Much time has passed and we were finally ready to go see Kokomi Sangonomiya Watatsumi Island. During that time we were training with the servants.

(Arrive at the agreed location on Yashiori Island)

Teppei: Aha, everyone, there you are, good to see you.

Sakura: Like wise.

Teppei: Your appointment with Sangonomiya is fast approaching. We should get going. Are you ready?

Higokumaru: Yes we are!

Tamamo: We're ready. Mikon~

Teppei: We'll start by heading to the camp on Watatsumi Island, and then we'll go meet Her Excellency together from there. If you start to feel seasick at any point during the trip, let me know straight away. That said, you've spent time with the Crux Fleet in the past, so I think you'll probably be fine... Ready... and away we go!

So we took the wave riders and rode all the way to Watatsumi Island.

(Watatsumi Island)

Sakura: Well here we are. Watatsumi Island.

We stood in front of an edge as Sakura pointed her hand out to the canopy of mountains and waterfalls.

Seele: Wow. It feels like being at The Deep again.

Paimon: The Deep?

Seele: One of the entrances to the Sea of Quanta.

Bronya: It does feel like being back in The Deep.

Sakura: Over there is the shrine and over there is the resistance camp. Where we are going.

Teppei: Yeah, exactly that.

(resistance camp)

Teppei: Here we are. The training grounds for Watatsumi Island's troops. Right now, the resistance is predominantly made up of local soldiers from Watatsumi Island. Some of them are fighting with the Shogun's Army in Tatarasuna, and some of them are stationed here on the island to keep the locals safe.

Paimon: Did you use to train here, too?

Teppei: Yep! Unfortunately, I had to join the fight in Tatarasuna before I'd had the chance to impress the instructors. So they had me start off by helping out in the logistics division... I'll be staying here for now. If you need me for anything, just come here. If I'm not around, just write a note and stick it on the wall. As soon as I see it, I'll come find you... ...Shoot, it's nearly time for the appointment with Her Excellency. I'll have to show you around Watatsumi Island some other time. For now, let's get ourselves over to Sangonomiya!

Paimon: So Sangonomiya is the name of the place where Sangonomiya Kokomi lives... huh. Let's go check it out.

Sakura: Right this way.

(Sangonomiya Shrine)

We went up to the shrine where we saw Kokomi.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Food supplies are the absolute top priority, period. We cannot afford any losses. With the conflict between us and the Shogun's Army getting more intense by the day, we must prioritize :the stability of the rearguard.

Ookubo Daisuke: Understood. I will think of a way...

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Take heart. We have a fresh batch of supplies in hand, and I'm working on expanding the army. I appreciate that the lack of manpower has been hard on all of you. But things are going to get better.

Ookubo Daisuke: We're expanding the army? Oh, that's great. Whoever this mystery supporter is, they're doing us a great service...

We interrupt their conversation by walking up to them.

Sakura: Greetings, Kokomi. Greetings Daisuke.

Ookubo Daisuke: Huh? Sakura? Kallen? Teppei? What are you doing back on Watatsumi Island? Might I ask, who...

Teppei: Haha, VIP guests of Her Excellency, that's who. I'm acting under orders to escort them all here.

Kiana: Yep! That's us!

Seele: We're VIP guests.

Ookubo Daisuke: Oh really? Wait, so are you the new recruits everyone's been talking about? Strength of twenty men, splits an arrow in twain from a hundred paces, skin as hard as diamond... That's you?

Patrick: Uhh... Yes... That's us.

Durandal: I have a strength of more people than just twenty.

Paimon: Seriously, what is going on with these rumors!

Ookubo Daisuke: You've come a long way. I'm sure you must be here on pressing business, so I won't disturb you any further. Feel free to visit me if you have any time to spare. Your Excellency, I'll take my leave.

Daisuke leaves us.

Teppei: Your Excellency, I couldn't help but overhear Ookubo mention something about... a third party supporter? What was that about?

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Not long ago, someone wrote to me saying that they wished to support the Watatsumi Island resistance effort. To that end, they also furnished us with a great deal of supplies. Thanks to them, we can finally start recruiting troops on the scale we need to openly confront the Shogun's Army on the front line.

Sakura: Sounds great.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: I am not without my doubts about the whole affair... but Watatsumi Island is hardly affluent, and these supplies are a much-needed lifeline for us.

Aether: Can this mystery sponsor be trusted?

Sangonomiya Kokomi: I am not without my doubts... but Watatsumi Island is hardly affluent, and these supplies are a much-needed lifeline for us. The sender's conditions were also reasonable. They simply ask us to dedicate ourselves fully to fighting against the Shogun's Army. Whatever other motives they may have, we are at least aligned on this. So let's consider them an anonymous ally. Naturally, we shouldn't let our guard down. If you discover anything out of the ordinary, please report it to me at once.

