"Really? Don't tell me we're just waiting around here. And by the way, Ganyu-sis, how do you have free time today?"
Gu Sanqiu glanced skeptically at Ganyu—the ancient Qilin Adeptus, Yuehai Pavilion's number one secretary, and in many ways Liyue's de facto second-in-command. Someone usually so busy with work that splitting herself into clones seemed necessary was... waiting at the harbor?
"Not quite," Ganyu replied with a soft smile. "Our people have already sent ships to meet them. I simply couldn't join the fleet due to other pressing duties."
Ah, there it is, Gu Sanqiu thought. Classic Ganyu.
He stood dutifully behind her, watching as the approaching ship became visible on the horizon. He began to wonder if he'd recognize anyone from the Grand Narukami Shrine delegation.
It couldn't be that pink-haired fox sneaking out under disguise, could it? If so, the Shogun might be sobbing in the Plane of Euthymia.
Hmm, actually, that'd be kind of amusing.
No, no, better save that thought for when I can survive or dodge her famous lightning strikes.
"Boss! I'm here!"
...What?!
Gu Sanqiu stiffened, his elemental power reflexively flooding into his eyes as he focused on the ship's bow.
There, standing proudly, was a man with white hair and oni horns, enthusiastically waving a massive greatsword. He looked every bit the embodiment of "iron-blooded hero"—if said hero had just wrestled some fish on the way over.
"Young Master," Ganyu's calm voice broke his disbelief. "Your spiritual energy is fluctuating. Do you... know him?"
Gu Sanqiu twitched. "I do know him, but what I don't understand is why that guy is calling me 'boss.' Back when I met him in Inazuma, I was using a different face entirely."
"And his name?"
"Arataki Itto. Former leader of a minor, nameless gang in Inazuma City. Oni tribe."
"Former leader?"
"Yeah," Gu Sanqiu replied, shrugging. "Judging by how he's addressing me, it looks like they've stayed loyal. I'm still technically the boss of the Arataki Gang."
Ganyu tilted her head in thought. "Interesting. It seems having him involved in any serious trade discussions would raise eyebrows—perhaps even suspicions that Inazuma's delegation has been compromised by the Qixing."
Oh no, Gu Sanqiu thought. She's already grasped what kind of person—or rather, what kind of oni—Itto is.
"Boss!"
As the ship docked, Arataki Itto leapt off in a dramatic display of oni strength, bringing with him the faint scent of sea fish.
"WALL OF THE CHASM!"
Gu Sanqiu calmly stomped his foot, summoning a towering Geo spike. The spike met Itto's face in a rather unceremonious fashion.
"Boss! Is that how you treat your underlings? My handsome face! You're ruining it!"
Gu Sanqiu crossed his arms. "Spare me the drama. If a collision like that could wreck the face of a proud Oni youth, you might as well quit fighting and retire to a quiet life."
He narrowed his eyes. "Now, how did you recognize me?"
Itto rubbed his forehead, then pulled out a comb from seemingly nowhere to fix his hair, ignoring Gu Sanqiu's murderous glare for a full minute.
"Uh, before we set off, Lady—uh, I mean, Yae Miko-sama told me you'd be here in Liyue. She said when we arrived, I just had to spot the most dashing person in the crowd and call them 'boss.' That'd be you."
Wait, that pink-haired fox thinks so highly of me?
Gu Sanqiu frowned. This can't be good. If she's buttering me up like this, something must be afoot. I refuse to become the next mascot for Yae Publishing House.
"Yae Miko-sama, huh? Didn't expect you to respect her so much, Itto. That's rare."
Itto stiffened before managing a pained grin.
"Y-yeah, of course! She's amazing! A shining beacon of wisdom! I'm her number one admirer!"
...Did she brainwash him or something?
Meanwhile, Ganyu was inspecting the Geo spike.
"Young Master, is this… a Geo spike?"
"Yeah, Emperor Morax gave it to me once, saying I needed to bulk up my skills."
Gu Sanqiu casually kicked Itto in the shin.
"This here is Ganyu-sis. Address her as Ganyu-sama or Ganyu-dono. Show some respect—she's one of Liyue's leading figures. And if you make things difficult for her during negotiations, your ship might mysteriously spring a few giant holes on the way back."
The rest of the Narukami Shrine delegation, having just disembarked, collectively froze.
Was that a subtle threat? Or a masterclass in bold-faced intimidation?
"Ha! If the ship sinks, I'll just crash at your place, Boss! I'll work off my debt, I promise!"
Gu Sanqiu sighed. "Now answer me: how did you end up on the shrine's delegation?"
"Oh, I'm one of the founding leaders of the 'Grand Narukami Shrine External Affairs Office.' All the Arataki Gang members are part of it! Apparently, it's a new division approved by Yae-sama herself."
"External Affairs Office? That sounds made-up. You sure it wasn't just Yae Miko pulling something out of thin air?"
"Hey, don't insult her, Boss! This trip was her idea, too. She said it'd be good for me to tag along. I thought it was for the group's safety, but turns out she just wanted me to meet you! What a stroke of luck!"
As the group began their walk into Liyue Harbor, a shrine maiden approached, bowing politely.
"Lord Genzawa," she said, addressing Gu Sanqiu with a formal tone. "Lady Yae sends her regards."
Gu Sanqiu returned the bow. "And you are?"
"I am Sakurae Shichirei."
She smiled and turned to Ganyu, offering an elegant and elaborate bow.
"Ganyu-sama, Lady Yae regrets being unable to attend in person. She extends her apologies and has sent a token of goodwill."
Ganyu returned the gesture with a warm smile, already pondering what kind of gift would be appropriate to send in return.
Meanwhile, Itto scratched his head, then fell into step behind Gu Sanqiu like a loyal shadow.
"Instant betrayal," Gu Sanqiu muttered.
"By the way, where are Akira, Akihiko, and Genta? Didn't they come with you?"
"Nah, they're still in training with the Tenryou Commission. Lord Kamisato Ayato himself said if we're starting late, we need to work a hundred times harder to catch up."
"Wait, you got Kamisato Ayato to train them? Was that thanks to Yae Miko?"
"Of course! Without her connections, we wouldn't even get near someone like him. You'll see when you meet him, Boss—he's super approachable!"
---
...
If you're reading this, then you've wandered all the way to the end. I'm impressed. Stories are like wine—meant to be savored, not rushed. So if you took your time? Thank you.
Of course, the real thanks goes to WiseTL—the one who turned tangled words into something beautiful. I just got asked to wrap things up with a ribbon. Hopefully this counts!
If you enjoyed the journey and want to support the person who made it possible, you can find them here:
👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Go on. Be generous. They've earned it.
Until next time—read well, rest often, and maybe come visit me at the Hostess of Fertility sometime.
– Syr ✨