Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"This..."

Ren opened his mouth but fell silent.

He was completely at a loss.

"There's no need to hesitate," Kamisato Ayato said, patting Ren's shoulder encouragingly.

"I wouldn't dare say anything careless," Ren replied, trying to deflect.

What kind of deadly question is this?

Everyone in Inazuma City knew how much Kamisato Ayato adored his sister.

If he said the wrong thing, he might end up with a Bouquet of Flowers (Ayato's weapon) lodged in his skull.

"Go ahead, we're all friends here."

"...She's great," Ren finally managed, cautiously testing the waters.

"That's it? Ayaka has so many wonderful qualities."

Ayato's disappointment was evident in his gaze.

Grabbing Ren by the arm, he seemed ready to launch into an impassioned speech about his sister's virtues: her grace, her gentleness, her intelligence...

"Wait, wait, wait." Ren quickly interrupted, his expression uneasy.

This isn't a matchmaking event, my lord!

"You're going to make Lady Ayaka uncomfortable like this."

Ayato smiled faintly at his words.

"What's the harm? As her brother, it's only natural for me to be concerned about her future partner."

"I think you're a great choice—strong and dependable..."

Ayato's gaze swept over Ren, his satisfaction growing.

Ren coughed sharply, straightening his posture.

"Lord Commissioner, I didn't hear a thing. Goodbye!"

"Wait a moment."

Ayato frowned, stopping Ren in his tracks.

This rascal... does he think he can refuse my precious sister?

His eyes grew dangerously sharp.

"I'm not rejecting Lady Ayaka," Ren said helplessly.

If anything, we're already well-acquainted in a sense...

"Alright, just hear me out," Ayato said, waving a hand as if reminiscing.

Is there a story here?

Ren's curiosity was piqued as he bowed slightly.

"What troubles you, my lord?"

Ayato nodded lightly, letting out a wistful sigh.

"This was a long time ago. Back then, my sister was just a sweet, innocent girl, untouched by the world."

"I vowed to protect her happiness."

Ren silently nodded.

Nothing wrong with that. Kamisato Ayato's affection for his sister is well-known.

"But one day..."

Ayato suddenly closed his eyes.

With a bang, his fist slammed into a nearby tree.

Ren instinctively tensed.

That was... killing intent!

Ayato opened his eyes, his expression solemn.

"One day, my sister changed."

"She stopped clinging to me so much."

"..."

Ren's lips twitched. Is that really so bad?

Typical behavior from a doting brother, holding onto this grudge for years.

Still, it made sense.

"Growing up and becoming independent is a good thing," Ren said, attempting to console the man who seemed genuinely distraught.

What's he going to do when she gets married? Cry himself to death?

He chose to stay quiet, taking on the role of a silent listener.

"No, you don't understand."

Ayato shook his head.

"From that moment, her swordsmanship improved dramatically."

"..."

Ren's expression froze.

Suddenly mastering swordsmanship?

His eyes widened as a sinking feeling crept over him.

He did know Kamisato swordsmanship.

And he had taught Ayaka when she was younger.

Oh no.

This conversation better not end up pointing back at me.

Ayato continued, "One day, she finally defeated me in a duel."

Clenching his fists, he took a deep breath.

To be bested by the very person he vowed to protect... how tragic.

"Haha... surely you let her win," Ren said, sweating as he tried to salvage the situation.

"No."

Ayato suddenly raised his head.

"From that day onward, I've never won against her—not once."

"I was going all out, too!"

"..."

The atmosphere grew awkward.

Ren was speechless.

How am I supposed to console him after this?

This man was traumatized by his own sister's prowess!

"Apologies, I got carried away."

Ayato smiled wryly, waving it off, though the desolation in his gaze lingered.

"Well... Lady Ayaka is certainly impressive," Ren said after a long pause, carefully choosing his words.

Ayato nodded silently, his expression heavy.

"After years of observation, I've come to a conclusion."

"Ayaka has been in contact with a mysterious individual. It's unacceptable."

Ren smiled politely.

"Yes, truly unacceptable..."

The "mysterious individual" you're describing... is probably her swordsmanship teacher.

Which is me, Ren.

Great. Now I'm part of the story.

"If that person harbors ill intentions toward my sister, it could be dangerous."

Ren nodded in agreement.

Very dangerous indeed. I'm after her Kamisato Art: Soumetsu.

"She even admires his swordsmanship!"

Oh, so you're still hung up about being bested by her. Got it.

Finally, Ayato grabbed Ren's shoulders firmly, his gaze serious.

"That's why I want you to spend time with her."

"Show her what a real, talented young man looks like."

"She mustn't fall for someone unworthy!"

Ren's face darkened.

Is it possible that your definition of a "worthy young man" and the "mysterious individual" are the same person?

Pointing to himself, Ren asked hesitantly, "You want me to... date Lady Ayaka?"

Ayato nodded solemnly.

"As Kamisato Ayato, I have never misjudged anyone."

"Takahashi-san, I trust your character."

"I'm entrusting my sister to you. And if possible, catch that mysterious individual!"

Ren was stunned.

What kind of convoluted situation is this?!

---

T/N: poor ayato...

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