Chapter 197

The girl whose chin he had gently lifted stared blankly at Akio, her heart in turmoil.

"In truth, even I must admit that the Sakoku Decree was perhaps the Shogun's greatest mistake," Akio said quietly. "But you cannot deny her love for her people."

"You started a war, plunging relations between the Shogunate and Watatsumi Island into an icy abyss. And if I'm not mistaken, even now there are those on Watatsumi who still wish to stir up trouble, aren't there?" Akio smiled faintly.

"…" Kokomi sighed softly, nodding. Of course, she was aware of certain individuals harboring such intentions. However, with the Tenryou Commission's troops now stationed on Watatsumi Island, those restless ambitions had quieted considerably.

"You raised your banners in rebellion, claiming to liberate the people from the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees, declaring war against the Raiden Shogun's nation under the pretense that you do not worship her. Do you truly believe that makes you righteous?" Akio's voice was calm but piercing.

"But all we wanted was a better life for our people on Watatsumi Island," Kokomi shook her head weakly, trying to justify her actions.

"Really now?" Akio scoffed lightly.

"You label yourselves as righteous, branding the Shogun's misguided decrees as evil that shackles the people's hearts," Akio continued, his tone growing sharper. "Yet what gives you the right to raise your banners against the Shogun and Inazuma?"

"Hundreds of years ago, Orobashi learned forbidden knowledge, knowing full well it meant his inevitable demise. For your sake, he chose to invade Inazuma. From that very moment, your people became invaders." Akio spoke calmly, but his words weighed heavily on Kokomi's heart.

"In the battle against Orobashi, the Shogun's dear friend, the great Tengu general Sasayuri, lost his life," Akio continued. "Have you ever stopped to think why Sasayuri had to die?"

"To protect this land? To safeguard his home and people? Tell me, was Sasayuri's death justified?"

"Tell me, was Orobashi's death unjustified?"

"You resent the Shogun for killing Orobashi, yet it was Orobashi who invaded Inazuma, who killed Sasayuri. By every measure of logic and morality, what right do you have to hate the Shogun?"

"Your so-called justice and righteousness—how laughable it is."

"A group of invaders who killed the guardian of this land, yet still dare to proclaim yourselves righteous?" Akio stared into Kokomi's eyes. "Answer me, Sangonomiya Kokomi—is this your sense of justice?"

"…" Kokomi's face turned pale. She shook her head, eyes filled with despair. She had never truly known this part of history.

"Heh, you're merely hypocrites," Akio showed no mercy, pressing further. "You act solely for your own interests, yet place yourselves atop a moral high ground, pointing fingers at the Shogun from your supposed heights of justice."

"Indeed, the Shogun's decrees severely impacted the people of Watatsumi, already impoverished as they were. But have you ever considered that since you do not worship the Shogun, is she obligated to consider your welfare?" Akio said coldly. "She accepted you, granting you the highest degree of autonomy, yet deep down, you never saw yourselves as her people."

"Am I wrong?" Akio asked, observing Kokomi's pale expression.

"…" Kokomi nodded weakly. Indeed, they had always considered themselves the people of the Great God of Watatsumi, never truly subjects of the Raiden Shogun.

"There you have it," Akio scoffed. "You shamelessly enjoyed the land and protection provided by Inazuma and the Shogun, yet now you commit such acts… How should I put it?"

"Tell me, if you knew all along that you didn't belong to Inazuma, weren't subjects of the Shogun, then when she issued the Sakoku Decree—when life on Watatsumi became unbearable—why didn't you simply return to Enkanomiya?" Akio asked bluntly.

"Isn't Enkanomiya your ancestral homeland? If you dislike the Shogun so much, why didn't you just go back? It's simple, isn't it? Returning to Enkanomiya would mean no Sakoku Decree, no Vision Hunt Decree. Wouldn't that be perfect?" Akio raised an eyebrow. "So why didn't you do that?"

"We…" Kokomi faltered. She didn't know how to respond. Yes, if they'd returned to Enkanomiya, perhaps none of these conflicts would have happened.

But it wasn't that simple—Enkanomiya was utterly unsuitable for human life!

"Heh…" Akio interrupted Kokomi before she could say anything more, his laughter full of mockery. He rose and walked to the window, watching the Sacred Sakura blossoms drifting gently in the breeze.

"I know exactly what you want to say. Enkanomiya isn't suitable for humans. You can't even see the warmth of the sun." Akio reached out, allowing warm sunlight to bathe his slender, fair fingers.

"'I could have endured the darkness, had I never seen the light,'" Akio murmured softly, turning around to look at Kokomi. Sunlight illuminated his profile gently.

"But let me remind you of one thing—never forget who granted you the sunlight you now enjoy, and whose consent allowed you to bask beneath it."

Kokomi trembled, speechless. Akio's words left her utterly defenseless, striking her deeply and profoundly.

She could no longer hold back her tears, which silently streamed down her cheeks, dropping onto the floor like glittering pearls.

"Do you even realize how many soldiers the Shogunate lost in your so-called 'war of justice'?" Akio continued relentlessly.

"You repeatedly called them 'dogs of the Shogunate'—I remember clearly." Akio's voice was cold. "You were invaders; they were defenders. You seized Inazuma's resources, while they defended their homeland. And yet you call them dogs?"

"They sacrificed themselves for their country. From Inazuma's perspective, they are heroes worthy of remembrance—not the dogs you claim them to be."

"Kokomi, I've said all this not to lecture you, nor to force you into worshipping the Shogun. Frankly, the Shogun doesn't lack your small island's faith," Akio sighed softly. "I merely want you to understand clearly that the sunlight you now enjoy was never something granted by your Great God of Watatsumi."

"Of course, I'm not saying you should be driven away either. Regarding your reason for coming here, I will accompany you back to Watatsumi Island soon and help you resolve the issue of Soil Degradation," Akio said quietly.

"I've never really enjoyed persuading others through logic alone. However, now that I have become the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven, I sincerely hope Watatsumi Island and Inazuma can truly become one, letting go of past grievances and ceasing further conflicts."

"In any case, Inazuma has accepted you. The Shogun and I both wish to see you live in peace, rather than constantly plotting and scheming. Understood? This time, the Shogun has forgiven your transgressions, so please, don't attempt to provoke the gods again." Akio concluded softly. "I've said enough. Think carefully about my words."

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