Tenshukaku, The Next Day
The solemn air of Tenshukaku was thick with an unspoken tension. The grand halls of the Raiden Shogun's palace, normally silent save for the occasional whisper of an attendant or the measured footsteps of guards, were now filled with the presence of Inazuma's most powerful governing bodies.
By the decree of the Raiden Shogun herself, the Tri-Commission leaders had been summoned. None of them dared to question the call. The day prior, the skies above Inazuma had trembled, as if the gods themselves had clashed. The entire nation bore witness to the storm that split the heavens—a battle so fierce that even the most hardened warriors had fallen to their knees in awe.
And at the center of it all had been their Shogun… and the mysterious man who now stood beside her.
Kujou Sara, General of the Tenryou Commission, stood at the front of the chamber, her gaze sharp as ever. Her armor gleamed under the dim light of the hall, her disciplined stance unwavering as she addressed the gathered leaders.
"The Almighty Shogun has summoned you."
A command, not a request.
The leaders of the Tri-Commission stood before the throne, their heads bowed in reverence.
At the forefront was Kujou Takayuki, the head of the Tenryou Commission. His stern expression was one of unwavering loyalty, his posture rigid as he awaited the Shogun's command. The Tenryou Commission, responsible for the military and police affairs of Inazuma, was the most powerful of the three commissions, its authority second only to the Shogun herself. It was the Tenryou Commission that enforced the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree, its soldiers, and samurai serving as the iron fist of the Shogun's will.
Beside him stood Hiiragi Shinsuke, the head of the Kanjou Commission. His expression was one of cautious neutrality, his sharp eyes flicking between the Shogun and Momon. The Kanjou Commission managed the finances of the nation, supervised the borders of Inazuma, and handled mercantile and bureaucratic affairs. It was the Kanjou Commission that enforced the Sakoku Decree, its agents ensuring that no one entered or left the nation without the Shogun's permission.
Finally, there was Kamisato Ayato, the head of the Yashiro Commission. His calm demeanor and sharp intellect made him a formidable leader, his presence commanding respect even in the shadow of the Shogun. The Yashiro Commission was responsible for ceremonial affairs, celebratory events, and public festivals. It managed the shrines and temples of Inazuma and was considered the commission closest to the Raiden Shogun, its leaders often serving as her advisors and confidants.
All three leaders remained motionless, heads bowed low.
The Raiden Shogun sat upon her grand throne, her expression unreadable, her posture regal. She was dressed in flowing violet robes of silk, lined with gold patterns resembling crackling lightning. The katana that had cleaved gods and armies alike rested at her side, its presence alone commanding respect and fear.
As the leaders finally raised their heads, their eyes caught sight of the two figures standing beside their Archon.
To her left stood Yae Miko, her closest confidant and the head shrine maiden of the Grand Narukami Shrine. Her nine-tailed fox nature was well-hidden beneath her human guise, but the playful glint in her eyes hinted at the centuries of wisdom and mischief she possessed. Draped in elegant robes, her arms crossed over her chest, Miko bore a slight smirk, as if already amused by what was about to transpire.
But it was the figure on the Shogun's right that made the air in the chamber thicker—the very reason they had all been summoned.
A man clad in black armor, intricate and imposing. His masked face betrayed no emotion, yet the sheer presence he exuded was unlike anything the Tri-Commission had ever encountered. Momon.
Though none of them dared to speak it aloud, they all knew who he was.
He was the man who had fought the Raiden Shogun.
The man who had not only survived her divine wrath but had stood as her equal.
A mortal who wielded power that rivaled that of gods.
Silence gripped the chamber. No one spoke until the Raiden Shogun herself finally did.
Her voice was calm, yet it carried a weight that pressed upon their very souls.
"Raise your heads."
Kujou Takayuki was the first to speak, his voice steady but tinged with disbelief. "Shogun… what is the meaning of this?" he asked, his sharp eyes flicking between Ei and Momon.
Ei's response was calm, her violet eyes burning with an intensity that matched the storm. "This is Momon," she said, her tone firm. "He is… an ally."
The word hung in the air, its weight pressing down on the assembled leaders. Hiiragi Shinsuke's eyes widened in shock, his sharp mind racing as he tried to process the implications of the Shogun's words. Kamisato Ayato, ever the diplomat, remained calm, his expression unreadable as he observed the scene with sharp, calculating eyes.
