Chapter 150: Chapter 150: Is Lord Battousai a Fatui Member?
The Watatsumi Army had always placed their utmost trust in Sangonomiya Kokomi.
Even though Battousai Himura Kenshin had, at one point, become more popular than her title as the Divine Priestess, in times of crisis, the first name that came to mind was undoubtedly Sangonomiya Kokomi—not Battousai.
Battousai was merely a symbolic figure, a spiritual pillar.
But Sangonomiya Kokomi? She was their true hope.
As the war between the Resistance and the Shogunate dragged on, Watatsumi Island found itself at a severe disadvantage in both manpower and resources.
If not for Kokomi's careful tactical planning, the Resistance would have long been defeated.
With her unbelievable efficiency, she managed to keep everything running smoothly—often turning desperate situations into narrow victories.
There were three places where Sangonomiya Kokomi could usually be found:
1. Sangonomiya Shrine – her official residence, where she conducted most of her administrative work.
2. Watatsumi Village – despite claiming she wasn't good at socializing, she took her duties seriously, regularly mediating disputes and resolving conflicts between villagers and soldiers.
3. A secret cave on Watatsumi Island's western side – a location only she knew about, where she would retreat whenever her energy was depleted. This cave was filled with military strategy books and light novels, serving as her only sanctuary.
Hmm… If someone were to corner her in that cave, they might be able to force her to do some 'interesting' things.
However, shouldering all these burdens was far from a good thing.
Take Liyue, for example.
Its government structure was highly specialized—with offices like the Huishan Hall for mining, the Yinyuan Hall for salt production, the Heji Hall for legal affairs, and the Shenglu Hall for cultural matters.
With the Liyue Qixing and the Eight Trades working in harmony, Liyue had remained stable for a thousand years—not just because of Rex Lapis' protection, but also because of its efficient governing system.
Even Inazuma, across the sea, had its Tri-Commission and various official organizations, keeping the nation's affairs—be it rituals, military, or finance—well managed.
The last leader who worked as tirelessly as Sangonomiya Kokomi was Jean Gunnhildr of Mondstadt.
Hmm…
Since the Grand Master had left on an expedition, she was now effectively the Acting Grand Master.
With that in mind…
Watatsumi's Divine Priestess was truly impressive.
It was almost cruel how much the Watatsumi people expected from her.
Despite her exhaustion, Sangonomiya Kokomi couldn't let herself stop working—
Because what she was discussing with the goat-bearded elder in front of her was a matter that concerned the very survival of Watatsumi Island and Sangonomiya Shrine.
For Beidou and her crew to arrive was like a shot of adrenaline—revitalizing the Resistance, which had been losing ground.
As the Divine Priestess, she should be grateful for their arrival.
But as Sangonomiya Kokomi the girl—
She felt deeply uneasy.
Between the flattering merchants, the rough and rowdy Beidou, the mysterious Battousai, and the ongoing war—
Not to mention the corruption festering within Watatsumi Island's own ranks—
Everything was piling up, stretching her already fragile nerves to their limit.
With so many responsibilities, she was barely holding on.
"Is what you're saying true?"
Even as she approached her breaking point, Kokomi forced herself to stay strong—
Because the matter the elder had just brought up would determine the fate of Watatsumi Island itself.
This was an issue that could not be taken lightly.
"It is absolutely true. I personally witnessed Battousai speaking with Igor, and Igor even seemed to confirm his identity."
The one speaking was Rikou, a man who had already been turned by Igor but was now standing respectfully before Sangonomiya Kokomi, reporting what he had seen at the banquet.
Right now, he was risking exposure just by delivering this report.
Yet, Rikou believed that this information was far too important.
Even if it meant his death, he had to inform the Divine Priestess.
Battousai… a Fatui agent?
This would be a devastating blow to Watatsumi Island.
After all, Battousai had already become the spiritual leader of both the Resistance and Watatsumi Island.
He was more than a warrior—he had become a symbol, a belief.
And the collapse of faith was just as catastrophic as the collapse of order.
Watatsumi Island could not afford such a crisis.
"I have already heard about Battousai from Mr. Kaedehara and Captain Beidou."
"From what I understand, he and the Fatui should be mortal enemies."
"Back in Liyue, he nearly killed one of the Fatui Harbingers, the Twelfth of the Eleven. The reason he returned to Inazuma in the first place was because he was being hunted by two Fatui Harbingers and had no choice but to seek refuge in his homeland."
As she spoke, Sangonomiya Kokomi lightly pressed her delicate, seashell-like sleeves against her wrists, a slight frown appearing on her face.
She was puzzled.
When she was in Liyue, Ningguang had shared her analysis with Beidou—
Not just to persuade her, but to manipulate her into taking Bai Luo back to Inazuma.
Later, a drunken Beidou had revealed this information to Kaedehara Kazuha.
Kazuha, in turn, had casually mentioned it to Gorou.
And Gorou, being ever-diligent, had included it in his reports to Kokomi.
From Kokomi's own judgment, this intelligence was highly reliable.
But Rikou—
He was an elder, a man from Watatsumi Island, her uncle's generation.
He had no reason to lie to her.
So then…
What role did Battousai truly play in this?
"Would you like me to approach Battousai?"
"Since he confirmed his identity with Igor in my presence, it wouldn't be too suspicious if I visited him personally."
For Watatsumi Island, Rikou had cast aside everything—
Even sacrificing his honor, taking on the role of a traitor, and mingling with the Fatui.
His proposal?
A death sentence.
But in his mind, if his old bones could still serve Watatsumi one last time—
Then dying would be worth it.
"No."
She rejected his suggestion without hesitation.
"If they deliberately sent you away while confirming their identities, it means they do not fully trust you."
"If you act recklessly now, not only will you be in danger, but it could jeopardize everything we have planned."
"For now… we still have the advantage."
The battlefield was ever-changing.
Only those who planned meticulously could win every fight.
Risking everything recklessly?
That wasn't Kokomi's style.
Especially not when the target was Battousai—a uniquely unpredictable figure.
Like she had said before—
One wrong move could ruin everything.
Rikou was about to respond when Kokomi suddenly raised her hand, signaling him to be silent.
A few moments later—
Footsteps echoed from outside.
"Lady Sangonomiya, Lord Battousai has come to see you."
The voice of a shrine maiden rang from outside.
Both Kokomi and Rikou looked at each other, their expressions filled with shock.
He came on his own?
This man—
What was he up to now?
After gesturing for Rikou to leave through the secret door, Kokomi took a moment to tidy up her desk before responding to the shrine maiden outside—
"Please, let Lord Battousai in."
. . . . .
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