Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

[Elemental Skill Unlocked: Chihayaburu]

[Harness Anemo energy to launch into the air.]

[Applies knockback and pull effects.]

[Can be activated mid-air.]

What was a true surprise? This was it.

The value of this talent spoke for itself.

With this, Ren took another step forward on the path of the Joyful Anemo Boy.

[Additionally, due to your close bond with Kazuha.]

[The system has gifted you a bonus talent.]

Ren: ?

Since when did the system become so generous?

[Do you want it or not?]

Of course, Ren nodded. Who would say no?

[Inherent Talent: Soumon Swordsmanship]

[If Chihayaburu interacts with elemental energy,]

[it adds corresponding elemental damage to your Plunging Attack.]

The clash of blades sent sparks flying before the two fighters stopped, withdrawing their weapons.

Kaedehara Kazuha took a few steps back and sheathed his sword.

"Long time no see, Takahashi."

"You've grown even stronger."

He flexed his slightly numb wrist, smiling warmly.

"Kazuha! It's you!"

Ren's eyes lit up with joy.

It was his old buddy—the one who'd shared many a cold night with him under the bridges.

When Anemo wielders reunited, the camaraderie was instant.

After stowing their weapons, the two embraced in a strong hug.

"Haha... looks like I still can't beat you."

Kazuha playfully punched Ren's shoulder, laughing.

His gaze then drifted curiously toward the doll-like girl nearby.

So, this was the girl Ren had been chatting with?

She was like a living fairy, an awe-inspiring sight.

"Hello, Takahashi's friend."

Sandrone lifted the hem of her white dress in an elegant curtsy.

She looked up at him with a soft smile.

"By the way, I'm Ren's partner."

"P-Partner?!"

Kazuha blinked in surprise, his eyes darting toward Ren.

What was going on with this doll-like girl?

Brother, this is... quite the development.

Ren opened his mouth, about to explain.

"Indeed, and we've already done so many..."

Sandrone nonchalantly said while tinkering with the Ruin Guard's core.

"If only he'd be a bit gentler about it..."

Her delicate sigh and furrowed brow made it look as if Ren had done something completely beastly.

"Sister-in-law, nice to meet you."

After a moment's thought, Kazuha nodded solemnly.

"Mmhm."

Sandrone's lips curved upward, graciously accepting the title.

She completely ignored the murderous glare Ren sent her way.

"Kazuha, you've misunderstood!"

Ren grabbed him by the shoulder and dragged him aside, his face dark as night.

"I'm happy for you, Takahashi."

Kazuha gave Sandrone a polite wave and smiled.

Though he didn't fully understand the situation, he would always respect his friend's choices.

Happy? Ren thought with exasperation. What exactly are you happy about?!

"This woman is dangerous."

"With your strength, Takahashi, I'm not worried," Kazuha said encouragingly, patting his shoulder.

After some catching up,

"Kazuha, come with me overseas."

"Sorry, I've got something to take care of in Inazuma City."

Kazuha's gaze shifted to the sea as he politely declined.

Though Ren felt a hint of regret, he didn't press further.

His friend had always been a wanderer at heart.

"Takahashi-sama, a response from the Yashiro Commission!"

A samurai ran over with a letter.

Ren took it, broke the seal, and scanned its contents.

After a moment, he set it down, lost in thought.

"What Sandrone said was true."

It contained recent intelligence on the Fatui.

A factory had been destroyed, and the Fatui were actively working there.

Officially, they claimed to be searching for lost materials.

But if paired with what Sandrone had revealed, as well as the appearance of Fatui operatives in Inazuma City...

Ren's gaze sharpened.

The note from Kamisato Ayato also caught his attention:

There are divisions among the Harbingers.

"Need a hand?" Kazuha asked with a smile.

Ren silently shook his head.

If Sandrone truly was being hunted...

He glanced toward the dismantled Ruin Guard.

Amid the cold, scattered machinery,

the doll-like girl struggled to lift a chunk of the core.

The sea breeze wobbled her delicate frame, making it look as if she might collapse at any moment.

Her petite form clearly had its limitations.

Sensing his gaze, Sandrone turned to him.

Her furrowed brows and soft, breathless demeanor evoked an inexplicable sense of pity.

Her rosy lips parted as she gasped.

"My partner... it's so big..."

"Hurry... come help me."

Ren looked away, exhaling sharply.

Maybe I really should toss this woman into the sea.

"Takahashi, your partner is waiting for you," Kazuha teased, patting Ren's shoulder.

"For the last time, she's not!"

In the end, Ren picked up the core—

and Sandrone along with it.

She clung to his finger, swaying playfully like a swing.

"What's this thing even for?"

Ren eyed the core skeptically.

"Doubting machinery? I don't like that."

"Wait until it's assembled; then you'll understand."

Sandrone huffed, glaring at him with mock indignation.

"You've already looked into it, haven't you?"

Ren didn't respond, setting her down instead.

"My partner, are you finally starting to trust me?"

"If you try anything funny, you'll regret it."

"Still as stubborn as ever," Sandrone said with a small smile, poking his finger lightly.

One day, Ren, you'll stay by my side.

As the ship prepared to depart.

"Kazuha, drinks are on me next time."

Ren waved toward the shore with a grin.

"Let's not. You know I can't hold my liquor," Kazuha replied with a helpless smile.

"Oh, and if you run into the Traveler, lend her a hand in Inazuma."

Ren shook his head. "I haven't heard anything about her being here."

"Hmm, I see. She must be lost again."

Ren: ?

Why does that sound so off?

The figures on the shore grew smaller and smaller.

As he gazed at the receding city of Inazuma, Ren took a deep breath.

Beside him, Sandrone was busy tinkering with machinery, her focused expression radiating a unique charm.

Suddenly, she murmured softly,

"My partner, are you thinking about me?"

Ren gave a slight nod.

"Yes, I'm thinking about you."

"Thinking about whether I should toss you into the sea."

---

T/N: must be off doing sidequests