This was also part of Shao Yun's smokescreen—his real goal was to incite Watatsumi Island to march eastward into Inazuma, force the Raiden Shogun out of the Plane of Euthymia, and kill her.
But for now, he couldn't reveal his true intentions. He had to operate under the guise of opposing the Vision Hunt Decree, slowly building trust among Watatsumi's upper echelon.
Although Kokomi's current stance was simply to resist the Vision Hunt Decree, that was only because she believed Watatsumi Island to be weaker than the Shogunate.
In Inazuma, a land of cunning minds, no one could say for sure—would Sangonomiya Kokomi, for the sake of her people's future, consider a move far more drastic… perhaps even a genuine "purge of the corrupt from the Emperor's side"?
Even if, in the best-case scenario, Kokomi truly only wanted to resist the Vision Hunt Decree—just as that demon had said—not everyone would share her idealism. Shao Yun's arrival would inevitably stir the ambitions of certain people.
When the tide of Watatsumi's political will began to surge, if Kokomi still tried to resist, things wouldn't be settled through polite discussions anymore. Even without Shao Yun lifting a finger, someone would surely take the risk.
And even if—taking the absolute worst case—those ambitious few couldn't pressure Kokomi, her interests would still overlap with Shao Yun's. She was flying the banner of abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree to justify her military pressure.
Meanwhile, Shao Yun was planning to play the same game as the Napoleon Bonaparte —he'd launch a "Campaign to pacify in Heaven's name," but in truth, it was to take down the Raiden Shogun.
After all, once the Raiden Shogun was dead, the Vision Hunt Decree would be abolished by default.
And if anyone from Watatsumi objected afterward? It'd be too late. The Shogun would already be dead. What's done is done—there'd be no turning back.
Kokomi had noticed the Vision at Shao Yun's waist—it looked unusual, but she instinctively linked it to his desire to fight against the Vision Hunt Decree.
After thinking for a moment, Kokomi said, "I see. Welcome to the resistance. Without your help today, we would've suffered heavy casualties."
Shao Yun gave a warm, humble smile and replied softly, "I'm part of the resistance too—there's no need to thank me. We'll be fighting side by side from now on."
Just then, Beidou strode over and gave Shao Yun a hearty slap on the shoulder. She turned to Kokomi and said, "Miss Sangonomiya, Shao Yun is a real powerhouse. With him on your side, the pressure of fighting the Vision Hunt Decree will ease up big time! He might even lead you straight into Inazuma City by day three!"
Shao Yun chuckled and teased, "Day two might be pushing it. Day three sounds more realistic. Inazumans seem awfully fond of the number three."
His dry humor made Beidou burst out laughing. "That's even colder than my first mate Sea Drake's jokes!"
Then Beidou turned to Kokomi and said seriously, "Kokomi, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to set up camp as you requested and help with your defenses against the Shogunate. But let me be frank—I don't sugarcoat things. About the mercenary fees…"
Kokomi nodded understandingly and replied gently, "Don't worry, Captain Beidou. If I can't gather enough funds, I'll compensate you with coral pearls from Watatsumi Island."
Beidou nodded in agreement and turned to arrange for her crew to assist the resistance.
Hearing this, Shao Yun suspected he'd uncovered another of Watatsumi's issues: a lack of funds.
Though, it could also just be polite conversation—one never spells everything out explicitly.
Kokomi turned to Shao Yun with a smile and asked, "In a few days, once the fighting dies down a bit, I'd like to invite you, Lumine, and Paimon to visit Sangonomiya. Would you be willing?"
At this point, Kokomi already knew Shao Yun had singlehandedly wiped out the invading Shogunate forces.
To her, he was a powerful warrior who had taken up arms against the Vision Hunt Decree.
Beidou's words earlier had also moved her.
If such a formidable ally joined Watatsumi Island's side, she'd have greater confidence on the battlefield. The balance of power might shift—and negotiations in the future would come with more leverage.
After careful thought, she realized Shao Yun was someone she couldn't afford to overlook.
Shao Yun's gaze drifted to the distant Death Omen crew members, hard at work. He grew restless inside.
Time was short. If he didn't act soon, the consequences would be dire.
He had to take Lumine and Paimon to Watatsumi Island immediately. If Lumine dragged him to see Beidou and insisted on returning to Liyue, things would get complicated.
So, he feigned deep thought for a moment, then said, "In that case, why wait? Let's head out tomorrow. The sooner we defeat the Shogunate and abolish the Vision Hunt Decree, the sooner we can get back to enjoying our adventure."
Kokomi's eyes lit up. She nodded without hesitation. "Great idea. Let's set off at dawn. We'll meet at the camp entrance—I'll personally escort you."
Shao Yun nodded slightly and pointed toward Yashiori Island. "Then it's settled. I need to go inform Lumine and Paimon."
Kokomi smiled and waved. "Alright, see you tomorrow."
With that, Shao Yun mounted Boudica, nudged her flank, and galloped toward the resistance camp on Yashiori Island.
By the time he returned, night had fallen. The stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky.
In the camp's makeshift infirmary, Lumine lay quietly on a folding cot, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Paimon was nearby, reading an unknown book under the faint moonlight, totally absorbed.
Shao Yun approached and gently covered Paimon's eyes with his (now clean) hand. "Reading in such dim light—aren't you worried about hurting your eyes, Paimon?"
Hearing Shao Yun's voice, Paimon excitedly pulled his hand away. "Shao Yun! You're finally back! How did things go at the front?"
Lumine, too, stirred upon hearing his voice. She sat up, still weak, and asked with concern, "You're not hurt, are you?"
Shao Yun smiled as he sat beside her and gently ran his fingers through her hair. "Don't worry—the Shogunate army has been repelled. They won't be bothering Watatsumi anytime soon. And I didn't get so much as a scratch."
Lumine let out a relieved breath. Though, truthfully, she hadn't been all that worried...
Shao Yun told them how he'd rushed to the frontlines to help, leaving out any mention of Beidou, Kazuha, or the Alcor crew.
According to his version, after he repelled the Shogunate, Kokomi and the others arrived as reinforcements. Upon learning of his achievement, Kokomi invited the three of them to visit Sangonomiya tomorrow.
Paimon was thrilled. "Shao Yun, do you think Kokomi will treat us to a feast?!"
Shao Yun rubbed her cheek and teased, "All you ever think about is food. But I imagine she will. It has to be better than Teppei's kelp soup from earlier, at least."
He continued with his deception. "Let's forget the unpleasantness on Narukami Island for now and enjoy the sights of Watatsumi."
Lumine, touched by Shao Yun's words and recalling everything he'd done, truly believed he had arranged all this just so she and Paimon could rest.
She beamed. "Shao Yun, you made the right choice. Let's recover here for a while—then we'll figure out how to leave Inazuma."
Shao Yun nodded deceitfully, then pulled Lumine into his arms.
Rather than confirming her plan, he murmured with a deeper meaning, "Lumine, trust me—I'll make the right choice…"
I'll use Watatsumi Island to force the Raiden Shogun out of the Plane of Euthymia—and then I'll cut her down.