At that moment, the girl walking toward everyone was a young maiden with pale pink hair, dressed in attire as light and ethereal as a fairy's. The soft gradient of violet and white on her fish-scale patterned gown stood out vividly against the surroundings—she looked as though she had stepped from another world. Her entire appearance, a harmony of pink, violet, and white, radiated an air of purity and dreamlike grace.
"…"
It was the first time Aether had seen a girl dressed in such a way. Her aura was completely different from that of Kamisato Ayaka, yet her refined features were equally exquisite.
The others, however, showed no surprise. They were used to it—after all, this was none other than Lady Sangonomiya, the leader of Watatsumi Island, and such divine attire was characteristic of the living shrine maiden.
Under the focused gaze of the crowd, Kokomi stepped forward gracefully, her eyes—blue and deep as the sea—sweeping across the faces before her. After a brief glance, her gaze settled on the golden-haired traveler standing at the center.
"Hello, Traveler. This is our first formal meeting, so please allow me to introduce myself."
She placed a hand gently over her chest, her voice as clear and calm as spring water.
"My name is Sangonomiya Kokomi. I am the organizer of the Resistance, and also the 'Living Shrine Maiden' of Watatsumi Island."
Living Shrine Maiden?
Aether blinked in confusion and instinctively glanced toward Paimon, who only spread her hands, equally puzzled.
"Perhaps this is the first time you've heard that title," Kokomi continued with a faint smile. "Simply put, I am currently the one overseeing Watatsumi Island—it also serves as the main base for the Resistance."
From their expressions, Kokomi could easily discern their curiosity, and she offered a fluid explanation.
"I see…" Paimon said, understanding at last.
Aether gave her a weary look.
"I've already heard about you from Gorou," Kokomi continued. "I just didn't expect that your first choice would be to join the Resistance. Have you given any thought to what you plan to do next?"
She asked gently, her tone filled with genuine concern. She understood that being wanted by the Shogunate was dangerous—one careless move could cost them their lives. Since they had chosen to side with the Resistance, it was her duty to consider their safety and future.
"Not yet…"
Aether glanced at Paimon, and they both shook their heads.
"…"
Hearing his answer, Kokomi lowered her eyes for a moment, lost in thought, then looked back at him.
"In that case… why not come to Watatsumi Island?"
"Though the Shogunate's forces have temporarily retreated, the war is far from over."
Around them, the soldiers still appeared shaken from the overwhelming presence of the Shogun earlier. Clearly, they needed rest and regrouping; otherwise, if the enemy rallied and struck again, the situation would be dire.
"The Vision Hunt Decree still stands… Nothing has truly been resolved."
Crossing her arms, Kokomi's eyes grew distant and faintly complex. The cold wind blew against her, tossing her ponytail gently side to side.
"I suggest we return to Watatsumi Island to discuss our next course of action. What do you think?"
She lifted her gaze to Aether as she spoke.
Rumble!
Thunder continued to roll across the sky, lightning flashing in blinding arcs that illuminated the rain-soaked ground. The downpour showed no sign of letting up, drenching everyone to the bone.
Kokomi brushed a few damp strands of hair behind her ear, her flowing robes glistening with raindrops. The white thigh-high stockings with pale violet lace were soaked through, faintly revealing the shimmer of her skin beneath.
Of course, she wasn't the only one—everyone was drenched, looking like drowned rats. In the midst of battle, who had the luxury of carrying an umbrella? Even a rain cloak would hinder movement.
"This rain's just getting worse…"
Teppei muttered with a sigh, shielding his face with one hand.
Yet Kokomi remained composed, making no move to shield herself. Arms folded, she waited calmly for Aether's response, her gradient eyes fixed on his.
"…So be it. We'll go with you."
After a moment of contemplation, Aether nodded, and Paimon followed suit.
"Yay! We get to visit Watatsumi Island!"
Paimon cheered in excitement, bouncing in the air like a child.
"Um… I… can I come too?"
Teppei spoke up nervously, glancing at Aether as if volunteering himself.
"…"
Kokomi didn't interrupt. She merely glanced at Aether, her gaze briefly shifting toward the small floating creature at his side—Paimon—with a hint of curiosity.
What kind of being is that little one?
"Teppei, you're coming with us too?" Paimon asked.
"Yes… I'm quite familiar with Watatsumi Island, so I can continue serving as your guide," Teppei replied.
"Then I'll be counting on you," Aether said with a faint smile.
"Of course!" Teppei grinned, visibly excited.
"Lady Sangonomiya!"
Gorou wagged his tail eagerly the moment Kokomi's gaze turned toward him, like a loyal dog seeing its master.
"Gorou… You've worked hard during this time."
Seeing his energetic enthusiasm, Kokomi smiled softly, offering gentle praise.
