To the west of Yashiori Island lies a beautiful chain of small islands—Watatsumi Island, the farthest territory of Inazuma from Narukami Island.
Watatsumi Island enjoys year-round tranquility: the air is fresh, the skies clear, and the scenery vibrant. Perhaps due to the nature of the soil, the flora and fauna here are quite unique, unlike anything found on Narukami Island. The terrain is high and encircled by mountains, waterfalls cascade from cliffs, and even the air carries a faint scent of the sea.
Nestled among these mountains, waterfalls, and reefs is the island's heart—Sangonomiya.
This coral-hued sanctuary, also known as the "Illuminated Coral Palace," serves as the political and spiritual center of the Watatsumi people. Protected by coral formations and giant shells, it stands as a remnant of the serpent god Orobashi's legacy.
Long ago, when Orobashi led his people to land, they named this island "Watatsumi," meaning "great god who governs the pearl seas."
At this moment, within the courtyard before Sangonomiya, a young woman was presiding over a war council. Gathered around her were Watatsumi's resistance soldiers—and among them stood a young man with beastlike ears, dressed in the attire of a general. The group surrounded a table on which a strategic map had been spread, listening intently as the girl at the head of the meeting spoke.
"Based on my understanding of the terrain near Yashiori Island… the shogunate forces may set ambushes here… here… and here."
A delicate hand, wrapped in white silk gloves, picked up several small wooden markers and placed them precisely on the map. Her slender fingers released them gently, and many of the men found their gazes unconsciously following the movement of her hand—entranced by its grace.
"Our camp is stationed here. The terrain is somewhat disadvantageous. They may attempt small-scale harassment attacks."
"You can deploy a portion of our troops along the outer paths surrounding the camp. That way, you'll have a clear view of enemy movements and time to prepare. But remember—remain hidden. Do not let them detect you."
"If they attempt harassment, we'll encircle them from behind."
The young woman standing at the center—Sangonomiya Kokomi—spoke with calm composure. Her blue-pink eyes glimmered softly, filled only with quiet focus. Her long pastel-pink hair was tied in a high ponytail with seaweed-like ribbons, and her voice—gentle and fluid like running water—carried both maturity and the purity of youth.
Her ethereal attire shimmered in shades of violet and white, like a mermaid's robes, outlining her slender figure with flawless grace. The design left her shoulders bare, her skin luminous as polished jade. Her elegant legs were wrapped in white thigh-high stockings traced with faint lavender patterns, her white sandals tapping lightly against the stone floor as she shifted her stance.
"The shogunate likely already suspects our intent. They'll come up with some countermeasure—perhaps even attempt to drive us into a corner and crush us all at once."
She lifted her gaze, sweeping her eyes across the faces of her soldiers before returning to the map.
"Lady Sangonomiya… what should we do, then?" asked Gorou, his expression grave, ears twitching with unease. The others, too, turned their attention to her.
"In any battle, what matters most is outthinking your opponent—strategy for strategy, move for move. The one who understands the enemy best holds the advantage."
Kokomi picked up several markers again and placed them one by one along the edge of Nazuchi Beach.
"Although Kujou Sara is a formidable general in terms of combat prowess, she isn't skilled in the art of warfare. Her troops may be experienced, but they tend to act hastily."
She rested her chin lightly on her hand, thoughtful.
"It's possible they won't overthink their plan—they might try a direct offensive across the open terrain of Nazuchi Beach."
Her finger traced the area on the map, and everyone's eyes followed her motion.
"Nazuchi Beach is a strategic stronghold—easy to defend, difficult to attack. To minimize losses, they may attempt a swift, overwhelming assault."
The shogunate knew the resistance could not match them in strength. If they chose to attack head-on, they would likely crush the enemy's camp in an overwhelming sweep.
That meant there was no reason for them to set an ambush at Nazuchi Beach—why bother, when victory seemed assured? And if that was the case… then the resistance could use that very assumption to their advantage.
"Lady Sangonomiya, if that's true, then we've got nothing to fear! Let them come!" one soldier declared eagerly.
