Book 10: Eternal Thunderstorm

Chapter 2: The Land of Eternity

Zeo's Narration: After returning to Liyue Harbor, Akira went to Ganyu for the report on the commission. I kinda feel sorry for those Treasure Hoarders and Master Thief that were killed by the Abyss Order. Guess their luck ran out the moment they messed with the Abyss, especially the Herald. As for me, I contacted Genjuro and Theresa about our second encounter with Dainsleif, the Abyss Herald, Prince and Princess, and about Khaenri'ah. And boy are they shocked about the whole report, including Aether and Lumine being Khaenri'an royalty. Despite that however, those Travelers are our friends, and friends will help each other in times of need. After the report, I was planning to go to sleep since it's nighttime, but I'm having trouble. Maybe a nice walk outside will help.

Team XDR Base, Liyue

Nighttime

After giving the report to Genjuro and Theresa, Zeo was planning to go to sleep, but couldn't due to the recent events with the Abyss Order and the Khaenri'ah reveal. So he decided to take a nice walk outside the XDR Base to put his mind at ease. But then he noticed Aether and Lumine sitting on the edge of the cliff, watching the night sky and the wide ocean. Zeo decided to see what's going on and approached them. "Can't sleep, Travelers?" He asked, earning their attention as he sat with them.

"No." Aether shook his head.

"I guess you can't sleep too because of what happened today?" Lumine guessed.

"Yeah, pretty much." Zeo replied. "Too many unexpected reveals. You two being Khaenri'an royalty especially."

"Lumine told me about the previous story of Zi-O. Sougo Tokiwa." Aether said. "From beginning to end. If he was part of Khaenri'ah, and saw the kingdom being destroyed, he'd definitely become Ohma Zi-O and take revenge, huh?"

"A 'What if?', huh?" Zeo mused. "Honestly? Yes, he'll definitely do that. Heck, he might as well become the Abyss King and destroy both Celestia and Teyvat before he can rebuild Khaenri'ah."

"I see…"

"Is it wrong to oppose bringing back a kingdom that's destroyed 500 years ago?" Lumine asked.

"You two are feeling homesick?" Zeo guessed, earning silence from the Travelers. "Ah, right. You two don't have a home now. Sorry."

"It's okay, you didn't mean that." Lumine assured with Aether nodding.

"Well… bringing back a long lost kingdom that's from 500 years ago is kind of pointless, especially since the seven nations of Teyvat took its place. And the people currently living there are happy and peaceful, and it wouldn't be right to take away their happiness. Don't know about Snezhnaya though since we haven't stepped foot on that nation yet. So I think some things are best left alone, just move forward into the future."

"Move forward, huh…" Aether noted.

"Destroying Celestia and Teyvat won't bring a long lost kingdom back. It'll cause more harm than good, which is why we must prevent that from happening. And you two don't need to be royalty to do that. But you can become Travelers, helping out the people as you go. After all, we're a passing through Rebellion. Always remember that, Aether, Lumine."

"Zeo…" Aether and Lumine whispered.

"If you're still not sure where to go, then stay with the Rebellion. We'll be there to help, no matter what." Zeo smiled. "And of course, you still have Paimon, your guide and familiar, to back you up. So…" He offered a fist bump. "You're still with us… Travelers?"

Aether and Lumine looked at each other, giving thought at what Zeo said, before smiling and accepting with fist bumps of their own. "Thank you, Zeo." Aether smiled.

"We'll stay with the team until the very end." Lumine also smiled.

"That's more like it." Zeo grinned, before yawning. "Oh, now I feel tired. Where was that after I gave the report to the commanders?"

The trio shared a laugh in response. "I think the three of us are ready to go to bed." Lumine deduced.

"Better get some sleep so we can be ready for tomorrow." Aether added.

"Yep." Zeo agreed as the trio stood up and stretched their arms. "Let's head back and get some sleep."

The twin Travelers nodded before the trio head back to their base for a nice long rest, for tomorrow is a brand new day for a new adventure.

The Next Day…

A new day has dawned in the world of Teyvat as our heroes had a good rest, bath and breakfast, and are ready to head out… that is until someone knocked on their base's front door.

"Hello? It's Kaedehara Kazuha. I'm here to tell you something important."

"Kazuha's here?" Paimon questioned. "Paimon wonders what's up?"

"Allow me." Miriam volunteered to open the door.

"Good morning, Xross Drive Rebellion. Sorry to interrupt your morning." Kazuha bowed after Miriam opened the door.

"Don't worry, we're just about to start heading out." Akira replied.

"So what's going on, Kazuha?" Zeo asked.

"I'm here to inform you that the Alcor's upgrade is complete with the lightning rod installed to absorb the Electro Archon's lightning storm." Kazuha informed.

"Then that means…!" Aether began.

"Hai." Kazuha nodded. "The time to set sail to the Nation of Eternity has finally come."

"So today's the day. We're going to Inazuma." Lumine said.

"Did you remember what I told you about yesterday, Ray?" Akira asked.

"I remember." Raychel nodded. "Never thought I'd go there with you guys."

"Oh yeah, what about Mei, Tsubasa, Houki and Yae Sakura?" Paimon asked. "No way they're gonna miss this."

"Not to worry. I've already used my Zikan Phone to contact them. They should be on their way to the Alcor soon." Kazuha replied, showing his Zikan Phone that's the same color as a maple leaf. "Also Zeo, when you get there, Mei has a request for you."

"A request?" Zeo repeated.

"You'll find out when you meet her. Now then, is everyone ready?"

"We're all Ret-2-Go, Kazuha." Akira grinned, punching her open palm.

"Then let us be off." Kazuha declared as he escorted the team to Liyue Harbor.

Liyue Harbor

Eventually, the group arrived at the docks where Captain Beidou and the Alcor were nearby, along with Houki, Tsubasa, Mei Raiden and Yae Sakura. "Ah, you finally made it!" Beidou greeted the arrivals. "All these years, come rain or storm, the Crux Fleet has never suffered a delay. If it were anyone else, I might've set sail already."

"Heh, good to see you too, captain." Zeo grinned back before looking at the Alcor. "So Kazuha informed us about an installed lightning rod on the ship. Where is it?"

"Right up there." Beidou pointed at said rod at the front of the ship. "The moment lightning strikes it, it'll give the Alcor a power boost, which is perfect for navigating through the harsh waves. Gotta thank Einstein for the idea."

"Tsubasa, Houki, Mei, Sakura, you four ready to get on board?" Akira asked.

"Actually… after much thought, only Tsubasa and Houki will go with you." Sakura replied.

"Huh?!" The group exclaimed.

"But this is your chance to meet the Raiden Shogun, Mei!" Aether said.

"I know. But it'll be difficult to go there due to my and Sakura's appearance by boat." Mei replied. "But there is another option to go there without being seen."

"And that is?" Paimon asked.

In response, Mei took out a familiar device and gave it to Zeo. "The Trans Beacon?" Zeo recognized.

"Hai." Mei nodded. "I want you to activate the beacon at a suitable and safe place for us to warp, or else the guards there will no doubt confiscate it."

"Beidou befriended a trade partner in Inazuma who will help you perform that task." Kazuha said. "I unfortunately have to stay here because I'm still a wanted fugitive in Inazuma."

"We understand." Lumine replied as she and Aether nodded.

"Remember to contact us after the Beacon is deployed." Sakura said.

"Leave it to me." Zeo replied, storing the Beacon into his Zikan Phone.

"Houki, Tsubasa, I hope you're not too nervous about this trip like I am." Raychel said.

"I should be fine, no need to worry." Tsubasa assured.

"Though I'm also a bit nervous since there's no turning back after stepping foot in Inazuma." Houki said.

"Just stay with us and you'll do just fine." Miriam advised.

"Hai. Thank you." Houki replied.

"Okay!" Beidou punched her open palm. "No more waiting! Time to set sail!"

"Aye, captain!" The team complied as everyone boarded the Alcor while Kazuha, Mei and Sakura stayed behind.

"I wish you the best of luck in Inazuma, Xross Drive Rebellion! May the winds blow in your favor!" Kazuha said as he, Mei and Sakura waved to the team as the Alcor began setting sail to the Nation of Eternity.

"The Raiden Shogun, huh…" Mei thought as she watched the Alcor set sail.

Raychel's Narration: The voyage to Inazuma started to be peaceful as the Rebellion shared stories to me about the adventures they've done in Liyue. But eventually, the Electro Archon's raging thunderstorm began rolling in, so we had to brace ourselves. Thanks to the installed lightning rod and Captain Beidou navigating through the harsh waves, we're able to make it alive with no casualties and no damages to the ship. A few moments later, we can see the island up ahead. Inazuma is finally in our sights. Let's hope our campaign in the Nation of Eternity goes well…

Ritou Island, Inazuma

(Play BGM: The Sealed Harbor - Genshin Impact OST)

After braving through the harsh waves and thunderstorms, the Alcor finally arrived at one of the islands of the Nation of Eternity as it soon reached the docks. The team could see what the city looks like as it reminded them of feudal Japan on Earth, including the Inazuman attire.

"Incredible…" Tsubasa remarked in awe. "It really is like back home in Japan."

"Hai." Houki agreed. "It truly is beautiful."

"Too bad the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decree are in the way of peace." Zeo stated. "We need to find a place to stay before we start uncovering the mystery."

"Beidou, who's your trade partner in Inazuma again?" Akira asked.

"His name is Thoma. Short yellow hair wearing red samurai gear." Beidou answered. "He should be around here somewhere to greet us."

"Ahoy there!"

"Is that him?" Raychel pointed at the one waving on the left of the docks after hearing the male voice, confirming to be Thoma.

Thoma

Pyro Element

Spear User

Thoma is a tall male with green eyes, fair skin, and messy strawberry short blond hair except for a section at the back of his head that goes down to his shoulders. Said long part of his hair is tied in a ponytail by a red cord with tassels fading to tan at the ends. He's also wearing small, red studded earrings.

His attire looks like a fusion of Western-style attire with parts of samurai armor. He wears a decorative, red and black cropped jacket over a black shirt, along with a pair of silver dog tags hanging around his neck. The buttoned cuffs of his gold-trimmed kote-like sleeves are patterned with a fleur-de-lis design. He wears a black metal headband on his head, with gold-accented horns resembling the maedate (front crest) of a kabuto helmet. He wears his Pyro Vision on his belt, in addition to a kusazuri (tassel) adorned with flaming samurai clan crests on the other hip. The same crest is marked on the poleyns of his boot-laced suneate (shin guards) with tabi shoes.

