..."I don't care how you think of me. Maybe you're right, maybe I am naive. But even so, I will not allow Watatsumi Island to be destroyed by your hands."
Kokomi lifted her gaze again and looked at him firmly.
"Lady Sangonomiya! We pushed our will to fight to the absolute limit, and now you suddenly tell me all of this is meaningless!"
Kouzen was already growing agitated. He began gesturing wildly, looking like a clown ruined by war.
"You want us to lay down our weapons and live like ordinary people? How is that possible?! Whenever I close my eyes, I see the comrades who died on the battlefield!"
"If that day truly comes, I will never forgive the Tenryou Commission. I will never forgive the Vision Hunt Decree!"
By the end, he was practically shouting at the two of them.
"..." ×2
Yet neither of them responded to such a troublesome man. They only watched him in silence.
"Haa..."
Kokomi's eyes were filled with sorrow as she looked at him, then spoke softly.
"But have you ever thought about why those soldiers sacrificed themselves? They gave their lives for peace, so their descendants could live happy lives. And now you want to destroy all of that. Then what meaning would their sacrifice have? Can you face them with a clear conscience?! Can you face the people of Watatsumi Island? Can you... face your own heart?"
Kokomi frowned as she asked these crucial questions, her expression complicated.
"I—!"
"Do you think you're a hero? Do you believe what you're doing is justified? Let me tell you, Kouzen. You're nothing more than a selfish person, an executioner dragging everyone around you into the abyss for your own desires!"
By the end, Kokomi's voice rose as well, finally rebuking him sharply.
"Ugh!!!"
His body trembled. He hadn't expected the girl before him to have such a sharp side. Her presence instantly overwhelmed him.
"..."
Throughout it all, Kokomi stared at the soldier without changing her expression.
"It seems... we are not walking the same path, Lady Sangonomiya. Whatever. You already know everything anyway."
Tap, tap~
After speaking, Kouzen turned away absentmindedly. He tossed his wine cup onto the ground and staggered as if preparing to leave. However—
"Stop!"
"!"
The girl's cold command from behind instantly froze his movements, making his body tremble again.
"Did I permit you to leave?"
Kokomi asked coldly. Even she rarely lost her temper, but facing such disrespect, she could not remain unmoved.
"!"
He looked at her in surprise. In his impression, Sangonomiya Kokomi had never shown anger before the army, nor punished anyone harshly. This had given people like him the illusion that she was soft and easy to bully. But that was not the truth.
"Lady Sangonomiya—"
"I should sentence you for spreading rumors and execute you on the spot. But... considering you are one of my people, and the old ties of having walked this path together, I will spare your life. Haa..."
As she spoke, Kokomi pressed her lips together slightly. She still felt reluctant, but she said it anyway.
"Go back. When you sober up tomorrow morning, report to the military office yourself and receive twenty strikes of the rod."
"!!"
He clearly panicked.
"After that, I will strip you of your rank. You will return to civilian life and never again enter the military."
Kokomi's expression grew firm as she spoke these words.
"Lady Sangonomiya! Please, no! I know I was wrong!!!"
He seemed to sober instantly, dropping to his knees to beg her, even kowtowing repeatedly.
"Leave. My decision is final. Do not attempt to negotiate with me."
After speaking, Kokomi flicked her sleeve without even looking at him. She turned, took the Shogun's hand, and led her away without hesitation.
"Lady Sangonomiya!!! Please!!!"
His voice echoed behind them, gradually fading into the distance.
Tap, tap! ×2
After pulling her into a more secluded corner, Kokomi suddenly wrapped her arms around the Shogun's waist before she could react.
"I'm sorry you had to hear such disrespectful words."
Kokomi held her close and whispered an apology near her ear without hesitation.
"I'm fine. What about you... are you alright?"
She smiled gently in reassurance and returned the embrace as she asked.
"I... haa... I'm not alright at all~"
Kokomi released her and gave a fragile smile, shaking her head slowly. Her tone carried a hint of cute grievance and coquettishness.
"Pfft... I could tell."
She chuckled softly.
"Dealing with things like this every day would wear anyone down. No wonder your health keeps getting worse."
She spoke with concern.
The two sat side by side on a nearby bench, watching the banquet across from them, which remained brightly lit.
"Thank you..."
Kokomi suddenly turned toward her and thanked her gently.
"Why thank me?"
She asked in confusion.
"Thank you for not drawing your blade and cutting him down."
Kokomi said with a bitter smile.
"Haa... I had to give you face. Besides, he is your citizen, not mine."
"Though if you hadn't been there, I might have drawn my blade."
She said teasingly.
"Hehe... I could tell."
Kokomi replied with a small laugh.
"He... forgot his original purpose. The battlefield has destroyed him, turning him into a puppet of war. Haa... this is my fault."
Kokomi lowered her eyes guiltily.
"Perhaps everything is my own wrongdoing. I failed to manage the soldiers properly, and I failed to guide their thoughts well enough. If I had noticed their emotions sooner, this might not have happened. Just like he said, maybe I really am too naive."
"No one is perfect. Everyone has days when things go wrong, even gods. What matters is how you make up for it later and what lessons you learn from it, just like what I told you back then in the rain."
