Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

In the alleyway, a girl's bell-like laughter rang out.

"Run faster, Master!"

The next moment, a young man and woman dashed into view.

Kamisato Ayaka clung tightly to Ren, laughing uncontrollably.

"They're going to catch us!"

She tightened her hold around his neck, shouting right into his ear.

"Let go, you're choking me," Ren grumbled, struggling for breath as he sprinted.

The soft and fragrant body pressed against him was... distracting, to say the least.

The jostling motion, the up and down...

It was surprisingly— No!

What on earth am I thinking at a time like this?!

Behind him was his obedient, lovable disciple who respected him as her master.

Get it together. Don't be weird.

"I won't let go," Ayaka replied with a blissful smile, her gaze brimming with happiness.

She leaned her head against his back, closing her eyes in delight.

Such a wonderful Master—how could she ever let go?

---

On the Streets.

"Master, that way!"

Ayaka, still clinging to Ren's neck, played navigator, steering him like a playful driver.

Wherever she pointed, Ren ran, almost as if she'd turned this escape into a game.

"What just flew past?!"

Passersby exclaimed, startled by the blur of two figures racing down the street.

Ayaka's cheerful laughter faded into the distance before anyone could react.

By the time they realized what had happened, the pair had already vanished.

Are young people this bold nowadays?

Some onlookers couldn't help but marvel.

Having a boyfriend with this much stamina must be a blessing.

They could probably try all kinds of... activities.

The streets of Inazuma City fell into minor chaos.

It was safe to assume Kujou Sara's blood pressure would spike again later.

Naturally, all the commotion drew a crowd of onlookers.

"Huh?"

A lively young girl stopped in her tracks, tilting her head in curiosity.

She stood on tiptoe, trying to peer over the bustling crowd.

"What's going on? Is there something juicy?"

"Let me take a look."

Wait a second—those figures in the distance looked awfully familiar.

But before she could get a better view, they disappeared.

The girl pouted, hopping twice in frustration.

Her spirited and adorable demeanor turned heads.

What a stunning little lady!

Yet just as someone plucked up the courage to approach her...

"..."

A cold snort cut through the air.

Beside the girl stood a woman in a violet dress, exuding an icy elegance.

Her breathtaking beauty was matched by an aura of danger.

The moment her sharp gaze swept over the crowd, necks shrank, and whispers ceased.

"Mei-senpai, don't be so intimidating," the girl said, tugging at the older woman's hand playfully.

"..."

The woman, Mei, withdrew her gaze.

The aloof "country bumpkin" who preferred actions over words.

The girl sighed, knocking on her own forehead in exasperation.

She's not like this in front of Ren...

What on earth is going on here?

The self-proclaimed love guru of Hanamizaka pondered deeply.

"Forget it!"

The spirited girl quickly gave up thinking.

Taking Mei's hand, she grinned.

"Mei-senpai, you must be tired from all this walking, right?"

"Let's find a place to sit and grab something tasty!"

Mei nodded slightly.

Seeing her agree, the girl cheered.

Spending time shopping with such a cool elder sister was immensely satisfying!

"Hm, where should we go next..."

She muttered, tapping her fingers together in thought.

As she struggled to decide, a crisp voice interrupted her.

"Which shop here is the best?"

"Huh?"

The girl looked up, blinking.

"The best around here would be Uyuu Restaurant, of course."

"But it's a bit pricey," she added sheepishly.

In her haste to leave earlier, she might not have brought enough Mora.

"Let's go."

Mei tilted her chin slightly, her tone indifferent.

Expensive was perfect.

This "country bumpkin" had no concept of budgeting.

"Okay!"

The girl's eyes sparkled as she nodded enthusiastically.

So cool—an icy, wealthy big sister!

Though, in her excitement, she'd momentarily forgotten something.

This "country bumpkin," who didn't even recognize Mora at first...

Where exactly had she gotten her spending money?

"Hehe, hello, boss!"

The lively girl burst through the door, her cheerful grin lighting up the room.

Having a big sister by her side made her walk with extra confidence.

"Welcome, you two!"

The shopkeeper greeted them before turning to mutter something under his breath.

"What are you... oh, poor guy," he sighed.

"Mm-mmph!"

At a nearby table, a blond young man sat with a pained expression.

He was shoveling down food in large bites, though what he was eating looked...

Charred.

"Mm-mmph!"

The blond began to choke, prompting the shopkeeper to hurriedly hand him a glass of water.

"Huh? Isn't that..."

The girl blinked in surprise, running over.

She patted the man on the back and greeted him brightly:

"Thoma!"

The enthusiastic slap made Thoma's face turn blue.

"Cough, cough..."

The shopkeeper paled.

"Oh no, food poisoning!"

"??"

The girl panicked. "Thoma, hang in there!"

---

After much chaos...

"Lord Ayato's cooking... it's incredible," Thoma groaned, slumped over the table.

"Ugh, why would you eat something like this?"

The girl grimaced, pushing the plate of blackened food away in disgust.

"I failed to intercept the person meeting Lady Ayaka," Thoma explained weakly, shaking his head.

"I've let the Lord down."

"Uh-huh, I see," the girl replied, nodding with a bright smile.

"So what? It's just a date with someone else."

She didn't think it was anything too shocking.

But a few seconds later, her smile froze.

"...What?"

Her eyes widened, pupils trembling.

A date?!

Her best friend Ayaka had said she was sneaking out of the Kamisato Estate for a day.

She'd even entrusted her with keeping an eye on Ren alongside Sayu.

But she hadn't mentioned going on a date with someone else!

Wait. Something didn't add up.

The love guru of Hanamizaka sensed a disturbance.

She knew Ayaka had feelings for Ren.

She also knew Ren was currently stuck at the Kamisato Estate.

So if Ayaka was now on a date with someone else...

"Does that mean..."

The girl's mouth fell open as her mind raced.

In an instant, countless scenarios played out in her head.

With a bang, she slammed her hands on the table and stood up angrily.

The worst-case scenario had come to pass.

"Takahashi's been usurped!"

The love guru of Hanamizaka was seething.

Who was this random scoundrel daring to steal her best friend's affection?

Too despicable!

Clearly, Ren was here first!

Even Thoma was left stunned.

How did this suddenly become about Ren?

At that moment, the door swung open.

A blue-haired man stepped inside, his expression frosty.

His eyes were cold, his demeanor stormy.

It was obvious he was simmering with rage.

With a loud clap, he slammed his blade onto the table.

"L-Lord Ayato, you..." Thoma stammered, cautiously testing the waters.

Kamisato Ayato took a deep breath and declared icily:

"Ayaka has been whisked away by that scoundrel!"

Right now, their only hope was...

To see if Ren could catch that scoundrel!

---

T/N: hmmm senpai sounds better so ill switch to senpai for mei when yoimiya is talking to her (i think i forgot about this LMAOOO)

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