After explaining his concept of eternity, Raiden Saku extended his hand toward Ei with a sincere and earnest expression: “The path to eternity through constant transcendence knows no end, and walking this road alone would inevitably be lonely.
Ei, would you join me in exploring what lies ahead?” Looking into Raiden Saku’s eyes, Ei’s gaze flickered as she experienced profound inner turmoil.
She had to admit that her original understanding of eternity had been shaken, even overturned!
From her current perspective, Raiden Saku’s eternity appeared more advanced and correct.
Saku’s sincere invitation suddenly flustered Ei’s heart.
Before she even realized what was happening, her hand had already reached out involuntarily and was now held in Saku’s grasp!
At this moment, even Ei’s typically rigid mindset couldn’t help but ripple with emotion.
She somewhat awkwardly withdrew her hand.
Maintaining surface composure and dignity, Ei actually turned her face away in confusion: “Well…
Saku, your path to eternity has truly opened my eyes.
I never imagined such an approach to eternity.
However, you seem to be right – I may have taken a wrong turn.
I need sufficient time to properly contemplate the path forward.” Quickly composing herself, Ei looked toward the smiling Saku.
“That’s right!
You wish to become the new Electro Archon, rule Inazuma, and transform this nation, correct?
I approve!
Your eternity is more advanced and better suited for Inazuma’s people.
I believe that with your capabilities and leadership, Inazuma will certainly forge a new path and become better in the future!
I now formally abdicate!
You shall be Inazuma’s new Electro Archon!
The Shogunate’s new Shogun!” Outside Tenshukaku, the crowd waited anxiously.
The sudden clearing of clouds and improvement in weather had left them bewildered, uncertain of what had transpired.
Inside Tenshukaku, Raiden Saku’s consciousness emerged from the Plane of Euthymia, while Raiden Ei used the Shogun’s body as they both exited the building together.
Their appearance startled the waiting crowd!
Looking up at the two figures from afar, no one could detect any signs of intense battle on either Raiden Ei or Raiden Saku.
Could it be…
they didn’t fight?
But that couldn’t be – the earlier atmospheric disturbances clearly indicated the collision of two divine powers.
Had these two reached some agreement?
Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke exchanged uneasy, worried glances filled with dark apprehension.
Kamisato Ayato felt somewhat relieved and let out a quiet sigh.
Raiden Ei stood at the elevated entrance of Tenshukaku, looking down at those barred from entering.
She ordered the Okuzumeshuu to admit the three of them.
The Okuzumeshuu immediately descended to the Tenshukaku entrance to announce Shogun-sama’s command.
Kujou Takayuki, Hiiragi Shinsuke, and Kamisato Ayato understood that Shogun-sama meant them.
Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke entered first.
Kamisato Ayato exchanged a few words with Kamisato Ayaka before following.
The three quickly ascended the steps and stairs, arriving before Raiden Ei and Raiden Saku to pay their respects.
Before Kamisato Ayato could speak, Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke took the lead in expressing concern for Raiden Ei: “Shogun-sama!” Are you unharmed?” While appearing concerned about Ei, they were actually subtly guarding against Raiden Saku while implicitly suggesting that Raiden Saku had shown disrespect toward Shogun-sama.
Raiden Ei paid no attention to the two of them.
After Kamisato Ayato bowed and greeted her, she went straight to the point with the Tri-Commission: “I have summoned you here today to announce an important matter.” Kamisato Ayato listened attentively, while Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke were extremely nervous inside.
Raiden Ei coldly declared the earth-shattering news: “From this moment onward, I formally abdicate!
I shall pass the position of Electro Archon to my sworn younger brother, Raiden Saku!
My sworn younger brother Raiden Saku shall henceforth be Inazuma’s new Raiden Shogun!” Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke were horrified—this was the worst possible news for them!
Without time to think of anything else, Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke immediately prostrated themselves, almost heartbroken as they pleaded: “Shogun-sama, you must not!
Inazuma and the Shogunate cannot do without you!” “Indeed, Shogun-sama has founded Inazuma and ruled the Shogunate for over 2,600 years.
