Raiden Saku’s words made Kujou Takayuki’s expression grow increasingly unpleasant.
Especially the eight characters “treacherous ministers deceiving and villains running rampant” made his eyebrows twitch violently!
These eight words were practically calling him out by name!
For a moment, Kujou Takayuki’s fear and hatred toward Raiden Saku rose to a new level.
He had even begun to see Raiden Saku as a stumbling block on his path forward!
He wanted to eliminate this man, even if he was Shogun-sama’s younger brother!
However, as long as neither side showed their cards, they wouldn’t need to openly break relations.
Kujou Takayuki forced himself to stay composed and put on a strained smile: “Saku-sama, you worry too much.
What treacherous ministers deceiving and villains running rampant?
It must be some baseless rumors spread by ignorant commoners that have caused Saku-sama to misunderstand.
Perhaps Saku-sama doesn’t know this, but both the Vision Hunt Decree and Sakoku Decree were personally ordered by Shogun-sama for Inazuma’s eternity!
We of the Tenryou Commission remain forever loyal to Shogun-sama – Shogun-sama’s will is everything to us!
Therefore, we must strictly enforce Shogun-sama’s Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree to ease Shogun-sama’s burdens!
From Saku-sama’s tone, it seems you have objections to the Vision Hunt Decree and Sakoku Decree?
What a pity, but this old man is merely an executor who dares not question Shogun-sama’s will in any way.
I similarly hope Saku-sama will comply with Shogun-sama’s will and not oppose it!” Raiden Saku picked up his wine, coldly observing Kujou Takayuki’s performance.
“One ‘Shogun-sama’ after another – the Kujou Clan head is truly loyal to the nation.” “Not at all, Saku-sama flatters me.
This old man merely hopes there won’t be any discord between Saku-sama and Shogun-sama.
After all, you are siblings, one family.” “Hmm, that’s the only sentence I find pleasing to hear.
No matter what, we are siblings, one family.
I believe that as long as I explain the dangers of the Vision Hunt Decree and Sakoku Decree to Shogun-sama and firmly oppose them, Shogun-sama will certainly value my opinion!” As he spoke, Raiden Saku stood up, not forgetting to leave money for the meal on the table.
Kujou Takayuki beside him was greatly startled by these words and actions, hastily asking: “Saku-sama, what are you planning to do?
Could you truly be intending to defy Shogun-sama!?” “Not defiance, but remonstration!
Correction!
Since returning to Inazuma, I haven’t yet visited Shogun-sama – truly improper.
Now I shall go to Tenshukaku to meet with Shogun-sama!
I will advise her to abolish the Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree, and round up all those treacherous ministers and villains!
What does the Kujou Clan head think of this!?” Kujou Takayuki’s face drastically changed, shock and fury filling his expression – he was just one step away from openly breaking relations!
But being the head of the Tenryou Commission, even now Kujou Takayuki maintained a strained decorum.
He practically had to force himself not to grit his teeth: “Saku-sama opposing Shogun-sama like this is truly improper!
This old man cannot stand by idly!
I must stop Saku-sama here!” Raiden Saku was utterly contemptuous – as if you could stop me!
As the words fell, Raiden Saku transformed into a golden lightning bolt shooting straight into the sky!
Under Kujou Takayuki’s horrified gaze, this golden Electro light charged directly toward Tenshukaku!
“Damn it!
Can’t let him succeed!” The furious Kujou Takayuki led his men in frantic pursuit toward Tenshukaku!
Their reckless charge through the streets caused considerable chaos!
Kiminami Anna, the proprietress of Kiminami Restaurant, had been cowering inside the entire time and was now trembling uncontrollably!
Having overheard so many astonishing secrets she shouldn’t have known, would she be silenced for good?
A golden thunderbolt descended from the sky, flashing before the Tenshukaku before coalescing into a human form—Raiden Saku had arrived.
Before him stood the Tenshukaku.
Surrounding the area were numerous Okuzumeshuu guards patrolling diligently.
The Okuzumeshuu were an elite force handpicked from the Shogunate Army, tasked with guarding the Tenshukaku inside and out, serving as the Raiden Shogun’s personal guard.
When the golden lightning first flashed, the Okuzumeshuu had been highly alert, ready for battle.
