"!"
Watching her leave, Kokomi instinctively wanted to call out, but considering the situation, she refrained. Lifting her gaze, she looked toward the three people now trapped in an awkward silence.
"Phew... this... merchant sir, are you sure your goods were taken by the Fatui?"
She turned back to the merchant and asked calmly.
"Eh? Ah... it's true!! I'm not lying! The Fatui took my goods and ran that way! They probably have a secret base over there!"
The merchant, still shaken after being scolded by the Shogun, blinked blankly before snapping back to his senses and hurriedly explained.
"Alright then. This matter is important. Allow me to help you retrieve your goods. If everything goes well, your innocence will be proven, and my soldiers here will bow and apologize to you."
Kokomi cast a brief glance at the two dazed soldiers who had been scolded by the Shogun and spoke softly.
"However, if it turns out that there truly is collusion between the Fatui and the Tenryou Commission, I hope you'll cooperate with our investigation. Does that sound fair?"
She presented clear terms, her tone neither harsh nor soft.
"I-I have no objections! Thank you, Lady Sangonomiya, for your help! Truly, thank you!"
The merchant bowed deeply, his voice filled with gratitude.
"Mm... as for Matsuda and Uchimura..."
Kokomi turned her gaze toward the two soldiers who had spoken arrogantly moments ago.
"!" ×2
Both men stiffened immediately, standing ramrod straight. Fear crept into their faces as they anticipated punishment—perhaps something as severe as "military law."
"If it turns out that the merchant is innocent, you will offer him a sincere apology. Understood?"
But instead of scolding or punishing them, Kokomi simply gave a brief instruction, her tone even and calm.
"...Yes, ma'am! We'll follow Lady Sangonomiya's command!" ×2
The two soldiers exhaled in relief, quickly bowing obediently.
"Good... now, escort our guest to rest within the camp."
Tap tap~
After giving her orders, Kokomi turned and began walking briskly in the direction the Shogun had gone.
Tap tap~!
Her footsteps quickened as she crossed the wooden bridge ahead, and soon she caught sight of the violet-haired beauty sitting alone on a stone platform in the distance. The Shogun's right leg rested casually over her left, her body turned slightly to the side. Strands of purple hair veiled her eyes, hiding her expression.
Seeing her, Kokomi let out a soft breath of relief and approached quietly. Her footsteps grew light as she came to stand beside her, leaning gently against her shoulder so that they rested side by side on the same stone platform. Her exquisite, white-stockinged legs crossed gracefully in a similar pose, their calves brushing, her toes flexing slightly inside her shoes.
The Shogun glanced down wordlessly at Kokomi's subtle foot movements, then lifted her eyes to meet her companion's gaze. Their eyes met briefly before the Shogun turned her head away again, looking toward the shimmering night of Watatsumi Island.
Glowing creatures drifted across the distant mountains, painting the night with a dreamlike light.
Kokomi, however, kept her gaze fixed on the Shogun's face, her expression soft.
"...These are the soldiers you brought? What a pitiful bunch."
The Shogun spoke suddenly, her tone cold and indifferent.
"..."
Kokomi lowered her eyes slightly, gazing at the same horizon, their shoulders still touching.
"...You must be disappointed, aren't you?"
Her voice, calm and gentle as a clear stream, carried softly between them.
"I can't stand how they treat you. Calling you 'Lady Sangonomiya' one moment, while scheming behind your back the next."
The Shogun crossed her arms and closed her eyes, her tone laced with disdain. The incident reminded her of the Tenryou Commission's foolishness from before.
"...Are you worried about me?"
Kokomi turned toward her, a faint smile curving her lips as she asked.
"..."
The Shogun narrowed her eyes, staring silently at her. Kokomi didn't look away—she simply smiled serenely in return.
"You really do have a generous heart."
Seeing the other's smile, the Shogun sighed helplessly and muttered in mild exasperation.
"You don't even get angry... always so composed that it makes people worry."
She truly couldn't fathom how Watatsumi Island had grown so strong under someone like her. It was foolish of her to feel concerned—Kokomi herself wasn't even angry, yet here she was worrying on her behalf. How ridiculous.
"Please don't be upset, Shogun-sama."
Kokomi gently raised her hand and patted her shoulder in a soothing, reassuring gesture.