"That's a very unique outfit he's wearing." Miriam remarked as the team got out of the ship to meet Thoma.

"So, you finally made it. You sure kept me waiting, Captain." Thoma greeted the arrivals. "And you guys must be from Xross Drive Rebellion. A pleasure to meet you all."

"You can blame your Almighty Shogun." Beidou said to Thoma. "The tempests around Inazuma have been growing all the more fierce lately. Though the fleet was fully up to the challenge, the inclement weather still caused some delay. Good thing the Alcor has the lightning rod installed to make things easier."

"So you must be Thoma, Beidou's trade partner. Nice to meet you." Zeo greeted and offered a handshake. "I'm Zeo Naotora, the leader and founder of the Rebellion."

"Nice to meet you too, Zeo." Thoma replied, accepting the handshake.

"Anyway…" Beidou spoke up. "Thoma's resided on Ritou for quite some time now. It wouldn't be going too far to say he's the fixer around these parts. If you run into any problems here, just talk to Thoma. But if he tries to pull any moves on you guys, I'll be sure to deal with him personally the next time I'm around."

Thoma chuckled. "No need to worry. I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

"Good." Beidou nodded. "Then if it's all settled, I'll be sailing back to Liyue. Be careful out there, Xross Drive Rebellion. And remember to give it your all, no matter what perilous 'storms' you may encounter."

"We will." Aether and Lumine replied as everyone in the Rebellion nodded.

"Fair seas, Captain Beidou! Bye-bye!" Paimon waved as the captain of the Crux Pirates boarded her ship and began sailing back to the Land of Contracts.

"Thoma-san, since you're our guide, where do we start?" Houki asked.

"First things first, we need to go get you guys registered at the border checkpoint." Thoma replied.

"Um, Paimon thought we were supposed to be keeping things on the down low. Are we just gonna walk into the government's hands?" Paimon questioned.

Thoma chuckled. "Don't underestimate the reaches of the Sakoku Decree. You wouldn't be able to avoid inspection even if you tried. So we have to play by the rules... even if we're kind of bending them."

"Oh… okay then." Aether noted.

"I however… am feeling a bit nervous about this." Lumine admitted.

"You're not the only one." Raychel added.

"Just follow Thoma-san's instructions and we'll be fine." Tsubasa advised.

"You heard Tsubasa." Zeo said. "Lead the way, Thoma."

Thoma then escorted the team to the border checkpoint to register. They soon encounter a woman named Kageyama who's managing the border checkpoint counter. "Hello, please state your name, identity, and the purpose of your visit. Oh, except you, Thoma."

"These are my special guests, Xross Drive Rebellion. And here's the entry papers for your kind perusal." Thoma gave said papers to Kageyama.

"Thank you, Thoma." Kageyama replied. "Your names please?"

"Zeo Naotora."

"Akira Naotora."

"Raychel Lunamaria."

"Tsubasa Kazanari."

"Houki Shinonono."

"Miriam."

"Aether."

"Lumine."

"Paimon!"

"One moment please." Kageyama noted and read through the papers properly. "Alright, everything is in order. Welcome to Ritou."

"Okay, what's the next step, Thoma?" Akira asked.

"The Outlander Affairs Agency." Thoma answered. "They only check entry permits here. If you want to remain on Ritou, there's a process you have to go through with them."

"Sheesh, so it's super strict, just like everyone says." Paimon remarked.

"Well, let's not forget that to everyday folk in Inazuma, people from everywhere else are referred to as "outsiders." As the word suggests, outlanders aren't very welcome in Inazuma with the Sakoku Decree in force. Not even on Ritou, where they've established an Outsider Settlement."

"Welcome or not, we don't have a choice." Zeo stated. "We're here on a mission, and we're not leaving until it's complete."

"Heh, I like how you think." Thoma smirked. "I've got a feeling we're going to get along very well. Now let's head over to the Outlander Affairs Agency."

The group nodded as they continued to follow Thoma. "Most of the current rules were put in place by the administration of Ritou; the Kanjou Commission."

"The Kanjou Commission?" Houki repeated.

"Hai." Thoma nodded. "One branch of the Tri-Commission of Inazuma. Responsible for growing and managing the nation's wealth. Um... you really haven't heard of it before?"

"Not really. It's our first time in this nation." Raychel replied.

"Ah."

Upon arriving at the Outlander Affairs Agency, they encountered a woman named Yurika who's in charge of the procedures. "You've completed the entry procedures, yes? And now you want to apply for residency? All of you?"

"Yes, please!" Paimon replied as she and the others nodded.

"Okay. The processing fee will be nine million Mora."

"...Hah?!" The team gawked at the very expensive fee. "For real?!"

"That's right, one million per applicant, which makes nine million total. Don't worry, you can trust my math."

"Uh… Thoma?" Lumine asked as all eyes were on him.

Thoma chuckled and approached Yurika. "Ma'am, these people here are good friends of mine. I think you'll find I'm one face you recognize."

"Ah, Mr. Thoma, it's you." Yurika recognized. "By way of courtesy, allow me to reduce it to 400,000 Mora total."

"That's still a little expensive, but it's acceptable considering how much Mora we gained from the commissions we did so far." Aether thought.

"Thank you ever so much, Miss Yurika." Thoma noted. "But as this is just a processing fee... I think 600 Mora should cover it if I'm paying on their behalf? I'll treat you to dinner, too. How does that sound?"

"That's not how you haggle!" Paimon scolded. "By all means, bargain the price down, but-"

"Alright then. As you wish, Mr. Thoma. I will make a record." Yurika surprisingly accepted Thoma's request, much to the shock of the others.

"Much obliged." Thoma let out a sly smile.

(BGM End)

Thanks to Thoma, the residency application for the Rebellion is processed smoothly at the Outlander Affairs Agency.

"Paimon still can't believe that woman went from nine million down to 600. There's something seriously wrong with people's sense of finance around here!" Paimon complained as the team were at the entrance of the agency.

"Something tells me it's more than just the Mora." Miriam said.

"It's not as mind-boggling as you think. "Processing fee" is just a figure of speech." Thoma explained. "The way some here at the agency see it, the fees are easy money, so it becomes a question of how much they can make. So when the day comes that some poor merchant from overseas with more money than sense gets stuck here and needs to apply for residency…"

"Then they'll milk their Mora dry for all they're worth." Zeo finished.

"Exactly. It's at times like this that having a local friend really comes in handy."

"That's blatant oppression against outlanders…" Lumine frowned.

"Yes, but when you're an outlander in Inazuma, far from home, in this closed-nation era, there's very little that can be done about it. The most that overseas merchants can do to look after themselves is stick together. That's how the International Trade Association came about."

"So it's a trade association built by and for outlanders?" Raychel asked.

"Yep, and as well as advancing commercial interests, the association provides help, support, and structure for outlanders trying to survive on Ritou. Essentially, it's an association devoted to both commercial excellence and survival skills."

"Something tells me that meeting the Raiden Shogun just became very difficult." Zeo remarked.

"Sounds like just stayin' alive is an achievement when you're an outlander in Inazuma…" Paimon sighed.

"I see... so this is the real purpose of your trip." Thoma said. "Yes, given that you are outlanders, it's certainly a lofty aspiration. After all, the Raiden Shogun is the most exalted and revered one in all of Inazuma. She is a deity who reigns on high, while all other life gazes up in awe."

"Is there a way to prepare an appointment with her?" Tsubasa asked.

"Hmm…" Thoma pondered with his hand on his chin. "I was going to say, nothing is set in stone when it comes to who you will encounter in this world. Who's to say you won't happen to run into the Raiden Shogun one day after lunch…"

"Highly unlikely." The team deadpanned.

"Okay, I'll give it to you straight. I know of a way to introduce you to the Raiden Shogun."

"Really!? Wow, the Ritou fixer is better connected than we thought!" Paimon said.

"I feel like there's a catch to offer." Zeo said.

"Ah, you're sharp to notice." Thoma noted. "Don't worry, it won't involve Mora. It's just that... if this is something you really want, you'll have to agree to help other people solve some of their problems first. I like to do things in a way that keeps everybody happy. It's my own personal rule for dealing with situations like this."

"Sounds very reasonable to Paimon! You're the man in the middle, so you have to trade favors to keep everyone indebted to you." Paimon said.

"Alright, what do we need to do first?" Aether asked.

"Here's the situation." Thoma began. "As I touched upon earlier, the members of the International Trade Association are constantly struggling to survive. Recently, things seem to have gotten more difficult than ever for them. So just go and check things out, see if there's any way you can help. The head of the association is named Kurisu, and he's a good friend of mine. Go talk to him, I'll wait for you here."

"Gotcha. Leave it to us." Lumine replied as she and the others nodded before heading out to look for Kurisu.

When they reach the International Trade Association, they found Kurisu and spoke to him. "Oh?" Kurisu noticed their arrival. "Hello there, you must be seeking refuge with the International Trade Association. The Outlander Affairs Agency took you for all you're worth, I suppose."

"Something like that." Aether replied.

"Fortunately we had help from a friend." Lumine added.

"Ah, good, that's a relief." Kurisu noted before sighing. "You need to be careful, or you'll find yourself losing your savings all at once."

"We heard the association has been having some difficulties lately. Is that true?" Miriam asked.

"Yes... left, right, and center. Obstacles at every turn. But that's nothing new for us."

"The Sakoku Decree certainly makes things difficult for anyone who wants to come here from overseas." Tsubasa remarked.

"But it's not the root cause of our woes. The Sakoku Decree might restrict our scope of activity, but in and of itself it doesn't stop us from being able to enjoy a comfortable existence. No, what's really squeezing us outlander merchants dry is… those Mora-grubbers from the Kanjou Commission."

"Oh, of the three Commissions, that's the one that oversees everything on Ritou, isn't it?" Paimon asked.

"That's right." Kurisu nodded. "They impose astronomical tax rates, unbelievable regulations, and that's not the worst of it. They just issued a new Tax Decree recently that, for some reason, completely changes the way we pay our taxes. It used to be Mora, but now it's something called Crystal Marrow."

"Crystal Marrow?" Zeo repeated. "Is that some kind of unique ore here in Inazuma?"

