Genshin Impact: Arataki Itto, No Longer the Clown!

Kujou Sara watched as Arataki Itto walked away, her expression unreadable.

Strictly speaking, she and Itto weren't friends—at best, they were familiar strangers. The relentless harassment she would endure from him over the next year hadn't yet begun, so their relationship was still in its infancy.

If this were a year later, Sara might have grabbed Itto's arm and demanded an explanation for his strange behavior. But for now, she simply sighed and turned her attention back to the Statue of the Omnipresent God, her gaze filled with reverence.

---

Meanwhile, Itto wandered aimlessly through the streets of Inazuma City.

The sun was setting, its fiery glow softening as the temperature dropped. The streets grew busier, but as people passed Itto, they gave him a wide berth, their faces filled with fear and disgust.

Itto couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. The original Arataki Itto had endured so much hatred and discrimination, yet he had always faced the world with a smile.

Itto admired that resilience, but he wasn't the same person. He wasn't one to turn the other cheek. If someone wronged him, he would make sure they regretted it.

As he walked, he overheard snippets of conversation from the crowd.

"Is that the oni with the horns?"

"Of course it is. Who else would look like that?"

"Why is he even allowed in the city? Shouldn't the Shogunate be keeping him in check? What if he hurts someone?"

"Shh! Keep your voice down. If he hears you, you're done for."

"Ugh, why do those oni even exist? They betrayed the Shogun, yet they still walk among us. Disgusting."

Itto's expression darkened. His crimson eyes glowed with a dangerous light as he suddenly stopped and turned to face the crowd.

The people who had been whispering fell silent, their faces pale with fear.

Itto's lips curled into a mocking smile. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

The crowd scattered, leaving Itto standing alone in the street. He chuckled to himself and continued on his way.

---

As evening approached, Itto decided it was time to regroup with Shinobu and the others. But as he passed a small shop, a notification from the system interrupted his thoughts.

[Ding. New Mission: Steal Kujou Sara's Beloved Limited-Edition Raiden Shogun Doll.]

[Reward: 2000 System Points.]

Itto's eyes lit up. He glanced at the shop, where a line of customers was forming.

Itto approached the shop and struck up a conversation with the clerk.

"Excuse me, what's going on here?" he asked, gesturing to the line.

The clerk smiled politely. "We're selling limited-edition Raiden Shogun dolls. Unfortunately, we've just sold out."

Itto's eyes fell on a single doll displayed behind the counter. "What about that one?"

The clerk's smile faltered. "Oh, that one is reserved for Kujou Sara. She placed a special order and will be picking it up herself."

Itto's mind raced. He needed that doll.

"Actually," he said, leaning in conspiratorially, "Kujou Sara sent me to pick it up. She's… busy with official duties and couldn't come herself."

The clerk hesitated. "Do you have any proof? A letter or token from her?"

Itto shook his head. "No, but think about it. Who would be stupid enough to impersonate Kujou Sara just to steal a doll? I live in Hanamizaka—it's not like I can run off with it."

The clerk considered this for a moment before reluctantly handing over the doll. "Fine. But if Kujou Sara comes by, I'll tell her you took it."

Itto grinned. "Thanks. If she shows up, let her know I'll be waiting for her by the large rock 400 meters down the road."

With the doll in hand, Itto made a quick exit.

[Ding. Mission Complete. 2000 System Points Awarded.]

Itto's mood improved instantly. He hummed to himself as he walked, the doll tucked under his arm.

---

Not long after, Kujou Sara arrived at the shop.

The clerk, a woman named Shizuko, greeted her with a bow. "Kujou Sara, welcome! Your limited-edition Raiden Shogun doll is ready."

Sara frowned. "What do you mean? I just got here."

Shizuko blinked in confusion. "But… the oni who came earlier said you sent him to pick it up."

Sara's eyes narrowed. "An oni? Arataki Itto?"

Shizuko nodded. "Yes. He said you were too busy with official duties and asked him to retrieve it for you. He also said he'd be waiting for you by the large rock 400 meters down the road."

Sara's jaw tightened. "That idiot… What is he up to now?"

Without another word, Sara turned and strode off in the direction Shizuko had indicated.

---

Itto sat on a large rock, the Raiden Shogun doll resting beside him. He whistled a tune, clearly pleased with himself.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over him.

"Itto," Sara said, her voice low and dangerous. "What do you think you're doing with my doll?"

Itto looked up, feigning innocence. "Oh, hey, tengu. Fancy meeting you here."

Sara crossed her arms. "Don't play dumb. Why did you take my doll?"

Itto shrugged. "I thought you'd appreciate the gesture. You're always so busy with work—figured you could use a little help."

Sara's eye twitched. "Hand it over. Now."

Itto grinned and tossed the doll to her. "Relax, it's just a doll. No need to get all worked up."

Sara caught the doll and glared at him. "You're impossible."

Itto stood and stretched. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I've got places to be. See you around, tengu."

As Itto walked away, Sara couldn't help but shake her head.

"That oni… What am I going to do with him?"