The Shogun walked forward, smoothing her skirt before crouching down in front of the other girl. Looking at the now slightly pale-faced maiden, she met her gaze. The girl lifted her eyes as well, their breaths mingling softly between them.
"That's all it takes for you to give up~?"
She asked.
"Mmh… you really are mischievous, aren't you…"
Kokomi sighed helplessly, a trace of fondness in her tone despite her faintly trembling breath. For a moment, she even seemed a little aggrieved.
"Didn't you say before that you wanted to get along better with me? This way, we can get to know each other more intimately."
The Shogun smiled, her expression bright and innocent like a child's.
"You just… want an excuse to bully me, don't you?"
Kokomi narrowed her eyes, clearly exasperated.
"Because you made me 'angry' earlier. I have to vent somehow~!"
The Shogun leaned forward slightly toward the girl before her. Since Kokomi was sitting, she could only lean back helplessly, her hands braced on the ground for balance.
"Mmh~ then... could you perhaps save that venting for later?"
Kokomi, half-reclining, brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and asked softly. Her face flushed for barely a second before she regained her usual calm tone, but given their suggestive posture… her words carried little conviction.
"Why later?"
"Because there's a victory banquet tonight, and... (I'm nearly out of energy.)"
The last part came as a whisper, almost inaudible. Meeting the Shogun's eyes made her falter; she turned away slightly, looking like a cornered rabbit—utterly defenseless and charming.
"Just teasing you... look at you, so scared. Come on, get up."
The Shogun stood and reached out a hand.
Kokomi looked up, then obediently placed her hand in hers and rose.
(So it was... a joke... huh...)
For some reason, she felt a pang of disappointment.
"You'll attend the banquet tonight too, won't you?"
Kokomi asked after composing herself.
"No."
The Shogun answered firmly.
"The food's plentiful, and the drinks are varied."
They walked side by side again, Kokomi's voice soft and inviting.
"I'm neither hungry nor fond of wine."
She refused again.
"Mmm—there will be an extra table of food, though. I'll be sitting there alone..."
"...?"
The Shogun turned to her, realizing the implication, her gaze speechless.
"Hehe, so... will you keep me company, perhaps?"
Kokomi clasped her hands behind her back, spinning lightly as she stepped backward, her tone sweet and teasing.
"...Hah, we'll see."
"..."
Kokomi kept looking at her.
"Fine, fine. I'll keep you company, alright?"
The Shogun finally gave in, sounding exasperated.
"It's a promise then, Shogun-sama~!"
Kokomi's face brightened immediately, the smile wiping away any hint of awkwardness.
This girl was even more troublesome than she had imagined. No—truth be told, she'd already known from their time in the Plane of Euthymia that Kokomi could be quite a handful!
When the two finally returned to Watatsumi Village, Kokomi instructed her subordinates to retrieve all the cargo carts abandoned at the hilichurl camp and had them brought back. Then she turned to the merchant who had lost his goods.
"These... these are all mine!!"
The merchant, seeing his stolen goods once more, rushed forward with unrestrained joy, nearly bursting into tears.
"Don't rush. Check if anything's missing."
Kokomi kindly reminded him, her tone calm and patient.
"Nothing's missing! Everything's here—thank you, Lady Sangonomiya! Thank you, my lady!"
The merchant—Naruse by name—clasped his hands together and bowed deeply to both of them, nearly kneeling in gratitude.
"...Tch."
Matsuda turned away, clicking his tongue, unwilling to accept it.
"Heh, see? I told you I was innocent, didn't I?"
Naruse smirked, folding his arms proudly and throwing fuel onto the fire with a taunt toward Matsuda.
"Hmph, who knows. Maybe you plotted it with the Fatui from the start."
Matsuda sneered but still refused to drop his suspicions.
"Do you have a persecution complex? No evidence, yet you illegally detain someone. Does he owe you money, or perhaps owe something to Watatsumi Island?"
The Shogun crossed her arms, her voice cold and merciless.
"Wh—! You... even if you're Lady Sangonomiya's friend, watch your words!"
Matsuda choked, unable to refute her. She had a point—everything she said was true. Though he tried to stay composed, he could only swallow his anger and grumble a warning.
