Rumble~!
A fierce roar of thunder ripped through the storm clouds above Yashiori Island, streaking the sky with a blinding violet flash that illuminated the dark, rain-soaked land for an instant.
Rumble~!
In the next moment, thunder boomed again in relentless succession, like furious dragons writhing through the heavens. Jagged bolts of lightning crashed down upon the earth, scorching the ground and leaving behind deep, smoldering craters.
Splash~
Then came the downpour—a torrential wall of rain poured from the heavens, instantly drowning the island in sheets of water. Even from the neighboring Tatarasuna, one could see the nightmare unfolding. The ominous black clouds gathered overhead like a cage, sealing Yashiori Island within. Every corner of the land was battered by wind, rain, and lightning's merciless assault.
Rustle~
A small squirrel darted out from a bush, intending to scurry across the path to a tree on the other side. But just as it reached the middle—
Crack!
A thunderbolt exploded above it.
Zzt~!
The squirrel froze, flattening itself against the ground, eyes shut tight as it braced for death. But the searing pain never came. Cautiously, it opened its eyes—
A faint violet shield shimmered around its small body. The bolt had struck it directly, yet the energy dispersed harmlessly against the protective barrier, leaving behind only fading traces of light.
Chirp~ chirp~
Realizing it was safe, the little creature bolted into the distant undergrowth, vanishing from sight.
From afar, the Shogun lowered her hand, absorbing the lingering particles of lightning from where the squirrel had been and re-channeling them into the protective aura that surrounded her own body.
She hadn't saved it intentionally—merely by chance.
Step, step~
A girl followed beside her, raising a hand to push back the hood of her rain cloak, revealing her delicate, fair face.
"The storm's gotten worse... It's even more violent than when I last saw it."
Kokomi frowned as she looked toward the storm-choked sky and the relentless downpour.
"It seems we arrived just in time... Any later, and things would've become far more troublesome."
If the Tatarigami's corruption continued to spread, it could soon affect other islands as well.
The two stood near the area bordering Musoujin Gorge, directly east of Fort Fujitou. Southward lay the abandoned ruins of Higi Village, long devoid of life.
"...Haa."
Kokomi looked around at the desolate landscape, a pained expression shadowing her face. Her voice trembled with guilt and sorrow as she bit gently on her lip. Lost in thought, she didn't even notice that her hood had slipped off. The rain fell upon her uncovered head, dampening her hair as droplets trailed down her fair cheeks and chin.
"...This isn't your fault alone. I bear responsibility too. Don't dwell on it."
The Shogun spoke softly, noticing Kokomi's expression. She reached out, lifting the hood and settling it back over the girl's head.
"...Shogun-sama, I'm sorry... I..."
Kokomi lifted her gaze, still full of regret. Seeing the kindness in the woman before her only deepened her guilt.
It was her fault—her negligence, her blind trust in her subordinates, her failure as a leader... her naivety.
"Haa... You've apologized more than enough times already. I don't wish to hear more words—I want action. What matters now is how we correct our past mistakes."
"What's done is done. We must look forward, not backward. Solving the problem before us is what truly matters. It's not too late to make amends."
"...Yes."
Kokomi nodded quietly, her voice soft but firm.
"And as I've said, this isn't your fault alone. You feel pain for what happened—do you think I feel nothing?"
"Shogun-sama..."
Kokomi reached out, taking her hand in return, her touch gentle yet resolute, as if offering comfort back to the one who had given her strength.
"Haa... For this scarred land—this Yashiori Island—let us make amends together, Kokomi. Will you join me?"
The Shogun turned toward the girl, clasping her hand in return and gazing into her eyes with quiet sincerity.
"Yes! I will!"
Kokomi nodded firmly, her expression full of determination.
"...Good."
A soft, approving smile curved the Shogun's lips. Her grip tightened slightly, and Kokomi squeezed back in kind—their joined hands an unspoken vow of resolve.
"Hey! You two over there!"
A man's voice suddenly called out from the distance.
"?" ×2
Still holding hands, both girls turned toward the source of the shout—a middle-aged man running toward them in the rain.
