A/N (PLEASE READ FIRST)

After playing through Inazuma, I found myself being okay with the story at first, but the more I thought about it, the more irritated I got. I realize now how horribly written Kokomi was, how the story had no break in pacing, how it was all hype and no calm. Multiple people even said that they didn't feel like Traveler was the one who saved Inazuma, because there were just cutscenes and precious few interactions with Inazuma's people. I also saw some others talking about how they disliked the 'Yae saves the day' part.

I was scrolling through theories about an evil Kokomi that were posted before the last few chapters were released when this idea crept into my mind. What if Inazuma was rewritten completely differently, in a way that those who were dissatisfied with the original would enjoy better? I allowed it to stay in my mind for a few months before a sudden burst of inspiration led to this post.

Now, if this was going to be written, I would need suggestions from the readers. I have an idea of how it could go but I would prefer input first. I would also do two separate versions- one with Traveler Aether and one with Traveler Lumine- so those who prefer a certain sibling over the other can select their preference. However, Lumine would come out first because I'm more familiar with her.

The canon people would have some slight rewriting in their characterization/motivation *cough* Kokomi *cough*, and there would also be fill-in characters AKA OCs in case the story takes a huge pivot, but they probably won't play extreme long-term roles. Literally, just filler.

I did some research on war strategy and understood a godly sum of 5%, so if Kokomi still isn't done justice with my writing, I sincerely apologize for my inability.

In any case, please review and let me know if this idea should be expanded upon. Thank you for your time!

Sangonomiya Kokomi. Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island. A strategical prodigy with the entirety of her people wrapped around her delicate fingers. A genius seemingly held back by her limited supplies…. but, unbeknownst to the world, the only thing that holds her back is herself.

She had once heard a good piece of advice from a passing outlander, and she had taken it to heart. With the advice in mind, she lays out her strategy for the war.

Kokomi is praised as a genius, and the fact that she receives such praise makes her chuckle. When one holds back and even plays dumb at times, yet still becomes known as a gifted person, it is a cause for ironic laughter.

One day, as she walked along the coast of Watatsumi Island, Kokomi encountered an unfamiliar young man who was soaking wet as he picked Seagrass from the beach. She approached him out of curiosity.

"Good afternoon, sir. What brings you to Watatsumi Island?"

He jumped and whipped around, "Wha- oh! The Divine Priestess! I hope I'm not disturbing anyone. I-I was just gathering this Seagrass to prepare a meal for myself later."

She nodded, "No worries. I haven't seen you around. You are an outlander, then?"

"Y-yes. I'm from Fontaine."

This perked her interest, "All the way from Fontaine? You must have been worn out from such a journey! What brought you to Inazuma, if I may ask?"

"Well…I wanted inspiration, and I hoped to find it here. But I can't go back because Inazuma has locked down hard. And uh, admittedly, I've been avoiding both sides of the war. I'm waiting for everything to pass before I try to return to Fontaine."

"I see…I'm sorry you've gone through so much trouble. What was this about inspiration again? Are you an artist?"

"Ah, I'm an engineer."

That statement changed her attitude. Kokomi's eyes now glittered with undivided attention, and her brain began to sort out a good path for the conversation. "So does that mean you had nothing to do with the situation at Mikage Furnace?"

"Oh no, I wasn't involved in that whole ordeal. That's for the real experts. I came here by myself."

She tapped her chin, feigning thoughtfulness. "Well, I know you said you're avoiding both sides of the war, but what if you took up a commission here? You would be given shelter, rations, and there is a handsome reward."

He hesitated. "…I am interested, but I would hate to attract the attention of the Shogunate, so as long as the commission isn't anything dangerous…"

Kokomi nodded sympathetically, "It must be difficult to be in an unfamiliar land. As for the commission, it can be completed anonymously. My closest confidants and I are the only ones who would know your identity."

The engineer's brow furrowed, his intrigue shining through. "What is it?"

"A construction project of sorts." Kokomi smiled, though her kindness was laced with cunning glee that went undetected. "I've read much about Fontaine's technology, however, the blueprints and such remain unclear. One certain contraption that has caught my attention is called the Ornithopter. I trust you know of it?"

"The Ornithopters? Yeah. They're not being mass-produced, but a few inventors and engineers have them. What about them?"

"To get to the point, I think that those aircrafts could be beneficial to the resistance's efforts. The commission involves helping us construct them."

