Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Cherry blossoms fluttered through the air as two young women strolled along the corridor.

Both were breathtakingly beautiful, though their temperaments were entirely different—one radiated lively charm, while the other exuded serene grace.

As they chatted and laughed, even the moonlit scenery seemed to take on an extra layer of enchantment.

"Has preparing for the festival been exhausting, Ayaka?"

Walking ahead with her hands behind her back, Yoimiya turned to her companion with concern.

Kamisato Ayaka smiled softly. "Not too much."

"That's good..."

Yoimiya pouted slightly, stealing a glance at the elegant figure beside her.

"Yoimiya-san, is something troubling you?"

Ayaka's gentle voice carried understanding, immediately putting Yoimiya at ease.

Caught off guard, Yoimiya stuck out her tongue sheepishly.

"I heard you ran into assassins on the streets."

Ayaka froze briefly before giving a small nod.

Yoimiya's expression shifted to alarm as she grabbed Ayaka's shoulders, scanning her for injuries.

Ayaka gracefully spun in place, her silver hair flowing like a cascade of moonlight.

"Don't worry, I'm unhurt."

Letting out a relieved sigh, Yoimiya clapped a hand to her chest.

Then, raising a tiny pink fist, she ground her teeth in mock anger.

"If I'd been there, those assassins would've regretted it!"

"One punch, and they'd be sent flying!"

"Hmm..."

Ayaka's response was absentminded, her gaze distant as if lost in thought.

Yoimiya waved a hand in front of her face.

"Hey, what's going on? You're totally distracted!"

Crossing her arms, Yoimiya gave Ayaka a suspicious look.

"It's nothing."

"I don't buy that. Spill it!"

Yoimiya huffed, clearly dissatisfied.

Not one to hide things, Ayaka relented.

"Actually..."

She recounted the events of the assassination attempt.

Yoimiya's golden eyes widened in surprise.

"Takahashi-san took a blade for you?"

"You know him?"

"Every time I sneaked out to test my fireworks in the city... ahem!"

Yoimiya slapped a hand over her mouth, realizing her mistake.

She had just admitted to breaking the rules in front of the Yashiro Commission's heiress.

Uh-oh.

She braced herself for a lecture, knowing Ayaka's refined nature wouldn't let her off easily.

But to Yoimiya's surprise, Ayaka's reaction was unexpected.

"What else do you know about him?"

Ayaka's gaze sharpened, and her tone carried a hint of urgency.

"You mean Takahashi Ren, right?"

Yoimiya looked at Ayaka as if seeing her in a new light.

Why would the Yashiro Commission's esteemed heiress suddenly show such interest in him?

Ayaka unfolded her fan, feigning calm.

"I simply wish to express my gratitude."

Yoimiya remained unconvinced, sensing something amiss.

"Well, he's a decent guy—helped us out a lot. Pretty good at fighting too."

Though she silently added, If only he'd stop confiscating my fireworks, he'd be perfect.

"What about his swordsmanship?"

Yoimiya hesitated, frowning as she tried to recall.

"Swordsmanship? He doesn't seem to use it much."

Ayaka's disappointment was evident.

She had hoped for a lead...

Wait.

Her eyes lit up with realization.

A samurai who rarely drew his blade—it was unusual.

Unless he had a reason to avoid fighting openly.

Perhaps he bore the legacy of one of Inazuma's renowned sword styles.

Like the Kamisato Art...

Ayaka's heart quickened.

A strange intuition told her that Takahashi might somehow be connected to the teacher she had always admired.

Her slender fingers unconsciously tightened.

Could it really be him?

"Ayaka, you're acting weird."

Yoimiya's nose twitched, sensing a secret.

"Let's just drop the subject and enjoy the festival," Ayaka said, changing the topic.

"Hey—don't just brush me off! Explain yourself!"

Before Yoimiya could press further, a small figure emerged from the bushes.

"Sayu's mission... is complete."

The little ninja panted heavily, clearly worn out.

"I even saw... the person Ayaka's interested in."

Yoimiya's ears perked up at the word "interested."

Her inner gossip radar flared to life.

Is this something I'm allowed to know?!

Ayaka's expression faltered slightly. "Sayu, let's discuss this later."

But it was too late.

Completely exhausted, Sayu was oblivious to the implications of her words.

She mumbled sleepily, "I saw Takahashi-san. He's over by..."

Sayu trailed off, leaving Yoimiya wide-eyed and brimming with curiosity.

Oh, Ayaka, you've been hiding this pretty well, haven't you?

"Ayaka, care to explain—wait, where did you go?!"

Yoimiya turned to find her friend already walking away, her graceful silhouette disappearing into the distance.

"Hey! Ayaka, wait for me!"

Yoimiya stomped her foot in frustration before running to catch up.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the festival...

All eyes were on Ren as he picked up a ring.

Sando grinned wickedly, anticipating a good show.

The Treasure Hoarder Ferret was nearly impossible to hit—catching it would be a miracle.

"Renny, you can do it!" Chisato beside him cheered.

In the ring-toss area, the ferret lazily wiggled its tail, half-asleep.

Foolish humans, don't disturb my nap.

Ren chuckled at the ferret's nonchalant attitude.

Cocky little thing, aren't you?

Time to test it out.

Whoosh!

He casually threw the ring, the sound of its flight barely audible amid the crowd.

Sando stiffened, surprised by the precision of Ren's throw.

The ring spun toward the ferret's wagging tail, drawing gasps from onlookers.

Just as it seemed a perfect hit was inevitable, the ferret opened its eyes and rolled out of the way with a smug shake of its head.

"Bleh-bleh-bleh!"

The crowd murmured in amazement. The ferret's agility was no joke.

Ren's mouth twitched. Did it just taunt me?

"Almost, Renny!" Chisato encouraged.

Sando burst out laughing.

"Don't get discouraged! Give it another go!"

Ren's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"All right. One more try, then."