Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"My partner, you're so heartless."

Sandrone tilted her face up to look at Ren, her sapphire eyes shimmering with silent reproach.

For the first time, she set aside her work voluntarily.

Ever since she'd joined the Tsaritsa and become a Harbinger, most of her life had been spent in the lab.

Except for the occasional visit from her sister figure, Columbina, her world revolved entirely around cold, lifeless machines.

But Sandrone didn't mind.

Born with a pursuit of perfection, she had thrown herself into her research, determined to find the "material" that could stay by her side forever.

And she'd found it.

Yet somehow, she was also a little annoyed...

Sandrone huffed lightly, locking eyes with Ren.

With a soft humph, she turned, picked up a mechanical part, and hurled it at him with all her strength.

Clang!

The part hit its mark, fell to the deck, and rolled away.

Sandrone stumbled, bumping into Ren's hand in the process.

She wobbled unsteadily.

Ren glanced at her, unimpressed.

"That's it?"

The renowned Fatui Harbinger, The Marionette, acting like nothing more than a sulking, simple girl.

He couldn't even be bothered to retaliate.

"Underestimating a Harbinger comes with consequences," Sandrone warned, pouting as she returned to modifying the machinery.

In front of her, the rough frame of a construct was beginning to take shape.

It looked like a massive crab.

"So, this is your grand project for the Tsaritsa?" Ren asked after observing for a while.

"Don't belittle my research."

Sandrone didn't stop working but gestured for Ren to assist her.

As a small-framed girl, she usually relied on mechanical arms for support.

But with only Ren by her side now,

it was obvious who would have to step in.

"Alright, let's see what you can build."

Ren extended his hand, lifting Sandrone closer to the machine.

"See? We can cooperate," Sandrone said with satisfaction, patting his hand.

"Why not return to Snezhnaya and become a Harbinger yourself?"

"With your current strength and growth rate, you'd surely gain the Tsaritsa's favor."

"And there's no rule against Harbingers finding a partner."

Ren shook his head. "You're already at capacity over there."

Why leave Inazuma, where he was already backed by the Shogun herself?

The Tsaritsa? He didn't even know her personally.

"That's fine."

Sandrone's sweet smile returned.

"We can just eliminate one to make space."

Ren paused for a moment, startled.

It was a casual yet chilling remark.

Beneath her elegant and delicate demeanor, Sandrone's true nature as a Harbinger showed through— unyielding and ruthless when necessary.

"You'd better worry about yourself first."

"We'll make an excellent team," Sandrone said eagerly, her eyes sparkling.

"As long as my partner... agrees to the modifications."

Ren grabbed the doll-like girl, holding her above the water.

"Could you not be so sudden?"

"And you expect me to help you go against the other Harbingers?"

"My partner, are you afraid?"

The two glared at each other, neither willing to back down.

Ren sighed. Not worth the energy.

"I was going to introduce you to Columbina," Sandrone mused aloud.

"Not interested."

The uneasy tension between them finally quieted down.

Sandrone focused on the final stages of her construction, while Ren enjoyed a rare moment of idleness, idly toying with a hairpin in his hand.

In the sunlight, the slightly worn pin gleamed faintly.

It belonged to his pen pal, Keqing.

They would meet soon.

"You're thinking about another woman."

A cold voice broke the silence.

Ren glanced at Sandrone.

"What's it to you?"

"You're my partner," Sandrone huffed.

"I'll make sure that woman knows about us."

"Just like your Anemo friend."

She raised her chin with determination.

Ren sighed deeply and closed his eyes, exhausted by her relentless focus on him.

"By the way, I heard Anemo users often betray their friends."

"Think he might—"

Ren's eyes snapped open, glaring at her.

"Our bond runs deep."

"There's no way he'd harm me."

Such baseless rumors.

He was perfectly fine now, wasn't he?

---

Meanwhile, at the harbor, Kazuha stood gazing out at the sea.

"Ah, Takahashi... how fortunate."

Watching the warship fade into the horizon, he smiled softly.

Reuniting with his old friend had lifted his spirits.

But what pleased him even more was seeing a close companion by Ren's side.

He'd gained a sister-in-law.

And as a friend, Kazuha felt genuinely happy.

"Caw, caw!"

A seagull flew overhead just then.

"Quiet down, you silly bird," Kazuha chuckled as he turned away.

He still had business with the Yashiro Commission, and this was a rare opportunity to visit the Shirasagi Himegimi.

---

Back in Inazuma City, at Hanamizaka—

Outside Naganohara Fireworks, a lively girl lay sprawled on the desk, swaying left and right.

"Ugh, how annoying!"

"Stupid Takahashi, I'm going to beat you up!"

Yoimiya puffed her cheeks and jabbed at a small doll in her hands.

Leaving without saying goodbye before heading out to sea?

She was mad.

"Hmph, I'm never talking to Takahashi again!"

But then, she froze.

Biting her lip, she looked down at the doll in her hands.

The poor little "Takahashi" she'd been tormenting looked pitiful.

"Sorry, Takahashi."

Her fingertip brushed gently against the doll's cheek.

"We're just friends anyway."

"So why am I even angry?"

Yoimiya murmured, setting the doll upright.

Resting her face on her hand, she gazed at the little figure, poking its tiny stomach absentmindedly.

Soon, a smile returned to her face.

"Yoimiya-neesan!"

A group of children ran over, laughing and shouting.

"Look at our new toy—it's so cool!"

They surrounded Yoimiya, cheering excitedly.

She blinked in surprise.

"Is that a mechanical toy you're holding?"

Its intricate design looked remarkably familiar.

She glanced at the doll of Takahashi.

It bore a striking resemblance.

"Where did you get these, kids?"

"A sickly-looking big sister in a wheelchair gave them to us!"

Yoimiya froze momentarily, about to ask more—

"Excuse me, is Yoimiya-san here?"

A soft, lilting voice interrupted.

Yoimiya instinctively turned toward the sound, her amber eyes widening.

Sitting in a wheelchair was a girl with delicate features, her brown hair fluttering in the breeze.

Her pale skin and flowing white dress gave her the appearance of a porcelain doll.

She's adorable...

"Who are you?" Yoimiya asked hesitantly.

The doll-like girl's lips curved into a faint smile.

"Pleased to meet you, Yoimiya-san."

"I'm looking for my partner."

She rolled her wheelchair closer.

"My name is Sandrone."

---

T/N: ichinose was blocked :D