Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Nahida… what exactly happened?"

The streets at night were bustling with noise, the festive atmosphere growing stronger.

The Sakoku Decree was about to be lifted, and a grand festival would soon take place.

But amidst this lighthearted atmosphere—

Ren suddenly stopped in his tracks, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

He took a deep breath.

His mind wandered back to that angelic girl basking in the sunlight, her warm, healing smile.

He couldn't even begin to imagine how heartbreaking it would be to see her looking sad.

"Who…"

Ren's voice was cold.

Did someone bully her while he was away?

No, that couldn't be it—Keqing wouldn't stand by and let that happen.

And the timing didn't add up either.

Nahida's emotional fluctuation had clearly started long before Keqing's.

It happened right after he got off the ship.

But the port had been full of his people—who would dare mess with her?

"…"

Suddenly, Ren realized something.

Could it be… because he left so suddenly?

[Ding! Currently, Little Angel Nahida's emotional state is stable.]

The system's silent voice suddenly chimed in.

Ren let out a small sigh of relief—at least she was fine.

But then, the system added:

[However, she is displaying strong feelings of longing and dependence toward a certain someone.]

[You should hurry back and check on the child.]

Ren's expression darkened. He pointed at himself.

So… this was basically saying—

The little one was feeling sad because she couldn't see him?

Wait, so this certain someone—

System, would it kill you to just say it outright?

[System evaluation: Those who understand, understand.]

Ren: …

His clenched fists slowly relaxed, and he sighed.

His gaze fell on the children playing and laughing in the streets.

"Slow down, don't trip over yourself."

"Alright, alright, take whatever you want to eat."

Behind them, their parents watched over them with gentle eyes.

"Parents, huh…"

Ren glanced at the moon and murmured softly.

What was Nahida's true self doing at this moment?

As the daughter of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata… was she receiving the love and protection she deserved?

"…"

That satisfied smile of Nahida's lingered in his mind.

She had said she lived in a beautiful, grand home.

That there were people protecting her.

…Really?

Ren shook his head, his doubts growing.

Without her mother's protection… could she really be happy?

[It doesn't matter. You'll step in.]

Ren chuckled in understanding.

That's right.

Even if Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was gone, Nahida still had him.

And…

[And the 'mothers' of the child.]

The system interjected.

Ren mentally flipped it off.

Seriously? Could it just not run its mouth for once?

Wait—

That surge of emotional energy earlier—

What now?

They weren't actually sharpening their weapons, were they?!

Just as Ren felt a chill run down his spine—

"Ren! It really is you!"

A voice suddenly called out from a distance, full of pleasant surprise.

Ren looked up, momentarily stunned.

"Kazuha? What a coincidence."

The two Anemo wanderers crossed paths once again.

"Ren, are you out for a walk?"

Kazuha looked at Ren's solemn expression with concern.

He still needed to take care of himself, after all.

"?"

Ren shot him a glance.

His mind flashed back to the last time Sandrone had encountered Ayaka and the others.

This anemo-wielding friend of his…

Could it be…

Ren instinctively took a step away from Kazuha.

"Ahem. The wind is light, the moon is bright…"

Kazuha gazed at the night sky, waxing poetic.

In reality, he was just feeling a little guilty.

After all, he had kind of set Ren up last time.

"Don't try to change the subject."

Ren casually slung an arm around Kazuha's shoulder, his smile amiable.

My dear friend, how about you be a little more honest?

"…I apologize."

Kazuha sighed—he couldn't keep it in anymore.

So, he told Ren about Keqing and Kamisato Ayaka's unexpected encounter.

"I see… Komore Teahouse."

Ren chuckled, feeling much more at ease.

He had thought it was the worst-case scenario.

But if it was just Keqing and Ayaka… there was no need to panic.

This time, my friend actually did me a favor. All good, all good.

Ren completely overlooked the other emotional spikes he had seen earlier.

"As expected of you, Ren."

Seeing that Ren wasn't worried at all, Kazuha finally relaxed.

At last, he had managed to help his friend.

He had to keep up the good work.

Suddenly, he remembered something.

"I tried to visit your house before, but I couldn't find it."

"That's impossible. It's right… over there."

Ren waved his hand dismissively.

But the more Kazuha listened, the more confused he felt.

"But that place… has already been torn down by the Tenryou Commission."

At last, he offered a kind reminder.

Ren refused to believe it.

No way. The Tenryou Commission dared to demolish his house?

Wouldn't they be afraid of the Shogun finding out?

However—

"I heard it was a direct order from the Shogun herself."

"Oh, if it's Ei, then—huh???"

Ren nodded instinctively before his face abruptly froze.

No way?!

So that's why she urged me to go home?

The underlying message was clear enough.

No place to sleep?

Then come back to Tenshukaku and sleep on the floor.

After parting with Kazuha—

Ren made his way toward Komore Teahouse, planning to meet Ayaka and Keqing.

"Sigh…"

He walked through the city streets, letting out a deep sigh.

Inazuma had gained yet another homeless wanderer.

His house was gone. In the literal sense.

Well played, Shogun

After he finished dealing with everything here, he would definitely have a talk with Ei.

Would it be possible to not sleep on the floor and get an actual bed?

Shaking his head, he shifted his focus back to the matter at hand.

"Hmm… according to Kazuha, there's nothing to worry about."

Ren pondered as he walked.

But something still felt… off.

Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks.

A thought struck him.

"…No, no. Wait."

"If every time things have gone south, it's because of Kazuha…"

He had already experienced firsthand the power of the anemo-wielding friend.

So, thinking in reverse—

"'Just the two of them'—this was a trap."

His gaze wavered.

Slowly, he understood everything.

As expected, Komore Teahouse was far more than just two people.

If he didn't handle this carefully, something terrifying would happen.

"Come take a look!"

Just then, the vendor's call caught his attention.

Right. I can't go empty-handed.

"Bringing gifts… the more I can appease, the better."

Ren murmured, making up his mind.

Of course, that included a certain little angel as well.

---

Komore Teahouse

The small room was utterly silent.

If anyone walked in now, they would definitely be left speechless.

Because—

Gathered here were stunning girls, each with her own unique charm.

Some were elegant and refined, some lively and adorable.

Some exuded gentle nobility, others were cold and proud.

Oh, and there was also a certain white-haired girl.

Simply put, the beauty here was suffocating—any one of them could leave the outside world mesmerized.

Yet, here they were, all gathered in one place.

What was going on? Was this a dream?

Of course, it was not a dream.

They were all here for one reason.

The atmosphere grew heavier.

"Ahem!"

Suddenly, a lively girl smacked the table and stood up straight.

Naturally, it was Hanamizaka's relationship expert, Yoimiya.

The only "neutral party" present.

"Uh, I…"

Just as she was about to speak—

The other girls simultaneously turned to look at her.

"Ugh."

Yoimiya pouted and sat back down under the pressure.

So scary! Why are you all staring at me like that?!

"Yoimiya, go ahead."

Sandrone took a sip of tea, smiling.

"After all…"

She glanced around the room, taking in everyone's expressions.

Then, she said meaningfully—

"You are the biggest among us."

…?

The long-held silence—

Was completely shattered.

---

T/N: biggest in what...