The country girl flicked her thick braid and snorted softly.
"If your dueling skills are inferior then, no one will save you."
"Oh."
Qin Yu nodded indifferently, looking like a contented slacker. Duels were out of the question; that was Traveler's business. What did it have to do with him? He was perfectly happy just lying here. He wished he'd never have to see the Electro Archon.
"..."
Sakura glanced at Qin Yu, her gaze filled with disdain. Such laziness would surely earn her the Musou Isshin chop. With that thought, she tilted her chin upward and said coldly, "Do you want to train with me?" Although Qin Yu had shown considerable strength in their previous encounter, in her eyes, he was still lacking.
"?"
Qin Yu slowly raised his head, his expression one of surprise. "You want me to become your disciple?"
"You're unwilling?"
Hearing this, Qin Yu couldn't help but burst into laughter and waved his hand. "You're a shrine maiden, have you ever even held a sword?"
"..."
The country girl felt ignored, her gaze turning fierce. She suddenly felt like pulling out a bolt of lightning and sticking it into someone's head.
"If I'm to be your disciple, there must be benefits, right?"
"None!"
Qin Yu chuckled, admiring Sakura's thick braid. In the bright sunlight, the cold country girl looked even more beautiful. A stirring sensation, as if something was fluttering within him, began to grow. Suddenly, he said softly, "Can I see what you look like with your mask off?"
"..."
Sakura was silent for a moment, then gently touched her fox mask. "Why do you want to see?"
Qin Yu propped his head on his hand and smiled. "I'm curious. You must be very beautiful."
Sakura didn't refuse immediately, only saying coldly, "If you see, you must consider the consequences."
Qin Yu blinked. What consequences could there be? It wasn't like he'd be responsible for her just by seeing her face, was it? That didn't sound like a bad deal.
"Alright, if you're having trouble, forget I said anything." Qin Yu shrugged apologetically.
"..."
A complex emotion flickered through Sakura's heart, and she let out a cold snort. "What a timid fellow."
Qin Yu blinked. Why did it feel like this country girl was angry again? He felt like he had missed out on something significant.
Just then, footsteps echoed from a distance.
"Brother Qin Yu—"
Thomas entered the courtyard, calling out a greeting. He was carrying several full cardboard boxes, filled with who knew what.
"Brother Thomas."
Qin Yu hurried to meet him, smiling. "Thank you for your help."
"No problem, these are from your home." Thomas took out the contents of the boxes. Most were personal letters. Since Qin Yu couldn't go home for the time being, he had to act as an intermediary.
*Thud.*
A delicate purple letter fell out. Thomas picked it up. "This pen name is quite amusing."
"'A wandering tripe master'... Haha."
"Just a casual pen pal." He vaguely remembered this letter was from Liyue. Inazuma was under a Sakoku Decree, but there were always ways to send letters. Many Inazumans learned about the outside world through correspondence.
"By the way, guess what I discovered on this trip?" Thomas suddenly smiled mysteriously and whispered.
"What?"
"Yo, come out, little one."
The cardboard box rustled, and a small paw emerged. Qin Yu's mouth fell open. Wasn't that...
"Nnnh, finally here." The little tanuki poked its head out, looking around. It spotted Qin Yu and grinned. "Nnnh, Sister Kento Senkoku sent me to find you." With that, it leaped onto Qin Yu.
...
"Alright then, I still have work to do."
"Thanks." Qin Yu waved goodbye to Thomas. So many letters; it would take him a while to read them all.
"Nnnh, hungry." The little tanuki grumbled, perched on his shoulder. This little fellow sure could eat.
"Just a little longer, food will be here soon."
"Nnnh! Okay!" Qin Yu shook his head. Come to think of it, Ayaka Kamisato and Yoimiya hadn't returned yet... He had a bad feeling about this.
...
Somewhere within the Kamisato Estate.
Two graceful figures rounded a corridor and arrived at a secluded corner. It was a remote spot, rarely visited. The silence was unnerving.
"A-Ayaka... What is it?" Yoimiya, with her hand held by Kamisato Ayaka, looked a little scared. This was definitely not the way to prepare breakfast! Even though she was usually carefree, she realized something was wrong. Since meeting Qin Yu, her good friend seemed to have changed somehow.
"I'm sorry, Yoimiya." Kamisato Ayaka looked at Yoimiya, her expression apologetic. She clasped Yoimiya's hands and said earnestly, "Will you do me a favor?"
"Of course, we're best friends!" Yoimiya said, putting a hand on her hip, her smile radiant. But she hadn't quite grasped what favor would require them to come to such a place to discuss.
"Thank you." Kamisato Ayaka's lips curved into a gentle smile. However, a flicker in her eyes suggested she was planning something.
*Rustle—*
Suddenly, a faint rustling sound echoed.
"Wh-what was that!" Yoimiya flinched, like a startled rabbit. The surroundings were silent, and the previous sound seemed like an illusion.
"Huh..." Suddenly, the greenery stirred. A dark shadow seemed to flash by.
"!" httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět Yoimiya's eyes widened in tension. There really was something over there!
Kamisato Ayaka gently shook her head. "Alright Sayu, come on out." As soon as she spoke, a large tanuki crawled out. It waddled and approached the two women.
"Ugh... Good morning, Young Master."
"Sooo sleepy..." Sayu stretched her small body, her eyes half-closed.
"Oh, it's just little Sayu." Yoimiya crouched down and poked the baby-fat on her cheek.
"Excellent, everyone is here." Kamisato Ayaka nodded slightly and closed her paper fan. "Now, let's begin discussing the plan of action."
"?" Yoimiya, holding Sayu, exchanged glances. Their small eyes were filled with big confusion. What plan of action?