A long, long time ago—perhaps several hundred years ago, though the exact timeline is unclear and certainly more than five centuries—Raiden Ei and Yae Miko had a discussion.
After returning from Khaenri'ah, Raiden Ei wanted to prove the connection between the Sacred Sakura and Makoto's consciousness space. In the end, the discussion naturally fizzled out.
Without sufficient evidence, any discussion was mere speculation.
"Back then, my dear friend was fixated on one point: she insisted that Makoto's consciousness space was located beneath Mount Yougou. I had to humor her, coax her along. If she had decided to quit, I would've been the one left holding the bag," Yae Miko complained, reminiscing about the past.
"Yae, your abilities back then weren't up to par. I wouldn't have entrusted such a responsibility to you," Raiden Ei said.
"You're really going to undermine me like that? Is this how you treat your old friend?" Yae Miko exclaimed in mock surprise.
Raiden Ei replied, "In front of Li Mo, do you really need to put on an act?"
Feeling the disdainful gazes of the two, Yae Miko put on a pitiful expression, tearfully accusing them of bullying her.
However, neither of them was moved, completely unfazed by her act. Eventually, the fox stopped her fake crying and lazily accused the two of having no compassion. Of course, Li Mo and Raiden Ei didn't care.
Raiden Ei's only evidence back then was the location of Makoto's consciousness space. It was situated beneath the Grand Narukami Shrine, and with the three of them walking at a steady pace, it didn't take long to reach the destination.
The destination was a cave, its entrance hidden just above the path leading to the Grand Narukami Shrine. Protected by a barrier and eroded by time, most people in Inazuma were unaware of its existence.
With Raiden Ei leading the way, they easily entered the cavern-like space.
The cave was bathed in a faint purple light. At Raiden Ei's command, a torii gate-like portal appeared, standing out prominently.
"Inside is Makoto's consciousness space. I need to go in and resolve the issue with the Shogun. Li Mo, Yae, I'll leave the outside matters to you," Raiden Ei said.
Li Mo interjected, "Ah, hold on. Take me with you. Lady Guuji, you'll have to hold down the fort."
"???"
Confusion arose naturally.
Yae Miko opened her mouth, "Little one, what are you planning?"
"What am I planning...? I was just thinking that both Ei and I have handled tasks alone before. Looking back at our recent workload, it seems you've taken the most time off, Lady Guuji."
Li Mo placed his hands on Yae Miko's shoulders and smiled. "I think, as the most powerful Guuji in the history of the Grand Narukami Shrine, you're the perfect candidate to shoulder this responsibility."
"Little one, what about you?" Yae Miko asked, feeling her body immobilized.
"If my guess is correct, I need to enter Lady Makoto's consciousness space to complete a certain technique. This is very important to me, no less significant than when I 'borrowed' your blood to become a celestial fox."
"You said it was just the leftovers back then, didn't you, little one?" Yae Miko retorted.
"Ah, is that so? Then I leave Inazuma in your hands, Lady Yae," Li Mo said, releasing her.
According to the technique he had set up earlier, it should restrain Yae Miko for a while.
In all of Inazuma, Li Mo understood Yae Miko the best. This lazy fox excelled in controlling fox spirits and the Sacred Sakura, making it difficult to gauge her true strength.
The restraining technique he had set up was calibrated to Raiden Ei's level, slightly toned down.
But...
"Little one, aren't you underestimating me?"
Yae Miko placed her hands on Li Mo's shoulders, mirroring his earlier gesture.
She said, "Although I don't understand the principles behind your techniques, their essence is the same—both are clever manipulations of elemental energy. Did you think I was like Ei, just a martial artist? I'm not, you know."
"Little one, don't forget, the celestial fox within you is my blood. If you want to go, then go. As for the paperwork of the Tri-Commission, leave it to me."
Her fingers traced her neck, and she gave a charming smile.
Then, she pushed Li Mo away and smiled normally. "Now, go and come back soon. I've agreed to your request. Are you satisfied?"
Yae Miko's usual lazy demeanor now carried a hint of alluring aggression.
Foxes are canines, after all—predators.
Finally, Yae Miko watched as Raiden Ei and Li Mo entered the strange space.
The fox sighed, "Ah, is this the awkwardness of a young boy? How amusing."
That childlike tantrum over not having a toy—though she hadn't seen it before, seeing it in Li Mo was particularly entertaining... Perhaps it was the contrast?
"Alright, time to go home and work. The first thing is definitely to approve a special subsidy for the Yae Publishing House."
Yae Miko's thoughts were unknown to Li Mo and Raiden Ei, who had entered Makoto's consciousness space. The two of them didn't engage in small talk, both absorbed in their surroundings.
In what felt like an instant, the space shifted, and the two found themselves in a realm similar to the Plane of Euthymia. However, the colors here weren't as oppressive.
Li Mo's gaze shifted to the side, where he saw another "Ei."
"We meet again, Your Excellency."
"Yes, we meet again, General."
That wasn't Ei—the real Raiden Ei stood by his side. That was the Shogun, or more accurately, the puppet Shogun.
"This body is an assistant to the inner self, as well as a guardian of the law.
If the inner self seeks to betray the law, then this body... shall become Asura."
After a brief exchange, the Shogun wielded the Musou Isshin, just as she had when facing Li Mo in Tenshukaku. But this time, her opponent was herself.
Her conversation partner had also become Raiden Ei.
"You have traveled the world in my body, redefining the rules of the nation. It seems you have grasped the true essence of Eternity.
With the help of others, you believe that your current self is more resolute, your choices more accurate, is that so?
What is your current understanding of 'Eternity'? Or have you succumbed to the inevitable 'Erosion'?"
The Shogun's voice was calm, yet it carried a tone of interrogation.
Raiden Ei placed a hand on her chest and said, "I came here to answer you. As a warrior, the only way to communicate at this moment is through 'combat,' isn't it?"
In Raiden Ei's hand was the Musou Isshin.
The Shogun represented Ei's past will, wielding Ei's former weapon—the Musou Isshin.
Ei, having changed, accepted Makoto's understanding of "Eternity" and wielded Makoto's weapon—the Musou Isshin.
This was a battle between the two Raiden Shoguns, and outsiders should not interfere.
But...
**"Divine Manifestation: Raiden Shogun."**
"In a sense, I am also a Raiden Shogun. I've even 'fought' you once before. Is this battle unavoidable?" Li Mo activated his technique. Within Makoto's consciousness space, he could feel the ease with which his techniques could be used.
His current strength was certainly not as great as it had been in Tenshukaku, but joining the conversation between the two was still feasible.
"Through combat, I understand your thoughts. That is also why I did not obstruct your actions. But... some answers can only be given by you," the Shogun replied.
Raiden Ei said, "Li Mo, please go and attend to your own matters. This is a conflict between me and the Shogun."
A conflict between the present and the past.
Understanding that he could not interfere, Li Mo stepped away, finding a corner of the Plane of Euthymia to begin his work, focusing on his own tasks.