Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Yes!!"

The Kanjou Commission's staff sprang into action, eager to comply.

The crowd surged forward, all scrambling to act first, lest they risk incurring the wrath of the smiling young man standing before them.

That boy is terrifying!

"Damn brat..."

Hiiragi Shinsuke's groaning complaints gradually faded into the distance as he was carried away, eventually disappearing entirely.

Chisato lowered her gaze slightly and let out a soft sigh.

The aftermath would naturally be handled by others.

Although her emotions were complicated, she chose not to say more.

The transition of power had always been this way.

She lifted her head and seemed to have reached some kind of resolution.

"Thank you, Ren."

"There's no need to thank me," Ren replied, turning to face her with a gentle smile.

After a moment's thought, he added earnestly, "You've grown a lot."

The girl standing before him now was someone capable of bearing responsibility.

Once the Vision Hunt Decree was resolved, she could undoubtedly lead Inazuma to continued prosperity.

"Ren..."

Chisato's eyes widened, shimmering with a radiant light.

The joy in her gaze was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Have I truly grown?

"What is it?" Ren asked with a chuckle.

He suddenly found himself reminiscing about the slightly naive girl she had once been.

"N-Nothing," Chisato stammered, her cheeks turning pink as she lowered her head.

Her gaze dropped to their entwined hands, which she had been quietly staring at.

Ren's hand was warm, and it had been clasped with hers since earlier.

It feels like a promise to never part.

Her heart swelled with a giddy warmth, but she couldn't help but laugh at herself.

How embarrassing, holding hands like this...

"..."

Ren shook his head, amused.

You've barely held it together, huh, silly girl?

"Ahem, what are you two sneaking around for?"

Suddenly, Yoimiya's playful voice broke the moment as she popped out of nowhere, her mischievous grin in full force.

The self-proclaimed matchmaker of Hanamizaka had clearly sniffed out something sweet.

Resting her chin on Chisato's shoulder, she teased, "Wow, am I interrupting something special?"

Ren coughed lightly and let go of Chisato's hand.

No, you've arrived at just the right time.

"Miss Yoimiya, stop making fun of me!" Chisato exclaimed, flustered.

"Hehe, come catch me if you want me to stop!" Yoimiya taunted, darting off like a mischievous fox.

Watching the two girls chase each other, Ren couldn't help but smile.

Let them relax a little; they deserve it.

His gaze was drawn to Mei, who stood quietly nearby, holding the now-dim Delusion in her hand.

She stared at it silently, lost in thought.

"Mei, did you discover something?" Ren asked as he walked over.

"Yes," she replied, her tone calm as she tucked the Delusion away.

Her eyes fixed on Ren, scrutinizing him as if trying to see through him entirely.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ren joked, handing her a sweet pastry in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"..."

Mei accepted the pastry without hesitation.

It seemed she had grown used to his casual offerings of food.

Yet, she didn't unwrap it immediately. Instead, she gazed at it, lost in thought.

Ren's smile faded slightly.

Mei's mood seemed... off.

"Did someone upset you?" Ren asked, raising his fist jokingly. "Just say the word, and I'll handle it."

Mei glanced at him, her expression as cold as ever.

"You," she said bluntly.

"...?"

Ren paused for a moment, then offered her another pastry.

"How about now?"

"You."

"??"

With a resigned sigh, he handed over the rest of the pastries he had left.

Mei accepted them all, her mood visibly improving.

Smart move, her gaze seemed to say.

Ren smiled faintly. Gotcha. This is nothing I can't handle.

After a moment of silence, Mei finally spoke.

"You're... unique," she said softly. "I should leave now. But these pastries are still not enough."

With that, she tightened her grip on the documents she held and turned to leave.

Her silhouette grew smaller as she walked away, cold and distant.

Ren stood there for a long moment, watching her retreating figure.

In that instant, it felt as though Mei had made a choice.

What that choice was, he wasn't entirely sure.

But it likely had something to do with the papers in her hand.

Evidence of the Fatui's infiltration?

"Takahashi!"

"Renny!"

Yoimiya and Chisato came running back from the distance.

The two were strikingly different—one soft and elegant, the other lively and energetic—yet they now held hands like the best of friends.

It seemed they had become close in a short time.

Yoimiya, you truly live up to your reputation.

"Ready to head out?" Ren asked gently.

Yoimiya grinned, throwing an arm around Chisato.

"Of course! Chisato is all packed and ready!"

"Huh?"

Chisato blinked in confusion, clearly not understanding what they meant.

"Packed for what?"

"Hmm..." Yoimiya twirled her finger with a mysterious smirk.

"Oh, Chisato, you really don't get it, huh?"

"Get what?"

"Obviously, you're joining Takahashi's—oops, almost said too much!"

Yoimiya shook her head dramatically, realizing she'd almost let something slip.

"Yoimiya!" Ren's expression darkened.

Please stop with your dangerous comments.

"Hehe, I got a bit carried away," Yoimiya admitted sheepishly, winking.

She hugged Chisato tightly and said, "Come with us, won't you? Living here all alone is so dull!"

Chisato hesitated, sneaking a glance at Ren.

"Are you serious about this?"

"Don't listen to Yoimiya's nonsense," Ren said, shaking his head.

"But for now, it would be safer if you came with me to a more secure location."

Although solidifying her position in the Kanjou Commission was important, it was a natural outcome once everything was resolved.

For now, ensuring her safety took precedence.

Chisato hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

"But... what about the Kanjou Commission?"

"I'll report this!" Yoimiya declared, raising her hand. "Chisato already finished all the paperwork for the next few days!"

"Several days' worth?" Ren asked, surprised, glancing at Chisato.

Is every Commission lady a workaholic?

Chisato blushed and tightened her grip on Yoimiya's hand.

Despite her reluctance, she occasionally stole glances at Ren.

Does this mean I'll get to stay close to him?

Yoimiya blinked knowingly.

Probably not.

After all, there would be others joining soon...

---

Inazuma City – Komore Teahouse

"Welcome, Miss Chisato!"

The staff bowed respectfully, their expressions polite.

In a few days, she would officially be addressed as Kanjou Commissioner.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Chisato said softly as she entered, holding Yoimiya's hand.

Her gaze wandered around the cozy interior, sparkling with curiosity.

"Well? Do you like it here?" Yoimiya asked, her tone enthusiastic as she led Chisato on a tour.

"I love it," Chisato replied warmly.

Anywhere Ren is, I'll love it.

"Alright, take a break for now," Ren said, yawning as he waved them off and headed toward a room.

Chisato instinctively took a step to follow.

"Wait!" Yoimiya tugged her back quickly.

"You can't just share a room with Ren!"

"I-I see," Chisato replied, slightly crestfallen.

"Don't look so disappointed!" Yoimiya said with a grin, pulling her closer.

"Tonight, we have something thrilling planned."

"Thrilling?" Chisato tilted her head, puzzled.

"Yep!" Yoimiya leaned in conspiratorially.

"Tonight is our special girls-only bonding time!"

"Girls-only bonding?"

Is it like hugging a Raiden Shogun plushie?

"Even better."

"?"

"We're having a sleepover!"

"W-WHAT?!"

Chisato's mind went blank.

---

T/N: hmm yeah Ei just saw him use multiple elements... she has a lot to think about

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