Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Takahashi Ren…"

The Raiden Shogun softly murmured the name.

As she gently ran her fingers over the fox mask, a subtle ripple appeared in her otherwise impassive gaze.

The oppressive atmosphere grew heavier as her cold voice broke the silence:

"Never heard of him. What about him?"

Kamisato Ayato's heart skipped a beat.

That harsh tone—this situation was far from good.

Is the Shogun about to lose her temper? I need to think of something fast…

"!"

Kujou Takayuki couldn't suppress his elation, glancing up with newfound hope.

That cold and merciless voice—this felt right.

She's back. The Shogun I revere is back!

He exchanged a knowing look with the HIiragi Shinsuke.

Their confidence surged.

Even though tonight's events likely wouldn't bring the Yashiro Commission to its knees, they could at least condemn Ren and capture him without difficulty.

By leveraging Ren's case, they could naturally extend their troubles to the Yashiro Commission.

"Yes, Shogun-sama! It's about Takahashi Ren," Kujou Takayuki said, bowing deeply, his expression dark.

Just the thought of Ren stealing Fatui documents and repeatedly sabotaging the Vision Hunt Decree made him seethe with rage.

If it were up to him, Ren would already be languishing in a prison cell, tortured mercilessly under the Shogun's watchful gaze.

"And that detestable 'ominous shrine maiden' as well," he spat.

"Those two have been conspiring together, shamelessly."

"Shogun-sama, you must deliver justice!"

Shinsuke, still sprawled on the ground, cried out in indignation.

"Mm."

The Raiden Shogun closed her eyes, nodding slightly in acknowledgment.

Her cold and indifferent demeanor exuded authority without the need for anger.

As expected of the Shogun.

"Shogun-sama, there's been a misunderstanding," Kamisato Ayato interjected, stepping forward with carefully prepared responses.

But to his surprise, the Shogun abruptly opened her eyes.

"Kujou Takayuki, continue."

She gave him no opportunity to speak.

"…This…"

Even someone as adept at maneuvering as Kamisato Ayato was briefly stunned.

If she won't let me speak, how am I supposed to negotiate?

Is there really no way for Ren and Mei to escape the wrath of the Shogun tonight?

Takayuki and the Shinsuke brightened further.

Their momentum was building.

They hurriedly listed every accusation against Ren—assaulting the Fatui, openly defying the Tenryou Commission, and more.

"…"

Ayato's expression grew grim.

With their exaggerated claims piling up, anyone unaware of the truth would have been swayed by now.

Let alone the Shogun.

"Shogun-sama, please make your judgment!" Takayuki concluded, suppressing a cold smile.

Ren, let's see how you survive this time.

The Raiden Shogun remained silent for a moment before looking up.

"This Takahashi Ren…"

Everyone held their breath, waiting anxiously for the deity's verdict.

Takayuki was so confident that he had already begun drafting the bounty order in his mind.

"…Not bad. No need for a bounty," she said softly, still caressing the mask in her hand.

"Shogun-sama, what did you just say?!"

The three Commissioners were stunned.

'Not bad'?!

How did she interpret anything they said as 'not bad'?!

Ayato opened his mouth but said nothing, his emotions a complex tangle.

This wasn't in the script.

"This… this…!" Takayuki's face flushed with frustration.

"By the way, do we have a dossier on him?"

The Raiden Shogun seemed to recall something. "Make it detailed."

"I'll have it prepared," Ayato said, bowing slightly.

That lucky brat. It seems he's gained the Shogun's attention.

"Mm."

The Raiden Shogun nodded in satisfaction.

"Wait a moment!"

Takayuki couldn't remain silent any longer.

Even an idiot would realize by now that something isn't right.

The Shogun's attitude had been strange from the very start, and now she seemed… invested in that boy.

How… how did it come to this?!

Why him?!

Whether it was serving the Shogun or dedicating himself to eternity, he had been here first!

An uncontrollable jealousy twisted his expression.

akayuki raised his head, his voice quivering with emotion:

"Shogun-sama, the Kujou Clan's loyalty is unquestionable."

"But I cannot understand…"

"Why do you favor Takahashi Ren so much?!"

A deafening silence followed.

It was a question that lingered in the minds of all three Commissioners.

Kamisato Ayato opted to stay quiet, his eyes watching the drama unfold.

Well, it seems the Yashiro Commission is safe for now. Might as well sit back and enjoy the show.

Maybe I'll even have time to visit Ayaka tonight…

"Favor…?"

The Raiden Shogun murmured, the violet gleam in her eyes growing brighter.

Lowering her gaze to the fox mask in her hand, she fell into a long silence, lost in thought.

"If he's not held accountable, he will surely flee Inazuma!" Takayuki pressed on, his tone desperate.

The Raiden Shogun's cold eyes narrowed.

