Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

The sakura trees quietly swayed as Ayaka returned, leaving everyone relieved that it was just a false alarm.

With everyone gathered, it was inevitable for small talk to ensue.

"Good morning, Takahashi-san."

"Has your stay at the Kamisato Estate been comfortable?"

Kamisato Ayato greeted warmly, extending a hand with a smile.

"Good morning, Lord Commissioner. Everything has been well."

"No need for formalities; we're all friends here."

As he spoke, he gently nudged the elegant young woman beside him forward.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask my sister."

"Huh?"

Kamisato Ayaka blinked her beautiful eyes, seemingly caught off guard. She instinctively glanced at Ren before quickly lowering her head.

Too... too close.

Her delicate cheeks flushed faintly.

Brother! What are you doing?

But also, well done.

"..."

Ren coughed softly, discreetly stepping back.

Ayato noticed the reaction and nodded approvingly.

To have caught the Shogun's attention, this young man must indeed have a composed and steady mind.

Ayato's evaluation of Ren rose a few notches.

He sighed. "I've been so busy with official duties that I've neglected my sister. If someone like you, Takahashi-san—talented and dependable—could keep her company, I would feel much more at ease as her brother."

From his observations, his sister seemed to appreciate Ren as well.

Perhaps this was a chance...

"Brother! What nonsense are you talking about?"

"You should be heading to work!"

Ayaka opened her folding fan, feigning irritation. Her watery eyes darted briefly toward Ren, then quickly turned away.

Her subtle mix of reluctance and shyness was perfectly balanced.

"..."

Ren smiled politely, though internally, his guard was up.

Something was off about Ayato's unusually warm demeanor.

It felt like... he was plotting something.

"Alright, alright, my sister's all grown up now."

Ayato chuckled indulgently, waving his hand.

"Takahashi-san, may I have a word with you in private?"

Ren silently nodded, following Ayato as they temporarily left the group.

"Wow—"

Yoimiya's eyes sparkled mischievously as she watched the two walk away.

"Is my dear friend finally making her move?"

"Even getting her family involved this time... how exciting!"

"No wild thoughts!"

Ayaka lightly tapped Yoimiya's head with her fan, her expression serious.

Still, she was a little surprised.

Her brother seemed to have a high opinion of Ren.

Was it because of last night's visit to Tenshukaku?

"Hehe, I don't believe you."

Yoimiya teased, her gaze playful.

Oh, my dear friend...

You can't even hide that little smile of yours!

"You're asking for it!"

"Bleh! Catch me if you can!"

Yoimiya laughed as she skipped behind Mei, dodging Ayaka's fan.

The two friends began another round of playful chasing.

"..."

Silly thoughts.

Mei shook her head lightly, taking out a small pastry.

As long as it doesn't concern Ren, I couldn't care less.

---

On a quiet path, Ayato came to a stop.

Turning around, he gazed at Ren with growing satisfaction.

"What guidance does Lord Commissioner wish to offer?"

Ren asked softly.

"Oh, there's no need to overthink."

"Since the Shogun values you so highly, as Commissioner, I naturally must understand you better."

Ayato smiled.

"You're too kind," Ren replied with a helpless smile.

If the Shogun's "favor" means being slashed with her blade, then I must really thank her.

His thoughts drifted to Mei.

Compared to the Shogun, Mei suddenly seemed... much cuter.

"Care to join me for another visit to Tenshukaku..."

"Please forgive me, but I must decline."

Though he was an Anemo swordsman, Ren wasn't about to risk becoming a sacrificial lamb.

Unlike Kaedehara Kazuha, he lacked a friend's noble sacrifice to protect him from a fatal blow.

Speaking of Kazuha... where was that vagabond drifting now?

They used to sell off their belongings together—brothers under the bridge.

"Heh, I figured as much."

Ayato chuckled lightly, unfazed.

His question had been casual; now came the main event.

"Well then, let's not beat around the bush."

"I investigated you last night."

Ayato's smile faded, his tone turning calm.

His scrutinizing gaze carried an immense pressure, locking onto Ren.

At this moment, Ayato no longer resembled the smiling elder brother next door.

Instead, he stood as Kamisato Ayato—head of the Kamisato Clan and one of Inazuma's Tri-Commissions.

"I'm just a humble samurai from a declining family," Ren said calmly, his expression steady.

The pressure was intense, but not hostile.

Simply put, Ayato wasn't using his full force.

There was no need for Ren to panic.

Ayato studied him for a long moment before suddenly breaking into a smile.

"Heh, you're a tough one to read."

"If you ever entered politics, you'd be a formidable opponent."

Ren chuckled. Not really my cup of tea.

Dealing with deceit and pretenses all day... how boring.

Ayato paced slowly, speaking as he thought.

"I've reviewed your battle records."

"At such a young age, your strength is remarkable."

"During the festival, your actions seemed reckless at first glance."

"But in hindsight, every move was calculated."

"You even managed to involve the Yashiro Commission in your plans."

"And now, you've earned the Shogun's favor. Your future is limitless."

"..."

Ren felt a bit awkward.

He's making me sound way more impressive than I really am.

"I'm just an ordinary guy. You're really overestimating me."

Ayato leaned closer, his voice low and teasing.

"So... what do you think of my sister? Isn't she beautiful?"

"???"

What's with this look of someone trying to sell off their sister?!

---

T/N: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SISCON?

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