Orobashi launched its assault.
As fellow gods, Makoto and Ei immediately sensed the looming danger.
They left Narukami Island without hesitation.
They intercepted the rampaging Orobashi right at Yashiori Island.
In this battle, there wasn't even room for the three great families to get involved.
Ei faced it alone.
She dared to confront the colossal serpent, its body as massive as half an island.
Unfortunately, the fight didn't yield a clear victor.
Orobashi was stunned by Ei's terrifying combat prowess.
And with Makoto, a god of unknown strength, smiling and watching from the sidelines, Orobashi didn't dare prolong the entanglement, fearing she might join the fray.
By the time Lin Mo and the others led the three families to the scene, Orobashi had already fled in disarray with its followers.
"That... that was incredible..."
Kitsune Saiguu stared at the remnants of the battle.
Even if she joined the fight in her fox form, she couldn't have caused such devastating destruction.
As a fox spirit and the top fighter among Narukami Island's three great families, she figured her strength was probably only about a fifth of Ei's.
"Ei is truly powerful," Lin Mo nodded with a smile beside her.
After all, Ei would one day have the might to split an island in two and slay Orobashi in an instant.
"Looks like our worries were unfounded..." Chiyo let out a wry smile.
With Ei's level of power, overturning all of Narukami Island—or even seizing control—would be child's play.
"Instead of fretting about a takeover," she continued, "why not just hand over the reins?"
"With gods managing Narukami Island... we could finally take it easy..."
As the current supreme administrator of Narukami Island, Kitsune Saiguu made her decision on the spot.
It wasn't so much about inviting Makoto and Ei into the fold as it was about pledging loyalty to the divine sisters.
At that moment, Makoto approached the group with a gentle smile. "Hm? What are you all discussing? Mind sharing with me?"
"Nothing much," Lin Mo shook his head, smiling. "We owe you our thanks this time. Without you two, Narukami Island would have been in real peril."
"It's only natural," Makoto replied, glancing at everyone with a matter-of-fact expression. "Now that we're part of Narukami Island, of course we'll protect this home."
Kitsune Saiguu stepped forward. "Makoto, I have a bold request."
"As long as it's for Narukami Island, I'll do everything in my power," Makoto generously responded.
Kitsune Saiguu didn't speak right away.
Instead, she looked toward Chiyo and Lin Mo.
After getting nods from both, she turned to Makoto with a serious expression.
"I hope..."
"That you and Ei, as gods,"
"Can rule above the three clans and govern this land of Narukami Island."
Makoto was taken aback by the request.
The next moment, a troubled look crossed her face. "But..."
She spoke softly, her gaze shifting to Lin Mo as she added with a hint of distress, "I promised Sasayuri before that I'd only live peacefully on Narukami Island... I wouldn't meddle in matters of power or the people's faith."
"But only if you step in will Narukami Island thrive," Kitsune Saiguu said firmly.
"The threat from Orobashi's remnants hasn't been fully erased."
"And who knows what other gods might invade in the future."
"Only with you, a god, standing at the pinnacle of Narukami Island,"
"Can we deter petty threats."
"And turn Narukami Island into an eternal paradise."
Makoto fell silent.
Indeed, Kitsune Saiguu made a compelling point.
As the wars intensified, more and more gods would surely flee the mainland.
They'd cross the seas to the outer realms.
If they discovered this haven and learned that Narukami Island was merely a utopia governed by the three clans united,
Future conflicts might plague the island endlessly.
But if word spread that two divine beings commanded the three clans and held dominion over Narukami Island,
That kind of deterrence would keep defeated gods from harboring ill intentions, saving everyone a lot of trouble in the long run.
Yet...
Because of the promise she'd made three months ago,
Raiden Makoto didn't dare agree rashly.
She instinctively turned her gaze to Lin Mo, seeking his opinion.
"Have the people build you a mansion in Inazuma City," Lin Mo suggested with a smile. "That way, it'll be convenient for you to manage the populace and handle the island's affairs."
"You... you're determined to keep me busy, aren't you..." Makoto shook her head with a bitter smile.
She'd thought she was coming to a paradise for a leisurely life.
Little did she know... she'd been pulled into the thick of it.
In just one month,
The Inazuma Shogunate was completed at the highest point in Inazuma City.
And through the massive construction efforts, the people learned that two gods had come to safeguard this beautiful island.
Now, in the Tenshukaku,
Makoto and Lin Mo stood side by side on the balcony, overlooking the entire Inazuma City.
Over the past few months,
Makoto had realized that being the administrator of Narukami Island was exhausting.
Externally, there were disputes between the followers of Watatsumi Island and Narukami Island over resources.
Internally, the everyday issues of the island's inhabitants.
And from the looks of it, the three great families were planning to fully relinquish control.
"Sasayuri... Inazuma has no shortage of headaches..."
Makoto couldn't help but say with a wry smile.
"With your wisdom, Lady Makoto, these troubles are nothing you can't handle," Lin Mo replied with a faint smile.
Clearly, he had no intention of helping.
After all...
None of the leaders of the three great families were proper administrators.
Managing Narukami Island?
That was far less appealing than gathering under the Sacred Sakura for picnics and card games.
Each of them was only responsible for the long-term stability of their own clans.
The lives of ordinary people?
They didn't really care much about that.
Makoto shot Lin Mo a sideways glance at his smug expression.
How could she let him off the hook?
"No way. You're the one who dragged me into this."
"You have to report to the Tenshukaku every day and help me manage Narukami Island~"
"No thanks~"
Lin Mo refused immediately, putting on a shameless grin. "I'm the Great General of the Tengu Clan from Mt. Yougou. Fighting? Sure. Management? Not my thing."
"This is a divine decree~"
"And as the supreme ruler of Narukami Island, this is my first command!"
"I, Raiden Makoto, order Sasayuri to become my assistant and aid me in governing Narukami Island!"
"You..."
Lin Mo's face showed a hint of reluctance.
With Raiden Makoto pulling rank like this, it was hard for him to refuse.
He couldn't very well elevate her to this position and then ignore her very first order, could he?
"Fine, fine. Starting tomorrow, I'll clock in at your side, okay~?"
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T/N:
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