Chapter 17

"These sinners who tormented Inazuma, their surnames will be erased from Inazuma from now on. Anyone who bears these surnames will be punished for treason, and all property of the criminals will be confiscated."

"All the criminals who participated in the suffering of Inazuma are sentenced to death.

Among the heirs of these families, those who caused more harm than good to Inazuma will also be executed. Those who were innocent but had no merit, or those who had both merits and demerits, will be sent to Yashiori Island to labor for generations as atonement. Those who had merits without demerits will be demoted to commoners and must change their surnames."

Raiden Ei pronounced the sins of the powerful for all the people to hear.

The people of Inazuma, who had long endured poverty under the corrupt ruling class, shouted in joy.

"The path is always just, and the gods are eternal!"

"The path is always just, and the gods are eternal!"

"The path is always just, and the gods are eternal!"

The entire city of Inazuma resounded with the cheers of the people.

The people of Inazuma's belief in the Raiden Shogun was unshakable. Even in their poorest and most desperate moments, they never doubted that the Shogun would bring them prosperity.

Their hatred for the corrupt officials was as intense as their faith in Raiden Ei.

Watching the enthusiastic cheers, Raiden Ei found herself reminded of the time when her sister, Raiden Makoto, was still with her.

"Perhaps my sister's vision of eternity was right..."

In that moment, Raiden Ei seemed to understand the "eternity that moves forward, driven by people's hopes and dreams," which her sister had pursued.

Makoto's teachings seemed to echo in her mind even now.

Raiden Ei could feel that the entire atmosphere of Inazuma had shifted, becoming brighter and filled with hope as the people cheered.

Raiden Shogun and Raiden Ei spoke in unison: "Only eternity is closest to the laws of heaven. With the law of heaven here, Inazuma now possesses 'eternity.'"

"Yes, true eternity is closest to heaven, and heaven is right here," Raiden Ei thought as she looked at Takumi, who was eating fruit and chatting with Yae Miko on the steps of Tenshukaku.

Now that Inazuma's internal problems had been resolved, she needed to prepare for the tasks given by Celestia.

In Tenri's plan to annex the world of 'Demon Slayer,' the holders of Visions would act as her emissaries.

And Raiden Ei would replace the "Thunder Hashira" in the world of 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,' giving Tenri-sama the chance to seize authority in that world.

She looked at Kamisato Ayato, the head of the Kamisato family, who was standing by.

"Kamisato Ayato, you have one day to resolve all follow-up matters. Then bring your sister, Kamisato Ayaka, to Tenshukaku."

Ayato wondered why the General wanted to see his sister, but he knew it must be a good thing for both of them.

After all, more than 80% of the corrupt officials in Inazuma had been executed, and the Shogunate was in dire need of capable people.

"Yes, Lord Shogun," Kamisato Ayato said respectfully. If he handled the following matters well, he could ensure that the Kamisato family would become the most influential in Inazuma.

But he intended to use his power for the construction of Inazuma. If he misused it, his descendants could become nothing more than stains on the ground.

After the corruption in Inazuma was purged, the skies cleared.

While the people of Inazuma fervently discussed these events, Raiden Ei had already returned to Tenshukaku.

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In Tenshukaku, Raiden Ei sat before her desk, looking at Kujou Sara and Sangonomiya Kokomi standing before her.

Compared to Kujou Sara, who bore a guilty expression, Kokomi seemed lost, her body trembling as she thought only of her impending fate.

"Sara, you have greatly disappointed me."

Raiden Ei spoke. She had trained Kujou Sara to be her right-hand, believing in her loyalty, skill, and strategic mind—traits she shared with her sister's friend, Sasayuri.

Sara was a skilled general, proficient in strategy, with unwavering loyalty and formidable martial prowess. Even during the Archon War, she had shouldered her duties admirably.

As a tengu yokai, Sara would not die within a few hundred years like a human.

If Raiden Ei had not been sure of Sara's loyalty, she would have executed her just like the rest of the Kujou family.

"I am guilty, General. I have betrayed your trust. Please, forgive me," Kujou Sara said, deeply ashamed.

After learning of the sins of her adoptive father, Kujou Takayuki, Sara had thought of taking her own life as an accomplice. However, the Shogun had spared her.

This was a mercy beyond measure.

As the Shogun's attendant, she had failed to uncover her father's crimes, and for this dereliction of duty, she felt she should commit suicide as penance.

Raiden Ei sighed as she looked at Sara.

