A new day dawned over the Resistance Camp as the sun rose.
Sangonomiya Kokomi stretched lightly, letting out a soft and adorable yawn. She slowly opened her eyes and saw the mountain of documents on her desk waiting to be handled. Her expression fell at once—only for her gaze to land on Futsu Mitama and Aila sitting before her.
"I apologize—I was far too tired last night, so I didn't greet you properly," Kokomi said with a helpless smile.
"It's fine," Futsu Mitama replied, shaking his head. Then he added, half-teasing, "But you did send 'ZZZZZ' in the Chat Group last night."
Aila nodded. "Young Master is correct."
"—!" Kokomi's face immediately flushed bright pink. So, it hadn't been a dream.
She remembered asking Raiden Makoto in her dream what she should do next and how to strengthen the Resistance. Because she was unconscious, she had re-entered the Chat Group— only to send a "ZZZZZ" instead of a question.
"I'm here today to say goodbye," Futsu Mitama said. Seeing Kokomi's adorably flustered expression, he almost wanted to pinch her cheek.
Kokomi had once been jokingly called an "ornamental fish." Without the Ocean-Hued Clam, her healing hadn't been impressive, and many players had judged her only by her appearance. The nickname stuck.
Now that he stood in front of her in this world, Futsu Mitama had to admit—her beauty was enchanting. She was so cute he felt an impulse to keep her in a tank.
"So soon?" Kokomi's tone softened with disappointment. The energy she had just regained seemed to drain away. She had wanted to show him the state of the Resistance, and to finally talk about ordinary things—things unrelated to strategy, war, or the constant burden placed upon her. In the Resistance, she was a symbol, an anchor. Everyone worshipped her decisions. She pushed herself again and again, collapsing from exhaustion more than once.
To speak casually with someone— she had been looking forward to it.
"Yes. Kuki Shinobu still has matters to handle," Futsu Mitama explained. Seeing her mood dim, he added gently, "This is only temporary. Next time I come; I'll stay longer."
He paused, softening his tone even more. "And— don't push yourself so hard. Let others help. You don't have to carry everything alone."
Kokomi's expression brightened. She gave him a warm smile. "I understand. Then I will look forward to our next meeting."
She rose, clearly intending to escort him. Futsu Mitama didn't refuse. Walking beside her, he deliberately led the conversation toward trivial, everyday topics. In truth, the two of them were opposites: Kokomi worked herself to the bone, while Futsu Mitama lived comfortably because Aila handled everything for him. Spoiled by her, he could barely manage daily tasks alone.
Kokomi laughed lightly at his stories; her spirits noticeably lifted. On the way out, Futsu Mitama met Gorou and Kazuha and bid them farewell. Though reluctant, they understood.
Outside the camp, the moment of parting arrived. Kokomi reluctantly waved to him, reminding him to visit again when he had time. He and Aila nodded, then left the Resistance and rushed toward Ritou.
Half a day later, after crossing Tatarasuna, they entered Ritou. After presenting their documentation at the checkpoint, they stepped inside—immediately feeling several concealed gazes on them.
Aila leaned closer. "Young Master, to our right."
Futsu Mitama casually looked—and saw a masked woman staring at them.
Fatui?
Strange. Yae Miko had already intervened. With her protection, the Fatui targeting him was suicidal. In Inazuma, the Tri-Commission could be ignored, but Yae Miko absolutely could not. Powerful, cunning, and terrifying in her influence—once she chose to shield someone, no one would dare continue pursuing them.
He opened the Chat Group.
[Futsu Mitama: "I've arrived at Ritou."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Where exactly? I'll pick you up."]
[Kokomi: "Eh? So fast? I thought you'd arrive by evening."]
[Aila: "Young Master and I moved at full speed."]
[Raiden Makoto: "That's considered slow. If only the Group Leader could use Transcendence: Baleful Omen—"]
[Raiden Makoto: "If the Raiden Shogun wasn't inside that space, you could reach Ritou in minutes."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Great idea. Should I kick her out?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "You can try."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Try and die."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Why does it feel like none of you respect the gods?"]
[Kokomi: "Yes… If anyone else in Inazuma saw this, they'd be furious."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Hahahaha. That would be delightful."]
[Futsu Mitama: "@Kuki Shinobu I'm at the entrance of the International Chamber of Commerce."
[Kuki Shinobu: "Coming."]
A short while later, Kuki Shinobu appeared, grabbed Futsu Mitama's hand, and said briskly, "This isn't the place. Follow me."
Aila followed instantly. The Fatui agent froze in shock. She rushed to pursue them, but Shinobu's speed—and familiarity with Ritou—left her in the dust. A few turns later, she had lost them completely. Her expression darkened. Her target had vanished the moment he entered Ritou.
In a narrow alley, Shinobu stopped.
"It's safe here, for now," she said.
"As expected of you." Futsu Mitama smiled. Bringing Shinobu into the group had been one of his best decisions.
"I didn't find it," Shinobu corrected, knocking rhythmically on a closed tavern door.
The door opened.
"Welcome." Thoma appeared with his signature sunny smile.
"Hm? Thoma?" Futsu Mitama was surprised.
Considering the situation in Ritou—and the Hiiragi Clan's suspicious movements—Thoma's presence here was unexpected.
"Yo, long time no see. How's Kazuha?" Thoma asked warmly, inviting him into the tavern.
The place looked abandoned, but in truth, it was a Kamisato Clan safehouse—one of several hidden spots in Ritou.
"He's with the Resistance now. He'll probably leave Inazuma soon," Futsu Mitama said.
"Ah? The Resistance?" Thoma scratched his cheek awkwardly. He hadn't expected that.
And— Ayaka had also been paying attention to the Resistance lately.
"Is this fate?" he murmured.
"Hm?" Futsu Mitama blinked in confusion.
Thoma waved it off and stepped aside. "Nothing. The young lady has been waiting inside for quite a while."
"—Eh??"
Futsu Mitama froze.
Inside the tavern, Kamisato Ayaka sat elegantly, and when she saw him, she greeted him with a gentle, radiant smile.