Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Narukami Island, Tenshukaku.

In front of the Raiden Shogun's residence, the sound of incessant wailing filled the air.

"General… this old servant has been wronged!"

"Waaahhh…"

A man with his head wrapped in layers of gauze, so much so that it resembled a swollen ball, knelt on the ground, crying like a child.

"Sir, please compose yourself and keep your voice down," one of the gatekeeping members of the Kujou Clan muttered through gritted teeth.

We're at the Raiden Shogun's residence, not some place for mourning.

But this wasn't just anyone—this was someone of high rank and considerable influence. All they could do was attempt to reason with him.

"Compose myself?!"

The bandaged man abruptly raised his head, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Can't you see how gravely I've been injured?!"

He shouted before collapsing back onto the ground, bawling.

"Waaahhh… Even the General herself has never treated me this way!"

His cries were heart-wrenching, filled with indignation.

"…"

The Kujou Clan guards unconsciously took a step back.

For someone supposedly gravely injured, he sure seems lively…

Suddenly, the group of samurai parted to create a path.

A dignified man with an air of authority strode forward, his expression sharp.

It was Kujou Takayuki, head of the Kujou Clan and current Tenryou Commissioner.

He approached and stood still for a moment, staring at the man on the ground in disbelief.

Pointing at him, it took a while before he recognized the figure under the layers of gauze.

"Lord Kanjou Commissioner, is that… you?"

"What happened to make you look so pitiful?!"

While it was true that the Raiden Shogun wasn't one to sweat the small details, this level of theatrics felt like a bit much.

"Ahem."

The bandaged Shinsuke lifted his head, his gaze shifting nervously.

His current appearance was no accident—it was a deliberate ploy to bring his grievances directly before the Shogun and exert pressure on the Yashiro Commission.

Kujou Takayuki nodded slightly in understanding.

He then spoke gravely, his tone heavy with concern:

"The General must stand up for the two Commissions. The Yashiro Commission has gone too far!"

"They've nearly…"

Just then, a soft chuckle interrupted him.

"Oh? And what has my Yashiro Commission done now?"

Everyone froze and turned to look in the direction of the voice.

From the long staircase leading up to Tenshukaku, a lone figure approached.

Though solitary, he exuded an air of calm and composure.

It was Kamisato Ayato, head of the Kamisato Clan and current Yashiro Commissioner.

Kujou Takayuki's eyes narrowed, his smile not reaching his eyes as he spoke:

"Well, if it isn't the Yashiro Commissioner himself. How curious—you weren't summoned by the General, were you?"

This insufferable Kamisato brat.

Always catching wind of things and showing up to meddle.

His gaze met that of Shinsuke, a knowing smirk shared between them.

This time, let's see how you wriggle your way out.

"In front of the General's residence, such commotion…"

Ayato's footsteps were measured as he continued forward, his tone light yet gradually growing colder as his gaze swept over the assembled samurai.

"…"

The elite warriors couldn't help but shiver, instinctively stepping aside to make way.

"Useless fools!" Kujou Takayuki barked, his expression darkening.

Ayato's attention shifted to Shinsuke, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Lord Commissioner, you didn't look like this at the festival. Did you perhaps… trip on your way down the mountain?"

Shinsuke's face darkened, his voice cold.

"Save your slick words. The General will make the final decision."

"Then we'll see who can truly protect the Kamisato Clan!"

At that moment, a Kujou Clan guard stepped out from the Tenshukaku.

"Gentlemen."

All eyes turned toward him.

"What has the General said?" Kujou Takayuki asked eagerly.

The guard gave a slight nod, his expression solemn.

"The General has summoned you. Please, come inside."

Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke exchanged triumphant looks.

Excellent. The first step of the plan has succeeded.

Once we step through those doors…

The fate of the Yashiro Commissioner would be sealed.

The grand doors slowly opened.

"Lead the way," Ayato said evenly as he stepped into Tenshukaku.

His face betrayed no emotion, but he had come fully prepared.

"Hmph, still putting on a brave face," Takayuki sneered.

The festival incident had left the Yashiro Commissioner with nowhere to hide, especially since foreign diplomats were involved.

And to make matters worse, the pursuit of the "ominous shrine maiden" had led directly to the Yashiro Commission's festival.

Dare to claim the Kamisato Clan isn't involved?

With accusations of incompetence and evidence stacked against him, the General's wrath was inevitable.

Tonight, the Kamisato Clan would face utter ruin.

Guided by the Kujou guards, the group traversed hallway after hallway.

Ayato remained silent, his heartbeat quickening as the Shogun's oppressive aura grew stronger.

How should I respond?

If he could barely scrape through, all would be well.

But failure…

If the gods decreed punishment, someone would have to bear the cost.

At best, he'd lose his position as Yashiro Commissioner.

At worst, he'd lose his life—and his family might be dragged down with him.

Ruin and destruction, all too possible.

"Phew."

Ayato took a deep breath, a gentle, elegant figure flashing through his mind.

I swore to protect my sister and ensure her happiness.