"It wasn't hard at all!"
For Lady Sangonomiya's sake, there was no such thing as hardship!
"The Resistance's strength is far below that of the Shogunate army. I imagine you've endured much while I've been away."
Normally, Kokomi commanded from the rear at the Sangonomiya base and rarely came to the front lines. It was rare for her to personally visit the battlefield like today.
"After this, I'll need you to lead your unit for a while longer—keep watch on the Shogunate's movements while also tending to our wounded. I'll arrange for mercenaries to garrison here as support, and with Kazuha present, the pressure should lessen."
As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Captain Beidou and Kazuha beside her.
"Understood, Lady Sangonomiya!" Gorou replied firmly.
"Leave it to me, Lady Strategist," Kazuha said with a polite nod and a faint smile.
"That's fine… as long as you can afford the fee~ I'd rather not run into the Raiden Shogun again," Beidou teased with a smirk.
"Rest assured… you'll be compensated accordingly," Kokomi said calmly. Watatsumi Island might not be rich, but it could at least afford the cost—and this was a necessary expense for their survival.
"I still have matters to attend to back at Sangonomiya," she continued. "Traveler, once you're ready, look for Teppei—he'll escort you to the island."
She looked toward Aether, her voice clear and composed.
"Thank you for all the effort you've put forth. From this day on, the Resistance will stand and fight alongside you."
Her gaze turned toward the east—toward Narukami Island.
"For the future of Inazuma."
Her expression hardened, her voice lowering into solemn determination.
"…"
Aether and Paimon exchanged glances, a complex emotion flickering in their eyes.
They remembered what Thoma had said before—
'The Yashiro Commission doesn't have much contact with the Resistance. Mainly because neither side trusts the other. Lady Kamisato once said, "What exactly is it that Watatsumi Island's Resistance is fighting against?"'
"!"
Aether shook his head, forcing those thoughts away. Now wasn't the time for doubt.
"…Is something the matter?"
Kokomi noticed his brief distraction and asked softly, her tone tinged with curiosity.
"No, it's nothing," Aether replied quickly, shaking his head.
"…"
Kokomi's gradient eyes lingered on him for a moment, their calm depths meeting his gaze. Aether instinctively looked away.
"…Very well. Everyone, I'll take my leave now."
Sensing his unease, Kokomi let out a faint sigh. After addressing the group, she turned and departed alongside the shrine maidens, leaving the shores of Nazuchi Beach behind.
"…"
Aether exhaled deeply once she was gone. That was close! Those eyes of hers… it was as if they could see straight through him, sending chills down his spine.
"So… where do we go now?" Paimon asked, still uncertain after Kokomi's departure.
"In a few days, I'll send a ship to pick you up. Our next destination is Watatsumi Island!" Teppei said excitedly, almost like a child eager to return home.
"Appreciate it," Aether said politely.
"Hehe… No problem at all! I'll see you soon!" Teppei replied cheerfully before jogging off, waving goodbye as he went.
All around them, the soldiers of the Resistance were packing up their supplies, preparing to return to Watatsumi Island to regroup. Despite the Raiden Shogun's unexpected intervention, this battle had ended in something resembling victory.
"Aether… are you alright?"
Kazuha approached with a light smile, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"Yeah… I suppose I am," Aether said with a small, tired laugh. The past few days had been like a nightmare, leaving him strangely dazed.
"You've met the Raiden Shogun before, haven't you?"
"I have," he replied simply.
"She's the same as ever—radiating that overwhelming pressure," Kazuha said, his gaze turning distant, tinged with nostalgia. That suffocating aura… it was something he could never forget. Familiar, yet heavy as ever.
Even now, he couldn't help but admire this traveler—who had faced her head-on in battle on their very first encounter.
"…Yeah."
Aether subconsciously touched the faint scar along his side where her blade had struck him. Though the wound wasn't deep, it was a reminder—a mark of mercy from someone who could have ended his life.
"Musou no Hitotachi… Is it truly unreachable?"
Kazuha murmured, resting his chin thoughtfully on his hand.
"Kazuha…" Aether began softly.
"Perhaps one day," Kazuha said, his eyes glimmering with quiet determination, "we'll be able to face that power head-on. That's my goal in returning to Inazuma."
But for now, he still had far to go.
...
A few days later… the Shogun once again visited the Kamisato Estate. But unlike last time, this visit was made in the full appearance of the Raiden Shogun.
Rustle…
She gently slid open the estate's door. As always, she removed her footwear and stepped onto the tatami. Passing by the camellia-decorated screen—
She had expected to find the person she sought sitting at the desk in the main hall, waiting for her as usual. But today… things were slightly different.
The one she sought—Kamisato Ayaka—was… napping. And not just any nap, but fast asleep while still dressed in her teal kimono typically worn for sword practice.
