Today, the weather at Sangonomiya was as clear and bright as ever. The entire surroundings were bathed in shades of blue, as if submerged beneath the ocean, with crystal-like bubbles occasionally drifting through the air. At the top of the great waterfall that cascaded down the central cliff stood the grand palace encircled by enormous pale-pink seashells—the Sangonomiya Palace.
The palace, tinged with a dreamlike aura, felt completely detached from the rest of Inazuma, as though it belonged to another world entirely. Pools of crystal-clear water flanked the building on both sides, accompanied by vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and spotless white stone paths—like something out of a fairytale.
From within the palace, Kokomi emerged, a piece of seaweed-shaped ornament held between her lips. With both hands, she gathered her soft, pale-pink hair that flowed down to her back, deftly tying it into her usual long ponytail. She then crouched by the edge of a stone platform, using the mirror-like surface of a spring to adjust the position of her seaweed hairpiece—its ends shaped like tiny wings, giving off an adorable charm.
Tap, tap…
Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps reached her ears. She rose slowly, turning her gaze toward the soldier coming her way.
"Lady Sangonomiya."
Ookubo stood beside her and bowed respectfully.
"Captain Ookubo… Has the new batch of supplies been distributed?"
Kokomi went straight to the point. She wasn't surprised by his presence—after all, she was the one who had summoned him.
"All supplies have been distributed, my lady. Please rest assured."
The middle-aged captain's voice was steady and firm.
"Good. No matter what, provisions are our lifeline—there must be no mistakes."
Her tone, calm and clear as spring water, carried habitual composure as she gave her orders.
"Our conflict with the Shogunate army grows fiercer by the day. Stability at the rear must be our highest priority."
"Yes, though our rations can't compare to those of the Shogunate, I'll do everything I can to manage distribution properly."
Ookubo nodded gravely.
"Don't worry. The previous shipment we received should improve the situation considerably."
"Lady Sangonomiya…"
"When manpower was short, it must've been difficult for all of you. I'm working to expand the army's numbers—once that's done, things should get better."
Kokomi smiled gently, her expression soothing as a spring breeze, bringing comfort to the man before her.
"Expand the army?!"
At those words, Ookubo's face lit up, joy flashing across his expression.
"That's wonderful! I don't know who's funding us this time, but they've truly saved us in our time of need…"
He exhaled in relief. For the Resistance, this was nothing short of aid from heaven.
"…Yes."
But Kokomi didn't share his enthusiasm. A faint crease formed between her brows as her eyes clouded with thought.
"Eh? Isn't that Teppei? You've returned to Watatsumi Island?"
As she pondered, Ookubo's gaze shifted toward the palace gates—where Teppei was just entering. Beside him stood the Traveler, Aether, and Paimon.
"Hm?"
Kokomi drew her attention back, her gaze following Ookubo's direction. For a moment, she froze slightly, wondering why they were here. Then she remembered—she had invited them a few days ago as guests. So many affairs had occupied her mind lately that she had nearly forgotten.
"And this is…?"
Ookubo's eyes landed on Aether, puzzled by the unfamiliar face.
"Hehe… This is Lady Sangonomiya's guest. I'm just the one escorting him back to Watatsumi Island."
Teppei grinned, sounding rather proud as he explained.
"Oh? Could it be the one the army's been talking about lately—the newcomer with immense strength, who never misses a shot, and whose body's tougher than iron?!"
"Uh…"
Aether rubbed his forehead helplessly. Just what kind of rumors are going around?! Who's spreading these?
"Why are people saying that?!"
Paimon also couldn't hold it in anymore. The two exchanged a knowing look, both turning to glare at Teppei.
"Ahaha… uh…"
Teppei awkwardly tilted his head back toward the sky, forcing a laugh.
"…"
Kokomi remained silent the entire time, simply listening quietly. Her gradient-blue eyes rested steadily on the Traveler before her, as if observing something unseen.
Aether, sensing her gaze, gave an awkward smile. Kokomi, in turn, offered a soft nod—an unspoken response.
"The two of you must have come a long way for something important, so I won't keep you. Still, feel free to visit me whenever you have time."
After the two nodded, Ookubo turned back toward Kokomi.
