The Mouun Shrine was located at the western border of Watatsumi Island, near the cliffs by the western sea—right behind the Sangonomiya Shrine. A narrow path wound up the hill between the Sangonomiya Shrine and the back mountain, once allowing the island's residents to make pilgrimages to the shrine. But now, all that remained of the Mouun Shrine were ruins—a collapsed roof like an overturned ship pointing toward the sky, its remnants half-buried beneath soil, covered in moss and wildflowers. What used to be a sacred place had long become a nesting ground for birds.
A slender hand rested gently against the faded stone pillar of the torii gate. The delicate fingers traced the weathered surface lightly before their owner lifted her violet gaze, staring up at the ancient, abandoned gate.
It was the Shogun's first time visiting Watatsumi Island. She was still unfamiliar with the environment. After parting with Teppei earlier, she had flown in this direction and happened to spot the ruined shrine mid-flight. Something about it had made her pause.
"Time truly is a sharp blade."
Her violet eyes gleamed with quiet brilliance under Watatsumi's unique hues—like a sky filled with stars, mesmerizing in their depth.
Of course, she hadn't come to Watatsumi Island for sightseeing. She had business—she needed to see Sangonomiya Kokomi.
Releasing her hand from the stone, she turned toward the direction of the Sangonomiya Shrine. Raising her hand, she gathered Electro energy into her palm.
Crackle!
Violet lightning and charged particles gathered above her palm, gradually taking shape—until a small, plump sparrow appeared, its feathers patterned with orange and white. The tiny creature chirped brightly, flapping its brown wings and rubbing affectionately against her cheek, as if seeking attention.
"That's enough… no need to be so clingy."
She leaned her face back slightly, her tone soft yet composed. The little sparrow immediately quieted, perching obediently on her finger.
"Deliver this to Sangonomiya Kokomi. And convey my words."
"..."
Her eyes flickered with faint lightning as she locked gazes with the bird. Its own eyes glowed in response, turning violet in resonance. Her lips moved silently, speaking words too quiet for anyone else to hear.
"Go."
When she finished the secret incantation, she flicked her hand gently toward the sky. The sparrow took flight, carrying a Delusion in its beak, and soared toward the distant Sangonomiya Shrine.
"I hope… it isn't too late."
She murmured softly as she watched the tiny form vanish into the horizon.
...…
Meanwhile, at the Sangonomiya Shrine, the situation was growing grim.
Kokomi's expression was unusually tense. After hearing Gorou's report, she began pacing back and forth, her lips pressed together in deep thought. Then, turning sharply toward him, she spoke.
"How many people have shown these symptoms?"
Her tone lacked its usual calmness—there was an undercurrent of urgency. Yet even so, she maintained her composure.
"I haven't had time to make a full count yet…"
Gorou sighed, shaking his head. The situation had been too sudden. The moment he realized something was wrong, he had rushed to report it. Counting numbers had been the last thing on his mind.
"..."
Kokomi fell silent, lowering her gaze. Her hands, folded in thought, unconsciously tightened against her arms.
Tap, tap…
At that moment, the sound of footsteps approached—Aether and Paimon had returned.
"Kokomi, Gorou… what's going on?"
Paimon asked anxiously. The moment they entered the hall, they had felt the heavy atmosphere hanging in the air. Both Kokomi and Gorou looked deeply troubled. Aether also nodded, his eyes full of concern.
Kokomi glanced at Gorou, who nodded slightly before beginning to explain.
"Recently, some of our Resistance soldiers have shown signs of… unnatural aging. When I called them in for questioning, I learned they'd been secretly receiving so-called 'special weapons' from our sponsors."
"They're proud, ambitious men—deeply resentful of the Vision Hunt Decree. After acquiring these weapons, they began using them in secret."
Kokomi listened, her expression thoughtful.
"No wonder our recent victories have come so easily… but this is not the right path. We must stop it immediately."
She turned toward Gorou.
"Do you have one of these 'special weapons' they mentioned?"
"Uh… well… they refused to hand any over. They guard them like precious treasures."