Her shapely legs, wrapped in white stockings, curled slightly forward as she leaned against the floor. One arm draped over her knees, allowing her head to rest upon it. Her cherished sword, Snowswept Sakura, was unconsciously clutched in her hand, angled diagonally between her thigh and calf. Her body curled subtly inward, as if instinctively trying to ease her discomfort while sleeping.
"..."
The Shogun paused, momentarily stunned by the sight. She glanced around the estate. There were no servants present—it seemed they had all stepped out. Thoma was likely hiding at the Komore Teahouse again. She knew exactly where he was—just couldn't be bothered to mention it.
Haa…
She let out a soft breath, then moved closer. Careful not to wake Ayaka, she walked with such practiced lightness—sharpened by years of martial arts—that her footsteps were ghostlike. Within seconds, she reached the girl's side.
Huu…
She knelt down slowly, legs tucked under her, and gazed intently at the sleeping beauty's serene profile. Her closed eyes and peaceful expression made her look as though she had been transported to another world. Her gentle breathing sounded like the quiet purr of a kitten.
Such carelessness… the Shogun couldn't help but scold inwardly. If the one who had approached Ayaka wasn't her, but someone with ill intent, wouldn't that have been dangerous?
But then again… no one else could move this quietly. So be it.
Looking at the blade in Ayaka's hand, she slowly reached out and gently placed her hand over the girl's. With practiced ease, she carefully took hold of the sword and pulled it away—just in time, before the blade could graze the girl's calf.
"Mm… huh?"
Ayaka stirred. Feeling the shift of her sword, she instinctively tightened her grip and opened her eyes, still hazy with sleep. Her gaze quickly fixed on the woman kneeling beside her.
"…Shogun-sama? Whew… that was close."
Realizing who it was, Ayaka visibly relaxed. She released her grip on the blade, letting the Shogun take it fully.
"Next time you feel sleepy, don't rest while holding a weapon. You might accidentally injure your leg," the Shogun gently warned, like a mother scolding her child, sliding the sword back into its sheath.
Indeed, the blade had been just a centimeter away from cutting her calf. Had she shifted in her sleep, who knew what could've happened?
"My apologies… for making you worry. I got a little tired and dozed off. I must look quite silly now."
Ayaka's cheeks flushed with an adorable pink, and she gave the Shogun a sweet, sheepish smile.
"Shogun-sama… would you help me up? My legs have gone a little numb."
Ayaka asked carefully, blushing slightly.
"Of course."
Without hesitation, the Shogun leaned in and helped her up.
Only to be immediately tackled onto the tatami.
"!"
The Shogun let out a soft gasp, eyes widening in surprise as she found herself pinned beneath the icy-haired girl.
"…Didn't you say your legs were numb?"
She blinked in confusion, giving the mischievous Ayaka above her a blank stare. Ayaka, perhaps out of worry, had even slipped her hand behind the Shogun's head to cushion it.
"They are numb~ I didn't lie," Ayaka replied playfully.
As she spoke, she gently nestled her cheek into the Shogun's perfect chest, burying her face there like she was enjoying the moment.
"///"
The Shogun tensed, a warm shiver running through her body. Her face turned slightly red.
"You…"
She didn't show any displeasure, nor did she resist. She merely gave a gentle, indulgent sigh, lightly stroking the girl's hair with a soft hand.
"Hehe… So, what brings you here today, Shogun-sama?"
Ayaka couldn't help but giggle as she released her hold, sitting up gracefully. She picked up the folding fan from the table and seated herself beside the Shogun, resting her chin upon her hand as she returned to the topic at hand.
"If there's nothing in particular, am I not allowed to visit the Kamisato Estate?"
The Shogun rose slightly, adjusting her half-open collar, speaking in a tone that carried the faintest hint of teasing.
"I didn't mean it that way. It's just that… you rarely visit me here unless there's a special reason."
Ayaka replied with a gentle smile, hiding her mouth behind her fan. The sight of the Shogun adjusting her clothing carried an almost dangerous charm.
"Please don't misunderstand… I'm truly glad you came, Shogun-sama."
"It was only a jest. Think nothing of it."
The Shogun shook her head faintly before her expression turned serious.
"Ayaka… there's something I need to discuss with you. Do you have time?"
"Of course, Shogun-sama. Please, have a seat—I'm listening."
Ayaka smiled warmly and gestured toward the cushion across from her at the low table.
The Shogun gave a small nod and walked over, sitting seiza-style opposite her. Ayaka then poured her a cup of tea and set it between them.
"What is it you wished to speak with me about, Shogun-sama?"
Ayaka's tone was gentle, her gaze filled with calm affection, as if accustomed to such conversations.
"…It's regarding Sangonomiya Kokomi."