Even the Shogun had been deceived—Sara's failure was forgivable.

"Now that the name Kujou has been erased, are you willing to change your surname and earn redemption?"

The name Kujou only brought her anger now.

"I am willing," Sara replied without hesitation.

Though she felt gratitude towards her adoptive father for raising her, she also despised his deceitful actions.

As one of the Tri-Commission leaders, he had deceived his superiors, betrayed the Shogun, and oppressed the people.

She had thought her father, who always spoke of "the Shogun" and "the unchanging blade," was a true loyalist.

If only she had discovered his intentions sooner.

Raiden Ei looked at Sara and said:

"I give you the surname 'Sasa.' I hope that you will be as brave and resourceful as your ancestors.

In addition, evil spirits are rampant in Inazuma, and most of the monuments have been destroyed. You will lead the Shogunate forces to eliminate the monsters and restore the monuments. You will also apprehend any Fatui causing trouble."

Sara was moved upon hearing this and understood the significance of the name.

She also understood the General's expectations and the opportunity given to her. If she failed, she would never be able to forgive herself.

"Yes, I will not disappoint the General."

"Good, you may leave."

Kujou Sara—no, Sasa Sara—immediately began to gather the Shogunate forces and left Inazuma City.

Although the General had not asked her to cleanse Inazuma of all monsters, she felt that if she failed to do so, she would betray the opportunity the General had given her.

After Sara left, only Sangonomiya Kokomi remained. She already knew her fate—she was going to die.

"Sangonomiya Kokomi, you are quite capable."

Raiden Ei looked at Kokomi and spoke. She knew of Kokomi's abilities from Tenri-sama's projection. Though Watatsumi Island's soldiers were weaker, under Kokomi's command, they had pushed the Shogunate Army back repeatedly.

Yae Miko had also suggested that sparing Kokomi would be far more beneficial. Whether it was to reintegrate Watatsumi Island into Inazuma or to help manage the nation's affairs, Kokomi was highly capable.

"Thank you for the compliment, General. Watatsumi Island never intended to resist. Please have mercy on my people, and treat them with kindness, just as you treat the people of Inazuma," Kokomi pleaded, hoping to use her last moments to secure a better future for her people.

"Let me ask you this: do you wish to live or die?" Raiden Ei asked.

"What? What does the General mean?" Kokomi was stunned.

"I know the war was not your doing, and you are quite capable of governing the nation. However, the casualties suffered by the Shogunate Army are also tied to you.

Therefore, you must take responsibility and earn your redemption by ensuring the people of Watatsumi Island truly integrate into Inazuma and see themselves as part of it."

Raiden Ei looked at Kokomi calmly.

"Do not worry too much. I am interested in your abilities. I will give you five years. If you fail, you will still die."

"Of course, you cannot do this without authority. Now that the leaders of the Tri-Commission are gone, I will appoint you as the head of the Kanjou Commission for the time being."

"What?" Kokomi couldn't help but gape.

Raiden Shogun did not execute her as an example but instead gave her immense power and authority within Inazuma!

Kokomi was no fool—she soon understood why.

The Raiden Shogun wanted to reintegrate Watatsumi Island, and killing her would yield fewer benefits than keeping her alive. Additionally, with the recent purges of the leaders of the Tri-Commission, Inazuma's government was paralyzed and in desperate need of capable officials.

Her abilities were exceptional, and Raiden Ei had given her a chance to live, to bring Watatsumi Island back under Inazuma's rule. If she succeeded within five years, she would survive and continue holding her position.

Assigning this position to her, a native of Watatsumi Island, was a clear indication that Raiden Ei intended to treat the people of Watatsumi Island equally.

If Kokomi failed, it would prove that Watatsumi Island could never be reintegrated, and the island would disappear from Inazuma's map.

After careful thought, Sangonomiya Kokomi willingly accepted Raiden Shogun's will and gave up her faith in Orobashi.

"Thank you, General, for your mercy. I, Sangonomiya Kokomi, will fulfill the General's orders."

Kokomi knew she could survive and ensure Watatsumi Island was treated equally with Inazuma. Although Lord Orobashi had been a great god, she had to move on. From today on, the only god she would believe in was the Raiden Shogun.

After Inazuma's internal issues were fully resolved, Takumi, accompanied by Yae Miko, walked along the stone path leading to the Grand Narukami Shrine from Mount Yougou.

He now intended to establish a gate at the Narukami Shrine that would connect to the world of Demon Slayer.