After Ookubo left… she once again looked toward Gorou and the others, as if about to speak—but in the next second—
Plop!
The orange sparrow seemed to have sensed something. It turned toward the back mountain in the distance, then flapped its wings and took off from her shoulder, flying up into the sky.
That movement immediately drew everyone's attention… naturally, Kokomi also turned to look, puzzled.
In her gaze, the sparrow didn't fly far. Instead, it landed on the roof behind Sangonomiya Shrine, looked straight at her, chirped cheep! once, and flapped its wings several times—almost as if it were calling her over.
"What's… wrong with it?"
Paimon asked curiously.
"!"
Watching the little creature's actions, Kokomi suddenly understood something. Her expression shifted slightly, and she looked toward Gorou.
"Gorou… take the Traveler and head to the Resistance camp immediately. You must stop the distribution of the Delusions at once, identify any affected soldiers, and ensure they receive treatment."
"Then… Lady Kokomi, what about you?"
Gorou asked.
"I still have some business to attend to. Don't worry… I'll follow afterward."
After giving this instruction, she glanced again at the sparrow's flight path, then quickly stepped toward the back mountain behind Sangonomiya Shrine. As she moved, Hydro energy spread across her body, transforming into shimmering droplets as she accelerated forward.
"Lady Kokomi!"
Gorou instinctively called after her, but she didn't respond—vanishing into the forested slope.
"..." ×4
Everyone, including Teppei, exchanged puzzled looks.
"Why did Kokomi suddenly run off like that?"
Paimon asked, baffled.
"I'm not sure… but since it's Lady Kokomi's will, we shouldn't question it. Let's move, Aether, Teppei, Paimon."
"Mm!" ×3
At Gorou's call, the three nodded in agreement.
...
Whoosh!
The sparrow crossed the sky, flapping its wings as it soared over the back mountain of Sangonomiya Shrine. Familiar with the route, it returned swiftly to Mouun Shrine and landed on the finger of a purple-haired woman waiting near the ruins.
Seated on the shrine's railing, the woman in a kimono gently stroked the tiny creature's fluffy head and plump little body. A faint, gentle smile curved her lips.
"...Well done."
Her voice was soft, praising the sparrow, which chirped back obediently before flapping its wings again and taking off.
Crackle, crackle…
Its petite body turned into motes of violet light, dispersing into the air.
"..."
The Shogun continued to gaze at where the bird had vanished—toward the oblique sky, her beautiful eyes reflecting the deep blue hues of Watatsumi's domain.
Tap, tap…
A set of light footsteps approached from behind.
"It's so cute… no wonder it's so spiritual. So it was your pet, Shogun-sama."
The voice came before the person did—but she already knew who it was. She didn't turn. She knew that voice well.
Hearing that clear, soft voice—like spring water flowing gently—she didn't seem surprised. Still, her violet eyes lowered slightly, shifting from the heavens to the ground ahead without looking back.
"..."
The woman behind her didn't speak again, as if both were waiting for the right moment—or perhaps, simply lost in thoughts too tangled to express. But the Shogun could feel the other's gaze on her back the entire time.
She rose from the railing, intending to leave silently. However—
"Shogun-sama… please wait."
The other woman finally spoke first, stopping her.
Tap, tap…
She halted mid-step, standing still, showing only her back to the speaker.
"Please, just listen… you need not look at me."
Kokomi, standing behind her, fixed her eyes on the slender figure of the purple-haired woman before her.
"For Teppei, and… for the soldiers of the Resistance—I, on behalf of Watatsumi Island and the Sangonomiya Shrine, sincerely thank you."
Rustle…
The faint sound of fabric brushing was heard—it must have been her bowing deeply in gratitude.
Upon hearing that, the Shogun sighed softly. Then, slowly, she turned to face the young woman who was just straightening from her bow.
Because of her bowed posture, the strands of hair hanging over her forehead hid her eyes. But as she straightened, her true appearance was gradually revealed—the fair, almost translucent skin gleaming like crystal before the Shogun's eyes. She was as pure and dreamlike as a mermaid, her ocean-blue eyes perfectly set upon a face delicate as that of an elf. The soft pink bangs swayed gently with the passing breeze.
