Chapter 36: Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [36]
"Kujou Sara?"
Ren's expression darkened.
How could it be that troublesome woman?
In the Tenryou Commission, her name was as infamous as a thunderclap.
Anyone who heard it would tremble instinctively.
As the general of the Shogunate's forces, she acted with unyielding discipline.
Her training methods were swift and ruthless, showing no mercy.
What made it worse...
She was an absolute devotee of the Raiden Shogun.
In other words, Inazuma's most fanatical "Shogun simp."
This realization made Ren's heart race.
If Kujou Sara found out that Mei had spoken disrespectfully about the Raiden Shogun...
Wouldn't she challenge her to an immediate duel before the Shogun herself?
He needed to get Mei out of here—fast!
"This is the Tenryou Commission conducting official business! Nobody move!"
A cold and authoritative shout rang out in the distance, drawing closer.
Mei stood still, arms crossed, her demeanor icy and aloof.
She seemed completely unaware that the commotion was aimed squarely at her.
Ren panicked. "Run, now!"
The situation hadn't reached the worst-case scenario yet...
But if Mei disappeared for the time being, it would save them a massive headache.
Unfortunately, he had clearly underestimated Mei's temperament.
She tilted her chin up, her tone calm.
"Why should I leave?"
"They're coming to hold you accountable!"
"Oh."
"..."
Ren rubbed his forehead in exasperation.
Is she genuinely clueless, or is she pretending?
Did she not realize how hard she'd struck those samurai earlier?
Not to mention the fact that she had openly belittled the Raiden Shogun and questioned her strength.
And now, she's asking why?
Her temperament... it's exactly like Ei's!
"No time for this. Let Yoimiya-san take you somewhere to hide—"
Before he could finish, someone tugged at his sleeve.
It was Yoimiya, peeking out nervously from behind him.
She cautiously extended a finger, pointing in a specific direction.
"Th-That woman...!"
For Yoimiya to react with such fear...
Ren's expression turned serious as he followed her gaze.
"..."
The atmosphere grew still, tension thickening.
The once-chaotic scene fell deathly silent.
Nobody dared to breathe too loudly as they turned their attention to one figure.
A woman emerged from the formation of Shogunate samurai.
Clad in hunting attire, her tall figure exuded a chilling elegance.
Her short, efficient haircut made her look even more composed and professional.
Her sharp eyes, radiating coldness, locked onto Ren.
"!"
Their gazes met, and a wave of iron and blood swept over him.
It was the aura of someone who had seen real battle and shed real blood.
Ren's eyes narrowed slightly, his heartbeat quickening.
This was the instinctive reaction of encountering a true master.
"It's General Kujou!"
Someone shivered, already regretting not leaving sooner.
For the Shogunate's top military commander to appear unannounced...
She couldn't possibly be here to arrest everyone, right?
But it was clearly too late for regrets.
A large contingent of samurai had already surrounded the area, leaving no room for escape.
Kujou Sara raised her hand.
Sching—!
The well-trained samurai drew their blades in unison.
Their weapons gleamed sharply, reflecting cold flashes of light.
And their target...
Was none other than the silent, purple-clad woman standing behind Ren.
"..."
Mei slowly lifted her head, letting out a faint scoff.
She was already familiar with the ugliness of the Kanjou Commission.
As for the Tenryou Commission's tactics...
She would need to observe them herself.
Just as the tension reached its peak—
An elegant young woman stepped forward, placing herself between the opposing sides.
Despite the oppressive military presence, her expression remained serene, her demeanor calm.
The crowd sighed in relief.
Thank goodness the Princess of the Kamisato Clan was here!
"General Kujou, what is the meaning of this?"
"Do not forget that this area is under the jurisdiction of the Yashiro Commission."
Kamisato Ayaka closed her paper fan gracefully, her smile poised and composed.
But she did not bow.
She may not have known who was orchestrating this provocation against the Yashiro Commission.
However...
Did they truly think that the Kamisato Clan, one of the three great commissions, had secured its position through mere festivals and pleasantries?
In the shadows beyond the crowd, a flicker of movement went unnoticed.
Sara's icy gaze narrowed slightly.
The Shuumatsuban.
Inazuma's great clans had always thrived amidst intrigue and conflict.
And at the pinnacle of that hierarchy—the three commissions—none had clean hands.
After a brief silence, ara lowered her hand.
The pressure dissipated.
She shifted her gaze back, her face impassive.
"Miss Kamisato, the Tenryou Commission is carrying out official duties."
"I ask for your understanding, to avoid unnecessary conflict."
Ayaka smiled lightly, her voice soft yet firm.
"All matters here are under the full purview of the Yashiro Commission."
"If you're here to enjoy the festival, the Yashiro Commission welcomes you."
"But if it's for anything else, I must ask you to leave."
Her tone was unyielding, leaving no room for negotiation.
There were times when diplomacy was futile.
This was a matter of pride and standing for both sides.
To concede here would render the Yashiro Commission irrelevant.
"Very well."
Sara's expression remained frosty.
"Takahashi Ren, step forward!"
"General Kujou."
Ren stepped out, his posture upright, his expression resolute.
"Mm."
Kujou Sara nodded slightly, her gaze showing faint approval.
"So the rumors were true. You do have potential."
It was clear that this prodigious young samurai of the Commission had long been under her watchful eye.
Ren nodded slightly but remained humble.
After all, he only wanted a peaceful life as a government employee who did the bare minimum.
To be under the scrutiny of such a workaholic was far from ideal.
"Now tell me, who assaulted the Kanjou Commission's samurai?"
"And who dared to speak disrespectfully of the Shogun?"
Kujou Sara's tone was icy as her gaze fell squarely on Mei.
Ren's heart sank. It was starting.
This wasn't an inquiry; it was a formality.
Whatever he said, the Tenryou Commission would move to arrest someone.
Such was the style of Inazuma's most powerful military.
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