'Inspection(3)'

After a few hours and with the guidance of Sara, Jason had finally managed to arrive in front of his destination - it was already evening. Along the way, the general had explained to him that the place, Naganohara Fireworks, was known as one of the best fireworks shops in all of Inazuma.

Its current owner was a young girl known as Naganohara Yomiya; who just took over the business a few months ago from his father. During that short period, there was a sharp uptick in incidents of fireworks causing the trees and roofs of some buildings to be burnt; and Sara had to sometimes give her a stern warning regarding it.

Jason had expected the place to be a grand, big building upon hearing that it was one of the best firework stores. Surprisingly, it was just a shop of the size slightly bigger than the houses regular Inazuma Citizens lived in.

"Were you expecting something more extravagant?" Sara asked. "You look a little disappointed."

"Honestly … yes." Jason imagined that given its reputation, the business was sure to be swamped with orders - something a store of such size appeared ill-equipped to deal with.

"Yoimiya is not a person who indulges in such luxuries. Normally the waiting time for an order takes around a month, and that's because the owner wants to ensure the high quality of their fireworks." Sara explained, "I've heard that she's been looking for a capable helper to assist for a while now - the fact that your disciple was taken in means she must also be quite talented in the craft."

"Let's hope that is the case."

He stepped into the shop, looking for signs of where Akane was. Upon opening the door, there was the sound of bells ringing.

"Welcome to Naganohara Fireworks! The best fireworks in all of Inazuma for your ... G-general Sara !?"

A young lady, dressed in a red-short kimono with choppily cut blonde hair, greeted them.

Unlike Sara, the girl wore a multitude of accessories. But what struck Jason as surprising was her unique way of wearing kimono - only the right sleeve was worn and the left sleeve was draped around her waist. It exposed the sarashi covering her upper left chest - a little too daring in his opinion.

"I definitely didn't cause any trouble this time! I've already reminded my customers to launch the fireworks from a safe location. It's n-not my fault that they keep refusing to listen to my instructions. Look." she ran over and pressed a pamphlet into Sara's hand. "I've designed a five-step manual according to your recommendation for them to follow!"

"You do not need to worry, Yoimiya. I'm not here to bring you to the Tenryou Commission for questioning regarding public safety and fire hazards concerns. Ahem. I've come to merely conduct an inspection to make sure you are not doing anything crazy. It looks satisfactory so far."

Jason studied the girl again. Yoimiya? This young lady must be the owner of the shop and Akane's boss then.

"Phew … the Festival is tomorrow, and I can't afford to waste time being interrogated. Who might you be?" the owner turned to face him now, shooting an inquisitive glance.

"I'm Jason, an aide to General Sara. Is Akane here? I don't see her anywhere."

"Did you just say Jason? The fact you are accompanying General Sara means … you're that Konoe Jason - The hero of Yatari who defeated Taheiji?" Yoimiya excitedly clasped his hands, her golden eyes sparkling.

The owner was really a very lively individual - The manner in which she had reacted caught him off guard,

"The news has spread so fast already? Where did you hear it from?"

"So you're indeed the person who defeated the ronin leader! I can tell you don't read the newspapers. The Inazuma Times have been talking about it recently - It's a pity they didn't have a photo of you."

"Oh. I'd honestly prefer not to have the attention though ..."

"That's impossible. Slaying the leader of the largest bandit group that terrorized Narukami Island for over 10 years is no mean feat. You have no idea how long the Shogunate Army has tried to bring him down." Yoimiya shook her head. "Even the Favonius Knight Delegation who visited Inazuma years ago and the S Rank Adventurers failed to kill him."

Jason had no response to that. He never knew that Taheiji was supposed to be that powerful. It seemed getting the sun-breathing techniques of Yoiirichi really made him pretty strong relative to at least most of the vision bearers. He wondered how he would fare against the real peak-level ones though.

"Akane! Someone's here to see you~"

There was the sound of footsteps, and then a young girl running out from the workshop. She was wearing an orange kimono, complementing the flowing red hair down the sides of her shoulders.

"Master!"

Akane wrapped her hands around him, hugging so tightly that he could feel his chest being pressed against a pair of soft, supple fruits. His heartbeat quickened at the sensation of the pleasant embrace.

"It's been a while." Jason smiled as the girl released her hold on her. "How's the work so far? With the fireworks show around the corner; it must have been busy for you."

The girl nodded. "It's only so for the past few days. Yoimiya's realllyyy nice to me. She treats me to festival fish snacks all the time and even brings me to play with the children staying around here!"

"Is that so." He turned to face the owner. "Thank you for taking care of Akane all this while. I hope she hasn't caused you any trouble."

"Hehe~ It's fine! She's been a great help to me. It's the first time I found someone that talented in the craft." Yoimiya grinned and lifted two of her fingers in an 'okay' gesture.

"Will you be leaving Inazuma City soon … master?" Akane tugged at his arm.

"The situation at the front lines is pretty bad from what I last heard. I have to leave in a few days to reinforce the other troops. Hopefully, the war won't drag on, it's already been over a month since it started." he shook his head. "More importantly though, here is some Mora for the inn you are staying at."

Not needing to worry about Mora was a wonderful feeling; he could provide for Akane and also buy what he wanted. He made a mental note to visit the Yae Publishing House as soon as he could to get some of the latest light novels.

Sara raised her arm across. "Wait. If your disciple needs a home to stay in. She can stay in mine. I do have my own personal house outside of the Kujou Clan's official residence - there's a few empty rooms there."

"Will it be really fine though?"

"I don't mind. It'll help to put your mind at ease so you can be of greater assistance to me. It's a commander's duty to help their subordinates where possible." she replied.

"Thank You. General Sara."

Jason truly appreciated the kind gesture from her. Sara was indeed someone who could not be judged by her appearance. While she seemed cold at first glance; behind it hid a caring heart for those around her. He counted his blessings to be able to work under such a kind and beautiful commander.

There was a sound of bells ringing again, and he turned to see a young girl entering.

The new visitor was a lady of slightly below average height, dressed in a royal blue kimono that had a pleated knee-length skirt with an assortment of patterns, exuding an air of nobility and dignity - a feeling like what General Sara gave him.

Her hair was fitted into a hime cut, and the black breastplate she wore had a golden emblem engraved onto it in the center. Wait, that was …

… the Kamisto Clan! Alongside the Kujou Clan, it was one of the three most esteemed clans in all of Inazuma!

"Miss Kamisato? I didn't expect that we would actually meet each other outside of Tenshukaku in such a place." Sara said. "What brings you here?"

"G-good evening, Lady Kujou. I'm here to see Yoimiya … There's an urgent request I have to seek her help in. It's regarding the fireworks festival tomorrow."

"It must be a matter of extreme importance if you had to come down personally."

"Yes … to be honest. I feel ashamed to even ask this at such short notice." the girl's voice turned low.

"There's no need to worry Ayaka~ Since it's for you, I'll do my best to make it happen. Hehe!" the shop's owner cheerfully replied.

The girl kept quiet for a moment, then continued.

"How should I put it ... one of the Okuzumeshuu informed me a few hours ago that Her Excellency ... will be watching the fireworks display tomorrow personally."

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A/N: I've added in a prologue at the 1st chapter to give more clarity on MC power as well as to give a clear hint as to whether he will be getting a vision of his own in the future as well.

Regarding a release schedule, I'm sorry but I cannot commit to one for now. The reason being my real-life schedule is very volatile due to my work and I don't want to set an expectation only to not be able to meet it.

Enjoy the chap and have a good day!