"This one's good. Let's go with it."
The Shogun nodded decisively, choosing the plan she liked best. Truth be told, she didn't need these elaborate strategies—charging in head-on and mowing down the enemy would have been far simpler. But still... she chose to go along with Kokomi's idea. After all, the girl had gone through the effort to plan it out; it would be rude not to give her face. As the saying goes—when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
"Mm. Drawing them out of the camp will help preserve the area's structure and protect the supplies. That's quite a good point."
Kokomi replied with a pleased smile upon hearing her approval.
"...We still have to lure them out?"
The Shogun frowned slightly, sounding mildly annoyed.
"That's right. After all, we don't know exactly where the merchant's cargo is stored. If the goods get soaked, that would be troublesome."
Kokomi noticed her partner's reluctant expression and smiled softly, a trace of fondness in her eyes as she patiently explained.
So she's quite attentive to small details... the Shogun thought.
"Oh..."
Her response came out dry—clearly, she wasn't eager to expend much effort.
"Hehe... then leave the task of drawing them out to me. You only need to wait in position."
Sensing her hesitation, Kokomi smiled again and intentionally took on the troublesome part herself.
"So generous~ I'll leave it to you, then."
The Shogun's lips curved into a relaxed grin—an unmistakable 'I'll just sit back and watch expression.'
Hm—this girl can read the room well. High emotional intelligence. I like that, the Shogun mused with faint amusement.
"However, we've never had the chance to fight side by side before. Hmm... I'm not sure if I can keep up with your rhythm."
Kokomi admitted honestly. Though they had fought indirectly during the Vision Hunt Decree incident, this would be their first time fighting together on the same battlefield. She feared she might not be able to match the Shogun's overwhelming power—but their elements did, at least, complement each other perfectly.
"No matter. This body is adept in all forms of combat—consider me adaptable. I'll adjust to your pace when the time comes."
The Shogun folded her arms confidently, glancing at her companion with a knowing smirk. She could tell Kokomi fought primarily through elemental manipulation, not weapons.
"Mm. Please rest assured, though I wouldn't call myself a battle-hardened fighter, I've long worked alongside the army. I can handle this. I won't disappoint you."
Kokomi placed her hand on her chest, speaking with unwavering determination. This was her first time fighting alongside the Shogun—she refused to bring shame upon herself.
"Speaking of which... if you 'should be able to handle' these opponents, where did you find the strength to resist the Vision Hunt Decree before?"
The Shogun asked curiously.
"That's why... when I said in the Plane of Euthymia that 'we were struggling,' I meant it. I always knew we never had a chance of victory—not against you. The abolition of the Vision Hunt Decree came from your own sincere will, not our efforts, isn't that so?"
Kokomi answered fluently, showing no hesitation or uncertainty.
"..."
The Shogun lowered her eyes slightly, falling into quiet thought.
"Our existence merely helped you see that people were willing to risk everything for their dreams. In the end, the decision was yours alone—you had to find the answer yourself."
That "you" clearly referred to Ei, though Kokomi didn't say the name aloud. It wasn't yet the right time.
"Phew... enough talk. Let's begin."
The Shogun changed the subject.
"Mm. It's time to cleanse this camp and see what lies within."
Kokomi didn't press further. She wasn't the type to overstep boundaries; since the Shogun wanted to move on, she followed her lead.
Splash~
As the golden fish floating in the air dissolved into droplets of water, the two moved in perfect sync. In the next instant, both of their figures burst into pure elemental light and scattered!
The Shogun transformed into a streak of lightning that tore through the sky, while Kokomi became shimmering motes of water that streamed along the ground, darting straight into the midst of the Fatui encampment—right into full view of the enemy.
Splash~
Under the Fatui soldiers' gaze, a soft blue silhouette began to take form from the rippling water. A girl as beautiful as a mermaid floated gracefully in the air, surrounded by shimmering bubbles like those of a natural aquarium.
"Everyone's worked so hard standing guard~."
Kokomi greeted them playfully with a wave.
"!! That's—!"
"Isn't that—her?!"
"Sangonomiya Kokomi?!"
"The resistance leader?!"
"Get her!!"