"An… ally?" Hiiragi Shinsuke repeated, his voice trembling with disbelief. "But… he fought you. He destroyed Seirai Island. He—"
"Enough," Ei interrupted, her voice sharp and commanding. "The past is behind us."
Kujou Takayuki's jaw tightened his expression one of frustration and confusion. "But Shogun, the people… they are afraid. They do not understand—"
"They will," Ei said, her tone firm but carrying an edge of finality.
"But I do not concern myself with what the people do not understand." Her voice carried effortlessly through the chamber, cold and unyielding. "I am the shepherd, and they are the sheep. I am the law."
The words rang like a thunderclap, sending an involuntary shudder through Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke. Kamisato Ayato, ever composed, remained still, but even he kept his head slightly lowered in deference.
Then, the Shogun stood.
The weight of her presence bore down upon the room like a celestial decree. The Tri-Commission leaders, despite years of serving under her rule, felt something was different this time.
"I, the Shogun—" Ei's eyes swept across them, her voice carrying an unmistakable finality. "Today, I declare the abolishment of the Sakoku Decree and the Vision Hunt Decree."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
The air grew so still that the flickering torches along the walls seemed to dim. The very foundation of Inazuma's rule had just been shattered in a single breath.
"The Visions that have been confiscated shall be returned to their rightful owners," Ei continued, her tone unwavering, as if daring anyone to challenge her.
The Tri-Commission heads went rigid.
Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke exchanged a glance—an unspoken understanding flashing between them. This was a disaster.
For years, their factions had upheld these decrees, ensuring Inazuma remained in isolation, aligning themselves with the Fatui in secret deals that bolstered their own power. The Vision Hunt Decree, in particular, had granted the Tenryou Commission unparalleled authority, and the Kanjou Commission had profited immensely from the control of imports and trade restrictions.
And now… all of it was collapsing.
Kujou Takayuki's jaw tightened before he finally dared to speak.
"Almighty Shogun…" His voice was careful, respectful—but beneath it lurked the desperation of a man seeing his empire unraveling. "Isn't this decision… a bit hasty? The war with Watatsumi Island is still ongoing as we speak."
Ei's expression did not change.
"I have already sent a messenger to the leader of the Watatsumi Army." Her words were direct, sharp as the edge of a blade. "Their leader will soon arrive on Narukami Island to discuss peace terms."
Hiiragi Shinsuke's hands curled into fists.
"But why this sudden change, Shogun?" His voice carried an edge, the tension causing his carefully maintained composure to crack. "Is it because of him?"
And then, he pointed.
At *Momon.
At the being standing beside the Raiden Shogun, clad in dark armor that seemed to absorb the very light around him.
The moment Hiiragi Shinsuke raised his hand, he felt it.
An invisible pressure filled the air.
"You better put that finger down, old man."
Momon's voice was like a distant growl of thunder, deep and commanding.
The very tone of it sent a chill racing down Hiiragi Shinsuke's spine.
The Kanjou Commission leader quickly withdrew his hand, realizing only too late that it had been a grave mistake to provoke this man or monster.
Momon's very presence in this room unnerved him.
The day before, this man had fought the Raiden Shogun herself. He had faced the God of Eternity in battle—and defeated her.
And now, here he stood, standing at her right hand.
A position of power that no mortal had ever held before.
The realization sank in like a stone dropping into the depths of the ocean.
The rules of Inazuma were changing.
Then, Raiden Ei's voice cut through the silence once more.
"Kujou Takayuki."
The Tenryou Commission leader stiffened.
"Yes, Almighty Shogun!" he answered immediately, his forehead damp with sweat.
She turned.
"Hiiragi Shinsuke."
The Kanjou Commission leader swallowed.
"Yes, Almighty Shogun!" he echoed, trying to keep his voice steady.
Then, her next words struck like a lightning bolt.
"You two have committed treason."
Silence.
This time, it was heavier. More suffocating.
For a moment, neither man moved. Neither man breathed.
Then—
Kujou Takayuki's face paled. Hiiragi Shinsuke's eyes widened in horror.
Their hearts pounded against their chests as they realized what was happening.
The Raiden Shogun had just pronounced judgment upon them.
Their hands trembled. Their years of power, their careful alliances, their deals with the Fatui—everything they had built—were now crumbling to dust.
For the first time in their lives, they felt what it truly meant to stand before a god.
