"To think I'd meet an oni in person. I thought they only existed as fragmented mentions in books from Inazuma," Xingqiu said with genuine curiosity.
"They're not as ferocious as the stories suggest. This guy seems... pretty easygoing."
Sitting next to Gu Sanqiu as a guest, Xingqiu glanced at the towering stack of dishes in front of Arataki Itto, then at Gu Sanqiu, before stifling a laugh. He nudged Gu Sanqiu with his elbow.
"Finally, someone who can rival your appetite."
Gu Sanqiu sighed. "This guy… Well, a malnourished oni is a rare sight."
He called for more food. It was a good thing both he and Xingqiu could rely on their reputations to get away with this—demanding a private room at a formal banquet and constantly ordering more food wasn't something just anyone could pull off.
Before coming to the meal, Gu Sanqiu had learned that his sister and others were enjoying tea and discussing business, reflecting on the friendship between the two nations and looking to the future. Seizing the opportunity, he dragged Itto to knock on Baizhu's door instead.
Although it was clear from Itto's lifestyle in Inazuma that he was malnourished, this was a job for a professional. Baizhu was precisely the kind of expert who could provide an accurate diagnosis and a personalized dietary plan.
Prompted by Gu Sanqiu's subtle hints, Itto even shared details about Granny Oni's health, leading Baizhu to prepare tailored recipes and maintenance prescriptions for her as well.
Liyue's renowned physician—and free of charge? Can't miss that. Gu Sanqiu always loved exploiting Baizhu's expertise.
That said, Baizhu's intense gaze while examining Itto had Gu Sanqiu wondering if the doctor might sneak into Inazuma one night to study Itto further.
Then again, he is a medical genius. A slightly unsettling passion for research is par for the course. It's not like Baizhu could actually kidnap Itto and bring him back to Liyue.
Itto's potential, Gu Sanqiu mused, wasn't just limited to combat. His abilities extended to other areas—social interactions, even navigating bureaucratic complexities. While Itto might never become one of the elites, he could easily thrive as a seasoned "survivor" of the system.
Granny Oni raising Itto had already been an incredible feat, especially considering she had to look after others as well. Nutrition issues were expected, and Itto's talents had yet to fully manifest.
Yet his childlike heart—or perhaps innocence—had managed to preserve a spark of brilliance within him. Itto's age didn't hinder his ability to learn new things.
Still, over time, that spark would inevitably fade. Until then, how much Itto could learn and achieve would depend entirely on his efforts.
Gu Sanqiu picked up a piece of pan-seared fish. No need to worry. Itto's already in the Narukami Shrine. Whether it's thanks to my connections with the Yashiro Commission or Yae Miko's need for a "go-between" to visit Liyue, this arrangement benefits everyone.
For an oni who'd been idle for so long, Itto was a diamond in the rough. Any divine being could see that. Allowing such a promising talent to squander his potential would be a waste, and even Yae Miko wouldn't let that happen.
"Hehe, perfect material for a story~!"
Xingqiu scribbled furiously in his notebook. He had agreed to accompany Gu Sanqiu partly because the latter promised to introduce him to foreign personalities for inspiration.
Our young master Xingqiu had grown increasingly irritated by the lack of interest in his novels within Liyue. Determined to make a name for himself, he was eager to expand his literary horizons.
Gu Sanqiu, of course, had effortlessly gained another "tool friend" to sit beside him. If Xingqiu had refused, Gu Sanqiu would've simply dragged him here, spear and sword in hand.
True friendship.
"Sanqiu," Xingqiu began, setting his pen down and leaning back in his chair. "Since Inazuma has agreed to expand trade with Liyue, does this mean their Sakoku Decree is about to be lifted?"
"I've always wanted to visit Inazuma. Imagine watching cherry blossoms drift through the air, their petals adorning meticulously prepared dishes, all while enjoying drinks with a few close friends. Just picturing it makes me feel poetic."
"Snap out of it. You're a novelist, not a poet. What do you think you are, Hu Tao? Always churning out odd rhymes?"
Gu Sanqiu chuckled. "The Sakoku Decree isn't going anywhere anytime soon. And don't go around asking others about it unless you want Narukami Shrine to mark you as a potential threat."
The decree wasn't something that could be overturned overnight. It would take significant effort—possibly requiring someone to storm the Pure Land itself and knock some sense into Raiden Shogun.
Not that I'd bet against that traveler.
Gu Sanqiu could already picture it: after resolving the issues in Mondstadt and Liyue, the golden-haired traveler would inevitably draw Yae Miko's attention as a highly effective "tool."
And then the winds of change would sweep through Inazuma, bringing light to its stagnant Pure Land.
The Shogun, once obsessed with eternity, would become a village girl marveling at dango milk in the city streets.
Yae Miko even tried to involve me in her plans. Why else would she go to the trouble of sending a blade capable of stirring Raiden's soul?
Still, no one is better suited than the traveler. Their uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time far outweighs my capabilities.
"By the way," Gu Sanqiu said, giving Xingqiu a sidelong glance. "Why are you so obsessed with Inazuma? Got something you're hiding from me?"
"Most of Inazuma is still in chaos. Are you looking for excitement, or just bored out of your mind?"
"Hehe, nothing like that," Xingqiu replied with a grin. "I'm simply curious about their customs and culture. Seeing it firsthand is far better than reading about it in books."
---
...
Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.
Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.
WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it... or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.
If you had fun, you know what to do:
👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]
And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.
👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]
Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.
—Leaf