At dawn the next morning, the sun had just risen, casting its warm light over the resistance camp.
The previous night, Gorou had led the resistance forces in a tireless effort to clear the battlefield and recover a large cache of weapons. Many of the soldiers had only just returned and were finally getting some rest.
At this moment, Lumine and Paimon were still fast asleep on a pair of folding cots, covered with blankets.
Shao Yun, however, was sitting on a cot across from them, having stayed up the entire night deep in thought—planning how to incite the people of Watatsumi Island to march eastward and launch an assault on Narukami Island.
As the first rays of sunlight brushed over the land, Lumine's eyelids fluttered slightly. Slowly, she opened her hazy eyes.
She saw Shao Yun sitting quietly on the cot opposite her, holding a cup in his hand.
Seeing her awaken, Shao Yun gently asked, "Would you like to sleep a bit more, or get up now?"
Lumine rubbed her eyes, sat up, stretched her arms, and let out a soft yawn.
Curious, she asked, "What's in that cup you're holding?"
Shao Yun smiled and replied, "It's coffee with milk and sugar—specially prepared for you."
Milk and sugar were rare luxuries among the resistance—strategic resources among strategic resources.
You couldn't even buy them with money. Thankfully, Shao Yun had previously "liberated" a stash from Mondstadt General Goods—otherwise, he'd never have been able to prepare such a treat just for Lumine.
She carefully took the cup, sipped it, and smiled in satisfaction as the sweet aroma filled her senses.
Then she began drinking more eagerly, relishing the peaceful moment and the rich flavor.
Meanwhile, Paimon, still lying beside Lumine, slowly stirred from her sleep, mumbling drowsily.
"Morning, Lumine… morning, Shao Yun…"
Lumine passed the rest of her coffee to Paimon. Since it was made with milk and sugar, Paimon loved the taste as well.
After both had finished, they felt significantly more refreshed.
Shao Yun looked at them with a smile and asked, "Lumine, Paimon, are you ready? If you are, it's time for us to head out to Watatsumi Island."
They nodded in unison and replied cheerfully, "Yeah!"
Lumine stood up on her own without Shao Yun's help and stretched again. After a full night's rest, she felt her strength returning.
She no longer felt weak in the legs and didn't need assistance to walk.
Seeing Lumine's recovery brought Shao Yun both joy and anxiety—mostly joy, of course.
…
Shao Yun brought Lumine and Paimon to the camp gate, where Kokomi was in the middle of giving Gorou instructions on defense.
As Shao Yun and the others approached, Kokomi dismissed Gorou.
Shao Yun greeted her with a smile. "Good morning, Miss Kokomi. We're here."
Kokomi waved back. "Good morning."
She turned to Lumine and Paimon and said with anticipation, "You must be Lumine and Paimon, right? I heard from Gorou that you also wish to join the resistance."
Lumine looked Kokomi in the eyes and nodded firmly. "That's right. Paimon and I want to fight alongside everyone!"
In truth, it was mostly to keep an eye on Shao Yun—to make sure he didn't do anything… unexpected.
Hearing this, Kokomi thought to herself, There's strength in numbers. Every extra ally increases our odds of success. And this one helped save both Mondstadt and Liyue…
She nodded and said, "Understood. As the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, I officially welcome you both into the resistance."
"Although we are in urgent need of manpower, considering your physical condition, I suggest you rest fully before taking on any assignments."
Lumine confidently placed her hands on her hips. "I feel almost completely recovered. I can act now."
Before she could say more, Shao Yun stepped forward and gently tousled her hair, advising, "Don't push yourself. Based on my experience, you'll need at least one more week of rest."
He then turned to Kokomi and urged, "Miss Kokomi, please promise me that Lumine won't be assigned any tasks for a week."
Kokomi nodded gently. "Understood. You have my word."
Then she stepped aside and gestured invitingly.
"Now let's head to the dock as planned and sail to Watatsumi Island. I've arranged a banquet to welcome you."
Hearing the word "banquet," Paimon flipped joyfully in the air. She even wished she could strap fireworks to her back and rocket straight to Watatsumi Island.
Kokomi led Shao Yun, Lumine, Paimon, and a few resistance members toward the northwest dock of Yashiori Island.
The "dock" was actually a few sturdy stakes and some uneven wooden planks—crude and fragile. A single large wave could easily destroy it.
