"Whatever their purpose may be, at least on this point, we are aligned."
"Let's consider them as an ally who prefers to remain anonymous."
Kokomi pondered for a moment, then looked at the group and explained.
"Could it be the Fatui?"
"Would they be so kind?"
The Traveler touched her chin, frowning as she looked at Kokomi.
"The Fatui?"
"Although I don't know who they are, the supplies themselves are indeed quite normal."
Kokomi explained to The Traveler.
"Of course, we can't completely let our guard down."
"If you discover anything unusual, please report it to me immediately."
Kokomi frowned as she looked at the group.
Because she also didn't believe the Fatui would be so benevolent.
"Sangonomiya-sama, does this mean the food at the front lines will improve?"
"The other day, I visited the field hospital, and those guys were clamoring for grilled meat."
Teppei asked Kokomi with a smile.
"Hehe... don't worry, I've already arranged it."
"Grilled meat in abundance, but still no alcohol allowed."
Kokomi smiled at Teppei.
"That's great!"
Teppei nodded happily upon hearing that the wounded could have grilled meat.
"It's been hard on all of you. Since the Vision Hunt Decree was issued and we rose in resistance."
"The food in our military has rarely changed."
Kokomi spoke with a hint of guilt as she looked at Teppei.
"When will the Vision Hunt Decree end?"
Paimon asked Kokomi with confusion.
"That question... I don't have an answer either."
"The issuance of the Vision Hunt Decree was strange to begin with. The attitudes of both the Tenryou Commission and Her Excellency the Shogun have been rather peculiar."
Kokomi looked at the group with puzzlement.
"The Tenryou Commission suddenly became extremely supportive of the Vision Hunt Decree."
"And Her Excellency the Shogun seems to turn a blind eye to the war brought about by the decree..."
Kokomi sighed, speaking with confusion.
"Could it be, as Qiu Bai said."
"The Raiden Shogun herself knows nothing about this?"
Paimon spread her hands, looking at The Traveler beside her.
"Her Excellency doesn't know..."
"But wasn't Her Excellency participating in the Vision Hunt Decree ceremony not long ago?"
Kokomi looked at Paimon with confusion.
"No, nothing."
Paimon quickly waved her hands at Kokomi.
How could they let the people of Inazuma know that what had been governing Inazuma for so long was actually a puppet?
"Traveler, I want to confirm something now."
"After understanding the current situation of Watatsumi Island and the resistance, are you still willing to fight alongside us?"
Kokomi asked The Traveler who stood beside Qiu Bai.
"I won't give up."
The Traveler nodded firmly.
She had seen those whose Visions had been taken away, their expressions and demeanor.
The death and cruelty brought by war—that's why she wanted the war to end quickly.
"Good. Then now, I officially announce your appointment..."
"From now on, you will be promoted to the captain of the Swordfish II, a special operations unit of Watatsumi Island."
Kokomi nodded as she spoke to The Traveler.
"Swordfish II?"
"That's indeed Kokomi naming style."
Qiu Bai thought to himself upon hearing this designation.
"S-S-S-Swordfish II?"
"Is that the special operations unit bearing the name of swordfish that I know?!"
Teppei exclaimed in surprise, looking at Kokomi.
"It's hard enough for me just to get into the special unit."
"To become the captain in one go... that's incredible!"
Teppei looked at The Traveler beside him with envy.
The Traveler now stood proudly with her hands on her hips, looking at Teppei.
"Although this is an exceptional appointment, I believe with your wisdom, courage, and strength."
"You can lead this team to victory."
Kokomi smiled and nodded at The Traveler.
"Hooray!"
"So when do we start our duties?"
Paimon clapped her small hands excitedly, looking at Kokomi.
"Swordfish II is currently stationed in the valley at the Western end of the island, awaiting orders."
"Recently, some ronin have been causing trouble, and we need a special operations team to stabilize the rear."
Kokomi said to The Traveler.
"I've already written the commission letter. Just show it to them and you'll be fine."
"Please help clear out those ronin as well."
Kokomi crossed her arms against her chest, smiling as she explained to The Traveler.
"Then, what about me?"
"Sangonomiya-sama, do you have any operations that need me?"
Teppei quickly asked Kokomi.
"I also want to contribute to the resistance!"
Teppei covered his chest with one hand, smiling.
"Of course there is. In a moment, I'll arrange something for you as well."
Kokomi smiled and nodded at the spirited Teppei.
"I'll definitely complete the mission!"
"Hehe, Traveler, although you've become the captain of Swordfish II, I won't lose to you."
Teppei smiled at The Traveler beside him.
"Alright, be careful and don't push yourself too hard."
Paimon looked at the spirited Teppei with some concern.
"Wait, what about Qiu Bai?"
"Sangonomiya-sama, what will Mr. Qiu Bai be doing?"
Teppei looked at Qiu Bai beside him, then at Kokomi, with confusion.
"Yeah, what will Qiu Bai be doing?"
Paimon asked, looking at Qiu Bai beside her with curiosity.
"Hmm... Mr. Qiu Bai..."
"I have some things I'd like to discuss with Mr. Qiu Bai."
Kokomi thought for a moment, then explained as she looked at Qiu Bai.
"Alright, then let's head out."
"Traveler!"
Paimon nodded with a smile, then followed The Traveler toward the location Kokomi had mentioned.
Kokomi also told Teppei what she needed him to do, and after a while, Teppei left as well.
"Mr. Qiu Bai, would you mind taking a walk with me?"
Kokomi smiled at Qiu Bai.
"Hehe, of course."
Qiu Bai nodded with a smile, not refusing.
"Thank you."
Kokomi smiled upon hearing this.
The two then walked along the streets of Watatsumi Island.
With the village and houses standing tall, Qiu Bai and Kokomi walked along the street.
"Actually, in the earliest times."
"The shrine of Watatsumi Island wasn't at Sangonomiya, but elsewhere."
Kokomi smiled as she looked at Qiu Bai beside her.
"It was close to the Statue of The Seven on Watatsumi Island."
"At that time, although Watatsumi Island didn't revere the Shogun as much as the Shogunate forces did, we still acknowledged her existence."
Kokomi turned her head to look down at Watatsumi Island, murmuring.
"But after that one strike fell, cutting down the god who protected our Watatsumi Island."
"The original shrine was abandoned."
Kokomi continued speaking. Qiu Bai simply stood beside her, quietly listening to her recounting of past events.
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Now you can read 30 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)