean to me!"
Terrified, Paimon darted erratically through the air like a fluttering paper bag before hiding behind Aether.
"Paimon, quiet down," Aether said wearily.
"Ugh…"
She fell silent at once.
"For you to stand here means you're braver than I expected," Sara said evenly. "In that case… I have a proposal."
"…What do you mean?" Aether lowered his stance slightly, hand inching toward his sword, his expression tense.
"This time's 'duel before battle'—you'll represent the resistance."
A duel before battle—an age-old custom where each army sent a champion to fight before the full-scale war began. For the stronger side, it was mostly meaningless; for the weaker, it could rally morale.
Sara's true intent, however, was simple: use this duel as a chance to capture the Traveler. Crushing the resistance afterward would simply be a convenient bonus—two birds with one stone.
For the resistance, though, it was also an opportunity. If the Traveler could defeat the shogunate's warrior, their troops' morale would soar. Of course, Gorou would never allow Sara to take him away.
One way or another, this battle would happen today—they both knew it. The only question was what Aether would choose.
The soldiers on both sides clenched their weapons, their breaths held, eyes fixed on the Traveler.
"..."
Aether hesitated, weighing his options. Paimon, for once, stayed quiet.
"Aether… don't push yourself. If you refuse, we'll just fight," Gorou said reassuringly.
"Aether…"
Paimon looked at him nervously, worry written all over her face.
Then, after a long moment of silence, Aether finally spoke.
"I…"
The Traveler stepped forward alone, walking toward the space between the two opposing armies. At the same time, Kujou Sara gestured for one of her soldiers to advance as well—standing face-to-face with the Traveler. Instantly, the atmosphere turned razor-sharp, the air crackling with tension.
These scenes unfolded beneath the crosshairs of a telescope somewhere in the distance.
Kokomi lowered the telescope from her eyes, her expression thoughtful as she rested her gloved hand against her chin. The large detachment she commanded lay hidden along the hillside flank of Nazuchi Beach. The soldiers' forms were perfectly concealed by branches and grass, silent and unseen—like ghosts lurking in the mist. The shogunate army passing nearby remained completely unaware of their presence.
"Lady Sangonomiya… Captain Beidou's fleet is in position. Everyone is ready and waiting for your command."
Hearing the Swordfish Unit captain's report as he hurried up beside her, Kokomi gave a small nod.
"Good work…"
Their forces were facing directly toward the center of Nazuchi Beach. If all went according to plan, once the battle began, their sudden ambush would crush the shogunate's formation and drive them back once again.
She lifted her telescope again, turning her gaze toward Gorou's position in the distance.
So that's the Traveler he mentioned, huh? It seemed the opponent had proposed a duel before battle.
Through the lens, Kokomi watched as the Traveler swiftly defeated the first shogunate warrior who had stepped forward. Now, the second one took his place. Even with the telescope enhancing her vision, the distance made it difficult to see every detail of the fight—but she could sense it clearly: the Traveler's skill was extraordinary. His movements carried power and precision, and he even wielded elemental energy… yet she saw no sign of a Vision resonating on him.
"He doesn't have a Vision…?" Kokomi murmured softly.
To wield elemental power without a Vision—so that's how it is. No wonder Shogun-sama is so fixated on him. This foreigner truly is remarkable.
"Lady Sangonomiya…"
"Not yet."
Without lowering the telescope, Kokomi responded calmly, already knowing what her subordinate was about to ask.
"Uh… understood."
The captain blinked in surprise before nodding.
By that time, Aether had already defeated the second shogunate warrior. It seemed they were using a rotation tactic—a third warrior stepped forward, his heavy armor clanking with each step, exuding an oppressive aura. He adjusted his stance, setting his blade for an iaido draw.
"Good!" ×N
The resistance soldiers raised their voices together, cheering for Aether. Even Gorou allowed himself a small, proud smile.
"!"
Aether gripped his sword tightly again, focusing completely, ignoring the defeated warriors groaning on the ground beside him.
"Ahhh!!"
The armored warrior charged forward, his feet pounding the wet earth as he prepared to strike.
"Hah!"
Aether met the attack head-on, his blade flashing in defense.
Clang!
The two blades collided with a deafening crash!
Moments later, the third warrior too fell to the ground, covered in wounds but still clinging to life.
"Good!!" ×N
The resistance's cheers erupted once again.
"Phew! Anyone else?"
Aether exhaled heavily, taking a few steps back to steady his breathing, then lifted his gaze toward Kujou Sara, who stood with her arms crossed.
"!" ×N
The shogunate soldiers behind her exchanged glances, hands tightening instinctively around their weapons.
"Impressive… No wonder you managed to escape from Shogun-sama's grasp. It seems continuing this duel is pointless."
As Sara's words fell—
Clack! ×N
The shogunate soldiers behind her moved in perfect unison, raising their weapons and aiming them toward the resistance ranks. The metallic chorus of drawn blades echoed across the beach.
"Prepare!"
Realizing her intent, Gorou shouted loudly to his soldiers, rallying them to ready themselves for battle.
Clatter! ×N
The resistance mirrored the motion, forming up their defensive lines.
"Eh?"
Aether, still standing in the middle between both armies, froze for a moment.
"Aether! Get back here!"
"Ah—!"
Paimon appeared just in time, grabbing him and dragging him out of harm's way with all her might.
"Soldiers, advance!! Glory to the Shogun and her everlasting reign!"
"Glory to the Shogun and her everlasting reign!" ×N
The next moment—following her command—the shogunate army roared out the slogan in unison!
"Ohhhhhhhh!!" ×N
Boom! Boom! ×N
With weapons in hand, the shogunate soldiers surged forward toward the resistance. The overwhelming pressure of the advancing army sent even Aether and Paimon momentarily trembling.
The ground quaked beneath their charge, the pounding of countless feet like an onrushing thunderstorm. Dust rose high into the air as their deafening battle cries filled the beach—like a ferocious tiger descending from the mountains.
"So it's war then? Perfect! We've had enough of this! All troops, engage! For Lady Sangonomiya! For the will of the people!"
"For Lady Sangonomiya!! For the will of the people!!!" ×N
The resistance forces responded in kind. As Gorou's voice rang out, his soldiers echoed with full force, their shouts shaking the air.
"Charge!!"
"Ohhhhhh!!" ×N
Both armies collided as one, surging forward in a massive charge!
Bang! ×N
Clang! ×N
In an instant, Nazuchi Beach erupted into chaos—screams, shouts, and the clash of steel filled the air.
"Lady Sangonomiya?!"
The Swordfish Unit captain beside Kokomi looked on anxiously.
"Wait a bit longer."
Kokomi's tone remained composed, though her voice carried a subtle heaviness. The tension showed in her clenched hands, the faint tremor betraying how tightly she held back her emotions.
Meanwhile, Sara drew her bow from afar, channeling Electro energy into the arrow.
Crackle!
Blinding violet light gathered at the tip, coiling like a living thunder-dragon.
Whoosh!
She released the string, the electrified arrow slicing through the air, threading precisely through the chaos—aiming straight for Gorou's face!
"!"
Gorou had just kicked aside a shogunate soldier when he spotted the streak of lightning coming for his head. His teeth clenched; he leapt sideways in a midair roll, narrowly dodging the arrow. It brushed so close that the surge of electricity singed the ends of his hair.
"Damn it…"
Landing hard, Gorou reached up to touch the scorched tips of his hair. Scowling, he bared his teeth in a doglike snarl at Sara across the battlefield—then quickly nocked an arrow and fired it back in retaliation!
Whoosh!
Sara tilted her head slightly, letting the arrow glide past harmlessly.
"Advance!"
She gave the order sharply and sprinted forward herself, bow in hand, leading the charge at the front line!
"Ohhhhhh!!" ×N
Following her command, the shogunate troops launched their second wave of assault, surging once more into the thick of battle.
Clang! ×N
The once-clear beach was now filled with chaos—the roars of men, the clashing of blades, the echo of war.
A towering shogunate warrior swung his massive blade, its force enough to fend off three resistance soldiers at once. With a mighty sweep, he flung them aside like ragdolls.
"Ahhh!"
Another fighter tried to ambush him from behind, but the giant spun around, kicking the attacker away, then followed with a punch that sent another soldier flying!
"Ahhh!" ×3
Three more resistance fighters rushed him in a triangular formation, their spears pressing tightly from both sides, locking down the warrior's movements.
"Urghhh!"
Bang! ×N
The soldier froze for a heartbeat—then roared, surging with adrenaline. Like a raging beast, he threw all three men aside, sending them crashing heavily into the sand.