"Shogunate dogs! You collude with the Fatui and still dare to shift the blame? You know exactly who's guilty here—search your own conscience, if you still have one! You fling accusations with every breath, but when you fled Yashiori Island with your armor and weapons cast aside, did you throw away your consciences along with them?"
"Treacherous rebels! Weren't you the ones who lured us from Yashiori under the pretense of ward destruction? You endangered the islanders just to enact your schemes, and now you have the gall to tell us to reflect? The heavens are watching, and the truth will out!"
"Shogunate dogs! Our strategist risked everything to expose a Fatui mole, delivered him straight to your camp in good faith—only for him to be murdered within a single night! You not only uphold that rotten Vision Hunt Decree, but also collude with the Fatui to harm your own land and people. Pathetic, utterly pathetic!"
"Treacherous rebels! Lost to the Fatui and suddenly you've got nothing to say? No one colluded with them! Your slanders worked last time, and General Masahito was demoted, but this time it won't! You won't shake our morale again! General Kujou Sara will end you—surrender now if you know what's good for you!"
"Shogunate dogs! Following that tengu general of yours—truly living up to the name of dogs!"
"Treacherous rebels! Your so-called strategist is nothing but a schemer, a petty and deceitful villain!"
"Shogunate dogs! …Wait a sec— cough… Our strategist said once, the enemy's insults are his greatest compliments. He asked us to thank those who curse him. So, thank you—thank you, Shogunate dogs!"
"…Shameless!"
"Thank you, Shogunate dogs!"
"How despicable!"
"If you're so upset, come fight us! Or are you cowards, Shogunate dogs?"
"You think I'm an idiot?"
"Took you long enough to realize?"
"..."
…
"They're arguing about the warding stones… Since these are Shogunate troops, that bunch in red must be the Resistance. But both sides are so insistent, it's hard to tell who's lying…"
"Frontline insults are just bluster. But that Resistance strategist they mentioned doesn't quite match the 'Divine Priestess' we've heard of… We'll have to see for ourselves."
Lumine and Paimon guided their small Waverider around Nazuchi Beach, approaching Yashiori's coast—only to be spotted by Resistance ships.
"Civilians? Doesn't look like you're here to fish… This area could turn into a battlefield at any moment. Best keep away from shore—leave quickly!"
Several massive warships surrounded their tiny boat, dwarfing it completely. Lumine stopped the vessel and stepped forward: "We're wanted by the Shogunate. We came to join the Resistance."
"Wanted? What did you do?"
"At the 'Vision Hunt Ceremony' for the hundredth Vision, we rescued its wielder. That's why they're after us."
"You… you actually stood up to the Raiden Shogun herself? That's hard to believe… Wait, check the wanted posters we seized from the Shogunate… 'Blonde traveler and a mysterious floating companion.' That's really you?!"
"Who's a 'mysterious floating companion'?!" Paimon stomped her foot in indignation.
"Ah, Mr. Victor also told us to keep an eye out for a blonde and silver-haired girl. My apologies—please, come with us!"
…
"Though our spirits are high after taking Yashiori, the next step is Kujou Encampment… But until now, we were only making a statement of defiance against the Vision Hunt Decree. If we really take Kujou Encampment, how should the Resistance stand against the Raiden Shogun herself?"
The Resistance had never considered this before—because they had never had the power to get this far. But now, with the Shogun only one step away, Sangonomiya Kokomi was forced to voice it.
General Gorou was blunt: "In sheer combat strength, all of Inazuma put together can't stand against the Raiden Shogun alone. Our only hope is to move her with reason and emotion. Even as the Electro Archon, if all her people oppose her, she can't continue forever."
The truth was, if you added them all up, Inazuma could indeed match her. But for a self-isolated Shogun, persuasion alone wouldn't work—only a jolt to awaken her slumbering heart.
Victor Wang, who had lived through it all before, nodded: "You're right. We must find a way to wake her. But there's no guarantee that when that moment comes, she won't turn her blade against us. If only someone could truly face her in open combat…"
"Report! A most remarkable figure has arrived at camp—claims that two days ago, before the Shogun's very eyes, she disrupted the 'Vision Hunt Ceremony' for the hundredth Vision!"
"So soon? Speak of the devil."
Exchanging a glance with Kokomi, Victor Wang ordered: "Bring them in at once!"
Even before the words had finished echoing, the tent flap flew open, and Paimon darted inside.
"Victor! It really, is you?!"
