Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Lady Ayaka, Takahashi-kun just—"

Kamisato Ayaka gently shook her head, motioning for Yoimiya to calm down, even as her mind raced.

The Kanjou Commission knew a grand festival was being held here at Narukami Shrine.

And yet, they dared to show up so blatantly?

It was completely out of the ordinary.

What could possibly push them to act so aggressively...

Even at the cost of offending the Yashiro Commission and Yae Miko herself?

Ayaka sighed, her weariness apparent.

There wasn't enough information to deduce anything substantial.

"Tell the Shuumatsuban to keep an eye on their movements."

"Yes, my lady!"

The ninja bowed and vanished into the shadows.

In the pavilion, the atmosphere grew tense.

"Ayaka, what should we do? Takahashi—"

Yoimiya was practically hopping in place, her anxiety palpable.

Ayaka folded her paper fan and spoke softly, "Let's go. With me here, it will be fine."

After all, the festival was one of the Yashiro Commission's highest priorities.

No other faction would be allowed to disrupt it.

"Alright! I'm coming with you!"

Yoimiya cracked her knuckles, looking ready for a fight.

As a fireworks artisan, she despised anyone ruining the festivities.

"..."

Ayaka glanced at the silent figure beside her.

Mei's expression was icy, entirely unmoved by Ren's sudden departure.

She might as well have been a stranger to him.

Shaking her head, Ayaka turned to leave. "Come along, Yoimiya."

Yoimiya jogged over to Mei, her tone earnest.

"Mei, come with us! Let's go back up Ren!"

Mei replied coolly, "Why should I?"

"Well..."

Yoimiya's eyes widened, words caught in her throat.

She couldn't think of a reason.

It was true—Mei had only known them for a short time.

She was just a rural girl, after all.

Bringing her along, especially if a conflict arose, wouldn't be appropriate.

"You don't interest me," Mei said flatly.

"Fine, then wait here for us!"

With that, Yoimiya ran after Ayaka.

"Don't wander off!" she called over her shoulder, her voice echoing.

---

The pavilion grew quiet, leaving Mei alone once more.

It returned to the same cold stillness as when she had first awakened.

"Everyone is just a fleeting passerby," she murmured softly, her tone indifferent.

Crunch.

Suddenly, the crisp sound of a bite broke the silence.

Mei paused, looking down.

At some point, she had picked up another sweet.

The ones Ren had bought for her.

She chewed slowly, swallowing.

The sensation filled her with a sense of completeness—something she hadn't felt during her long slumber.

"..."

The memory of the fox woman's mocking words resurfaced.

"You've been cooped up so long, you've shut yourself off from the world."

"Honestly, Inazuma has so many beautiful things to offer."

"Do you plan to spend your entire life alone?"

Mei's gaze turned distant, uncertainty flickering within.

What's happening to me?

"Ah..."

After a long pause, she let out a soft sigh.

The icy aura around her faded like a retreating tide.

That lively girl had said Ren needed backup...

Mei rose to her feet.

She popped the last sweet into her mouth as she did so.

It tasted a little sweet.

She liked it.

---

A crowd of people trying to leave the mountain had been stopped.

Tensions ran high, but no one dared to voice their anger openly.

Because blocking their path was the Kanjou Commission.

As one of the Tri-Commission, they controlled Inazuma's economy and wielded significant power.

"Why are you restricting our movement?!"

Someone tried to challenge them but was swiftly beaten back, sustaining serious injuries.

"Anyone who defies the Kanjou Commission will face the consequences," a samurai sneered, cracking his neck.

With a cold smile, he added, "Any further disruptions, and you'll regret it."

The crowd murmured uneasily.

The Kanjou Commission's top official is here?!

Their eyes darted to the figure surrounded by samurai.

Indeed, a middle-aged man stood at the center, impeccably dressed and exuding an air of authority.

But his face was dark with anger as he stared toward the shrine.

