"If you're worried that the Yashiro Commission might interfere, I think that's unnecessary. I can assure you that the Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission is one of my trusted families. They will never hinder you in this matter."
She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back against the chair, habitually crossing her slender legs as if trying to dispel the girl's doubts.
"I know the Kamisato Clan has a close relationship with you, and I also trust Miss Kamisato's character and credibility. However... as I said earlier, commerce must involve mutual exchange in order to build relationships between both sides."
Kokomi mirrored her posture, folding her arms and leaning back against her chair, crossing her legs in the same manner. Their suspended stockinged feet extended toward each other, only a centimeter apart, toes nearly touching. Their matching gestures and words reflected the opposing sides of their viewpoints.
"..." ×2
They locked eyes. The Shogun briefly lowered her gaze to their opposing toes, then silently withdrew her foot, pressing it lightly against the calf of her other leg. Her folded arms loosened slightly, one hand resting on the table while the other brushed aside loose strands of hair near her ear.
"As far as I understand, Watatsumi Island is currently in urgent need of various supplies due to its geographical position. If those supplies were uniformly managed by the Yashiro Commission, wouldn't that be a convenience for your island as well?"
She spoke softly, her tone clearly considering the other's interests.
"We naturally have ways to alleviate supply shortages. Watatsumi Island is rich in resources, and many merchants from other regions are willing to come here."
Kokomi countered again. Perhaps noticing the subtle concession from the beauty before her, she also withdrew her extended white-stockinged foot, casually intertwining it with the other beneath the chair. Her arms slowly lowered from their crossed posture, both hands resting upon her thighs.
"Rich in resources? Forgive my bluntness, but Watatsumi Island's land is currently undergoing what is called sanctification, isn't it?"
The Shogun glanced at her small movements before lifting her gaze to meet Kokomi's eyes.
"That's correct."
Kokomi nodded without avoiding the topic.
"If the land is undergoing sanctification, then it cannot produce major crops. In other words, the agricultural products available on Narukami Island are absent on your island. So why describe it as resource-rich?"
She asked in return.
"That is true. However, when I say 'rich in resources,' I do not mean staple crops, but Watatsumi Island's specialty products. I dare say that Narukami Island cannot produce those at all. You would agree with that, wouldn't you?"
Kokomi replied calmly.
"That is reasonable. I cannot refute it."
She closed her eyes briefly in acknowledgment.
"And regarding the sanctification issue, we are doing everything we can to mitigate it."
"How long will that take?"
She opened her eyes again.
"...That, I'm not certain yet."
For the first time, Kokomi showed difficulty, clearly at a disadvantage. The soil problem was still causing them considerable trouble.
"Haa..."
She sighed, looking at the girl with a complicated expression.
"Mm..."
Kokomi lowered her eyes silently, unable to meet her gaze.
"How about this? Until you completely resolve the sanctification issue, I will have the Kamisato Clan oversee commercial trade. After the issue improves—or is resolved—I will adopt your proposal and allow Watatsumi Island to participate directly. Would that be acceptable?"
She proposed again.
"..."
Kokomi lowered her eyes, thinking for a moment. Then she looked up again, revealing a smile that was both helpless and faintly indulgent toward the person before her.
"Alright... I trust you, Shogun-sama."
She conceded. She knew she had reached a dead end and could not continue arguing. She also did not wish to fall out with the woman before her. Personal feelings played a role as well. Moreover, the other party had already been considerate in many ways. What more could she demand?
"Mm. You need not worry about supplies. I will have the Yashiro Commission periodically distribute essential agricultural resources to ensure your stability. Meanwhile, Watatsumi Island's specialty products can be used to conduct trade with Narukami Island, creating mutual benefit."
She said.
The Sakoku Decree had not yet been lifted. If it were lifted, maritime trade could reopen with Mondstadt, Liyue, and even Sumeru, allowing Watatsumi Island to grow even more prosperous. Perhaps she should discuss it with Ei later.
"Thank you. I agree."
Kokomi no longer argued. She was not someone who changed her stance lightly, and she nodded decisively.
Rustle~
They both picked up their pens and wrote this new condition into the blank space at the bottom of the page.
"Next is the issue of security."
"Alright, please go ahead."
Kokomi nodded patiently.
"To clarify beforehand, this condition was proposed by the Tenryou Commission. This body is merely... relaying it."
She explained.
"Pfft... I understand. Please speak directly."
Kokomi smiled faintly, amused, and nodded.
"The Tenryou Commission's request is... that Watatsumi Island's security forces return to their jurisdiction."
She said.
"Please inform them: for now, that is impossible."
Kokomi straightened, her expression turning slightly colder. Her gradient eyes sharpened, and even her tone lowered.