"...Not calling me 'Mio' anymore~?"
The Shogun tilted her head slightly, and with a spark of teasing in her tone, looked at Kokomi as she asked.
"Pfft... mm, don't be angry then, Mio~."
Kokomi froze for a moment before bursting into a soft laugh, playing along with the sudden nickname.
"Why did you give me that name?"
The Shogun asked curiously.
"Because I don't think you'd want to publicly announce yourself as the Raiden Shogun, right?"
Kokomi replied.
"Correct. Once they know my true identity, they'll instinctively become cautious—and that's not the purpose of my visit. I want to see the real situation of Watatsumi Island."
She wanted to understand how the people here truly viewed Narukami Island and the shogunate—and how they saw her. Only by understanding such sentiments could peace negotiations proceed properly. Letting Sara handle it without investigation would have been a disaster.
"Mm, and that's why I gave you another identity according to your wish. My friend, Raiden Mio—a traveler from Narukami Island. As for why 'Mio'... hmm, perhaps a sudden inspiration."
Kokomi folded her arms, crossing her white-stockinged legs elegantly, and said with a hint of pride.
"Why a friend?"
The Shogun asked.
"...Because it makes them trust you more—it makes you one of my people."
Kokomi replied softly.
"But that's not trust."
The Shogun countered calmly.
"Phew... that's because you just now rebuked their words. Hot-tempered people will always find fault in small details."
Kokomi explained with a gentle smile.
"...So, it's my fault then?"
The Shogun squinted her eyes, speaking with an adorably sulky tone.
"Pfft... no, no~ It's my fault for not thinking it through enough."
Kokomi chuckled softly at her cute reaction and answered indulgently.
"You're the strategist. You should've thought of such little things for me."
The Shogun grumbled again, though her tone was no longer reproachful—there was even a hint of affection in it.
"Alright, alright~ I'm the strategist~ I'll think of everything for you, okay?"
Kokomi continued to humor her, her tone full of warmth.
"...Speaking of which."
The Shogun intentionally changed the subject.
"Mm?"
Kokomi looked at her curiously.
"Doesn't it bother you?"
"...Bother me? About what?"
Kokomi blinked, puzzled.
"About letting the 'Raiden Shogun' see Watatsumi Island's peace and prosperity... and even hear some of the real whispers, the voices that oppose me?"
Their faces were close now—perhaps because of how they sat side by side. Under the dreamlike glow of the night, the air between them grew faintly tender.
"...If it bothered me, then 'Raiden Mio' wouldn't exist."
Kokomi met her violet eyes, her own blue-violet irises shining with calm determination.
"You're a strange one."
The Shogun sighed quietly, unable to read this woman's thoughts.
"Am I strange?"
Kokomi tilted her head slightly, smiling softly.
"Completely unpredictable... utterly baffling."
The Shogun replied.
"So... you want to understand me then?"
Kokomi's voice was gentle, her smile serene as she looked into the Shogun's eyes from up close.
"...I might be a little interested."
The Shogun narrowed her eyes, a faint smile flickering at her lips.
"Hehe, hmm—"
Clack~
Kokomi rose gracefully to her feet, stepping in front of her. She extended her hand with a warm smile.
"My name is Sangonomiya Kokomi, Shogun-sama. Please take care of me."
Her voice was as clear and tranquil as flowing spring water.
"...Raiden Mio, a friend of a certain strategist. Likewise."
The Shogun shook her head slightly, then reached out to take Kokomi's hand and stood up with her.
"Hehe, of course, Mio~."
Kokomi laughed softly, her expression bright. Seeing her smile, the Shogun couldn't help but curve her lips as well.
Sangonomiya Kokomi—what a strange girl. Yet, in the current state of Watatsumi Island, she was like a pure lotus blooming untainted from the mud.
Still... she wasn't unlikable, either.
...
To prove the merchant's innocence, Kokomi decided to personally retrieve the stolen goods. The merchant had claimed that the Fatui had taken them, and judging by his anxious demeanor, he didn't seem to be lying.
