The City That Dances in Light

Everyone stood outside, waiting for Sumire.

Kenji let out a tired sigh.

Kenzo asked, "Where should we stop?"

Raizen smiled, handing over a few water-sticker seal tattoos. "Gramps, don’t worry. Just place this temporary tattoo on your neck. Be near the Kuroshima coast when we arrive."

Sumire emerged from the room. "I’m back. Sorry for making you all wait."

Kenzo instructed, "Kaminari and Sumire, follow Raizen. Kaminari, if you can."

With that, Kenzo and Kenji took off, soaring into the sky.

Raizen patted both Sumire and Kaminari on their shoulders. "You seventeen-year-old kids, don’t lose your way."

He flew away, leaving behind a trail of crackling electricity.

Sumire followed with golden trails in her wake. Kaminari, meanwhile, crafted massive blood-forged wings that spread like an eagle’s and took off at great speed.

Raizen led the way with Sumire and Kaminari just behind.

While flying, Sumire glanced at Kaminari. "I’m surprised you’re keeping up with us—with wings that huge."

Kaminari grinned. "Yup. At least I know the basics of physics."

"Why do your wings have blades in them?" she asked.

He smirked. "You know how fighter jets have weapons built into them?"

Sumire blushed. (This is why I like him. He’s creative, yet so immature.)

Raizen looked back. "Kaminari… you’re a weapon yourself."

"Oh?" Kaminari flushed, clearly pleased. "Now, now, I’m not that special."

"Fourteen more minutes until we arrive. Beware of the army. Everyone here is somehow tied to Kuroshin. Don’t cause a scene, or we’ll be in serious trouble. Do you understand, Kaminari?"

"Yes, sir!"

Raizen sighed, sweating. (Judging by how immature this kid is, he’s definitely going to get us into trouble. Guess I’ll have to keep him close.)

Kenzo and Kenji, meanwhile, forged paths through the sky, forming and breaking earthen platforms beneath their feet with great speed.

Raizen reached Kuroshima in thirty-six minutes. Kaminari and Sumire arrived shortly after. As Kaminari gazed upon the city, goosebumps crept across his skin. Sumire’s eyes widened in awe.

The city was alive—vendors lined the streets, laughter echoed through parks, and the roads glowed with lantern light. Roller coasters, Ferris wheels, Tall buildings and fire stunts added to the vibrant spectacle. Even at night, the city thrived with energy and freedom.

Raizen placed a hand on Kaminari’s shoulder. "Don’t get lost. Just come with me."

Kaminari’s eyes sparkled. "This place is heaven. I don’t want to leave."

Sumire agreed, slightly amazed. "It seems everything you could imagine is here."

"I want to try those noodles," Kaminari said, pointing to a street vendor.

Sumire reminded him sharply, "Kaminari-kun! We’re here to scout the castle and gather intel from spies—not eat."

Raizen chuckled. "If he insists, let him be, Sumire-san."

They approached the noodle shop. A digital menu flashed on the screen.

Kaminari’s mouth watered. "Manchurian noodles. Perfect."

"Three plates," Raizen ordered.

The shopkeeper glanced up. "Raizen?! Oh my god… Raizen-sama is here himself in person I can't believe it... weren’t you the butler of Kuroshin-sama? Why did you visit such a small shop?"

Raizen replied coolly, "Ah! I just wanted to eat something nothing else also I took a break from the job."

"And them? They don’t look like devils or demons."

"Visitors from other worlds. They’re with me."

"Friends too? Then you’re all most welcome! Please take table number 286. Serve Raizen-sama with everything we’ve got!"

Later, once the food arrived:

Sumire leaned in. "So, what’s the plan?"

Raizen spoke while chewing. "Simple. The ex-shoguns will arrive near the Great Court. We explore the castle, then the court."

Kaminari blinked. "Eh? Doesn’t Kuroshin know about you? How will you get inside?"

"Kuroshin is busy. He governs the whole nation. The army still believes I’m his butler. I can get us inside."

Sumire asked, "What’s inside the fortress?"

"It’s like a maze," Raizen explained. "Multiple chambers—some are traps to catch unauthorized foreigners. There are underground vaults full of treasure, the King’s personal chamber, and one with a stone that has something carved on it."

Kaminari wiped his lips. "Damn. I didn’t understand any of that."

Both Sumire and Raizen sighed.

"Just follow me quietly," Raizen said.

As they stood, Raizen suddenly turned, noticing someone invisible tailing them. He saw the figure through his Ryogan.

"Come on. Quick!" he ordered. "Something’s watching us."

"Now what?" Kaminari muttered.

"A demon ghost was spying."

Raizen took off, electric wings crackling. Kaminari chased, while Sumire sighed and followed.

Catching up, Raizen struck.

"Thunderstep!" He grabbed the demon’s wrist. "Speak!"

"Wait—please! I’m not what you think. Look!" the demon stammered, presenting an envelope. "Chandra-sama gave this to me."

Raizen snatched the envelope. "Let’s see... what the f—"

"No, not that one! This!" The demon opened another. "I was told to deliver these."

Raizen raised an eyebrow. "If you’re a postman, then why—"

"I was trying to find a safe place," the demon said nervously. "I’m a revolutionary too."

Raizen’s stern look softened.

The demon looked down, then up, starry-eyed. "RAI–ZEN–DONO!!!"

Raizen flinched.

"I WANT YOUR AUTOGRAPH!"

With a sigh, Raizen handed him a page and pen. "Here."

"Oh my god! Thank you!" the demon squealed.

Kaminari blinked. "Huh? You’re asking for the butler’s autograph?"

"Idiot!" the demon snapped. "Watch your mouth, outsider! He’s the Electric Monster! The most handsome man in the whole nation! His style is unmatched in the whole nation."

Sumire glanced over. "Now that you mention it… he does look good. But electric?"

Raizen cleared his throat awkwardly. "Y-Yeah, well… I don’t really call myself a monster just because I have electric aura."

"RAI–ZEN–DONO!!!" the demon shouted. "THE ELECTRIC MONSTER IS HERE!!"

A voice echoed from nearby: "What? The butler? Raizen-sama?!"

Another chimed in: "RAIZEN-SAMA?!"

Crowds gathered, chanting his name.

Raizen’s face went pale. "Holy sh*t! Run, Kami! Sumire! They’re gonna mob us!"

He took to the skies.

—To be continued