"How much do you know about Watatsumi Island's situation?"
"Please tell me more, Captain Beidou. What I know might not be detailed enough, and it may not even be accurate."
Beidou nodded and began to explain slowly:
"Watatsumi Island is a very peculiar existence. In this current age ruled by the Seven Archons, its people do not worship any of the Seven—not even the Electro Archon right beside them.
"They worship a deity they revere as the Watatsumi Omikami, though that deity is no longer around.
A long time ago, for certain reasons, the Watatsumi Omikami led the islanders in launching an eastern expedition. But they were no match for the Electro Archon and fell in battle on Yashiori Island. That scar we passed earlier—the Musoujin Gorge—was left behind by that very war.
Although the Sangonomiya Shrine later sent envoys to surrender to the Electro Archon, and she permitted Watatsumi to continue worshiping the Watatsumi Omikami, the seeds of enmity between Inazuma and Watatsumi were planted.
Since then, Watatsumi Island has existed in a relatively independent stance. That is, until the Shogun issued the Vision Hunt Decree, compounded with the pressures of the Sakoku Decree…
Everyone knows about the Vision Hunt Decree, but how many actually hold a Vision? It's just that when it comes to Visions, the topic burns hotter.
In truth, Inazuma is a nation of islands. With the Sakoku Decree, overseas trade almost entirely grinded to a halt. Sailors, shipping, and all industries reliant on foreign trade were struck hard, and the turmoil spread inland. Some risked their lives to flee Inazuma, some fell into ruin and became ronin, while others, to survive or protect their Visions, chose to side with Watatsumi, who already bore old grudges against the Shogun.
Watatsumi took this chance to raise the banner of rebellion—but it wasn't for the Watatsumi Omikami. It was because they truly could not bear the Shogun's actions any longer.
Don't mistake me for defending them. Regardless of what the rebels think, at least the one leading Watatsumi—the Divine Priestess—holds her cause with honor."
These were things Victor Wang already knew. Pretending to digest the information, he thought for a moment before asking, " Sangonomiya Kokomi… How are our relations with her?"
"I mentioned earlier that the Watatsumi Omikami once led an expedition against Inazuma. According to history, the reason was that 'Watatsumi's land was too small and barren, so the people begged their god to seize more fertile ground in the east.'"
Beidou fell silent for a few breaths. Though the words left her lips, she seemed dissatisfied with that reason.
"From faint traces in Liyue's history, we know that the Watatsumi Omikami once lost in battle during the Archon War against Deus Auri—namely Morax, the Geo Archon. Afterward, it fled Liyue, and as we both now know, it found refuge in Watatsumi. Given that it couldn't claim Inazuma's land back then during the height of the Archon War, it must have either already failed against the Electro Archon, or realized the difference in power, or perhaps it simply wasn't a combative deity…"
"None of those match a god who would later throw itself into a doomed expedition, right?"
"Exactly."
I know the real reason… but I can't say it! Damn, it feels like bugs crawling all over me… Victor Wang screamed inwardly, though outwardly he only forced himself to stay calm and said, "Perhaps it had reasons it could not ignore. One thing is undeniable—it died for Watatsumi."
"…Ha, I've gone off track."
Amid the free-spirited ocean winds, a faint trace of land drifted in. On the map, the small island called Suigetsu Pool appeared on the horizon. Beidou quickly corrected herself:
"What I meant to say was that Watatsumi has unusual terrain and abundant resources—Eel Meat, Sango Pearls… its 'Coral' and 'Coral Pearls' are even famous overseas. But the land itself isn't suited for farming, nor for raising livestock.
With crops scarce and diets monotonous, the people suffer hunger and illness.
Before the rebellion, Watatsumi could at least procure necessities from Narukami Island via shipping. Now, their vessels are barred from approaching Narukami. Even fishermen's activities are severely restricted, so much of their trade has had to be entrusted to free fleets.
And our Alcor is a one-of-a-kind vessel, even amidst the thousand sails of Liyue Harbor. Naturally, their expectations rest heavily on us. With all the back-and-forth, our ties with Watatsumi have become quite strong."
"Honestly, Captain Beidou, if you hadn't explained it just now, I'd have nearly forgotten this is your actual line of work."
"Hahaha, this is my main job, you know! Running around helping this one and saving that one? That's the side job! My crew expects their wages paid in accordance with Liyue law! Still… I do help Watatsumi because I like their ideals and admire their courage. And besides, the people of Inazuma all long for the end of the Sakoku and Vision Hunt decrees."