Kokomi, too, was carefully studying the purple-haired beauty before her. Truly, she was breathtaking—world-shatteringly beautiful. Although they had met before, circumstances had never allowed either of them the leisure to truly take in the other's features. Now, for the first time, they had the moment to do so.
Facing the Shogun's searching gaze, Kokomi felt no discomfort. She knew her own appearance was somewhat unusual—it was only natural for the other to be curious. In turn, she offered a serene smile, as if to mark the beginning of this true meeting.
"I didn't expect you to follow me here."
This time, it was the Shogun who spoke first.
"And I didn't expect you would turn back to face me."
Kokomi lowered her gaze slightly as she smiled, her clear voice carrying a gentle teasing tone.
"..."
The Shogun looked at her, speechless for a moment.
"Shogun-sama, I've long wanted to speak with you."
Seeing her expression, Kokomi began to speak openly, as if she had finally found the right moment.
"What a coincidence. I feel the same."
The Shogun replied calmly.
"But now isn't the right time." ×2
To their surprise, both of them spoke the same words at the same moment—their voices overlapping perfectly. Whether it was coincidence or a strange form of harmony, neither could tell.
"..." ×2
Both women froze for a second, their eyes meeting before their expressions softened. Kokomi even smiled faintly, while the Shogun exhaled quietly.
"Today, this vessel stands here as 'Inazuma,' not as the 'Shogunate.'"
The Shogun's tone was calm yet meaningful.
"How fitting… today, I stand here as the 'Divine Priestess who loves her people,' not as the 'Leader of the Resistance.'"
Kokomi placed a hand over her heart as she replied with equal understanding.
In that moment, they reached a silent consensus—no words needed. For now, the Fatui were the true threat that had to be eliminated immediately. Between them existed not hostility, but a temporary alliance.
A few minutes later, the two found themselves standing side by side instead of several meters apart. The Shogun stood near the cliff by Mouun Shrine, while Kokomi stood beside her, arms crossed and chin resting thoughtfully on her hand.
"How are things on your side?"
The Shogun turned to her. They both knew—their greatest enemy now was the Fatui, not each other.
"Haa… I've already ordered the army to confiscate all Delusions. According to Gorou's latest report, most soldiers have shown signs of life force depletion over the past few days, though the situation hasn't yet turned critical. Some, however, continue to use them even knowing the danger."
Kokomi's face dimmed with sorrow.
"And that soldier… Teppei?"
The Shogun asked quietly.
"He's doing well… thanks to your timely intervention."
"You need not worry about this matter. Since you are part of Inazuma, it is my duty to take responsibility for you all—even if your hearts oppose me."
The Shogun crossed her arms as she spoke, her tone firm but not unkind.
"Shogun-sama—"
"I know what you're about to say… but it's not yet time. You said the same thing just now, didn't you?"
She cut Kokomi off gently. To speak further would only complicate matters. Such things were better left for another time.
"...Alright."
Kokomi looked up at the Shogun's profile—the calm, dignified curve of her face—and answered softly.
"I intercepted a shipment from the Fatui bound for Watatsumi Island."
The Shogun spoke again, her gaze lifting to the darkening sky as the wind began to stir with the scent of oncoming rain.
Kokomi turned toward her, waiting for her to continue.
"The shipment contained nearly all Delusions—several dozen of them."
"Dozens…"
Kokomi frowned slightly, murmuring under her breath.
"To manufacture so many Delusions in such a short time… it's impossible they were smuggled in from overseas."
"Even if they were smuggled from abroad, the time required between nations would make it improbable—especially with the Sakoku Decree still in effect. The efficiency doesn't make sense."
Hearing the Shogun's reasoning, Kokomi's eyes gleamed with sharp insight—then as though realizing something, her expression changed.
"The Sakoku Decree is still enforced. That means these Delusions must be produced within Inazuma itself."