Step, step~
Panting slightly, he stopped in front of them, glancing down at their joined hands before eyeing their refined features with mild surprise.
"Good grief... What are two young ladies doing here, whispering sweet nothings in a place like this?! Hurry and leave—this area isn't safe for you!"
He sighed, waving his hand dismissively. Judging by his attire, he seemed to be a local worker.
"..." ×2
The two exchanged a glance, silently releasing each other's hands. A faint blush rose on both of their cheeks—but it was gone in an instant.
"Anyway, you shouldn't linger here. The Tatarigami's corruption is spreading fast."
The worker spoke earnestly, brushing the rain from his brow.
"Could you tell us more about the Tatarigami?"
Kokomi quickly picked up on his words, stepping forward to ask. The Shogun had intended to do so but let her take the lead.
"Huh? The Tatarigami? Why're you asking about that?"
The man blinked in confusion.
"We're adventurers here to help resolve the matter. We'd appreciate your cooperation."
The Shogun replied politely, shifting her tone.
"Oh, adventurers, huh? That explains it. I was wondering why anyone—especially young women—would come here in weather like this. Well... it's a long story. After the people from Sangonomiya destroyed the relic that was suppressing the serpent god's lingering spirit, the corruption spread across the entire island..."
He glanced around as he spoke, gesturing toward the stormy skies.
"See? The clouds never lift, the rain never stops, and the thunder's endless. All of it—the work of that cursed energy."
He continued, his voice weary.
"These past months, many of the miners fell ill... lost their minds... wandered off... some left the island entirely. Hardly anyone's left here now."
Then, with a huff, he folded his arms and scowled.
"Still—if those people from Sangonomiya hadn't broken the Shogun's seal in the first place, none of this would've happened! Honestly!"
The man's frustration was palpable.
"...I'm sorry..."
Kokomi lowered her head, guilt washing over her once again. Her hands clenched tightly as she whispered an apology.
The Shogun glanced at her helplessly, then lightly bumped her shoulder.
"Uuh..."
Kokomi blinked, startled back to her senses.
"You're right that it was a mistake," the Shogun said firmly, "but the war is over. Such things will not happen again."
And she meant it.
"Let's hope so," the man muttered, shrugging. "Who knows what'll happen next? I just want a quiet life—politics and gods and dragons don't mean much to me."
"And you?"
The Shogun crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly.
"Huh? Me?"
The man looked puzzled.
"Why haven't you left? Why stay here?"
"This is my home," he answered simply. "Where else would I go? Besides, I promised to watch over the place for them. When they come back one day, I don't want to have broken my word."
He spoke with quiet conviction.
"Most of the villagers, including those from Higi Village, have temporarily relocated to Watatsumi Island. They used to be our enemies, sure, but when they saw our condition, the leader of Sangonomiya offered them refuge. Not bad of her, honestly."
Kokomi lowered her gaze. "...It was the least I could do," she murmured softly. The rain drowned her words, but the Shogun heard them clearly.
"Still, someone has to stay behind," the man continued. "I clean up, keep things in order, so when they return, they'll find home just as they left it... Haa, but who knows when that'll be."
He sighed, looking up into the unending storm.
"Don't worry. That's why we're here. Once the Tatarigami's corruption is gone, they'll return—and you'll all be reunited."
The Shogun promised smoothly, her voice firm.
"Well... I hope so. When you go to repair the seal, be careful. If you look directly at it, it'll release some kind of energy. It's harmless, but it feels... unpleasant, like it's rejecting you. And some parts of the device seem to be missing—you'll need to recover them. A real pain, that."
He went on, explaining the details of the restoration process.
"Understood. In the meantime, you should find shelter somewhere safe."
The Shogun nodded.
"Ah... then I'll leave it to you both. Best of luck!"
The man bowed deeply to them.
"Let's go, Shogun-sama."
Kokomi, now resolute, took the Shogun's hand again. The guilt in her eyes had transformed into pure determination.
"...Yes."
The Shogun smiled faintly and nodded.