"Watch my words? Heh... and as a soldier, what exactly should you be watching? The heavens, perhaps?"
She scoffed mockingly.
"You—! Cough!"
Her words struck him so sharply he began coughing from frustration.
"According to the information gathered from the Fatui camp, he truly had no contact with them."
Kokomi stepped in smoothly, her tone clear and calm as she restored Naruse's innocence.
"Lady Sangonomiya?!"
Matsuda turned to her, startled.
"Otherwise, following the Fatui's usual behavior, they would've left some trace behind."
She continued firmly.
"But—"
"No but."
For once, Kokomi interrupted him sharply. Her gentle, springwater-like voice turned cool, carrying an edge of authority and calm steel.
"!!"
Matsuda froze, startled by her uncharacteristically firm tone.
"..."
The Shogun glanced sideways at Kokomi's now-serious expression.
—Well, look at that. She does have presence after all. Usually she seems so calm and harmless, it's easy to forget she can command a room.
"Since the cargo's been recovered, as agreed, we must clear his name. You promised that earlier, didn't you?"
Kokomi folded her arms, her eyes sharp as she turned toward Uchimura. She clearly despised those who went back on their word.
"S-sorry..."
Cold sweat ran down Matsuda's neck as he hurried to apologize.
"It was reckless of us."
Uchimura added his own apology beside him.
"Heh! See? I told you, you soldier types are all bark and no bite! Always looking for trouble, and now look—you're eating your words!"
The merchant immediately puffed up, boasting arrogantly as he taunted the two soldiers.
Where does he get so much to say? Keep it up and you'll end up arrested again—and this time, no one will save you.
The Shogun shot him a glare. She felt that none of these people were particularly normal.
"And you, merchant, don't get too pleased with yourself. Though we've proven your innocence, under the new law, those who hoard essential goods for profit must still be punished."
Kokomi didn't indulge him either, cutting in coolly to douse his pride.
"Eh?!"
Perhaps happiness had come too suddenly, because Naruse froze in disbelief, his whole body stiff.
"Since you've admitted the goods are yours, we'll take the proper measures. In addition to forcing fair-price sales... there will also be a fine, totaling—this much."
Kokomi raised her gloved hand and gestured delicately with her fingers to indicate the amount. Naruse's jaw dropped instantly—his eyes nearly bulged out of his head.
"!"
The Shogun blinked in mild surprise, glancing at Kokomi beside her. Hadn't she said earlier that the punishment would only be price regulation? Why the sudden change?
"Wait!! Hold on!! Cough, cough~! Lady Sangonomiya, aren't you on my side?!"
Naruse stammered frantically, wiping sweat from his forehead, trembling all over.
"Of course not. I am Watatsumi Island's 'Divine Priestess,' and I follow the principle of clear rewards and punishments."
Kokomi's voice was firm and resolute.
"Those with merit should be rewarded. Those who err must face consequences. Though your name is cleared, your actions still carry a price."
Her expression remained calm but unyielding, her gaze steady and cold.
"Ah—eh?!"
Naruse's face twisted into despair as he turned helplessly toward the soldiers. Just moments ago, he'd been wagging his tail at them—now his tail had been completely stepped on.
"What're you staring at? Take him away! Get that fine paid!"
Matsuda barked vindictively, shoving Naruse forward with a kick.
"Lady Sangonomiya, although the merchant claimed all these as his, I found something odd."
Uchimura, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up.
Kokomi turned to him.
"The crates marked with the Tenryou Commission's seal are indeed his, but some others aren't. Especially these—they seem to be for shrine use."
He gestured toward a few items on the cart—objects like shrine bells and ritual ornaments.
"Hmm… likely the Fatui mixed everything together when they looted the camp. Please find the rightful owners for the rest. As for the shrine goods, bring them to Sangonomiya Shrine—I'll handle those personally."
Kokomi said, turning to him once more.
"You've worked hard. Thank you."
Her tone softened slightly.
"Ah—no trouble at all!"
Uchimura shook his head quickly, then suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, right—Lady Sangonomiya, even though we couldn't catch them red-handed this time, our scouts did see members of the Tenryou Commission cooperating with the Fatui. Please, when it comes to peace talks... tread carefully."
