Kazuki's plan was simple:
1.Go to the capital.
2.Explain that he is not a criminal.
3.Avoid doing anything weird.
4.Return home and nap.
Reality, as always, had other ideas.
⸻
✦
Capital City – Tenshika
Towering white walls. Ornate sakura-lined streets. Dozens of airships flying above like drifting koi.
And banners—huge banners—with Kazuki's face on them.
Kazuki stared.
Smile jiggled on his shoulder.
"…Why are they calling me 'The Wandering Trickster Sage'?"
Tala chirped smugly.
Oro hissed quietly.
A guard marched up. "Name and business, stranger?"
Kazuki bowed awkwardly. "Uh, just here to clear a small misunderstanding involving an exploding cart, some stolen slime, and public pants combustion."
The guard blinked.
Then his eyes widened.
He turned.
He screamed:
"HE HAS ARRIVED! THE CHAOS SAINT HAS RETURNED!"
⸻
New Title Unlocked: [Chaos Saint of the Second Dawn]
Passive Effect: People interpret your awkwardness as divine humility.
⸻
Kazuki was immediately escorted into the city by an honor guard, presented with a ceremonial robe, and offered a parade.
"No thanks," he tried to say.
They took it as noble modesty.
They threw a parade anyway.
Confetti.
Trumpets.
Squirrel monks ringing bells.
⸻
✦
Meanwhile, in the Royal Palace…
King Daisho of Tenshika squinted at the new reports.
"So… this Kazuki defeated a dragon by falling on it?"
"Yes, sire."
"And caused a revolution in Eimei Province?"
"Accidentally, yes."
"And now he's arrived with a slime deity, a bird general, and a snake god?"
"Correct."
The King nodded slowly.
"Summon the court astrologers. And the bakery. We must prepare."
"Prepare for what, Your Majesty?"
The King's eyes glowed with panic wisdom.
"The Prophecy. It's happening again."
⸻
✦
Back in the city square, Kazuki stood awkwardly in front of a golden podium. A massive crowd watched him.
He tried to wave.
They gasped.
"He blesses us!"
"No I don't!" he called back.
They wept harder.
Just then, a scream rang out.
A noble carriage exploded.
Smoke. Screaming. Bandits. A chaotic blur.
And Kazuki, trying to flee the spotlight, tripped down the stairs—
—and crashed headfirst into the bandit leader.
POW.
Bandit down.
The crowd: "OH MY GODS HE STRIKES ONLY WHEN JUSTICE DEMANDS!"
The other bandits froze.
Smile floated into the air, glowing.
Oro coiled threateningly, sparking mana.
Tala screeched and divebombed.
The bandits ran for their lives.
⸻
Kazuki has unknowingly overthrown the corrupt Noble House of Rinshu.
The people are now calling for him to lead reform.
Government stability: [Uncertain]
Public approval rating: 140%
⸻
Kazuki rubbed his head, dazed.
"…Did I just cause a coup?"
Smile plopped onto his head.
Tala chirped in victory.
Oro casually hissed the national anthem.
Cheers erupted across the square.
Someone threw flowers.
Someone else threw a wedding bouquet.
Kazuki caught it by accident.
The crowd screamed.