"Haha, the moment I heard someone wrecked the ceremony, I guessed it must be you two. Seems like wherever you go, storms follow."
"Hmph, look who's talking—not bad yourself, sneaking off and becoming a strategist!"
Victor Wang stepped forward, making introductions:
"This is the famed traveler Lumine, also an Honorary Knight of Mondstadt's Knights of Favonius, like me—though far greater than I. She quelled Mondstadt's dragon crisis, subdued the overlord of the Vortex in Liyue, and is already renowned across the lands beyond Inazuma. Her character and ability are beyond doubt.
This is her dearest companion, Paimon.
This is Sangonomiya Kokomi, the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi, who governs the island and founded the Resistance against the Vision Hunt Decree. She is also its former strategist.
And this is General Gorou, commander of the Resistance, who has led our troops to many victories."
After introductions, Kokomi turned to Lumine: "Is it true you were able to face the Raiden Shogun in battle?"
"I did fight her. But as I am now, I cannot defeat her."
"That alone is incredible. The Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi is feared even on Watatsumi. Few dare face a god, fewer still survive."
"…I promised someone I would oppose the Vision Hunt Decree. Now I'm wanted by the Shogunate as well. Please allow me to join the Resistance."
"Of course. We are in dire need of allies. My only worry is what position suits your strength best."
"An official post?!" Paimon's eyes lit up.
Kokomi explained: "The Resistance and the Shogunate are locked in a delicate balance.
"The Shogunate abandoned their weapons and armor fleeing Yashiori. Even with reserves, at least a quarter of their soldiers now lack equipment.
The Resistance, meanwhile, has gained their arms, armor, several warships, and stores of food. Now is the time to expand, but we lack trained soldiers to fill the ranks quickly.
The Shogunate must rest, and though we should press our advantage, Kujou Encampment is their true base and too close to Narukami. Unless we consolidate our gains from Yashiori, we cannot mount such an offensive.
Here's my proposal: General Gorou must remain on Yashiori. But the new recruits are training on Watatsumi—they are many, but lack leadership. Lumine, will you serve as a vice general of the Resistance, to lead them?"
"Such a high rank…?"
"I already know of your deeds from Captain Beidou and from Victor. Truly, this post is not too high. But…"
Kokomi's voice grew earnest: "In the end, the Resistance may have to face the Raiden Shogun herself. Honestly, none of us have any experience in this. I swear, this isn't about exploiting you—when the time comes, we'll all stand together. Please understand."
"To complete my promise, and my journey in Inazuma, I must face her again. I've always known that. From here on, let's fight side by side."
She clasped Kokomi's outstretched hand, and they shared a smile.
"I was just about to return to Watatsumi. Come with me… Victor, you too. Some of the farmland has changed. I'll need your expertise."
"The land… changed?"
…
Changed indeed.
The soil dug up earlier, even mixed with sand and stone, had been the darkest, richest black earth—but in just half a month, its color was fading.
Not much, but compared to newer plots laid down days later, the difference was stark.
Victor picked up a pinch, sniffed and tasted it. The flavor was identical to memory. Only then did he confirm: "It's being purified—through what I call Holy Soilification."
Left unchecked, the black earth would turn gray-white or pale violet. Classic signs of Holy Soilification.
Fortunately, the Watatsumi Goryou Matsuri that reverses it only needed to be held once every few centuries—proof that the process was slow. The Abyss of Enkanomiya had likely latched onto these new plots because all other land had already lost its "spirit."
"These fields still have some time," Victor said. "Once the war eases, we can deal with it. Then the soil will return to normal."
"So, it is just holy soilification… Then I can rest a little easier."
"Still, a shame. The first crop of cabbages has grown enough to eat, but they aren't fully ripe. Needs a bit more time."
"A pity indeed. The island's first cabbages… How long until they're mature?"
"Normally two months. But these are thriving—maybe just a month more."
"So, another half month."
The two of them stared at the half-grown cabbages in silence.
"One more thing. A letter came to me not long ago—its sender claims to support Watatsumi's cause, and sent a vast supply of resources. What do you think?"
"Someone wants this war to drag on. You know who it must be."
"I had the same suspicion. But Watatsumi is not wealthy. Even with Yashiori's spoils, this shipment is far too great to ignore. And their only condition is that we fight the Shogunate with all we have."
"Then of course we accept. Supplies are innocent—once in our hands, how we use them is our choice."
"That was my thought as well. Still, we must stay cautious…"