"Then, Lady Sangonomiya… I'll take my leave now."
"Mm… take care on your way."
Kokomi nodded softly, shifting her gaze toward him.
"Yes, my lady!"
With that, Ookubo passed by the group and departed from the palace. Once he was gone, Teppei was the first to speak up.
"Lady Sangonomiya… I think I just heard Captain Ookubo mention something about a 'sponsor.' What's that about?"
When he had led the Traveler and Paimon in earlier, he'd overheard part of the conversation out of curiosity—and knowing Kokomi's gentle nature, he dared to ask.
"Yeah, we're curious too," Paimon added, chiming in eagerly.
Aether sighed, shooting the little one a helpless look.
Kokomi, however, didn't mind. She answered straightforwardly.
"Not long ago, I received a letter from someone claiming they wished to support Watatsumi Island's resistance. They also sent a large shipment of supplies."
"Thanks to that, we can finally recruit and train new soldiers freely—and directly face the Shogunate army on the battlefield."
Aether frowned. Something about it didn't sit right.
"That… really sounds suspicious."
He voiced his concern plainly.
"I share your doubts," Kokomi admitted with a faint frown. "But Watatsumi Island isn't a wealthy land. These supplies are a blessing to us. Moreover, the sender's request wasn't unreasonable—they only asked that we do our utmost to oppose the Vision Hunt Decree."
Her voice carried a note of hesitation.
"No matter what their motives may be… at the very least, we currently share the same goal. For now, we can consider them a temporary ally."
Indeed, given the Resistance's dire need for resources, and their goals being aligned, such cooperation was worth considering.
"Of course," she continued, her tone turning stern, "that doesn't mean we can lower our guard."
Her expression grew firm.
"If you notice anything unusual or suspicious, report it to me immediately."
"Yes, ma'am! Also, um… Lady Sangonomiya… we, uh…"
Teppei began to stammer, clearly wanting to say something but hesitating.
"As for meals, don't worry. I've already instructed the cooks to prepare the grilled meat you mentioned before. You've all worked hard, after all. But—" she paused, her tone sharpening, "there is still to be no drinking in the camp. Is that clear?"
Of course she knew what Teppei was about to ask. But she reminded them anyway. Drinking in the military was a grave taboo—utterly forbidden.
Her calm yet commanding voice left no room for argument. Even Teppei knew she was serious this time.
"Wow… Kokomi suddenly feels so… intimidating," Paimon whispered to Aether in awe.
"Shh!"
Aether quickly gestured for silence.
"Drunkenness in the army is a serious matter—it must be treated as such," Kokomi added, her tone softening slightly.
"We understand. But, Kokomi… when will the Vision Hunt Decree finally end? At this rate, won't the Resistance collapse eventually?"
Floating above, Paimon asked the question on everyone's mind.
"That question… I don't have an answer for," Kokomi replied quietly, shaking her head. "It's like asking when it will rain—or when the thunder will strike. Perhaps it depends entirely on Shogun-sama's mood."
"The Vision Hunt Decree itself was strange from the start… Both the Tenryou Commission and the Shogun-sama's attitudes toward it are… subtle."
"Shogun-sama…"
At that word, Paimon and Aether both blinked in confusion—Teppei too. Why would the leader of the Resistance call the Raiden Shogun 'Shogun-sama'? Shouldn't that title be reserved for the one they were opposing? None of them understood.
Kokomi, however, paid no attention to their puzzled looks. Instead, her thoughts lingered on the words she'd just spoken.
The Tenryou Commission's sudden zeal for enforcing the decree—as if seeking some hidden benefit from it—and the Shogun herself…
When she recalled that woman's face, Kokomi's expression grew complicated.
When their eyes had met, she had sensed something… peculiar within that gaze, as though there were secrets buried deep within. Secrets perhaps even the Shogunate itself did not know.
Sigh… If only she could speak with her again. Maybe some misunderstandings could be cleared away. She wondered—did the Shogun resent her?
As that thought surfaced, Kokomi suddenly felt a bit embarrassed at herself. What am I thinking? How conceited of me… Why would a god ever concern herself with a mere mortal like me? To the Raiden Shogun, her struggles probably meant nothing at all.
