The sky over Inazuma City crackled with electricity, and as Fu Gu walked alongside Ayaka, he couldn't help but be captivated by the sight. The city was both beautiful and foreboding, with the looming Tenshukaku standing as a symbol of Raiden Shogun's absolute power.
Ayaka was silent for most of the journey, though every now and then she would glance at Fu Gu, perhaps curious about the power he had displayed. Fu Gu, on the other hand, was focused on the task at hand. The idea of facing Raiden Shogun intrigued him, but it was also dangerous. As much as he liked to think that Gojo Satoru's powers made him invincible, he knew better than to underestimate an Archon.
"I'm surprised you're so calm," Ayaka finally spoke, her voice soft but steady. "Most people would be terrified to approach the Shogun."
Fu Gu shrugged. **"I guess I'm not like most people."** He glanced at her, noticing the way her eyes flickered with curiosity. **"You're not afraid?"**
Ayaka's gaze turned forward, a hint of steel in her expression. "I have my duty to the people of Inazuma. Fear has no place in that."
**She's tough,** Fu Gu thought, admiring her resolve. Ayaka wasn't just the elegant young lady of the Kamisato Clan—she had a strong will and a deep sense of responsibility. It made her even more intriguing.
As they neared Tenshukaku, the air grew thick with tension. The palace stood tall, its architecture a blend of beauty and intimidation. Fu Gu could feel the weight of the Electro Archon's presence even from outside the palace grounds.
Before they could enter, a group of soldiers from the Tenryou Commission blocked their path. "Lady Kamisato, who is this man with you?" one of them asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
"He's with me," Ayaka replied firmly. "He's here to assist us."
The soldier's eyes narrowed, clearly unconvinced. "The Shogun is not fond of outsiders, Lady Kamisato. You should know this."
Fu Gu crossed his arms, unfazed by the soldier's warning. **"Let me handle this."** He stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "We're wasting time here. Raiden Shogun can decide whether I'm worth her attention."
The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances but eventually stepped aside, allowing them entry.
As they walked through the grand halls of Tenshukaku, Fu Gu's heart beat faster. He could feel the immense pressure of Raiden Shogun's power growing stronger with each step. **So this is what it feels like to be near an Archon.** It wasn't fear he felt—it was exhilaration.
Finally, they reached the main chamber, where Raiden Shogun sat upon her throne. Her presence was overwhelming, and her piercing gaze fell on Fu Gu the moment he entered. The air around her crackled with electricity, and even Ayaka seemed to stiffen under her gaze.
Fu Gu, however, met her gaze head-on. **"So this is the famous Raiden Shogun,"** he thought, impressed by the sheer aura of authority she exuded.
Raiden Shogun's voice was cold and commanding. "Who are you, and why do you seek an audience with me?"
Fu Gu took a deep breath. He knew he had to tread carefully here. One wrong move, and he could end up on the wrong side of Raiden Shogun's blade. **But I didn't come all this way to grovel.** He straightened his back and spoke with confidence. "My name is Fu Gu, and I've recently arrived in Inazuma. I'm not here to cause trouble—I only wish to explore this land and see what it has to offer."
Raiden Shogun's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the air grew even heavier. "You possess great power," she said, her voice as sharp as the lightning she commanded. "Yet, you speak as if your intentions are benign."
Fu Gu felt the weight of her scrutiny, but he remained calm. **"I'm not here to challenge you, Raiden Shogun. But if someone tries to stand in my way, I won't back down."** His words hung in the air, a subtle challenge that did not go unnoticed by the Shogun.
There was a long pause, and Fu Gu could feel Ayaka's nervous energy beside him. She had brought him here, after all, and any misstep could reflect poorly on her as well.
Finally, Raiden Shogun spoke again, her voice as steady as ever. "You speak boldly for someone who has just arrived in my domain. Very well, Fu Gu, I will allow you to remain in Inazuma—on one condition."
Fu Gu raised an eyebrow, curious. **"What's the condition?"**
"You will demonstrate the extent of your power. Prove to me that you are not a threat to this land, and perhaps I will tolerate your presence."
Fu Gu grinned inwardly. **"This is exactly what I wanted."** A chance to show off his abilities in front of the Raiden Shogun? This was perfect.
"I accept," Fu Gu said, his confidence unwavering. "What kind of demonstration do you have in mind?"
Raiden Shogun stood from her throne, and the electricity in the room seemed to intensify. "Follow me," she commanded, leading them to an open courtyard.
Once they were outside, Raiden Shogun turned to face him, her eyes glowing with power. "Here, you will face me in a duel. If you can survive, I will consider your request."
Fu Gu blinked, caught off guard. **"A duel? Against the Raiden Shogun?"** He wasn't expecting this, but he wasn't about to back down. **"Well, this just got interesting."**
Ayaka stepped forward, concern etched on her face. "Shogun, is this really necessary? Fu Gu—"
Raiden Shogun silenced her with a glance. "This is how I test those who claim to possess great power. If he is as strong as he believes, he will survive."
Fu Gu chuckled, stepping forward. **"I'm ready."** He spread his arms, activating the Limitless technique. **"Bring it on, Raiden Shogun. Let's see who's stronger."**
Without warning, Raiden Shogun unsheathed her blade and charged at him, her speed blindingly fast. Fu Gu reacted instantly, raising his hand to activate Infinity. Her blade stopped inches from his face, unable to breach the barrier.
Raiden Shogun's eyes narrowed. "What is this technique?"
Fu Gu grinned. "It's called Infinity. You can't touch me unless I let you."
Raiden Shogun stepped back, assessing the situation. She raised her sword again, and this time, the air around them crackled with an even greater intensity. Lightning surged toward Fu Gu, but once again, it stopped before reaching him, halted by Infinity.
"You're going to need more than lightning to take me down," Fu Gu said confidently. **"But I think it's time I show you something a little more impressive."**
He raised his hand, summoning cursed energy for his next move. Raiden Shogun watched him carefully, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and intensity.
Fu Gu closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his energy. **"Let's see how you handle this."** He opened his eyes, and with a snap of his fingers, he unleashed a wave of cursed energy, sending a powerful shockwave across the courtyard.
Raiden Shogun raised her sword, deflecting the attack, but Fu Gu could see the faintest flicker of surprise in her eyes.
"Not bad," Raiden Shogun said, her voice steady. "But this duel is far from over."
Fu Gu smirked. **"Good. I wasn't planning on ending it so soon."**
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**End of Chapter 2**
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