Kujou Sara also nodded, worry clouding her expression.
Even though they were on home soil, Inazuma bordered the dark seas beyond, never entirely safe.
And Makoto's combat ability wasn't as formidable as her sister's.
To send both Ei and Sara away at once…
Just as Inazuma had finally begun to recover, no one wanted to risk another disaster.
But Makoto only smiled softly, unconcerned.
"I am still the ruler of this land. My control over Inazuma's ley lines is well-practiced. Though there are still some blockages in the flow, as long as I stand upon Inazuma's soil, my power is nothing to worry about."
"Besides, General Gorou will remain here."
Gorou straightened his posture, his voice firm and loyal.
"Until my last breath, no enemy shall ever threaten the Shogun!"
He hadn't known Makoto long, yet he was already deeply moved by her gentle strength.
To have such a kind and wise Electro Archon, this was Inazuma's blessing.
Makoto's gentle smile returned.
"Also, Ei, take my Gnosis to Mr. Ryen. Consider it our first gift following the Alliance."
Ei looked as if she wanted to object, but Makoto's voice softened, her gaze full of quiet meaning.
"Ei… you've grown up. I hope you'll understand what truly matters."
Ei fell silent immediately.
Makoto exhaled, her tone returning to steady authority.
"That covers most of it. For the remaining details, we'll proceed step by step."
"Kokomi, do you have any other questions?"
Kokomi hesitated, lips pressed together, before finally voicing what weighed on her mind.
"Shogun-sama, yesterday Captain Beidou told me about Lord Orobashi… and about Celestia."
"I believe Captain Beidou has no reason to lie."
"But I would like to hear the truth from you, are those things… real?"
Makoto's smile slowly faded. She was silent for a moment, then sighed softly.
"I don't know exactly what Beidou told you… but yes, Orobashi was indeed a kind and benevolent god."
"By rights, I shouldn't speak of this. It was part of a promise between Orobashi and me."
"But since you already know…"
Makoto's expression firmed, her voice unwavering:
"Yes, everything you've heard is true."
Makoto's voice softened, but her words carried a deep sorrow.
"Orobashi's death, in the end, was for your sake, for the sake of protecting you all, and for escaping Celestia's judgment."
"Long ago, beneath Watatsumi Island, Orobashi glimpsed a story he was never meant to see… and learned the truth about Celestia."
"He realized then that Celestia's gaze had already fallen upon him. If he did not die, your ancestors would have shared the fate of Enkanomiya, becoming the next nation cast into eternal darkness… the next people to devolve into Hilichurls."
Makoto's eyes dimmed as she spoke, the memory ancient and painful.
"He knew your ancestors longed for sunlight, for life beneath the open sky."
"Orobashi was never a god of war. Perhaps he had fled from battles he should have fought, but that one time, he did not run."
"He went to great lengths to reach me… to beg me to grant his people a place to survive."
"He said that from that day onward, the people of Watatsumi would also be the people of Inazuma."
Her voice trembled faintly.
"He knew that as long as he lived, Celestia would never spare you.
So he chose to march east, knowing he would die beneath Ei's blade."
"It was a performance… one he staged for Celestia's eyes."
The tent fell utterly silent.
"When Orobashi fell, his body became the great serpent's remains, his bones turned into the sacred ore and fertile soil that enriched Inazuma."
"That was his recompense to us… and his final gift to you."
Makoto lowered her gaze.
"Orobashi was a gentle god. During that battle, he held back his power again and again, intent only on dying with dignity."
"That battle claimed the lives of both my and Ei's dear friends, but we never blamed him."
"The wars of the Archons were never meant for mortals to endure. The one who caused all this suffering… was Celestia itself."
"That is why we never interfered with Watatsumi's worship of Orobashi. You have always been cherished, by a gentle god who loved you to the end."
By the time her words ended, Kokomi could no longer hold back her tears.
"Lord Orobashi… why? Why must it have come to this?"
"Celestia, has she truly no law, no mercy?!"
Makoto sighed, the weight of eternity in her voice.
"None of us can easily defy Celestia. Even the Seven are but pawns, chosen to maintain Teyvat's balance."
"She represents Teyvat itself… she is the Second Throne."
"Once, resistance was impossible. But now, things are different."
Her tone firmed, like distant thunder rumbling over Inazuma's horizon.
"Now, we have allies. We have a chance to resist Celestia."
"That is why what comes next matters most."
"We must first stabilize Inazuma, only then can we rise and grow stronger."
A solemn silence fell over the war tent.
After a long moment, Kokomi straightened, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Understood, Shogun-sama!"
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