###
The salty sea air whipped around Fu Gu as the ship crossed the waves back toward Inazuma. He was focused, his mind reviewing the battles he'd fought in Liyue—the three Harbingers, the countless Fatui soldiers, and the strange connection he'd felt with the people there. He'd proven himself, leaving an impact on Liyue's Qixing and Archon alike, and though he knew Keqing was watching, waiting for his return, his journey continued to pull him forward.
Now, with greater mastery of his powers, he was prepared for the challenges awaiting him in Inazuma. The memory of Raiden Shogun's overwhelming presence lingered, an unspoken challenge hovering in the air between them. Her power intrigued him, her mystery unsettled him, and he was determined to grow strong enough to face her on equal footing. He knew that her world was rigid, governed by an unbending pursuit of eternity, and he intended to disrupt that in the most Gojo Satoru way possible.
As the ship docked at Ritou, Fu Gu was met with whispers and pointed glances from the locals. News of his battles had spread beyond Liyue, marking him as a force to be reckoned with. But he ignored the attention, setting his sights on Inazuma City. Raiden Shogun awaited, as did the next steps in his journey.
---
### **In the Shadows of Inazuma**
Making his way through the city, Fu Gu felt the weight of the oppressive atmosphere that lay over Inazuma. The soldiers of the Tenryou Commission patrolled with vigilance, the aftereffects of the Vision Hunt Decree still fresh in their minds. It was here that he encountered Kujou Sara, the Tengu warrior he had only met once.
She stood on guard at a checkpoint, eyes scanning the crowd with the precise focus of a hawk. Fu Gu couldn't resist; he walked toward her, his presence immediately catching her attention.
"you are back" she said, her tone brisk and wary. "U know Outsiders are closely monitored in Inazuma."
Fu Gu raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just passing through, officer. Though, I have a particular interest in meeting the Shogun."
Sara's expression hardened. "The Shogun does not grant audiences lightly.What do u want and what is ur name?"
"Fu Gu," he said simply, his eyes glinting with challenge. "Perhaps you've heard of me?"
A flicker of recognition crossed her face. "The warrior from Liyue,and the one I met before" she muttered, her gaze sizing him up with curiosity. "The one who fought the Fatui alone."
"Impressive, huh?" Fu Gu smirked. "But I didn't come here just for the scenery."
Sara's eyes narrowed, but there was a faint respect in her voice. "If your purpose is noble, perhaps the Shogun will grant you an audience. But do not test her patience."
Fu Gu chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Sara regarded him for a long moment before stepping aside, signaling her approval to pass through. "Proceed. But remember, Inazuma has no tolerance for rebellion."
With a confident nod, Fu Gu continued on his way, knowing that Sara would be keeping a close eye on him. The sparks of interest he'd glimpsed in her gaze told him she was a potential ally, but he would need to tread carefully.
---
### **A Sudden Encounter**
Arriving at the heart of Inazuma City, Fu Gu marveled at the grandeur of Tenshukaku. Just as he was about to continue, he felt a surge of energy nearby, one that sent a thrill through his core. It was her. Raiden Shogun.
In a flash of lightning, she appeared before him, flanked by her retainers. The air grew thick with an oppressive aura, and the civilians instinctively scattered. Raiden's gaze locked onto Fu Gu, her eyes cold and assessing.
"So, you have returned," she said, her voice resonating with an intensity that sent a thrill up Fu Gu's spine.
He held her gaze, unflinching. "I had unfinished business in Inazuma."
She raised an eyebrow. "Your ambition is bold, but do you realize the implications of defying my rule?"
Fu Gu tilted his head, a playful smile teasing his lips. "I came to see if I can win. After all, I prefer to test my limits against the best."
Raiden's expression didn't change, but a spark of challenge flashed in her eyes. "Very well, Fu Gu. But do not forget—I am Inazuma's eternal ruler."
---
### **The Duel of Thunder and Infinity**
With a wave of her hand, Raiden Shogun dismissed her retainers, clearing the plaza. Lightning crackled around her as she drew her blade, the Musou no Hitotachi. The air vibrated with her power, a testament to her status as the Electro Archon.
Fu Gu stepped forward, his own aura igniting as he activated Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue, the gravitational force swirling around him. The citizens watching from a distance felt the tremors as his energy pulsed against Raiden's.
The first strike came in a flash of purple lightning, her blade cutting through the air with divine precision. Fu Gu dodged, raising a hand as he unleashed Blue to repel her attack. The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the plaza, cracking the ground beneath them.
Raiden pressed forward, her movements fluid and relentless. Each strike grew in intensity, her speed increasing as she probed his defenses. But Fu Gu wasn't merely defending; he countered with Red, amplifying the force of his punches to match her attacks. The clash of energies filled the air with a dazzling display of light and power.
Then, with a fierce gleam in her eyes, Raiden raised her sword high. "Musou no Hitotachi," she declared, her blade gleaming with unrestrained power as she prepared to unleash her ultimate move.
Fu Gu braced himself, his mind racing. **Blue and Red** surged within him, combining into the devastating Hollow Purple. He threw his hand forward, releasing a concentrated sphere of raw energy, meeting Raiden's slash head-on. The impact detonated with a massive shockwave, sending them both skidding back.
For a moment, silence reigned, the plaza littered with debris and the ground scorched from the intense clash. Fu Gu felt a bead of sweat trickle down his face; her attack had cut through his Infinity again ,something he hadn't expected.
Raiden lowered her sword and look at her damaged clothes and holy area, her gaze steady and unreadable. "You possess power beyond mortal limits," she said quietly. "But you lack control."
Fu Gu grinned, brushing off the dust. "Maybe. Or maybe I just need someone strong enough to push me."
Their gazes held, and for a brief moment, the air between them was charged with something beyond combat—a tension that neither acknowledged.
---
### **The Next Steps**
As the onlookers slowly dispersed, Raiden's retainers cautiously approached her. She raised a hand, signaling for them to hold back.
"You may remain in Inazuma," she told Fu Gu, her tone firm. "But remember, I will be watching. If you are truly intent on challenging the limits of your strength, do so without disrupting the peace."
Fu Gu bowed mockingly, the smirk never leaving his face. "Understood, Shogun."
As she turned to leave, Fu Gu felt a rush of exhilaration. She had accepted his presence, and the path forward was open.
---
### **Meanwhile, Ayaka's Thoughts**
Watching from a distance, Ayaka observed the interaction with a mixture of fascination and apprehension. She had been drawn to Fu Gu's boldness from the start, but witnessing him face Raiden Shogun, undaunted, stirred something deeper.
"Why does he seem so... fearless?" she murmured to herself.
Ayaka's heart raced as she recalled the intensity in Fu Gu's eyes when he'd confronted the Shogun. There was something about his confidence, his willingness to face impossible odds, that both frightened and intrigued her. She couldn't help but wonder what drove him, and why he seemed determined to challenge the strongest beings in Teyvat.
As she turned to leave, a small smile crossed her lips. Perhaps, in time, she would understand.
---