As the waves lapped gently against the shore, even noses long accustomed to the sea's faint salt stench could discern the scent of stone, earth, and grass. Some idle crew members eagerly crowded the bow to breathe in the refreshing land air.
Unfortunately, Suigetsu Pool wasn't fit for unloading supplies. Because of its terrain sunken below sea level, Watatsumi had only built a single road along the coast east of Bourou Village.
Simply put, the Alcor still had some distance to sail before it could dock properly.
Time passed quickly. Soon, aside from the crew who couldn't leave their posts, everyone began preparing to make landfall.
Beidou patted Victor Wang on the shoulder. "Up ahead is Watatsumi Island. You've never been there before right? You'll see massive coral reefs, sunken lands, pink-violet foliage, and that great abyssal whirlpool, the one countless seas could never fill—looks just like the legendary Returning Abyss. Once you're ashore, take in the sights!"
Kaedehara Kazuha added, "The first time I came here, I was awestruck. It's absolutely worth seeing."
Victor Wang smiled. "Sounds wonderful."
"Captain Beidou!"
Someone on the shore had already spotted them and waved eagerly. It was a beast-eared soldier. Though slight of frame, he carried himself with striking vigor… And despite that vigor, Victor Wang could tell at a glance that in private, he must be a gentle soul.
Behind him, many rebels clad in crimson armor followed, their faces alight with excitement. After all, the Alcor's cargo was for them.
"Captain Beidou, you've finally returned! These past two months, even with other fleets working overtime, none could match the Alcor's transport. Seeing you safe back home is a relief beyond words!"
"Haha, sorry to keep you waiting!"
The Alcor dropped its great anchor and lowered its gangplank. Beidou waved, and with practiced ease, her crew and the rebels began unloading cargo together.
"It's been far too long. We even passed a new year in your absence. Originally, Lady Sangonomiya herself wished to welcome you, but her duties are endless. Still, she has prepared a banquet tonight. After all the storms your crew weathered on your journey back from Liyue, please take the chance to rest well. And she also wishes to discuss future cooperation with you, Captain Beidou."
"Of course. But first, let's get this cargo delivered. We'll help as well."
From the shore to Bourou Village, the trek was long. Without carts or the help of Vision bearers, this shipment would take the rebels until midnight to carry.
Beidou herself hefted great crates with raw strength, striding firmly and swiftly. Kazuha relied on anemo, swirling up supplies with little effort. Victor Wang thought for a moment, then drew from his Inner Space like a magician, loading goods inside, while also conjuring wind to carry even more.
"Huh…"
Watching Victor Wang's back, Gorou felt a flicker of doubt.
…
"Ha… that's the last of it. Still some daylight left. I'll take our new friend around the village."
"You mean this one?" Gorou looked at Victor Wang. "I noticed something odd earlier. No Vision, yet he commands elemental power?"
At those words, every soldier nearby turned to look. They had caught hints of it earlier too—this newcomer bore no Vision.
"Forgot to introduce him, didn't I? My memory… This is Victor, a like-minded ally against the Vision Hunt Decree. His skills are formidable. Victor, this is General Gorou of Watatsumi, a brilliant commander whose victories have earned him the title 'Ever-Victorious Tactician with Pointed Ears.'"
"You flatter me. The credit belongs to Lady Sangonomiya's strategies."
Once away from the prying eyes, Victor Wang glanced at Beidou and Kazuha's outwardly displayed Visions and couldn't help but ask, "Why does everyone assume you're not a Vision bearer if you don't wear it openly? Surely the two aren't the same?"
Beidou chuckled and shook her head. "Because a Vision is an external magical organ. Let me ask you: without your Vision, could you still wield elemental power?"
"…No. Isn't that exactly why the Vision Hunt Decree is so terrifying?"
"Exactly. If your Vision strays too far from you, your elemental powers vanish. Another question—if you locked a Pyro Vision inside a box made of thousand-year ice, could you still use it?"
"…"
"You don't know? Guess you really don't have one… Even then, yes, it would still function, though drawing elemental energy would be less efficient."
"I've never tested it… Fine, I'll take your word. So, the reason Visions are worn openly is to avoid being blocked by clothing? Is that really necessary?"
"A Vision affects your absorption, storage, and release of elemental energy. Too much distance from it severs its function. Seal it off from the world, and it weakens too. Put it in a pocket, and perhaps even those few layers of fabric cut its efficiency by a thousandth.
"But every scrap of strength matters. And wearing it outwardly also declares your identity, sparing you needless trouble. Over time, this became customary among Vision holders.
"But as long as you never answer directly, no one can be certain whether you simply keep yours hidden."