Sakura: We'll do just that.

Kallen: They could double cross us for all we know.

Higokumaru: And steal something from us.

Teppei: Your Excellency, does this mean that the food at the front line is gonna get any better? I was at the field hospital the other day, and everyone was begging for some barbecued meat.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Hehe... Don't worry. I've already made arrangements for that. Everyone will have their fill of meat. But to be clear, still no alcohol.

Teppei: That's fantastic!

Sangonomiya Kokomi: I understand how hard it's been on everyone. The resistance army's rations have barely changed at all since the Vision Hunt Decree was first announced. I will discuss this with the logistics division to see what further improvements can be made. However, our supplies are still limited. I must ask you to remain patient until victory is ours.

Paimon: When will the Vision Hunt Decree finally end?

Sakura: Hard to say.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: That's the question... and I'm afraid I don't have an answer. The mere existence of the Vision Hunt Decree is baffling. The Tenryou Commission's attitude just doesn't seem to add up, and neither does the Shogun's. The Tenryou Commission's zealous support for the decree seemed to come out of nowhere. And the Shogun seems completely indifferent to the fact that it has effectively caused a civil war... I suspect the Vision Hunt Decree won't end until these mysteries are solved. All I can say for certain is that as long as the Vision Hunt Decree remains in force, we will never give up our fight. Travelers, to confirm... knowing the current situation facing Watatsumi Island and the resistance, are you still willing to fight with us?

Aether: Yes. I won't give up, either.

Kiana: Neither will we.

Mei: We'll do what we can to put an end to this civil war and the Vision Hunt Decree.

Patrick: This war has been going on for far too long. And we're going to put an end to it.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Good. Then here is your assignment: I hereby appoint you as captains of the Watatsumi Island special operations unit: Swordfish II.

Teppei: Whoa, whoa, whaaaat!? Swordfish II!? Is this the same Swordfish special ops unit that I'm thinking of?

Sakura: It has to be them. Yes.

Kallen: Swordfish II. What a surprise.

Teppei: It's hard enough getting into a special ops unit at the bottom rung, let alone jumping to captain in one fell swoop... this is incredible!

Kiana: Some of us don't even know how to lead.

Theresa: And some of us have experience at leading.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Although this appointment breaks with convention, I firmly believe that with your wisdom, courage, and strength, you can lead your team to victory.

Paimon: Great! So when do we take up our post?

Sangonomiya Kokomi: The members of Swordfish II are currently on standby in a valley to the southwest. Ronin have been causing trouble down there lately, and we need a special operations unit to eliminate them and stabilize the rearguard. I have already written your Appointment Letter, which you'll need to show them on arrival. Once that's out of the way, please lead them in ridding the area of ronin. The special ops unit comprises Watatsumi Island's elite soldiers. They can be a little rough around the edges, but I have every confidence that you will win their trust.

Teppei: Um, what about me, Your Excellency? Any battles you need me to get involved in? I want to make a contribution to the resistance, too!

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Of course. I'll arrange something and brief you shortly.

Teppei: Alright! One successful operation, coming right up! Hehe Travelers, you may have swiped the captaincy of Swordfish II, but watch this space, 'cause this guy's on his way up!

Paimon: Okay, sure. Well, be careful out there. Don't push yourself too hard.

Sakura: And try not to show off.

Paimon: Well guys, let's move out.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: From now on, let's fight together.

Teppei: I'll admit, being promoted directly to captain is pretty amazing. But I'm not about to get left behind! I'll see you at the top some day soon.

So we went to go find Swordfish II and we did then we spoke to the members of Swordfish II.

Swordfish II Provisional Squad Leader: Ah, you must be the new captains of Swordfish II. Her Excellency briefed us in advance.

Kiana: Thats us.

Sakura: It was unexpected that she would name us captains.

Captain: I'm already a captain of a ship but now it's gonna be hard to tell if someone is calling for me or not.

Swordfish II Provisional Squad Leader: Your reputations precedes you, and the Appointment Letter is all in order. But I still have my doubts...

Paimon: Hmm? About what?

Kallen: What doubts do you have about us?

Swordfish II Provisional Squad Leader: I'll be straight with you. I want to know whether you have what it takes to lead us.

Paimon: You mean... like a duel?

Swordfish II Veteran: Normally, a duel would be the quickest way to settle the question. But this time, we've got a better way. We're stationed here because of all the ronin causing trouble in these parts. If you can get rid of them for us, we'll take that as a measure of your strength. One at a time.

