Chapter 399: Sangonomiya Kokomi

Sangonomiya Kokomi, the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island and the leader of the resistance army, possesses a Hydro Vision and considerable strength.

At first glance, the resistance army appears formidable, but in reality, it's a mixed bag. While there are likely many Vision holders among them, the truly outstanding individuals are probably just Kokomi and Gorou.

The reason the resistance army has been able to hold its own against the Shogunate forces is simply because Narukami Island hasn't fully mobilized its war potential. Ancient texts from the Grand Narukami Shrine reveal that in the past, during full-scale wars in Inazuma, the Shogun would lead the charge at the forefront, with the Tri-Commission's soldiers following closely behind, supported by the shrine maidens of the Grand Narukami Shrine.

The resistance army is only fighting against the Tenryou Commission.

However, Li Mo wouldn't underestimate Kokomi. In the original story, her military prowess might have seemed limited, but that was due to the constraints of the narrative's scope. In reality, at the very least, Kokomi's organizational skills are top-notch.

The resistance army has been locked in a stalemate with the Shogunate forces for so long, yet their morale remains stable, and they haven't collapsed upon entering the battlefield.

But as for this Nathan situation...

"Are you from the Grand Narukami Shrine? I am Sangonomiya Kokomi, the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island."

"Li Mo, a priest from the Grand Narukami Shrine. I'm from Liyue," Li Mo introduced himself after a brief pause.

Kokomi nodded slightly and said, "Please follow me, honored guest."

"Lady Sangonomiya..." Gorou seemed about to say something, but Kokomi waved him off.

The two entered the command tent. Inside, several soldiers were present, seemingly having just discussed tactics.

"Honored guest, you've been handling matters on Yashiori Island recently. What brings you to our camp?" Kokomi personally poured tea, its fragrance filling the air.

Li Mo replied, "For hundreds of years, Yashiori Island has been relatively peaceful, its harsh environment still tolerable for survival. But not long ago, someone disturbed the remains of the Serpent God, and the resulting Tatarigami began to corrode the land. Lady Sangonomiya, you must be aware of this, right?"

"Of course. Are you suggesting that the situation on Yashiori Island is man-made?"

"Exactly. After investigation, it's clear that the wards were deliberately destroyed."

"Are you implying that our army is responsible?" Kokomi quickly grasped his meaning.

The two sides had coexisted peacefully for years, and Kokomi understood that the Grand Narukami Shrine and the Yashiro Commission stood together, while the resistance army also had covert dealings with the Yashiro Commission.

Not everyone in the Tri-Commission supported the Vision Hunt Decree.

Based on this, it was clear that the Grand Narukami Shrine wouldn't engage with them without evidence, nor would they point fingers without proof.

This series of statements almost directly accused her.

Kokomi recalled a squad that had mysteriously disappeared. She had considered the possibility of desertion or conflict with other forces, such as pirates or the Fatui. But... there had been no trace of them. They had deliberately erased their tracks, as if executing some secret mission.

Could it be...?

As doubts arose in her mind, Li Mo provided the answer. He presented evidence and handed it to Kokomi: "I believe Lady Sangonomiya will understand the full story after seeing this."

Kokomi's complex thoughts didn't show on her face. She accepted the diary and began to read. As she did, her expression remained calm, as if she had everything under control and wasn't swayed by the information.

Looking up, Kokomi said, "Gorou, please detain Nathan and bring him here."

"Detain."

Gorou was momentarily stunned, understanding the weight of the word, but quickly replied, "Understood," and left without further questions.

As for the others... they all silently accepted the action. Did they all truly respect Kokomi so much?

Was she that revered?

Li Mo knew that using such a term for a young woman like Kokomi might be inappropriate, but it was the most fitting word he could think of.

"If this was the action of our army, I apologize for the situation on Yashiori Island. It was due to my poor management," Kokomi bowed in apology. "But may I ask, where is that squad now?"

Li Mo replied, "The incident didn't cause severe consequences. We can let it go, and the friendship between our sides won't be affected. As for that squad, I'm sorry to say they were already dead when we arrived."

He answered Kokomi calmly, as the conversation between the two now represented not just themselves but also the Grand Narukami Shrine and the resistance army.

Their discussion was a dialogue between two factions. The situation in Inazuma couldn't afford further conflict between them.

Li Mo disliked trouble. He could afford to be reckless, but he still needed to maintain a balance between the two sides. He couldn't just slaughter everyone on Watatsumi Island after a conflict, could he?

He wasn't some bloodthirsty murderer.

"I hope to retrieve their bodies."

"Of course, Lady Sangonomiya may send a team to collect them. But I hope the number won't be too large."

"Agreed."

The two reached an agreement on this matter.

For now, Li Mo's task was complete. He only needed to wait for Nathan to arrive, understand his motives, and prevent further destruction of the wards.

Before Gorou returned with Nathan, Li Mo sipped his tea and asked, "I heard a traveler named Lumine has joined your resistance army. Is that true?"

"Yes, she is currently serving as a captain on Watatsumi Island. Why do you ask?"

"For her assistance in repairing the Sacred Sakura and helping in Tatarasuna, we are grateful. Please convey to her that if she needs help, she is welcome to seek it at the Grand Narukami Shrine."

"I will pass on the message."

As soon as she finished speaking, Gorou arrived with Nathan. The soldier, who lacked a Vision, was easily restrained by Gorou.

According to Kokomi, Nathan was from Mondstadt and had joined the resistance army out of disdain for the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree, which he believed oppressed the people of Inazuma. As a Mondstadter, he believed in freedom.

This was Nathan's explanation when he joined the resistance. Kokomi merely repeated it, and logically, it made sense. Mondstadt was the city of freedom, so free that its Archon had been an absentee ruler for most of his life.

But people can lie. Unlike the Trisolarans, humans are capable of deceit. After Li Mo used a series of spells, Nathan confessed the truth: he was actually a Fatui agent, and destroying the wards was under orders from the Fatui.

What followed was easier to handle. Nathan was detained by the resistance army. Li Mo had gotten the answers he needed and could now report back to Yae Miko. With that, he left Fujitou Fortress.

Gorou watched him leave and then asked, "Lady Sangonomiya, do you truly trust him?"

"I recall that the handwriting in the diary wasn't forged. Moreover, there are witnesses who saw Nathan frequently interacting with the missing squad before their disappearance," Kokomi said. "I didn't want this to be the answer, but the facts speak for themselves. Gorou, spread the truth. Also, select a team to go to Kujou Village and retrieve the bodies. At the very least, let them be buried in their homeland."

"Understood."

After Gorou and the other soldiers left, Kokomi stood alone, staring at the sand table. The war between the resistance army and the Shogunate forces was at a stalemate. It seemed the Tenryou Commission wasn't satisfied with the current state and was planning to send Kujou Sara to the front lines...

She had to consider every possibility and devise strategies for each...

Kokomi didn't consider herself a genius. She simply excelled at using exhaustive methods to solve problems.

When would this war come to an end?

During her moments of rest, she often asked herself this question. But the answer remained elusive...