Gorou looked awkward as he spread his hands, explaining the truth. He'd almost gotten into a fight earlier—the soldiers were so determined to protect those "secret weapons" that he hadn't been able to seize even one.
"…So you couldn't retrieve any. Haa… but the ones who gave them these—those sponsors, who exactly are they—"
Chirp~!
"?"
Before Kokomi could finish, an orange-colored sparrow suddenly flew into view, darting around the room. Everyone froze, confused by the sight of such an out-of-place creature.
Chirp~!Flutter!
The sparrow flew straight up to Kokomi, flapping its wings frantically right in front of her face. The breeze from its wings even lifted her bangs, making her squint and step back slightly in surprise.
"Lady Kokomi!"
Gorou instinctively reached out to catch it—but—
"I'm fine…"
Kokomi quickly stopped him, turning her gaze back to the fluttering bird. Then, lifting her arm gracefully, she offered her gloved hand toward it. The sparrow immediately calmed down and perched gently on her finger, then nodded its tiny head toward the object held in its beak—a Delusion.
"It seems to be carrying something…"
Paimon's sharp eyes noticed it first, prompting everyone else to look more closely.
"..."
Carefully, Kokomi took the Delusion from the bird's beak, inspecting it as best she could while still holding the tiny creature.
Flutter…
As if understanding her difficulty, the sparrow hopped away, landing neatly on her shoulder.
"Wow… this little bird is so clever~!"
Paimon exclaimed.
"Yeah. Almost like a person," Aether agreed.
Kokomi smiled softly, glancing at the plump little sparrow perched on her shoulder. Its soft feathers brushed lightly against her neck, tickling her skin. Despite the sensation, she felt an odd fondness toward it. Those faintly violet eyes of the bird seemed… strangely familiar.
Lowering her gaze, she studied the object in her hand. It resembled a Vision—but its color was dark, dull, and ominous.
"This is…"
"Ah—right! That's it!"
Gorou gasped, pointing at the Delusion. Everyone turned to him.
"Gorou?"
"That's the 'secret weapon' they talked about! I saw one earlier—it looks exactly like this!"
"Huh? So this is the so-called 'secret weapon'?"
Paimon blinked in surprise.
"This thing…"
Aether stared at the Delusion in Kokomi's hand. It looked familiar—he had seen one before. But where…?
Flutter!
At that moment, the sparrow on Kokomi's shoulder took off again.
Hum~
Before their eyes, its body dissolved into particles of light that floated into the air. The shimmering particles reformed in front of them, becoming several glowing violet words suspended in the air—like three-dimensional runes. They hovered silently before Kokomi, as if speaking directly to her.
[The source is the Fatui. This item is called a "Delusion." It consumes its user's life force in exchange for power. It is a corrupt creation and must not exist. Many within your Resistance now possess it. All must be confiscated and destroyed. My identity is unimportant. What matters… are your people.]
"..."
Kokomi's first thought wasn't about the message itself—but about who had sent it. Or rather… who else could have sent it?
It was unmistakable. The energy signature—the pure, fluid resonance of Electro—she recognized it instantly. Only one being could wield it with such clarity and control.
She read the message aloud, and everyone listened in shock, realization dawning upon them.
"So the sponsors were the Fatui?!"
Gorou's teeth clenched in fury.
"Those troublemaking jerks are the worst!"
Paimon stomped her foot, shouting indignantly.
Aether, however, seemed more intrigued by the sender's identity.
"But… what's the Fatui's goal in doing this?" Gorou asked.
"Haa… there's no time to speculate. What matters now is that we warn our troops immediately. They must stop using the Delusions. Anyone showing symptoms must receive treatment at once."
Kokomi shook her head, pushing aside all other thoughts. Her tone turned firm, authoritative.
"Wait! Aether—remember what we said about the soldiers showing strange symptoms…"
"Teppei—!!"
Both of them cried out at once, recalling Teppei's pale face and whitening hair. They turned, ready to rush out—
"No need to look for me. I'm here…"
"Eh?" ×2
The next moment, Teppei himself appeared, walking slowly toward them. His body had not yet fully recovered, though his hair was darker now and his face less gaunt thanks to the Shogun's healing. Still, he looked far from well—his expression weary, his steps unsteady.
