Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Ugh… Sayu wants to sleep."

The soft, sleepy voice carried a hint of grogginess, sounding incredibly adorable.

Ren blinked, his eyes widening slightly.

His mind was overtaken by one thought:

What a big tanuki.

No, wait. That's Sayu.

And then—

[Ding! Congratulations, you've encountered a four-star character: Sayu.]

[Talent extraction in progress. Please wait.]

[Yoohoo Art: Silencer's Secret – Allows you to approach certain creatures, such as Crystalflies, without startling them.]

A series of system notifications rang in his mind.

"Sayu doesn't want to work."

Sayu, still curled up like a little tanuki, sat on the ground, lazily drawing circles in the dirt.

Her entire posture exuded reluctance.

Anyone soft-hearted enough would have their heart shattered just seeing her like this.

How could anyone bear to make such an adorable little girl work?

But in reality, this little girl was a ninja, a member of the Kamisato Clan's covert division, the Shuumatsuban.

A skilled practitioner of ninjutsu, she specialized in stealth and reconnaissance.

Like Ren, she was a proper government employee.

Nana smiled kindly. "Have you forgotten Guuji-sama's instructions?"

Sayu shuddered, her expression collapsing.

It looked as though she was about to cry at any moment, but her body obediently shuffled toward Nana.

"Nana-nee is scary."

"That woman is scarier."

"Sayu doesn't dare to resist… so pitiful."

Ren watched the petite Sayu, a smile tugging at his lips.

What a cute little one.

Upon closer inspection, he realized that Sayu wasn't wearing tanuki fur; she was just dressed in a Mujina ninja costume.

It wasn't her fault that people mistook her for a tanuki—she'd long since given up correcting them.

After all, what could she do? Jump up and hit people in the knees?

Sayu noticed Ren and clung tightly to Nana's leg.

Her small face scrunched up nervously as she muttered, "Weird, scary, grim-faced uncle."

Ren's blood pressure spiked. "Do I look that old?!"

After the fight with the Fatui, he hadn't had the chance to clean himself up and looked a little worse for wear.

Being called an old man by such an adorable little girl stung deeply.

And most importantly, his face wasn't grim!

[Would you like me to pull up your past gacha history?]

Ren: Shut up.

At that moment, a bright and cheerful voice rang out.

"Renny—!"

The girl came running toward Ren with open arms, like a swallows returning to their nest.

Her hair swayed with the breeze, and her smile was radiant.

Her face, freshly cleaned, had regained its natural glow and beauty, exuding a soft elegance that made one want to protect her.

"Wow."

Sayu peeked out from behind Nana, her bright eyes blinking in awe.

What a beautiful big sister.

Even more beautiful than the shrine maidens at the temple.

Nana gave a mysterious smile, scooped up Sayu, and quietly slipped away.

"Stop."

Ren firmly placed his hand on the girl's forehead, halting her approach.

The girl pouted, her small hands flailing as she tried to reach him, but her short stature betrayed her, leaving her stomping her feet in frustration.

Renny, you meanie! Always teasing me for being short!

"Ugh, Renny is so cold."

"You're the young lady of the Kanjou Commission. Try acting a little more composed."

The girl puffed her cheeks and mumbled, "I don't even like that place."

"If only we could go exploring like we did when we were kids. That would be so much better."

Ren shook his head. What a silly girl.

One day, she'd inherit the Kanjou Commission, and yet here she was…

"I swear, you—"

"Okay, okay! Renny is so naggy."

Seeing that Ren was about to start lecturing her again, she quickly turned her head away with a humph.

Ren's face darkened. How dare she call me naggy?!

If they weren't both adults now, he'd be tempted to give her a good smack on the backside.

Still, childhood innocence was behind them—mutual respect was more appropriate now.

After only a few seconds of silence, the girl peeked up at him, her expression full of guilt.

"Renny, are you mad?"

Ren shook his head.

She hesitated, her gaze wandering, but soon she steeled herself and stood on her tiptoes.

Ren watched in shock as she leaned closer.

What are you trying to do?!

Her warm, gentle eyes gazed intently at him.

"Please… don't dodge, Renny…"

A faint, pleasant fragrance wafted over, soothing and comforting.

The girl came within an intimate distance, trembling slightly as she raised her hands.

Holding up a damp cloth, she presented it to Ren like a devoted young wife.

"Renny, you've worked hard. Here, wipe your face."

Ren froze for a moment before snapping out of it.

It's just a cloth. Why are you blushing like a boiling kettle?

Initially, Ren wanted to refuse coldly.

Their engagement had been called off, and it wasn't appropriate for them to get too close.

But…

His gaze softened as he sighed inwardly.

"Thank you. That's thoughtful of you."

Ren reached out to take the cloth, only for her to pull it back playfully.

His face darkened. This brat is messing with me?!

The girl fidgeted nervously, her feet scuffing the ground.

"I… I want to…"

"What do you want to do?"

"I want to wipe Renny's face myself!"

Gathering all her courage, she raised her flushed face and looked Ren straight in the eye.

Oh no, she actually said it!

Ren instinctively took a step back, unsettled by the expectation and fiery determination in her gaze.

When did she become so bold?

"But I refuse!"

"No!"

The girl puffed up her cheeks again, then lowered her voice and pleaded, "Pretty please, Renny?"

"Just this once?"

Now she's trying to act cute, huh?

After a long silence, Ren turned his face away, saying nothing.

The girl's eyes widened in delight.

She hesitantly reached out toward Ren's cheek.

He didn't dodge.

It was just like when they were children.

Back then, the little boy who fought off bullies for her never moved a muscle, no matter what she did.

Her gentle touch was filled with gratitude, awe, and care.

In this moment, everything else faded into insignificance.

"See? Renny is the best."

"Too much talking."

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T/N: frig i need to pump out like 40 chaps before tomorrow and its alright late atnight... CURSE U MARVEL RIVALSSS