And Momon—the man beside her—watched them in complete silence.
There was no mercy in his gaze.
Only judgment.
Kujou Takayuki's jaw tightened his expression one of disbelief and desperation. "Almighty Shogun, we have always served you faithfully," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "We would never—"
"Silence!" Ei's voice cut through the air like a whip, her tone sharp and commanding. "Your collaboration with the Fatui is well known. You have betrayed Inazuma, and you will face the consequences."
Hiiragi Shinsuke's sharp eyes flicked nervously between the Shogun and Momon, his mind racing to find a way out. But there was no escape. The Shogun's authority was absolute, and her judgment was final.
Kujou Takayuki took a deep breath, steeling himself as he stepped forward, his posture rigid. Beads of sweat gathered at his temples, but he maintained a facade of composure.
"Almighty Shogun, I do not deny that we collaborated with the Fatui," he admitted, his voice measured yet strained. "But let me assure you, this partnership was never to the detriment of the citizens. Everything we did was within reason. In fact, we discussed these matters with you a year ago."
Raiden Ei remained impassive, her expression unreadable as she listened. However, it was another voice that cut through the silence.
"And what, exactly, did you work on with the Fatui?" Yae Miko's tone was deceptively light, but her sharp gaze pierced through Kujou Takayuki like a blade. She stood to the side, her arms crossed, amusement flickering in her violet eyes, though beneath it lay something more dangerous—an unspoken warning.
Kujou Takayuki faltered for a brief moment. "We… we…" His words failed him as he struggled to find a proper response. His throat tightened as if he were suffocating under unseen pressure.
"Allow me to answer," came a calm, composed voice from the side. Kamisato Ayato, leader of the Yashiro Commission, finally spoke, stepping forward with the grace of a noble. His piercing gaze swept over the accused men before he addressed the Shogun.
"The Kanjou Commission and Tenryou Commission conspired with the Fatui for personal gains," he stated with unwavering confidence, his tone unwavering and deliberate.
"Blasphemy!" Kujou Takayuki snapped, his hands balling into fists. "The Kujou Clan has served the Shogun faithfully for generations! We have always been loyal to the Shogunate, never straying from our sworn duty!"
"Shame on you, Kamisato-dono," Hiiragi Shinsuke barked, his face twisting in anger. "How dare you cast such baseless accusations upon our clans?"
Ayato's expression remained unchanged, unfazed by their outrage. "I am not done yet," he said coolly, his voice slicing through their protests like a well-honed blade.
He turned his sharp gaze to Kujou Takayuki. "You, Kujou Takayuki, were the one who proposed the Vision Hunt Decree to the Shogun, knowing full well the chaos it would bring. Under the guise of preserving eternity, you sought to push Inazuma into the throes of civil war, creating unrest so that the Fatui could mass-produce Delusions and establish a lucrative market."
Ayato then shifted his focus to Hiiragi Shinsuke. "And you, Hiiragi Shinsuke, were promised wealth and power in return. You allowed yourself to be roped into this conspiracy, stockpiling Crystal Marrow for the Fatui's use, turning a blind eye to their manipulations in exchange for their favor."
The two clan leaders stood frozen, their expressions betraying their shock. They had underestimated Kamisato Ayato, their young rival who had remained in the shadows—watching, waiting, gathering evidence. Now, he had laid their schemes bare before the Shogun herself.
A murmur rippled through the assembled officials, the weight of Ayato's words sinking in. Suspicion and condemnation painted the faces of those present.
Kujou Takayuki swallowed hard before speaking, his voice laced with desperation. "Almighty Shogun, these accusations are false! I swear upon my honor, I would never betray Inazuma!"
Raiden Ei's gaze, cold and unwavering, rested upon him. Then, in a voice as final as a judge's sentence, she uttered a single word.
"Guards."
The heavy sound of armored footsteps filled the chamber as ten guards stormed in, their disciplined movements precise and unwavering. Spears glinted under the dim lantern light as they surrounded the two men, their expressions unreadable beneath their helmets.
"Wait—this is a misunderstanding!" Hiiragi Shinsuke tried to step back, only to feel the sharp tip of a spear press against his chest.
"You cannot do this, Almighty Shogun!" Kujou Takayuki pleaded, his voice cracking. "We have served you faithfully! This is a mistake!"
