Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

The main venue of the festival was alive with vibrant performances, pushing the atmosphere to its peak.

"Onee-san, do it again!"

In front of a small booth, children gathered in a circle, cheering excitedly.

At the center of their attention was a youthful girl radiating energy and charm.

Dressed in an orange kimono, her golden hair and bright eyes sparkled like fireworks in the summer night.

Perhaps due to the warm weather, her kimono had slipped off one shoulder, revealing bandages wrapped tightly around her figure.

Despite the bindings, her well-endowed curves were impossible to ignore.

"All right, kids, watch closely... whoosh!"

She deftly waved a sparkler in her hand, tracing vibrant patterns in the air with her nimble fingers.

The firelight reflected on her radiant smile, a sight so captivating it could make anyone forget their worries.

"Yoimiya-nee, you're so cool!"

The children's eyes sparkled as they clapped and cheered.

"Hehe, do you like it, kids?"

"We love it!"

Their young, enthusiastic voices echoed in unison.

The blonde girl—Yoimiya—nodded, her golden eyes brimming with joy.

Rolling her shoulders, she pulled out a bow.

"Get ready for some fireworks!"

A streak of light soared into the night sky, exploding in a burst of dazzling colors.

Everyone—shrine maidens and festival-goers alike—paused to admire the breathtaking display.

"Wow, it's so pretty!"

The children jumped with joy, reaching out as if they could catch the falling light.

"Yoimiya-nee's the best!"

With her hands on her hips, Yoimiya basked in the children's adoration, her lively grin full of pride.

As a fireworks artisan, this festive atmosphere was her favorite part of the job.

Suddenly, Yoimiya's sharp instincts caught on to something.

She turned her golden eyes toward a distant figure standing gracefully, as elegant as a white heron.

A wide grin spread across Yoimiya's face as she jumped up and waved enthusiastically.

The elegant figure, Kamisato Ayaka, smiled softly and waited patiently.

Yoimiya handed out small toys she had prepared, raising her voice to address the children.

"Remember, there's a special fireworks show later! Don't miss it!"

"Okay, Yoimiya-nee!"

Satisfied, Yoimiya ran toward Ayaka, her steps full of energy.

"Ayaka! Hehe, you finally came to see me!"

Yoimiya's lively demeanor was a stark contrast to Ayaka's composed elegance. With just a few steps, Yoimiya closed the distance.

Ayaka folded her paper fan and bowed gracefully.

"Thanks to your collaboration, the festival has gone smoothly."

"Please remember to follow proper fireworks regulations, or the Yashiro Commission will have to intervene…"

"Ugh, I don't want to hear it!" Yoimiya covered her ears, feigning annoyance.

"We're best friends; don't give me that official stuff!"

Ayaka chuckled softly, extending her hand.

A single cherry blossom floated down, landing delicately in her palm.

"That was just a formality from the Shirasagi Himegimi," Ayaka explained with a teasing smile.

"This cherry blossom caught my eye, and I've been holding onto it for a while. Consider it a small apology."

Yoimiya took the blossom, curiosity lighting up her face.

Anything noticed by the refined Ayaka had to be extraordinary.

Ayaka unfolded her fan, her expression filled with mischief.

"In truth, it's just an ordinary cherry blossom."

Realizing she'd been teased, Yoimiya lunged playfully at Ayaka.

"How dare you trick this poor, helpless girl! Take this!"

Ayaka, ever graceful, sidestepped easily.

"All right, didn't we agree to take a walk together?"

Yoimiya's face lit up with excitement. "Really? You mean it?"

Ayaka nodded gently.

"I was supposed to meet with Guuji-sama, but my brother paid a sudden visit. It seemed like a good chance to enjoy the festival instead."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go, Ayaka!"

Yoimiya pushed Ayaka forward, her energy uncontainable.

"I heard there's a ring toss game nearby that's really fun. Want to check it out?"

"Sure, I'll follow your lead."

Meanwhile…

Ren stood across from Sando, his expression calm but tinged with a faint smile.

Sando was sweating bullets, too scared to say a word.

"A Treasure Hoarder Ferret?"

"You've got to leave yourself some way to make a living," Ren remarked lightly.

Sando forced out a nervous chuckle. "No tomb robbing involved! I swear!"

Ren glanced at him and shook his head.

Trained Treasure Hoarder Ferrets were particularly troublesome. Their ability to burrow and their acute senses often helped the Treasure Hoarders evade capture, much to the Tenryou Commission's frustration.

And now Sando was using one as a target in a rigged ring toss game.

No wonder no one could win.

"Eh, it's just business," Sando muttered awkwardly.

"If you want to play, you can throw as many rings as you like—it's on me."

Though he offered politely, Sando was secretly scheming.

He knew brute force wouldn't work against the ferret's agility.

The idea of Ren making a fool of himself in front of the young lady made Sando nearly burst out laughing.

Cough, gotta keep a straight face.

"Come on, give it a shot," Sando urged, rubbing his hands together eagerly.

Ren's expression remained unreadable.

"You said I could throw as many as I want?"

"Of course! Go ahead!" Sando grinned confidently.

There was no way Ren could win.

Ren smirked faintly. "Don't go back on your word later."

The onlookers whispered among themselves.

The ferret was far too nimble—winning the grand prize was next to impossible.

Chisato tugged at Ren's sleeve.

"Renny, don't push yourself too hard."

Ren chuckled softly, reassuring her with a glance.

"I'll get you the biggest prize. Just watch."

With that, he stepped forward, his confidence unwavering.