"He… plans to leave Inazuma?"

Kamisato Ayato felt a chill run down his spine as he raised his head.

The air inside the Tenshukaku grew oppressively heavy, suffused with an icy malice.

The deity was angry.

Kujou Takayuki's eyes sparkled with cunning as he continued:

"Yes, he will leave with that shrine maiden!"

He didn't know why the Shogun was upset, but following this line of thought couldn't hurt.

Let's see how that brat escapes this time.

But the next moment, the oppressive aura vanished.

"…I see," the Raiden Shogun said softly, her violet eyes blinking as if coming to a realization.

"?"

Everyone froze once again.

What just happened?

The Raiden Shogun had been on the verge of unleashing her wrath moments ago.

And yet, suddenly, it felt as though her mood had improved?

Ayato had officially given up trying to make sense of the situation.

As long as the Shogun is happy, that's all that matters.

After a moment of contemplation, the Raiden Shogun spoke calmly:

"However, Kujou Takayuki is correct."

"We must indeed ensure he cannot leave Inazuma."

"!"

Takayuki immediately lifted his head, elated.

He couldn't resist shooting a smug look at Kamisato Ayato.

See? The Shogun still trusts my judgment!

"Go and bring Takahashi Ren to Tenshukaku."

"Bring him… before me."

The Raiden Shogun's gaze flickered, her words layered with meaning.

"?"

Takayuki's smile froze.

"No… coercive measures?"

"Correct."

The Raiden Shogun nodded, her expression abruptly turning icy.

"And if he is harmed…"

The suffocating pressure in the air spoke volumes.

If even the slightest harm befell Ren—

The Tenryou Commission would not survive the fallout.

"Additionally," the Raiden Shogun's gaze swept over the group, her tone cold and commanding,

"I have had an epiphany regarding martial arts and require seclusion."

"Tomorrow's audience with the Tri-Commission is canceled."

What?!

Takayuki's eyes widened in shock.

The progress of the Vision Hunt Decree delayed again?!

He wanted to argue but found himself silenced by the sheer weight of the Raiden Shogun's authority.

To question the divine was to court death.

"…Understood."

His heart seethed with resentment. What's going on with the Shogun today?

She used to be so easy to sway during audiences… Why does it feel like she's become an entirely different person?

"Waaahhh!"

The "gravely injured" Shinsuke let out another wail.

The Vision Hunt Decree had been so close to implementation, and now—

The Raiden Shogun's indifferent gaze shifted to him.

"If the Hiiragi Shinsuke is injured, let him retire immediately."

"As for his successor…"

Ayato stepped forward at the perfect moment, bowing with practiced grace.

"Your wisdom is unparalleled, Shogun-sama. I will handle the arrangements."

"Good. Carry it out."

"Understood!"

Ayato nearly laughed aloud.

Unexpected gains indeed. Coming here tonight wasn't so bad after all.

"Wait!"

Shinsuke shot to his feet, panic-stricken.

His mind went blank as reality hit him.

What just happened?

I pretended to be injured to pressure the Yashiro Commission, but somehow… I ended up retiring?!

Under the Raiden Shogun's icy stare, he stammered,

"I-I suddenly feel much better…"

The Raiden Shogun's gaze remained indifferent.

"Take him away to recover."

"No!"

The Kujou guards promptly arrived, and his protests faded into the distance as he was dragged away.

It's over.

Takayuki broke out in a cold sweat, trembling uncontrollably.

Yet, amidst his dread, a burning question gnawed at him.

If I don't ask, I won't be able to sleep tonight.

"Shogun, why are you so intent on meeting Takahashi Ren?"

"..."

"Why, you ask."

The Raiden Shogun murmured, her gaze once again falling on the fox mask in her hand.

Her lips curved into a faint smile.

In that moment, the world seemed to lose its color.

Time itself appeared to pause, captivated by the fleeting beauty of her expression.

Both Kujou Takayuki and Kamisato Ayato stared in awe.

Did the Shogun… just smile?

How stunning.

Yet, this beauty carried an air of mystery.

What could have prompted such a rare expression?

The once-lonely figure now radiated an unfamiliar warmth.

Closing her eyes, the Raiden Shogun spoke softly:

"When I see him, I'll use Musou no Isshin…"

"…to strike him down with one blow."

"???"

Kamisato Estate

"Achoo!"

Half-asleep, Qin Yu sneezed.

[Ding! Emotion Points from Ei +1!]

"Even in my dreams, I'm dreaming about Ei… Not bad."

"Ei… Mei… Can't tell them apart. Ha."

He rolled over and drifted back into a deep sleep.

As for what he dreamt of—well, who could say?

---

T/N: lmao bro ruined it by mentioning the aforementioned 'shrine maiden' ALSO gg book about to end LMAO

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