Chapter 593

There is no such thing as absolute right or wrong in this world.

There is no absolute black or white in this world, only a sophisticated shade of gray.

"The events of the past need not be spoken of again, Ei. Everything has passed, and you too..."

"Have grown up."

Makoto smiled with genuine relief.

"I choose to look forward... To hear those words from my dear sister's own lips, as your sister, I am truly proud."

"I have been absent from your life for five hundred years, but I am fortunate that I did not miss your most important growth."

"Ei, you are no longer the child who hid in her sister's shadow. Today, you carry Inazuma on your shoulders."

"You are my pride. Thank you for being willing to bear my mission for me."

"But I am sorry... As your sister, I failed to persuade you in time and guide your growth."

"But the outcome is still good, after all, you have grown up, haven't you?"

Although Makoto's tone was relieved, one could still detect the sorrow in her heart.

Ei was the sister she loved as much as Inazuma itself.

"No..."

Ei shook her head, fighting back tears.

"I know you have never left me these five hundred years, and that is enough..."

Makoto fell silent for a moment, seemingly still unable to fully let go.

After a short while, Makoto continued:

"I died on the battlefield of Khaenri'ah, but I also knew that you were facing an even more difficult battle back in Inazuma."

"Moreover, I know you well, Ei. You were very stubborn at the time. If you had known I died, I dare not imagine what you might have done."

"Therefore, in the final moments of my life, I chose to sever my soul, allowing my remnant soul to enter the Musou Isshin to accompany you."

"Over these years, although you have made many mistakes, you have ultimately always been protecting Inazuma."

Ei pursed her lips and said in a low voice:

"Why... did you not come out to see me all these years?"

"Because I know you too well."

Makoto smiled gently.

"I was dead, after all. You cannot accept parting, and you are still a very stubborn child."

"This sliver of a remnant soul was something I used to stop you before you were about to do the most important wrong thing."

"Even if I had come out earlier, I would still have dissipated, and in the end, you would still have continued your pursuit of Eternity."

"Isn't that so?"

Hearing this, Ei felt a tug at her heart and gritted her teeth:

"I would have found every possible way to keep you!"

"What would be the point of that?"

Makoto asked in return.

"Death is merely the beginning of another journey. Ei, you have already chosen to look forward. I do not wish for my appearance to make you become that stubborn child once again."

Ei remained silent, looking at Makoto, and fell into despair once more.

Makoto's soul-light orb slowly ascended.

"Ei, you have already grown up. You cannot look back."

"I am very proud of who you are today. You will draw your blade for your friends, and you will change your own will for the sake of Inazuma."

"You are already a qualified and excellent deity."

"I am very comforted that, at the final moment of my life, I can see a new future—a more beautiful future."

Although she had no physical form, Lumine felt that Makoto was looking at her.

"Cultivation... is it?"

"Truly a power to be yearned for."

"That power, strong enough to change all tragedies, is the pass to lead Inazuma toward a greater new world."

"So, Ei, walk forward unwaveringly. This time, carry my share with you, and see the more beautiful future for me..."

"Then... the time is almost up. I have left you one final gift."

A brilliant pink seed fell into Ei's palm.

"Ei, tell it, what is your Eternity?"

Ei's eyes were filled with pain, but just as Makoto had said, she had to carry her share and walk on.

Closing her eyes, all the scenery of these years flashed before her. After a long while, Ei shook her head.

"I still do not understand what true Eternity is..."

The Shogun looked at Ei with some confusion, but Makoto was not in a hurry, simply waiting quietly for what Ei would say next.

"Therefore..."

Ei steadied herself and said earnestly:

"I will continue to walk forward, always walking forward."

"Until the day I see true Eternity, and then, I will tell you..."

Makoto's light orb suddenly shone brightly, seemingly very happy.

"Is that so... I understand."

The seed instantly bloomed with an even more resplendent radiance, seemingly having absorbed some power; after leaving Ei's palm, it quickly took root there.

A bit of emerald green leaf sprouted from the soil and soon grew sturdy and strong.

Many cute little foxes flew in from all around, living around this sturdy, growing tree.

The scenery of Inazuma's five hundred years also instantly appeared before everyone's eyes.

Finally, pink cherry blossoms drifted with the wind, falling toward all of Inazuma.

This gray, hazy space seemed to have a pink light of hope appear.

The Primordial Jade Cutter stirred, but after seemingly sensing something, it quieted down again.

"This is... the Sacred Sakura!"

Ei stared blankly at the familiar tree before her, looking at her own palms in disbelief.

"Did I... plant the Sacred Sakura?"

"That's right."

Makoto smiled magnanimously and said softly:

"It was you who saved Inazuma."

Gazing at this beautiful scenery, a hint of lingering attachment appeared in Makoto's voice.

"How beautiful... If only I could see the Inazuma of today with my own eyes, and drink tea with you all under the cherry blossom tree."

"That would surely be a very happy thing..."

Ei looked up instantly, seeing Makoto becoming somewhat illusory.

Suddenly, Ei was frantic.

"Makoto!"

"It's alright, Ei."

Makoto comforted her gently.

"Just as I said, death is merely the beginning of another journey. Before ending this current journey, to be able to see your growth..."

"I am already satisfied."

"Ei, continue to walk forward. Your sister can only accompany you to this point, but I think that you, as you are now, will no longer need me to stand before you."

"You have grown up, haven't you?"

Makoto smiled with comfort.

"Then... goodbye, Ei, Shogun, and Traveler and your companions."

"Being able to witness your brilliance is the greatest achievement of my life."

"Ei..."

"Finally, please allow me a little selfishness..."

Makoto tried her best to lean toward Ei, and finally, she gently pressed against her forehead. ===== CHAPTER 594 =====