Chapter 20

[Age 18: The Sakoku Decree and the Vision Hunt Decree had put the entire nation of Inazuma on edge. Fear gripped everyone. The country was engulfed in a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.]

[As one of the officials overseeing the Yashiro Commission, many of the things you had to do were beyond your control.]

[Though you despised these two decrees, you still chose which individuals to "sacrifice" by having them hand over their Visions for the sake of the family.]

["Sacrificing a small number is for the protection of the majority."]

[You agreed to Kamisato Ayato's suggestion.]

[But was this truly fair to those few individuals?]

[Could ideals and dreams be measured and weighed in this way?]

[You met a once-great swordmaster who had lost his Vision and had fallen into a state of madness. Those unanswered questions finally resolved themselves in your heart.]

[It was wrong! Everything happening in Inazuma now was wrong!]

[You began to hate what you were doing.]

[As a child, when you lost your mother's love, you turned to knowledge to escape the pain.]

[And now, as an adult, you found another way to ease your suffering.]

[You started secretly helping Vision bearers escape the Tenryou Commission's hunts.]

[Your life split into two sides.]

[Publicly, you were the Yashiro Commission's representative, obediently following the Raiden Shogun's orders.]

[Privately, you were aiding Vision bearers, helping them evade the Tenryou Commission again and again.]

[This double life was both dangerous and selfish. If the other two Commissions found out, the Kamisato Clan's reputation would plummet. But you could no longer afford to care.]

[You just wanted to do what you felt was right.]

[In this process, you grew closer to Yoimiya from the Naganohara Fireworks shop.]

[You had actually been acquainted with Yoimiya for quite some time.]

[As the Yashiro Commission represented Inazuma's culture and oversaw its festivals and ceremonies, fireworks were indispensable.]

[Your business relationship with Yoimiya had spanned many years.]

[But it wasn't until recently, when Yoimiya helped you shelter Vision bearers, that you truly became familiar with each other.]

[From that point on, you had a new "partner."]

["One Electro Vision, one Cryo Vision, and one Pyro Vision," Yoimiya said as she placed the three Visions on the counter. "Kael-sama, here are the fakes you ordered from Master Masamune."]

[You nodded and carefully wrapped up the Visions, placing them in a secure pocket. "The Tenryou Commission will raid Konda Village tomorrow to seize Visions. I'll find a way to deliver these tonight."]

["Hehe, with you handling things, I can't be worried at all."]

[You had gotten used to being called "White Crane Young Master" by the locals. Hearing Yoimiya's words, your expression remained calm. "Thank you for your help. I'll be taking my leave."]

White Crane Young Master? 

Kael muttered to himself, "Do I have a title in Inazuma now? Does White Crane Young Master go hand-in-hand with being the fiancé of the White Heron Princess?"

[As you turned to leave, Yoimiya hurriedly called out to you.]

["Wait!" Yoimiya's expression grew slightly awkward. "Uh…"]

[It was rare to see the usually cheerful Yoimiya look so uneasy. You couldn't help but glance at her a bit longer.]

[Noticing your gaze, Yoimiya's face turned red. Clenching her teeth, she blurted out, "I've been working on a new type of firework. Could you stay and have a look?"]

["Is it for the upcoming festival? I'll send the subordinate in charge of that…"]

["No!!!" Before you could finish speaking, Yoimiya interrupted you. "This firework is just something I want you to see! Can't you take a look before you go? It won't take long and won't delay your plans!"]

[You rubbed your ear, which was still tingling from her loud voice. "Alright, alright, stop shouting. I'll stay and take a look."]