Without the slightest hesitation, Sangonomiya Kokomi swung her arm in a swift and resolute motion—decisive, clean, and filled with unwavering resolve.
"Archers, ready! All Resistance forces, prepare for battle!"
Her voice rang out sharp and clear, like a bolt of lightning cleaving through the night sky, piercing the once-tranquil atmosphere with startling clarity.
Each word carried the weight of absolute authority and unshakable conviction, instantly stirring everyone's spirit.
But just then, a calm and powerful voice cut through the tension.
"Wait."
In an instant, it was as though time had frozen. The intense atmosphere seemed to pause as all eyes turned toward the speaker—Beidou, seated off to the side, poised and composed.
Kokomi turned her head toward Beidou, confusion written plainly across her face as she sought an explanation.
Beidou looked up slightly, the corners of her mouth lifting into a faint smile. With a subtle nod of her chin, she gestured toward the dragon looming overhead.
Kokomi followed her gaze and locked her eyes on the dragon's massive head.
Its eyes were dull and lifeless, like a husk that had lost its soul—utterly devoid of vitality.
But what caught her attention was the glaringly obvious Mora insignia etched into its broad forehead, gleaming brightly under the sun.
Kokomi's eyes widened. She was stunned.
"This is…" she murmured, barely audible, as if unable to believe what she was seeing.
Beidou nodded subtly. Her voice carried calm certainty. "That emblem is proof enough. This dragon… was sent by Shajin."
A barely noticeable trace of relief colored her tone.
The colossal dragon beat its enormous wings and slowly descended from the sky.
As it approached, an overwhelming pressure surged outward like a tidal wave, suffocating everyone present. They could feel the crushing weight of its presence deep in their souls—a primal fear and reverence.
Yet, contrary to expectations, the fearsome creature did not attack.
Instead, it gently opened its mouth and delicately placed a scroll on the ground.
Then, it stood silently, eyes fixed on the crowd, as if waiting for something.
Kokomi bit her lip and stepped forward. Drawing a deep breath to steady herself, she bent down and picked up the scroll. A sense of unease gripped her.
She slowly unfurled the document and began reading. As her eyes scanned the contents, her expression darkened, and shock flickered across her face.
The scroll, handwritten by Shajin himself, briefly outlined the conclusion of the fierce war between Snezhnaya and Inazuma, along with the terms that followed.
But what stunned Kokomi the most was one line in particular:
"Watatsumi Island shall officially become part of Snezhnaya… and in return, Snezhnaya will take responsibility for resolving the long-standing issue of 'holy soil'."
Kokomi didn't feel too strongly opposed to the matter of territorial affiliation.
After all, Watatsumi Island had never had a deep-rooted sense of belonging to Inazuma.
If joining Snezhnaya meant gaining a more powerful protector, perhaps it would benefit the island more in the long run.
Moreover, as long as Shajin was involved, Kokomi firmly believed that Watatsumi would never be treated as a mere bargaining chip.
Why she believed this, she didn't know. It was simply a conviction born of instinct.
The dragon lifted its head and let out a thunderous roar before taking to the skies. It circled high above Watatsumi Island and westward across Yashiori Island.
Wherever it passed, radiant golden Imaginary Energy surged down like sunlight, erasing the festering Archon's Resentment that had clung to the land like a cancerous rot.
The people of Watatsumi emerged from their homes, crying out in awe.
Kokomi watched with a gentle smile, but worry still clouded her gaze.
She knew this upheaval would bring profound change to Watatsumi Island. How they would face that future… was now her burden to bear.
She quickly resolved to inform the residents of the scroll's contents and gather their input. Amid the tense atmosphere, she called for an emergency assembly.
Gathering the island's elders and clan leaders, Kokomi read the letter aloud.
Shock spread through the crowd at first, followed by thoughtful silence, and eventually—reluctant acceptance. The process was fraught with uncertainty.
But they understood that Kokomi had weighed her decision carefully.
Shajin's offer was, undeniably, a powerful temptation.
Kokomi stood atop the island's high cliffs, gazing out across the endless ocean, her heart a storm of conflicting emotions.
She knew this document represented far more than a change of ownership—it marked a turning point in Watatsumi Island's destiny.
Reactions among the people were mixed. Some were anxious, others skeptical.
But most chose to place their trust in Kokomi, willing to walk forward into this uncertain future at her side.
"We will no longer be a part of Inazuma," Kokomi announced in the hall.
"But that doesn't mean we lose ourselves. On the contrary—we will gain more support and more resources."
The elders raised concerns and questions, but Kokomi answered each with calm and clarity.
Her unwavering confidence and wisdom reassured everyone in the room.
In the end, they reached a consensus: to accept the change and begin shaping a new path forward.
——
In the days that followed, Kokomi led her people in active preparations, engaging in deep negotiations with Snezhnaya's emissaries.
They fought for better terms and searched for ways to establish long-term cooperation—paving the way for Watatsumi Island's sustainable development.
Under Kokomi's leadership, the island gradually broke free from the shadows of Sanctification and stepped into a new era of prosperity.
Life on the island grew more stable and affluent.
The changes caught the attention of surrounding regions.
Merchants arrived in droves, eager to seize new opportunities.
Watatsumi's ports buzzed with activity, goods flowing in and out, bringing in both wealth and information.
Meanwhile, back in Inazuma, the Shogunate was in chaos.
Kujou Sara uncovered embezzlement from both Commissions—totaling over 30 billion Mora.
The discovery enraged Raiden Ei.
Her order was swift and cold:
"Let them enjoy their retirement."
_
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