Chapter 424: News

The location of Watatsumi Island is actually quite favorable, being relatively close to both Liyue Harbor and Sumeru's Port Ormos in terms of straight-line distance. If maritime trade were to be developed, it would be far better than Ritou.

Kokomi, the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, has long been troubled by the island's poverty and has certainly considered such possibilities. However, while Watatsumi Island's geographical location is advantageous, it lacks a suitable place to serve as a port for handling goods.

After the Sakoku Decree and the Vision Hunt Decree were enacted, Kokomi no longer had to think about this issue and instead devoted herself entirely to managing the war.

War isn't something that can be waged on a whim. First, suitable commanders must be selected, soldiers must be organized and sent to the front lines, and new recruits must be trained as reserves. Supplies must be transported from the rear to the front, and food, weapons, and other resources must be secured in the rear.

Watatsumi Island exists outside the Inazuman system. In the past, its trade mostly involved selling textiles and purchasing food. As for weapons and metals, the Inazuma Shogunate rarely sold them to Watatsumi Island. Fortunately, Watatsumi Island does have metal deposits, but its weapon-making craftsmanship falls short of the skilled artisans of Tatarasuna in Inazuma.

Moreover, due to the war, Watatsumi Island's food trade was cut off. Combined with the impact on fishing, resource shortages were inevitable. The supplies Kokomi managed to extort from the Fatui and the assistance from the Yashiro Commission were nothing more than a drop in the bucket, barely enough for her to patch things together.

After finishing the day's official duties and barely catching her breath, Kokomi saw a shrine maiden enter and inform her that the captain of her "Swordfish II" squad had returned from completing a mission to eliminate rogue samurai.

There was still no time to rest.

She instructed the shrine maiden to summon the Traveler and let out a slight sigh.

Now was not the time for rest.

Before long, Kokomi saw the golden-haired Traveler enter, accompanied by a small floating companion.

"Kokomi, Kokomi, we've completed the mission you gave us. We caught all the bad guys," Paimon said cheerfully.

"Thank you for your hard work, Paimon, Traveler. You can rest for a while now. I'll assign you more work later," Kokomi replied.

"Yay, we can finally rest!" Paimon exclaimed, raising her hands in excitement.

Lumine nodded gently and said, "We'll take a break for now."

"Lady Kokomi!"

"What's the matter? Why the rush?" Kokomi looked up to see a soldier hurrying over.

"General Gorou has sent an urgent message!"

"Oh?"

Kokomi accepted the letter, which was still sealed. The mark on it indicated it was of the highest urgency, a system she had established herself.

After reading the contents of the letter, Kokomi's expression turned serious.

"Did something happen, Kokomi?" Paimon asked, noticing the change in Kokomi's demeanor.

"I think we need to head to Yashiori Island immediately. Traveler, Paimon, I'm afraid the rest I promised you will have to wait."

"Eh? Kokomi, has the front line collapsed?" Paimon asked, her eyes widening in shock.

Even Lumine spoke up, "Has it really gotten that bad?"

"No, it's not bad news. It's good news. Gorou's message says… the war is over. The Shogun has issued an order to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree."

"Wait—what? Why would she just abolish it like that?" Paimon asked, confused.

"That's exactly why we need to go to Fort Fujitou immediately. We need to contact the Yashiro Commission and understand the full story."

Lumine nodded. "Then let's set off."

"Alright."

As the supreme leader of Watatsumi Island, once Kokomi made a decision, no one would oppose it.

If the war were truly over, it would undoubtedly be good news for Watatsumi Island.

The island's weak economy had been a constant headache for Kokomi.

From a logistical perspective, this was a war that could not be won.

From every angle, this news was positive. The only concern was… the thoughts and feelings of the soldiers. But dealing with that would still be far simpler than continuing the war.

Fort Fujitou, the rebel army's headquarters.

After a journey by sea, Kokomi arrived and met with Gorou.

She invited the Traveler to join them at the headquarters to listen to Gorou's report.

"After the news spread, we ceased hostilities with the Shogunate forces. There were some disagreements within the army, but I managed to calm them down. However, my authority isn't enough to fully resolve the soldiers' concerns. We'll need your help, Lady Kokomi."

"I understand the issue, and I'll handle it when the time comes. What's more important is why the Shogunate announced a ceasefire and why the Raiden Shogun chose to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree," Kokomi said.

A ceasefire was an acceptable outcome, but the reason behind it was more important. Who had changed the Raiden Shogun's mind? This was the information Watatsumi Island needed.

Even though the people of Watatsumi Island did not worship the Narukami, they had to acknowledge that Watatsumi Island was still part of Inazuma under the rule of the Shogun.

As the leader, Kokomi understood this all too well. In truth, the rebellion had been a last resort. The Sakoku Decree had dealt a heavy blow to Watatsumi Island, and the Vision Hunt Decree had been the final straw—the Tenryou Commission would not station troops on Watatsumi Island, and the people of Watatsumi would not accept this outcome.

Watatsumi Island needed the strength to protect itself from the constant threat of monsters like Hilichurls and Whopperflowers.

Thus, the war had broken out. Understanding the cause of the war also meant understanding the reason for its end.

Why had the Shogun's will changed?

Gorou paused for a moment before speaking. "Lady Kokomi, this reason might sound unbelievable, but… a few days ago, someone challenged the Raiden Shogun to a duel before the throne. The result was that Tenshukaku was destroyed, and the Shogun announced the abolition of the Vision Hunt Decree."

"Wait, you're saying someone changed the Shogun's mind through a duel before the throne…?"

"Yes, Lady Kokomi."

Gorou nodded solemnly.

No one understood the Shogun's power better than the people of Watatsumi Island. Their god, the Great Serpent Orobashi, had fallen to the Shogun's "Musou no Hitotachi."

The idea that someone could change the Shogun's will by challenging her to a duel was something Kokomi had never considered.

She then asked, "Has the Yashiro Commission sent anyone?"

"Yes. This information came from the Yashiro Commission. Also, Traveler, they've been asking about your whereabouts," Gorou said.

Paimon clapped her hands and said to Lumine, "Lumine, do you think Ayaka is looking for us?"

"Probably," Lumine replied.

Kokomi said, "Traveler, thank you for your help these past few days. Since the war is confirmed to be over, you are free to go wherever you wish. If you have time in the future, feel free to visit me."

"We'll definitely come visit you, Kokomi!" Paimon said.

Lumine nodded.

The two of them left the room and, guided by the soldiers, went to find the envoy from the Yashiro Commission. Shortly after, they boarded a ship bound for Narukami Island.