The people of Inazuma have grown accustomed to your reign!
We beg Shogun-sama to take pity on the hardships of Inazuma’s people and continue to lead us in governing Inazuma!
In ruling the Shogunate!” The two old men appeared utterly loyal, weeping on the spot!
Though they seemed to be pouring their hearts out with tears, putting on a show of extreme reluctance and loyalty toward Raiden Ei.
In reality, these two old dogs knew perfectly well.
The reason they didn’t want Raiden Ei to abdicate was to protect their own interests.
As the saying goes, a new sovereign brings new ministers.
If Raiden Saku were to ascend, what would become of old retainers like them from the previous generation?
Moreover, Raiden Saku already despised the two of them.
Without Shogun-sama’s protection, they would be in grave danger!
Never mind preserving their interests—their very lives might not be secure!
Raiden Ei paid no heed to Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke’s heartbroken pleas, her expression stern and cold: “There is no need for further persuasion.
My decision is final.
I abdicate in favor of my sworn younger brother Raiden Saku.
From now on, he shall rule the Shogunate and lead Inazuma!” Seeing Shogun-sama’s unwavering resolve, Hiiragi Shinsuke felt as if his world had collapsed, kneeling there utterly despondent.
In contrast, Kujou Takayuki reacted more vehemently.
This old dog, unwilling to accept defeat, raised his head as if blinded by rage and resentment.
He shot a glare at Raiden Saku and spoke excitedly, making veiled accusations: “Shogun-sama would never abandon us like this!
Your sudden abdication—is it because you’re being threatened?
Or do you have some unspeakable hardship?
If anyone dares to threaten Shogun-sama, I would risk this old life of mine to protect Shogun-sama!
And punish the traitor!” This old dog might as well have outright called Raiden Saku a traitor.
Raiden Saku silently watched Kujou Takayuki, sneering inwardly.
I was considering whether to give you a chance, but you’re in such a hurry—you’re practically seeking death!
Raiden Ei cast a cold glance at Kujou Takayuki.
That single bone-chilling look terrified Kujou Takayuki so much that he dared not speak another word.
Then, Raiden Ei slowly explained to everyone: “There is no need for doubt or suspicion.
The reason for my sudden abdication is that, through my discussions with Saku, I realized my understanding of eternity was somewhat flawed.
To pursue eternity and find the correct path, I have decided to pass the position to Saku.” “From this day forward, I shall seclude myself within Tenshukaku and no longer involve myself in any affairs of Inazuma.
All authority shall be handed over to the new Shogun, Saku.” With this final decision, the matter was completely settled and could no longer be altered.
Perhaps some harbored resentment in their hearts, but their opinions were utterly insignificant before Ei’s will!
Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke remained prostrated on the ground, both looking as if they had lost their parents, their minds in complete disarray.
At this moment, Raiden Saku turned his gaze to the only person still standing before him, Kamisato Ayato, who seemed like an outsider.
Kamisato Ayato suddenly shuddered with realization and immediately knelt in worship, swearing his loyalty: “Greetings, Shogun-sama Saku!
The Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission shall forever remain loyal to both great masters!” Though he had some minor schemes in mind, Raiden Saku was quite satisfied with Kamisato Ayato’s recognition of the situation.
He nodded slightly, then turned his icy stare toward Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke, pressing them with his gaze.
Simultaneously, dark clouds gathered above Tenshukaku, golden lightning flashing as if thunderbolts might strike down at any moment to judge the two traitors!
Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke struggled to endure, their hearts filled with bitterness.
Finally, even Raiden Ei nearby grew impatient and cast a murderous glance at them.
The two old dogs sensed the killing intent and finally realized the possibility of death!
They understood that if they didn’t submit, if they failed to recognize the situation, both Shogun-sama and Raiden Saku might truly execute them!
Their spirits somewhat broken, maintaining their prostrate positions, they despondently swore loyalty to Raiden Saku: “The Kujou Clan of the Tenryou Commission shall forever remain loyal to both great masters!” “The Hiiragi Clan of the Kanjou Commission shall forever remain loyal to both great masters!”