Kokomi chose her words meticulously. Watatsumi Island's residents descended from those who lived in the ocean. As a result, they were very close to the nature of the ocean. They controlled the sea. The Shogunate are powerful enemies, she knew, and they had never gone to war in the water. One could say that they controlled the land. But the sky? None occupied it.

It was ripe for the taking. She only needed the right technology to do so. But that all hinged upon this interaction.

The engineer bit his lip, taking his deep thinking as an opportunity to step out of the cold water and onto the shore. Hesitation and wariness were written all over his face. "How much is the handsome reward you spoke of?"

"…10,000 Mora for showing us how to make them. 50,000 if you aid in gathering the materials and construction, and yet another 10,000 if you stay and continue to aid the resistance. This is added on to the benefits of shelter, rations, and protection from the Shogunate."

The engineer's jaw dropped, confounded by the offer. 'A handsome reward indeed.' Kokomi thought, 'Especially considering the state he is in at the moment, refusing would be a foolish choice. He knows it too.'

"W-well…I would gladly take on this commission, then."

"Splendid. I will take you to Bourou Village. Until we arrange proper housing for you, you can stay in one of the village dwellings. Is that alright with you?"

He nodded in relief. "How and when will the Mora be given to me, just so I may know in advance?"

"Depending on current situations, I'll most likely send a soldier to deliver the Mora. Which parts of the commission will you be doing?"

"…. All of it."

"The first 10,000 will be given to you once I arrange a meeting with the people who you will be teaching. Then, after the materials are gathered and the Ornithopters constructed, you will receive the 50,000 Mora. Finally, you will be paid an additional 10,000 for remaining in the resistance, alongside the second sum."

His face brightened, "You're very efficient, Divine Priestess. It will be an honor to work with you."

"I must say the same to you! What is your name?"

"Austin."

"Wonderful. Please come with me then, Austin. After I show you where you'll be staying, you may return to your encampment and gather your belongings. I assure you that a meal will be ready for you upon your return."

Now, many know that the supplies of the resistance are limited. So, one may ponder how Sangonomiya Kokomi would acquire the "handsome reward" that she had promised.

It just so happened that, prior to her encounter with Austin, she had received a strange message. In short, it had told her that an anonymous donor was willing to give further supplies to the resistance. These supplies included food, clean water, clothing, materials needed for smithing, and last but not least: a sum of Mora that would be enough to break even.

So now, Kokomi had acquired both the backing of a Fontaine engineer, and precious supplies. Of course, this donor was quite suspicious, and she didn't trust them completely, but she would go over the items delivered in the crates herself. There were no suspicious things, so she decided to consider them an unknown ally for the time being.

Not to mention, she also had her own agenda to fulfill.

As the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Kokomi's bloodline had direct interactions with Orobashi. But Orobashi was slain long ago by the Raiden Shogun. If only he hadn't been! Perhaps he could have ascended and taken the place of one of the Seven.

In her naiver days, Kokomi would dream up fantasies like that. Orobashi, so kind and loving, did not deserve to die. He did not deserve to have his remains rot in a place far away from his people. And above all, he did not deserve to have his body and blood desecrated! The very thought of it all made her boil with fury. Up until now, the best she could do was ensure his legacy would be respected.

Then the war began, and suddenly opportunities opened up. This anonymous donor allowed her to have access to new technology and supplies. And it was paving the way for Watatsumi's success. Revenge for Orobashi was at hand.

Kokomi clapped her hands together gleefully in the privacy of her secret spot. Taking her diary, she twirled the quill between her fingers before marking up her energy. She was invigorated by her thoughts.

The Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island is a strategical prodigy held back only by herself. She had once overheard and taken to heart this advice from a passing outlander:

"A trump card is something you save for last."

With this excellent advice in mind, she does not stand still. She waits. With many cards up her sleeve, she plays the weakest ones with small strategy. When the Shogunate becomes cocky, the resistance will have accumulated power. They will have saved their best strategies. They will have grown. And that is when she will lay down her hitherto unknown trump cards, all at once. She is cunning, and she knows it, which is why she plays dumb.

Sadly, playing dumb will lead to many sacrifices, committed without her knowledge. But until then, things have seemingly only gotten better. The price remains concealed.

Sangonomiya Kokomi is a genius.

And she is aware that the perfect opportunity she has been waiting for will arrive soon, in the form of a traveler of whom rumors have spread throughout all of Teyvat.

Her eyes gleam in anticipation.