When Teppei appeared so suddenly, Aether and Paimon were both startled.
"Teppei! Are you alright?!"
Paimon immediately flew up to him, worried.
"Ah… I'm fine now. Sorry for making you all worry."
Hearing Paimon's concern, Teppei felt a warmth in his heart. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, looking a little embarrassed.
"You look much better than before," Aether observed sharply. "Your color's back, and your hair's darker too. What happened?"
"Yeah, you're right~! Don't tell me… the damage from the Delusion can actually be healed?"
Paimon, realizing the same thing, blinked in surprise. He wasn't coughing anymore either—how strange.
Everyone's eyes were now on him, filled with curiosity.
"Teppei… where's your Delusion?"
Kokomi asked seriously.
"My Delusion was… taken away."
Teppei hesitated before answering.
"..." ×N
Everyone turned to look at Gorou.
"M-me? I didn't take his Delusion!" Gorou said defensively, lips twitching in confusion.
"Oh, no… it was taken by the Raiden Shogun."
Teppei quickly clarified.
"Huh?! The Raiden Shogun?!"
Paimon threw up her hands, completely bewildered by that answer.
"..."
But Kokomi didn't look surprised. The moment she heard that, everything clicked into place—the mysterious sparrow, the message, the timing. It all made sense now.
"The Raiden Shogun… confiscating Delusions?" Gorou frowned. "Why would she do that?"
"No… she wasn't confiscating it. She was… um… saving me."
Teppei replied awkwardly.
"Saving you?! No way—she's the bad woman, remember?!"
Paimon's indignant tone was almost comical. After all, the Shogun had nearly cut Aether in half once!
"It's true. I'm not lying. It really was the Raiden Shogun. I'm sure of it… And honestly, I don't think she's a bad person at all. On the contrary—she was… gentle."
As he recalled his encounter with that beautiful woman and their conversation, a warmth still lingered in his heart. How could someone like her be the monster Paimon described?
"Gentle?!" ×2
Paimon and Aether exclaimed in unison, exchanging a stunned glance. The same woman who had nearly decapitated him… gentle? The thought sent shivers down their spines.
"Teppei… are you sure we're talking about the same person?" Paimon asked, her face full of disbelief.
"Alright, let's set that aside for now… I believe Teppei."
Kokomi interrupted, breaking the tense silence. And she meant it—she did believe him. After all, she trusted the Shogun. The sparrow's message had proven that.
"Since the sparrow's message pointed us toward the Fatui, we have no choice but to investigate thoroughly."
She folded her arms, resting her chin thoughtfully against one hand.
"Lady Kokomi… you really don't doubt the sender's identity?" Gorou asked, glancing uneasily at the little sparrow perched on her shoulder.
"Yeah… who sent this bird, anyway?" Paimon wondered aloud.
"The sender… was most likely Shogun-sama."
Kokomi lowered her gaze, speaking softly yet with certainty.
"..." ×N
Everyone fell silent.
"This Delusion," Kokomi continued, lifting it gently, "must be the same one she took from Teppei earlier, isn't it?"
"Yes… that's the one." Teppei nodded firmly.
"I see… just as I thought."
Kokomi exhaled lightly. So the Shogun had indeed meant to warn her—to make her realize that their true enemy wasn't each other… but the Fatui.
"But… what if this is a trick?" Gorou frowned again. "What if she's trying to deceive us—working with the Fatui to destroy us completely?"
"No. Shogun-sama would never do that. I can guarantee it."
Kokomi's tone was calm, but her eyes softened with a quiet sorrow. She knew that woman would never stoop to such deceit. The Shogun's actions came from a god's compassion—her care for her people. Even if Watatsumi worshipped Orobashi, the Shogun still saw them all as her own citizens.
That thought brought a strange ache to Kokomi's chest.
"Speaking of which, Kokomi…" Aether hesitated. "I've been wondering… why do you keep calling her 'Shogun-sama'? Isn't she supposed to be your enemy?"