Three small boats were moored there, all showing signs of battle. Some had scorch marks from fire, others bore holes clearly made by arrows.
Teppei stood by the dock, leaning against a makeshift loading device, yawning as he waited.
He hadn't slept all night and looked exhausted. But upon seeing Kokomi's group, he immediately perked up and waved.
"Everyone, the boats are ready—we can set out anytime."
Shao Yun, noticing Teppei's dark circles, asked, "Just how long were you guys working on cleaning up the battlefield last night?"
Teppei quickly shook his head. "It's fine. We were all too pumped after such a big victory—pulling an all-nighter wasn't a big deal. Let's get everyone on board."
He forced a smile, but the exhaustion in his eyes betrayed him.
Shao Yun looked at the battered boats—some planks already splitting—and winced.
These boats? Even a canoe used by Native Americans would be more luxurious!
He couldn't imagine how such ramshackle vessels could survive at sea—let alone during combat.
While Shao Yun stared, the others had already boarded. Lumine, noticing his daze, called out, "Shao Yun? What are you looking at?" Her voice pulled him back to reality.
He quickly got on board and sat next to Lumine.
Resistance fighters began rowing the small boats with practiced skill. Each stroke sent them steadily forward, toward Watatsumi Island.
Watatsumi Island lay west of Inazuma, surrounded by deep blue seas.
Its landscape was enchanting—waterfalls cascaded from towering cliffs, glittering like silver ribbons.
The island had little flat land; most of it was coral reef in shades of pink and blue, contrasting beautifully with the azure sky—a perfect place for sightseeing.
As the boats approached, fishing vessels from Watatsumi could be seen nearby, their crews hard at work.
But on closer look, the fishermen looked frustrated and weary—it seemed the catch hadn't been good.
From her seat, Paimon cheerfully asked, "Kokomi, what kind of food did you prepare for us?"
Kokomi tapped her chin. "Let me think… Grilled meat, vegetable salad, and of course, Watatsumi's signature seafood—like fish and shrimp."
Hearing that, Paimon lit up. "Wow! I can't wait!"
…
Just as they were about to dock, they spotted a man waiting anxiously on the shore—it was Ookubo Daisuke, a resistance officer.
The moment he saw Kokomi, he waved and shouted, "Lady Sangonomiya! You're finally back—there are several urgent matters requiring your decision!"
Kokomi rubbed her temple, muttering, "Sigh… Let me guess—more issues about funds or rations…"
As soon as they landed, Ookubo rushed up and said, "Lady Sangonomiya! Emergency situation! Please come to Sangonomiya Shrine immediately!"
Kokomi frowned and gently raised her hand, signaling him to calm down.
"I will return to Sangonomiya soon. But I have three important guests with me. Let me host them properly first."
Ookubo followed her gaze and saw Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon.
But the matter was too urgent.
He wore a tense expression and pleaded, "Lady Sangonomiya, this really can't wait!"
Kokomi furrowed her brow but nodded with a touch of resignation. "Very well… But please keep it brief."
She turned to Shao Yun and the others, smiling apologetically. "Shao Yun, Lumine, Paimon—I'm so sorry. It looks like you'll have to wait a bit for the banquet."
She turned to Teppei and gave instructions.
"Teppei, take Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon to tour the island. Once they're done, they can meet me at Sangonomiya Shrine."
Just then, Shao Yun stepped forward and raised his hand.
This was a golden opportunity—to learn more about Watatsumi's inner workings.
"No need, Miss Kokomi. We'll accompany you to Sangonomiya. Perhaps we can help resolve the issue."
Kokomi thought for a moment. Since deeper cooperation lay ahead, there was no need to keep secrets.
"Alright. Let's go together, then."
She turned to Teppei. "Teppei, handle the accommodations. Once you're done, meet us at the shrine."
Teppei nodded earnestly. "Understood, Lady Sangonomiya—I'm on it!"
With that, he turned and left to make arrangements.
Kokomi then led Shao Yun and the others along a winding path to Watatsumi's scenic village: Suigetsu Village.
The village was peaceful and picturesque—like a painting.
Due to the island's limited land, some houses were perched atop cliffs.
The buildings were arranged in layers, forming a unique and charming landscape.
Many villagers, upon seeing Kokomi return, smiled with joy and gathered around, expressing their concern and warm greetings.
Kokomi returned their kindness with a smile, showing her gentle and approachable nature.