The Shogun turned toward her. In her gaze, Kokomi's slender fingers supported her chin, her expression serious and composed as she analyzed the situation.
"To mobilize such a vast amount of manpower and resources… there must be a domestic power backing them."
The Shogun's violet eyes narrowed dangerously.
—The Kujou Clan!
Kokomi's eyes were sharp, her mind even sharper. The moment she noticed the Shogun's expression change, she immediately spoke up, as if realizing something.
"Shogun-sama, could it be that you already know who's behind this?"
"..."
The Shogun paused, turning her gaze toward her, eyes glimmering with inquiry.
"Of course… it's fine if you'd rather not say."
Meeting her gaze, Kokomi quickly offered her a polite way out.
Seeing this, the Shogun sighed softly.
"There's no harm in saying it. I suspect the domestic force supporting them from behind is the Kujou Clan."
She didn't conceal it. For now, they were allies—sharing information was only natural.
"The Kujou Clan…"
Kokomi murmured softly, her sea-blue eyes sinking into thought once more.
"The Kujou Clan has likely been colluding with the Fatui for some time now. The funding and materials behind all of this probably come from them."
The Shogun's tone turned cold as she gazed toward the distant horizon.
"That makes sense. If the goods were transported by sea from Snezhnaya, they would have been delayed by storms and long travel times."
Kokomi reasoned carefully.
Given how efficiently the Delusions were being delivered, sea transport was nearly impossible—it was far more likely they were being moved domestically, through a dedicated route.
Tap, tap…
Kokomi stepped forward until she stood right before the Shogun, meeting her violet gaze earnestly.
"Shogun-sama, to stop them, we must destroy their Delusion factory at the source."
The Shogun crossed her arms and pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Do you know where that factory is located?"
Her tone was that of a commander questioning her strategist.
"Hmm… let me think…"
Kokomi placed a finger under her chin, thinking rapidly.
"..."
During that time, the Shogun kept her eyes fixed on Kokomi's face, carefully studying her expression—her gaze tinged with curiosity about the priestess's beauty.
"The factory needs to be large, hidden from sight, and close to a major transport route to ensure a steady supply of materials…"
Kokomi lifted her eyes, meeting the Shogun's searching gaze directly. She smiled faintly, as though helpless but unbothered by the scrutiny, and continued speaking.
"There aren't many locations that meet those conditions. Combining that with where the soldiers received their Delusions, the factory is most likely located along the coastal cliffs of western Yashiori Island."
When she finished, she smiled gracefully at the purple-haired woman before her.
"…Are you certain?"
The Shogun asked again, seeking confirmation.
"One hundred percent."
Kokomi nodded confidently.
"You just said 'most likely.'"
The Shogun teased lightly, raising a brow.
"Hehe… that was just a figure of speech. Of course, if you can't find it, I'll take full responsibility."
Kokomi laughed softly, taking her playful jab in stride.
"Just a few extra steps… no need for punishment."
The Shogun sighed faintly, half-lidding her eyes before turning and starting to walk toward Yashiori Island.
"Wait—are you planning to—"
Kokomi quickly followed after her, a trace of surprise in her voice as she guessed her intention.
"Smash the factory."
The Shogun tilted her head slightly and uttered the simple phrase.
Clack—
But in the next instant, she felt a hand grasp her wrist—a cool, delicate touch. She paused, turning slightly, her eyes meeting those of the priestess who had stopped her.
"What is the meaning of this?"
She asked calmly. The other's hand, likely gloved in silk, felt soft and smooth—pleasant to the touch despite its faint chill.
"Our operation to confiscate the Delusions was rather hasty. The Fatui must have already realized it. The factory may now be heavily guarded."
"True enough. And?"
The Shogun raised a brow slightly, not quite sure what Kokomi was getting at. Was she… worried about her?
"In any case, I must ask that you bring some soldiers with you."