The Shogun crossed one leg over the other, resting her hands on the bench as she turned to look at her.
"Perhaps that is what makes you different from them, and also what made me remember you at first glance. Because you already see through things, don't you?"
"...You really know how to talk///"
Kokomi's face flushed slightly as she sweetly complained, lightly bumping her shoulder against hers.
"Not as much as you."
The Shogun retorted.
"Pfft..."
Kokomi laughed, then leaned back slightly just like the person beside her. Her white-stockinged legs crossed, mirroring the Shogun's posture perfectly.
"..."
Watching the stars above, Kokomi closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting somewhere deep.
"..."
The Shogun looked at the girl's crystal-like profile under the moonlight. A tranquil aura surrounded her. Simply sitting beside her felt peaceful, like resting beneath the sea itself.
"Earlier, he said 'we.'"
Kokomi opened her eyes and murmured.
"He has accomplices."
She agreed.
"Mm... and the consequences of spreading rumors were exactly what they wanted. That means their true goal is to sabotage tomorrow's peace talks and keep the war going."
Kokomi sat upright, lowering her legs and resting her chin on her fingers as she thought.
"I think I understand his meaning now... Even though the talks officially begin tomorrow, both sides' guards have already arrived at the negotiation site to ensure safety."
Kokomi stood and paced slowly before her, the tail of her fish-like ceremonial robes swaying lightly behind her.
"Hardliners like Kouzen may have already infiltrated the guard units, preparing to strike during tomorrow's negotiations."
She stopped and looked at her while explaining.
"What do you plan to do?"
She asked.
"...Shogun-sama, are the subordinates from the Tenryou Commission who will accompany you tomorrow trustworthy?"
Kokomi asked.
"Kujou Sara leads them. She is a trusted subordinate of this body. Very reliable."
She answered decisively.
"That's good... Then the only uncertain factor is Watatsumi Island's side."
Kokomi nodded.
"Why not withdraw the guards and replace them?"
"That would not work. If we remove them in advance, it may alert them and cause them to cancel their plan. Then we would never catch the hardliners hidden among the crowd."
Kokomi shook her head. Suddenly, her eyes lit up as if she had thought of something.
"In that case, Shogun-sama, how about we beat them at their own game?"
Kokomi leaned closer and whispered the plan softly into her ear, secretly sharing her strategy.
"You intend to catch them red-handed?"
The Shogun asked.
"Mm... only this way can we ensure accuracy and capture everyone involved."
Kokomi stepped back with a tranquil smile.
"Very well... you're the strategist. I'll follow your lead."
The Shogun smiled slightly as she said.
"Hehe... mm."
Kokomi nodded sweetly.
...
Around nine in the evening...
Outside the corridor of Sangonomiya Shrine—
The Shogun arrived outside Kokomi's room, holding a note filled with handwritten text.
Knock, knock~
She raised her hand and lightly knocked on the door a few times.
"...Is that Shogun-sama?"
A muffled voice came from behind the door.
"...It's me."
She replied.
Click~
Footsteps inside drew closer, and Kokomi opened the door from within. As the gap widened, the girl's full figure gradually came into view.
"Please, come in."
Kokomi stepped aside, making space.
Tap, tap~
The Shogun entered the familiar maiden's bedroom once more, removed her shoes, and stepped barefoot onto the soft, warm carpet with her black-stockinged feet.
The room was no longer dim like the night before. The main light was on, bright and warm, casting a gentle golden glow. The atmosphere was cozy. Only now did she notice the sea-blue wallpaper lining the walls, decorated with ocean creatures, like the depths of the sea itself.
Click~
Kokomi closed the door again and walked to her side, gently brushing her hand over the Shogun's arm.
"Sit wherever you like, Shogun-sama."
She said softly.
"...By the way."
She suddenly thought of something and looked at Kokomi.
"Hm?"
Kokomi paused and turned to her, waiting.
"I... couldn't find my room."
She answered.
"Ah... I see. That's fine—just sleep in my bed again tonight, like last time."
Kokomi replied casually.
"That's... not appropriate."
She declined. Sleeping in someone else's bed every time really wasn't proper.
"Why not?"
Kokomi walked over to the desk and bent down to search through a drawer. She didn't look at her, asking the question casually.
"There's no why. It's just not appropriate."
She replied.
"Pfft... Shogun-sama hugs the person beside her every time she sleeps, doesn't she?"
After pulling out the documents from the drawer, Kokomi glanced at her and asked teasingly.
"///!"
Her face instantly flushed. Her eyes darted away in embarrassment. How did she know?!
But Kokomi was right. Ever since Ei enabled her sleep function, every night she would hold onto the person beside her—or be held. In Ei's case, it was her holding the Shogun.
For reasons she didn't fully understand, she was always afraid of sleeping—afraid of dreaming, afraid of nightmares. Holding someone, or being held, gave her a sense of security. In truth, she didn't even need to cling tightly; just having someone beside her was enough.
This rather embarrassing habit was something she never wanted others to know. The Raiden Shogun being unable to sleep alone was practically a joke. Yet somehow, after only one night, this girl had already figured it out.