And yet… for some reason, Kokomi couldn't help but feel that the Shogun was different. Special. The thought only left her more confused.
She shook her head gently, exhaling a soft sigh.
...
Though the matter of the Resistance couldn't be ignored, that was something for later. For now, the true danger to Inazuma wasn't the Resistance acting in plain sight—but rather… the Fatui who had secretly infiltrated the islands, hiding in the shadows. It seemed necessary to investigate this matter further. Those people could not be allowed to take root in Inazuma.
Rumble!
A flash of lightning tore through the clouds, illuminating the peaks of Yashiori Island.
Beside a Statue of The Seven atop a mountain, a faint, dreamlike light began to shimmer. Particles of violet lightning swirled together like a vortex, condensing until they formed a elegant figure. From the thunderstorm, the Raiden Shogun stepped forth, her amethyst eyes fixed intently upon the rain-swept land below.
Splash—hiss!
The downpour struck her electro shield, scattering into mist upon impact. After several seconds, she dismissed the barrier herself. Without its protection, the cold raindrops fell directly onto her body. The chill spread through her, damp strands of violet hair clinging to her forehead, unmoving.
"...Haa."
She let out a faint sigh and lifted her arm, letting the raindrops meet her palm—where traces of lightning still danced faintly across her skin.
Crackle!
The moment the electric current met the rain, a sharp flash erupted, followed by a puff of white steam.
Whoosh, whoosh!!
At that moment, the sound of something rolling—like spinning wheels—echoed in the distance, growing louder as it neared.
The Shogun turned slightly, shifting her gaze over her shoulder. In her sight appeared a small, wheel-shaped object, propelled by Anemo energy, speeding toward her while kicking up clouds of dust and leaves.
Splash!
The "wheel" drew closer, until it came to a skidding stop just a few meters away—though perhaps braking a bit too late, as it awkwardly slid forward and nearly tumbled straight into her lap.
"...?"
The Shogun instinctively took a step back, giving the clumsy newcomer a bit of space.
Poof~!
In the next instant, the "wheel" burst into a puff of smoke—and from it emerged a small girl, no taller than the Shogun's waist. She wore a simple ninja outfit, complete with a hood featuring tanuki ears and a fluffy tail swaying playfully behind her.
"Wah… whew… that was close. I almost couldn't stop in time," the little girl muttered sleepily, half to herself, half to the Shogun.
"You are… a ninja of the Shuumatsuban?"
The outfit was distinctive—though slightly customized with personal flair, it was still unmistakable. If her guess was correct, this child was one of Kamisato Ayato's personal operatives—one of the Shuumatsuban.
"Ah—y-yes, that's right… I'm Sayu. Oh, almost forgot to… introduce myself," the girl stammered, patting her head in a daze.
Only then did the Shogun get a clear look at the girl's face beneath the hood—light green hair, violet-red eyes, and a small, round face that still carried traces of childish innocence.
So young…? The Shogun couldn't help but wonder inwardly. That such a child served among the Shuumatsuban was surprising—but knowing Kamisato Ayato, it must have been for a purpose. Perhaps this girl only looked young. Either way, it wasn't worth dwelling on.
"Ah—right… what was I doing again? Oh, yes! Lord Kamisato asked me to deliver this letter to you, Shogun-sama. Please, um… take a look."
Sayu fumbled briefly through her clothes before pulling out a sealed envelope and holding it up toward the Shogun.
Because of their height difference, the little ninja even had to rise onto her toes, craning her neck to hand it to her.
"You have my thanks."
The Shogun took the letter and turned away slightly, breaking the seal. She drew out the neatly rolled paper and uncurled it with practiced grace.
Bzzt~
Before opening it, she raised another Electro barrier around herself to shield the parchment from the rain.
"…"
Her violet eyes lowered, scanning slowly across the page. The steady rhythm of raindrops accompanied the silence. Several seconds passed.
Meanwhile, Sayu stood patiently behind her, yawning now and then, fighting off drowsiness as she waited for the Shogun to speak.
After finishing the letter, the Raiden Shogun silently rolled the paper back up, placed it back into the case, and held it in her hand. A spark of Electro energy gathered around her palm.
Crackle—!