...
To the north of where they stood loomed a monument shaped like a shrine—a stone stele of deep gray, its surface etched with faint, timeworn patterns. The base was wrapped in layers of ornate golden lines, while the top was bound with a purple-and-white braided rope from which hung a pure white ribbon. At its center pulsed a dim violet radiance, as if containing some vast, slumbering power.
Step, step~
The two walked up the short flight of stone steps and stopped before the monument.
Rumble~!
Another crash of thunder tore through the heavens, illuminating their faces and the surroundings in a flash of light. The rain showed no sign of easing.
Kokomi tightened her hold on her purple-and-white rain cloak—the very one the Shogun had once given her. Today, it proved most useful. The Shogun, on the other hand, carried no umbrella, letting a thin veil of Electro energy shield her body from the rain. Umbrellas were for leisure; this was not such a day.
Her violet eyes studied the glowing monument before her—
...The Narukami Pillar.
She knew what this was. Ei had mentioned it to her before—a sacred sealing stone used to suppress the Tatarigami's corruption. Judging by its appearance now, with purple miasma spilling forth, the seal had weakened and needed to be restored.
This was an artifact from five hundred years ago, perhaps even older—something Ei would know better than she did. Still, she wondered whether she could manage to control it properly.
She raised her hand and brushed her fingers lightly across the surface—
Hum~
A disembodied voice echoed faintly, neither male nor female—
[Gaze upon the seal. Feel the energy flowing into your being.]
[You sense that it does not resist you—but rather, it seeks something from you...]
That was all.
"...Did you hear that?"
The Shogun blinked, glancing at Kokomi beside her.
"Hmm? Hear what?"
Kokomi tilted her head in confusion.
"Haa... It felt as if some presence was speaking to me."
The Shogun pressed a hand to her forehead.
"Are you alright, Shogun-sama?"
Kokomi asked worriedly, lightly touching her hand.
"I'm fine. It seems... the seal is missing something—something we must find."
The Shogun reassured her, then voiced the meaning behind the strange words she'd heard.
"Missing something?"
Kokomi stepped closer, running her fingers along the grooves carved into the stone. Indeed, a piece seemed absent—like a missing component.
Zzt~
The Shogun took a step back and released a thread of Electro energy into the stele.
Hum~
The monument flared to life once more, releasing a stream of violet light that drifted westward. Exchanging a glance, the two followed it in sync. The glowing particles led them to a floating stone pillar—narrow at the top, broad at the base—powered by Electro energy that rotated a crescent-shaped mechanism like a moon. In its center pulsed a radiant violet orb, emanating waves of power.
"Shogun-sama, look over there."
"Hm?"
Following Kokomi's gesture, she looked toward the cliffside below—a vast hollow space surrounded by several similar pillars, each radiating faint energy beneath a Hydro shield.
"What does it mean?"
The Shogun crossed her arms, chin resting on one hand as she pondered.
"Hmm—!!"
Kokomi thought for a few seconds before her eyes lit up with understanding.
She quickly stepped toward the nearby pillar, pressing her hands against its surface to try rotating it—but—
"Urgh~ mm~!"
The pillar refused to budge. Her small frame trembled with the effort, her cheeks flushing from exertion.
"Haa... haa..."
She exhaled heavily, wiping away a mix of sweat and raindrops from her forehead.
"I'll do it."
Seeing her struggle, the Shogun stepped forward. Clearly, Kokomi had a plan.
"Mhm..."
Kokomi obediently stepped aside.
"Tell me which way to turn it."
She raised her hand, surrounding the pillar with Electro energy, and spoke calmly.
"These pillars seem to be interconnected, but their orientations differ. The last one directly faces the barrier—so..."
"So if we align the misdirected pillars correctly, the energy will flow again?"
The Shogun finished her thought instinctively.
"Yes! Exactly."
There were four in total, two of which were misaligned—both within reach, two atop the cliff and two below.
"Please turn this one counterclockwise three times."
Kokomi instructed, pointing at the nearest pillar.
"Alright."
