Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Under the guidance of Nana, the group made their way towards Mt. Yougou.

"Ugh... why aren't we there yet?"

"Sayu can't keep her eyes open..."

Sayu's head drooped, swaying from side to side.

This left Ren feeling a bit helpless.

Guess I won't have a chance to get on this little Tanuki's good side.

Please, don't misunderstand.

Ren simply wanted to farm some emotional points.

But this time, the difficulty was clearly high.

He wanted to interact with this sleepy little "Tanuki," but her heavy eyelids gave him no response.

No matter how much effort he put into farming emotional points, it wasn't nearly as rewarding as watching Sayu bicker with the bake-danuki.

What kind of system is this? A gossip system?

[Please do not doubt the system's professionalism.]

[Only by getting closer can you farm points faster.]

Getting closer to a little girl?

This is a crime. Seriously, lock me up.

Open the door! The Tenryou Commission is here to deliver justice!

Ren rolled his eyes inwardly and put the idea aside for now.

As they ascended the mountain path, the crowd noticeably thickened.

Tonight's festival was co-hosted by the shrine and the Yashiro Commission, making it an exceptionally grand event.

Naturally, it drew a lot of attention.

When they reached the top of the final stretch, the view suddenly opened up.

Cherry blossoms floated down, enhancing the elegance of the distant buildings.

There stood the Sacred Sakura, glowing faintly—dreamlike and otherworldly.

"So this is the Grand Narukami Shrine... it's so beautiful!"

Chisato's bright eyes sparkled.

This was her first time venturing so far from the Kanjou Commission.

Bathing in the glow of cherry blossoms, Chisato tilted her head back and smiled, twirling in place.

Her skirt fluttered, petals dancing around her.

Everything beautiful seemed to pause, offering blessings and gentle protection to her presence.

Ren admired her captivating silhouette.

He had to admit, this silly girl's charm was becoming more apparent.

Though sometimes, she was still adorably clueless.

Chisato noticed his gaze and blushed slightly.

She shyly lowered her head and murmured softly:

"Renny, were you staring at me?"

Ren averted his gaze. "Nope."

Chisato's lips curled into a playful smile.

Ren really can't be honest with himself.

"Sayu wants to rest on a tree branch for a bit."

The little ninja rubbed her eyes groggily.

Ren asked curiously, "You're not going home?"

"Home?"

Sayu's small body trembled, and her eyes welled up with unshed tears.

"Today is an important day."

"Lady Ayaka will be here."

"So Sayu can't fall asleep."

With that, she crouched down and hugged herself.

In the blink of an eye, she turned into a gust of wind and tumbled away.

Leaving the surrounding crowd bewildered.

"What just zipped past us?"

Ren snapped out of it, his expression complicated.

As expected of a seasoned ninja—gone in a flash.

Even her hurried departure had a certain adorable quality to it.

"Nana-san, will Lady Kamisato be attending the festival?"

He had recently demonstrated Kamisato-style swordsmanship in the village.

Just my luck—whoever I'm afraid of will always show up.

If Ayaka was still suspicious of him, and they crossed paths...

"Renny, what are you talking about?"

Chisato tilted her head curiously, secretly perking up her ears.

"Nothing, just that the Yashiro Commission's young lady will be here."

"Oh."

She didn't say much, but she scooted closer to Ren, a wary look in her eyes.

Her instincts told her that Lady Kamisato was a significant threat.

Nana nodded. "The festival is co-hosted by the shrine and the Yashiro Commission, so naturally, Lady Ayaka holds it in high regard."

Then she smiled meaningfully.

"If you want to catch a glimpse of the Shirasagi Himegimi, I'd suggest finding a good spot early."

Chisato pouted.

She wasn't happy and needed comforting.

Ren glanced at the sulking girl and said calmly, "You're overthinking things."

Right now, he only wanted to stay as far away from Ayaka as possible.

They continued chatting casually as they walked through the festival grounds.

Chisato clung to Ren's sleeve, not letting go.

"What's wrong?"

Feeling the tug, Ren turned his head.

He found Chisato staring curiously at a stall.

It turned out to be one of those typical ring toss games.

For a small fee of Mora, you could toss rings to win prizes.

The stall was already bustling, the atmosphere lively.

Cheers erupted.

"Yes! I got it!"

Someone excitedly carried away a stuffed toy.

It was a plushie of the Almighty Narukami Ogosho.

An exclusive Yae Publishing House edition.

The crowd immediately burst into a frenzy.

"Boss, let me try!"

"I want one too!"

Eager participants handed over their Mora.

Ren sighed. "They fell for it..."

Can't they tell the first winner was just a shill?

Just as he was about to look away, his face fell.

Chisato was pouting pitifully, her lips forming a perfect pout.

"Renny, I want to play that one."

"Please?"

Having never traveled far from home, Chisato was instantly captivated by the simple game.

Ren rubbed his temples.

He'd almost forgotten Chisato tagging along beside him.

Her eager, sparkling eyes were practically begging, like a precious pearl radiating light.

Apologetically, he glanced at Nana for permission.

"It's fine," Nana said with a soft laugh, covering her mouth. "The shrine maiden won't mind."

"Thank you, Nana-san."

Ren nodded and led his little follower toward the stall.

"Stay close to me. Don't wander off."

"Okay, okay! Renny is the best."

"..."

Why does this feel like I'm babysitting?