The rectification of Watatsumi Island was swift and ruthless.
Even the soldiers were shocked by Sangonomiya Kokomi's methods.
At the same time, the shrine maidens of Sangonomiya Shrine brought medicine and food to visit the island's residents.
This time, however, it was not distributed to everyone.
For those who clung stubbornly to hatred, Sangonomiya Kokomi chose to abandon them. For those who longed for peace, food and medicine were provided.
Naturally, many people were dissatisfied.
But the shrine maidens did not indulge them.
"The announcement was already made this morning. The hatred was spread by foreign spy organizations. If you insist on continuing to hate, then please rely on yourselves. Sangonomiya Shrine will not provide you with food or work."
In chaotic times, harsh measures must be used.
Although Sangonomiya Kokomi felt some reluctance, she had seen how Mondstadt was reborn from the flames. If that was possible, why not Watatsumi Island?
So even if it pained her, she had to carry it out.
Looking at the food and medicine in front of them, the elderly were extremely hesitant. The seeds of hatred had long been planted in their hearts, but if they wanted food, they had to abandon that hatred.
This left them deeply conflicted.
The shrine maidens were not in a hurry.
After all, that person had said it well, some stubborn mules only behave after going hungry for a while.
When the delicious pork was stewed.
When the fragrant rice filled the air.
The first group of people who gave in to the temptation appeared.
They were the younger generation, who did not care about hatred at all. As long as they could live a good life, those meaningless grudges could disappear with the wind.
The elderly still gritted their teeth and persisted.
Seeing this, Sangonomiya Kokomi sighed. "These people are truly stubborn, they do not even want meat and rice."
"Don't worry." Su Han picked up the Den Den Mushi and instructed the shrine maiden on the second screen, "Hina, have you prepared the Anemo Slimes I asked for?"
"They are ready, my lord."
"Aim at the wind outlet and blow hard."
"Yes."
Whoosh.
As the Anemo Slimes were destroyed, a gust of wind carried the rich aroma of pork toward the houses of the elderly.
The old people, already drooling from the smell, could not withstand such temptation.
They tried to resist, but the fragrance seeped into every corner.
It was tearing apart their defenses completely.
Finally, with the sound of a wooden door being kicked open, the first elderly person could not endure any longer.
Holding a bowl, he ran forward.
"I will no longer cling to hatred. Please give me a portion of meat."
The old man knelt on the ground, his eyes filled with longing.
But the shrine maiden said, "If you want meat, sign this document first."
Without even looking, the old man pressed his fingerprint onto it.
Afterward, he received a large bowl of meat, three steamed buns, and a big bowl of rice.
Inside the distant houses, the other elderly watched through cracks, cursing one after another. Yet the smell was simply too irresistible.
Soon, a second, a third.
Large numbers of elderly people walked out of their homes.
Sangonomiya Kokomi was astonished. "They actually gave in?"
"Yes, this is human nature. Is hatred really that important? I do not think so."
Su Han sneered.
A group of old men pretending to be loyal believers. If they truly wanted revenge, they would go to the front lines. Instead, they hid at home shouting, not even as useful as a dog.
Sangonomiya Kokomi looked at him with admiration.
In the past, she had worked hard to maintain order and had thought about resolving hatred.
But only now did she understand.
Those military strategy books were nothing more than empty theory.
To truly manage an island, she still had much to learn.
Human hearts.
Soldiers.
Public opinion.
Training.
Every aspect required her personal attention.
Otherwise, things would fall into their current state.
It seemed that as the ruler of Watatsumi Island, she had been quite unqualified.
With Su Han's continued advice, Watatsumi Island underwent significant changes.
The soldiers tightened their defensive lines but did not abandon training.
Instead, their daily lives became well-provided.
As for the civilians, they did not remain idle either. Living on an island, it would be far too wasteful not to develop marine resources.
Su Han introduced methods for processing kelp and identified various edible marine products.
Although trade was currently impossible, there would certainly be opportunities in the future.
Next was the issue of education on the island.
He also provided suggestions.
History must be understood correctly. The death of Orobashi should not be viewed as a source of hatred.
The real reason was that it attacked Narukami Island and was ultimately slain because of it.
