In Hanamizaka, the Arataki Gang was once a small-time crew, scraping by on odd jobs. Arataki Itto and his three underlings lived like carefree Sanwa gods—work one day, rest three. Their routine was as predictable as the tides.
Everything changed when Kuki Shinobu, with her sharp mind and sharper tongue, joined as second-in-command. Under her lead, the gang dove into diverse ventures: freight logistics, security, house repairs, performance residencies, legal consulting, business negotiations, banquet catering, even custom clothing. They even dabbled in risky, high-stakes operations like tax and financial agency.
Remarkably, every professional certificate bore Kuki Shinobu's name. She single-handedly carried the gang's reputation, while Itto and his crew seemed determined to shake its foundations.
When news reached Shinobu that her boss and underlings were detained at the Commission Office, she rushed over without hesitation. Her mastery of Inazuman law left the constables powerless. With a few sharp words, she secured their release, proving once again that even Teyvat's police were no match for a skilled lawyer.
"Boss, can't you give me a break?" Shinobu snapped, her voice cutting through the air. "This is the fourth time this month you've landed in the Commission Office!"
Itto scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "Only a month? Hah! But we've got you, Shinobu. Without your bail skills, we'd be stuck there for weeks!"
Shinobu's forehead twitched, her Oni mask hiding most of her scowl. Her eyes, however, burned with frustration. Was bailing them out so quickly just enabling their antics? For a fleeting moment, she considered letting them rot in detention.
Her professional ethics, however, held her back. She sighed, suppressing the thought.
Itto noticed her sour expression and waved his hands defensively. "Don't blame me, Shinobu! It's that Kujou Tengu's fault. She promised me a rematch when she took my Vision, but she's been dodging me. If she doesn't show soon, I'll start calling her Kujou Turtle!"
Akira, Genta, and Mamoru cheered their boss's bravado, but a single glare from Shinobu silenced them. They knew better than to cross her. Offending Itto might earn a quick scolding; offending Shinobu meant a lifetime of painful lessons.
Shinobu rubbed her temples, exasperated. "You want a Tenryou Commission general to sumo wrestle you on a street corner? That's a disgrace she'd never agree to, Boss. Sara has a reputation to uphold."
Another headache loomed. Itto's stubbornness meant he'd keep stirring trouble at the Commission Office. If he shouted "Kujou Turtle" in their territory, he'd be locked up again in no time.
Shinobu sighed heavily. Why did I join this gang? she wondered, feeling a pang of regret. But her sharp mind quickly shifted to a plan: trick Sara into a private duel in a secluded spot to appease Itto.
After all, Shinobu and Kujou Sara were close friends. Sara's upright nature earned Shinobu's respect, and their bond grew through Sara's frequent requests for Shinobu to maintain her dolls. Despite Sara's repeated offers to join the Tenryou Commission, Shinobu chose the chaotic Arataki Gang—a decision Sara still couldn't fathom.
"The Shogunate Army is tied up with the Watatsumi Island resistance," Shinobu explained. "Sara's a general; she's not at the Commission Office. If you want to challenge her, you'll have to wait until the war ends."
"When will that be?" Itto demanded, folding his arms.
Before Shinobu could throw out a vague timeline to quiet him, a voice cut in. "Soon. A week at the shortest, half a month at the longest."
The Arataki Gang turned in unison, startled. A handsome young man leaned against a nearby wall, munching on snacks with a sly smile. He'd clearly been eavesdropping for a while.
Realizing their stares, the man straightened up, brushing crumbs from his hands. "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop," he said, his tone polite but amused. "Your group's just… hard to miss. I'm Yuto."
Shinobu's eyes narrowed at the name, a flicker of recognition passing through her. Had she heard it before?
Itto laughed heartily, unfazed. "No worries! I'm Arataki Itto, Number One Under the Heavens, boss of the Arataki Gang. So, the war's ending soon? Perfect! I'll give that Kujou Tengu one week, then I'm beating her to a pulp to get my and Shinobu's Visions back!"
"I'm Kuki Shinobu, second-in-command," Shinobu added, her voice cautious. She studied Yuto, noting his casual confidence.
Yuto's gaze lingered on Shinobu, his expression turning serious as he examined her from head to toe. Itto bristled at the scrutiny. "Hey, little brother, staring at a lady like that is rude! What's on Shinobu's face?"
"No, no," Yuto said quickly, raising his hands. "She just seems familiar. Her voice, her green hair—it's rare in Inazuma. But her outfit's throwing me off."
Shinobu tensed, her heart skipping a beat. He's seen me before, she realized. Likely at the Grand Narukami Shrine, during her days as a miko—an embarrassing chapter she'd rather forget.
"Were you at the Grand Narukami—" Yuto began.
Ding! A short blade flashed from Shinobu's side. Her eyes locked onto Yuto, blazing with a mix of shame and fury. One more word, and her blade would find its mark.
Yuto froze, reading the threat in her gaze. Her masked face seemed almost… Oni-like. Was he imagining things?
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