Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

By the time Ren finished filing the necessary reports at the Tenryou Commission, the sun was already dipping below the horizon.

"Starting today, you are officially a Doushin of the Tenryou Commission."

The young woman in charge of registration looked at him with sparkling eyes, sizing him up from head to toe.

Tall, confident, and handsome—what a catch!

Being a Doushin was akin to a deputy chief in another world's police force, a position with considerable authority.

And to top it off, Ren was the fastest-promoted member in the history of the Tenryou Commission—a young man with boundless potential.

Who knows? Perhaps he would soon rise to become a trusted samurai at the side of the Shogun herself!

Holding the samurai armor that symbolized his new rank, Ren spun around playfully and teased, "Miss, is there something strange about me? You've been staring for quite a while."

The young woman's cheeks flushed, and she gave him a coquettish glare, though her tone betrayed a hint of longing.

Not only do I want to stare at you—I wouldn't mind eating you up!

These unspoken thoughts had crossed her mind countless lonely nights, though she never had the courage to voice them. Instead, she sighed inwardly.

Such a dashing young man... who knows which lucky woman will end up with him...

"I'll treat you to a meal next time, Miss."

Ren smiled warmly before leaving the admiring gazes behind without a hint of arrogance.

Finally receiving his paycheck, it was time to reward himself.

First stop: some Tri-Colored Dango.

As he exited the Tenryou Commission headquarters, a figure in the distance caught his eye.

The young woman's snow-like skin and graceful silhouette, framed by falling sakura petals, made for a picturesque scene.

It was Kamisato Ayaka.

She had been observing the area, and upon spotting Ren, she smiled and waved.

"This way."

Around them, several Tenryou Commission officers shot daggers at Ren with their eyes.

That guy actually got the attention of the Shirasagi Himegimi?

"..."

Ren sighed inwardly but chose to ignore the envious stares as he walked over.

"Milady."

"Congratulations on becoming the youngest Doushin in Tenryou Commission history," Ayaka said with a gentle smile.

Ren returned her smile, knowing that this minor accomplishment likely meant little in the eyes of the Kamisato family's eldest daughter.

Seeing his calm and composed demeanor, Ayaka's smile grew even softer.

[Ding! Received Emotion Points from Kamisato Ayaka.]

The sudden system notification left Ren puzzled, unable to discern Ayaka's thoughts.

"May I ask what brings you here, Milady?"

"I came to ensure proper documentation. I hope the Tenryou Commission can soon identify the mastermind behind the assassination attempt."

"?"

Ren raised an eyebrow. It was unusual for a high-ranking member of the Yashiro Commission to file a report with the Tenryou Commission.

Is the Shuumatsuban slacking off, or has her brother's blade grown dull?

Glancing around, Ren lowered his voice.

"I've heard rumors that the three Commissions are currently in heated debate over the proposed Vision Hunt Decree..."

At that, he stopped speaking.

He knew his position was too low to get involved in such matters, and overstepping could bring disaster.

Better to keep a low profile. After all, it's the Traveler's job to solve the big issues around Teyvat.

As long as your wish spawns a blue exclamation mark over your head, just hold on tight and cheer for them.

"The Vision Hunt Decree..."

Ayaka's eyes narrowed as she looked at Ren seriously for the first time.

I didn't expect this calm and easygoing young man to already be so aware of the undercurrents brewing within Inazuma.

Such perceptiveness, yet he's only a low-ranking samurai of the Tenryou Commission...

After a moment, Ayaka's lips curved into a radiant smile, her beauty breathtaking.

[Ding! Emotion Points +1.]

"You were injured while protecting me."

Without elaborating further, Ayaka changed the subject and handed him a small pouch of medical supplies she had prepared beforehand.

"Here, please tend to your wound."

Ren hesitated, sensing the murderous glares from the surrounding officers intensify.

If I accept this, will I even be able to survive in the Commission after this?

Milady, you're going to get me killed!

Ayaka's delicate brows furrowed. "You should dress your wound as soon as possible. If it worsens, it will be troublesome."

Her gaze fell on his hand, where traces of blood were still visible... or were they?

"Hm?"

Ayaka tilted her head slightly, her sharp eyes focusing on his hand.

Ren's expression stiffened.

"You..."

Ayaka leaned in slightly to get a better look, but Ren quickly and discreetly moved his hand behind his back.

Ayaka's eyes narrowed, her suspicion deepening.

Those marks on his hand... they look like calluses from sword practice.

And they bear a striking resemblance to those left by Kamisato-style swordsmanship.

"You've practiced swordsmanship?"

"Milady, I come from a samurai family. Swordsmanship is part of our basic training."

His vague response clearly failed to satisfy Ayaka.

Her piercing gaze locked onto him, exuding an almost tangible pressure.

[Ding! Emotion Points +1.]

The familiar system notification sent a chill down Ren's spine.

No way... could she have figured out that I know Kamisato-style swordsmanship?

Just as Ren started to panic internally, Ayaka suddenly smiled and said:

"I've studied swordsmanship myself, though the path of the blade is endless. Even with my utmost effort, I've only grasped a fraction of the Shogun's supreme technique."

Her voice carried a hint of lamentation, though her words seemed to probe.

Ren remained silent, quickly dressing his wound as she spoke.

Ayaka's gaze flickered. "If it weren't for meeting my mentor years ago, I might not have come this far..."

"Though it's frustrating—he never shows his face. Such a mystery."

"If only Master would stay by my side and guide my training forever."

Ren froze mid-motion.

That was way too obvious.

He chuckled lightly, pretending not to notice the implication. "Your mentor must be incredibly skilled. I'd love to spar with him someday."

Meanwhile, his thoughts churned: If sparring includes punching myself in the face, sure.

Because, of course...

The "mysterious mentor" Ayaka referred to was none other than Ren himself.

When he first arrived in this world, Ren had discovered his unique system.

By interacting with characters from his past life's game, he could collect Emotion Points to unlock talents and skills.

Through a series of coincidences, he had met Ayaka before she became the Shirasagi Himegimi. Naturally, he had concealed his true identity.

At the time, Ayaka had been sheltered under her brother's overprotective watch.

Inazuma's greatest siscon didn't earn his title for nothing.

If Kamisato Ayato had found out that a random guy was cozying up to his beloved sister... Ren might not have lived to tell the tale.

During that period, Ren had earned a trove of Emotion Points, eventually unlocking Ayaka's maxed-out basic attack:

[Kamisato Art: Kabuki.]

Of course, Ren had taught Ayaka Kamisato-style swordsmanship, often through hands-on demonstrations.

At the time, she was a pure, innocent girl brimming with admiration for her mentor, and Ren had no ulterior motives.

But somewhere along the way, Ayaka's attitude toward her mentor began to shift.

This strange dynamic was why Ren had never revealed his identity.

Eventually, Ayaka awakened her Vision after rigorous training and even surpassed her brother, earning the title of Shirasagi Himegimi.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly.

Just when Ren thought he could unlock [Kamisato Art: Soumetsu] and soar to new heights, reality delivered a harsh blow.

The damn system had locked five-star skills.

The system explained that [Kamisato Art: Kabuki] was merely a beginner's gift, while unlocking five-star skills required future "version updates."

Ren: What the hell?!

Back in the present, Ren's scattered thoughts came crashing down.

Damn it. She's starting to suspect me!

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T/N: sometimes i switch from ren to takahashi, takahashi is his last name and im sure you guys have enough reading comprehension to know why i do that :3c or simply watched enough anime