"It's something that most of us in the association had never heard of before either, until the new decree came along. Eventually, one of the older Liyue merchants recalled that he once shipped a batch of it to Snezhnaya in his youth. So in order to pay our taxes, we began an arduous search for this Crystal Marrow. But then we found we'd only managed to create a bigger problem for ourselves. The rising demand for Crystal Marrow drove the price higher and higher. Now, there's only one vendor who even has it in stock. We can't get hold of it anywhere else…"

"Sounds like monopoly to me. And not in a good way." Akira said.

"Exactly. So this vendor keeps pushing the price up, and we have no choice but to buy from them because the Tax Decree forces us to. It's a vicious cycle, the consequence of which is that our taxes will soon exceed our profits... and once that happens…"

"This kind of treatment is absurd and uncalled for." Tsubasa frowned.

Houki frowned.

"Can't you discuss the situation with the Kanjou Commission?" Raychel asked.

"We've tried communicating with the commission directly, but this is a nation where the cries of a few struggling merchants will never be heard over the ever-present roar of thunder…" Kurisu sighed. "Fontaine, my dear homeland... I miss you an awful lot at the moment…"

"Sounds awful, they're really bleeding them dry." Paimon said.

"Not if we have something to say about it." Zeo frowned.

"So negotiating with the Kanjou Commission might not be a good idea." Miriam said. "That vendor on the other hand… something feels off."

"That vendor, Werner…" Kurisu sighed. "I've actually done business with him in the past, but after a point, he stopped contacting us. I have no idea where he sources the stuff."

"Hmm…" Paimon pondered with her hand on her chin. "Well, it definitely sounds like he's being unfair. How do we find him? We could go talk to him and see if he lets anything slip."

"Hey, that's a pretty good idea!" Kurisu replied. "Since you're not affiliated with the association and you're new to Ritou, he may just let his guard down. If I remember correctly, our usual meeting point with him is under a tree by the coast in the residential district. See if you can find him there."

"Aether, Lumine, Paimon, think you three can handle this task?" Zeo asked.

"Leave it to us." Aether replied as he, Lumine and Paimon nodded.

"Wish us luck!" Paimon added as the trio left to find the vendor Kurisu mentioned.

The trio soon found the vendor named Werner and spoke to him. "Hm? I don't think I recognize you, are you new arrivals?" Werner asked.

"Yes, we just arrived." Aether replied.

"So. What do you need with me?"

"Where do you source your goods?"

"The sheer nerve!" Werner was offended. "You don't go around asking questions like that! If I gave you my sources, I might as well hand you the whole darn business! Trade secret, got it? You know what "trade" and "secret" mean, right? Tsk."

"Oh, right. Sorry." Aether sweatdropped.

"Can you um… reduce the prices of the goods?" Lumine asked.

"Hah! Are you even buying!?" Werner answered before realization sets in. "...Ohh, I see what's going on here. Kurisu and his associates sent you here to try and plead their case, didn't they? Heh, they're wasting their time. The price is non-negotiable, not by a single Mora."

"Hey, what's your problem!?" Paimon questioned.

"Get out of here, go on. Tell them they're lucky to be buying from me in the first place, and they ought to be more grateful. If it weren't for me, they'd be in seriously hot water."

"Well, so much for negotiations. What now?" Aether asked as they walked away.

"Maybe Thoma can give us an idea how." Lumine replied.

"Good idea. Let's check back in with him." Paimon agreed before the trio began looking for Thoma.

They eventually found him, and he's with the rest of the Rebellion. "I'm guessing the looks on your faces tell me that it didn't go well?" Zeo noticed.

"No." Aether shook his head. "We need Thoma's help for this."

"Oh? Well, by all means, tell me what you need. I'll help as much as I can." Thoma accepted. "Getting you to go fixing things when you've only just arrived is quite a demand."

"What do you know about a vendor named Werner?" Lumine asked.

"Oh, that guy? I'm familiar. He used to be a bit of a sorry sight, selling shells that he'd collect on the beach just to get by. But he seems to have suddenly shot up in the world recently. I can only assume he must have found himself a patron after leaving the International Trade Association."

"Huh? You're saying he used to be a member of the International Trade Association? So he's an outlander, too?" Paimon asked.

"Yes... couldn't you tell when you spoke to him?"

"His attire does look like he's from Mondstadt." Aether recalled.

"That's right." Thoma nodded. "Werner was born in Mondstadt, then went into the shipping business, trading between Liyue and Inazuma closed to the outside world, he was one of a group of outlanders that ended up stranded on Ritou."

"So he's also a victim, huh?" Raychel said.

"The International Trade Association was initially very generous to him, but over time, with decree after decree, the association members found it increasingly difficult to make ends meet…"

"So, he left the association and turned his back on them!" Paimon deduced.

"Easy there, Paimon." Akira raised her hand. "There's more to that than meets the eye."

"Exactly." Thoma agreed. "I'm sure it's more nuanced than that. I believe even the most ungrateful and cold-hearted of people still have some amount of gratitude and warmth left in them somewhere."

"Got it." Aether nodded.

"We'll head back to Werner and try again." Lumine added.

"Alright, we'll be here if you need us." Zeo noted before the twin Travelers and Paimon left to find Werner again.

"What are you doing back here?" Werner noticed the trio's return in annoyance. "Just 'cause I got plenty of time on my hands doesn't mean I want to waste any of it talking to you."

"Time on your hands... Some would call that a form of freedom." Aether said.

"Huh? Where's this coming from…"

"A Dandelion Wine and a bard's serenade would sure be nice on a day like this…" Lumine said.

"Mondstadt... You're talking about... Mondstadt?" Werner guessed, until he noticed Aether pulling out a piece of Mushroom Pizza, a dish from Mondstadt. "Is that…?!"

"I made it earlier before coming here. You can have it if you want." Aether offered, to which Werner accepted and ate the whole thing and felt a sense of nostalgia.

"Goodness, I can sense it now. So familiar, but I can't remember the last time I was there…Ah, the scent of Mondstadt... Oh, how it takes me back…"

"Let the Wind lead. Right?" Aether smiled.

"My hometown... The home of freedom...! How I long to go back and visit…" Werner sighed.

"You've also been to Liyue, right? So maybe you remember this?" Lumine pulled out a dish from Liyue; Grilled Tiger Fish.

"That's… Grilled Tiger Fish! A dish from Liyue!" Werner recognized. "May I…"

"By all means." Lumine gave the dish to Werner who immediately ate the whole thing without a second thought.

"A lot of people out there sympathize with the position you're in, and have supported you in the past." Aether said.

"You mean... the folks from the International Trade Association... And I suppose they are far from home, just like me." Werner realized. "Often, I'll sneak down to the shore at night and listen to the sound of the waves. I like to imagine it's the voice of my hometown, carried across the ocean. I've run into folks from the association more than a few times doing just that, but I always hide my face and slip away…" He sighed. "Don't you think I've wanted to talk things through with them, and free myself from this anguish?"

"Um... well, no one's stopping you, so…" Paimon replied.

"They're so resilient. None of them had anyone else to rely on, so they rallied together, committed to finding a way to survive. But I couldn't do it, I'm not strong enough. So... I caved... Those people, they'd make the smallest of promises, offer the most measly benefits, and I'd do whatever they asked of me... and make Mondstadters look like the worst people in the world…"

"And who are 'those people'?" Aether asked.

"...Alright, I'll tell you the whole story. It's eating me up inside and I can't take it anymore. It's a scheme by the tax-collection ashigaru. Keijirou and his companions." Werner revealed. "They start by overtaxing the merchants, then take the extra Crystal Marrow they receive and stockpile it. Once the merchants run out of places to buy Crystal Marrow, they get me to sell that extra stock back to the merchants at an extortionate price, with the proceeds going to the tax-collection ashigaru."

"Those gacking sons of…" Aether frowned.

"I'm their puppet, yes... but my cut is a tiny fraction of what we take in total. It's barely enough for me to live on."

"We need evidence for this plot." Lumine requested.

"Evidence? Hmm... You're right." Werner nodded. "Without conclusive evidence, he will never admit it. Now that I think about it, whenever I report back to him after a sale, he always heads to the same place. It's always made me suspicious… As it happens, I handed some Mora over to him not long ago. I can show you where he went if you want."

"Really? Well, then there's no time to lose! Let's go!" Paimon replied as the trio followed Werner to the location.

Upon arrival, they noticed the man named Keijirou in purple samurai soldier gear secretly heading somewhere. "That's Keijirou." Werner confirmed. "Follow him, but don't get spotted."

The trio nodded as they all quietly tailed Keijirou without being detected. Eventually, they reached a stall where Keijirou is talking to a vendor.

"Ah, Ryouko. How's business?" Keijirou asked.

"Heh... All the better thanks to your generous patronage." Ryouko replied.

"Good! Thankfully, I earn plenty these days…"

"But of course, tax collection is difficult work."

After Keijirou walked away from the stall, he spoke to himself with his hand on his chin, not knowing that the group was eavesdropping. "Now, who else is behind on payments? Let me think... yes, the trade association clique still needs to be brought into line." He quickly ran to his next location, prompting the group to follow after him without being detected.

Moments of tracking later, they saw Keijirou burying something on the beach before running off. With the coast clear, they took a closer look and dug out what was buried. "A ledger?" Lumine retrieved what was dug out.

"Boring... Paimon thought he'd hidden a big pile of Mora here." Paimon remarked.

"Even if we did find Mora, we would give it to the trade association." Aether said, making Paimon chuckle sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head.

"Let me take a look here…" Werner examined the ledger. "Aha, yes. This is what we're looking for. A clear and complete record of every single transaction, each one proof of his guilt."

"Great! Well, now we have our hard evidence, let's go tell Kurisu the good news, shall we?" Paimon said.

"Ah, um... I-I'll say goodbye to you here, then." Werner declined. "I... I need a little more time before I'm ready to face the head of the association. I'm sorry."

"That's okay, we'll handle things here." Aether noted.

"Thanks for the help though. Wish us luck." Lumine added before the trio left to find Kurisu.

"Sis, can you go and find Thoma in case things go south?" Aether asked.

"Got it." Lumine nodded. "Paimon, watch my brother for me."

"Leave it to Paimon!" Paimon saluted as they went their separate paths.

By the time Aether and Paimon reached Kurisu, he, along with another man named Harrison, were busy confronting Keijirou. "But we really don't have anything left. If this keeps up, our sales will come in at a loss. There'll be nothing left for us to do but starve…" Kurisu defended.

