Chapter 152. Arriving at Watatsumi Island
"This is truly…"
Beidou found herself momentarily at a loss for words.
The thunderstorm before them had not been born of ordinary climate or oceanic turbulence. Its structure, its density of electro-elemental turbulence, the oppressive weight pressing upon sea and sky alike — this was the handiwork of something far beyond mortal craftsmanship.
If nothing unforeseen had occurred, then some terrifying existence bearing Demon God Authority must have passed through these waters, its mere presence summoning the storm in its wake.
Had they followed Yae Miko's earlier suggestion and forcefully shattered the thunderstorm, it would have been no different from issuing a direct challenge.
And such an existence would not ignore provocation.
Of course, fear was not the issue.
Beidou had carved her name into the seas long ago. What spectacle had she not witnessed? Monstrous leviathans, abyssal horrors, even devotees empowered by Archon/Demon Gods grace — she had crossed blades with all of them.
Now, aboard the Alcor, three individuals stood whose strength rivalled the Adeptus.
Against any foe, she was confident they could contend. But confidence did not negate cost.
Time would be spent. Stamina would be drained. The Alcor itself might suffer damage severe enough to anchor them in Inazuma for repairs.
And that…would be troublesome.
Her gaze shifted toward Futsu Mitama, and for a fleeting moment, something akin to envy flickered in her eyes.
So this was what it meant to have backing. He had summoned the Raiden Shogun directly.
One distant strike — clean, decisive — and that terrifying presence had retreated without daring to linger.
The blow had not been fatal. It was cast from afar, its power dispersed across distance, intended not to annihilate but to warn. Yet even so, it had been sufficient.
And if the thunderstorm had carried genuine killing intent—Beidou did not doubt that the Raiden Shogun's power would have manifested in far more terrifying form.
"This…is an Archon."
Shenhe's voice was quiet, yet steady. Since stepping into the Adeptus realm, she could feel her own growth. Her strength had deepened, refined, crystallized. But before divinity, the difference remained insurmountable.
She could not strike across such distances. Nor could she compare herself to her master.
On Mt. Aocang, countless mortals came seeking Adeptus blessings. Some came in reverence. Some in foolishness. Some courted death without knowing it — slipping from cliffs, misjudging their footing. If her master was free, a gentle breeze would answer — catching falling bodies, guiding them safely back to earth.
Shenhe could not yet do this.
Unless she stood nearby, unless distance was negligible, she would only see a body lying still at the mountain's foot. At that point, all she could do was bury the fallen herself—or send word to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and ask Hu Tao to come.
"Yes."
Futsu Mitama watched as the last remnants of thundercloud dissolved into distant light.
"Even now—whenever I witness a god take action, I feel exceedingly small. There are distinctions among Adeptus. The same holds true among Archons."
Yae Miko blinked slowly.
Her gaze settled on him, faint amusement glinting in her eyes. For reasons she could not quite articulate, she sensed that the little one was speaking in layers.
Was he implying something? After all, in direct combat, her strength was not particularly overwhelming.
Of course…perhaps she was overthinking.
After the battle in the Abyss, he must have witnessed things few mortals ever could.
The Abyss was not a tranquil place. Living beings who entered it suffered corrosion and curse alike. Its monsters and ancient horrors would not calmly allow three gods to enter and depart unchallenged.
The Anemo Archon may not have acted. But Ei and Rex Lapis certainly had.
To witness the Electro Archon and the Geo Archon strike in tandem — such a sight would imprint itself upon anyone's heart.
And indeed, Yae Miko was not mistaken.
These days, whenever Futsu Mitama had spare time, he practiced spear techniques.
He simply hoped that one day he could master the old man's Geo Spear. Far more thrilling than a meteor.
Once he succeeded—then truly, he could stride sideways across Teyvat without concern. Even the Fatui would have no choice but to act according to his mood.
After a short silence, the tension dissipated.
The group returned to the cabin, resuming their meal and drink as if the heavens had not just trembled.
Laughter rose. Discussion turned toward their eventual return to Watatsumi Island.
Plans were made. Possibilities debated.
And far across the sea—
From the depths, something stirred.
