Several days later.
Baal returned from Celestia with a Gnosis, becoming Inazuma's god in the truest sense.
On the third day after Baal's return, Inazuma held its founding ceremony, and the entire nation celebrated.
Meanwhile.
On that very day.
The Great Serpent led Watatsumi Island's soldiers in an attack on Yashiori Island.
The Great Serpent had chosen this day because it was when Inazuma's defenses would be at their weakest.
Everyone would be busy celebrating, and no one would notice their movements.
Except for one person.
"So you've come after all..."
At that moment, Xiu Yuan slowly opened his eyes from meditation. His gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, as though he could see through everything.
He saw several enormous ships and countless smaller boats approaching.
Beneath the sea lurked the shadow of a gigantic serpent.
The Great Serpent had come to this battle fully prepared to die.
Thus, the vast majority of those he had brought posed a potential threat.
The Great Serpent had carefully selected these people, intending to use Zebu's hand to eliminate those threats.
After all, as Watatsumi Island's chief god, he could never kill his own people.
Those left behind on Watatsumi Island were the ones the Great Serpent truly wished to protect.
They would not take part in this war, and their safety would be assured.
Watching the vast host approach, Xiu Yuan calmly savored his last cup of tea.
Only after finishing it did he wash the cup, put it away, and slowly rise.
At that moment.
The entire sea swelled upward. As seawater cascaded down like a waterfall, an enormous serpent's head appeared before Xiu Yuan, blotting out the sky and sun.
"Sasayuri... of the tengu?"
"Why... are you here?"
Today was Inazuma's founding celebration. As a general serving under Zebu,