Chapter 30

In Inazuma, the Vision Hunt Decree is the embodiment of the Raiden Shogun's pursuit of eternity.

And Kujou Sara is the primary enforcer of this decree.

In her view, there is nothing inherently wrong with the Raiden Shogun's confiscation of Visions.

If someone as loyal as herself were to obtain a Vision, it would be a good thing.

But if those with ill intentions were to wield the power of Visions, the foundation of Inazuma would be shaken.

From this perspective, the Vision Hunt Decree is necessary.

However, this does not mean that she would resort to any means to enforce the decree.

Take, for example, the case of Arataki Itto.

Unless the other party resists stubbornly, she always approaches them with the utmost patience and sincerity, trying to persuade them to understand the Raiden Shogun's long-term vision.

Unfortunately... those who truly fear the authority of the Shogunate would willingly hand over their Visions without her having to seek them out.

As for the stubborn ones, even if she personally tries to persuade them, it usually doesn't end well.

The will of the gods is vast and profound, and mortals often cannot easily comprehend it, leading to resentment and even organized resistance against the enforcers.

In such situations where force becomes necessary, Kujou Sara can only face her enemies with a hint of regret and a sigh.

She feels guilty for harming civilians, but she never questions the will of the Raiden Shogun.

As long as it is the Raiden Shogun's command, it is always correct!

But having grown accustomed to confiscating Visions, this is the first time she has encountered true resistance.

Here, the resistance is not from ordinary civilians who refuse to hand over their Visions.

But from those who dare to stand up and challenge the Vision Hunt Decree itself.

The other party, in order to convey this will to the Shogun, is even willing to risk their life for a chance at change.

"I already know."

The duel before the throne is something that hasn't happened in a long time.

So this incident has already spread throughout the streets and alleys of Inazuma City.

There's no way she wouldn't know about it.

"So what do you plan to do? Accept it?"

"Of course, I will accept it."

In matters of a duel before the throne, whether she agrees or not is irrelevant.

What matters most is the will of the Shogun.

If the Shogun agrees to this duel, then she has no reason to refuse.

She has already met the young man who initiated the Vision Hunt Decree against her.

That shy young man has already been surrounded by people in Hanamizaka.

Out of pity? Or respect?

In any case, the merchants of Hanamizaka are even willing to waive all fees for him, allowing him to enjoy a feast tonight in Hanamizaka.

But the young man stubbornly left the corresponding Mora under the bowl.

For someone about to die, leaving such things behind is meaningless.

It's better to leave them for those who need help.

"I look forward to your performance tomorrow."

"..."

After watching Bai Luo leave, Kujou Sara's expression turned thoughtful.

The actions of the Fatui are indeed unpredictable.

Well, as long as he doesn't cause trouble during his time in Inazuma, it's best to follow the orders of the clan leader and avoid provoking him.

...

"Sir, that young man has been wandering around Hanamizaka without any other suspicious behavior."

"Good, continue monitoring him until the duel before the throne officially begins."

"Yes!"

As the Fatui subordinate left, Bai Luo walked to the window.

The founder of Inazuma City had a keen eye; the locations of Tenshukaku and the Tenryou Commission were strategically chosen.

Not to mention Tenshukaku.

The location of the Tenryou Commission also offers a perfect view of the entire Inazuma City.

Unlike Ritou, even though this city is also affected by the Vision Hunt Decree, it doesn't feel desolate.

The bustling streets, the lively Hanamizaka.

With good eyesight, one can see every corner of Inazuma City from here.

The layers of night cherry blossoms and blue tiles cannot mask the lively chatter of the people.

But none of this concerns Bai Luo.

What he cares about most is the opportunity to activate his "Battousai" profession through the young man.

His trash system, aside from marking the young man with a glaring "target" above his head, provided no other hints.

Does he need to kill him? Or does he need to save him during the duel before the throne tomorrow?

Bai Luo doesn't know, and he doesn't dare to act rashly.

After initiating the duel before the throne, the young man has been under surveillance by the Shogunate.

If Bai Luo were to have the Fatui do something, it would be impossible to hide from these people.

Explaining things afterward would be troublesome.

It seems he can only wait quietly for the duel before the throne to begin.

But before that... he needs to make some preparations.

...

Travelers always need some skills to rely on when journeying abroad.

Whether it's exceptional swordsmanship or a silver tongue.

Kaedehara Kazuha possesses a unique ability that others lack—listening to the wind and observing the clouds.

To him, nature is never silent; it is always speaking in its own unique language.

When the wind suddenly stops and all falls silent, it is the calm before the sky sheds its tears.

When the clear springs suddenly surge, it is a sign of the earth's anger.

When dark clouds press down, it is a warning of an impending storm.

This is the rainy season, and the mountain paths have become somewhat muddy.

After searching for a long time, Kazuha finally found a resting spot beneath a cliff.

Shaking the fallen leaves off his hat and brushing away the dust on the ground, he sat down and took out a rice ball from his bag.

Once cold, the rice ball's flavor was somewhat lacking.

But it was enough to fill his stomach, so he didn't complain.

Looking at the overcast sky, Kazuha thought of his friend.

The two of them had met by chance, yet they had formed a deep bond, a testament to their shared fate.

Though they had parted ways due to some trivial matters, perhaps they would meet again unexpectedly.

Speaking of which, if his friend were here now, he would surely scold him for eating cold rice balls.

Cold rice balls are bad for the body.

"Hahahahaha! Of course! I'll definitely take back my Vision with my own hands!"

Before he could finish the rice ball in his mouth, he heard a somewhat noisy laugh carried by the wind.

He didn't speak, but instead squeezed himself further under the cliff.

In these wild mountains, one must be cautious no matter who they encounter.

Once, after giving some fruit to a passing woodcutter, the man discovered his Vision, and Kazuha was chased by Shogunate soldiers for a long time before escaping.

Most importantly... sometimes it's not even clear if what you encounter is human.

But the next words from the group made him pause.

"Boss, have you heard? Someone challenged that Kujou Tengu to a duel before the throne."

"Huh? Someone actually... cough Of course I've heard! But to dare challenge that Kujou Tengu, I have to say, that's quite brave. If he survives, we should try to recruit him into our Arataki Gang."

The cold rice ball rolled down the cliff, and Kazuha's hand, which had been holding his sword, began to tremble.

It's him!

Even though these self-proclaimed members of the Arataki Gang didn't mention the name of the person who initiated the duel before the throne, he was certain it was his friend.

He hadn't forgotten the question his friend had asked him when they parted ways.

"If one day, the land of Inazuma is ravaged by disaster, and the people are no longer watched over by the gods, what would you choose to do?"

His answer was simple.

"I would probably choose to live in obscurity."

And it was this very conversation that became the reason for their temporary separation.

His friend told him that he was going to do something big.

Something that would shake all of Inazuma.

Now it seems...

He really chose to face the Musou no Hitotachi!

A gust of wind swept by, and Kazuha was no longer beneath the cliff.

Only a few grains of rice from the rice ball remained, along with the sound of someone happily picking up the rice ball in the wind.