"Excellent. It seems Miss Sangonomiya is very reasonable," Hiiragi Chisato said with satisfaction as she watched Sangonomiya Kokomi sign the treaty.
"There's an old saying in Liyue: 'A wise man knows when to yield,'" Chisato said with a smile. "Miss Sangonomiya is indeed a wise and outstanding young leader!"
"…" For some reason, Kokomi felt that Chisato's words carried a strange, almost mocking undertone.
"Thank you for the praise, Miss Hiiragi," Kokomi replied with a forced smile.
Next, Chisato and Kokomi discussed detailed regulations regarding trade and commerce between Watatsumi Island and the Shogunate.
"Very well, that concludes the economic matters," Chisato said, satisfied as she collected the signed documents. "Miss Sangonomiya, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."
"Within certain limits, the Kanjou Commission will provide you with various tax benefits," Chisato added with a smile. "And of course, the waters around Narukami Island will be open to Watatsumi's fishermen."
"Regarding the waters of Narukami Island, Miss Hiiragi, I have only one request: I hope the Tenryou Commission can protect our fishermen from harassment by the Nobushi and Kairagi."
"That goes without saying. Since you're paying taxes, we'll naturally provide the necessary protection. With the Tenryou Commission here, you have nothing to worry about regarding the safety of your fishermen," Kujou Sara assured her.
"With Miss Kujou's assurance, I feel much more at ease," Kokomi said.
"As for the economic matters, I have nothing more to add. Now, let the Tenryou Commission handle the military stationing," Chisato said, glancing at Kujou Sara, who nodded in agreement.
Kujou Sara turned to Kokomi and the other high-ranking officials of Watatsumi Island, pulling out a purple document from her Vision space. The document bore the seal of Tenshukaku and the emblem of the Electro Mitsudomoe—a symbol of the highest decree issued by the Shogunate.
"Sangonomiya Kokomi, receive the Narukami Decree!" Kujou Sara declared solemnly.
"Sangonomiya Kokomi receives the decree!" Although Watatsumi Island had political autonomy, Kokomi had no choice but to accept the decree from the Narukami Shogun.
"After deliberation by the Shogun and the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven, the autonomous military rights of Watatsumi Island are hereby revoked. The Shogunate will now oversee all military affairs on Watatsumi Island. A branch of the Tenryou Commission will be established on Watatsumi Island to manage all military operations," Kujou Sara read aloud. "The branch will be directly under the jurisdiction of the Tenryou Commission, with Kujou Sara as the acting supreme commander."
"Effective immediately, the Watatsumi Resistance Army is to be disbanded. Any attempt to reorganize will be treated as an act of treason!"
"…" Kokomi and the other high-ranking officials of Watatsumi Island looked as if they had just received a death sentence. Had it really come to this?
The decree, issued directly by Tenshukaku and jointly drafted by the Shogun and the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven, left no room for negotiation. They had no choice but to accept.
"Watatsumi Island accepts the decree," Kokomi said, bowing respectfully as she received the Narukami Decree.
"In that case, starting today, the Shogunate's army will officially take over all military affairs on Watatsumi Island," Kujou Sara said with a smile. "Miss Sangonomiya, I'll give you three days to issue the orders and disband the Watatsumi Resistance Army. After three days, I'll formally establish the Tenryou Commission branch here."
"I understand," Kokomi nodded.
"Since everything is clear, we'll take our leave for now," Kujou Sara said. "Please arrange accommodations for us. Miss Hiiragi and I will take a look around Watatsumi Island."
"Of course," Kokomi replied.
Kujou Sara and Hiiragi Chisato left the Sangonomiya Shrine, but outside, they were met with a crowd of Resistance Army soldiers, standing in opposition to the Shogunate's forces.
"What are you doing?!" Kokomi's face turned pale at the sight.
"Lady Sangonomiya! We've heard everything! Tenshukaku is disbanding the Resistance Army and handing over military control to the Shogunate! We won't accept this!" the soldiers shouted.
"Watatsumi Island has been our home for generations! There's no reason to hand over our military! If we lose control of our military, what's the point of our autonomy?"
"Why should the Raiden Shogun and the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven have the right to strip us of our power with a single word?"
"Put down your weapons!" Kokomi shouted, her voice filled with anger. She could already feel the chilling aura emanating from Hiiragi Chisato, and it terrified her.
Fortunately, Kokomi still held considerable authority. At her command, most of the soldiers reluctantly lowered their weapons.
"Listen to me! Disbanding the Resistance Army and handing over military control to the Shogunate is a direct order from Tenshukaku, a decision made by the gods after careful consideration," Kokomi declared. "We must obey the gods' commands without question!"
"This farce is for you to handle, Miss Sangonomiya. We won't intervene," Chisato said coldly. "They are all citizens of Inazuma, likely stirred up by certain troublemakers. We have no desire to cause unnecessary bloodshed. Miss Sangonomiya, we'll give you time to investigate. If you can identify the instigators and provide us with a satisfactory answer, we won't report this to Tenshukaku."
"I will. Please rest assured," Kokomi nodded, feeling utterly exhausted. Chisato kept using the authority of the two gods at Tenshukaku to pressure her, while the Resistance Army soldiers were being incited to rebel by unknown forces.
"Everyone, disperse," Kokomi ordered. She turned to Gorou and said, "Gorou, I'm entrusting this matter to you. Investigate who's been stirring up the soldiers' emotions recently."
"Understood!" Gorou nodded. He looked at Kokomi and asked, "Lady Sangonomiya, are you really willing to disband the army we've worked so hard to build?"
"Gorou, we have no choice," Kokomi sighed. "We're too weak. We have no voice, and no one cares about the resistance of ants. They'll just crush us underfoot."
"Even if the Great Watatsumi God were still alive, he wouldn't stand a chance against the Raiden Shogun. And now, the Shogunate has the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven, who is said to be even more powerful than the Raiden Shogun—a god of war and slaughter. In their eyes, we're nothing but weak ants."
"Gorou, submitting to the gods is our only way out," Kokomi said bitterly. "By yielding, we're saving Watatsumi Island. Only then will we have a chance at survival."
"I understand, Lady Sangonomiya!" Gorou nodded firmly. "I'll find the instigators as quickly as possible."
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 60+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol