Here for another chapter after losing my 50/50 on Hu Tao!

But I lost so quickly it didn't matter, and it only guaranteed her and Dehya (which is ironic because I also wanted her, but also for another reason you will see later) so yeah...

This chapter took a little longer to update as I've been building my Hu Tao, but my rolls have kind of sucked so far on my artifacts...

Now, if Eula will ever show up while I'm playing so I can finally have most of all the characters I want!

...Yae being the odd one out, as she and I have a complicated history of 50/50 fails.

Thank you for all the support so far!

Every review, follow, and favorite means a lot!

Anyways, enjoy the chapter!


"You knew a war was coming, and you did nothing to stop it! You stayed in the shadows, watching and letting others handle the responsibilities… That isn't something a hero would do, now is it? What do you have to say for yourself?"

A long, awkward pause followed. His face darkened as he looked away from her.

Surely it was from the guilt. He had the power to deal with this…

Did he scoff at her?

How dare he?! She wouldn't stand for…

His petrifying stare swept away her thoughts, swallowed in the ocean of his blue eyes turning cold. She felt a shiver travel down her spine.

And then he finally spoke, his voice scathing.

"What makes you think I haven't been preparing for this moment, my lady?"


She wasn't feeling very well…

The situation here seemed dire from everything Ayaka described.

Civil war seemed unavoidable. The two Shoguns' views conflicted with one another on how to proceed.

What everything stemmed from was that the people of Watatsumi Island were never followers of the Raiden Shoguns and instead believers of Orobashi—the ancient serpent who was slain over two millennia ago by the Raiden Ei. While many believe this was because the snake God betrayed Celestia, and she was ordered, the reason was far simpler…

Watatsumi Island, despite its natural beauty, was ill–suited for sustaining crops despite the God's gifts on how to cultivate the land. It was simply not enough. Its people were starving, and it had to listen to their pleas…

So, it invaded land owned by the Shoguns, which resulted in a bloody, violent battle and its untimely demise. Its people were then subjugated and brought under Inazuma's rule but allowed to continue to worship Orobashi…

And those issues were never solved despite two millennia having passed. Raiden Makoto made several attempts to appeal to the people to help them with problems with growing crops, but success was elusive and temporary.

Then, the incident over five hundred years ago occurred. They were left stranded on their own, forced to defend themselves. If not for the great Kyuubi no Kitsune, something that left Lumine frozen in place upon hearing, the island could have been lost like many others.

Hatred and resentment festered. With many of the old issues lingering, the boiling point had finally been reached. They had enough…

Aether couldn't help but feel there was something more to the timing of this incident. Lumine…

Was still lost on the part of Kyuubi…

That legend was real?!

She knew Hinata and the Sword Princess took well-known stories and lore from known Gods and legends and retold them, like Barbatos, Rex Lapis, and the twin Raiden Shoguns, among many others. So she should have expected the same to be true of the Kitsune, but having a run-in with that woman that called herself Hinata who knew about her…

And what she had said bothered her!

What was the meaning of all this?

"Are you okay?" Ayaka gently reciprocated, knowing what she had informed the travelers of was quite a lot of information, and it could be overwhelming. "I understand that you are on a journey throughout Teyvat, but with your record of assisting in major crises…"

"While out on our journeys, helping others in trouble is second nature for us. It's why we became part of the Adventurer's Guild as part of our travels because we could do so much good while we search for a way back home and the one that can help us…" Aether began, taking a breath, his usual upbeat expression now taunt and stern. "And while we want to help however we can, and while I can not necessarily speak for my sister…"

"We've stayed out of conflicts such as these in the past. There is often no right side at the end. Only the people suffer…" Lumine found her words when her brother spoke, putting aside her thoughts. "We cannot in good conscience join one side or the other, especially as outsiders now with prominent status within Mondstadt and Liyue, if that is what you are asking. Many problematic issues could arise because of such circumstances."

Ayaka's expression dampened. Her bangs covered her eyes as she lowered her head, seeing Aether nod in agreement.

This was expected. They were correct in their assessment. She was asking too much of these travelers to help with this crisis…

"It does sound like there is something else happening that does perturb me." Aether frowned, raising his hand to his chin as he pondered what they were told. "I can't say for sure, but it doesn't feel right. After all these years, while tensions have always been high between both sides, why now it has descended to this state? Especially if talks and trade have worked well in recent years. It seems there is something more and that something is behind it…"

"Huh?" Ayaka's attention returned to travelers, her expression turning thoughtful, puzzling everything. "Well, yes. It is peculiar that tensions have been building more in the last few years. With their people's frustration mounting for things never seem to change, it always seemed this was inevitable, much like it was at the end of the Archon War…"

"But there have been some strange occurrences that don't make sense recently," Thoma added, Ayaka nodding, looking down with a troubled thought crossing her mind. "It isn't only the communication breakdown, but how both the Tenryou Commission and the Watatsumi forces have expressed that the other have been sabotaging supply routes, rumors of reconnaissance teams being utilized, and claims of spies within both organizations. There have nearly been skirmishes when either side confronts one another…"

Sharing a quick look between one another, feeling these weren't coincidences either, Lumine winced, and Aether let out a soft sigh. "I wonder…"

"It does feel like the Fatui, doesn't it?" Lumine's eyes sharpened, clicking her tongue before biting her lip. "Causing chaos behind the scenes… Finding a faction they can destabilize within the region to capitalize upon and draw attention away from themselves so they become one step closer to their objectives. It's exactly what they did to the Lawerence clan in Mondstadt and to us in Liyue…"

Frowning upon hearing their assertion, Thoma crossed his arms. "I know why you may think that from hearing of your dealings with them, but I can assure you there has been a close eye kept on them for quite some time throughout the years. Lady Ei has a passionate distrust for outlanders and has kept the Fatui's operations here in Inazuma monitored."

"But she doesn't personally oversee their every move. She leaves that to the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions, respectively. With what my brother had told me lately about their activities, I wonder…" Ayaka focused entirely on the travelers, her eyes shimmering brightly. "Given their recent activity in other countries, we should look into this. But if we are wrong, it could hurt our relations with Snezhnaya…"

"They're already doing that themselves from their actions in Mondstadt, Liyue, and considering what we learned a few weeks before heading here… Sumeru." Aether scoffed, finding it hard that other nations still had relations with the Fatui, given everything they had discovered and uncovered about their actions since their travels.

Then again, with some of what their members spoke after being captured and imprisoned did make him curious just what their actual objective was.

Why were they willing to go so far, even calling themselves the villains before others for their cause? It didn't make sense…

"Oh?" This caught Thoma's attention, and he was curious, having only heard some details. "You are talking about the incident in Sumeru? The scandal with Akademiya and the return of Lesser Lord Kusanali? I didn't hear anything about the Fatui being involved with that, so that is news. Wouldn't that be conjecture?"

"It's something we were recently told about when a friend of ours had to return home shortly after due to the incident." Lumine's gaze met Thoma's. "We can safely attest our source of information is accurate…"

"It comes directly from a Harbinger."


For one of the few times in her life, she was at a loss for words.

She couldn't believe what she had heard. Who that stupid idiot had come across all because he sat in his proclaimed seat just like she had done.

An exact duplicate of Naruto's former wife from his other world.

There was no doubt from the description Kuki gave. He had photos of her, and she had used her image to tell his story…

But also, if he was truly gone, to at least imagine they reunited. She wanted him to be at peace and knew she would take care of him.

However, she knew better than to think it was her. Unless there was some time travel gap between traveling through worlds, it couldn't be. She couldn't live for that long. Not after what happened to him to come here to Teyvat…

And become a kitsune, for he was not born one.

It was him.

It had to be.

But why? Why was he using a disguise? He would be welcomed back in Inazuma. No one here besides herself, Saiguu, Makoto, and Ei personally knew him.

It would be odd for an unregistered kitsune, or one from a different region, to travel through Inazuma's borders, she had to admit, as he existed long before paperwork such as that existed. She almost wanted to see that happen to know how the Kanjou Commission would have reacted and dealt with him.

Then again…

She didn't want to see Ei's reaction to him openly returning. As much of a positive change and effect he had on her…

Ei would immediately challenge him to a duel. She had some built-up resentment due to their history and the fact he was the only person to challenge her in battle and defeat Ei…

She was unsure how Inazuma would survive if the two fought like they did the last time. Or even if it was like their spars after when Ei wanted to measure and test her abilities to the fullest…

So many islands were lost to the seas. Thankfully, those islands were uninhabited.

But then, why did his book mysteriously appear at the shrine? Wouldn't he stay personally to see Saiguu? She was one of the few who helped him adjust to the culture here, so it didn't make sense.

"Why are you hiding, Naruto?" Yae muttered, her ears drooping and hanging softly behind her. "I don't understand… I need a drink. Uyuu sounds great right about now…"

Taking slow steps through the streets, unsure of what was happening, Miko gently sighed. She wanted to understand…

"Hm?" Her ears perked behind her as she passed by Kiminami Restaurant and noticed someone familiar eating with a small group. "Oh, she returned… With them in tow. Must be trying to…"

"Who are you?" Her eyes gleamed as another woman swept past the group after paying for her meal and making their way away.

However, something caught her interest. It was so swift she wouldn't have noticed if she hadn't paid attention. And it made her curious.

