After hearing Kokomi's explanation, Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances, both wearing expressions of disbelief, eyes wide with shock.
Paimon couldn't help but exclaim, "Whoa! So that's how it is! No wonder Beidou and her crew showed up on the front lines—it all makes sense now!"
Lumine nodded thoughtfully, then stroked her chin as she pondered aloud.
"Kokomi, now that you've dragged the people behind this into the light, does that mean the war will come to an end? After all, this entire conflict began because of Uesugi and Okubo's schemes. If their plot is exposed, then this war loses all meaning."
Sangonomiya Kokomi gently shook her head. A determined light gleamed on her beautiful face as she explaineSd firmly.
"Shajin was right. While it's true Uesugi and Daiku were behind this, the soldiers are already truly invested in the fight. Abruptly stopping now would cause a backlash."
"Besides, I don't want the soldiers who gave their lives to have died in vain. They fought to protect their homeland."
There was a trace of helplessness in Kokomi's gaze as she continued, "Once war begins, it's difficult to stop. The soldiers' emotions have been Ignited—their fighting spirit won't be extinguished so easily."
"Even if we expose Uesugi and Daiku's plot, that doesn't guarantee the war will end immediately. We still have to consider the response from other factions and the long-term aftermath this war might bring."
Lumine furrowed her brows in deep thought. She understood Kokomi's concerns, but she still didn't want to see more lives lost to the chaos of war.
Kokomi took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering, her tone solemn.
"The current situation is dire, but we can't just sit and wait for the worst. We must act to change the tide of war, and do everything in our power to reduce further casualties."
As she finished speaking, her eyes sparkled with resolve, as if already glimpsing the light of hope ahead.
She knew full well the brutality of this war, but she also knew that only through tireless effort could they overcome their enemies.
She lifted her head like a statue of unwavering will, gazing into the distant horizon of Watatsumi Island—where sea and sky met in breathtaking beauty, like a vibrant painting.
She inhaled deeply, feeling the ocean breeze wash over her, a surge of fierce determination rising within her.
"We are no longer puppets at the mercy of others. It's time we become a true resistance, one powerful enough to break the shackles of the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree. This fight is not just for ourselves—it's for the future of all of Inazuma."
She turned her head, her eyes like blazing torches, locking onto Lumine as she asked with deep seriousness:
"Lumine, I want to ask you one more time. Now that you understand the struggle Watatsumi Island and the resistance are facing—are you still willing to fight alongside us?"
At that moment, Sangonomiya Kokomi was no longer the gentle strategist—she had transformed into a courageous general, burning with unyielding fighting spirit.
Her gaze radiated the unshakable resolve of bedrock and the desperation of one burning all bridges behind her, as if declaring to the world: no matter the mountains of blades or the sea of fire ahead, she would not take a single step back.
Lumine let out a helpless sigh, spread her hands, and gave a bitter smile.
"Seems like there's no turning back now. We're all in the same boat."
Kokomi responded with a light-hearted smile.
"Excellent. Then allow me to make your appointment official—"
Her tone grew solemn and authoritative.
"From this moment on, you are promoted to Captain of Watatsumi Island's Special Operations Unit: Swordfish II!"
Although it was an extraordinary promotion, Kokomi was confident that with Lumine's intelligence, courage, and power, she could lead this team to victory.
However, when Lumine heard the announcement, her mouth twitched, a resigned look crossing her face.
"What kind of ridiculous name is that?" she grumbled, clearly unimpressed.
Off to the side, Paimon scratched her head, frowning with confusion.
"But… is this really going to work? The Raiden Shogun doesn't seem like the type to listen to anyone."
Kokomi smiled, a glimmer of confidence in her eyes.
"Of course. After all… he is still on our side. The cards he's given me are far more valuable than just this."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted into the distance, deep in thought.
Lumine's face twitched uncontrollably, mumbling to herself:
That look! That's the look!! It's exactly the same as those women in Liyue!!!
…
"Sword… Swordfish II?! Are you talking about that Special Operations Unit?! The one actually called Swordfish?!"
A shout suddenly rang out from behind them, filled with shock and disbelief.
"Eh?!" Paimon yelped at the sudden outburst, jumping in fright and hiding behind Lumine, peeking out nervously.
"Te—Teppei?! When did you get here?"
Teppei scratched his head sheepishly and chuckled.
"Haha… Sorry, I came back right after delivering the message. As soon as I got here, I heard you were being appointed Captain of Swordfish II, and I got a little… excited."
His eyes sparkled with admiration and envy as he continued.
"Just getting into the Special Operations Unit is incredibly hard… I can't believe you became a captain in one go. That's seriously impressive!"
Paimon's eyes lit up when she realized how prestigious Swordfish II really was.
"Awesome! When do we start our new post?!"
Kokomi replied calmly.
"Swordfish II is currently stationed in a valley on the southwestern side of the island. Some wandering ronin have been stirring up trouble there, and we need the Special Operations Unit to stabilize the rear."
"I've already prepared your letter of appointment. Just show it to them. And while you're at it—I'd appreciate it if you could clear out those wandering ronin too."
"The Special Operations Unit is made up of elite soldiers from Watatsumi Island. They may be a bit prideful, but I believe you'll win their trust."
Lumine nodded in understanding.
"Then what about me, Lady Sangonomiya? Is there anything I can do to help the resistance?"
Teppei spoke up eagerly from the side.
"I want to do my part too! Whatever I can do to help the resistance!"
Kokomi gave him a gentle nod and smile.
"Of course. I'll assign something for you shortly."
Teppei's eyes lit up with delight.
"Mission accepted! Heh, Lumine—just because you're a captain now doesn't mean I'm going to fall behind!"
Paimon puffed up her chest.
"Hmph! Bring it on!"
Lumine wordlessly patted Paimon on the head, then turned to Tepei with a faint smile.
"Alright. Just don't push yourself too hard, okay?"
_
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