A flash of violet light burst from her hand, and the case—along with the paper within—disintegrated without a trace. The fragile parchment was consumed entirely by lightning, leaving only faint motes of light that soon vanished into the air.
"Sayu."
She called softly to the little ninja behind her.
"Fwaa—ah! I-I'm here!"
Sayu, who had nearly dozed off, snapped awake instantly at the sound of her name—more effective than any alarm clock.
"Tell Ayato this—he is to continue monitoring both the Kujou family and the Fatui's movements in secret. Report to me if anything unusual happens."
"O-oh… y-yes, understood!"
Poof!
Without wasting a moment, Sayu disappeared in a puff of smoke, using her ninjutsu to vanish on the spot—this time skipping even her "rolling wheel" form entirely.
According to Ayato's earlier reports, the Fatui had smuggled certain materials onto the islands. Their transport routes clustered around Yashiori Island and occasionally veered suspiciously close to Watatsumi Island.
Where were those materials being taken? And what were they, exactly?
These questions lingered in her mind, her sharp instincts telling her they were clues too critical to ignore. She would have to investigate personally.
The Tenryou Commission was far too close to the Fatui to be trusted, and the Kanjou Commission was just as unreliable—both sides were corrupt in their own ways. Only the Yashiro Commission could be trusted to some degree… but in the end, it would be fastest if she handled this herself.
I'll start with Yashiori Island… I need to see whether any traces of the Fatui remain.
Boom!
With a resounding thunderclap, her body dissolved into a streak of violet lightning, soaring skyward like a missile. She vanished into the storm clouds, her form merging seamlessly with the roaring thunder above.
Crackle!
Boom!
The sound of her passage mixed with the fury of the storm, as a violet comet streaked across the darkened skies of Yashiori Island. From above, she scanned the land below—every glimmer, every shadow.
Then, her eyes narrowed. Something had caught her attention. The bolt of light turned sharply midair, descending toward a target without hesitation.
Near the island's shoreline, a ship was docked. Several Fatui agents were unloading large, black crates, carrying them one by one onto the beach. The sealed boxes gave no hint of their contents.
"Ugh… I'm exhausted!"
One Fatui Pyrogunner dropped his box onto the sand, wiping the mix of sweat and rain from his brow.
"Inazuma's such a miserable place… rains all day and night. What a pain."
He kicked the crate in irritation, glaring up at the pouring sky.
"Quit complaining! Finish the job so we can get out of here," snapped another—this one clad in violet, wielding an Electro hammer, as he set down two more crates beside him.
"Hey, you'd better watch your mouth. If the Raiden Shogun heard you cursing her land, she might strike you with lightning!"
A Wind Puncher laughed, giving the first one a slap on the shoulder.
"The Raiden Shogun? Hah! You mean that shut-in who never leaves her castle? Who's afraid of her? Honestly, we should thank her—for being the reason we Fatui could infiltrate this place so easily."
His laughter carried no hint of fear.
"Heh, when you put it that way, you've got a point."
The other two joined in, chuckling darkly.
The rest of the Fatui soldiers ignored them, continuing to unload the boxes in silence. There were about a dozen in total. Traveling by sea was safer—they knew that few dared venture to storm-ridden Yashiori Island.
"Hey, boss… where's all this stuff headed?"
"To the idiots in the Resistance, of course! They're short on 'supplies,' after all."
"Heh-heh… perfect chance to test out the Doctor's Delusions on them, too. Those fools don't even realize it yet!"
"Ahahaha!" ×3
The trio broke into raucous laughter.
"Yeah, that one guy—what's his name? Teppei, right? He's probably grinning ear to ear by now."
"Ha! Whether it's the Shogunate, the Raiden Shogun, or the Resistance, they're all just pawns—dancing in our Executives' hands!"
"Especially that Resistance leader… uh, what was it—Sango-something? Sangonomiya… something-Komi? She actually believed us! Hahaha!"
"That so-called strategist can't compare to our Lady Signora. Everything's going according to her plan. Soon, Inazuma will crumble—and belong to the Tsaritsa!"
All of Inazuma, under the Fatui's control… and the Gnosis? Practically theirs for the taking.
"HAHAHA!!" ×3
Their mocking laughter rang across the stormy coast.
"Hey!! Look!! Up there!! What is that?!"
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