Raiden Ei did not respond. Her silence was more damning than any words she could have spoken.
The guards seized the two clan leaders, their protests falling on deaf ears. Bound and disgraced, they were led from the chamber, their fates now sealed.
As the heavy doors shut behind them, silence reigned once more in Tenshukaku.
"Miko… what punishment should they receive?" Ei's voice was calm, yet there was an underlying weight to her words. The question hung in the air like an unsheathed blade.
Miko's fox-like eyes flickered as she tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into an enigmatic smile. "I would prefer not to answer that question," she said lightly. Though she had suffered greatly during the Fatui's desecration of the Grand Narukami Shrine, she had no desire to play the role of judge. "After all, I am but a humble shrine maiden, not an executioner."
Ei's eyes narrowed slightly, but she did not press further. She understood Miko's reluctance. The Guuji was not one to involve herself directly in matters of politics or punishment, preferring to observe and guide from the shadows. Instead, Ei turned her gaze to the figure standing silently at the edge of the room—Momon, the enigmatic Honorary Knight.
"Momon?" Ei asked, her voice carrying across the room. "What is your opinion?"
Murmurs rippled through the chamber. The gathered soldiers, officials, and members of the Tri-Commission exchanged puzzled glances. Why would the Almighty Shogun ask an outlander such a thing?
Speculation swirled like an autumn storm. Some believed the reason lay in the battle where Ei had been defeated—a battle that had seemingly changed her perspective. Her respect for Momon was undeniable, perhaps even bordering on something more. But should that afford him a say in the governance of Inazuma? He was still an outsider, an enigma wrapped in an imposing shell of armor, his very presence exuding an eerie authority.
The Honorary Knight, Momon, stood tall, his imposing figure draped in a gothic hooded cape. His mask, an impenetrable veil over his true identity, seemed to harbor something otherworldly beneath. The aura surrounding him was suffocating, as if a deathly presence clung to him, unseen but felt by all.
His answer came without hesitation, his deep voice echoing through the chamber.
"Death, of course."
A wave of shock rippled through the room. The severity of his words sent chills down spines. Gasps whispered through the assembly as they processed his judgment.
"Their crime was on a national level," Momon continued, his voice steady, absolute. "They allowed an ominous foreign organization to entrench itself in Inazuma, to weave chaos into its foundations like a puppet master. And for what? Greed? Power? Self-preservation? No matter the excuse, they willingly invited a wolf into the den, endangering the people they were sworn to protect. If treason of this magnitude does not warrant execution, then what does?"
He turned his masked gaze toward Ei, his next words striking deep. "They should be executed by you personally."
Raiden Ei's fingers flexed slightly around the hilt of her sword, her expression unchanging, but something flickered in her eyes—a quiet understanding.
"You think that's the right choice?" Kujou Sara spoke at last. She had stood silently through the proceedings, her mind a storm of emotions. Though she had remained composed when her adoptive father was taken away, her heart had been in turmoil. Now, she needed to understand—was this truly the only path?
Momon turned his gaze toward her, his voice carrying the weight of absolute certainty. "Executing two powerful clan leaders will send an important message. A message to every lesser clan leader who might dare to fall into corruption, who might dare to endanger the nation for their own selfish desires." His words were harsh, but undeniably logical.
Kujou Sara clenched her fists at her sides. She wanted to argue, to defend her father. But the truth was undeniable. The extent of his corruption was laid bare before her, and no amount of loyalty could justify what he had done. Her heart ached with conflict, but she could not refute Momon's words.
The chamber was silent once more, all eyes on the Shogun.
Raiden Ei closed her eyes for a brief moment before speaking, her tone resolute.
"I am in favor of execution." Her voice, devoid of hesitation, carried the weight of absolute judgment. "Tomorrow morning, Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke shall be executed."
With fluid grace, she unsheathed her legendary blade, Musou Isshin, the radiant violet glow illuminating her solemn expression. "They will have the honor of being beheaded by my own hand."
The gathered officials bowed their heads in acknowledgment, the fate of the traitors sealed.
As the tension in the room settled into grim finality, the storm of Inazuma's past sins prepared to meet the edge of the Shogun's blade.
As the heavy doors of the Tenshukaku creaked shut behind the departing members of the Tri-Commission, the atmosphere within the grand hall began to lighten, though the weight of the day's events still lingered in the air. The accused had been led away, their fates sealed, and the Shogun had retired to her private chambers, leaving the remaining attendees to disperse. Among them, Yae Miko and Momon made their way toward the exit, their presence drawing curious glances from the few officials and soldiers who remained.