"Interesting. That belongs to…" Yae pursed her lips, keeping eyes on the woman leaving the area. "Now, why would an Eremite have something that belongs and shows devotion to Buer? Who are you, and why are you here, my lady?"

"And what interest do you have in the travelers?"


Hinata was at a loss for words.

Everything he had done. It had led to this very moment. He had been working toward this.

Calculating and predicting what was to occur. Gathering information on this newest threat…

All to protect everyone he cared for.

He was acting as everyone's shadow. Protecting them in the night so they could rest at ease during the day. But now…

The threat was revealed, and he, too, had to come to light.


"Are we sure about this?" Lumine commented as she set down her book, unable to focus as her thoughts kept rolling to what was discussed earlier.

"You said it yourself. This has their fingerprints all over it given how they operate in the shadows and sow discord in every nation." Aether stretched, gazing about the small but cozy hotel room they had booked for the night. "It feels almost too obvious that the Fatui are behind this incident, given their recent activities. Then, our run-in with Childe told us about what happened in Sumeru when we were looking after Teucer before heading back… Shenhe, what are you doing?"

"Practicing." Shenhe fluidly responded, eyes closed, while the room's temperature had dramatically dropped a few degrees.

She sat on one of the two beds in the room, in the lotus position as if she were meditating. One hand held out gently in front of her chest, an icy paper sigil within it as a female spirit formed and floated beside her.

"And you're doing that… Inside our hotel room?" Lumine blinked awkwardly, slightly afraid of what could happen.

If she lost her concentration for a mere second, this room would flash freeze, and they would have to pay for all the damages…

And the life of Adventure wasn't exactly the most luxurious one. It did pay rather well for the exceptional, but it was far from a comfortable living.

…They got by more on their notoriety and favor with the Knights of Favonius and Liyue Qixing.

"Is there an issue?" Shenhe's eyes slowly opened, tilting her head curiously as the ice around her faded. "Are you worried that I may cause damages to the room? I can cover costs if an unlikely accident were to occur. However, I am sure of my control. I've been trained to control and restrain my power since Cloud Retainer took me in."

"I kind of forget that you can cover your expenses and don't forget your wallet like our last guest…" Lumine muttered darkly as the thoughts of a certain man crossed her mind.

"But I think I know why Lumine is concerned and agree." Aether grinned, taking over for Lumine as she twitched over memories of having to pay for a certain Archon. "I know you usually train every night, but while we're in a hotel room… It's best not to do that inside in case something happens, and given our recent history, I wouldn't be surprised if someday soon someone barges in and attacks us in a hotel room."

Turning to Aether, registering his concern, Shenhe nodded. Standing up, she agreed with the request. "Very well. I did not consider that. I will use one of the meadows nearby to train… But I noticed an issue with this room."

"Hm, what's that?"

"Why are there only two beds?" Shenhe tilted her head and frowned. "There are three of us, and we all need a bed…"

"It's all they had tonight. Ayaka tried to barter for another bed for us before we meet with the Shoguns tomorrow, but she's done enough today, especially after paying for our meal." Aether scratched the back of his head. "So we'll just have to make it through the night until they have another room available for us. I guess use the chair for the night…"

"Nonsense." Shenhe frowned, placing a hand on her chest. "That is unacceptable. You will need proper rest before meeting the Archons. There is more than enough room on the beds. We could share…"

"No!" Lumine sharply cut in, surprising both her brother and Shenhe, sending both stumbling as she jumped up from the bed she was sitting on, a fierce blush spreading across her cheeks. "No, not happening! My brother and I can share a bed, or we can share a bed, Shenhe! Those are the only two options for sharing a bed!"

"Lumine?"

As Aether pondered why his sister looked extremely perturbed, Shenhe's eyes met with Lumine, and she shrunk under her gaze. Her protective gaze withered her, and she winced. "Forgive me. I did not think it would be an issue…"

"Yeah, think we're gonna need to set some boundaries. I'm starting to see some issues." Lumine frowned as she placed a hand on her hip and scowled. "Mind if you join you outside? We have a few things to discuss without my brother present."

"Okay, I'm missing context here." Aether scowled as he saw his sister and their companion lock gaze, Shenhe nodding to his sister's assessment. "I don't like not understanding what is happening here…"

"That's cause you are the most ignorant person in the world regarding this, I swear…" Lumine rolled her eyes, gesturing toward the door for Shenhe before smiling at Aether. "And I love you, but sometimes… I'll tell you later once this is sorted out."

"Okay?" Aether blinked, watching the two women exit the room, bewildered at the scene he had witnessed.

Knowing they would be out for a while, Aether sighed while deciding to lie down on the bed his sister had been lying on previously. Closing his eyes to rest until they came back, he sighed. "Really feels like I'm missing something here…"

"Understanding emotional choices by others is often quite difficult. That is something I understand well."