The Shogun nodded, manipulating the pillar from a distance. It rotated smoothly, its beam of light now perfectly aligned with the next.
"Now the one across—turn it counterclockwise three times as well."
Kokomi gestured toward the opposite side, her tone steady. The Shogun raised her hand again, and the distant pillar began to turn with a hum.
"The mechanism above should move too... Shogun-sama, could you try it?"
Kokomi mused, chin resting lightly in her hand.
The Shogun adjusted her palm's angle slightly.
Clack~
The mechanism atop the structure shifted downward, tilting precisely toward the pillar below the cliff.
"Just as I thought..."
Kokomi nodded with satisfaction. She studied the four pillars' arrangement and orientation once more, then turned back to the Shogun.
"Shogun-sama—it's ready."
"Mm."
The Shogun responded with a faint nod. Gathering Electro energy in her hand, she sent it coursing into the mechanism before them. The energy core received the charge, launching a radiant orb of light forward—
Shoom!
Bang! ×3
Like a chain of striking marbles, the orb ricocheted across each pillar in perfect sequence, the final shot piercing the Hydro barrier below.
Hum~
The barrier shattered, revealing the open ground beneath. Suspended above the clearing floated a glowing object—clearly the missing component they sought.
"I'll retrieve it."
Kokomi said, her voice clear, before dissolving into streams of blue Hydro energy that darted through the air toward the distant light.
Splash~
The luminous water swirled, reforming into Kokomi's slender figure midair. Graceful as a mermaid, she glided along an arc of shimmering blue, reaching out to cradle the radiant violet sphere—the Rock Pillar Pearl—in her hands.
But the moment she touched it, several corrupted Fatui warriors materialized around her, their bodies twisted by Tatarigami energy. They surrounded her in a tight circle.
"Let's see your skill, girl!" ×N
Dozens of voices roared in unison as their blades flashed toward her.
"!"
Kokomi's brows furrowed. She pressed her lips together and, like a fish darting through the sea, glided swiftly through the air, narrowly dodging the first barrage before dissolving into waterlight again, retreating out of range.
"...Haa."
She exhaled in relief as she reformed, instinctively glancing toward the Shogun in the distance.
Zzt~
In the blink of an eye, the violet-haired woman appeared beside her, lightning dancing around her form.
"Kokomi—let's use our old tactic."
She said firmly, eyes gleaming with energy.
"Understood!"
Kokomi nodded immediately, her gaze glowing with blue light. The rain was still falling—perfect for her to work with. Extending her hand, she gestured gracefully.
In an instant, every raindrop around them gathered together, swirling into a massive waterspout.
Zzt~!
The Shogun unleashed a surge of electric current into the churning vortex. Lightning and water fused in a dazzling burst, spreading outward in every direction.
Crackle!
"Graaahhh—!!" ×N
The violent current roared like a tsunami, tearing through the ground. Steam rose into the air as heat distorted the space, the corrupted soldiers collapsing one after another, their bodies convulsing before falling still. The scent of ozone and scorched earth filled the air.
"Shogun-sama, please take that as well."
Kokomi pointed to a purple crystal lodged in the corner—a detail only she had noticed amid the chaos.
The Shogun stepped forward, picking up the Stone Pillar Seal, then extended a hand toward her companion.
"...Let's go."
"Mm."
Kokomi took her hand, and in a flash of violet light, the two vanished, reappearing before the original monument.
The Shogun looked at the items in their hands and sighed softly, turning her gaze toward Kokomi.
"You truly are attentive."
Her voice carried genuine warmth. Without Kokomi's sharp eye and quick thinking, this puzzle would've taken much longer.
"Hehe, you flatter me... It's only what I should do. Besides, without you, I wouldn't have stood a chance."
Kokomi smiled gently, shaking her head. Though she commanded the power of Hydro and was skilled in strategy, she was no warrior. Having the Shogun by her side—strong, unwavering—was her greatest fortune.
And after all... if her strength could aid the Shogun, even in the smallest way, that was enough for her.
After all—
The one who can help the Shogun isn't only Lady Kamisato, is it~?