Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Ren's pupils narrowed.

Yae Miko's words struck a chord in his memory, triggering an association so strong that, for a moment, he thought the Raiden Shogun herself had appeared.

Ren was, after all, a "cloud player." When the game first launched, he had jumped in immediately. However, before the 2.0 Inazuma update, work forced him to quit.

Although he hadn't experienced Inazuma firsthand, he had friends who still played and often enthusiastically shared the storylines with him.

Thus, while Ren knew a lot about the game, there were many things he hadn't personally seen.

At this point in time, it seemed impossible for the Raiden Shogun to leave Tenshukaku.

System, come out, Ren thought to himself.

[Ding! How can I assist you?]

Can you scan for anyone's identity?

[I can. Your command?]

Taking a deep breath, Ren asked, Is she the Raiden Shogun?

[No.]

The system's answer surprised him.

Not even a fragment of the Shogun?

[Her data does not match any of the five-star characters in the database.]

In other words, even her physical composition didn't align.

System, you're not messing with me, are you?

[Ding! Please do not doubt me.]

[If you need it simplified: she is not the Raiden Shogun.]

[This conclusion is absolutely accurate. Should there be any falsehood, I will uninstall myself and reboot.]

The system suddenly sounded confident, even assertive.

Ren nodded silently. Considering that the Shogun's body was a puppet, if the data didn't align, then it likely wasn't her.

Following the original storyline, it also couldn't be Ei.

"Heh..."

Yae Miko chuckled quietly, following Ren's gaze.

Under the Sacred Sakura tree stood the woman in the violet kimono, her demeanor icy and reserved. The fox mask concealed her face, adding an air of mystery.

This woman is really from the countryside?

No, wait! He almost let Yae Miko's words mislead him again.

Earlier, there were only three of them here. How had this woman appeared without him noticing?

Ren stared at her figure, his heart pounding.

It felt like looking up at a towering peak while standing in a deep abyss—a stark reminder of his own insignificance.

Beside him, Yae Miko raised an eyebrow, displeased, and rolled her eyes at the woman in the violet dress.

"Don't be shy. Come and say hello to everyone."

"..."

The woman did not respond, either unaware of the High Priestess's presence or completely indifferent.

She blatantly ignored Yae Miko.

"Hmph, still the same attitude," Yae Miko muttered, her tone unsurprised.

Who is this woman to act so arrogant? Ren couldn't help but wonder.

Just then, the woman moved.

She lifted her masked face, her gaze falling on the Sacred Sakura. Her pale, jade-like hand reached out gently, as if afraid of disturbing something.

The Sacred Sakura trembled slightly in response.

For a fleeting moment, sorrow flashed across the woman's expression before she turned and began walking toward them.

Ren remained cautious, unsure of her identity, and chose to stay silent.

Yae Miko, however, walked over to the woman with a sly smile.

"This outfit suits you. See? Even country bumpkins need a makeover."

"Would you like to model for Yae Publishing House?"

The cunning fox was never one to hold back her "praise."

The woman tilted her head slightly, glancing at Yae Miko.

Above them, dark clouds churned, and the air grew colder.

"Fine, fine. If you're not interested, I won't force you," Yae Miko teased, feigning resignation.

Ren could only watch in silence.

What kind of bizarre exchange is this? I can't even find a way to jump in.

His strategy was simple: stay out of it and hope nothing dragged him in.

But the sly fox had other plans.

Yae Miko gently took the woman's hand.

"..."

A flash of danger crossed the woman's eyes, but she ultimately restrained herself.

"Well then, let me introduce my assistant," Yae Miko said, pulling the woman toward Ren.

Ren hesitated. "May I ask who this is?"

The woman exuded a commanding presence.

It's worth treading carefully here.

"Hmm… Let me make up a backstory."

Yae Miko tapped her chin, pretending to think.

Did you just say 'make up'?! Ren's inner voice screamed.

Thank you, oh gracious Guuji-sama, for your half-hearted attempt.

While Yae Miko pondered, the woman's gaze turned toward Ren, making his heart skip a beat.

It felt like her eyes had seen straight through him, leaving him exposed and defenseless.

"You're a samurai," the woman finally said.

"I am."

Before he could say more, her sharp gaze landed on his sword.

"My sword broke during a recent fight," Ren explained quickly. It's not like I lost or anything.

The woman's icy demeanor softened slightly.

"A warrior without a blade is like a dragon without claws or fangs."

"Well... I don't have the Mora to buy a good one," Ren replied with a sigh.

Does she have a flair for the dramatic? A dragon? Like Dvalin?

"Mora? A mere creation of Morax. What good is it?"

Ren fell silent, unsure how to respond.

Sister, are you serious right now?

The woman's sharp senses picked up on his hesitation. Her brows furrowed slightly as she noticed the subtle shift in his gaze—was that... pity?

Ren shook his head, softening his tone.

"It's alright. First time visiting the city? Don't worry about it. There's a lot to take in. You'll get used to it."

Poor country girl. Doesn't even know what Mora is. A bit dim, isn't she? What a waste of such a striking presence.

"Impudent!"

The air around the woman grew colder, her voice laced with reprimand.

Yae Miko's shoulders shook, clearly stifling laughter.

"You two are too much," she finally said, wiping a tear from her eye. "Give me a moment to catch my breath."

After composing herself, Yae Miko glanced mischievously at the woman before turning her gaze to Ren.

"Alright, no more jokes," Yae Miko said, trying to sound serious.

With a wicked smile, she added, "Young man, you're a samurai of the Tenryou Commission, correct?"

Reluctantly, Ren nodded.

Let's see what scheme she's cooking up this time.

"That's perfect!"

Yae Miko clasped the woman's hand tightly.

"She's new here, unfamiliar with the city. Poor thing cried her heart out, so pitiful."

A bad feeling crept over Ren.

"So, for the time being..."

With a sudden push, Yae Miko shoved the woman toward him.

"Please take her in and look after her!"

"...Huh?!"

---

T/N: not the shogun maybe but Ei...? possible however how can the body composition not match that of the shogun? perhaps Ei herself stepped out? leaving the puppet at Tenshukaku?