"You know the decree. The rules are the rules. No discounts, no exceptions, and no excuses!" Keijirou stated.

"Sorry, but you're the one making a mockery of the rules here, Keijirou!" Aether interjected.

"Hmm? And who are you? Another new member of the association?" Keijirou asked.

"It just so happens that we found your little ledger." Paimon answered while Aether showed off the ledger. "So now we're here to tell everyone all about how you embezzled Crystal Marrow to sell it right back to the taxpayers!"

"Huh? Is this true!?" Kurisu gasped.

"You've been swindling us!" Harrison frowned.

"Well, uh... You see... The t-taxes, uh…" Keijirou tried to defend himself.

"Let me take a look at the ledger." Kurisu reads through each and every item in the ledger Aether is holding. "Well would you look at that... Every payment the association has made is right here in your personal ledger. So, Mr. Keijirou, it seems you have some explaining to do. How shall we settle this, hmm?"

"Hmph! So you think you can use this against me do you? I-It's quite obvious that I'm merely trying to earn a modest living for myself, like anyone else...!"

"Word has it that samurai in the commission place great importance on reputation and prestige. Though, I'm sure commission members won't blame you once word gets out…"

"Huh? Is that a threat? Are you threatening me!?" Keijirou questioned.

"No, not at all." Kurisu replied. "I'm simply stating that it would be quite a pity if an illustrious gentleman such as yourself were to have their reputation tarnished."

"Uhh... W-Well even if what you say is true, what do you suggest we do about it...?"

"I believe you still have a quantity of Crystal Marrow in your possession, correct? Perhaps that Crystal Marrow could be used as compensation for the recent tax hike, and us merchants could finally have some more breathing room."

"Is that it?" Paimon questioned.

"Hmph, do you have any idea the hoops I had to jump through to get the Crystal Marrow and keep it hidden!? Ugh, fine! In that case, I'll send it over to you today." Keijirou reluctantly accepted.

"And not even an ounce of shame for his actions…" Paimon frowned.

"So that's it!? My shop's been closed for weeks now, I've even had to ask my friends to help bail me out! What about my losses!?" Harrison argued.

"Come on, Harrison! We've already struck a good deal here…" Kurisu tried to stop him.

"I'm sick of being pushed around like this! I won't let him off so easily!"

"Okay that's enough!" Aether interrupted. "Just accept the deal and move on! Don't cause any more trouble here!"

"You heard him. Let's not escalate it any further, gentlemen." Thoma insisted as he and the rest of the Rebellion arrived.

"And who are you supposed to be?!" Keijirou questioned.

"Don't worry, we're just passing through." Zeo answered before gesturing to Thoma. "But I'm gonna let him finish talking for a second."

"Here's my card." Thoma gave his calling card to Keijirou.

"...You're from the Yashiro Commission?" Keijirou asked after reading the card. "But this is Kanjou Commission territory. However powerful the Yashiro Commission may be, you have no business meddling in Ritou's affairs."

"Of course not. Of course not. Still, perhaps you could show the young lady of our clan some courtesy…" Thoma showed him a folded fan in black, blue and dawn colored pattern. "You wouldn't want your name showing up in a petition to the shogun, would you?"

"That fan… the Shirasagi Himegimi?!" Keijirou recognized the fan in fear.

"My friends and I are planning to meet with that young lady soon, so I'd suggest you remember this warning and leave immediately if you want us to keep quiet about this incident. Understood?" Houki warned.

With no other options left, Keijirou immediately heeded Houki's warning and left, while Aether gave the ledger to Thoma. "You might need this for later." Aether said.

"No problem, Traveler." Thoma smiled.

"Thank you so much, Thoma. But I'm sorry your relationship with the Kanjou Commission had to suffer for our sake." Kurisu said.

"(It's tyranny, plain and simple…)" Harrison whispered to himself.

Thoma chuckled. "Hey, hey, I was joking. It's a small price to pay and you're more than welcome. If there's anyone you should be thanking, it's the Traveler." He gestured to Aether. "He's the one who found a way to turn things around. If nothing else, I'm sure the tax-collection ashigaru will tread a little more carefully in future." He turned to the Rebellion. "Now then my friends, let's move somewhere else where no one will see or hear us."

"Wait, you're hiding something from us?" Lumine questioned.

"You'll know why in a moment." Thoma replied and moved out, prompting the team to follow him.

"Okay, this should do it." Thoma said as they arrived at a quiet spot to talk. "Corruption seems rife in the Kanjou Commission, they truly are rotten to the core…" He sighed. "Alright. Time for me to answer your questions. What would you like to know?"

"The Yashiro Commission and the Shirasagi Himegumi, what are they?" Aether asked.

Thoma chuckled. "Straight to the point, I see. Let me reintroduce myself. I belong to the Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission on Narukami Island. I'm an attendant of the Shirasagi Himegimi."

"Kamisato Clan?" Tsubasa repeated.

"Ugh, you've been keeping your true identity a secret from us this whole time!" Paimon said.

"The Yashiro Commission. That's another branch of the Tri-Commission, correct?" Raychel asked.

"Correct." Thoma nodded. "The Kamisato Clan is the head of the Yashiro Commission, who manage ceremonial and cultural affairs. I'd go into more detail on what exactly that covers, but I'm not even sure myself. I'm just someone who was fortunate enough to be taken in by the Kamisato Clan. My role is to take care of the daughter of the clan; Kamisato Ayaka, also known as the Shirasagi Himegimi."

"Kamisato Ayaka, huh…" Zeo mused.

"Judging by Keijirou's reaction, she must be famous in Inazuma." Aether added.

Thoma chuckled. "Oh, most definitely. She's graceful, dignified, and kind-hearted, too. The people of Inazuma quite adore Miss Kamisato. Her fame even somewhat eclipses that of her older brother, Kamisato Ayato, despite the fact that he is the current head of the clan. I suppose those who treat others with compassion earn themselves the same treatment in return. Miss Kamisato's situation certainly seems to attest to that. Take me, for example. I'm just an attendant, and yet she treats me as an equal, as she would a friend."

"So where did this "fixer of Ritou" thing come from?" Lumine asked.

"And since you're her attendant, are we technically helping either you or her? Or both?" Miriam added.

"You're asking the right questions. And to be honest, I don't want to keep you guys in the dark any more than is necessary." Thoma admitted. "Firstly, you should know that being a fixer is not something you can fake. I spent the better part of a month tirelessly building up a network of relationships on the island, and I got to know Captain Beidou during that time, too."

"Still pretty good going for just a month's work!" Paimon remarked.

Thoma chuckled. "Well, maybe I have a slight knack for schmoozery. But the main thing was, I had to make sure I'd be in time to receive you when you arrived. Inazuma may have closed off to the outside world, but that hasn't stopped a lot of people from hearing about your feats in Mondstadt and Liyue. So, when Miss Kamisato heard of Xross Drive Rebellion's intention to come to Inazuma, she began looking forward to your arrival with great anticipation. She's excited to find out whether the rumors are true… that is, that you have what it takes to change the tide of the times."

"Change the tide of the times?" Houki repeated.

"In the test that I gave you earlier, although there were a few hiccups at the end, it was you who found the way to turn the situation around. Navigating powerful people, using their character flaws to your advantage... it's just what Miss Kamisato had hoped to see. With your help... even the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree won't stop you. So please, we need your help in saving Inazuma, Xross Drive Rebellion."

The team took in Thoma's conversation, in addition to a plea for help. "Well guys?" Zeo asked his teammates. "I wanna hear your opinion on this before I can decide."

"Do I even need to answer this silly question?" Akira smirked with her mind made up.

"I'm with Akira." Raychel nodded. "I'm not going to ignore a call for help."

"This kind of corruption is unbearable to the people living here, local or not. We must sever that corruption." Tsubasa stated.

"I agree with Tsubasa-san." Houki said. "This nation has been sealed off for too long. We have to do something."

"I shall not look away from this situation. It's our duty to set things right and bring back everyone's smiles." Miriam added.

"And you three?" Zeo asked the twin Travelers and Paimon.

"Honestly, Paimon wants to help the people so they can smile again." Paimon answered.

"Though our mission is to meet the Raiden Shogun." Aether stated.

"True, but our current options are limited. We can't just go straight to the Shogun recklessly. And besides, I'd rather have some allies to side with instead of none. Also, we need info about the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decree so we can solve those problems." Zeo stated.

"He does have a point there, Aether." Lumine agreed. "Plus, Ayaka might give us a clue on how to meet the Shogun without any problems."

"...Yeah, you're right." Aether noted after hearing his sister and Zeo's logic. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking straight."

"That's alright, as long as you learn to open your mind a little more." Zeo replied before facing Thoma and offered a hand. "That being said… Xross Drive Rebellion shall accept your help and side with the Kamisato Clan."

"Thank you, Zeo Naotora." Thoma smiled and shook his hand. "Miss Ayaka will be pleased to hear the good news."

"Speaking of Ayaka, think you can escort us to her?" Akira asked.

"It'll be my pleasure." Thoma replied before giving the team some permits. "Here. You'll need these travel permits to leave Ritou."

"Thanks for the help, Thoma." Miriam replied back. "I can see why Captain Beidou and Miss Ayaka trusts you."

"That's good to know." Thoma smiled. "Right then, everyone follow me. I'll need to pay a visit to the Statue of the Omnipresent God at Inazuma City before we go and see Miss Ayaka."

Inazuma City

(Play BGM: Streets of Elegance - Genshin Impact OST)

Thanks to Thoma's assistance, Team XDR were able to safely leave Ritou as they made their way to Inazuma City in Narukami Island. And upon arrival, the city is even bigger compared to Ritou which made the team react in awe, especially when they saw the cherry blossoms. Eventually, they arrived at the Statue of the Omnipresent God which looked like a hooded woman with large wings that's currently under construction and where they saw numerous Visions planted on the statue.

"Visions?" Houki noticed. "Why are Visions planted on this statue?"

"I think it's because of the Vision Hunt Decree, and this is where they're placed." Tsubasa answered.

"Thoma, you know why the Shogun issued the Vision Hunt Decree?" Aether asked.

"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…" Thoma said.

"And Inazuma is the City of Eternity?" Lumine guessed.

"Correct." Thoma confirmed. "The Raiden Shogun is both the nation's most powerful ruler, and its deity. 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."

"Seems like every god has their own will…" Paimon remarked.