A dragon-like creature broke through the surface, seawater cascading from her scaled form. Across her body, a wound crackled with violet lightning — a remnant of the Raiden Shogun's distant strike.
Her name was Beisht. Wife of Osial, the God of the Vortex. His final follower.
Today, she had merely been passing through Inazuma's waters. The thunderstorm had been an unconscious extension of her own power. And before she even approached its center—
A warning had come.
"Roar!!!"
Her growl rippled across the sea, thick with resentment.
But she did not advance. This was no longer the era of the Archon War. If she dared to approach, every thundercloud would become the Raiden Shogun's eye. And when necessary—Each bolt would transform into a blade.
Inazuma was not territory she could challenge.
In the end, Beisht cast one final glare toward the islands wreathed in stormlight. Then her gaze shifted — toward distant Liyue.
Hatred simmered there, ancient and unresolved. And slowly, she sank back beneath the darkened sea.
She had to endure. Endure the humiliation. Endure the warning. Endure the sting of that distant blade.
And wait.
Wait for her husband — her King — to shatter the seal and reclaim the sea. Only then would all debts be repaid.
With that thought, Beisht abandoned her current waters. Remaining here was no longer viable. The Raiden Shogun was too unpredictable, too absolute.
If she lingered, death was not an unlikely outcome.
The seas near Liyue were preferable. Yes, the Adeptus were troublesome — but they were rational. As long as she did not provoke them, they would not descend without cause. That was still far better than living beneath thunderclouds that could become swords at a god's whim.
Without further hesitation, Beisht submerged, her vast form vanishing beneath dark currents as she turned toward Liyue, seeking a new sanctuary in which to await her beloved's return.
Time flowed.
Minute by minute.
Until dawn.
By morning, the Alcor had already passed beyond the thunderstorm's reach.
With Yae Miko and Futsu Mitama's official exit permits, Inazuma's surrounding lightning posed no obstacle. The oppressive skies receded behind them as they entered calmer waters.
After breakfast, Futsu Mitama and the others stepped onto the deck.
In the distance, Watatsumi Island rose from the sea — coral-like structures gleaming in soft light.
"Inazuma… I'm back."
There was unmistakable emotion in his voice.
He had once imagined roaming freely for a year or more — traveling across nations, awaiting the arrival of "the Traveler," Lumine, before returning in dramatic fashion to stir up trouble.
Instead—
Scaramouche continued to agitate matters within Inazuma.
And Kujou Takayuki…that stubborn fool had invited wolves into his own home, all while believing himself master of the board.
If not for the Tenryou Commission joining hands with the Fatui against the Resistance, Futsu Mitama might not have bothered returning at all.
He had almost wanted to see just how much damage Kujou Takayuki could inflict upon Inazuma with such "assistance."
"Yes…we're back."
Kuki Shinobu's tone was softer, touched with nostalgia. Unlike Futsu Mitama, this was her birthplace. Returning carried warmth.
Yae Miko, Aira, and Shenhe remained silent, simply observing the distant architecture without overt display of emotion.
"There's hostility in the air."
Beidou narrowed her eyes toward the island. As someone accustomed to mercenary life, she could sense it clearly.
Watatsumi Island was not the same as before.
Previously, aside from Gorou and Sangonomiya Kokomi, few warranted attention.
Now—Even before docking, she could feel it.
If war erupted, this island could likely mobilize every civilian into soldier.
That transformation was no small matter.
"Are we going to dock just like this?"
Beidou glanced at Futsu Mitama. "Shouldn't we send a small boat ahead to announce ourselves? Perhaps only Kokomi and Gorou know of your connection. If we approach directly, we might be intercepted."
It had been over a month. Internal dynamics could have shifted.
She preferred to avoid unnecessary friction.
"No need."
Futsu Mitama shook his head lightly.
"She already knows. Someone has been sent to receive us."
Beidou blinked. She had been with him constantly these past days. She had seen no signaling talismans, no elemental transmissions like Ningguang's methods.
More sophisticated communication?
She remained puzzled.
The reality was far simpler.
[Futsu Mitama: "@Sangonomiya Kokomi, we'll arrive at Watatsumi Island in half an hour."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Finally? It seems no surprises occurred."]
