Makoto nodded softly, the lamplight flickering across her calm features.
"I know," she said, "it's a difficult thing to comprehend. But every word of it is true , I've seen it with my own eyes."
Kokomi immediately shook her hands in denial, eyes wide.
"No, no! I don't doubt you, Sister Makoto. It's just… the idea of someone who can control an entire world is so far beyond imagination."
Makoto's lips curved in a faint smile.
"I felt the same, at first. But there are countless worlds beyond the heavens, each with mysteries we can't hope to measure.
We can't force the worldview of Teyvat onto realities far vaster than our own."
Kokomi nodded, her expression gradually steadying.
"I understand."
Then, thinking for a moment, she asked quietly:
"So that's why you sent Lady Ei to Liyue , and had General Kujou lead her troops there as well?
To help develop that world's resources?"
Makoto's smile brightened with quiet approval.
"As expected of my clever little Kokomi. Yes , the three nations, including myself, signed an agreement with Ryen.
His duty is to cultivate and expand that boundless world. Ours is to provide manpower and, in return, share in its resources."
She paused, looking toward the open window where faint thunder rolled in the distance.
"Ryen also agreed to let us build cities there , even nations, if we wish.
So even if, one day, we fail against Celestia, we could take our people and retreat into that world."
"If we fall once, we try again. If we fall twice, we try a third time."
"As long as that world exists, we'll have another chance , a refuge, a hope."
Her voice softened, yet carried conviction.
"Though… I don't believe we'll need to flee at all."
Kokomi's eyes lit up, her strategist's mind already racing.
"Then from the very beginning, we stand in a position of invincibility.
The worst outcome is only retreat , never destruction?"
"Exactly."
Makoto's affirmation filled Kokomi with renewed purpose.
"So Sister Makoto already has everything planned… Then I'll do my utmost to stabilize Inazuma as soon as possible!"
Makoto laughed gently.
"Then when the time comes, come with me to see that world yourself.
If you wish to bring back Lord Orobashi, perhaps you can search for fragments of his soul there."
Kokomi fell silent.
The name stirred old grief , and gratitude.
Orobashi was the god who had given her people everything.
But Makoto… Makoto was the one who had given her a new faith, a new purpose.
If Orobashi returned, would he and Makoto stand as allies , or would conflict be inevitable?
Makoto, ever perceptive, read her hesitation and shook her head.
"Don't worry about me. If not for Celestia's interference, Orobashi could have been our friend.
He was never a god of war by nature , he only fought because he had no choice."
Her eyes grew distant, filled with quiet nostalgia.
"Our plan long ago was for him to remain and guide Watatsumi Island.
But fate is a fickle current…"
Then she smiled again.
"Besides, reviving Orobashi would only strengthen us.
And you wouldn't need to fear new chaos in Inazuma. Remember this, Kokomi , "
"Every god, even those from the age of the Archon War, carries within them a deep love for humanity."
Kokomi lowered her gaze, then nodded solemnly.
"I understand, Sister Makoto. I'll do everything I can to find and restore Lord Orobashi."
If his revival could bring power , not disaster , then she would devote herself to it completely.
Makoto nodded approvingly, but her brow furrowed slightly with concern.
"I wonder how far our new army has marched… How long until they reach Liyue?"
Her tone dimmed.
"Even then, one thousand soldiers are far from enough.
Liyue has already deployed five thousand into that world , we can't fall so far behind."
"But our recruits…"
Kokomi could see her worry, and for a moment she, too, felt at a loss.
Then, after a brief pause, she said softly:
"Sister Makoto, what if we let General Gorou handle it?
Once he's finished with the monsters on Seirai, he could recruit and train a new force , then lead them to Liyue himself."
Makoto hesitated.
"But the people have suffered so much. Their will to enlist must be weak.
We can't force them."
Her compassion was genuine , painfully so.
Kokomi felt a swell of admiration, but also an urgency that pushed her to speak firmly.
"Leave that to me, then. I'll find a way to inspire the people , to strengthen their unity and resolve.
We'll gather enough hands without coercion."
Makoto studied her for a long moment, then finally nodded.
"All right. But please, be gentle in your approach.
The people have endured enough pain. They deserve peace, even as they rebuild."
"I understand."
Kokomi rose and glanced at the darkening sky outside.
"Sister Makoto, I'll go discuss plans with Lord Ayato.
It's late , you've worked all day. Please, rest for a while."
Makoto smiled faintly, her eyes soft as the evening light.
"And you, too. None of this needs to be rushed. Tomorrow will be soon enough."
Kokomi only smiled in return , a quiet, determined smile , and bowed before leaving.
Whether for Inazuma's future, or simply to lighten her sister's burdens, she would not waste a single moment.
As Makoto watched her go, the room fell silent again.
After a thoughtful pause, she sighed softly, picked up her brush, and returned to the towering stacks of documents awaiting her hand.
Outside, the lanterns of Inazuma City flickered to life ,
and the Shogun's light, steady and gentle, burned late into the night.
~~----------------------
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