Over the following weeks, Sangonomiya Kokomi and her team launched into a tense but well-organized wave of preparations.
They held multiple meetings with representatives from Snezhnaya, discussing the fine details of their collaboration and planning for the future.
At the same time, a series of reforms were rolled out across the island to adapt to the new political and economic landscape.
All Snezhnaya truly needed was Watatsumi Island's strategic location—everything else was optional.
As time passed, the island began to change.
The land that had once suffered under the effects of the holy soil began to recover, with vibrant greenery once again spreading across the earth.
The residents felt the shift in their lives too. Smiles returned to their faces—happy, content ones.
Under Kokomi's leadership, the people of Watatsumi Island gradually adapted to the new political climate.
They understood that while the island now belonged to Snezhnaya, their culture and traditions would still be respected and preserved.
Kokomi made sure to stress this in her conversations with the Snezhnayan envoys. Her hope was that Watatsumi Island could retain its unique identity while also benefiting from Snezhnaya's resources and protection.
With the "holy soil" issue resolved, the land became fertile again. Bountiful harvests returned, and fishermen brought in rich catches from the sea.
The people of the Island began to see tangible improvements in their lives, and their trust in Kokomi only grew stronger.
But Kokomi wasn't content with mere stability—she knew true prosperity required even greater effort.
She began improving the island's infrastructure, constructing new ports and roads to better connect with the outside world. At the same time, she encouraged young islanders to study in Snezhnaya, to acquire new knowledge and techniques they could one day bring back home.
Thanks to her efforts, Watatsumi Island started attracting merchants and investors from Snezhnaya and beyond.
Markets became bustling centers of trade, filled with a dazzling array of goods. Life for the islanders grew more vibrant by the day.
The Island's reputation began to spread across the continent, earning recognition as a thriving hub of commerce.
Meanwhile, Kokomi never neglected the island's education and cultural heritage.
She established new schools and libraries, promoting literacy while also safeguarding and passing down Watatsumi's traditional arts and crafts.
A unique cultural blend began to form—Watatsumi's heritage merging with Snezhnayan influences into something wholly new.
Under Kokomi's leadership, the people stood united as they faced the future together.
They knew the road ahead might be uncertain, but with Kokomi at the helm, Watatsumi Island was destined for a bright future.
The lifting of the Vision Hunt Decree and Sakoku Decree allowed Inazuma to reconnect with the outside world once more.
Inazuma had begun to regain its footing—open to the world, eager to draw strength from its wisdom.
At the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Yae Miko sat across from Lumine, Paimon, and Shajin.
She gently poured tea for everyone as cherry blossoms drifted outside in the wind.
"While it was a little radical," Miko said, "the outcome more or less met my expectations."
"At the very least, she was able to witness true eternity outside the realm of the Plane of Euthymia."
"When a wish burns strong enough…"
"The gaze of a god will fall upon them…"
"Sweeping away their pain."
"Bringing them an opportunity."
"Kindling hope."
"Some wishes…"
"Even when their owner has perished and returned to the heavens…"
"They remain as pure and fervent as the moment they were born."
"True and blazing…"
"…all the way to Eternity."
Shajin lightly tapped the table.
"Alright, I didn't come here to hear one of your philosophical sermons."
Paimon tilted her head.
"So Miko, did you just bring us here to say thank you?"
"You seem to be in quite the good mood today~"
Yae Miko rolled her eyes at Shajin.
"Tactless man."
Then she smiled.
"Of course I'm in a good mood—it's rare to catch up with an old friend after so many years. That's always worth celebrating, no?"
"And yes, I invited you here to thank you."
"Traveler, Paimon. Since you're continuing your journey across all of Teyvat, I suppose this marks the end of your time in Inazuma, doesn't it?"
"As a token of appreciation, I'll answer your lingering questions—about what lies ahead or mysteries from the past. And for what I don't know, I've brought someone who does."
Shajin shrugged and sprawled out lazily on the tatami, silently confirming her words.
Yae Miko chuckled behind a raised hand.
"So? Anything you want to ask?"
Lumine rested her chin in her hand, thoughtful.
"That Raiden Shogun—where is she now, after the true Electro Archon returned?"
Miko glanced sidelong at the snoozing Shajin, her expression turning a bit odd.
"Ah, about that—she's gone~"
Lumine: "…?"
Miko shrugged, pointing at Shajin.
"Literally. Raiden Shogun's ideal of Eternity was completely shattered by Shajin. She's mentally imploded—total shutdown~"
Lumine: "…"
Paimon: "…"
Shajin: "…"
Paimon quickly tried to change the subject.
"What about that puppet?"
"Oh, the puppet's design came from certain now-lost 'knowledge'—perhaps only a god could understand its origin."
"Before Ei began reshaping her own divine body, she had created a prototype puppet—and that was…"
Lumine blinked.
"The Sixth Harbinger of the Fatui—Scaramouche?"
"Exactly. But he was only built to test feasibility. Neither his appearance nor mind were modeled after Ei. You could call him an experimental model."
"Originally, Ei was supposed to scrap him—but maybe that felt too cruel. Instead, she sealed away his power."
"After that, he lived on Inazuman soil like a normal person, guided by his own will… until the Fatui took interest in him."
"Then the puppet was modified and enhanced by the Second Harbinger—The Doctor. He not only lifted the original seal, but may have made him even more powerful~"
Lumine lowered her gaze, silent for a moment.
"So our next stop… is Sumeru?"
"Oh, Sumeru is the realm of the God of Wisdom. Its people thirst endlessly for knowledge and intellect."
"But such obsession can lead to some very strange things."
"In Sumeru, knowledge is treated as a resource…"
_
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