Aether jumped upon hearing another voice, but to his surprise, he wasn't in the hotel room.

Now, he was standing before a tall, vibrant tree in a flowing jungle, the tree glowing with a mystical energy. It looked utterly majestic, and he could hardly describe his feelings upon seeing it. However…

What took him aback was the small white-haired child with a jeweled leaf ornament within it standing before the mighty tree. Why was she here? In a place like…

Why was he here? Wasn't he just…

"You must have a lot of questions right now." The child smiled brightly at him, her unique green eyes shining vividly as she engaged in conversation. "I've been waiting to talk to you for a little while now since he placed so much faith in the both of you! It looks like he was able to get my emblem to you and your sister so I could bless you with my power!"

"What?" Aether's eyes shimmered at the young girl's words, taken aback.

Blessed with her power? Did that mean…

His eyes shot to his hands. It was there he noticed the jewels in his outfit that harmonized and glowed with the energy of this world were not the electro-purple he had once interacting with the Statue of the Seven upon arriving in Inazuma.

It was now a lighter green than the green Anemo he was used to.

His eyes snapped to the young girl who was giggling before him. "Wait, are you…"

"Yes! I am Buer. Also known as Lesser Lord Kusanali, but you can call me Nahida!" She smiled and clasped her hands together. "And I'm so excited to meet you!"

"I'm here to assist you as someone who caused much trouble here in Sumeru has also been disturbing the balance in Inazuma, and I have a debt to repay to my good friend!"


"Are you telling me, this entire time…"

"Not once have I stopped playing my role, my lady. I had to adjust it after my battle with the Rules, for what happened to me changed me permanently."

"I am not the same Kitsune I was before… Not anymore… I am something more."


Entering a small cave, a flicker of a flame guided sky-blue, dilated eyes to her destination. What seemed to be a simple tent site with a torch lit the area. Striding in the tent, it seemed to be a basic camping setup with one exception.

A lone teapot sat gently next to various other trinkets, looking quite undisguised amongst the rest of the things gathered there. No one would ever really think it was something special…

Until they placed their hand on it and were welcomed inside.

Feeling a pull around her body, the world around her changed.

No longer was this a cave.

Rocks were no longer overhead. The sky was a pristine orange as if the sun was fading. Yet there was no sun…

She was now in a meadowy plain filled with similar foliage to what she had seen today. Several small farmlands were plowed into the dirt with vegetation growing within.

A two-story house similar to the ones of Inazuma stood before her. She did not hesitate to open the door and walk inside.

He was there, after all.

"Ah, you made it back! Was starting to worry about ya!"

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have gone out alone without me if you were worried." She snapped back at the man, annoyance written on her face as she crossed her arms over her chest. "It's hard to do my job when you do that. It's even harder when you send me on errands! I had to take precautions on my return trip since I caught the eye of the Head Shrine Maiden. Don't know why she was in Inazuma City all day, but she was suspicious of me…"

"Ah, yeah, Miko is extremely clever and very cunning. She was a one-of-a-kind apprentice, I can say that much." He grinned, looking up from Hinata and the Sword Princess, placing the book on the table. "Once she got the message, I knew she would come looking for me. It's not your fault that she tracked you here, Dehya."

"What?!" Dehya snapped around as the door opened behind her, and sky-blue eyes peered directly into an electro-purple gaze filled with mixed emotions. "But how…"

"Skilled as you are, I have five hundred years more experience than you and training from the two greatest kitsune to walk Teyvat. You could only elude me if I allowed it." Miko sternly reprimanded the desert woman, ignoring her snarl, before her eyes shifted and fixed upon the other individual in the room. "As for you…"

"Hey, you have to deal with me…"

"What happened?" Miko's eyes glimmered as his eyes made contact with hers, a calming sensation washing over her as she was swallowed by the ocean within.

But now, there was something more within. Something deeper… Dreadful.

"Why didn't you come home until now if you could return? I don't understand any of this… And you feel so different…"

With his auburn-tipped ears folding on his blonde locks with a similar tint to them, Naruto let out a gentle sigh seeing Miko's expression. Giving a soft, reassuring smile, he gestured toward one of the sofas and chairs in the room. "This is gonna take some time to explain. But I assure you I'm mostly whole after the incident, and still me…"

Miko staggered, seeing the ocean turn into a smoldering, golden amber filled with hatred before they flickered back to the calm seas she was so used to seeing within him. He sighed again, flicking a hand through his locks and scratching his ears before shaking his head. "You can see it, can't you? That's gonna make things a little easier to explain."

"It's difficult to return when I'm not the only one inhabiting this body."