"Of course, this is my own limited understanding. As for the reason behind the recent Vision Hunt Decree… Perhaps the shogun believes that Visions grant people the power to change, and that her eternity doesn't allow for such instability to exist. 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."

"But if that's the case, wouldn't you say that the Raiden Shogun is being... selfish?" Miriam asked.

Thoma chuckled. "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."

"Hmm…" Aether then approached the statue and touched it. It was then that he heard numerous voices on his head, causing him to move his hand to his forehead in pain.

"Aether?!" Lumine gasped. "What happened?!"

"Voices… so many voices…" Aether replied.

"Voices about what?" Paimon asked.

"The voices of... people's aspirations."

"Aspirations?" Thoma repeated with his hand on his chin. "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. That is where Visions come from... In other words, a person's Vision represents their ambition. So, if what you just said is true… then the ambitions of these people are stronger than I imagined."

"Oh, that. Well we already covered that topic before thanks to Kazuha, Jean and Noelle." Zeo remembered. "Visions symbolizes ambition, not power. Take away a Vision, you're not just taking away the element…"

"The ambition is also taken away." Aether finished.

"Exactly." Zeo nodded.

"We can't let this slide. Visions represent their growth, just like what happened to Lingyin when she realized her mistake and made a vow to change." Houki stated.

"And we'll do something about it soon. But first, we need the assistance of Kamisato Ayaka." Tsubasa also stated.

"Not to worry, Tsubasa. We're going there right now. To the Kamisato residence." Thoma assured.

"Then lead the way, Thoma." Akira replied as they continued to follow him.

(BGM End)

Kamisato Estate

After leaving the city, they followed Thoma until they reached the Kamisato Estate which is based on a japanese mansion. "So this is the kind of place where the big shots of Inazuma live, huh? Paimon kinda expected it to be... snazzier." Paimon remarked.

"Ahem." Tsubasa and Houki cleared their throats, earning the familiar's attention.

"What?"

"Umm… Paimon? You do realize these two also live in those kinds of estates back in Japan?" Lumine pointed out.

"...Eep!" Paimon panicked and quickly bowed to Tsubasa and Houki. "I-Ignore what Paimon said earlier! Sorry!"

"Just remember to be careful what you say." Tsubasa replied.

"So Ayaka-san is inside, Thoma-san?" Houki asked.

"That's right. Follow me." Thoma replied as he escorted the team inside the estate.

Once inside, the team looked around to find Kamisato Ayaka, but for some reason, she's hidden herself. "Uhh… where's Ayaka?" Zeo asked.

"Umm… I'm actually over here." Replied a woman's voice… that's coming from behind the screen in front of the group. "I assume I'm talking to Xross Drive Rebellion?"

"H-Hai. Zeo Naotora, one of the leaders and founders of the team." He greeted as he went down on his knees and bowed politely while the others followed suit. "A pleasure to meet you, Kamisato Ayaka. The Shirasagi Himegimi."

"Likewise, Zeo-san." Ayaka replied. "But please, feel free to call me Ayaka."

"In that case, feel free to call me Zeo. No attachments needed." He replied back as he and the others raised their heads.

"Uhh… Thoma? Why is Ayaka talking from behind the screen?" Miriam asked.

"As the daughter of the Yashiro Commission, this is how Miss Kamisato is accustomed to receiving guests. Consider it a time-honored tradition within the Yashiro Commission. Forgive me if this is an unwelcome surprise." Thoma replied.

"Oh, fair enough."

"Please forgive my lack of courtesy for receiving you in this fashion... especially following such a long and wearisome journey over the sea." Ayaka said. "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. At present in Inazuma, in the name of the Vision Hunt Decree, the people's aspirations are being senselessly trampled underfoot. 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. Xross Drive Rebellion, lend us your strength so we can restore Inazuma back to where it was before, full of smiles and freedom."

"Does it also include meeting with the Raiden Shogun?" Akira asked. "We want to hear both sides of the story before we can take action. We want to know from the Shogun directly why she invoked the Vision Hunt and Sakoku Decree."

"I see…" Ayaka noted. "If that is what you wish, then I'll do however I can to fulfil your request. But in order to do so, I want you to fulfil three small wishes on my behalf."

"Three wishes?" Raychel repeated.

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

After Ayaka tells the team the stories of the three Visionless people, they slowly take in the info that was given. "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?" Paimon surmised.

"Correct." Ayaka confirmed. "Please do all you can to help them. I will await your return here."

"Thoma, do you have a map for us to track down the three Visionless people?" Lumine asked.

"Right over here." Thoma pulled out and unveiled the scroll of Inazuma's map.

"So this nation is full of islands compared to Mondstadt and Liyue." Aether mused as Zeo took the photo of the map using his Zikan Phone before transferring copies of the map to the team's phones.

"What kind of gadget is that?" Thoma asked.

"A Zikan Phone, for long distance communication and for taking photos." Zeo replied, showing the map of Inazuma on the holo-screen. "Now then, can you point us to where the three Visionless people are? Just tap the screen to set up a marker."

"Very well." Thoma nodded and pointed the first marker. "The warrior who guards the village is in Konda Village…" He then pointed the second and third marker. "The samurai from the Tenryou Commission, and the swordmaster, are both in Inazuma City."

"Okay, time to split into three teams." Zeo said as the holo-screen vanished. "Ray, think you can lead a small team to Konda Village?"

"I think I can do that." Raychel replied. "Miriam, Paimon, care to lend me a hand?"

"Of course./You got it!" Miriam and Paimon accepted.

"Guess that means you and I are heading back to Inazuma City." Akira said to her brother. "But I'm taking my team to see the samurai. Lumine and Tsubasa will join me."

"Then that leaves me, Aether and Houki to see the swordmaster." Zeo deduced. "Alright team, we meet back here in the Kamisato Estate once we're done with our tasks. Best of luck, guys."

"Roger!" The group replied and left the estate as Raychel's team head for Konda Village while the others returned to Inazuma City.

"And there they go." Thoma watched them leave. "I'm sure they'll fulfil your wishes no problem, Miss Ayaka."

"I sure hope so." Ayaka replied.

Konda Village

"Let's see, where's the person Ayaka told us about…" Paimon said as Raychel's team arrived at Konda Village.

"Why are you doing this, Tejima? Why leave all of a sudden, after all these years?" An old woman named Mahiru asked the elderly man.

"Precisely, it's much too sudden. We've had no time to prepare. The children are desperate for you to take them out to play. Please, we urge you to reconsider!" The old man named Kenjirou added.

"I believe we're on the right track." Miriam deduced after watching the conversation. "Let's have a look, shall we?"

"Excuse me." Raychel spoke to the elderly after her team approached them. "What happened over here?"

"Ah... You must also be here to try and convince Tejima to stay?" Mahiru responded. "Tejima has protected this place ever since he arrived here 30 years ago. Keeping out the Treasure Hoarders, fending off any monsters that draw near, resolving quarrels between the villagers... he has put an enormous amount of work into looking after this place, and we all think the world of him. But now, all of a sudden, he says he plans to leave us. We can't help but wonder… was it something we did? We will gladly apologize if that's the case. All we want is for him to stay…"

"And you, good sir? Why the change?" Miriam asked the elderly man who sighed.

"If you want my opinion, something to do with the Vision Hunt Decree." Kenjirou replied. "It's clear that Tejima had done nothing wrong. And still they confiscated his Vision. After that... he became a completely different person. I can't claim to fully understand it, but I could tell that he'd lost something very important to him. He went off on a walk, alone, circled the village a few times, and then out of the blue, he announced that he was going to leave and become a wanderer. Truth be told, we aren't sure whether trying to keep him here is the right thing to do. But equally... it doesn't feel right to let him leave when he's in this state. He's a lost soul."

"Seems like he's a well-respected guy around here." Paimon said.

"Indeed." Miriam agreed. "But… is this what happens to a person when a Vision is taken away?"

"Let's ask him." Raychel said as they approached the troubled man. "Tejima, right? Why do you want to leave so suddenly?"

"Me...? I... It's not a question of why I want to leave... but a question of... what reason I would have to stay." Tejima answered.

"You've lived here for a long time. Everyone depended on you." Miriam stated.

"True... but that's not why I chose to stay here… and what made me want to come here 30 years ago? And why have I never wanted to leave in all that time?" Tejima sighed. "I don't have answers to those questions, because I can't remember anymore. Ever since they took my Vision away, it's like... a slice of my memory is gone. In the past, I knew I wanted to stay here... but whatever resolve I had then, it's gone now. So I thought, what's to stop me from moving around instead? The emptiness inside me will be there either way."

"Okay... Well, in that case, if we help you rediscover the reason you chose to stay, you won't need to leave anymore, right?" Paimon asked. "Hmm... But if you can't remember anything, it's not gonna be easy. Oh! Maybe if you just try a little harder to remember, then... it'll all come flooding back?"

"Oh, that reminds me... Last time I brought Tejima some fruit, I do believe I saw him writing in a diary." Mahiru recalled.

"...I keep a diary? If you say so... I honestly can't seem to remember." Tejima responded.

"Yes, yes, you do!" Mahiru nodded. "And what's more, I remember you saying at the time that you wanted to make a note of a few interesting things, things which would prove very important at a later date."

"In that case, let's go find that diary. Maybe that will change Tejima's mind." Raychel decided.

"Let's try and search his home. It should be there." Miriam said as they head for Tejima's house to look.

Paimon soon found the diary on a nearby log. "Got the diary!" She informed before reading the diary, earning Raychel and Miriam's attention. "Let's see here… "Today, I helped rescue a kid who had fallen in the water. After I pulled him out, he told me that his best friend, Banbu, was still in the water. I searched the water the whole afternoon before finding out that Banbu was the name of his pet crab." "I went kite-flying today. The string broke, so I chased after it as fast as I could. I soon realized I was never going to get it back, so I just found somewhere to sit and watch as it flew away into the distance." Hmm... Seems like your average diary of daily village life..."

"Anything else?" Raychel asked.

"One sec… ah, there!" Paimon kept reading. ""I went to pray at the shrine again today, and stayed there a while. The omamori you gave me has faded a little, but it is still my most treasured possession...""

"Treasured possession, huh?" Miriam mused. "This might be an important clue."

"Let's look for the shrine. The omamori might still be there." Raychel said as the trio went to look for the shrine in the village.

They soon managed to find the shrine where they saw the small omamori nearby. "So this is the omamori Tejima wrote about." Paimon noticed as Miriam picked it up. "Interesting... looking at the color and the design, Paimon would've thought it belonged to a child. But anyway, if he had this with him all the time, there's a chance some of his elemental energy remained on it. D'you think that might come in handy?"