Kokomi didn't care if her gesture seemed forward—her fingers tightened slightly around the Shogun's wrist, unwilling to let go. Even so, the Shogun didn't pull away. Perhaps it was simply in Kokomi's nature—always thorough, always thinking ahead.
"Haa…"
The Shogun exhaled softly.
"…Are you really saying that to me?"
She asked, her tone faintly amused but carrying unspoken weight.
At that, Kokomi froze for a moment—then, realizing the implication, her worried expression softened into one of gentle resignation. A faint, helpless smile touched her lips as she loosened her grip.
"…My apologies…"
Kokomi glanced at her own hand and murmured an apology, a trace of embarrassment coloring her fair cheeks.
"It's fine."
The Shogun replied simply. In the next moment, her entire body was enveloped in a surge of radiant Electro light, illuminating the surrounding space—and Kokomi's face along with it.
"By the way…"
Hearing her voice, Kokomi lifted her gaze again.
"Your hand is very cold."
Boom!
A flash of lightning tore through the sky. In an instant, the Shogun's figure vanished from sight. A magnificent dragon of thunder streaked across the clouds, its violet glow tracing the heavens as it flew swiftly toward Yashiori Island.
"...Pfft."
Recalling her words just moments ago, Kokomi couldn't help but laugh softly, though her expression carried a hint of playful reproach. Watching the distant streak of violet light fade into the horizon, she glanced down at her hand—the one that had just touched the Shogun's—and gently curled her fingers into her palm.
"But… your hand was warm, Shogun-sama."
Her delicate voice drifted softly into the wind, fading over the edge of the cliff.
Haa…
She exhaled quietly, casting one last look toward Sangonomiya Shrine, then toward the direction the Shogun had gone. After a brief hesitation, her body dissolved into rippling bubbles, returning home.
At that same moment, the Resistance camp on Watatsumi Island was in complete disarray. Everywhere one looked, medics rushed about—some carrying vials and bandages, others stretchers. The chaos stemmed from the soldiers who had used Delusions, their life force drained. Some lay collapsed on the ground, barely conscious as they were lifted onto stretchers. Others, aged and pale, tossed restlessly in their sleep, murmuring through fevered dreams as doctors wiped the sweat from their foreheads.
The once-orderly camp had become a cacophony of pain and urgency.
Kokomi entered the camp, her expression sorrowful as she took in the scene before her. Guilt stirred within her heart. If only she had refused those supplies… perhaps this tragedy could have been avoided.
"Lady Kokomi, please step aside!"
Snapped from her thoughts by a medic's shout, she quickly moved out of the way as a stretcher passed.
"Lady Kokomi!"
Gorou spotted her and ran over, relief brightening his face.
Kokomi turned at the sound of his voice.
"Gorou… do we still have enough forces left?"
"Yes, we're fortunate. We acted quickly, so most of our soldiers haven't yet been fully corrupted by the Delusions."
"Haa… that's good."
Hearing that reassuring news, she let out a deep breath of relief. It was all thanks to the Shogun's timely warning.
"…And the Traveler?"
"He… uh… he went off alone to find the Fatui's factory."
Gorou replied awkwardly.
"Alone? How did he know the location?"
Kokomi's expression turned grave. Why would he go alone? Didn't he realize how dangerous that was?
"He apparently captured a Fatui elite… and interrogated him."
Gorou explained.
"No… that's too dangerous. How long has he been gone?"
"Almost half an hour, I think?"
"...Haa."
She sighed deeply. The Delusion factory was surely guarded by the Fatui's strongest forces—perhaps even by a Harbinger-level elite. Reckless, all of them… she had already worried about the Shogun going alone, and now the Traveler too.
"Lady Kokomi, what should we do?"
"..."
After a moment's thought, she turned to him firmly.
"Gorou."
"Ma'am!"
Hearing his name, Gorou straightened instantly, ready for orders.
"Mobilize the army. We're marching to destroy the Delusion factory."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Gorou saluted sharply before running off to carry out her command.
"Haa… I hope we make it in time."
Kokomi looked up at the darkening sky, her expression filled with worry as she whispered softly.