Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

How did it come to this?

The great Commissioner of the Yashiro Commission—no, Kamisato Ayato—had essentially ordered him to court Ayaka.

It didn't make sense.

He had only planned to lay low at the Kamisato Estate temporarily.

How did this suddenly involve his future?

"My sister... I'll leave her in your care."

Ayato sighed, his expression solemn as he gave Ren an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

With that, he turned and left for work, his role as Commissioner calling.

Being a key official of the Tri-Commissions, Ayato's schedule was no less demanding than that of a government workaholic.

"Wait, Lord Commissioner..."

Ren opened his mouth, but Ayato was already out of earshot.

Waving dismissively, Ayato walked off into the distance.

"Good luck. The Kamisato family will always have a place for you."

Ren's face darkened.

A place in the Kamisato family? I never agreed to that.

If Ayaka ever found out her brother was trying to "sell" her off like this, wouldn't she kick him out of the house on the spot?

In his mind, the words of a timeless classic rang loud and clear:

"There is no place for you in this family anymore!"

"..."

Left alone on the quiet path, Ren sighed heavily, rubbing his temples.

"What even is this situation?"

Dating Kamisato Ayaka...

A chill ran down his spine.

Under normal circumstances, he might have been willing.

But now?

He couldn't help but hesitate.

Why, you ask?

This world's Ayaka might not be the same as the one from his memories.

Although she was usually elegant, gentle, and kind...

There's something more to her.

As her mentor, Ren could sense it.

Just as Ayato had mentioned, as Ayaka grew older, her gaze toward him had shifted.

What had started as respect gradually became... a peculiar dependency.

And it only seemed to deepen over time.

Initially, Ren didn't think much of it, assuming it was just a student's admiration for their teacher.

Until one particular parting moment...

Ayaka had grasped his hand, her gaze dark and intense.

"As long as I can stay by your side, that's enough."

"If you ever try to leave without saying goodbye..."

"...Ayaka will be heartbroken."

The warmth in her usual smile had vanished without a trace.

"..."

Ren took a deep breath, his skin crawling.

If he revealed his identity now...

What kind of Kamisato Ayaka would greet him?

How did things end up like this?

As he stood lost in thought, memories of his previous life resurfaced.

It all traced back to her character banner—a rerun lasting a record-breaking 240 days.

The lonely princess had twisted the rules of the game, determined to remain with the person she cherished forever.

Suddenly, a chill ran down his back.

"Who's there?"

Ren spun around sharply, startled.

Standing behind him was an elegant figure who had been there for some time.

The quiet path was lined with vibrant blossoms, their vivid hues only accentuating the young woman's beauty.

Ayaka stood smiling softly, her serene gaze fixed on Ren.

It was Kamisato Ayaka.

Ren's heart sank.

How long has she been there?

Had she overheard his earlier conversation with Ayato?

"What are you thinking about?"

The temperature around them subtly dropped.

Tilting her head slightly, Ayaka maintained her warm smile.

"My dear mentor."

"!"

Ren's eyes widened.

Has she already figured out who I am?

"I..."

He opened his mouth to respond.

"Hmm?"

Ayaka's lips curved into a faint smirk.

Finally, he's about to admit it—my dear mentor.

If that was the case, she wouldn't let him leave the Kamisato Estate anymore.

After all, he had promised.

If caught, he was to remain by her side forever.

"Mentor? What is Lady Ayaka talking about?"

Feigning confusion, Ren looked around, avoiding her piercing gaze.

Close one. That was almost a confession.

"..."

Ayaka's expression faltered, and she let out a soft sigh of disappointment.

So close. I thought I could trick him into revealing the truth.

As expected of my mentor—always quick to react.

"It's nothing, perhaps I mistook you for someone else."

Ayaka plucked a fallen blossom from the ground, murmuring softly,

"I can still sense you, though. I know you're here."

Her delicate and forlorn demeanor tugged at the heartstrings.

Ren remained silent.

If only she weren't staring straight at me while saying that.

"Rest assured, Lady Ayaka will surely find her mentor."

"Yes."

Ayaka smiled gently, tucking a petal into her hair.

Her long lashes fluttered as she gazed at Ren and asked softly,

"Does it look nice?"

"Yes, it looks nice."

"The flower or me?"

"Of course, Lady Ayaka looks the best."

This deadly question was one Ren could confidently answer.

"Hmph, how straightforward."

Ayaka tilted her chin upward, clearly pleased.

In all of Inazuma, Ren was the only one who could get this close to her.

Clearly, it was no accident—it was what Ayaka had intended.

The question was, did a certain someone feel the same way?

"I was just being honest."

Ren smiled faintly, relieved to have navigated the moment without incident.

Still, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that if he'd confessed his identity earlier...

He might already be locked in the Kamisato Estate's basement by now.

"Let's go. Yoimiya might be getting impatient."

"Alright."

Each lost in their own thoughts, the two walked off together, sharing lighthearted conversation as they went.

...

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T/N: OH. She's crazy. Like those au's of yandere ayaka for traveler crazy...

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