At the mention of that name, the Shogun's gaze faltered slightly. The image of the girl's earnest expression—and the memory of Ayaka's own lips against hers before—rose unbidden in her mind. She looked down for a moment, almost shyly, before speaking.
"…Has something happened?"
Ayaka asked softly, her perception as sharp as ever.
"Perhaps," the Shogun admitted.
For several minutes, she recounted everything that had transpired—the meeting with Kokomi within the Plane of Euthymia, their exchange, and the vow made in blood. Ayaka listened quietly the entire time, occasionally nodding with an understanding smile, never once interrupting.
"I see… Quite an impressive strategist indeed. To drive back General Sara's forces purely through tactics—her reputation is well-deserved."
Ayaka opened her fan, admiring its pattern as she spoke, her voice filled with thought. No wonder the Shogunate army continued to struggle against the Resistance.
"Sara… she isn't a match for Sangonomiya Kokomi," the Shogun said quietly. "Loyal though she is, Sara isn't one for complex schemes. Her straightforwardness is easily exploited."
"Then… is it that you wish for me to analyze this Kokomi for you, Shogun-sama?" Ayaka asked.
"If you can."
The Shogun nodded.
"Hehe… If that is your request, then how could I refuse? Though, I must confess—I've never met her in person, so my insights may not be perfect."
"That's fine."
The Shogun didn't mind. She already had her own impressions but wished to hear Ayaka's perspective first.
"Very well…"
Ayaka rose, moving gracefully around the table to sit beside the Shogun, their shoulders nearly touching.
"The people of Watatsumi Island, whom Sangonomiya Kokomi leads, worship the god Orobashi—the Great Serpent—not our own Almighty Narukami Ogosho."
At this, she cast a knowing glance toward the violet-haired woman beside her.
"Such a difference in faith is… delicate. It lies at the heart of the Resistance's existence."
"As I've said before, there are surely individuals among them with dangerous thoughts. But they are secondary. What matters most… is the belief of their leader."
"'For the future of Inazuma'—that is the reason she gives for her rebellion. But what does that 'future' look like, in her eyes?"
The Shogun's eyes lowered, thoughtful.
"…That, we cannot know for certain. We can only speculate," Ayaka continued. "As for Yashiori Island—its endless rain, its thunder and flood—it all stems from the destruction of the seal that once suppressed the Tatarigami."
"And the Tatarigami's resentment… Shogun-sama, you know well whose it is."
Orobashi.
Of course, she knew. The name alone stirred a quiet unease in her heart.
"Even so," Ayaka went on, "this doesn't directly reveal Sangonomiya Kokomi's intent. Perhaps her subordinates acted without her knowledge. Perhaps the Fatui meddled in secret. Or perhaps… you simply misjudged her."
She sipped her tea calmly.
"…Her soldiers did deceive her," the Shogun murmured, recalling the conversation in her inner realm.
"Is that so?" Ayaka asked, her fan pausing mid-air.
"She didn't seem to lie. That look of confusion—she couldn't have faked it. Besides, she swore that if she lied, I could strike her down myself. Her fight against the Vision Hunt Decree is her conviction; she wouldn't risk her life over a falsehood like that."
The Shogun gazed down at the reflection in her teacup as she spoke, her tone quiet.
"So… you trust her, then?" Ayaka asked softly.
"…I suppose I do," the Shogun admitted, taking a sip of tea.
"Shogun-sama, I do not oppose your decision," Ayaka said gently, "but there is something you must remember: Sangonomiya Kokomi may be a good person, someone worthy of trust—but her soldiers are not."
"There are countless unseen conflicts within an army. Who can say they are all pure of intent? For all we know, while their leader proclaims 'For Inazuma's future,' some among them might secretly whisper of 'reviving Watatsumi Omikami, overthrowing the Shogunate, and reclaiming Inazuma.'"
"They even erected a shrine to Narukami—but who can say whether they worship sincerely?"
"…You have a point."
Hearing her words, the Shogun sighed softly. This girl beside her truly was like a strategist—ever thoughtful, ever wise.
"...Haa."
Seeing the complicated look in her eyes, Ayaka felt a flicker of worry. She exhaled softly, then gently reached out, cupping the Shogun's cheek with tender fingers. The violet-haired woman turned to her, slightly startled, her amethyst eyes wide and uncertain.
"Shogun-sama… there's no need to trouble yourself so deeply. In the end, everything must be seen with your own eyes."
See with your own eyes…
The phrase echoed in her heart—it aligned perfectly with her own unspoken resolve.
Indeed… it would be best to meet Sangonomiya Kokomi again in person.
After all, during their last encounter in the Plane of Euthymia, that girl's demeanor had left an impression on her—a flicker of interest she hadn't expected.
Sangonomiya Kokomi…
Heh… What a curious person indeed.