However, they quickly recognized Raiden Saku’s identity, bowing in unison and addressing him as Saku-sama, making no attempt to block his path.
The reason was simple: throughout all of Inazuma, only two individuals could freely enter and exit the Tenshukaku.
One was Yae Miko, and the other was naturally Raiden Saku.
Raiden Saku took a few steps forward, intending to enter.
Before crossing the threshold, he instructed the Okuzumeshuu guards at the entrance: “Later, Kujou Takayuki might try to barge in with his men.
You know what to do.” The Okuzumeshuu bowed in response: “Of course!
Throughout Inazuma, only you and Lady Yae may freely enter and exit the Tenshukaku.
No one else is permitted—certainly not Lord Kujou!
Without an order from Shogun-sama, we will not allow Lord Kujou to enter!
If Lord Kujou attempts to force his way in with troops, it would be tantamount to rebellion!” Raiden Saku nodded in satisfaction: “Good, exactly so.
Though I suspect that old dog lacks the courage to storm the Tenshukaku.
Just stop him—no need to cause a scene.” “Yes!” With that, Raiden Saku pushed open the door and entered the Tenshukaku.
No sooner had he stepped inside than Kujou Takayuki arrived with his men in pursuit.
Unfortunately for him, Kujou Takayuki and his subordinates were firmly blocked outside the main gate by the Okuzumeshuu!
Naomasa Naoi, the Okuzumeshuu flag officer stationed at the entrance, straightened his expression and sternly rebuked them in an official tone: “Silence in the sacred grounds of the Tenshukaku!” Without an order from Shogun-sama, no one may force their way into the Tenshukaku!
Anyone who dares to do so will be treated as a rebel!” The upright flag officer even rested his hand on the hilt of his katana, glaring intimidatingly at the advancing Kujou Takayuki!
Kujou Takayuki’s forward momentum came to an abrupt halt!
He knew full well that this particular Okuzumeshuu was notoriously inflexible and impersonal!
He had tried various methods to bribe him in the past, but all had failed.
With this man blocking the way, with the Okuzumeshuu standing guard, there was no chance of him getting through.
He lacked the nerve to storm the Tenshukaku by force—it was a capital offense of high treason!
Kujou Takayuki glared furiously at Naomasa, who barred his path.
Naomasa Naoi remained expressionless, showing no leniency despite facing the head of the Tenryou Commission.
“Lord Kujou, please do not make this difficult for me!” Humiliated and helpless, Kujou Takayuki forced a polite smile: “May we wait here outside?”Very well,” Naomasa Naoe removed his hand from his sword hilt.
“As long as you do not obstruct the main entrance.” Frustrated, Kujou Takayuki retreated several steps, angrily signaling his men to disperse to the sides.
Then, he stood there, anxiously gazing up at Tenshukaku, unaware of the situation inside, his heart filled with unease.
Being barred from Tenshukaku didn’t mean this old dog could do nothing.
Having experienced this sudden turn of events, Kujou Takayuki held a very poor impression of Raiden Saku.
He had already identified Raiden Saku as his greatest enemy!
He even felt an impulse to eliminate him as soon as possible!
Kujou Takayuki didn’t want to just stand here waiting, unable to do anything.
At the very least, he could employ some dirty tricks against Raiden Saku at this moment!
The old man’s mind churned, his expression turning sinister.
He walked to a secluded spot and summoned his trusted subordinate, whispering instructions: “Immediately send people to spread rumors throughout the streets and alleys.
Say that Shogun-sama’s younger brother has rebelled against the Shogunate!
He’s trying to seize Shogun-sama’s position as the Electro Archon!
He’s currently battling Shogun-sama inside Tenshukaku!
Hurry, the key points of the rumors should focus on rebellion and seizing the position of Electro Archon!” Hearing this, the subordinate showed clear hesitation: “Family head, the outcome remains uncertain.
We don’t know how this will end.
Isn’t it too early to spread such rumors now…” In his fury, Kujou Takayuki directly kicked him: “We can’t worry about that now!
Just go!” “Yes, yes, yes!
I’ll go right away!” The subordinate scurried off, gathering several soldiers from the Tenryou Commission before dispersing.
They disappeared into the surrounding streets and alleys, immediately beginning to spread such rumors.