After hours of discussion, the two leaders finalized every point—from the territories under their respective garrisons to the framework for future exchanges—consolidating it all into a formal treaty.
Under normal circumstances, the matter would have ended with their signatures. But with Lora present, both Sara and Kokomi brought the completed document to her instead.
Lora, who had been resting with her eyes closed and idly letting her thoughts wander, was drawn back to the present. She blinked at them.
"Hm? What is it?"
They handed the treaty over.
"This is the agreement we've drafted concerning relations between the Shogunate and Watatsumi," Kokomi said. "We'd like you to review it."
"Why show it to me?" Lora asked, frowning slightly.
"You are a confidant of the Raiden Shogun—and a deity," Sara replied evenly. "Among those present, your standing is the highest. It is only fitting."
"I agree," Kokomi added. "If you find anything unsuitable, we can revisit it."
That's all?
They interrupted her rest for this?
She had expected something urgent.
Lora glanced at the thick stack of papers and suppressed a sigh.
"Very well. Let me see it."
The treaty was thorough and carefully structured. There was little for her to amend. Both Kokomi and Sara were experienced leaders, and their proposals reflected a clear understanding of Inazuma's present circumstances.
After skimming the document, Lora closed it and gave a small nod.
"No objections. You may sign."
With her present as witness, the agreement between the Shogunate and the resistance carried a weight beyond ink and parchment. Once sealed, it would not be easily overturned.
With the matter settled, Kokomi invited Lora to return to Watatsumi. Lora declined with a polite excuse, choosing instead to accompany Sara back toward Narukami Island.
On the way, Lora spoke from time to time, her thoughts drifting from topic to topic. Sara, never particularly skilled at small talk, struggled to follow and responded mostly with curt nods.
The moment they set foot on Narukami Island, however, a white-haired oni with a small stone bull at his side leapt out in front of them.
"Hahaha! Kujou Tengu! I've finally caught you today!"
He planted his hands on his hips, laughing boisterously.
"…That would be…" Lora took in the familiar outfit, the loud bravado, the unmistakable stone bull at his side. She didn't need an introduction.
"Just a nuisance. Pay him no attention," Sara said quickly.
"What do you mean 'nuisance'?" Arataki Itto fired back at once. "I am the first-generation leader of the Arataki Gang! Arataki Itto—the one and oni!"
Sara regarded him as though he had just proven her point.
"Come on, Kujou Tengu! Fight me!" Itto declared. "Last time you confiscated my Vision, I was off my game! Otherwise, there's no way I would've lost!"
"Miss Lora, I will deal with him. You may proceed to Tenshukaku," Sara said, offering a slight bow.
"Oh, no need," Lora replied lightly, smiling as she shook her head. "I rather enjoy this sort of spectacle."
In truth, she was curious to see how it would unfold.
As expected, Itto squared his shoulders and prepared to charge.
But just as he was about to charge, a green-haired ninja in a mask darted in and blocked his path.
"Boss! You started another fight while I wasn't around?!"
"Eh? Shinobu—well, I…" Itto scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "At least don't call me out in public like that…"
"Boss."
Kuki Shinobu's tone sharpened.
"Okay, okay! I was wrong…"
She let out a quiet sigh before turning and bowing to Lora and Sara.
"My apologies. I failed to restrain my boss and caused you inconvenience."
"It's nothing," Sara replied, then added firmly, "But this isn't the first time. You truly need to keep him in check. This time he didn't merely provoke me—he nearly offended a deity from another nation."
"Kujou, that's enough," Lora cut in at once.
Sara paused, then seemed to realize her mistake. She cleared her throat.
"Yes. Miss Lora is… not a foreign deity. Please do not misunderstand."
"…Right."
An awkward silence followed.
That somehow sounded worse.
Lora sighed inwardly. Sara's conversational skills were rivaling those of a certain overly earnest shrine maiden.
Shinobu quickly bowed again, lowering herself even further.
"My deepest apologies, Miss Lora. My boss acted without thinking. I will make sure this does not happen again."
"My deepest apologies—deity—no, Miss Lora. My boss has caused you trouble. I assure you, I'll discipline him properly when we return. This won't happen again."
Honestly, I was hoping they'd fight.
The thought crossed Lora's mind, but she only offered a mild smile.
"It's fine. I won't hold it against you. After all, your boss isn't particularly bright. You must have a difficult time."
"Hey! I heard that!" Itto shot upright. "You just said—"
Before he could finish, Shinobu seized him by the collar and began dragging him away.
"We'll be taking our leave. We won't trouble you any further!"
As the two disappeared down the path, Lora could only think what a shame it was.
Sara released a quiet breath.
"Miss Lora, I must return to the Tenryou Commission. As you're aware, affairs there have been… complicated of late. I'll take my leave."
"Very well."
After Sara departed, Lora turned toward the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Since their earlier conversation, Ei no longer secluded herself within Tenshukaku at all times.
When Lora reached the shrine, a purple-haired woman with the gentle air of a housewife hurried toward her.
"You're back!"