"The resistance's overall strength is far inferior to the shogunate's. Please don't forget that, Captain of the Herring Unit," Kokomi said calmly, her tone unchanged but precise and firm.
"Uh… you're right," he admitted awkwardly, silenced by her composed reasoning.
"If we can't win through raw strength, then we'll win through strategy. I've just received a report from the front—there are no signs of ambush near Nazuchi Beach. It seems the shogunate truly plans to crush us through a direct assault."
A faint, knowing smile curved her lips, beautiful and enigmatic.
"In that case, we'll turn their plan against them. If they attack, the battle will most likely unfold across Nazuchi Beach—the ideal ground for large-scale combat."
Her slender finger traced along the map, stopping at a patch of grass near the beach.
"If we station hidden units here in advance, we can strike from both flanks once the battle begins. At best, we'll capture their entire force; at worst, we'll drive them into retreat. Either outcome will favor us greatly."
Since the enemy wouldn't set an ambush—she would. It would be a waste not to seize such a perfect opportunity for victory.
"Wow… what a brilliant plan!" Gorou exclaimed, his fluffy tail wagging with excitement.
"As expected of Lady Sangonomiya!" ×N
The soldiers around her spoke with admiration and respect, their gazes filled with awe.
"In the end, the goal of war can be summed up in one word—'victory.' But it must be won with minimal loss to our own and maximum damage to the enemy."
Her arms crossed, Kokomi spoke with composed authority, her clear voice resonating across the hall as her eyes swept across the room.
To win with fewer numbers—that was the true essence of strategy. After all, they couldn't afford to trade attrition with the shogunate.
"This operation will be led by the Herring and Gorgasia Units, who will handle the ambush. I've also contacted Captain Beidou of the Crux, whose ship happens to be sailing in these waters. She's agreed to lend her aid. The Swordfish Unit will coordinate with them when the time comes."
"Understood!!" ×N
The officers responded in unison, their voices echoing through the courtyard like a thunderclap.
"This battle will be dangerous. I'll join the operation myself. Gorou—you'll act as the decoy. Lure the shogunate into our trap and wait for my signal."
"Yes, Lady Sangonomiya!" Gorou replied, his ears perking as he bowed respectfully.
"Good. Remember, lives are at stake—be cautious, everyone. That's all for now. Dismissed."
With her words, the meeting concluded, and the soldiers dispersed swiftly to prepare. Watatsumi Island would soon mobilize toward the front lines, and there was no room for negligence.
"Lady Sangonomiya… have you been resting properly lately?"
Gorou, still lingering nearby, had noticed the faint fatigue beneath her eyes.
"Oh… I'm fine. The soldiers haven't rested, so how could I?" she replied with a soft smile, brushing aside his concern with quiet grace.
"Lady Sangonomiya…"
The worry in his gaze was unmistakable. She noticed it too, and simply smiled, folding her arms lightly.
"Gorou, you're different from me—you're the resistance's general. Your strength is its foundation. Take care not to overwork yourself."
"Yes, ma'am," he said with a nod.
"Oh, and…" she added, stopping him just as he turned to leave.
"Yes, Lady Sangonomiya?" he said, halting immediately.
"The shogunate soldiers we captured… how are their injuries?" she asked gently, a trace of concern in her tone.
"Ah—please don't worry. Our medics have treated them. They're recovering well now," Gorou replied, a bit uneasy.
"I see… that's good. Have the medics continue their care—do not harm them."
Her voice was calm but firm.
"…Understood."
Gorou bowed deeply, though his expression was complicated. He had always wondered why Lady Sangonomiya forbade the killing of captured enemies. Even now, she ordered that they be fed and healed. Her compassion, he realized, extended even to her foes.
"You'll return to the front soon. Rest while you can," she said softly.
"Yes, Lady Sangonomiya."
Step, step…
Gorou departed from the courtyard, leaving her alone with the shrine maidens who tended the palace.
"Phew…"
Kokomi sank gracefully into her chair, gazing absently eastward—toward Narukami Island, toward Tenshukaku.
