chapter 20
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Chapter 20: Kujo Sara's Determination
"Master, the Tenryou Commission still refuses to relent," reported Thoma, the loyal housekeeper of the Kamisato family, as he returned to the Komore Teahouse. His expression was filled with worry.
For the Kamisato family, the loss of Kamisato Ayaka wasn't just a setback—it was a disaster. For Kamisato Ayato, her older brother, it felt as if the world had collapsed.
Having grown up with Ayaka, Ayato had long placed his sister and their family's legacy above all else. But now, Ayaka had been missing for a week.
Despite Kujo Sara's repeated assurances, Ayato's anxiety only grew worse, especially with the castle tower sealed off to nearly everyone.
Other than Yae Miko of the Grand Narukami Shrine, only Kujo Sara had permission to enter and leave the castle tower freely. Yet even she hadn't seen the Raiden Shogun herself.
This left Ayato with an unsettling question: Was the god of Inazuma truly alive?
Had the deity in the castle tower become an illusion? Or perhaps the foreign god wasn't in the castle at all?
Though these thoughts plagued him, Ayato lacked the courage to seek the truth outright. His deepest fear was that Ayaka had discovered the truth—and was being detained.
Or worse, that something unspeakable had happened to her.
"This time, I'll go myself," Ayato resolved.
Previously, Thoma had made formal requests on his behalf, all of which were denied. But this time, Ayato planned to visit the castle tower in person, determined to uncover the truth about his sister's fate.
However, Ayato wasn't the only one with this idea.
---
At the same time, Kujo Takayuki, head of the Tenryou Commission, also approached the castle tower.
The Raiden Shogun's prolonged absence had left him increasingly uneasy. Adding to his suspicions was Yae Miko's continued transport of goods to the castle tower.
To Takayuki, this secrecy was intolerable. Though he desired strong leadership for Inazuma, he wasn't content to remain in the dark.
Outside the main gate of the castle tower, he encountered Kamisato Ayato.
"Lord Kujo, it's been a while," Ayato greeted politely, though he didn't hide his distaste for the head of the Tenryou Commission.
"It seems we share the same objective, Lord Kamisato," Takayuki replied with a hint of disdain.
Though he held a certain degree of respect for Ayato as one of Inazuma's three great magistrates, Takayuki viewed the young head of the Kamisato family as inexperienced and weak.
Yet in this moment of crisis, the two adversaries set aside their differences. Together, they approached the gates, hoping their combined authority would allow them access to the castle tower.
---
"Apologies, Lord Kamisato, Lord Kujo," Kujo Sara declared firmly, standing before the entrance. "No one is allowed to enter the castle tower without the express permission of the gods."
Takayuki scowled. "Sara, I have urgent matters to report to the General!"
"If that's the case, please relay your message to me. I will deliver it to the General on your behalf," Sara replied, her voice unwavering.
Kujo Sara could not permit anyone to enter the castle tower, not even the leaders of the Kamisato and Kujo families. Both Yae Miko's warning and Ayaka's earlier advice weighed heavily on her mind.
Ayaka had cautioned her that even the slightest mistake could destabilize Inazuma's regime. And while the changes might not be as simple as replacing the three magistrates, Sara feared the ultimate replacement might involve the gods themselves.
With such stakes, she dared not let her guard down. Even she, tasked with delivering meals to the tower, refrained from stepping inside beyond what was absolutely necessary.
"I see you're leaving us no choice," Takayuki growled, his patience wearing thin.
Sara's expression remained resolute. "This matter is of great importance. No one will enter the castle tower without explicit authorization from the gods."
Takayuki's frustration boiled over. "Soldiers, hear my command! If anyone tries to enter the castle tower, arrest them immediately—dead or alive!"
Sara didn't flinch. "Shogunate forces, listen closely! Should anyone attempt to breach the castle tower, stop them at all costs—even if it means sacrificing your lives!"
The soldiers under Sara's command moved swiftly, their weapons pointed directly at Takayuki and Ayato.
Realizing the futility of further escalation, Takayuki reluctantly backed down, though his face was twisted with anger.
---
Turning to Sara, Ayato softened his approach. "Miss Sara, if entering the castle tower is not possible, can you at least arrange for my sister to meet with me outside?"
Sara hesitated before replying. "I'm sorry, Lord Kamisato, but even I cannot freely enter the castle tower. If Miss Ayaka wishes to meet you, I can relay your message. However, whether she agrees is up to her."
In truth, Sara doubted Ayaka would come out. She had no knowledge of what lay inside the castle tower, but she trusted Ayaka's judgment. If Ayaka believed the situation was too dire to reveal, then she would stay hidden.
With that, Sara returned to her silent vigil outside the castle tower, her determination unshaken.
Neither Ayato nor Takayuki could press further, leaving both men frustrated and worried as the mystery surrounding the castle tower deepened.
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