Meanwhile, the Shogun followed beside the young girl helplessly. Technically, this matter was entirely Kokomi's responsibility, and she didn't need to interfere—but she couldn't bring herself to stay behind. After all, the delicate Sangonomiya maiden beside her looked frail and gentle, her slender frame hardly suited for battle. She had even mentioned being unwell, often coughing lightly. Even now, wearing the Shogun's cloak, she still appeared fragile. Could someone like that really face Fatui soldiers alone?
Since that's the case, why not accompany me, Shogun-sama?
Worse yet, this girl seemed to know exactly how to make her agree—she had invited her along so politely, it was as if she had planned it from the start, using it as an excuse to secure her company. Honestly, with such subtle cunning, this Sangonomiya girl and Ayaka would probably get along perfectly.
Sure enough, when she accepted, Kokomi's calm face had brightened with a serene yet unmistakable joy.
Together, they made their way toward the coast of Watatsumi Island. According to Kokomi, this was the area where the merchant's cargo had been taken—along the cliffs by the shoreline. The sky had already darkened, and the once-azure waves had turned a deep shade of dusk. Even so, the surroundings remained peaceful. Perhaps that was the charm of Watatsumi Island.
"Why did you have to come personally?"
The Shogun suddenly asked, glancing at the quietly walking girl beside her.
"I'm the only one who can make the investigation credible. If it were left to the soldiers, they might twist the truth out of bias, and that merchant would end up wrongfully accused."
Kokomi replied softly as she continued walking.
"About the peace negotiations..."
"Hmm?"
Kokomi turned her gaze toward her.
"How many people... oppose it?"
The Shogun continued.
"...About thirty percent. Most are in favor. After all, war has brought them endless suffering. Peace is the only true salvation."
Kokomi answered calmly.
"Phew... so that's the flaw of leading through faith and intellect, isn't it?"
The Shogun looked at her with a faint, teasing smile.
"...Hehe, you see through things quite clearly, Shogun-sama."
Kokomi blinked, then smiled wryly and shook her head in admiration.
"You and I are different. You maintain your people's stability through faith—as the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi—but that alone makes it difficult to unite a soldier's heart."
Her tone carried no coldness now, but rather the warmth of a friend's casual conversation.
"Yes. I knew from the very beginning, when I formed the resistance, that this day would come."
Kokomi folded her arms, matching her pace as they walked, her voice calm and thoughtful.
"You foresaw it already?"
The Shogun looked at her, faintly surprised.
"Yes. But... there was no helping it. I do not possess your kind of overwhelming strength. I only have... a mind that others think is 'clever,' but relying on strategy alone cannot solve every problem. Of that, I am more aware than anyone."
Kokomi spoke softly, lowering her eyes to the legs moving side by side with hers.
"..."
The Shogun listened in silence, her gaze flickering with something complex.
"Your soldiers are restless."
She finally spoke her thoughts aloud.
"I know. Many in the army oppose the peace talks. Even the matter with Yashiori Island—I can guess what they're thinking."
Kokomi nodded.
"Then why don't you speak to them directly?"
The Shogun asked, puzzled.
"For soldiers already restless and impulsive, pointing out their flaws directly would only worsen it—make them even more unsettled."
"So you'll just leave it at that?"
She questioned.
"No. I'm waiting for the right moment. Perhaps that moment is not far off. Sometimes, the spark that ignites at just the right time... is the best chance one could have, Shogun-sama."
Kokomi tightened the cloak the Shogun had draped over her shoulders earlier, her lips curling into a graceful smile.
"...You really are strange."
The Shogun sighed again, muttering as she walked. Sometimes, this girl's way of thinking was even more peculiar than Ayaka's. Perhaps women with this sort of temperament all shared something in common.
"Hehe... the people around you are all such exceptional individuals, each with their own quirks. For someone like me, who started out already behind the starting line—if I don't act a little strange, how else could I catch your attention?"
Kokomi turned lightly, teasing her with words that carried a faint hint of playfulness. Her fair, delicate face gleamed softly under the dim light, her movements as fluid as a mermaid's. The gentle fragrance of the sea seemed to linger in the air between them.
"Smooth talker~."
Hearing such a direct line, the Shogun's steps faltered for an instant. She awkwardly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before catching up again.
"This isn't flattery, you know? You might think me shameless, but... I mean it. If we can grow closer, it'll make our negotiations smoother too. At least, that's what I believe."
