Indeed, Vision holders were all desperately trying to flee Inazuma. Who would have thought anyone would willingly enter Inazuma City?
Kazuha gritted his teeth and made his decision. "Then we'll return to Inazuma City. Thank you for your trouble."
After thanking the Kamisato retainer, Kazuha helped the wounded samurai onto the carriage and set off for Inazuma City.
By the time they approached the city, the sun had fully set, and Inazuma City was shrouded in darkness. Using the Kamisato carriage as cover, they had little trouble reaching the place Ayato had arranged for them.
"Please wait here. A doctor will arrive shortly."
With Ayato's help, everything went smoothly. They entered the city without issue. The wounded samurai received treatment.
All they had to do now was wait for sunrise. Following Ayato's plan, they would head to the harbor, board a pre-arranged ship, and leave Narukami Island. Even going to Watatsumi Island would be better than living in constant fear here.
Kazuha sat by the window, looking out at the familiar streets of Inazuma City. "I heard the resistance on Watatsumi Island is holding its own against the Shogunate forces. They seem quite strong. Once we get there, their commanders will surely welcome us."
He was still a young man at heart, longing for a better future. Even if he had to leave Narukami Island, as long as he remained in Inazuma, he would not abandon the honor of the Kaedehara clan.
The swordsman said calmly, "Warriors like us can survive anywhere. But not everyone can leave Narukami Island. Many more have had their Visions taken by the Raiden Shogun. Their wishes embedded into that cold statue."
His tone remained indifferent, but his expression was grim. His fists clenched.
Kazuha sighed. What could they do? Challenge the Raiden Shogun? Persuade her? Impossible. No one had the courage to face her blade. No one had the strength to withstand it. The only option was to leave Narukami Island.
The two sat in silence, their emotions churning under the night sky.
"Sleep," Kazuha said at last. "We leave tomorrow."
He didn't want to think about it anymore. No matter how much he thought, he couldn't defeat the Raiden Shogun.
The swordsman said quietly, "Sleep."
After Kazuha fell asleep, the swordsman seemed to make a decision. He found paper and brush on the table and wrote a brief letter:
[Kazuha, take the samurai and leave. I have unfinished business on Narukami Island and cannot go with you. Until we meet again.]
He placed the letter carefully on the table, weighing it down with an object. Then he took out the blade that had accompanied him for many years and polished it repeatedly with a special cloth—as he always did before a serious battle.
Dawn was approaching. He sheathed his sword, opened the door quietly, and left the room. Left the inn.
The next morning, Kazuha woke groggily.
"Swordsman—Friend—How are the wounded samurai recovering?"
He waited, but there was no answer. Then he sensed something was wrong. He got up quickly. His friend was gone.
He asked the other samurai. "Have you seen the swordsman? My friend?"
They looked confused. "Your friend? Wasn't he staying in your room?"
Kazuha's heart sank. He searched everywhere, but no one had seen his friend.
Finally, returning to his room, he sat down and saw the letter on the table.
[Kazuha, take the samurai and leave. I have unfinished business on Narukami Island and cannot go with you. Until we meet again.]
Reading the words, Kazuha's heart was torn. What could be more important than leaving Narukami Island for a lonely swordsman? But the last line—"Until we meet again"—brought a trace of warmth.
His friend hadn't left without a word. One day, they would meet again. They would spar again.
Just then, the Kamisato retainer appeared again.
"Kazuha, it's time to leave. The ship is waiting at the harbor. Once you reach it safely, you can leave Narukami Island."
That was Ayato's plan—to use a merchant vessel to escape.
Kazuha took a breath. "Alright. I'll take them to the harbor."
Though his friend had left, Kazuha still had to lead the samurai to the ship. If nothing went wrong, they would soon be free.
But just as he was about to leave, he heard the inn's servers talking.
"Did you hear? Someone actually dared to challenge the Shogun to a duel before the throne!"
"Challenging the Shogun? Isn't that suicide?"
"As the one who created the duel, the Shogun is above the rules. She could simply ignore him."
"Who knows? I heard it's a young swordsman. The duel has already begun at Tenshukaku!"
"Let's go see!"
"Too late. No one can survive the Raiden Shogun's blade."
The servers and guests were abuzz. Some had already rushed to Tenshukaku to watch.
Kazuha froze.
A young swordsman. A duel before the throne.
His heart clenched. He suddenly understood.
"Kazuha, what's wrong? Get in the carriage. Every moment we delay is more dangerous."
Kazuha said seriously, "You go ahead. I'll catch up."
With that, he gripped his sword and ran toward Tenshukaku.