This was none other than the current head of the Kanjou Commission, Hiiragi Shinsuke.

And also the father of Hiiragi Chisato.

Seething with suppressed fury, he muttered coldly:

"Useless girl. She had the nerve to come here on her own."

"She doesn't even realize—!"

A raspy voice interrupted him suddenly.

"Lord Hiiragi, don't lose sight of the plan."

The voice was ethereal, like a ghost whispering from the void.

Hiiragi's pupils contracted as he snorted, silencing himself.

Standing next to him was a spectral figure—a man cloaked in black and crimson, his face hidden beneath a mask.

He carried an ominous ceremonial blade, its glint promising death.

This was a Fatui Debt Collector.

Hiiragi's voice dropped as he growled, "I can handle this."

The raspy voice chuckled faintly.

"Let's hope so. If this fails, it's you who will be in pieces."

Hiiragi's face twisted. "Are you threatening me?!"

"Not at all. You're a valued 'friend' of the Fatui..."

The voice dripped with veiled menace.

A commotion stirred at the edge of the crowd.

"Father, please!"

A delicate figure hurried over.

It was Hiiragi Chisato, visibly frail.

Having rushed to the scene after hearing the news, she was out of breath, her pale lips trembling.

Suppressing her exhaustion, she bowed respectfully, though her body couldn't stop shaking.

Her coughing fit only made her appear more pitiful.

But the sight of his daughter in such a state elicited no compassion from Hiiragi Shinsuke.

"You still dare to show yourself?"

"With how disgraceful you look, you've brought shame upon the Hiiragi name."

Hiiragi's voice thundered as he pointed at her angrily.

"I'm sorry, I—"

He didn't give her a chance to speak, cutting her off coldly.

"Now return home with me!"

With that, he turned and walked away.

"Father, please..."

Chisato's voice wavered behind him.

Hiiragi Chisato bit her lip, her eyes downcast.

A voice echoed in her heart.

I want to stay.

She wanted to see the fireworks festival that was about to begin.

She wanted to be with Renny...

Even if it was just for tonight.

Her fists slowly clenched, her entire body trembling.

For the first time, the girl stubbornly lifted her head, refusing to bow down.

Hiiragi Shinsuke hadn't noticed her resistance at first.

But when he turned back, his expression darkened, and he strode toward her in large steps.

Pointing a finger at her, he sneered coldly.

"Well, well, you dare defy me now?"

His sharp gaze landed on something in her hands—a small, carefully held doll.

Chisato gasped, instinctively hiding the doll behind her back.

"What's that? Hand it over," Shinsuke demanded.

"This is mine!" she replied, trembling but firm.

It was a gift from Little Yu, something she would never give up.

Her defiance only fueled Shinsuke's fury.

"Guards!"

At his command, the samurai stepped forward, exuding an icy menace.

Pointing at Chisato, Shinsuke sneered again.

"Rip apart whatever she's hiding."

Chisato's face went pale as she shook her head and backed away.

This was Renny's gift. How could they—

"Lady Chisato, hand it over," one of the samurai said coldly as he stepped forward.

There was no sympathy in his tone.

As a retainer of the Hiiragi family, he naturally held contempt for this neglected daughter.

Seeing her pale and shaking, the samurai's patience wore thin.

Without hesitation, he reached out like an iron claw.

But in the next instant, his expression shifted.

An undeniable force stopped him in his tracks.

A young man had stepped in front of Chisato.

When did he get here?!

The samurai's initial shock turned to rage.

"You—"

"If you move again, I'll break you right here," the young man said coldly, raising his face to reveal sharp, resolute features.

Their eyes met, and the samurai's resolve wavered. His heart trembled, and the words he wanted to say were swallowed back.

This wasn't an empty threat.

Hiiragi Chisato's eyes turned red, her heart swelling with emotion.

"Renny came to protect me!" she exclaimed softly, tears welling up.