Arataki Itto raised his head, his eyes refocusing as he looked in the direction King had left, where that heart-palpitating majestic aura still seemed to linger.
"That Lord did not despise me."
"He asked me for directions just like he would a normal person."
"He took care of Onibaba, even though she's just a poor Old woman unrelated to him, yet he treated her like a respected elder."
"..."
"When I was little and almost starved to death, it was Onibaba who picked me up, saved her own rations, and worked hard to raise me."
"This kindness, higher than the heavens, is something I can never repay in this lifetime."
"I don't want her to continue being pointed at and troubled in her old age because of me, this 'good-for-nothing Oni boy'."
"She was so scared she trembled just selling a few naku weed on the street, having to run all the way to distant Ritou to sell them."
"Shinobu,"
"I'm risking my life."
"I'm going to make sure Granny lives a good life."
Kuki Shinobu listened quietly, the stormy waves in her heart gradually calming, replaced by a complex bitterness.
So Arataki Itto had known all along.
So beneath that boisterous, heartless mask, there was such a sensitive and exhausted heart.
So his 'idiocy' was the most helpless way of survival he could find in this nation that rejected the Oni race.
And as his most trusted'Strategist,' she had never truly seen through this.
Perhaps... it was also because deep down, she had long accepted the setting that 'the boss is just an idiot.'
Kuki Shinobu remained silent for a long time. Finally, she released her tightly clenched fists and sighed softly.
"Boss..."
She looked up, staring straight into Arataki Itto's eyes. Her purple pupils reflected his determined yet still apprehensive expression.
"If you've really thought it through..."
"Then fine,"
Kuki Shinobu's voice was very soft, but it carried a sense of resolution: "I support you."
Arataki Itto was stunned. Then, a dazzling radiance burst from his crimson eyes, and a brilliant smile bloomed on that usually foolish face.
He nodded vigorously and gave a heavy "Mhm."
The two said no more, turning at the same time to look toward Inazuma City.
At the peak of the city, the silhouette of Tenshukaku was clearly visible under the afternoon sun.
A storm destined to shake all of Inazuma, and even all of Teyvat, had quietly begun.
Arataki Itto clenched his fists, feeling the Oni blood surging within him.
This time, it was no longer as the 'idiot Oni'.
But in the name of 'Arataki Itto,' to go for a chance that might change everything.
Betting everything!
..."Lord! Please wait for me!"
Arataki Itto's loud voice came from behind, accompanied by the sound of thumping footsteps.
He was seen with his white spiky hair, chasing at a sprinting speed, a fawning smile plastered on his face.
"I forgot to tell you, there's a hidden shortcut to Tenshukaku, and I'm very familiar with it! I could walk it back and forth with my eyes closed!"
Itto rushed in front of King, rubbing his hands together, leaning his head forward eagerly, looking just like a shop waiter greeting a distinguished guest:
"Why don't you let me lead the way for you!"
"I guarantee it's fast and close. If we run into any blind fools on the way, you can leave them to me!"
After saying that, Arataki Itto puffed out his chest, trying to make himself look more reliable.
Lumine and Paimon watched from behind, dumbfounded.
Paimon tugged at Lumine's sleeve and whispered, "This guy Arataki Itto... did he take the wrong medicine? Why did he suddenly become so... so..."
"Sycophantic," Lumine added expressionlessly.
"Right, right, right! Sycophantic!" Paimon nodded vigorously.
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