"Kill her!!"
The moment her clear, melodious voice rang out, the entire camp erupted into chaos. Every soldier grabbed their weapon and charged toward the slender girl at the center.
"Haahhh!!!" ×N
Whoosh!
A Fatui officer hefted his massive Electro hammer, swinging it straight toward Kokomi's forehead!
However—
Splash~
Kokomi frowned slightly and twisted her delicate body. In an instant, she glided through the air like a fish in water, effortlessly evading the strike.
"Take this!!" ×2
Two soldiers slashed at her from both sides!
Whoosh, whoosh~!
Kokomi's eyes flashed as she danced through the air, her movements smooth and fluid as flowing water, her body as soft and graceful as a drifting jellyfish.
The hammer swung again with crushing force—
Whoosh!
Kokomi spun midair, her body twisting in a perfect, fluid arc as bubbles and rippling light traced her motion like a wave's reflection.
Boom!
The hammer struck nothing but air.
Seizing the moment, Kokomi flicked her wide sleeve.
Splash~!
"Pwah~!"
A sphere of water burst forth, splattering across the hammer-wielder's face. His body stiffened as electricity crackled through him.
"Catch that fish!" ×N
The soldiers shouted angrily, all rushing toward her at once—successfully falling right into her trap.
"Trying to catch a fish~? Hehe... then come on~ there's a reward if you do."
Kokomi taunted them lightly before her body dissolved into water once more, gliding toward the open sea.
Splash~
Reappearing in a flash, the silken ribbons floating behind her glowed with a radiant azure light. In the next instant, she stepped upon the ocean's surface as if walking on solid ground, ripples spreading gently beneath her feet.
Humm~
The surrounding water element began to stir violently. The calm sea swelled into surging waves as the Fatui soldiers charged toward her. Blue light flared brightly around her as her energy reached its peak.
Her lips parted softly—
"Everyone~ this is the reward granted to you by the sea!"
Her ethereal, ringing voice echoed across the shore.
"Kurage's Oath!"
In that moment, the surroundings transformed into a dreamlike, oceanic realm. As she raised her hand, the waves grew even more ferocious. A towering wall of water rose like a tsunami before them, its shadow engulfing the beach, ready to swallow all who stood in its path.
The next instant—
Splash~
The massive wave crashed down upon the camp, throwing everything into chaos. Fatui soldiers were swept away, tumbling and staggering as the waters drenched them completely.
Crackle, crackle~
Then, as if perfectly timed, thunder roared overhead. Bolts of lightning streaked down from the sky, striking the soaked earth. In an instant, powerful currents of electricity spread outward.
Crackle—CRACKLE!!!
"Uwahhh!!!" ×N
The electricity coursed through the sea water, linking every soldier into one giant circuit. The beach was consumed by blinding light and agonized screams.
Moments later—
Silence.
The once-lively beach lay still again. The Fatui soldiers were strewn across the ground, their bodies twitching faintly, smoke rising from their armor. The faint scent of burnt flesh filled the air.
"Phew~."
Kokomi exhaled softly, relaxing as she pulled the cloak tighter around her shoulders.
"Perfectly timed~?"
The Shogun reappeared beside her in full form, teasing lightly.
"...Every plan, no matter how small, requires someone to execute it. Victory in any battle depends on everyone's effort. So, Shogun-sama, thank you for your cooperation just now."
Kokomi smiled warmly as she approached.
"I could've taken them all down myself. Strategy wasn't necessary."
The Shogun replied bluntly.
"But you still chose to follow my plan, didn't you? Whether it was out of trust, or simply to give me face—I'm grateful either way. That's part of your kindness... and your charm."
"...You and that mouth of yours... honestly, you're too good with words."
The Shogun sighed helplessly. If Sara were here, she'd probably be utterly flustered by this girl. Sometimes Kokomi could outtalk even Ayaka... which made her wonder—what kind of sparks would fly if those two ever met? Probably... well, oil and water. Or rather—ice and water.
Then again, Ayaka had once told her she wanted to meet Kokomi someday... so perhaps it wouldn't be that bad after all.
...
Splash~!
