The Watatsumi forces are the ones who believe in Sangonomiya Kokomi the most.
Even though the popularity of Battousai Himura Kenshin once overshadowed her title as Divine Priestess, in times of crisis, everyone would undoubtedly think of Sangonomiya Kokomi first—not Battousai.
Battousai is merely a spiritual symbol, while Sangonomiya Kokomi is their true hope.
In the war between the resistance and the Shogunate, Watatsumi Island holds no advantage in manpower or resources. It is only thanks to the various tactics deployed by Sangonomiya Kokomi that they have repeatedly turned danger into safety. With incredible efficiency, she has managed everything in perfect order.
As for Sangonomiya Kokomi, she usually appears in three places.
First is the Divine Priestess's residence, Sangonomiya—where she often stays and handles official business.
Second is Bourou Village. Though she claims to be bad at dealing with people, since she has taken on the role of Divine Priestess, she fulfills her duties wholeheartedly. Thus, it's common for her to come here to mediate daily conflicts among the villagers or disputes within the military camp.
Third is a secret cave somewhere west of Watatsumi Island. Only Sangonomiya Kokomi knows of this place—it's where she rests when she's "low on energy." Filled with all kinds of military strategy books and light novels, it's her only sanctuary.
Hmm... if you could corner her here, you might be able to do some... interesting things.
But don't think that Sangonomiya Kokomi handling so many affairs single-handedly is a good thing.
Consider Liyue's official system—it has strict divisions, from the Huishan Hall for mining, the Yinyuan Hall for salt trade, the Heji Hall for law, to the Shenglu Hall Pavilion for culture.
The Qixing and Eight Offices each play their part, managing the nation with impeccable order.
Moreover, beneath the Qixing and Eight Offices are various departments, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs. That Liyue has stood firm in Teyvat for millennia is not only due to Rex Lapis's protection... but also its own flawless administrative system.
Even Inazuma across the sea has its official organizations, including the Tri-Commission, managing rites, military affairs, and finances with clear divisions.
The last leader as overworked as Sangonomiya Kokomi, in Bai Luo's memory, was Acting Grand Master Jean of Mondstadt.
Hmm... the Grand Master seems to have gone on an expedition recently, so she should now be called the Acting Grand Master.
Looking at it this way, our Divine Priestess is truly capable. To exploit such a lovely leader like this—the Watatsumi forces are truly excessive.
As for the arrival of Beidou and her group, Sangonomiya Kokomi's feelings were conflicted.
Admittedly, their arrival was like a shot of adrenaline—revitalizing the struggling resistance and breathing new life into a faltering cause. As the Divine Priestess, she naturally welcomed them.m.
But as the girl named Sangonomiya Kokomi, she felt some resistance.
Flattering merchants, the unrestrained tomboy, the enigmatic Battousai... on top of the war with the Shogunate's forces and the internal rot within Watatsumi Island—all these intertwined, mercilessly straining Kokomi's already fragile nerves.
Coupled with endless tasks, she was now barely holding on.
"Is this true?"
Even though she was nearing her limit, Kokomi forced herself to discuss countermeasures with the old man with the goatee before her.
Because the matter he raised concerned the very foundation of Watatsumi Island and Sangonomiya.
It demanded her full attention.
"Absolutely. I saw with my own eyes how Battousai spoke with Igor, and Igor seemed to confirm his identity."
Old Li, who had supposedly been turned by Igor, now stood respectfully before Kokomi, reporting the events of the banquet.
At this moment, he was risking exposure to relay this information.
But Old Li believed this matter was of grave importance—even at the cost of his life, he had to inform the Divine Priestess.
Battousai was actually with the Fatui? This... was a fatal blow to Watatsumi Island.
After all, this extraordinary figure had become the spiritual leader of the resistance and even Watatsumi Island itself—practically a symbol of faith. The collapse of such faith would be no less devastating than the collapse of order. Watatsumi Island could not withstand such a blow.
"Regarding Battousai, I've also learned from Mr. Kaedehara and Captain Beidou that he should currently be a sworn enemy of the Fatui. In Liyue, he nearly killed the Fatui's 12th Harbinger. This time, returning to Inazuma, he was pursued by two Harbingers and had no choice but to seek refuge in his homeland. So it's unlikely he's with the Fatui."
Her shell-patterned, frilly sleeves pressed under her wrists, Kokomi frowned slightly, speaking with visible confusion.
Back in Liyue, to ensure Beidou would safely send Bai Luo to Inazuma, Ningguang had shared her analysis with Beidou.
Beidou, in turn, drunkenly told Kaedehara Kazuha.
Kazuha mentioned it casually to Gorou during a chat.
And Gorou reported it to Sangonomiya Kokomi.
Based on Kokomi's own judgment, the credibility of this information should be high.
But Old Li was like an uncle to her, a native of Watatsumi Island—he wouldn't lie to her either.
So... what role did Battousai play in all this?
"Should this old one attempt to approach Battousai? Since he already interacted with Igor in front of me, it wouldn't seem too abrupt if I paid him a visit."
For the sake of Watatsumi Island, Old Li had cast aside all dignity, even bearing the stigma of a traitor to infiltrate the Fatui.
His suggestion was practically a death wish.
But if his aged bones could still contribute to Watatsumi Island, death would be worth it.
"No... since they sent you away when confirming identities, it means they don't fully trust you. Acting rashly would not only endanger your life but also jeopardize our entire setup. For now... at least the initiative is still in our hands."
Without hesitation, Kokomi rejected Old Li's proposal.
The battlefield is ever-changing—only by considering every angle can one remain undefeated.
Taking risks wasn't her style, especially when dealing with someone as unique as Battousai.
As the saying goes—one wrong move, and the whole game is lost.
Just as Old Li was about to speak further, Kokomi suddenly raised a finger to her lips, signaling silence.
Moments later, footsteps approached from outside.
"Lady Sangonomiya, Lord Battousai requests an audience."
The shrine maiden's voice came from outside, leaving Kokomi and Old Li exchanging stunned glances.
Speak of the devil—Bai Luo had come knocking on his own?
Gesturing for Old Li to leave through the hidden door, Kokomi straightened the documents on her desk and called out, "Please invite Lord Battousai in."