Fu Gu strode confidently through the streets of Inazuma City, the anticipation of his next journey to Liyue pulsing in his veins. The sun cast a faint glow on the horizon, and the winds carried whispers of change. He wasn't one to be sentimental, but even he could feel that his time in Inazuma had shifted something within him.
After the clash with Raiden Shogun, he felt stronger—more assured of his powers, yet oddly aware of the potential challenges that still awaited him. There was something about Raiden that stirred a competitive drive in him, but he hadn't seen her since that day. Not that he cared—at least, that's what he told himself.
Before departing, he decided to visit the Kamisato Estate once more. Despite the growing power within him, Fu Gu knew that staying on good terms with Inazuma's most influential figures was always a good idea.
As he approached the estate, the familiar sight of Ayaka's serene presence greeted him. She was standing by the garden, the soft breeze lifting strands of her silver hair as she gazed at the sakura blossoms. Her calm and graceful demeanor contrasted with the inner tension Fu Gu had been feeling since their last conversation.
Ayaka turned to him, a gentle smile on her face. "Fu Gu, I heard you're leaving for Liyue soon."
Fu Gu shrugged, crossing his arms. "Yeah, there's some business I need to take care of. Thought I'd come by and say goodbye before I head out."
Ayaka's smile softened. "I appreciate that. Liyue is a beautiful nation, but its dangers are unique, especially with the Fatui's presence growing there."
"The Fatui, huh?" Fu Gu mused, already feeling the excitement of a challenge building inside him. "I've heard about those clowns. Should be interesting to meet them."
Ayaka's expression grew more serious. "Scaramouche, Tartaglia, and Rosaria… they're not to be underestimated. Especially Scaramouche."
Fu Gu raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like fun. Besides, I'm not really worried. You know me—I'm always ready for a fight."
She let out a soft laugh, though her eyes lingered on him a bit longer than usual. "I know you are. But still… be careful."
There it was again—that hesitation in her voice, the unspoken concern that had been building between them since their first encounter. Fu Gu might have been arrogant and overconfident, but even he wasn't blind to the way Ayaka's demeanor had shifted around him.
As much as he enjoyed the attention, he wasn't about to let it distract him from his goals. Liyue was his next step, and nothing would stand in his way—not the Fatui, not the Archons, and certainly not his own feelings.
"I'll be fine, Ayaka," he said, giving her a smirk. "But I appreciate the concern. I'll be back before you know it."
With that, Fu Gu turned and made his way toward the docks, his mind already racing with thoughts of the challenges awaiting him in Liyue. But as he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was leaving more behind in Inazuma than just unfinished business.
---
### Raiden Shogun's Chambers
In the depths of Tenshukaku, Raiden Shogun stood silently before her blade, her mind still replaying the battle with Fu Gu. His strength had caught her off guard, but more than that, his audacity had stirred something deeper within her.
She had faced many opponents, but none had challenged her in the way Fu Gu did. He hadn't just fought her with skill—he had fought with confidence, as if he knew no one could truly stand in his way. It was that arrogance, that unshakable belief in his own abilities, that gnawed at Raiden's core.
Her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword as she considered her next move. She had allowed him to leave Inazuma without a word, but something told her their paths would cross again. And when they did, she would be ready.
For now, however, she would watch. And wait.
---
### Fu Gu's Journey to Liyue
The trip across the sea to Liyue was uneventful, but Fu Gu's mind was anything but quiet. As the ship rocked gently on the waves, he stared out at the horizon, his thoughts returning to Raiden Shogun more often than he cared to admit.
She was powerful, that much was certain. But something about her had left a mark on him—not just her strength, but the way she had looked at him after their fight. There was a recognition there, as if she saw more in him than just another opponent.
Not that it mattered. He wasn't looking for approval or admiration. He was here to become the strongest, and nothing would distract him from that goal.
As the ship neared the port of Liyue, Fu Gu's excitement grew. This was the land of Geo, a nation known for its power and stability. But it was also a nation under the growing influence of the Fatui—a perfect opportunity for him to test his strength.
Stepping off the ship, Fu Gu could already feel the energy of Liyue. The towering mountains, the bustling harbor, and the overwhelming presence of power all around him. This was a place where legends were made, and Fu Gu was determined to carve his own name into its history.
As he made his way through the city, he couldn't help but notice the whispers of fear surrounding the Fatui. They were everywhere, manipulating the economy, influencing the politics, and threatening the very stability of Liyue itself.
But Fu Gu wasn't here for politics. He was here for a fight.
---
### The Fatui Confrontation
It didn't take long for the rumors to lead him to his targets. Scaramouche, Tartaglia, and Rosaria had been sighted in the outskirts of Liyue, near the Stone Gate. They were planning something, and Fu Gu wasn't about to let them act unchecked.
Arriving at the scene, Fu Gu found the trio deep in conversation, their presence ominous and heavy with malice. Scaramouche, the Harbinger known for his cunning and cruelty, turned to face Fu Gu with a smirk.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Scaramouche sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Another fool come to challenge the Fatui?"
Fu Gu grinned, his cursed energy already crackling around him. "You could say that. I'm here for a fight. You guys look like fun."
Tartaglia's eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively reaching for his bow. "You have no idea what you're getting into, do you?"
Fu Gu cracked his knuckles, the air around him distorting as his cursed energy surged. "I know exactly what I'm getting into. And trust me, you're not going to enjoy this."
Without warning, the battle erupted. Scaramouche lunged at Fu Gu, his electro abilities crackling with deadly intent. But Fu Gu was faster, dodging with ease and countering with a powerful burst of Red Technique, sending Scaramouche flying backward.
Tartaglia rushed in next, his blades flashing as he closed the distance, but Fu Gu activated Blue, pulling Tartaglia's attacks off course and sending him crashing to the ground.
Rosaria, always the silent predator, attempted to strike from the shadows, but Fu Gu's Infinity protected him, her attacks never getting close enough to land.
The battle raged on, but Fu Gu remained in control. His arrogance fueled his every move, his confidence unshaken. He was Gojo Satoru, the strongest, and nothing could stand in his way.
As the Fatui trio struggled to keep up with him, Fu Gu's grin widened. He was toying with them, enjoying the thrill of the fight, but he knew it was time to end it.
Gathering his cursed energy, he activated Purple.
The destructive force of the technique tore through the battlefield, obliterating everything in its path. Scaramouche, Tartaglia, and Rosaria were sent sprawling, their once confident expressions now replaced with fear and desperation.
Fu Gu stood tall, his eyes gleaming with victory. He had proven himself once again, and the Fatui had been nothing more than a stepping stone on his path to greatness.
As the dust settled, Fu Gu glanced toward the horizon. Liyue had much more to offer, and he was just getting started.
---
### End of Chapter 12