"Let's find out. Fortunately I still have Elemental Sight after absorbing shards from the Statue of the Seven as a blessing." Miriam replied, using her Elemental Sight on the omamori and noticed an elemental trail from her point of view. "Found it. Follow me!" She quickly followed the trail with the others giving chase. Eventually, the trail led them to a small tree with three rocks nearby and very close to each other. "This is where the trail ends."

"The soil…" Raychel noticed the soil on the center of the three rocks being disturbed. "I think something's buried there." She immediately dug out the soil with help from the others until they found a small box with a letter inside after opening it. "So it's a letter. The paper's gone yellow… must have been written a really long time ago." She picked up the letter and began reading it. ""If we become separated during war, go wait for me in Konda Village. There'll be a safe home for us there.""

"Konda Village…" Miriam repeated. "Wait… isn't this the place?"

"So the reason Tejima came here was to wait for someone?" Paimon pondered. "But he's been here for 30 years... Aw, guess they didn't show up in the end, huh…"

"Still, let's give this letter to him and see if he remembers." Raychel said before they went back to Tejima.

Once they did, they gave the letter and the omamori to Tejima for a response. "Well, I'll be... That's certainly my handwriting... and I guess the omamori and letter belong to me too… But I have no memory of anything that's written in this diary. Still... it's clear that I was waiting for someone here, and that I chose to wait for 30 years. Over the years, I must have made a note of anything interesting... anything that I could share with her when we were finally reunited. And just look at all the things that did happen over the years... The time has flown by so quickly. 30 years feels like the blink of an eye. How could I have forgotten something so important to me? Hmm... Now that I think about it, when my Vision was taken from me, it felt like I'd suddenly been... hollowed out. Love, regret... everything I felt for her... it's all disappeared."

"Does that make you feel sad?" Raychel asked.

"No... not especially. After all, I've forgotten who she was. Her face, her voice, the things we experienced together... I barely recall any of it. It's as if she'd never been in my life to begin with... as if, all these years have been nothing but a hazy dream."

"So, do you still plan on leaving?" Miriam asked.

"Mm... I think... maybe not." Tejima answered. "If this is something I waited most of my life for, I suppose I should carry on waiting. Although, what if she were to turn up eventually, only to find I didn't remember so much as her name... Wouldn't that be upsetting for her? When I think about it like that... I do feel a slight tinge of sadness in my heart. How curious... Why am I thinking like this when I don't even remember who she is? It's just like that feeling of emptiness, the feeling that something is... missing…" He sighed. "Thank you ladies for helping me reconnect with my reason for staying here. I shall remain here, and keep waiting for her."

"As you wish." Raychel replied as the trio left.

"Well, I guess this counts as one of Ayaka's wishes fulfilled." Miriam said. "But… it felt empty."

"Tejima seems to be dealing... okay, but still... it makes Paimon really sad…" Paimon said.

"Losing a reason to feel sad is maybe the saddest thing of all." Raychel said. "So this is what happens when a person's Vision is taken away. Hopes, dreams, smiles, ambition, all gone." She took out her Tsukuyomi Ridewatch and stared at it. "I will not look away from the people's suffering. Protecting their hopes, dreams, smiles and ambition, that is a duty of a Kamen Rider and Pretty Cure. That's why Zeo, Akira, Gaius, and even me despite joining the team recently, chose to become heroes."

"Well said, Raychel." Miriam smiled. "I'm sure you do quite well."

"Paimon's also rooting for you, Ray!" Paimon also smiled.

"Thanks, you two." Raychel smiled back, putting away her Ridewatch. "Alright, let's head back to the estate and give Ayaka our report." Afterwards, the trio made their way back to the estate with their task completed.

Inazuma City

Once the group reached the city, they split into two teams as Zeo, Aether and Houki search for the swordsman, while Akira, Lumine and Tsubasa search for the samurai from the Tenryou Commission.

"If I recall what Ayaka's information provided, the Tenryou Commission is directly controlled by the shogun. They're the ones responsible for maintaining law and order in Inazuma, the ones actually enforcing the Vision Hunt Decree." Tsubasa recalled. "But why would they take action against one of their own?"

"Hm?" Lumine noticed a commotion happening nearby. "Something's happening over there. Could be a clue."

"Then let's have a look." Akira replied as the trio observed the commotion.

"I'll ask one more time... Do you intend to withhold this month's emergency provisions?" The man asked.

"The entire clan is counting on that food. We demand an explanation!" Another man demanded.

"How many times do I have to say it... I don't know anything about emergency provisions." The samurai stated.

"You dare deceive us! Those provisions are essential, do you understand? Not some goods to be pocketed by greedy samurai!" The man frowned.

"You samurai think that you can just do whatever you please!? The Tenryou Commission will hear of this!" The other man added.

"Excuse me." Tsubasa spoke up, earning their attention while the samurai walked away.

"Huh? And who are you? One of Kurosawa's gang, no doubt?" The man asked.

"Not really. We were just passing by until we heard the commotion. Is something the matter?"

"I see, you seem to have come just at the right time. Perhaps you can help us settle this matter. I'm Oomori, and this is Yuuya. That samurai from earlier is Kurosawa, a member of the Shogun's Army. They issue emergency provisions to the area, and he's the one responsible for distribution. In the past we'd simply ask him for provisions and everything would be delivered. Now, he suddenly refuses to give us anything! He's keeping the provisions for himself, I just know it! We'll starve without them!"

"No one seems to care about us. We used to think Kurosawa was a kind man, but he's shown his true colors. He's the same as all the other samurai." Yuuya continued. "It's no wonder all the Visions have been confiscated. The Raiden Shogun doesn't need people like him helping her rule the nation."

"I see." Akira noted. "Thanks for the info, we'll go see what's up with Kurosawa."

The trio began looking for the samurai Kurosawa, until they found him and approached him. "I've never even heard of these emergency provisions!" Kurosawa complained. "I don't know whether it's rumors or whether they're trying to blackmail me, but either way it's ridiculous. If I was hoarding supplies, would I still be the poor man I am today? My own family can barely get by as it is... Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got other matters to attend to."

"Excuse me." Lumine spoked up. "We heard that you lost your Vision recently. Is that true?"

"...That's the first bit of truth I've heard all day. The Shogun's Army told me that I was unworthy of my Vision, they said I was slacking off in my work. Apparently I'd even disappointed the Raiden Shogun. That's why they confiscated my Vision."

"Well that's strange, you were helping enforce the Vision Hunt Decree. Why would you be unworthy of your Vision?" Tsubasa asked.

"To be perfectly honest... I don't seem to remember the details. All I know is that I would perform certain things every month, but I don't recall what they were. And it's not just that. I have this unsettling feeling like... like someone owes me something."

"Does it have to do with the missing emergency provisions?" Akira asked.

"I didn't take any!" Kurosawa answered. "Like I said, if I was taking them for myself, I wouldn't be going through such hard times right now. To top it all off, my house was just raided by Treasure Hoarders... which is why I came here in the first place. I was chasing after them when I got held up by these two. If you don't believe me, go find the Treasure Hoarders yourself! If there were any emergency provisions to be had, they would've found them."

"Thank you for the info. We'll hunt down those thieves for you." Lumine nodded before the trio left to look for the Treasure Hoarders. Fortunately, they found their footprints and followed the trail which led them outside the city until they saw the thieves near their tent at the beach.

"There they are." Tsubasa frowned.

"We really outdid ourselves this time!" A Hoarder named Ken said. "All those samurai houses packed with goods, haha! We really hit the jackpot. I mean, besides that one house."

"You haven't seen anything yet, there'll be a lot more where this came from!" Another Hoarder named Tadao said. "Today's just the beginning. I'll be leading you all on an epic journey of pillage and plunder that will go down in hoarder history!"

"You da man, boss!" Another Hoarder named Gou cheered.

"...Not anymore." Lumine said, summoning her Skyward Blade surged with Anemo and Geo and proceeded to make quick work on the three Treasure Hoarders.

"Huh… guess she doesn't need our help to beat them down." Akira remarked as Lumine finished defeating the thieves.

"It's only three people, so she can handle this with no issue." Tsubasa stated. "Now to demand some answers from those thieves."

"Ugh, there goes all the Mora... We worked hard to steal that, ya know!" Ken complained as he and his comrades were in pain after being beaten by the Traveler. "C'mon boss, think of something!"

"Ahem... Not bad, kid... Y-You ever think of joining the Treasure Hoarders? We could use someone like you." Tadao offered.

"Do I look like an idiot to you?" Lumine deadpanned with her arms crossed as Tsubasa and Akira joined her.

"Can I borrow your sword for a moment, Lumine? I want to interrogate these thieves." Tsubasa requested.

"Here, use my spare." Lumine complied, summoning and giving Tsubasa her Prototype Rancour.

"Now then…" Tsubasa approached the thieves and pointed the sword at them which made them shudder in fear.. "Answer immediately. Did you rob something at Kurosawa's home?"

"Kurosawa? Oh... I remember." Tadao answered. "So he's the one who sent you after us, huh? Tsk, just our luck... I knew we shouldn't have hit that place."

"Did you steal food supplies inside his house?"

"Food supplies? You kidding? That place was a complete mess. All we found was a strange-looking box, hopefully with valuables inside. I didn't want anyone else to see it, so I was planning on opening it myself once we got back. But now that you've caught us, how about we make a deal? That little box for our freedom... Whaddya say?"

"Akira?" Tsubasa asked.

"Show us the box first, then I'll consider it." Akira said to the thieves.

In response, the thieves brought out the box and opened it for the girls. However…

"Huh?!/What the?!" Ken and Tadao exclaimed at what's inside the box.

"Th-There's nothing in here but IOUs!" Gou added.

"May I have a look?" Akira asked.

"Here." Gou gave the box to her and examined it.

"Hmm… these IOUs all seem to be made out to the owner of a general goods store, a Miss Aoi… I think I remember passing by that shop during my first trip to Inazuma City. Better pay her a visit." Akira said before facing the thieves. "Alright, you three are free to go. And you'd better pray to the Almighty Shogun that you don't cross paths with us again!"

"Y-Yes, of course! We're leaving!" Ken complied as he, Gou and Tadao ran away, prompting Tsubasa to return the sword to Lumine before she dispersed both swords.