"I expected that. However, you understand this is not a long-term solution. Control over military forces will always be a major issue."
The Shogun nodded, frowning slightly as well.
"I know."
Kokomi replied.
"And if Inazuma is to be unified, Watatsumi Island cannot remain an exception indefinitely."
She continued.
"I have considered this issue. So I would like to slightly revise this condition. May I, Shogun-sama?"
"Go ahead."
She agreed.
"The original statement was 'Watatsumi Island's security forces must return to their jurisdiction.' I wish to modify the object of that sentence."
Kokomi looked at her seriously.
"The revised statement would be: 'Watatsumi Island's security forces will return to your jurisdiction, Raiden Shogun—to Inazuma itself.'"
She stated clearly.
"You mean—"
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"That's right. Although the Tenryou Commission oversees Inazuma's security, you, Shogun-sama, are the ruler of Inazuma. The Sangonomiya Army will not be absorbed by the Tenryou Commission, but we are willing to be led by you. We belong to you, to Inazuma—not to the Tenryou Commission. Is that acceptable?"
Kokomi leaned closer, looking at her seriously.
"Haa..."
She met her gaze. Those gradient eyes were unwaveringly firm.
"Very well... I accept. But why make such a decision?"
"Because I trust you. Because you are our current deity. Because you have shown us grace. It's as simple as that."
Kokomi replied with a tranquil smile.
"Is that your true intention?"
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Hehe... do you need me to swear it in blood again~?"
Kokomi asked with a gentle smile.
The Shogunate might be corrupt, but she firmly believed that the woman before her would never disappoint her. That was why she made this choice.
"Enough, it doesn't need to be so complicated. Since you trust me, I will trust you as well, Kokomi."
She shook her head slightly and returned a small smile to the stubborn girl before her.
"Mm. Thank you for your trust."
From now on, only two people could lead Sangonomiya: Sangonomiya Kokomi and the Raiden Shogun.
"Haa... next are the two most important points, and also the final two."
The Shogun stood up and walked around the room, stretching her legs.
Kokomi did not rise. She remained seated, quietly watching her back.
"This point may be difficult for you at present. It requires the people of Watatsumi Island to hold goodwill toward Narukami Island—to not be as rude, unreasonable, self-deceptive, and prone to reckless accusations as those few earlier."
With her back to Kokomi, she stood by the window with her arms crossed, gazing into the pitch-black night outside. The tip of her left foot rested lightly against the floor, leaning on the heel of her right foot, her legs standing one before the other.
"This... haa... I'm sorry, Shogun-sama. That may be very difficult."
Kokomi understood the thoughts of part of Watatsumi Island's people all too well.
"I know it's difficult. That's why it will require effort from both of us."
The Shogun said calmly without turning around.
"Eh? Both of us?"
Kokomi froze.
"Yes. Not only you—I must also give something in return. From now on, I will treat you the same as Narukami Island, regarding you as my most cherished people. I will protect you. Though Watatsumi Island lies far from Narukami Island... our hearts are connected. I will not abandon you."
This was also the fulfillment of Orobashi's wish—and her own.
"Shogun-sama..."
Kokomi slowly stood up and walked behind her in a daze, her eyes shimmering as she looked at her back.
"Kokomi, from now on I will meet with you openly in my identity as the Raiden Shogun, letting the people of Watatsumi Island see the relationship between us. And if you encounter difficulties you cannot resolve, you may inform me. I will come in person or send assistance, to show my love for you as a god—and to make my intentions clear."
She finally turned around and looked at the tranquil girl before her, who was now wearing a face full of gratitude and smiles.
"Shogun-sama, with those words from you... what more could we possibly ask for?"
Kokomi's eyes reddened slightly. The gentleness shown to her had already taken root deep in her heart.
"But in return, you must also do your part. You know what needs to be done, right?"
She shifted the topic.
"Yes. I will convey your intentions and your care for us to everyone."
Kokomi nodded.
"Finally... I want you to say the following words aloud—personally."
She stepped forward and stopped in front of Kokomi, taking the girl's hands into her own, lifting them slightly and holding them firmly as she met her gaze.
"Watatsumi Island belongs to Inazuma. It is an inseparable part of Inazuma."
She spoke each word clearly.
Kokomi returned the grip and stepped closer, warmly wrapping her arms around her. She leaned in and spoke softly into her ear.
"Watatsumi Island belongs to Inazuma. It is an inseparable part of Inazuma. We are all... your people."
Hearing those words by her ear, she smiled gently. She raised her arms and hugged the girl in return, speaking softly as well.
"Then it's settled. No changing your mind."