Aether: Sure.

Patrick: One at a time.

Durandal: Thats all it will take.

Paimon: Alright, let's show them what you're made of!

Swordfish II Provisional Squad Leader: Show me that you are worthy to lead us.

Swordfish II Veteran: We make no apologies for holding our leader to the highest standard. Because at the end of the day, your competence decides whether we live or die.

One by one we each took turns on taking out the Ronin. Both the members came down to see us after we cleared the Ronin.

Swordfish II Provisional Squad Leader: Okay, seems like you all can hold your own... The rumors are exaggerations, of course, but still, your abilities are admirable.

Koutoku: Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Koutoku, Acting Captain of Swordfish II. This is Yoshihisa, a fellow veteran of the team. I now formally cede the position of captain to you. Swordfish II awaits your orders.

Kiana: So... which one of us should give the first order?

Captain: I say Theresa of Himeko should do it.

Durandal: No. As the strongest I should give the first order.

Bronya: The Bronya shall do it.

Seele: Yes, Big Sister Bronya should do it since she's more smarter than any of you...

Aether: Are there any other ronin to deal with?

Aether gave the first order.

Yoshihisa: There are two hard-hit areas. This was one of them, but thanks to you, this area is now secure. Their only remaining stronghold is located at the shallows on the east side of the island. That said, the ones over there are tougher, and there's more of them.

Aether: We should go take a look.

Sakura: Kokomi said we need to secure the rearguard.

Paimon: You got that right. Watatsumi Island is busy fighting the Shogun's Army on the front line. We can't let these guys mess up thing at the rear!

Sakura: Lead the way Aether. You're in charge of the party now.

With Aether in charge we arrived at the area threatened by Ronin.

Paimon: There's so many of them...

Koutoku: That's not even all of them. They have two more camps nearby. Whichever camp we attack, it's the ronin in the other two camps that'll cause us issues. They might decide to provide backup or abandon them and escape on their own.

Aether: Then let's attack them all at once.

Kiana: Thats a great idea. Attack them all at once.

Durandal: We'll handle them in groups.

Koutoku: But Captains, that would put you in great danger...

Durandal: We'll be fine. We've handled things on our own before. Especially lots of enemies.

Koutoku: If we spread our troops too thin, we won't have enough men to guard you. It's too risky.

Aether: I'm fine.

Paimon: Yup, the Traveler eats amateurs like these for breakfast!

Kiana: Exactly! We eat our enemies for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert!

Rita: And Durandal-sama is the strongest in the party. She can handle her own.

Theresa: I have my trusty Oath of Judah with me to aid me.

Himeko: We'll be okey in groups.

Koutoku: All right then. We'll deal with them all in one go and rendezvous with you on completion!

So we split up into groups and cleared out all the ronin.

Paimon: That should be the last of them... Aether, you didn't get hurt, did you?

Aether: I'm fine.

Paimon: Cool... Paimon wonders how everything is going with Koutoku and Yoshihisa. Should we go over and check on them?

Everyone got back together.

Yoshihisa: Captain!

Koutoku: Captain, the other two camps have been cleared. The entire rearguard of Watatsumi Island is now secure.

Kiana: We told you that things would work out when we were in groups.

Paimon: Great! Hee-hee, we solved the ronin problem and got everyone to look up to us, too... But what's next? Let's go back and check with Kokomi.

Yoshihisa: Finally, we got it done. These ronin have been bugging me for ages, but Koutoku wouldn't let us at 'em till now. What? No way could you have taken them down without the new captains here. I was putting the safety of the team first, got it?

Fu Hua: Really?

Yoshihisa: Oh come on, you were just being cowards...

What he said made some of us angry.

Paimon: Hey, cut the attitude! These guys, honestly... guys, forget them, let's go!

(Return to headquarters and talk to Sangonomiya Kokomi)

Sangonomiya Kokomi: How was it? Did your initiation go smoothly?

Kiana: Without a hitch.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Hehe... I'm sure you're playing it down a little. Koutoku and the others put you through your paces, I presume?

Kiana: Yeah... They did...

Aether: There was a short test to begin with.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Mm, yes. That's standard for the team. But with your levels of ability, I'm sure it was a walk in the park. Since you're back, I take it that the ronin are now gone from Watatsumi Island?

Paimon: You bet. We sure showed them who's boss!

Kiana: Being Captain is great!

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Good. Now we just need to make sure Ookubo keeps a close watch to prevent their resurgence. Thank you. I believe in rewarding merit, so you will be compensated for your hard work. Let me see... too soon for another promotion, I think. I could increase your pay...

Kiana: Gladly.

Aether: Hey, where did Teppei go?