"Aoi-san, huh?" Tsubasa mused.

"Tsukumomono Groceries at Inazuma City. That's Aoi-san's shop. Let's return the stolen goods to her." Akira said as the trio made their way back to the city.

"Welcome to Tsukumomono Groceries, we've got everything you need. Can I help you find something? Or perhaps... there's something you want to inquire about?" Aoi asked Akira, Lumine and Tsubasa as they arrived at her shop.

"We happened to find these IOUs stolen from the Treasure Hoarders. You can have them back." Akira returned the box of IOUs to Aoi.

"Ah, so you're friends of Kurosawa, I take it? Haha. Perhaps you're here to pay off his debts?"

"Not quite. We're just here to learn where they all came from." Lumine replied. "How did Kurosawa end up owing you so much money? Did he buy anything super-expensive here?"

"Let me think…" Aoi pondered for a bit. "Kurosawa would come regularly to purchase large quantities of foodstuffs. He'd always put the payment on his own account. However, the price of provisions began to skyrocket recently, and his salary was no longer enough to cover the cost. So, he started writing out IOUs to cover whatever he couldn't afford of the usual amount."

"So that's how he was getting those emergency provisions…" Tsubasa noted. "But why did he have to purchase a "usual" amount? If the prices increased, couldn't he just buy less?"

"Well if you think about it, the citizens receiving the emergency provisions must have been carefully calculating how much they needed to sustain them each time. Kurosawa thought that it would be quite the disappointment for them if they found they didn't have enough. Especially after such long and careful planning. So he deemed it necessary to take on the debt rather than let the people down."

"So Kurosawa was purchasing all the emergency provisions at his own expense… and no one ever appreciated what he did. They just complained and held him accountable." Lumine noted.

"People's attitudes will always reflect their circumstances. In the face of hardship, nobody cares to think twice. If you ask me, had Kurosawa told everyone the truth about the supplies from the start, then there wouldn't be such a severe backlash now. Of course, I'm sure there would still have been some unrest. What he was doing was truly a thankless deed. As for why he chose to spend his own money on emergency provisions and never tell anyone... I'm still not too clear myself. If you're still curious, why don't you go ask him yourself?"

"Unfortunately, he doesn't remember." Akira answered.

"I see…" Aoi noted. "That reminds me... it seems that his Vision was recently confiscated. Most unfortunate... If he doesn't clear the debt on his name, he'll have no choice but to sell that sword that is so dear to him."

"A sword?" Tsubasa repeated.

"Didn't he tell you? He possesses a very valuable blade. He's carried it for years now. I've asked him about its origins, and he told me that it was a gift from his father... that it was too precious to sell. In hindsight, I regret that I never made an offer on it. Everything has its price, at least that's what I think. Why don't you ask him about the sword yourself? Perhaps it'll even provide you with the answers you are looking for. Oh, but before you go, if you would kindly settle today's bill…"

"...It's for the info you gave us, huh?" Akira deadpanned.

Aoi chuckled. "Information is also a kind of commodity, wouldn't you agree? Don't worry, I won't charge much for information about Kurosawa. Nothing we ever discussed was explicitly confidential anyway. Let me think... 2,000 Mora should be a fair price."

"Fine…" Akira sighed, reluctantly gave the bag of 2,000 Mora to Aoi.

"At least we now know where the emergency provisions were coming from, plus we found out that Kurosawa has a priceless sword in his possession." Lumine stated. "Let's go talk to Kurosawa again and see if he can remember anything."

"If you're looking for him, he just passed by this shop earlier. You should be able to find him if you hurry." Aoi informed.

"Thank you for your help. We'll be going now." Tsubasa bowed before the trio left to look for Kurosawa.

Fortunately, they're able to find him sitting at a bench nearby. "You feeling okay, Kurosawa?" Akira asked. "Did those two guys keep demanding you?"

"I presented them with a choice: either they left or I drew my sword. They left." Kurosawa answered. "It turned out to be a real time saver, actually. Perhaps I should start using it more often. Did you manage to track down the Treasure Hoarders? Everything I said was true, right?"

"Actually…" Lumine began to explain.

Moments later…

"That just about sums it up. It turns out that you really were distributing emergency provisions, but they were all purchased at your own expense." Akira finished her explanation.

"Strange... Is that really the kind of person I was?" Kurosawa responded. "I don't really have any such recollection. Even after all you've told me, I still don't remember anything. Why was I purchasing emergency provisions for everyone? And why would I put myself in such a difficult situation… " He sighed. "I really don't understand. But I cannot deny that when I brandished my sword to scare those two away, I could sense that my body was somehow reluctant to do so."

"May I please see that sword for a moment?" Tsubasa requested.

Kurosawa nodded and showed Tsubasa his sword. "This sword was once wielded by my father. I remember once when I was young, I wanted to sneak out with the blade and show it off to the kids next door. My father ended up catching me in the act and scolded me severely. What did he say... Huh. I can't seem to remember that either. It would seem that I forgot many important things when my Vision was taken from me. So many memories, gone forever, no matter how hard I try to remember. All I can remember now is my father telling me that this blade bore his life's creed. Before he passed away, he placed the sword in my hands… and said to me, "With this sword, you should-"

"Hm?" Tsubasa narrowed her eyes on the sword, more specifically, the hilt. "Those engravings… 'Virtue and Justice' in kanji."

"'Virtue and Justice'?" Kurosawa repeated. "Somehow, those two words seem to explain everything now… Taking on seemingly endless debts to make others happy. I guess that must have been my greatest ambition after all… But what use are virtue and justice? I purchased the provisions for those in need, and look how things ended up. The Tenryou Commission seized my Vision, and the very people I was so desperately trying to help, refuse to understand me. And the irony of all of it is... I somehow still felt sorry when threatening them with my blade. I'm incapable of being a good person... yet I'm equally unable to be bad. I-I don't know what to do with myself…"

"Poor guy…" Akira thought with sympathy. "Memories gone because of his Vision taken away. Whoever's in charge of the Tenryou Commission besides the Raiden Shogun is gonna pay dearly for this. Maybe asking Thoma will help about Kurosawa's debt. The Yashiro Commission would surely help cover his expenses."

"Akira?" Lumine asked, cutting off her train of thought.

"Ah, sorry. Had to think about this whole situation." Akira apologized. "Anyway, we did what we could. Let's head back to the Kamisato Estate and give our report. Thoma should do something to help Kurosawa."

"As you wish." Tsubasa nodded. "Stay healthy, Kurosawa."

"You too, kind ladies." Kurosawa nodded as he watched the trio left for Kamisato Estate.

After splitting up from Akira's team, Zeo, Aether and Houki went looking for the swordsman. "According to Ayaka-san, the swordsman we're looking for is the present-day master of Meikyou Shisui Art." Houki recalled. "Sounds pretty impressive."

"Ah, this must be the dojo Thoma marked on Inazuma's map." Zeo said as they arrived at the dojo. "Fortunately there's people around here, so time to get some info."

"Nanako, don't worry! Sensei will be fine… Those thugs that challenged the dojo were strong, but he fought them all off in the end, didn't he?" The man said to the woman named Nanako.

"Maybe, but I'm still worried about him, Junya." Nanako replied. "Things have gotten dangerous before in the past, but it's never shaken him. This time, though…" She sighed.

"It's just because he's been possessed, that's all! Once the exorcism has taken place, he'll be right as rain in no time." Junya replied back.

"Excuse me, sorry for interrupting." Zeo spoke up. "We're here to see the swordsman and become his disciples."

"...Disciples?" Junya repeated.

"We've heard all about the mighty master of Meikyou Shisui Art. It's the whole reason we came all this way, to seek him out and ask him to train us." Houki explained. "But then we got here and overheard you talking about how he got possessed, or something…"

"Hmm... From the way you're dressed... it doesn't look like you're from around here." Junya observed the group. "Please accept my apologies... We've had so many people trying to cause us trouble recently that we're on high alert. You haven't arrived at the best of times, I'm afraid. Sensei got possessed recently, and he's still recovering. He's not able to take on any new disciples for the time being."

"It's alright. We can wait until he's recovered." Aether replied.

"I see you are earnest in your pursuit." Junya sighed. "Okay, how about this; my fellow disciple Nanako and I, Junya, will explain Sensei's situation to you in a little more detail. Then you can decide whether to stay or to leave. Sensei's name is Domon, a name I'm sure you've already heard. Though self-taught, he mastered the art of the sword to a high level. He then proceeded to defeat many other prominent swordmasters, never losing a single fight. He once said that his goal was to become the best swordmaster in the world. And so, even while training us, he continued to hone his own art. His fervor truly inspired us, and we trained hard, determined to keep up with him."

"But then… Not long ago, Sensei had his Vision taken away. He hasn't been the same since." Nanako continued. "He says the strangest things over and over, and he refuses to let us train. Junya and I have discussed it, and we both think that he's been possessed by an evil spirit. So, we've asked the shrine maidens from the Grand Narukami Shrine to perform an exorcism. But if I'm being honest... I still have my doubts over whether he'll completely recover... "

"Grand Narukami Shrine?" Houki repeated.

"You haven't heard of it? It's the largest shrine of Narukami Island, located on Mt. Yougou. The head shrine maiden is reputed to have very close ties with the Almighty Shogun herself. Not that we'd have any means of involving the head shrine maiden, of course... But even one of the ordinary shrine maidens from the Grand Narukami Shrine would have clear power and authority to perform an exorcism." Junya explained. "So don't worry, Nanako. Sensei is going to be just fine. The exorcism will take place this evening. You're more than welcome to come and watch if you're interested."

"Very well then, we'll go and see the exorcism." Zeo accepted.

"Alright. Come back to the dojo later in the evening so we can watch together." Junya noted before the trio left.

"Grand Narukami Shrine, huh?" Aether mused, pulling out his Zikan Phone to examine Inazuma's map and found Mt. Yougou above Inazuma City. "Ah, here it is."

"Looks like reaching there will take a while, not to mention climbing to the top." Houki remarked. "Fortunately we can use our Wind Gliders to fly."

"We'll check it out after the exorcism this evening." Zeo stated as Aether put away his phone. "How's about we look around the city to pass the time before we head back to the dojo?"

"Hai./Got it." Houki and Aether nodded.

Later that evening…

"Hm?" During their rest time after checking out the city and buying some food supplies for later, Zeo noticed Akira, Tsubasa and Lumine leaving the city. "Hey, sis!" He called out, earning their attention.

