Watatsumi, meaning "the deity of the sea."
Watatsumi Island lies to the west of Yashiori Island, boasting unique flora and towering terrain with cascading waterfalls—said to have been shaped by Orobashi.
At the heart of Watatsumi stands Sangonomiya Shrine, encircled by mountains and waterfalls. It serves as the stronghold of the resistance against the Vision Hunt Decree, resembling the legendary Dragon Palace.
It is also the political and spiritual center of Watatsumi's people. Within the palace, guarded by coral reefs and giant shells, resides the last remnant of the Serpent God.
The so-called Serpent God, of course, is Orobashi.
In the past, the people of Watatsumi lived deep beneath the sea in Enkanomiya. It was under Orobashi's guidance that they ascended to the surface, forging the civilization now known as Watatsumi.
After Orobashi was slain by the Raiden Shogun, its body turned to bleached bones, its lingering resentment forming the Tatarigami. Yet its will to protect Watatsumi never faded.
This will merged into the bloodline of the Sangonomiya Clan, passed down through generations.
The inheritor of this bloodline is Watatsumi's Divine Priestess—
A mortal who carries the will of the gods, guarding this land in place of divinity.
And the current Divine Priestess is Sangonomiya Kokomi.
She rarely appears before the public. No matter how others perceive her, her social skills are... lacking, to say the least.
In the past, she could still manage polite formalities.
But at some point, even speaking with strangers became a burden.
"As the ruler is, so the people follow."
The Divine Priestess holds immense significance for Watatsumi. Countless eyes watch her every move, forcing her to confront what she dislikes—
Like dealing with unfamiliar faces, or handling tedious affairs.
At least, until he appeared.
"His speed surpassed even lightning—so fast that the almighty Shogun herself couldn't land a hit! And with a reverse-bladed sword, no less! Just think about it—a weapon with its edge turned inward, yet he still wounded the Shogun! If it had been a normal blade... could he have slain a god?!"
New recruits crowded around a wounded veteran, listening to his tales of Himura Kenshin, forgetting their chores entirely.
"Then... Kenshin must be blessed by the gods too, right? What Vision does he wield? To be faster than lightning... is it Anemo?"
To these recruits, only a Vision-bearer could harm a god. And besides Electro, the element most associated with speed was Anemo.
"Hah! Kenshin wields no Vision! That man wounded the Raiden Shogun with nothing but a reverse-bladed sword—no elemental power, just pure skill! A true 'mortal who rivals the divine'!"
This was one reason why Himura Kenshin became a legend in Watatsumi.
Before him, everyone believed true strength required a Vision—even Vision-bearers themselves, who knew the vast gap between those who wielded elemental power and ordinary humans.
It wasn't a gap that could be bridged by swordsmanship alone.
Without exaggeration, a single Vision-bearer could easily defeat a dozen ordinary fighters.
Bai Luo was the only one who broke this rule.
"So... Kenshin really has no Vision?"
A young recruit sweeping the floor couldn't help but ask.
Visions had always been his dream—yet no matter how hard he trained, the gods never granted him one.
"Of course not! Haven't you noticed? Most rebels who defy the Vision Hunt Decree have their Visions confiscated by the Shogunate. But Kenshin? He's wanted, not stripped of a Vision!"
The veteran smirked proudly, as if he were the one evading the Shogunate's grasp.
But then—
"But... didn't you say before that Kenshin, like Master Kaedehara, was targeted by the Vision Hunt Decree?"
"Teppei! Just sweep the damn floor!"
Repeatedly contradicted, the veteran's face darkened. But with fresh recruits watching, he couldn't lash out—only vent his frustration through gritted teeth.
The recruit, Teppei, didn't take offense. He just smiled and resumed sweeping.
But still...
How I wish I could fight on the frontlines and make a name for myself...
Teppei was in the minority. Most soldiers revered Himura Kenshin as much as the wounded veteran, their admiration bordering on worship.
In fact, Kenshin's fame had begun to overshadow even the Divine Priestess herself.
While the Sangonomiya faction disapproved, Kokomi made no move to curb the soldiers' blind admiration.
Some assumed it was out of respect—or perhaps an attempt to recruit the legendary warrior.
But in truth...
Being ignored, free to strategize in the shadows—that was her greatest dream.
Because of Himura Kenshin's appearance, she had finally tasted the long-lost feeling of relaxation. Even amidst the heavy pile of official documents at home, there were now a few military strategy books and light novels mixed in.
How could she possibly stop this? If anything, she was grateful to Kenshin beyond measure.
For many, ascending to a high position at a young age would be considered a great fortune.
But for her, the higher she stood, the more she felt like she was treading on thin ice.
One misstep, and she would plunge into an unfathomable abyss.
"Lady Sangonomiya, Captain Beidou's ship will arrive soon. Given the distinguished guest on board, it would be best if you personally went to greet them."
The shrine maiden standing beside Kokomi was one of Sangonomiya Shrine's attendants.
Unlike the native shrine maidens of Watatsumi, this one was an outsider. However, due to her exceptional work ethic and warm personality, she had been promoted.
But... her status would never go beyond this.
After all, she was just an outsider.
"I understand."
Closing the military strategy book in her hands, Kokomi smoothed out her already neat attire and followed the shrine maiden out of the room.
Outside the shrine, a crowd had already gathered, having received word in advance.
Among them was General Gorou, who had just returned from the frontlines.
Compared to Kenshin, he was more interested in the arrival of Kaedehara Kazuha.
The resistance army was made up of all kinds of warriors, including many wandering samurai—but Kazuha stood out as the most unique among them.
There was something untethered about him, like the wind itself, making him far more free-spirited than the others.
Gorou found himself resonating with him instantly.
"Soldiers! Let us go welcome our heroes!"
The moment Kokomi stepped out of the shrine, her presence shifted entirely.
Because she knew better than anyone how to carry herself like a true leader.