Sangonomiya Kokomi: I gave him an assignment. He's taking part in a surprise attack against the Shogun's Navy. He expressed a desire to be on the front line, so I honored his wishes. Now. Speaking of assignments, I have a special mission I'd like to give you.

Paimon: A special mission?

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Yes. In between Watatsumi Island and Tatarasuna, there are some ruins relating to a god who fell in the Archon War. There are several small islands there, often used as a transit point when transporting supplies. Recently, however, supplies stored there have started to go missing for no obvious reason.

Sakura: That can't be good.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Stranger still, the resistance army passed by and reported they found no signs of danger... I'd like to task you with getting to the bottom of this.

Sakura: Thank you. We'll get to it right away.

Sangonomiya Kokomi: It's not urgent, so there is no need to leave immediately. I suggest you take a few days to familiarize yourselves with the army and also with Watatsumi Island. When Teppei returns, you can catch up with him, then pick a day when the weather's good to set sail for the islands.

Paimon: Is Teppei really gonna be okay? He has a tendency to dive into action without thinking things through... Paimon can't help but feel a little worried about him. Oh, why don't we go wait for him at the training grounds?

Sakura: I guess we will.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

During the next few days we trained with Swordfish II while also fighting in the war. Durandal and Himeko lead assaults on the Shogun's army. Seele and Bronya fought with Drake against the Shogun's navy. Kallen and Selune's Elgy did spy missions and sabotage missions. While doing those missions, Kallen was Rouge Extraordinare. Theresa as Luna Kindred and Blood Embrace were scaring the Shogun's soldiers away while also killing them and sucking them dry of their blood.

I had armor made for my master as we fought together against the Shogun's army. Sakura, Higokumaru, and Tamamo fought together. Tamamo was able to outsmart the Shogun's army and escaping while leading them into traps set up by Sakura. Kiana used her void powers and killed a lot of soldiers with her void lances while I did the same thing with my swords.

After the days went by we were back at Bourou Village.

Teppei: Long time no see, everyone! So, how's Swordfish II treating you? Getting along okay with everyone?

Aether: Well enough.

Kiana: Eh, they can be a pain in the butt...

Durandal: But we managed to earn their trust and we were able to lead them.

Teppei: Hehe, well you're in luck, because this seasoned veteran's got a few leadership tips for you! Raising their pay will boost morale, while giving them a few bounties will act as an incentive to go the extra mile. It's also important to maintain strict discipline at all times, and finally... uh, wait, what was it, what was it...

Paimon: Wow... Where'd ya learn all that, Teppei?

Teppei: I read it in a novel from the Yae Publishing House... it was a long time ago. You wouldn't believe how many Dango it took to convince my friend to let me borrow it.

Paimon: You're seriously gonna use a novel to tell people how to run an army? Pretty sure that's called being an "armchair general"...

Teppei: Haw-haw, that's where you underestimate me! That's right, I'm learning military management on the job now, just like you.

Aether: Wait, you mean...

Patrick: You too?

Teppei: You'd better believe it! Thanks to my outstanding achievements in the recent naval battle, I've officially been made the captain of my very own special operations unit!

Himeko: We'll congratulations, Teppei.

Teppei: It's a brand new unit: Herring I! What do you think? Pretty awesome, right?

Sakura: Oh it is awesome. Great name.

Teppei: I spoke to Her Excellency and she says our uniforms are in production. Let's go collect them together once they're ready. I can't wait to put them on! We're really gonna look the part. Ah, everything's going great. Our mystery sponsor's supplies have really helped turned things around...

Paimon: Will Paimon get a uniform, too?

Teppei: Of course! You're a recognized member of the Watatsumi Island resistance.

Paimon: Yippy!

Kiana: You're gonna be a great leader!

Seele: You'll become a great hero!

Tamamo: Captain Teppei!

Herring Section 1 Squad Member: Captain, a new assignment has come in...
Teppei: Thank you soldier, I'll be there on the double. Alright, I'd better go. See you again soon.

Teppei: You'd better watch out, partners — at the rate I'm going, I'll overtake you if you're not careful!

Paimon: Hah, in your dreams, mister!

Kiana: We still have the higher ranks than you and the higher skills and strength!

Durandal: I'm the one who's at the peak.

Teppei: *clears throat*... I wouldn't be so confident if I were you. I'm at the top of my game right now. This is my time to shine!

Teppei leaves.

Paimon: Paimon is so surprised that Teppei's been made a platoon captain... He must have been working super hard.

Himeko: It takes a long time to get a new rank.

Paimon: Let's take a break then go check out these Archon War ruins!

Sakura: There's lots to do and lots to see. We'll meet up then go to the ruins.