To be honest… she wanted to meet the Raiden Shogun in person, to speak with her. Whether the god would even look her way—she didn't know. After all, she was only human.
As the thought crossed her mind, a faint ache pressed behind her temples. Perhaps she had been thinking too much lately.
"My energy… feels a little low."
...
[You must remember this… Kokomi.]
[Becoming the 'Divine Priestess' means entrusting Watatsumi Island to you.]
[I know this doesn't come naturally to you, but from now on… you must do your best to meet everyone's expectations.]
[Because, Kokomi… you are the future of Watatsumi Island.]
"!"
The girl awoke suddenly from her dream—not with a start, but slowly, dazedly opening her eyes. Just moments ago, she had been asleep, yet now her gaze was blank and unfocused. Soon, however, her expression softened as awareness returned.
"Phew…"
She exhaled lightly and pressed her fingers to her temple, her face showing faint fatigue.
That dream again…
She sighed inwardly. Those words from her mother had haunted her nightly dreams of late. Each time they came, she would wake abruptly, unable to return to sleep afterward.
After gathering her thoughts, she lifted her gaze and blinked in brief confusion at the unfamiliar surroundings. This wasn't the inner chambers of Sangonomiya Shrine. A moment later, she remembered—she was no longer on Watatsumi Island. This was one of the forward bases of the resistance, though not the main camp—rather, a hidden outpost near the front.
Before executing her current strategy, she didn't intend to appear in public. Still, trusted officers such as Gorou were allowed to see her.
She slipped a bookmark into the military strategy text she had been reading, then rose slowly to her feet.
Step, step…
With her arms folded in a calm, almost leisurely manner, she walked out of the tent toward the camp's perimeter. Looking up at the overcast sky, her brows furrowed slightly.
For several days now, the weather around Narukami Island had been gloomy and gray. There was an old rumor in Inazuma—that the Raiden Shogun's mood could affect the nation's climate.
If that were true… then was the Shogun in a foul mood?
"But why, I wonder?"
She murmured to herself softly. It was a small habit of hers—to ponder people's hearts. Even the Shogun was no exception. In fact, it was precisely because she was the Shogun that Kokomi found her worth analyzing.
Was it because of the resistance?
No… she doubted the Shogun even paid them much attention.
Then what could it be?
"Lady Sangonomiya, the surrounding islands near Narukami have begun cooling lately… You might not be used to this climate. Please take care not to catch a chill."
The shrine maiden attending her spoke gently, draping a cloak over her shoulders.
"I'm fine… but thank you for your concern."
Kokomi smiled softly, her fingers brushing over the fabric as she drew it closer around herself.
Whoosh…
The sea breeze here was different from the one on Watatsumi Island. If she had to describe it, Watatsumi's wind was soft—like the touch of a jellyfish. The wind near Narukami, however, was quick and sharp, like darting fish.
The cool breeze brushed against her pale face, prompting her to tuck a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. The flowing silk of her attire and the translucent scarf around her drifted gently in the wind, making her seem like a mermaid from legend.
"Haa… the air here feels so dry. It's nothing like the wind of Watatsumi," the shrine maiden muttered, wrinkling her nose.
"Perhaps this is what the world's 'normal' wind feels like," Kokomi replied. "Maybe Watatsumi is the exception."
"If Lady Sangonomiya says so, then it must be true," the maiden answered obediently.
"…Not everything I say is absolute. There are things one should learn to judge for themselves," Kokomi said, shaking her head with a gentle smile. "Learning adaptability is a good thing."
"Lady Sangonomiya!"
Step, step!!
The sound of hurried footsteps reached her as someone ran toward them.
"Gorou? What's the matter?" she asked, her tone calm but attentive.
"Someone's come to join our cause," Gorou said, bowing respectfully.
"…At a time like this? Who would come to join the resistance now?" Kokomi murmured, lowering her gaze thoughtfully as her fingers brushed her chin.
"They call themselves… the Traveler," Gorou added.
"…They? So, there's more than one?"