Paimon couldn't help herself any longer—this question had been burning in her mind for a while. Why did the leader of Watatsumi Island refer to the ruler of Narukami Island as "Shogun-sama"?
"Yeah… Lady Kokomi, the Raiden Shogun is our enemy! Who knows what kind of schemes she's plotting behind the scenes," Gorou added, frowning.
"Gorou, watch your words."
Kokomi's tone sharpened suddenly—a rare hint of anger coloring her usually calm voice. Her reprimand made everyone pause.
"Eh? Lady Kokomi?"
Gorou blinked in surprise. Why was she angry?
"Haa… it seems you've forgotten why we formed the Resistance in the first place," Kokomi sighed softly, her expression complex.
"Our Resistance has never been against the Shogun herself. We are against the Vision Hunt Decree."
"But… the Vision Hunt Decree was issued by her," Gorou protested.
"That's true. But perhaps Shogun-sama was misled—confused by false words or misguided beliefs. Everyone makes mistakes. I believe that one day, she will come to understand and repent. That day will come, and we must be ready to welcome it."
"…Understood. If Lady Kokomi believes in her, then I'll believe as well," Gorou said firmly. As her most loyal ally, he would never disobey her convictions.
However—
Tap, tap!
"Lady Kokomi… forgive my bluntness, but are you saying Watatsumi Island should submit to the Shogunate's rule?"
Ookubo had stepped forward, his tone edged with challenge. The words were sharp, clearly laced with dissatisfaction.
"...Ookubo! Watch your tongue!"
Gorou immediately barked, fury flashing across his face. The tension in the room rose instantly, and even Paimon dared not speak.
"When," Kokomi asked calmly, her blue eyes narrowing slightly, "did I ever say that Watatsumi Island would be ruled by the Shogunate?"
"Heh… have you forgotten, my lady? The Shogunate is ruled by the Raiden Shogun. If you refuse to oppose her, then one day Watatsumi Island will be absorbed by the Shogunate and become part of it!"
"Ookubo!!"
Gorou started forward angrily—
Step.
But Kokomi raised a hand to stop him.
"Lady Kokomi?" he asked, confused.
"Haa… it seems Captain Ookubo, you still don't understand," Kokomi said quietly, shaking her head with a sigh.
"Then please… enlighten me, Lady Kokomi," Ookubo said, straightening and bowing slightly.
"Shogun-sama does not govern only the Shogunate. She governs all of Inazuma. As long as Watatsumi Island remains part of Inazuma, our god will always be the Shogun."
Her tone was sharp and clear, every word carrying conviction.
"Lady Kokomi… do you realize what you're saying?" Ookubo's eyes narrowed.
"Of course I do. While we worship Orobashi, the one who shelters us now is Her Excellency, the Almighty Narukami Ogosho."
"When Orobashi invaded Yashiori Island and was slain, it was Shogun-sama who spared our lives. She allowed us—and this island—to remain part of Inazuma. She even permitted us to continue our faith in the Watatsumi Omikami."
"…Tch."
Ookubo turned his face aside, unable to refute her words.
"The reason I founded the Resistance was not to overthrow the Shogun's rule, but to show her that the Vision Hunt Decree was wrong—to make her see that the people's wishes still shine brightly. We are not here to rebel against our god, but to remind her of her people's hearts."
"Never forget who our true protector is."
"When the day comes that the Vision Hunt Decree is abolished, we will have no reason left to fight. And when that day arrives, I will disband the Resistance myself."
"..."
Ookubo fell silent, though Kokomi could see the lingering dissatisfaction in his eyes.
"If you believe your reason for joining the army no longer aligns with ours," she said evenly, meeting his gaze, "then you may resign. I will not force you to stay."
"!"
Her words struck him like a blow. His face went pale.
"N-no, I… I spoke out of anger. Please forgive my disrespect. Allow me to continue serving you, Lady Kokomi!"
He bowed deeply, his voice trembling. The others watched in silence.
"Haa… you may go."
Kokomi looked at him quietly, her expression softening as she sighed.
"Yes, my lady!"