[Azhdaha: "You sound pleased, Baal."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Why wouldn't I be? Someone outside wishes to claim my next Raiden Shogun. Now that he has returned to Inazuma, how could I not be happy?"]
[Venti: "Ehe When I return I'll retrieve the Gnosis don't worry"]
[Guizhong: "Oh my~ I shall certainly contend for the next Geo Archon position!"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Hmm~ I will not make him Dendro Archon. I already have a successor. Though her state is delicate, she remains the rightful heir."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Then swear it. Or sign a contract."]
[Venti: "Ehe!"]
[Guizhong: "Ahaha~"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "No. I cannot guarantee my future thoughts."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Just as I expected. That is why I was so happy he returned."]
[Albedo: "From an objective standpoint, talent comparable to a demon god would naturally draw such attention."]
[Zhongli: "Rationally speaking, that is accurate."]
[Aira: "Young Master's talent is obvious. But Kokomi? She wouldn't miss the notification, would she?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "@Sangonomiya Kokomi, we're almost there."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Ah?! You're back?! I'll send Ruko immediately!"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "That's wonderful!! You're finally back!!! I can sleep tonight!"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Don't celebrate yet. We're not docked."]
[Yae Miko: "There are matters to discuss in person. My identity is sensitive. I'll appear in disguise."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Understood!!!! See you soon!!"]
When the Alcor docked, Beidou chose not to disembark. Liyue already demanded enough of her attention.
Involving herself further in Inazuma's conflict might tempt her to stay. Better to avoid that entanglement.
Futsu Mitama thanked her sincerely.
Aira followed with equal sincerity — especially for the instruction in Tidecaller.
"Next time," she promised, "I'll surprise you."
Beidou laughed heartily.
Then they parted.
At the port, Priestess Ruko awaited them.
"Welcome," she said, visibly relieved. "Sangonomiya-sama has been expecting you. Please follow me. You've arrived at a fortunate moment — she still has a bit of free time."
A bit.
That phrase alone told them enough.
As they walked, Ruko admitted the truth.
In fifteen days, Kujou Takayuki would lead forces alongside Fatui elites to eradicate the Resistance.
Time was dwindling.
Everyone was overworked. Even she, once leisurely, now moved in haste.
Inside the island, the atmosphere confirmed it. This was not the Watatsumi of old.
In the past, its citizens were often criticized — idle, prone to complaint, reliant on their Divine Priestess for every solution. Even Futsu Mitama's former impression had been…less than flattering.
But now—The island thrummed with purpose.
Preparation. Determination.
Even knowing war loomed, no one faltered.
His admiration for Raiden Makoto rose another level. Her strategies within the group chat had reshaped this place. Kokomi executed — but the architecture of governance bore Makoto's hand.
"Because pressure breeds resolve."
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
They turned.
Sangonomiya Kokomi approached.
Outwardly radiant as ever. But to those with discerning perception, her exhaustion was unmistakable.
Three condensed resins consumed in days.
Fatigue suppressed — not erased.
She looked as though one step might send her collapsing into days of sleep.
"Kokomi…are you alright?"
Futsu Mitama's concern was genuine. "You must rest. Leave the rest to the Guuji-sama."
He reached toward the fox perched on his shoulder. Yae Miko leapt down gracefully, resuming her human form with an elegant smile.
But Kokomi shook her head gently.
"I have finally waited for your arrival."
Her smile remained steady.
"I am very tired… yes. But not yet to the point of collapse. I cannot rest — not until everything is properly settled. Everyone, please follow me. All unrelated personnel have already been dismissed. Only I remain."
Sangonomiya Kokomi's tone was gentle, yet it carried the unmistakable firmness of someone who had already made arrangements in advance.
Without further explanation, she turned and walked deeper into Watatsumi Island. Her steps were measured — neither hurried nor slow — maintaining the dignified composure expected of the Divine Priestess. From the outside, nothing about her posture betrayed fatigue.
But those following behind her could see it more clearly.
The slight heaviness in her gait.
The subtle pause before each turn.
The way her shoulders straightened deliberately, as though held upright by will alone.
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