"Lady Kokomi, disaster has struck! The grain being transported to the front lines has been poisoned. Many soldiers have fallen unconscious after consuming the contaminated food, and the situation is dire. The military doctors are at a loss..."
"I've already ordered the remaining grain to be sealed. However, the front lines are facing a severe shortage of supplies, and discontent is brewing within the army. If this continues, our morale will collapse before we even engage the Shogunate's forces!" Goro said, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he spoke of urgent matters.
They dared not eat the delivered food, and the provisions left at the front were almost depleted.
This enemy tactic was insidious, throwing the resistance army into disarray.
"Goro, calm down. The more critical the situation, the less we can afford to panic... I will find a solution for the front-line food crisis. Later, gather a few trustworthy soldiers and conduct a discreet investigation to apprehend the poisoner. The fact that the poisoning was carried out so silently and without detection suggests we have a traitor within our ranks..."
Kokomi's expression was grim as she spoke. As much as she hated to believe it, reality dictated otherwise.
The resistance, being the weaker force, had recruited many refugees fleeing Watatsumi Island, including those who opposed the confiscation of their Visions. This led to a mixed populace within the resistance, and it was impossible to guarantee that no Shogunate spies had infiltrated.
The soldiers responsible for managing weapons and provisions were all natives of Watatsumi Island. It was unexpected that someone would eventually be turned.
This was the outcome Kokomi dreaded the most.
To ensure the safety of future supplies, the traitor had to be apprehended swiftly!
"Yes, Lady Kokomi!"
Goro clasped his hands in salute, accepting the order. With Lady Kokomi here, the resistance felt like it had a guiding light.
If Lady Kokomi hadn't returned, Goro wouldn't have known what to do.
"Fuyumi, please accompany me to the front-line field hospital. I wish to check on the condition of the poisoned soldiers," Kokomi said, looking at Fuyumi after Goro had departed.
"That's precisely what I intended to suggest. I happen to have some knowledge of medicine."
Fuyumi nodded, surprised that a problem had arisen at the front lines during their brief absence.
Poisoning could be treated, but if it was a result of using Delusions, which drained one's life force, even Fuyumi would be powerless.
"You know medicine, Fuyumi? That's wonderful! Let's go quickly!"
Upon hearing this, Kokomi's eyes lit up. She took Fuyumi's arm and hurried towards the front-line field hospital.
Her heart heavy with concern for the soldiers, she disregarded any notions of propriety and treated Fuyumi as a lifeline, holding his arm tightly, lest he slip away.
So soft~
So smooth and soft!
Pulled along by Kokomi, Fuyumi quickly arrived at the field hospital.
Kokomi released his arm and approached the military doctor to inquire about the soldiers' poisoning.
"Lady Kokomi, you've arrived? These soldiers who consumed the poisoned food are experiencing seizures, foaming at the mouth, and persistent high fever... I examined the tainted food and discovered that it contains a complex mixture of potent poisons. The perpetrator's skill is exceptional; they managed to avoid mutual conflict between the toxins while simultaneously enhancing their potency, making it impossible to detoxify them individually... Time is of the essence. Alas, I am powerless. I am a disgrace to these brave warriors!" the aged military doctor sighed, shaking his head. He was truly unable to help.
"How... how could this happen? Oh, right, Fuyumi! Perhaps Fuyumi can help!"
Kokomi stumbled back a step, the doctor's words hitting her like a blow, leaving her chest heavy and her breathing labored.
But then, Kokomi remembered Fuyumi. He also possessed medical knowledge, and perhaps he had a solution.
Kokomi turned around, but Fuyumi was nowhere to be seen.
Just as she was growing frantic, she noticed that Fuyumi had, at some point, entered the field hospital and was examining the condition of the poisoned soldiers.
"Fuyumi, how is it? Are they still savable?"
Kokomi quickly stepped forward, standing quietly behind Fuyumi, anxiously awaiting his assessment.
Only after Fuyumi finished his examination did Kokomi anxiously ask.
"Sigh..."
Fuyumi suddenly let out a sigh, causing Kokomi's heart to leap into her throat.
Patients feared a doctor's frown and sigh the most. Although Kokomi was not a patient, she equally dreaded Fuyumi's sigh.
She feared his next words would be, "They're beyond saving, just bury them!"
"The toxins have already invaded the soldiers' vital organs. Even the greatest physician in the world would be powerless..."
Hearing Fuyumi's words, Kokomi felt immense self-reproach. If she hadn't been so absorbed in military strategy and had brought Fuyumi sooner, could she have saved these soldiers' lives?
Now, it was too late...
These soldiers fought bravely against the enemy, battling for Watatsumi Island and the innocent. They were heroes of the people. They did not fall on the battlefield, only to die from a traitor's poison.
This was unbearable for Kokomi.
"However, while the greatest physicians may be powerless, that doesn't mean I am! But to save these soldiers, a great price will need to be paid. Kokomi, are you sure you want to proceed?"
Fuyumi placed his hands on Kokomi's delicate shoulders, looking intently into her eyes and asking with solemnity.
"Of course, we must save them! They are warriors of the resistance, heroes fighting for Watatsumi Island and the innocent. No matter the cost, I am willing!"
A flicker of determination flashed in Kokomi's eyes.
Life was paramount. As long as they were alive, there was hope!
It was her delay in bringing Fuyumi that cost the soldiers their golden window for treatment. She was responsible for bearing this burden.
"Very well. Now, see here, kiss me right here!"
Fuyumi pointed to his cheek and winked at Kokomi.
"Ah? Here? At least we should be somewhere private..."
Hearing Fuyumi's request, Kokomi panicked, her gaze darting away, her hands unsure where to rest.
However, seeing that Fuyumi was still in the mood to jest with her, it meant he was confident in his ability to treat the soldiers. This finally eased the heavy weight on Kokomi's heart.
Glancing around quickly to ensure no one was paying them attention, Kokomi pecked Fuyumi on the cheek with the speed of a pecking chick.
"Is that enough? Hurry and treat the soldiers!"
Kokomi deliberately put on a stern face and urged Fuyumi.
She attempted to appear serious and angry, but instead, a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
It was less anger and more a pouty, almost petulant, display of affection. Perhaps, even she hadn't noticed the subtle hint of secret joy within her.