"Yes. A blond-haired boy, and a small floating creature that speaks—quite a peculiar pair," he said with a puzzled expression.
Gorou gave a somewhat conflicted description of the blond boy and the small floating creature named Paimon.
"…Why would they want to join the resistance?" Kokomi asked, carefully noting every detail she needed to confirm.
"Uh… that traveler, the one called Aether, said that after fighting Raiden Shogun over the Vision Hunt Decree, he was branded an enemy of the shogunate and forced into hiding. With nowhere else to go, he came seeking refuge with us."
"I see… if that's the case, then let's accept them for now."
Kokomi finally nodded in agreement to take in the travelers.
"Would you like to meet them yourself, or have them come to see you?" Gorou asked.
"No. I can't reveal myself yet. Besides… I'm not entirely at ease with them," she replied with a slight shake of her head, her tone honest but cautious.
"You think they might be spies from the shogunate?" Gorou asked, suddenly catching on.
"That's one possibility," Kokomi said. "But more than that… I need to keep my whereabouts hidden for the coming operation. I'll also observe their actions for a while."
Splash…
A faint glow of Hydro energy gathered in her palm, coalescing into a small, translucent fish of pure water. The little goldfish swam lazily around her hand, its gradient-colored eyes reflecting her calm blue gaze.
"Gorou."
"Yes, my lady!"
"When the time comes, keep an eye on them. If they do anything suspicious, report to me immediately."
"Understood!"
Gorou saluted and was about to leave when her voice stopped him again.
"Wait…"
"Lady Sangonomiya?"
He turned back quickly, standing at attention. She lowered her eyes slightly, lips pressed together, as if hesitating.
He said nothing—simply waiting patiently.
"If they show no suspicious behavior and truly wish to join us… then they're our comrades now. And if they're wanted by the shogunate—Gorou, you know what to do, don't you?" she asked, meeting his gaze.
"Yes! The resistance never betrays its own!" Gorou answered with firm conviction, smiling proudly.
"Good… go, then."
She nodded with a serene smile.
"Then I'll take my leave, Lady Sangonomiya."
"All right. Be careful on your way."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Gorou bowed deeply, then turned and ran out of the small hidden camp.
Splash…
The water-made goldfish still swam gracefully beside her, as though turning the air itself into its ocean. From time to time, it drifted near her cheek, releasing tiny bubbles.
Kokomi touched its mouth gently with her fingertip, smiling softly.
"Lady Sangonomiya."
"Hmm?"
"Don't you care about what Gorou said earlier… that the traveler fought the Raiden Shogun?" the shrine maiden asked curiously. "To face her and live—that's extraordinary skill!"
"I'm not concerned about that," Kokomi said calmly. "It might simply be their claim, meant to impress us into accepting them. If they truly fought the Shogun, it could be to show off their strength… or perhaps…"
She paused briefly.
"Perhaps?" the maiden asked eagerly.
Splash…
The goldfish dissolved into a few droplets of water, vanishing completely.
"…The Shogun may have gone easy on him—deliberately letting him escape," Kokomi replied quietly, her eyes meeting the maiden's.
"In my view… that's a strong possibility."
After all, the Shogun's power was not something mortals could hope to match. Still, she didn't rule out the chance that the traveler was truly capable, perhaps even strong enough to trade blows with Raiden Shogun.
But… such matters no longer concerned her. She had little energy left to care.
"You mean… Raiden Shogun might have spared him on purpose, to let him join us and expose our position?" the shrine maiden asked, realization dawning.
"Perhaps… or perhaps not. The Shogun might not have thought that far. Maybe she simply chose mercy, and the traveler really did come to us out of desperation. It's hard to say."
Kokomi rested her chin lightly on one hand as she spoke softly.
"Then… what should we do?" the maiden asked anxiously.
"That's why I told Gorou to observe them quietly," Kokomi replied. "Some things can't be rushed."
Of course, that didn't mean she would let her guard down. If the traveler truly meant to join them, all was well—but if he dared show even the slightest sign of deceit, she would act without hesitation.