To dedicate oneself to the island—this is the fate and duty of every generation of Sangonomiya. Serving as the beloved of the great serpent Orobashi, or rather the revered deity Harunosume, is the obligation of each Watatsumi Priestess. However, the people of Watatsumi, to put it bluntly, are rotten at their core. Back in the days of the Byakuya Kingdom, most of the nobles were hardly virtuous.
This led to Watatsumi's rampant degeneracy. These wastrels controlled vast production resources and wielded significant private military forces. That was their leverage. In their eyes, the combined might of the nobles far surpassed Sangonomiya's. But they miscalculated one thing: the power of each generation's Watatsumi Priestess.
What is a Living God? A deity residing in a human vessel. Though the Priestess lacks Orobashi's divine might, her power is undeniable, with every generation bearing a Hydro Vision. Previously, the Priestess summoned the nobles for a meeting, then decisively struck, slaughtering all disloyal ones. She descended upon their clans, unleashing a massacre, nearly wiping out their private forces. In the end, she judged these wastrels on Watatsumi, seizing their lands and assets for the island's public use. After redistributing them, Watatsumi's living standards were set to soar in the near future.
Reisen Riou came here mainly for the Three Realms Gateway Offering. As expected, when he mentioned it to Sangonomiya Eigetsu, she knew trouble was brewing. Killing those nobles felt good, but it gutted Watatsumi's high-end combat power. How could they handle the next Offering? Surely the Priestess herself couldn't step in.
"I have a proposal," Reisen said, a sly smile creeping up. "I hear Khaenri'ahns have been trying to contact you."
"Yes, they've repeatedly asked to enter Enkanomiya, but I've refused," Eigetsu replied. "You're suggesting…"
"Exactly. Quietly negotiate with them. Agree, let them aid this Offering, then ensure they don't leave—not a scrap of paper. Bury their forces here entirely. Afterward, have your people complete the Offering. With a decade or so to recover, Watatsumi's new generation should rise." Reisen's voice was steady.
"Agreed," Eigetsu said through gritted teeth.
Reisen nodded, satisfied, extending a hand. Eigetsu placed hers in it. "This includes a century's worth of Watatsumi's aquaculture and underwater planting data, plus the latest hydroponics tech. It's enough as payment."
"Not enough," Eigetsu said.
Reisen's brow furrowed.
She gripped his hand tighter. He realized the additional cost she implied.
"My wife is Lady Narukami's Shadow Warrior, the Archon Raiden Ei," Reisen said.
"She'll understand," Eigetsu replied.
"…" Reisen tried to resist, then gave in, lying back to accept it.
He knew this was to ensure he wouldn't target Watatsumi later—Watatsumi couldn't withstand his schemes. Afterward…
"She'll be the next Sangonomiya head," Eigetsu said, touching her belly.
Reisen froze, dumbfounded. Then he recalled Watatsumi's inheritance customs and fled in a panic. This was beyond him—he had to report to Ei.
In a Khaenri'ahn meeting room, noticeably emptier, the absent faces were victims of Reisen's Rock-Shadow-Thunderlight Brigade and Final Watch. The leader, still the same, had aged visibly. Coughing, he said, "Two days ago, a dead drop reported Watatsumi's noble purge left them short-handed for Enkanomiya's Three Realms Gateway Offering. This is Khaenri'ah's chance. The question is, who goes to approach them?"
Watatsumi's unique status in Inazuma made it a smuggling hub, hosting the most Khaenri'ahn spies in the region. They didn't doubt the report's accuracy but only knew Sangonomiya's official story: nobles rebelled, failed, and were slaughtered.
"I'll go!" A figure stood. Attendees were elite from the mechanical and archaeological factions, none below LV40+ after alchemical enhancements.
"Very well," the old leader nodded. "Secure enough data during the Offering, and stay safe."
"I will."
Khaenri'ahns faced peril abroad. Without legitimate cover, they risked assassination by sudden agents or ninjas. Their spies and smuggling ships in Inazuma often flew Liyue, Sumeru, or Mondstadt flags, manned mostly by genuine citizens of those nations.
No one mentioned tillers, heavy units, or automatons—it was unnecessary. Khaenri'ah's machines now vastly outnumbered its people, transforming into a colossal war engine.
Reisen, holding Ei, confessed everything from Watatsumi. Bracing for her judgment, he was surprised when she propped her chin, pondering, then said, "I understand. You went too far. Watatsumi's still part of Inazuma, certified by Celestia."
"Don't you feel wronged? I brought this on myself—it's betrayal," Reisen said, touching her chest.
Ei gave him a lesson, showing that, despite his longevity, his mindset hadn't fully shifted. Archons thought differently from ordinary long-lived beings. "Look at it this way," she said. "You're the one wronged."
Reisen got it. Recalling Ei's actions with Saiguu, Makoto, and others, he realized he thought he'd gained, but he was the one shortchanged. Understanding didn't ease the sting—Ei's words were too much. So, he tussled with her.
"You're not sleeping tonight, Ei," he declared.
--------------------
Want to read ahead? Early chapters on: patreon.com/ShadowKage