Pulling aside the white cloth that covered a large pile of items, a puff of dust spread through the air, stinging the nose. Beneath the cloth lay several crates scattered haphazardly inside the tent, along with some temporary food supplies. Judging by the look of them, these rations were nearly expired. Even more concerning, some of the crates contained wartime materials—dangerous substances used for making explosives.
She brushed a finger across one of the boxes; a thin layer of dust clung to her glove. From the looks of it, these goods had been left untouched for quite some time.
While the Shogun was inspecting the supplies, Kokomi behind her seemed distracted. Her blue eyes narrowed weakly as she raised a hand to her forehead, her complexion paling. Indeed—her head was aching again.
Not wanting the woman beside her to notice, she quietly endured the pain, saying nothing.
(Not good... my energy's running low again...)
She thought to herself softly. In her blurred vision, the silhouette of the Shogun ahead began to fade around the edges.
"Mm..."
At last, she couldn't suppress a small, pained sound.
"...? What's wrong with you?"
The faint noise immediately caught the Shogun's attention. Her sharp instincts made her turn around quickly, eyes narrowing in concern as she looked at the girl holding her forehead.
"...Haa..."
But her voice seemed to barely reach Kokomi, who still stood there silently, her hand pressed to her temple, unmoving.
"...Sangonomiya?"
The Shogun frowned, calling out more firmly this time, her tone tinged with urgency.
"!"
Kokomi blinked, snapping out of her daze. She straightened quickly, pretending nothing was wrong and looked at her with mild confusion.
"Are you feeling unwell?"
The Shogun's voice softened with worry. She could tell something was off—the girl's complexion had looked pale even before, but now it was noticeably worse.
"Eh? Oh... it's nothing. I just spaced out for a moment."
Kokomi smiled reassuringly, her voice gentle as she explained.
"Did you find the supplies? Let's see... hmm—"
She smoothly shifted the topic, turning her gaze toward the crates behind the Shogun and moving over to inspect them. Yet as she did, her eyes lingered subtly on the woman's back—there was something complicated in her expression.
"Mm, as I thought. These must be the merchant's missing goods."
After speaking, Kokomi instinctively glanced toward her. To her surprise, their eyes met. The Shogun's gaze carried something unreadable, and Kokomi froze for half a second.
"...Food, medicine, farming tools... all postwar essentials. He must've hoarded them to sell at a higher price—"
Recovering swiftly, Kokomi turned back to the crates and continued explaining, her voice calm once again.
"..."
The Shogun remained silent, her eyes still fixed on her.
"Mm... I'll be fine, Shogun-sama."
Kokomi finally spoke again, her tone soft, trying to ease the other's concern.
"Phew... continue, then."
The Shogun turned her gaze away, letting her resume the discussion.
"These goods are indeed postwar necessities, but... the Tenryou Commission shouldn't be short on such supplies. It's unlikely he planned to transport them there. Most likely, he's just an opportunistic merchant. Matsuda and Uchimura exaggerated the matter. Besides, the Tenryou Commission serves under you, Shogun-sama—you'd know that best."
Kokomi's voice grew steady again as she finished her analysis.
"But don't you think his actions are inappropriate? This man's clearly a profiteer trying to make money off war. He deserves punishment."
The Shogun crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes disdainfully.
"Mm. I've considered that. Under the new 'Temporary Postwar Ordinance,' I've set price limits for essential goods. These supplies will eventually reach the people at fair prices—that will serve as his punishment."
Kokomi raised a hand lightly to emphasize her point, signaling the Shogun to rest easy.
"If he'd paid attention to the new law sooner, he wouldn't have landed himself in this needless misfortune."
"...I don't think that counts as punishment. He'll still end up making money."
The Shogun countered, her tone firm with disagreement.
"But... sigh... he's still a merchant. Making money is a merchant's instinct. And these goods were lawfully purchased with his own coin. Anything harsher would be excessive, I think."
Kokomi voiced her own opinion, her clear blue eyes meeting the Shogun's gaze sincerely.
"I think it's quite fitting. Perhaps taking his profits—or even fining him—would be the proper punishment."
The Shogun argued again.
"But the merchant has his difficulties too."
Kokomi rebutted once more.