"And what do you mean by 'starting line'?"
"That—hehe... is a secret~."
Kokomi raised a gloved finger to her lips, making a playful shh gesture before winking at her.
"...Hmph, forget it."
The Shogun gave up asking, feeling it was yet another one of her little schemes.
Kokomi led the way up the winding mountain path toward the cliff's edge. The Shogun followed close behind, and soon, the two of them arrived at their destination. Below the cliff lay a Fatui encampment—densely populated, heavily guarded, and clearly well-organized. There were officers among them: Skirmishers with wind gauntlets, thunder hammers, and flame muskets, along with several ordinary soldiers. In short, the place was fortified to perfection.
Using the tall grass for cover, Kokomi crouched and observed the camp's layout carefully before retreating just as silently.
"How is it?"
"The camp the merchant mentioned is definitely down there. Judging by the setup, it used to belong to hilichurls, but for some reason, the Fatui took it over."
Kokomi folded her arms, her blue-violet eyes reflecting a thoughtful gleam.
"...What's their strength?"
The Shogun asked.
"Fairly formidable."
Came Kokomi's crisp reply.
"So then?"
The Shogun tilted her head slightly, prompting her to continue.
"Though their defenses are strong, it's not impossible to take them down. Right now, we're in a favorable position—they're exposed, while we're hidden. A perfect opportunity to employ a little strategy~."
Kokomi's tone carried a hint of pride.
"Well then, oh great strategist—what's your plan?"
The Shogun's lips curved faintly as she squinted at the army below, indulging her companion's enthusiasm.
"In my view, there are two possible approaches."
The girl lifted her white-gloved index finger, beginning her explanation.
"First—capture the leader to capture the band. The Fatui's power in Inazuma has dwindled; what remains are little more than remnants."
Kokomi gestured toward the Fatui captain resting in the center of the camp.
"If we descend from above and strike down their commander first, the rest will crumble without a fight."
After saying this, Kokomi glanced toward the Shogun, clearly eager to gauge her reaction.
"Hmm..."
The Shogun responded with a half-hearted nod, her tone noncommittal.
"The second plan—use their own strength against them. Look there."
Kokomi suddenly reached out and took the Shogun's lowered hand, gently pulling her closer before pointing toward a section of the camp filled with stacked barrels of gunpowder.
"If we detonate the gunpowder before they notice, it'll strike them with massive force!"
"..."
The Shogun found herself being pulled closer, standing beside Kokomi as the girl pointed toward the distant barrels. During that moment, her gaze shifted to Kokomi's profile—the young strategist was fully engrossed in her explanation, her lips curved unconsciously into a confident smile. Even her voice carried a newfound vigor.
Pfft...
For some reason, the Shogun suddenly found her quite adorable like this. Suppressing a faint smile, she followed Kokomi's gaze back toward the camp below.
"Taken by surprise, their morale will collapse instantly, and their combat ability will plummet!"
After finishing her declaration, Kokomi turned back toward her, her blue-violet eyes shining with determination.
"..."
The Shogun simply looked at the young strategist before her, silent.
"So, Shogun-sama, which plan would you prefer to use?"
Kokomi released her hand, folding her arms as she asked with a calm smile.
"Neither."
The Shogun sighed softly.
"?"
Kokomi blinked, momentarily puzzled—an expression of innocent confusion flickering across her face. But in the next moment, realization dawned.
"Oh, did I make it sound too complicated? To put it simply—"
"I have a question."
The Shogun interrupted her mid-sentence.
"—Please, go ahead?"
Kokomi tilted her head, motioning for her to continue.
"Is there a third option? One that suits me."
The Shogun drew Engulfing Lightning, giving it a light spin before resting it behind her back.
"Hehe... of course there is. Then allow me to craft a third strategy especially for you."
Kokomi chuckled softly, her voice filled with affection as she spoke.
"The third option—use the terrain to our advantage. Elemental synergy. The Electro-Charged tactic. This area is near the sea, shrouded in mist and heavy with moisture. I can draw the seawater inland to flood their camp, and then—combined with your lightning—we'll wipe them out in a single strike!"
As she spoke, water-element energy gathered in Kokomi's palm, forming into a tiny golden fish that swam gracefully within her violet gaze, shimmering in the faint light.