This was a historical matter that must not be distorted or defamed.
Otherwise, the seeds of hatred would never disappear.
At first, Sangonomiya Kokomi felt somewhat awkward around Su Han.
Although she had been the one to administer the drug, spending an entire night like that was still embarrassing.
But Su Han was extremely knowledgeable.
By his side, Sangonomiya Kokomi not only recognized her own shortcomings but also learned a great deal.
All of this contributed to the growth of Watatsumi Island.
Two days passed quickly, and soon it was time to part.
Su Han and Sangonomiya Kokomi stood side by side on a cliff.
Looking at the figure flying in from afar, Su Han said, "I should leave now. Kazuha will stay here for the time being to help train your soldiers."
"Mm. Thank you. Have a safe journey."
For some reason, when she spoke the words of farewell, Sangonomiya Kokomi felt an emptiness in her heart.
Soon, Yae Miko slowly descended.
Seeing that Su Han appeared to be in good condition, the fox spirit finally let out a sigh of relief. It seemed he had recovered well.
Tilting her head, Yae Miko said, "Little sister, shall we head off then?"
"Mm."
Sangonomiya Kokomi replied expressionlessly.
There was none of her previous warmth.
Yae Miko frowned slightly but did not ask further. She grabbed Su Han's arm and flew into the sky.
Watching the two figures leave, Sangonomiya Kokomi sighed inwardly.
"Only now do I understand why so many women are drawn to you. With such abilities, which nation would not desire you?"
"However, this might be our last meeting."
"But she will stay with me."
Sangonomiya Kokomi placed her hand on her lower abdomen, a gentle expression appearing on her face.
Ordinary women might need some time to realize they were pregnant.
But her constitution was very special.
As early as yesterday, she had already sensed the unusual life force within her.
Even though it was her first time, Sangonomiya Kokomi was certain that she was carrying Su Han's child.
Yet she felt neither anger nor regret.
Watatsumi Island needed a successor, and she needed something to hold onto.
That was enough.
As for love?
She had no time to think about such things. Watatsumi Island required major reforms.
Su Han was right.
Even if trade was not possible now, prosperity would eventually return. Effort was necessary.
After all, last-minute efforts would not earn any Mora.
In the sky,
Su Han stepped on the clouds, heading rapidly toward Narukami Island.
Yae Miko asked, "How have the past few days been? You must have taught that little girl quite a lot."
"You saw it?"
"I am not foolish." Yae Miko rolled her eyes and snorted lightly. "A barren island encountering someone so resourceful, how could they let you go? But the fact that she could be so decisive shows she is not simple."
On the way here, she had seen that Watatsumi Island had withdrawn its troops.
They now only guarded their final territory.
All other defensive lines had been abandoned.
The benefits of this were obvious. It reduced expenses and strengthened defense.
Most importantly, fewer people would die.
As for the Kujou Clan, those scoundrels were reveling in their illusion of victory and even considered completely conquering the island.
However, due to various reasons, they had not launched an attack yet.
Hearing this, Su Han smiled. "Then you should thank me. The war has at least stopped."
"Yes, I should thank you."
"Wait, stop here for a moment."
Their speed was so fast that Su Han had almost missed Konda Village.
He had not forgotten his agreement with Saiguu.
Yae Miko asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"
"I have some personal matters. Do you want to come with me? But there is one condition, you must stay calm."
"You are quite strange. Fine, where are we going?"
"Konda Village."
As his voice fell, the two flew toward the village.
Su Han brought Yae Miko to the bottom of a well.
"There is so much water. Why did you bring this fox here?"
"Quiet. Do not speak."
Su Han's emotions began to stir. He could feel the red thread pulsing intensely.
Step by step,
They passed through the damp flowing water.
Finally, they reached the depths of the cave.
Looking at the filth covering the ground, Yae Miko frowned. "Are you going to perform the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual?"
"No. I am here to find someone." Su Han took a deep breath and said toward the darkness, "Are you still not coming out, Saiguu?"
The moment that name was spoken,
Yae Miko froze completely.
What did he just say?
Lady Saiguu?
Drip.
Drip.
Accompanied by the sound of footsteps,
A shrine maiden walked out from the darkness and came before Yae Miko.
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