"Zeo?" Akira responded as she and the others approached and sat with them. "You're taking a break from your task? Or are you done? My team's already finished mine."

"We had to wait for the evening before we can go back to the dojo and witness an exorcism." Aether replied.

"An exorcism?" Tsubasa repeated.

"Here's the situation with the swordmaster." Houki began to explain.

The two teams took a moment to share information, starting with Zeo's team with the swordmaster, then Akira's team with the samurai. "I see." Akira noted. "So Domon is just like what happened to Kurosawa when the Vision gets taken away."

"At least you managed to help Kurosawa the best you could." Zeo said. "Dunno how Domon's exorcism will go, but we might as well see for ourselves."

"So losing a Vision means losing your memories, your ambition, your dreams…" Houki said. "I'm glad we didn't bring Lingyin along for this campaign, otherwise she'll revert back to her previous self, but worse."

"Akira assumed that the one in charge of the Tenryou Commission, besides the Raiden Shogun, is responsible for creating the Vision Hunt and Sakoku Decree." Lumine said.

"Well considering what happened to Kurosawa, at least we have a clue and realise not all of the Tenryou Commission is bad, but we still need to keep our guard up." Aether said.

"As long as we continue to assist Ayaka, more clues will reveal themselves so we can solve this mystery." Tsubasa stated. "Hopefully another one within the Tenryou Commission that has a conscience."

Zeo then stood up after looking at the evening sky. "Alright, time to head to the dojo again. We don't want to keep Junya and Nanako waiting."

The others nodded and stood up before heading back to the dojo, eventually arriving moments later where they saw Junya. "Ah, you're here. And I see you brought more of your friends." Junya greeted the arrivals. "It's a good thing you didn't arrive any earlier, you would have had to witness Sensei in one of his fits of madness. Just now, when Nanako was attending to him, she heard him whispering a few names to himself. When she asked him who the people were, he suddenly looked panic-stricken and pushed her away. It looked like he was in great distress... He was covering his ears and looking frantically around him with bloodshot eyes. All the while he kept calling those names, some of them we knew, others we didn't recognize, but they all seemed to be the names of swordmasters he had defeated in the past. One of them was Anzai. He used to be a fellow disciple of Sensei's, his senior, in fact. But Sensei defeated him in a duel many years ago, and he has been a wanderer ever since. Sensei wouldn't stop calling his name." He sighed. "Thankfully, the shrine maidens managed to subdue him, so the exorcism can finally continue. The ritual has now begun, all we can do is patiently await the result. Here's hoping Sensei will be back to his normal self very soon. Please excuse me for a moment while I fetch some water. If he wakes up, he is sure to be thirsty."

After Junya left to get some water for Domon, Houki sensed a nearby presence coming from the left of the dojo. "What is it, Houki?" Aether asked.

"...Everyone wait here, I'll be right back." Houki replied and quickly chased after the presence.

"Is someone eavesdropping on the conversation earlier?" Lumine guessed.

"Probably." Tsubasa replied. "But let Houki handle this."

Houki quickly followed the traces which led her into the city, until she found the person that had the same presence she sensed. "Gh?!" The man gasped. "How... How did you... catch up with me... so quickly… Are you sure you're Domon's disciples? You move even quicker than he does… Unless... I guess it's been a few years. Maybe his skills have improved again?"

"First off, let me be the one asking the questions. Who are you and why are you sneaking around the dojo?" Houki demanded.

"Hmph. I'll have you know I trained side-by-side with Domon back in the day, long before you ever showed up. I don't care to talk about that time anymore... but if you must know, I am Domon's senior."

"Domon's senior?" Houki repeated. "Then you must be… Anzai, correct?" That earned a nod from the man. "Then why did you run away?"

"Because I don't wish to see Domon, or anyone else associated with him, ever again." Anzai answered. "When we were young, we trained under the same swordmaster, studying Meikyou Shisui Art together. I had begun training five years before him, and everyone looked up to me as a steady and dependable older disciple. Practitioners of Meikyou Shisui Art seek to achieve "stillness of mind, freedom from all agitation." So the majority of disciples are indifferent to rank and reward. I was no exception. But Domon was different. The first thing he did when he joined was go straight to our sensei and ask him, with a beaming smile on his face, how to become the best in the world. Sensei scolded him, and told him that the art of the sword should not be used for such vain ends. Sensei said that coveting the title of the best swordmaster, barely days into his training, showed that he had a fickle mind, and that this would impede him from ever mastering the blade. I thought so too, at the time... But Domon began making swift progress in his training, and even started catching up with me. Only then did I realize that it was Domon who had long since freed his mind from all agitation. He was consumed by his singular desire to become the best in the world. He sought nothing less than perfection in the art of the sword, and nothing could deter him from this goal, no matter what stood in his way."

"He's that determined, huh?" Houki mused. "So, how come you don't want to ever see him again?"

"Because until he arrived, I was convinced that I would succeed our sensei as the master of Meikyou Shisui Art. Of all the disciples, I was the most gifted, I had trained the longest. Everyone had high expectations for me. Domon's arrival changed everything. When we sparred, I lost not just the match, but my pride and my status, too. I fled the dojo that day and never looked back. Later, I heard that he sparred with Sensei, too. Sensei was advanced in years by then, and unfortunately, that match used up every last ounce of energy in his body. After that, I wanted nothing further to do with him. Deep down, though, I still respected his mastery of the blade, and his commitment to the art of the sword. So when I heard rumors that he had lost his mind, my first reaction was to dismiss them as false. How could he, of all people, have lost his mind? His mind was the sharpest of them all, he had practiced Meikyou Shisui Art to perfection. I decided to quietly come and see if it were true. Then, to my complete astonishment, I heard him call my name... I thought mine was a name he had long since forgotten. So you see, I came here not to cause him any harm. I just wanted to see for myself."

"I understand." Houki noted. "Sorry for judging you. And if you're wondering why he's like that, his Vision was taken away by the Tenryou Commission."

"Is that why he lost his mind?" Anzai asked, earning a nod from Houki. "Damn them… Anyway, you should head back to the dojo, the exorcism should be done by now. And… thank you for telling me what happened to Domon. What was your name?"

"Houki Shinonono, and it's my pleasure to help. Be well, Anzai-san." Houki bowed before making her way back to the dojo.

By the time she returned to the group waiting at the dojo, the exorcism was complete. The results however…

"What? You're saying he isn't possessed?" Nanako questioned to the shrine maiden named Inagi Hotomi. "Does that mean he's just lost his mind? But how is that possible? ...No, I refuse to believe it. Something's clearly wrong!"

"Nanako, please, try not to get agitated…" Junya said.

"I am sorry. With what powers I have, I can find no sign of any malignant spirit having possessed Domon." Inagi apologized. "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 Miko has taken an interest in your sensei's case."

"Yae… Miko…?!" The team mentally exclaimed as the name sounds similar.

"That name… could that be Yae Sakura's counterpart?" Zeo thought.

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

"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." Inagi replied. "I must leave now, but we will meet soon at the shrine. I wish Domon a full and speedy recovery." She bowed before heading back to the Grand Narukami Shrine.

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

"Do you mean to say that Sensei isn't renowned enough to deserve Lady Yae's attention?" Nanako asked.

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

"Direct and close contact with the Shogun, huh? Hello, potential clue." Akira thought with a smirk.

"Ahem." Junya cleared his throat. "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."

"You got yourself a deal, Junya-san." Zeo smiled.

"In that case, see you all at the Grand Narukami Shrine tomorrow." Junya said as he and Nanako bowed to the group before leaving.

"Yae Miko, huh…?" Aether mused with his hand on his chin. "Yae Sakura's gonna flip once she and Mei hears this."

"No doubt about it." Lumine agreed. "So what now?"

"Since we're going to the shrine tomorrow, let's head back to the Kamisato Estate and give Ayaka our report. I think we're done for today, and Ray's team should be back at the estate by now with her report." Akira replied.

"Then let's head back to the estate, we could use a break." Tsubasa said as the group began heading out.

…Until Aether stopped for a moment which garnered their attention. "Hm? What's up, Aether?" Lumine asked.

"I feel like we forgot to do something after arriving in Inazuma…" Aether pondered… until realization sets in. "Oh yeah! We forgot to pray at the Statue of the Seven and gain the Electro Archon's blessing!"

The Naotoras facepalmed in response. "Damn it, we forgot about that part." Zeo admitted.

"That, and we didn't see that statue during the whole day." Akira added. "How did we miss something large?"

"Maybe we should ask Thoma?" Houki suggested. "He might've seen it during his time in Inazuma."

"Sounds like a plan." Aether nodded.

"By the way, where's GV?" Lumine asked. "We were hoping he'd teach us how to use Electro once we gained the element."

"Oh, that. After returning to the Symphogear world from our mission to help Magolor, Genjuro informed us that he and Gaius were on a mission in the Blaster Master world." Zeo explained. "But they'll join us once the mission is over."

"In that case…" Tsubasa spoke to the Travelers. "I can at least teach you some Electro sword skills I've learned, if you're interested."

"That'd be great./Thanks, Tsubasa." Aether and Lumine smiled.

"It's my pleasure, Travelers." Tsubasa smiled back. "You could use the training."

"Alright, it's decided!" Akira pointed upwards with a grin. "Time to head back to the Kamisato Estate! And tomorrow, we will meet Yae Miko herself!"

"Yeah!" The others cheered with their right fists raised before making their way back to the Kamisato Estate.

Chapter 2: The Land of Eternity

End

Author's Note: And so begins Act 1 of the Inazuma Arc, but the rest of it will be done in the next chapter, along with Act 2 either full or some parts of it. Don't worry about the other two Character Quests, they'll also be mentioned in the next chapter to prove that Team XDR have partaken it. And don't worry about Mei Raiden and Yae Sakura, they're still coming to Inazuma via the Trans Beacon once it's activated in a safe location.

So the highlights for this chapter, the team arrived at Inazuma much smoother thanks to the lightning rod installed onto the Alcor. Then they met Thoma and chose to accept his and Ayaka's help instead of refusing it, meaning they no need to deal with the Ritou Escape Plan, so suck on that, Signora! And lastly there's fulfilling Ayaka's three wishes, which two were completed in this chapter while the remaining one will be done in the next chapter, that also includes Aether, Lumine and Miriam gaining the power of Electro from Inazuma's Statue of the Seven.

And that's it for now. So stay safe and see you next chapter!