Momon's imposing figure moved with a deliberate grace, his dark armor and hooded cape casting an almost spectral silhouette against the dimly lit corridors. Yae Miko walked beside him, her usual air of playful confidence tempered by the gravity of the situation. The two exchanged few words, the silence between them comfortable yet charged with unspoken thoughts.
As they neared the grand entrance of the Tenshukaku, a voice called out, smooth and composed, yet carrying an undercurrent of curiosity. "Honorary Knight Momon."
Momon halted his steps, turning slightly before fully facing the speaker. His deep, unreadable eyes hidden behind his mask locked onto the approaching figure.
"Yes?" he responded, his tone neutral yet acknowledging.
A tall and refined man, dressed in elegant yet pragmatic garments that denoted his status, stepped forward. His demeanor exuded confidence, but there was an undeniable air of calculated tact behind his every movement.
"I am Kamisato Ayato, head of the Kamisato Clan and Commissioner of the Yashiro Commission. It is an honor to finally meet one of the heroes of Mondstadt and Liyue," Ayato said, his voice smooth as silk yet carrying undeniable authority. "I have heard much about your deeds, as well as those of Mister Aether. Your reputation precedes you, even here in Inazuma."
Momon tilted his head slightly. "Thanks, uhh… Kamisato, huh? Are you, by any chance, related to Miss Ayaka?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Before Ayato could respond, Yae Miko interjected with her characteristic slyness, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "He is her elder brother, though I suppose the family resemblance isn't immediately obvious to someone who hasn't spent much time around them."
"Oh, great," Momon said with a nod. "Miss Ayaka was incredibly hospitable when Thoma brought us to the Kamisato Estate a few days ago. She was generous and treated us with great kindness."
A faint smile graced Ayato's lips at the mention of his sister. "I am greatly honored by such words from you, Mister Momon. My little sister is a compassionate soul who holds the well-being of Inazuma and its people close to her heart. She speaks highly of you and your companions."
The two regarded each other for a moment, the mutual respect between them palpable. Ayato extended his hand, his movements deliberate and graceful. "It is not often that Inazuma has the privilege of hosting individuals like yourself, Mister Momon. I hope that, despite the recent turmoil, you have found some measure of peace during your stay here."
Momon clasped Ayato's hand firmly, the gesture conveying both strength and sincerity. "Inazuma is a land of contrasts—beauty and strife, tradition and change. But it is precisely that complexity that makes it worth fighting for. I am grateful for the kindness shown to me by your family and others."
Ayato's lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes remained thoughtful. "Your presence here has been... enlightening, to say the least. The Shogun's decision to seek your counsel speaks volumes about the regard she holds for you. I must admit, I am curious to learn more about the man behind the mask."
Momon's response was measured, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Curiosity is a natural thing, but I fear the mask is as much a part of me as the armor I wear. Perhaps one day, the time will come for it to be removed. Until then, I hope my actions will speak louder than my appearance."
Yae Miko, who had been observing the exchange with a faint smirk, finally spoke up. "Careful, Ayato. Momon has a way of deflecting questions with more questions. If you're not careful, you might find yourself revealing more about yourself than you intended."
Ayato chuckled softly, his demeanor relaxed yet still composed. "A fair warning, Lady Guuji. I shall tread carefully."
The three stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the tension of the earlier proceedings giving way to a more amicable atmosphere. Finally, Ayato stepped back, offering another polite bow. "I won't keep you any longer. Should you find yourself in need of anything during your stay in Inazuma, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Kamisato Clan. It would be our pleasure to assist you."
Momon inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Kamisato Ayato. I will keep that in mind."
As Ayato turned to leave, Yae Miko glanced at Momon, her expression unreadable but her eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, that was... interesting. It seems you've made quite the impression on the young lord."
Momon shrugged, his tone light but tinged with weariness. "He seems like a good man. Inazuma could use more leaders like him."
Miko hummed in agreement, her gaze drifting toward the distant horizon visible through the open doors of the Tenshukaku. "Indeed. But come, let us not linger here. There is much to discuss, and I suspect you have more questions than answers after today's events."
Momon nodded, falling into step beside her as they exited the Tenshukaku.