"Sorry... I didn't mean to mock you."
Kokomi walked over and gently comforted her.
"It's just a habit. Even if you laugh at me, it's fine."
She replied.
"That's why I want you to sleep with me. That way, you can indulge your habit freely. Isn't that better?"
Kokomi asked.
"You don't mind?"
She asked in confusion.
"Not at all. If it helps you sleep more soundly, I truly don't mind."
Kokomi smiled. In fact, she was secretly quite happy—this meant she could openly hold the Shogun while sleeping.
"Enough... let's put this topic aside for now. Let's discuss business."
The Shogun declined lightly, then stepped forward and sat directly in the seat of honor at the desk—the chair Kokomi had just been using.
"Pfft... alright~"
Kokomi gave her a doting smile, then brought over another chair and sat beside her.
Plop~
The Shogun placed the sheet of neatly written notes on the desk. Seeing this, Kokomi also placed the papers she had taken from the drawer onto the table. With her fingertips, she slowly slid them over to align with the Shogun's pages. White paper, black ink, identical sizes—each bearing elegant handwriting with its own distinct character.
"Peace negotiation terms." ×2
They spoke in unison and exchanged a glance.
"I hope you will seriously consider the conditions I have proposed."
The Shogun said solemnly.
"Mm, I will. But likewise, please understand my position as well, alright?"
Kokomi nodded and asked.
"Alright."
Although the official peace talks were scheduled for tomorrow, both of them understood that for things to proceed smoothly, tomorrow would merely be Kujou Sara and Kokomi reenacting the already finalized results.
In other words, the true negotiations were tonight—right here.
The two parties were Kokomi and the Shogun themselves: the leaders of Watatsumi Island and Narukami Island. This was the second formal meeting between the Sleeping Dragon and the Thunder.
Rustle~
Under each other's gaze, they slowly exchanged papers and began reading the other's terms.
No one spoke. They focused on the contents intently. For a time, the room was silent except for their breathing and the tick of the clock.
After an unknown length of time—perhaps dozens of minutes—
They finally lifted their eyes, exhaled softly, and looked at each other in tacit understanding, as if checking whether the other showed impatience or anger. Fortunately, neither did.
"Is it acceptable?"
"Mm."
Kokomi nodded.
Rustle~
They placed the papers back on the desk.
"Satisfied?"
The Shogun asked.
"Yes. I've reviewed all the conditions you proposed, Shogun-sama. I'm very satisfied. They don't harm Watatsumi Island's interests in the slightest. I agree."
Kokomi smiled and pushed the paper back to her.
"Your conditions are also very reasonable. There are no loopholes. You've already considered everything I had in mind. I see no issues—I agree."
The Shogun replied as she slid Kokomi's paper back to her and retrieved her own.
"But—" ×2
"!" ×2
They spoke the word at the same time and paused in surprise.
"Pfft..." ×2
They couldn't help but laugh. Kokomi gestured to her with her eyes.
"You go first."
She invited.
"Although the detailed conditions on paper have been agreed upon, I still have several important and necessary terms that I wish to state to you in person... Sangonomiya Kokomi."
Her violet eyes looked at the girl seriously.
"Mm. Likewise, I have several important conditions I wish to state to you in person as well, Raiden Shogun-sama."
"Alright. Then I'll begin?"
The Shogun nodded and proposed.
"Please do."
Kokomi straightened her posture and faced her seriously.
"First, there must no longer be any 'Resistance Army' on Watatsumi Island. If you wish to keep a personal guard, then you must change its name. The war is over. There is no longer any reason to resist."
She stated calmly.
"Agreed. I have already issued the order. The 'Resistance Army' of Watatsumi Island has been fully disbanded. The current guard has been renamed the 'Sangonomiya Army.'"
Kokomi nodded, then spoke in turn.
"Watatsumi Island's first condition concerns maritime jurisdiction. During the war, the Tenryou Commission restricted our fishermen from operating in the rear seas of Narukami Island. I ask that these restrictions be lifted."
"Agreed. However, you must follow Narukami Island's tax laws and pay reasonable taxes before bringing the catch back to Watatsumi Island."
The Shogun nodded and took the opportunity to raise the next point.
"Agreed. However, fishermen operating near Narukami Island must be protected by the Tenryou Commission. If they suffer any losses due to security issues, the Tenryou Commission must intervene to resolve them. Is that acceptable?"
Kokomi nodded and added further.
"Agreed. Next is the matter of commercial exchange."
The Shogun moved on.
"Mm, please continue."
Kokomi responded.
"The exchange between Narukami Island and Watatsumi Island has grown distant, and merchants rarely trade with one another. Going forward, I will have the Yashiro Commission select merchants to oversee trade between the two sides. What do you think?"
She asked, looking at the girl who had fallen into thought.
"..."
Kokomi pondered briefly, then shook her head with a sigh.
"Shogun-sama, commerce must be mutual. I believe merchants from both sides should participate. It should not be entirely handled by the Yashiro Commission."
She raised her eyes and calmly refuted, meeting the Shogun's thoughtful gaze.
This was the first disagreement between the two, and an awkward silence followed.