Genshin Impact: Template System

"Lord Akio!" Sangonomiya Kokomi suddenly sat up, her gaze fixed intently on Akio. Her breathing was rapid. Those grains were the last lifeline for Watatsumi Island! If Akio were to confiscate them, the island would be plunged into famine. 

"Lord Akio! Those grains are the life-saving provisions for Watatsumi Island, tied to the lives of hundreds of thousands of its people. I beg you... please do not touch them." Kokomi stared directly at Akio as she spoke. 

"Is this the attitude with which you address me?" Akio's eyes narrowed slightly, and an overwhelming aura of divine authority instantly pressed down on Kokomi, forcing her to the ground. 

Yet, Kokomi stubbornly held her ground, her gaze still defiantly fixed on Akio. 

"I... am the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island! I carry the will of the Great Orobashi in this mortal body, tasked with protecting the people of Watatsumi in place of the gods." Kokomi struggled to maintain her posture, her words coming in broken gasps. "Lord Akio, I was born for Watatsumi Island. If you allow these grains to reach the island, I am willing to offer everything I have." 

Akio silently observed the girl before him, who remained steadfast in her conviction despite being crushed by divine pressure. Kamisato Ayaka bit her lip, unable to bear watching Kokomi's plight. 

"Tsk~" Suddenly, the divine pressure dissipated, and Kokomi knelt on the ground, gasping for breath, beads of sweat dripping down her pale skin. 

"Ayaka, do I seem heartless, like a villain, just standing here?" Akio asked, turning to Ayaka with a puzzled expression. 

"Not at all~" Ayaka shook her head, taking Akio's hand. In her eyes, Akio was the kindest person in the world. 

"..." Kokomi was speechless. Oh, of course, he must be a good person! (Scoffs) 

"Your resolve is commendable. I'll tell you this: I'll allow Thoma to continue transporting the grains to Watatsumi Island," Akio said. 

"Really?" Kokomi's eyes lit up with hope as she slowly rose to her feet, looking at Akio. 

"I've said it before—I'm not some heartless villain. The people of Watatsumi Island have been accepted by the Shogun, making them citizens of Inazuma. I won't let them starve to death," Akio stated calmly. 

"Moreover, I might even agree to have the Yashiro Commission continue supplying grains to Watatsumi Island at fair market prices," Akio added. "Openly, without the need for secrecy." 

"Really?" This sudden good news nearly overwhelmed Kokomi. She had no reason to doubt Akio's words. As Inazuma's new deity, his decrees held the same weight as the Shogun's. If he permitted it, who would dare defy him? 

"What do you require of us in return?" Kokomi asked, her excitement tempered by caution. She knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. 

"Let the people of Watatsumi live peacefully and stop causing trouble for the Shogunate," Akio said plainly. 

"If they have enough to eat, they will surely abide by Inazuma's laws," Kokomi nodded in agreement. 

"Don't celebrate too soon," Akio warned. "That's only for the ordinary citizens of Watatsumi. You and the Resistance are still guilty of crimes." 

"Rebelling against the Shogunate, attempting to undermine Inazuma's foundation—that is your crime," Akio declared. 

"But we..." Kokomi tried to explain, but Akio cut her off. 

"No matter your reasons, that is your crime," Akio said coldly. "In a nation ruled by the gods, you dared to raise the banner of rebellion. How bold of you!" 

"Did you think the Shogun wouldn't wield her blade against you? Or have you forgotten the power of the gods after a century of her absence?" 

"A godless force dares to raise arms against the Shogunate, protected by the gods?" Akio stepped closer to Kokomi, a hint of mockery in his smile. "Your Great Watatsumi God still lies dormant on Yashiori Island. Rebelling against the Shogunate will only lead to your destruction." 

"You always say the Shogun is a cold and heartless deity, but I think the opposite is true," Akio continued. "She is magnanimous and kind. Even after Orobashi invaded Inazuma, causing great disaster, and even after her friend was unjustly killed by Orobashi, she still accepted Watatsumi Island and allowed you to continue worshiping Orobashi. Isn't that kindness and magnanimity?" 

"You claim you have no protection from the Shogun. How laughable," Akio sneered. "Without her protection, you would have been driven back into the dark abyss long ago. Without her protection, you, who lack even the power of a great demon, would have been annihilated by monsters." 

"That's why I say your rebellion is a crime," Akio said calmly. "I'll allow you to live, but that doesn't absolve you of your guilt." 

"How does Lord Akio intend to punish us?" Kokomi asked, her voice tinged with defeat. 

"Wait for a while. Once Inazuma's situation stabilizes, the Shogunate will station troops on Watatsumi Island. As for reparations, that will be decided by the Commission after everything is settled," Akio said. 

"No!" Kokomi's face paled. Stationing troops? That was unacceptable. 

"That would be a violation of our sovereignty!" 

"Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, don't push your luck!" Akio's voice turned icy. "From the moment you raised arms against the Shogun, you forfeited any claim to complete sovereignty." 

"Your actions no longer warrant absolute sovereignty," Akio said coldly. "You are part of Inazuma. Accept the arrangement." 

"..." Kokomi's face was ashen, but she had no choice but to accept reality. Before a god, she had no bargaining power. 

"I understand," Kokomi said softly. 

"Good," Akio nodded. "You may leave. I'll send people to deliver sufficient grain. Make sure you have the Mora ready." 

"Understood. Thank you, Lord Akio." Kokomi nodded. Having enough grain was, at least, some good news. 

As she walked out of the Kamisato Estate in a daze, Kokomi looked up at the grand building and let out a self-deprecating laugh. Without a god, could she ever have a voice? All the knowledge she had acquired was meaningless in the face of divine power. 

"Ah~ Akio~" After Kokomi left, Ayaka was pulled into Akio's embrace. She nestled in his arms, feeling the warmth of her beloved, and felt at ease. 

"The grain sent to Watatsumi Island—was it approved by Miko, wasn't it?" Akio asked with a smile. 

"Mhm," Ayaka nodded. "I suggested it, and Sister Miko agreed." 

"I figured as much. In this situation, only she would dare to do something so bold," Akio chuckled. After all, the pink fox lady was someone who knew no bounds.

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