Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Miss Sandrone, nice to meet you."

Yoimiya blinked a few times, extending her hand.

The doll-like girl's delicate appearance naturally evoked affection.

So cute—I just want to hug her!

"Nice to meet you."

Sandrone leaned forward slightly, trying to shake hands.

Suddenly, she wobbled.

Thud.

Her small hand smacked the edge of the table, nearly causing her to topple over.

"..."

The two girls locked eyes.

For a brief moment, silence filled the air.

Sandrone's expression remained composed, but inwardly, she felt a pang of frustration.

Her petite stature left her unable to reach Yoimiya.

Short arms... and I almost fell on the table.

No mechanical assistance—how inconvenient.

Have I been cooped up in the lab for too long?

"Careful there!"

Yoimiya sprang into action, steadying her.

"Thank you," Sandrone murmured, turning her face slightly to the side.

If Columbina sees this, she'll definitely lecture me again.

"Where's your partner? Isn't he by your side?"

Yoimiya frowned, concerned.

She couldn't help but puff out her cheeks.

How could he leave such a cute girl all alone?

What kind of boyfriend does that?

She suddenly felt like punching someone.

Somewhere far away, Ren sneezed.

Who's bad-mouthing me this time?

"He's not here," Sandrone replied, shaking her head with a soft smile.

She pushed her wheelchair closer to the table, her demeanor suggesting she was accustomed to being alone.

"How could that be? What about your friends?"

"I don't have any friends," Sandrone said matter-of-factly, her face calm.

"But..."

Yoimiya's lashes trembled as she studied the girl in front of her.

Sandrone sat with her hands folded neatly, appearing quiet and well-mannered.

What caught Yoimiya's attention most, however, was that Sandrone sat in a wheelchair, unable to move freely.

Her frail and delicate aura stirred feelings of pity.

Such a lovely girl, yet she's all alone...

Boom!

Thunder rumbled as the sky darkened.

Rain was about to fall over Inazuma City.

Yoimiya grabbed Sandrone's small hand.

"Want to come over to my place?"

Sandrone's lips curved slightly as she nodded gently.

"Sure."

---

The grand and imposing hall stood shrouded in shadow, its atmosphere heavy and dignified.

Outside, rain poured down as lightning danced across the sky.

"..."

Within the solemn chamber, a cold figure paced back and forth, arms crossed.

It was none other than the almighty Shogun herself.

At that moment, however, her mood was far from pleasant.

The flickering lamplight reflected off her flowing purple hair as she gazed out at the sea,

her sharp eyes narrowing.

The simmering irritation she'd been feeling for some time now...

It was Ren.

Suddenly, she regretted allowing him to set sail.

"..."

Nearby, Kamisato Ayaka and Hiiragi Chisato exchanged glances.

The Shogun clearly wasn't in the best of spirits.

"Shogun-sama, regarding the Sakoku Decree,"

"Perhaps we could hold a grand festival to celebrate its end and..."

Chisato, ever diligent, sorted through the documents in her hands as she spoke.

The repeal of the decree was a monumental event for Inazuma.

How to swiftly integrate with other nations post-repeal had been a pressing concern for the new head of the Kanjo Commission.

Perhaps a festival could serve as an opportunity—

an occasion to invite foreign envoys and encourage commerce.

"Do whatever you want," Raiden Ei said curtly, not even looking up.

"Shogun-sama..."

Chisato hesitated, stunned by the Shogun's indifference.

Is this really okay?

Ayaka gently nodded toward Chisato, silently advising her to adapt.

It seemed the new Kanjou Commissioner still needed time to adjust to their divine ruler's unique approach to governance.

"Oh my, what a heavy rainstorm."

A teasing, sultry voice interrupted.

Ei stopped pacing and looked toward the source: a woman with fox ears and a mischievous smile.

"Guuji-sama."

Both Ayaka and Chisato immediately bowed in respect.

"You two may leave for now," Yae Miko said with a wave of her hand, her tone casual.

What came next would be her private chat with Ei.

"Understood, Guuji-sama."

The two ladies left quietly, their footsteps fading into the distance.

The hall grew silent once more.

Ei returned to her desk, closing her eyes in contemplation.

Her entire demeanor radiated a desire to be left alone.

"Ei, you've been dissipating storms outside Inazuma," Miko said as she approached, preparing to sit beside her old friend.

How long it's been since we last sat together like this...

"Don't sit there," Ei's cold voice interrupted.

"?"

Miko's playful smile faded slightly.

Was the seat already taken?

The fox-eared woman sniffed the air delicately, her sharp violet eyes narrowing.

She caught the faint scent of a man lingering beside Ei.

"Are you thinking about Takahashi?"

Miko's question came out of nowhere as she carefully observed Ei's expression.

"..."

Ei took a deep breath, choosing not to respond.

Boom!

The thunder outside grew louder, echoing ominously.

Miko chuckled aloud.

Ei shot her a glare and raised her hand, ready to strike.

"Don't be so harsh, Ei," Miko teased as she sidestepped smoothly.

"I'm meditating," Ei said flatly, signaling Miko to leave.

"Are you calming the storms because Takahashi went to sea?"

"No!"

"Alright, alright, my cool and collected Shogun-sama."

---

Ayaka and Chisato walked together, discussing the festival details further.

"Lady Kamisato."

A voice called out from afar.

They turned to see a windblown young ronin approaching.

"You are...?"

Ayaka folded her fan, intrigued.

The youth carried himself with a calm confidence that belied his appearance.

"Greetings. I am a friend of Takahashi's," Kazuha said as he removed his straw hat, stepping forward with a polite smile.

What a coincidence, he thought.

After parting with his old friend, he'd run into the Shirasagi Himegimi herself.

Just as Ren said—mentioning his name really does open doors.