Chapter 13

"Let's go," Akio said.

In the next moment, he appeared on the surface of the sea. Raiden Ei had kicked him out of the Plane of Euthymia.

"You who question eternity!" The Raiden Shogun snorted coldly upon seeing Akio.

"…" Akio was a bit helpless. Was the Shogun really that petty?

But in the next moment, he noticed the Shogun's demeanor change, becoming somewhat dazed.

It was Ei. Akio could tell at a glance.

The Shogun was cold and imposing, exuding an air of solemnity, but Ei was a bit more reserved, even a little naive and cute.

"Let's hurry!" Ei was already impatient. She grabbed Akio and transformed into a bolt of lightning, flying toward the Grand Narukami Shrine.

Inside the Grand Narukami Shrine.

"Miko, stop pacing back and forth," Kitsune Saiguu said, feeling a headache coming on as she watched Yae Miko pacing.

"You don't understand! The Shogun is very rigid," Yae Miko sighed, frowning. "And I really don't want to see the two of them fight."

"A battle between deity, no matter who wins, would be an immeasurable loss for Inazuma."

"Since Akio said he has a way to deal with the Shogun, it should be fine," Kitsune Saiguu said. "And if Ei learns that Akio has the power to revive people, she won't harm him."

"Ei won't give up any chance to bring Makoto back," Kitsune Saiguu said seriously.

"I hope so," Yae Miko nodded. Suddenly, she looked toward the horizon, where a bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, heading straight for the Grand Narukami Shrine.

"Akio!" As the lightning dissipated, Yae Miko saw Akio and immediately ran over.

"Shogun? No, you're Ei," Yae Miko scrutinized Raiden Ei.

"Miko…" Ei also knew she owed her familiar a great deal.

"Well, well, look who's here?" A teasing voice came from behind Yae Miko.

"It's been five hundred years, Ei, and you're still throwing tantrums like a little girl."

"Don't tell me you've been rolling around in the Plane of Euthymia, crying and making a fuss?"

"Kitsune Saiguu…" Ei's voice trembled as she saw Kitsune Saiguu. Akio was telling the truth! He really could revive people.

Akio watched Kitsune Saiguu teasing Ei, then glanced at Yae Miko. Sure enough, they were cut from the same cloth—both mischievous foxes.

Though Kitsune Saiguu was a bit more refined compared to Yae Miko.

With her point proven, Ei anxiously turned to Akio and said, "Then I agree! I'll be your woman! Now hurry and revive Makoto!"

"…" Akio's mouth twitched slightly.

"Oh? Someone's just handed herself over? My, my, it seems our Shogun is about to experience love," Yae Miko chuckled behind her hand.

Ei ignored Yae Miko, her eyes full of expectation as she stared at Akio.

"Ei, I just revived Kitsune Saiguu. I've expended a lot of energy. Don't I get to rest?" Akio said helplessly. Even a workhorse wouldn't be pushed this hard, right?

He was only an S-rank Herrscher of Rebirth. Perfectly reviving one person in such a short time had already drained most of his energy. Asking him to revive Raiden Makoto, a deity, would be the death of him.

"…" Ei fell silent. She knew that reviving someone would come at a great cost.

"Then come with me to Tenshukaku. You're not allowed to run away," Ei said, staring at Akio seriously.

"No!" Yae Miko quickly interjected. "Akio is the Great Divine Official of the Grand Narukami Shrine. What business does he have at Tenshukaku? I don't agree."

"Ei, don't worry so much," Akio said. "Why would I leave? I told you, Inazuma is my home now."

"Exactly! And Akio is the Great Divine Official. If he stays at Tenshukaku, rumors will spread. Besides, the Great Divine Official has no right to stay at Tenshukaku," Yae Miko chimed in.

As if she'd let Ei steal Akio away before she'd even had a chance to deepen their bond!

"Akio is a god in his own right. A mere Great Divine Official is unworthy of him," Ei glared at Yae Miko, this troublemaking woman.

"Akio, if you come to Tenshukaku, I will immediately appoint you as the Eternal Sovereign Deity of Inazuma," Ei said seriously. "As long as you revive Raiden Makoto, I will serve you at any time."

"!!!" At these words, Yae Miko and Kitsune Saiguu were shocked. Ei was going to appoint Akio as a deity?

"…" Akio was also surprised, but after a moment of thought, he realized that Ei's offer was more about keeping an eye on him, afraid he might run away. After all, this was her chance to revive Raiden Makoto.

"Forget it. Let's discuss all this after I revive Raiden Makoto," Akio shook his head and refused. He didn't want to be constantly monitored by Ei.

"But…" Ei wanted to say more, but when she saw the calm look in Akio's eyes, she suddenly didn't dare to push him.

She was terrified that if she pushed him too hard, he might grow to resent her and leave Inazuma, shattering any hope of reviving Makoto.

"Alright," Ei said dejectedly, emphasizing once more, "But you're not allowed to run away."

"I promise," Akio nodded.

"Then I'll return to Tenshukaku for now. Please let me know as soon as you've recovered," Ei said, lowering her head before disappearing on the spot.

"I've never seen Ei like this before," Yae Miko marveled, then smirked at Akio. "Akio, you actually turned down Ei's offer to make you a deity? That's the deity of Inazuma we're talking about, far beyond a mere Great Divine Official."

"She's not sincere in her offer. She just wants to keep an eye on me," Akio shook his head. "I don't like being watched."

"But, Miko…" As he spoke, Akio slowly approached Yae Miko, a mischievous smile on his face.

"A-Akio, what are you doing?" Yae Miko backed away nervously.

"What am I doing? Don't you remember what you promised me?" Akio cornered Yae Miko against the wall, his arm propped against it, effectively pinning her in place.

"I… um… can you give me some time…" The usually sharp-tongued Yae Miko was now at a loss for words.

"No can do," Akio grinned mischievously. He gently lifted Yae Miko's chin with his hand, his eyes fixed on her soft, pink lips. Slowly, he leaned in, closing the distance between them.

Mmm~ Sweet! Soft! That was Akio's first impression as their lips met. He wrapped his arms around Yae Miko's slender waist, pulling her tightly into his embrace.

"Mmm~" Yae Miko's eyes fluttered shut as she experienced this strange, intoxicating sensation—something she had never felt before.

She gently wrapped her arms around Akio's neck, lost in the moment.