Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Mei flicked her thick braid and huffed.

"If you lose during the duel, no one's going to save you."

"Oh."

Ren shrugged indifferently, looking every bit like a lazy slacker.

A duel? That's definitely Lumine's department.

What does it have to do with him?

He was perfectly content lying low. Ideally, he'd never have to meet Raiden Shogun in his entire life.

"…"

Mei shot him a glance, her gaze full of disdain.

With that level of apathy, he deserved to be sliced in half by a Musou no Hitotachi.

The thought made her tilt her chin slightly, her voice cold.

"Want to train with me?"

Though Ren had shown great strength in their previous battle, in her eyes, it still wasn't enough.

"?"

Ren slowly raised his head, looking surprised.

"You want me to become your disciple?"

"Do you object?"

At her words, Ren couldn't help but laugh, waving dismissively.

"You? A teacher? Have you even taught anyone before?"

"…"

Mei's eyes turned sharp, clearly irritated by his dismissive attitude.

For a moment, she felt like pulling out the Raiden Shogun's blade and driving it right into his head.

"If I'm going to take you as my teacher, there should at least be some benefits, right?"

"Hmph, none."

Ren chuckled, his eyes falling on Mei's thick braid.

Under the bright sunlight, the cold and aloof shrine maiden looked even more stunning.

Something stirred inside him, a faint, restless flutter.

Suddenly, he spoke softly.

"Can I see what you look like without the mask?"

"…"

Mei fell silent, her hand gently brushing the fox mask she wore.

"Why do you want to see?"

Leaning on his hand, Ren smiled.

"Curiosity. I bet you're really pretty."

Mei didn't immediately refuse. Instead, her tone turned cold.

"If you see it, you'll have to face the consequences."

Ren froze.

What kind of consequences could there be?

Would he have to take responsibility for seeing her face?

That... didn't seem like a bad deal.

"Alright, if it's a problem for you, just pretend I didn't say anything."

Ren shrugged, his tone apologetic.

"…"

A complicated emotion flickered across Mei's eyes before she let out a cold huff.

What a coward.

Ren blinked.

Why did it feel like… Mei was mad again?

As if he'd missed some monumental opportunity.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps approached from the distance.

"Takahashi-san—"

Thoma walked into the courtyard, calling out cheerfully.

He was carrying a large box, packed to the brim with unknown items.

"Thoma-san."

Ren quickly went to meet him, smiling.

"Thanks for helping out."

"No problem, these are all from your place."

Thoma began taking out the contents of the box.

Most were personal letters and correspondence.

Since Ren couldn't return home for the time being, Thoma had stepped in to help.

Plop.

A delicate purple letter slipped out.

Thoma picked it up and examined it.

"The pen name's kind of funny."

"'Passing Beef Noodle Master'… haha."

"Just a random pen pal."

If he remembered correctly, this letter came from Liyue.

Even with the Sakoku Decree in place, there were always ways to send letters across borders.

For many in Inazuma, correspondence was their only window to the outside world.

"By the way, guess what I found on the way here."

Thoma suddenly grinned mysteriously, lowering his voice.

"What?"

"Come on out, little guy."

The box wobbled as a tiny paw reached out.

Ren's mouth fell open. Wasn't this…

"Finally made it!"

A small tanuki poked its head out, looking around.

Spotting Ren, it broke into a wide grin.

"Meep! Took me long enough to find you!"

With that, it leapt onto Ren.

…

"Alright, I'd better get back to work."

"Thanks again."

Ren waved as Thoma left.

Looking at the stack of letters, he realized it would take a while to go through them.

"Meep, I'm hungry."

The little tanuki perched on his shoulder, grumbling.

This little one sure had an appetite.

"Wait a bit longer. Food's coming soon."

"Okay!"

Ren shook his head.

Speaking of which, Ayaka and Yoimiya hadn't returned yet…

Somehow, he had a bad feeling about this.

---

Somewhere in the Kamisato Estate.

Two figures wove through the corridors, stopping in a secluded corner.

The area was so quiet, it was unsettling.

"A-Ayaka, what's going on?"

Yoimiya, holding Ayaka's hand, was starting to feel nervous.

This wasn't the way to the kitchen for breakfast prep!

Even her usually bold self realized something was amiss.

Ever since Ayaka had met Ren, she seemed… different.

"Sorry, Yoimiya-san."

Ayaka looked at her friend, her expression apologetic.

Holding Yoimiya's hands tightly, she spoke earnestly.

"Can you help me with something?"

"Of course! We're best friends, aren't we?"

Yoimiya put one hand on her hip, her grin wide.

Though she hadn't quite grasped what kind of help required sneaking away.

"Thank you."

Ayaka's lips curved into a gentle smile, though her eyes gleamed with calculation.

Swish—

Suddenly, a faint rustling sound broke the silence.

"W-What was that?!"

Yoimiya jumped, startled like a frightened rabbit.

The surroundings remained eerily still, as if the sound had been a figment of her imagination.

"Huh…"

Then, the nearby bushes rustled.

A shadow flickered briefly.

"!"

Yoimiya's eyes widened in alarm.

There was definitely something there!

Ayaka shook her head lightly.

"Alright, Sayu-san, come out."

At her words, a large tanuki rolled out from the bushes.

It waddled up to the two girls, rubbing its eyes.

"Ah… good morning, Lady Ayaka."

"So sleepy…"

Sayu stretched her small body, still half-asleep.

"Oh, it's just Sayu."

Yoimiya crouched down, poking Sayu's chubby cheeks.

"Alright, everyone's here."

Ayaka nodded, snapping her fan shut.

"Now, let's discuss the battle plan."

"?"

Yoimiya, holding Sayu in her arms, exchanged a confused glance with the tanuki.

Their small eyes filled with big questions.

Battle plan?

---

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