"I understand. I'll keep it in mind."
Kokomi nodded.
"Yes, ma'am!"
Uchimura bowed and began hauling the cargo back toward Watatsumi Village.
"Haa..."
Kokomi let out a quiet sigh, her body relaxing as if a weight had lifted.
"Didn't you say earlier that it was the merchant's 'difficult circumstances,' and that the goods were bought legitimately? So why fine him after all?"
The Shogun asked teasingly once they were alone again.
"Mmm... well, wasn't someone insisting I punish him just a moment ago? Since she said so, I couldn't exactly refuse~ If I didn't, someone might've thrown a little tantrum, right~?"
Kokomi's tone turned playful, her words laced with fond teasing as she glanced at her companion with a knowing smile.
"Pfft—and who might that 'someone' be?"
The Shogun smiled back, her eyes glinting mischievously.
"Mmm—who knows~? I only know she can be a bit childish sometimes."
Tap, tap...
Still smiling, Kokomi turned and began walking toward Watatsumi Village.
(Who's childish now! Honestly...)
"..."
The Shogun stared after her retreating figure, her violet eyes narrowing slightly, her expression slipping into a deadpan glare before she followed along silently.
Watatsumi Village served as the residential district of Watatsumi Island, its most densely populated settlement. Though not as large in scale as Hanamizaka—after all, one was a "city," the other a "village"—its lively atmosphere was no less vibrant.
At the village's center ran a dirt path leading directly to Sangonomiya Shrine. Surrounding it grew the island's unique flora—blue-tinted aquatic grasses, softly glowing coral branches, and drifting strands of luminous seaweed. While its environment differed greatly from Narukami Island, the architecture here followed traditional Inazuman style: pale-violet roof tiles, warm paper screens, and golden lamps lining the paths. In this oceanic world, where bubbles occasionally floated upward from nowhere, the entire village exuded a tranquil peace.
Walking these paths could calm even the most restless heart—so different from the constant bustle of Hanamizaka.
—At least, that was how the Shogun felt as she strolled beside Kokomi.
"The customs of Watatsumi Island are quite different from Narukami Island. I wonder, can you get used to it, Shogun-sama?"
Kokomi's voice was gentle as she looked around with a satisfied smile, clearly comforted by the thriving life of her people. Yet her eyes held a hint of concern—would someone from Narukami Island find this place too foreign?
"Though it differs from Narukami Island, this place is pleasant. Bustling but not chaotic, peaceful but not dull... that's its unique charm, isn't it?"
The Shogun replied, her gaze sweeping over the glowing streets as she spoke with quiet admiration.
"Hehe~ I'm glad to hear that. I was worried you might find the atmosphere uncomfortable. It seems I was overthinking it."
Kokomi smiled warmly, relief evident in her tone.
"I've been meaning to ask—where do these bubbles come from?"
The Shogun extended her hand, letting a bubble brush against her fingertip. Instead of popping, it bounced gently away like a balloon. Within it, faint water-element energy shimmered.
"Watatsumi Island's environment is unlike any other. The concentration of Hydro energy here is particularly high... much of it originates from the residual power of Lord Orobashi."
Kokomi paused slightly when she mentioned Orobashi's name, afraid the Shogun might take offense.
"Why hesitate? Ei—ahem, this vessel has already permitted you to enshrine the Great Lord of Watatsumi. There's no need for such concern."
The Shogun crossed her arms, her tone calm but authoritative.
"...Understood."
Kokomi lowered her gaze slightly in acknowledgment. She knew the Shogun's mercy well—if not for her tolerance, Watatsumi Island might have long since been reduced to rubble. Yet... many of her own people still harbored resentment. That, above all else, was what troubled her most.
"Do you come to this village often?"
The Shogun asked casually as her eyes drifted over the nearby homes.
"...It's actually been quite a while. Lately, I've been busier than ever... phew."
Kokomi sighed softly, brushing her bangs aside with a faint trace of weariness. Normally, she would never complain about work—but perhaps it was because she was with the Shogun, someone she felt she could confide in, that the words slipped out.
"You're that busy?"
"Mmm—very busy."
