Even after leaving the battlefield, Gorou never removed his military attire, because he understood better than anyone that as a general of the resistance, he must always be prepared to return to the frontlines at any moment.
The Shogunate's recent ceasefire was highly suspicious. He couldn't be sure what schemes their commanders were plotting. If not for Lady Sangonomiya's insistence on his return, he would never have left the frontlines even for a moment.
However, being able to meet the legendary Battousai was still a pleasant occasion.
Gorou first heard of Battousai's name from Kazuha.
"His swordsmanship is different from the styles of Inazuma—it's a system entirely independent of the Raiden Shogun's teachings, truly worthy of the title 'Battousai.'"
The term "sai" is actually a naming convention in Inazuma, somewhat similar to Liyue's "Zhenjun" or Mondstadt's "Knight of Favonius."
The meaning of "Battousai" signifies that Bai Luo's mastery of the art of drawing the sword has earned him the title of a true master.
After all... it was a technique that could even wound a god.
Initially, Gorou didn't pay much attention to this so-called Battousai—until the name grew increasingly prominent within the resistance.
After news spread through the camps that Battousai had appeared on Watatsumi Island, Gorou noticed a distinct shift in the resistance's morale. The previously faltering resistance actually managed to reclaim territory that had been occupied by the Shogunate.
It was from this moment that Gorou truly began to take Battousai seriously.
Knock knock!
"Come in."
The moment the door was knocked, Gorou knew who had arrived.
The door opened, revealing Kazuha and the ever half-masked Battousai.
Hmm... Heard his name was Himura Kenshin?
"General Gorou, pardon the intrusion."
Though they called each other friends, Kazuha and Gorou were more like passing acquaintances.
Gorou had hoped to deepen their bond.
He had met all kinds of wanderers in his time, but Kazuha was undoubtedly the most unique among them.
Kazuha was like a breeze—never lingering in one place, yet always leaving something behind for those around him.
From him, Gorou had learned much.
Unfortunately, Kazuha seemed to avoid something, always keeping his interactions with Gorou at a polite distance, never growing too close.
Rumors said those who grew emotionally attached to him tended to meet unfortunate ends?
How could such absurd things exist? Gorou refused to believe such gossip.
Hmm... The soldiers who had once been close to Kazuha—now either dead or maimed—nodded in agreement.
The Crux Fleet, nearly wiped out by Osial's wife, also nodded in agreement.
Osial's wife even tossed in a head as tribute, shouting "666."
"Mr. Himura, my abrupt departure earlier was due to urgent military affairs. I hope you can forgive my rudeness."
When Bai Luo first arrived on Watatsumi Island, Gorou had also been present.
However, he had been brought back merely as a show of strength before immediately returning to the frontlines overnight.
Though this might seem irrational, demonstrating their power to the Liyue—no, the Crux Fleet—was necessary.
"General Gorou, you flatter me. I am but a wandering swordsman who gained some small reputation through trivial matters."
Bai Luo spoke the truth—he never expected to become so renowned among the resistance.
He had assumed people would at most recognize his name and know of his existence, never imagining his status would nearly rival that of their Divine Priestess.
If he had actively tried to spread his fame within the resistance, he likely wouldn't have succeeded.
Truly, "unintentional actions yield unexpected results."
No... Bai Luo hadn't even acted intentionally. It was more like the mischievous kid next door, surnamed Kaedehara, broke off a willow branch and casually tossed it into his backyard—only for him to wake up to an entire grove of willow trees.
Not bad.
"You jest. To put it bluntly, your name inspires more fervor than war drums on the battlefield. Please, come in. I've prepared refreshments and tea—there's much I'd like to ask you, Mr. Himura."
Canine emotions are easy to read. Though it's unclear whether Gorou is a youkai or a beastman, his incessantly wagging tail betrayed his true excitement.
"Mr. Himura, have you considered joining the resistance? If you're willing, I'd even be prepared to offer you my position as general."
Recruiting Bai Luo had long been Gorou's intention.
Battousai's influence within the resistance was simply too immense. If he raised his arm and called for independence, aside from Watatsumi's native inhabitants, many would surely follow him.
Thus, Gorou's offer wasn't made in jest.
"In the past, I would have gladly accepted your invitation, General Gorou. But after wandering for so long, I've grown unaccustomed to a life of constraints. I still prefer the freedom of roaming the world."
Without much deliberation, Bai Luo declined Gorou's proposal.
Sangonomiya Kokomi was indeed a fine leader, but he still preferred working under the Tsaritsa.
Though he shared his rank with eleven others, the moment he uttered the phrase "Put it on Childe's tab," it was as if Pandora's box had been opened—there was no turning back.
The first time he successfully freeloaded a meal using this method, he knew he had found his place.
"What a shame. Still, the resistance's doors will always remain open to you. Should you ever need assistance, feel free to speak—we will never hesitate to lend our aid."
Gorou wasn't disappointed by Bai Luo's answer.
Coming and going like the wind—such was the way of wanderers.
He only wondered how long Battousai would stay on Watatsumi Island. He hoped it would be for a while, ideally until the Vision Hunt Decree was abolished.
Later, Gorou would realize how naïve this wish had been.
By then, he would only pray for this guy to leave Watatsumi as soon as possible—preferably never to return.
"Then I thank you in advance."
"No need for formalities, Mr. Himura. Actually, there's one more thing I'd like to ask of you."
"Go ahead."
"Well..."
Gorou set down the snack he had just picked up, speaking with slight hesitation.
"As you know, your reputation within the resistance is unprecedented. Many of our comrades hope you could offer a few words of encouragement. I wonder if you'd be willing..."
Within the resistance, Gorou was the only one who had the chance to interact with someone of Battousai's stature.
Thus, his subordinates had been pestering him relentlessly. Unable to resist, Gorou could only swallow his pride and make this request.
"Words of encouragement?"
A few words wouldn't be difficult.
But what to say required some thought.
As Bai Luo pondered, Gorou—sitting across from him—seemed to have an epiphany, his ears perking up.
"I see... Mr. Himura means that silence is the greatest encouragement, yes? Indeed... If we don't strive harder, our friends and families back home will forever remain silenced under the Shogunate's oppression. Thank you for your wisdom!"
Bai Luo: "???"
What the hell? I didn't say anything?
Where did he get all that from?!