Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

The air was deathly silent.

Yoimiya instinctively raised the little tanuki in her hands and shrank behind it, as if that alone could shield her from the oppressive atmosphere.

You can't see me, you can't see me!

"Meep!"

The little tanuki trembled, its tiny legs flailing.

H-help! I want to burrow into the ground! These human ladies are terrifying!

Yoimiya gritted her teeth behind the tanuki.

Stop squirming, will you?!

Realizing the small creature couldn't possibly shield her, Yoimiya finally mustered the courage to peek at the two women.

Just then, a chilling night breeze swept through.

"Eek!"

Both Yoimiya and the tanuki shivered violently.

What is this cold feeling? Could it be the infamous aura of the Kamisato clan's young lady?!

Kamisato Ayaka's delicate face was faintly frosty, her beautiful eyes narrowed as she stared unblinkingly at the woman across from her. The silence stretched on endlessly.

"Phew."

Her chest rose and fell slightly as she exhaled a long breath. Years of strict upbringing dictated that she maintain her poise and grace under any circumstance.

I can't lose my composure so easily.

Besides, it was too soon to confirm Ren's identity. Acting rashly would only be unwise.

The harmless and innocent voice from earlier still echoed in her mind.

Isn't it cute?

Ren gave it to me…

Ren…

The voice repeated over and over, each iteration amplifying her unease.

Ayaka's jade-like hand slowly clenched, her paper fan emitting a faint creaking sound.

"Very well…"

Ayaka tilted her chin up, her smile remaining as composed as ever. Her gaze, however, became much sharper as it locked onto the woman before her.

She had thought this was just another privileged young lady.

Unexpectedly, she'd encountered a formidable rival.

Not someone to be underestimated.

From the sidelines, Yoimiya trembled uncontrollably.

Oh, my dear bestie, where's the sparkle in your eyes? Don't tell me you're about to go full dark mode!

"Um..."

Chisato across from Ayaka showed no signs of wavering. She continued holding the plush toy close, cradling it like a mother soothing her baby, radiating an aura of maternal warmth.

Suddenly, a thought seemed to strike her. She turned to Ayaka with a gentle smile.

"In the future, if Renny and I have children, they'd probably be just as adorable, right?"

Crack—

The surrounding air seemed to freeze over in an instant.

"Hahaha… Right, Ayaka! Oh no—ouch!"

Yoimiya leapt onto the table in a desperate attempt to wedge herself between the two women. Her forced smile stretched painfully as she inhaled sharply.

Darn it! I moved too fast, and now my chest's pressed against this stone table. It hurts like crazy!

There was no doubt her chest had been squished out of shape, but there was no time to dwell on that.

Her instincts screamed that if she didn't act, something terrifying was bound to happen.

"Yoimiya, are you okay?"

The woman looked concerned and hurriedly got up.

"Hahaha… I'm fine, totally fine!"

Yoimiya waved her hands frantically, her flushed face full of urgency as she tried to signal her intentions.

For the love of everything, please stop fighting, you two!

"Meep! It's so dark! I'm suffocating!"

The little tanuki, now trapped under Yoimiya, flailed helplessly in despair.

The mysterious scent surrounding it only heightened the suffocating darkness, making it impossible to breathe.

Humans are scary. Boohoo.

After a chaotic scuffle, Yoimiya finally managed to straighten up with some help.

"Easy there, Ayaka—it hurts!"

Ayaka supported her as she sat back down, but couldn't resist tapping her head lightly with the paper fan.

Yoimiya clutched her forehead, looking pitiful and wronged.

"Why are you always so reckless? What if you got seriously hurt?"

"It's no big deal…"

Ayaka shook her head helplessly, choosing not to say more. After all, if Yoimiya didn't stir up some kind of trouble, she wouldn't be herself.

The three women sat back down. The tension seemed to ease somewhat, with Yoimiya's lips curving into a satisfied smile.

What a brilliant save!

But she clearly underestimated a woman's sensitivity when it came to matters of the heart.

"Lady Ayaka, do you have anything else to discuss?"

Chisato's tone was calm.

Ayaka gently shook her head, her smile warm and composed.

"The Yashiro Commission's fireworks festival is about to begin. I hope you'll both attend."

With that, she stood, offered a polite bow, and prepared to leave.

It was as if the earlier confrontation had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion.

"I look forward to it."

The woman responded with a faint smile, though her wariness remained intact.

This woman... definitely has improper designs on Renny!

"Hey, Ayaka, wait for me!"

Reluctantly setting down the little tanuki, Yoimiya waved and called out.

"Well then, we'll be going ahead. Let's talk again soon!"

"Of course, it was a pleasure meeting you."

Chisato smiled softly.

"Ayaka, slow down!"

In the corridor, Yoimiya caught up to Ayaka. Puffing up her cheeks in frustration, she planted her hands on her hips.

"Miss Kamisato, don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

Ayaka stopped in her tracks and blinked her bright eyes at Yoimiya.

Under Ayaka's unwavering gaze, Yoimiya started to feel self-conscious.

Then Ayaka's lips curled into a subtle smile.

In that moment, the world seemed to lose its color.

Yoimiya's mouth fell slightly agape.

I hate to admit it, but Ayaka really is breathtakingly beautiful.

"Although she seems harmless…"

Her gentle voice carried a veiled meaning.

"It's far from over."

Yoimiya's eyes widened.

"You mean…"

Ayaka quietly pressed a finger to her lips and winked playfully, like a mischievous girl about to pull off a prank.

"Just wait and see."

---

Under the Sacred Sakura tree, a woman in a violet kimono appeared quietly.

Ren looked up at her, his gaze finally landing on the fox mask she wore.

"Who is she…?"

Yae Miko's playful smile deepened as she replied in a low voice,

"Her? Just a country bumpkin, nothing more."