She answered half-jokingly, her smile gentle yet tired. The constant demands of leadership had worn her down. The past year had been especially exhausting—organizing resistance efforts, conducting peace talks, and managing the recurring issue of sacred land purification. Now that the resistance had disbanded, that burden had lessened somewhat, but peace negotiations required her utmost focus. Any mistake could prove disastrous. Thankfully, the Shogun's personal involvement had made things easier. Otherwise, her workload would have doubled.
"I can tell."
The Shogun said simply.
"...Hmm?"
Kokomi tilted her head, puzzled. Tell what?
"Compared to when I last saw you, you look... a little more worn out."
The Shogun replied.
"Hehe... and you've changed too, you know?"
Kokomi smiled faintly.
"Changed? Me?"
The Shogun blinked, momentarily confused.
"Mm-hm. Compared to before, you're... how should I put it? More lively, perhaps? Less cold. You smile more often now—and somehow, you feel more... human."
Kokomi continued listing the ways she thought the Shogun had changed.
"...You must be imagining things."
The Shogun replied awkwardly, feeling a faint tinge of embarrassment.
"Perhaps. But I think this version of you is even more charming, Shogun-sama."
Kokomi chuckled softly.
"What charm? Don't say such things so casually—it's embarrassing."
The Shogun gave her a mild glare, though her expression betrayed a shy fluster.
See? I knew it. She really has changed. The old Shogun would never have said something like that... how adorable.
Kokomi thought mischievously, wondering what kind of experiences had led to such a transformation.
As the two walked, they passed by an elderly couple chatting outside their home. Both had snow-white hair and wrinkled faces, clearly advanced in age.
When Kokomi came into view, the old couple noticed her immediately.
"Isn't that Lady Sangonomiya? What brings you here today?"
The elderly man greeted her warmly, his tone full of respect.
"...Hm?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Kokomi paused briefly before smiling politely and turning to them.
"Hello, Uncle Yonggao."
She greeted with her usual gentle tone.
"?"
The Shogun, who had been observing quietly, glanced curiously toward the man—a kindly old fellow with white hair, standing beside his equally aged wife. They were clearly a couple.
"You look paler than last time. Please, take better care of yourself. You're our greatest support, after all..."
The old man spoke kindly, concern in his voice.
Relying on a seventeen-year-old girl as your greatest support... really?
The Shogun couldn't help but think, her tone internally dry and critical.
Sure, Kokomi was the 'Divine Priestess,' but she was still only sixteen or seventeen—not centuries old like Ei. People ought to consider their own strength before leaning so heavily on someone so young. At the very least, don't make her shoulder everything alone.
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of myself."
Kokomi replied politely, completely unaware of the Shogun's silent commentary.
"Lady Sangonomiya, about these peace talks—I'd like to speak with you about them..."
The old woman beside Yonggao—his wife, Yuna—stepped forward, her expression wrinkled not only by age but by worry and disapproval. From the look on her face, it was clear she opposed the peace negotiations.
"..."
Seeing the woman's movement, Kokomi immediately guessed her intent. Her eyes softened, briefly conflicted, before she turned toward the Shogun beside her.
"What is it?"
The Shogun asked curiously.
"(Um... Shogun-sama, could I ask you for a small favor?)"
Kokomi leaned in close, her sweet voice soft as a whisper.
"(What is it?)"
The Shogun whispered back in kind.
"(No matter what that lady says next, please don't speak, alright?)"
Kokomi's blue-violet eyes looked up at her pleadingly.
"..."
The Shogun squinted slightly, her expression unreadable.
"(Mmh... please? I'm begging you.)"
Kokomi tugged lightly at the edge of her sleeve, her voice delicate and imploring.
"(...Fine.)"
At last, the Shogun gave a small, silent nod. She had already guessed why Kokomi was asking this—and Kokomi knew she'd guessed.
"Please, go ahead, ma'am."
Kokomi said gently to the old woman, keeping a polite distance.
"Lady Sangonomiya, listen to me! We've fought the shogunate army for so long—you can't just talk peace all of a sudden!"
The old woman's tone was earnest but emotional, her wrinkled hands clasped together as if in desperate appeal.
"..."
The Shogun, as expected, fell silent beside her, her expression one of mild exasperation—Exactly what I thought.