But this time…

The walk felt especially long tonight.

But every path eventually reaches its end.

"General, they have been brought," the guard announced before retreating with a deep bow.

"General!" Takayuki exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.

"Waaahhh!"

Shinsuke stumbled into the Tenshukaku, collapsing onto a stretcher.

He appeared utterly pitiful, his breathing shallow, as if clinging to life by a thread.

It seemed he might expire at any moment.

"…"

Ayato slowly lifted his head to meet the gaze of the one before him.

Everything seemed to fall into submission beneath the weight of a sacred aura.

At the farthest edge of sight, a figure stood still.

It was the most exalted and noble presence in this world, the one spoken of in countless legends—

The deity who had vanquished many gods and founded the nation of Inazuma.

The Raiden Shogun.

"You have arrived."

The figure, wreathed in violet radiance, turned and spoke calmly.

"Shogun-sama!"

The three Commissioners immediately bowed in unison, their voices filled with reverence.

Even for them, opportunities to meet the Shogun were rare.

To say there was no pressure would be a lie.

And yet…

Somehow, today's Raiden Shogun felt different.

If they had to describe it, it was as though she exuded a faint warmth, yet her aura of authority was even more overwhelming.

For a moment, none of them dared to speak.

"You woke me. Speak your business," the Raiden Shogun said, seemingly unconcerned with their hesitation.

She gently caressed the fox mask in her hand, her tone urging them onward.

It seemed as though something else demanded her attention.

"..."

Kamisato Ayato's heart sank.

From this angle, he couldn't see clearly, but that mask looked… oddly familiar.

What's going on?

"Shogun-sama, the report we submitted earlier…" Kujou Takayuki began cautiously.

The Kanjou Commissioner cast him a quick glance, their expressions aligned.

The report they had submitted was carefully edited, its contents painting today's events in a twisted light.

A damning enough account to ruin the Yashiro Commissioner.

"Mm."

The Raiden Shogun nodded, her tone devoid of emotion.

It worked.

Kujou Takayuki and the Kanjou Commissioner exchanged a subtle glance, their intentions clear.

The Yashiro Commission was about to suffer dearly.

All that remained was for the Shogun to mete out her divine punishment.

And perhaps, they could even propose reinstating the Vision Hunt Decree, reigniting war.

A flawless plan.

"..."

Ayato's mind raced through every possible scenario.

Though he had no authority to review the memorial, he could imagine its contents.

If questioned, I'll explain first, then use evidence to stall. If necessary, I'll request Yae Miko's intervention…

The oppressive silence dragged on, suffocatingly so.

"Shogun-sama?" Takayuki couldn't endure it any longer and probed cautiously.

Why does she keep touching that mask?!

"The report?" the Raiden Shogun finally spoke, removing her hand from the mask.

"Yes, that report!"

Takayuki and Shinsuke both straightened, certain that divine punishment was imminent.

Their smiles grew wider, their anticipation palpable.

"I burned it."

The two froze mid-grin, their expressions stiffening.

"Ha… as expected of Shogun-sama!" Takayuki stammered.

"A wise decision indeed!" Shinsuke echoed.

"..."

"..."

"...?"

The room fell deathly silent.

The two exchanged glances.

Wait… what did the Shogun just say?!

Ayato, who had been prepared for the worst—ready even to accept death—looked up in shock.

This twist left him utterly stunned, his thoughts momentarily at a standstill.

For the first time, he stopped overthinking.

"But Shogun-sama, what about the matter concerning the Yashiro Commission…" Takayuki began, unwilling to give up.

Before he could finish, a cold scoff cut through the air.

"Ridiculous."

Takayuki immediately fell to his knees, trembling.

His mind went blank, his whole being frozen in disbelief.

What is happening?!

The Shogun hadn't even read the memorial!

"If there's nothing else, you may leave," she said, waving them away as though bored.

"But Shogun-sama, the conflict between Watatsumi Island and Yashiori Island—"

"There's no rush. Someone will handle it."

"?"

The three Commissioners began to doubt their hearing.

The Shogun is acting strange today!

"And the conflict during the festival—"

"Lack of skill. If they got beaten, they have no one to blame but themselves."

"??"

Whose side is the General even on?!

"And the envoy from Snezhnaya…"

"A mere sparring match. He should count himself lucky he wasn't killed."

"If the Fatui Harbinger has questions, they can come spar with me."

"???"

Will the Tsaritsa really be okay with that?!

"And the festival hosted by the Yashiro Commission…"

At this, the Raiden Shogun's brow furrowed slightly.

The two Commissioners' hopes reignited.

Finally, punishment for the Yashiro Commission!

"Mm. The fireworks were quite beautiful."

"????"

Everyone was dumbfounded.

"And as for the alleged Tenryou Comission traitor, Takahashi Ren…"

At the mention of this name, the Raiden Shogun's indifferent expression shifted subtly.

Her hand unconsciously returned to the fox mask she held.

---

T/N: someone tell Chen Lin that someone is coming after his acting career (ALSO LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO)

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