"I won't, Shogun-sama. In the name of my position as a living divine priestess, I swear it will never change."
Kokomi shook her head. Her fluffy pink hair brushed against the Shogun's neck, making it itch slightly.
"Alright... I believe you."
She replied.
"As for your subordinates..."
"I will guide their thinking afterward."
Kokomi understood her meaning immediately and answered without hesitation.
"Mm."
And so, the second discussion between Thunder and the Sleeping Dragon came to a perfect conclusion. The prepared documents from both sides now lay together on the table, fitting closely together—much like the two of them.
It was already late. The two beauties retired to bed.
Kokomi rose slightly from beneath the covers and tugged the thin cord beside her—
Click~
The room fell instantly into darkness. She slipped back under the covers and looked at the alluring woman sharing the same bed beside her. Their bodies were separated by only a few centimeters, close enough to feel each other's breath.
"..." ×2
For a time, neither spoke. They lay on their sides facing one another, gazing quietly.
Their long, silky hair—each a different color—had been freed from its ties, cascading over the pillows like waterfalls, intertwining with their shared fragrance.
"Shogun-sama..."
"Hm?"
"Would you like me to hold you?"
Kokomi leaned closer and whispered softly, her calf lightly brushing against the Shogun's knee, making her instinctively draw it back.
"...Mm///"
The woman nodded softly. Her flushed face made her look like a well-behaved little girl.
"Hehe... alright, I'll hold you~"
Kokomi's heart skipped a beat at her cuteness. She wrapped her arms around the woman's slender body and pulled her into her chest, protecting her like an older sister—even though the other was much older.
"...It went fairly smoothly."
Pressed against Kokomi's chest, she suddenly spoke in a muffled voice.
"Yes..."
Kokomi replied softly. Each of the Shogun's breaths made her chest tingle faintly, but it felt oddly comfortable—perhaps due to her warmth.
"I thought there might be some conflict."
"...There wouldn't be. If it came to that, I would have yielded."
Kokomi smiled faintly, lovingly stroking the beauty's hair.
"And to be honest, I never underestimated you in negotiations or social dealings. I prepared many times beforehand, but in the end... hehe... you still found the flaw."
She murmured softly while smoothing her hair.
"Pfft, feeling unwilling to accept it~?"
She lifted her gaze teasingly.
"Not at all. I trust you, and I trust Miss Kamisato as well. Even though I've never met her properly, I believe those around you are all remarkable people."
Kokomi shook her head.
"Would you like to meet her?"
The Shogun asked.
"Miss Kamisato?"
"Mm."
"I've thought about it, but it might be awkward."
Kokomi smiled.
"You're both my friends. Why would it be awkward?"
She asked, puzzled.
"Hehe... it's precisely because of that, Shogun-sama."
Kokomi explained gently.
"She wouldn't mind."
The Shogun thought for a moment before answering. Probably not.
"I know... but it still takes time, Shogun-sama..."
"Alright. As you wish."
She relented.
"..." ×2
They fell silent again. Unlike before, the atmosphere was now warm, without the slightest awkwardness.
Kokomi continued holding the woman in her arms, her chin resting lightly atop that fluffy head, breathing in her fragrance.
"Will tomorrow's plan go smoothly?"
The Shogun asked.
"It will... trust me, Shogun-sama."
Recalling the plan they had made before sleeping, Kokomi smiled confidently.
"Do you sleep like this when you're alone too?"
She asked again.
"No. When I'm alone, I don't sleep well. Sometimes I can't sleep at all. I usually read military texts until I'm tired enough. Last night was the most restful sleep I've had in days."
Kokomi replied helplessly.
"Energy +3?"
With a captivating smile, the Shogun teased her.
"Hehe, mm~ that's right. Energy +3."
Kokomi laughed and played along with her habit. After a long day, her eyes slowly drooped. Her voice softened, and even the hand stroking her hair gradually slowed.
"Go to sleep..."
Sensing her drowsiness, she whispered soothingly and nestled further into Kokomi's arms.
"Mm... you too... haa..."
Kokomi finally succumbed to sleep. Her eyes closed, and she murmured dreamlike words. Even so, when she felt the Shogun curl closer, her arms instinctively tightened around her.
"Dispel calamity... protect peace..."
"The war... is already... over... everything is... slowly... getting better... haa... Mother..."
Her murmurs faded, leaving only sweet, steady breathing and the gentle rise and fall of her chest.
"Haa... you call out for your mother in your dreams too. We really are a perfect match..."
Hearing this, she shook her head helplessly, then wrapped her arms around Kokomi's waist as well, closing her eyes in her embrace.
It seemed she wouldn't have nightmares tonight either—
Because there was someone holding her, making her feel at ease.