Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Ren's thoughts returned to reality, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Since when did I become a "Little Takahashi"?!

And why did the Shogun look so intrigued?

"Shogun-sama."

Before Ren could intervene—

"Little Takahashi… what is that?"

The Shogun rose from her seat and approached Yoimiya, curiosity evident in her gaze.

It did look remarkably similar to Ren.

"Uh…"

Being face-to-face with a literal deity, Yoimiya grew nervous.

"Well, it's just… it's kind of… um… lively?"

She stammered, struggling to find the words. After all, the puppet was indeed extraordinary.

It seemed almost alive, as though it had its own spirit.

"A very intricate doll," the Shogun remarked, taking the puppet from Yoimiya and examining it thoughtfully.

The craftsmanship was indeed remarkable.

Click.

Little Takahashi's head tilted slightly, its mechanisms whirring.

"Hmm?"

The Shogun extended a finger to poke its cheek. Then, she pinched its sides experimentally.

Her violet eyes gleamed with quiet amusement, her expression calm but undeniably pleased.

"..."

Ren suddenly found himself envious of the puppet.

"Shogun-sama seems to enjoy touching Little Takahashi," Yoimiya blurted out absentmindedly, blinking in surprise.

Look at this doll—poke it twice, and it moves again. It's even responsive!

"It's adequate," the Shogun replied, setting the puppet down as her gaze met the questioning looks of the other women.

Does the Shogun actually enjoy playing with toys like this?

"I simply appreciate the doll's superior craftsmanship," she clarified coolly.

"You may examine it as well."

"Yes, Shogun-sama."

The women straightened their backs, their expressions suddenly serious.

And so, under Ren's bewildered gaze, they each reached out and carefully touched the puppet.

What kind of bizarre ritual is this?

Meanwhile, the actual Ren—the original—seemed to be entirely forgotten.

Time passed slowly until it was finally time to leave.

"Shogun-sama, I'll see you tomorrow," Ren said, rising from his seat under her watchful, almost dangerous gaze.

It wasn't as if he could stay overnight in Tenshukaku and sleep on the floor, after all.

"Don't forget," she said softly, her eyes closing briefly.

There was an unspoken agreement between them—not to restrict Ren's freedom.

The Raiden Shogun would never go back on her word.

"Understood."

Snacks and light novels—I've got this covered, Ren thought with a wry smile.

This little secret of theirs was something only the two of them knew.

---

Outside Tenshukaku

"Renny, don't forget to work hard," Chisato called out, pouting slightly, her mood tinged with reluctance.

She hadn't expected that the first one to end up pulling overtime would be the Kanjou Commissioner herself.

With the Sakoku Decree soon to be lifted, the Commissioner had a mountain of tasks to prepare for.

"It's fine. You all take care on your way back," Chisato said softly, casting a meaningful glance toward Ren.

And at the graceful young woman standing beside him, smiling radiantly.

"Thank you for your hard work," Kamisato Ayaka said, her tone warm and gentle as she stood close to Ren, her elegant smile lighting up the dusk.

For once, there was no one to interrupt her.

"Don't overwork yourself," Ren said softly, smiling.

"There are more people looking out for you now."

As someone who excelled in the art of slacking off, Ren had little advice to give.

Just the thought of handling official duties makes my head spin.

"Mm, Renny is the best," she replied simply, her words carrying a warmth that made his heart feel lighter.

Her cheeks flushed faintly as she glanced at him.

She had grown, but… could she be even bolder?

The thought made her heart race.

She raised her head.

"Renny!"

"What's—"

Before Ren could finish his sentence, she darted forward, enveloping him in a soft, fragrant embrace.

Her eyes flicked mischievously toward a certain elegant young lady, whose smile had frozen.

Renny is mine!

Ren returned the hug, his arms lightly encircling her.

She felt as light as a feather, warm and comforting, like holding a cloud.

"Do your best, Lady Chisato," Ren said with a small chuckle.

"I-I'm going now!"

Her courage dissipated in the warmth of his voice. Face burning, she turned and bolted back toward Tenshukaku.

Shogun-sama, that was too embarrassing!

Ren sighed. Why so shy now?

"It was just a normal hug," he muttered, clearing his throat in an attempt to feign composure.

"Really?"

Kamisato Ayaka slowly folded her paper fan, her serene smile radiating politeness.

To do that right in front of me… how disobedient of my dear master.

"Well then, the rest of your time today belongs to me, doesn't it?"

---

The divine decrees of the Raiden Shogun spread across Inazuma, but the most significant of all was the announcement to abolish the Sakoku Decree.

This monumental shift would have far-reaching effects, stirring excitement among the people.

Word of the change spread quickly, eventually reaching the shores of distant lands—

To another nation entirely.

---

Under the night sky, Liyue Harbor glowed brightly with lanterns, the heart of the oldest commercial port on the continent.

Wealth and prosperity converged here, making it a hub of culture and commerce.

At the Yuehai Pavilion, a young woman in a flowing purple dress strolled along the corridors.

Her appearance was stunning, her long violet hair tied into twin tails that resembled cat ears from a distance.

But what truly drew attention were her long, graceful legs, accentuated by sheer black stockings.

"Lady Yuheng," a secretary from Yuehai Pavilion approached respectfully.

In all of Liyue, there was only one person known as the Yuheng Star.

"Thank you for your hard work," Keqing replied with a small smile.

"Anything noteworthy happening recently?"

"Hmm… Does the announcement that Inazuma is lifting the Sakoku Decree count?"

Keqing paused mid-step, her expression shifting to one of surprise.

"Is that true?" she asked, her tone sharpening slightly.

---

T/N: if you notice a place where Chisato's name should be let me know... I can't believe she still isn't referred to by name in the original...