"..." ×2
Their opinions clashed again.
"Phew... do you realize you're too soft-hearted sometimes?"
The Shogun finally asked the key question.
"..."
This time, Kokomi didn't answer right away. Her gaze flickered with faint emotion, like ripples across calm water.
Tap, tap...
Seeing her fall silent, the Shogun said no more. She turned away and began walking out of the camp.
"Sh—uh..."
Kokomi watched the woman's back as she left, her lips parting slightly as if to call out—but in the end, she stayed silent. Her eyes lowered, a faint sadness softening her features. Her pink lips pressed together lightly.
Hiss~
The next second, she winced again, pressing her hand to her forehead as a dull pain returned.
The last thing she wanted had happened—her personality seemed completely at odds with the Shogun's. The realization stung a little, as if they were naturally repelling forces.
"Not coming?"
"?"
The Shogun, noticing that Kokomi hadn't followed, turned and raised her voice slightly. The sound snapped Kokomi out of her thoughts.
"If you don't come, I'm leaving."
She called again.
"...Coming."
Kokomi quickly brushed aside her worries and followed, her steps quickening until she was once again beside her.
"Earlier, your soldiers mentioned something about 'the Tenryou Commission colluding with the Fatui.' What was that about?"
The Shogun's tone carried faint curiosity. She'd been wondering about that ever since—it caught her off guard when those soldiers brought it up. The issue with Kujou Takayuki had already been resolved; could someone be conspiring again within the same Commission?
"Before your arrival, I heard a few rumors—that the Kujou Clan might still be in league with the Fatui, with the intent to destroy Watatsumi Island entirely."
"I thought... if that were true, then perhaps even the so-called peace talks could be a trap. Maybe even the Kamisato Clan, who organized the event, might be involved..."
"But... when I saw you yourself come to Watatsumi Island in Kujou Sara's place, I started to think the rumor's credibility wasn't very high. Still, I have no definite proof either way."
Kokomi crossed her arms, her gaze lowered thoughtfully as her voice softened.
"Where did you hear that?"
"From minor sources."
Kokomi replied honestly.
"You actually believe those? The Tenryou Commission did collaborate with the Fatui once, but I've already purged them. Kujou Takayuki is imprisoned, and every subordinate connected to him has been removed. None of them would dare repeat such stupidity again."
...Nor would they have the courage to.
Her tone carried absolute conviction.
"Still, it's better to be cautious than complacent. As the saying goes—where there's smoke, there's fire. Even though I trust you, this concerns Watatsumi's future. I hope you understand my caution, Shogun-sama."
Kokomi looked at her earnestly as she spoke.
"Phew... whatever you choose to believe."
The Shogun sighed, clearly unconcerned, though she let the matter rest.
"Are you upset?"
Kokomi asked quietly, almost nervously.
"Why would I be? Do you really see me as someone who gets angry that easily? You make it sound like I'm some short-tempered child."
The Shogun gave her a mildly exasperated glance.
"Ah, I'm sorry... it's just... I feel like I keep saying things that might upset you. After all, we do have... rather different personalities."
Kokomi replied softly, her voice hesitant, her gaze flicking shyly toward her companion.
"Phew..."
The Shogun shook her head helplessly. Looking at the bashful girl beside her, an impish thought crossed her mind.
Tap, tap~
Without warning, she nudged Kokomi's shoulder lightly with her own.
"Wah~!"
Kokomi stumbled, her delicate frame swaying to the side. The calm composure she usually wore gave way to a startled, flustered expression.
"H-Hey~ why did you—"
Thud~
Just as she lifted her head to speak, the Shogun bumped her shoulder again, deliberately this time.
"—Ahh~! W-Wait, please—!"
Kokomi yelped, her voice soft and panicked as she stumbled once more, almost losing balance. She tried to back away quickly, but no matter where she moved, the Shogun easily caught up.
"Eek~! Please don't—d-don't tease me—ahh~!"
Cornered and overwhelmed, Kokomi finally gave up, collapsing weakly onto the sand in defeat. Sitting there, her hands came up to shield her face as she looked up at the approaching Shogun, her voice small and breathy.
"P-Please don't tease me like that..."