Chapter 177

Yae Miko laughed inwardly, thinking, "Oh, this is going to be interesting."

"Who?" 

Jiang Ning was somewhat confused by the boisterous laughter and the inexplicably rustic (simple-minded) voice that accompanied it...

Though it might be disrespectful, before even seeing the person, Jiang Ning had already imagined them as a big simpleton.

Sure enough, a tall man walked in wearing a tank top, with what appeared to be either tattoos or natural skin markings on his body.

He had oni horns on his head...

Oni race? Jiang Ning's eyes flickered with interest.

He had heard about the oni race in Inazuma before, and the former Torachiyo was also from the oni people. Today he finally got to see one in person.

"Oh? There are people here already. It's you, pink fox! Hahahahaha, we meet again! This time we must determine a winner! Last time you won by luck!"

The oni person started laughing again upon seeing Yae Miko.

"You know each other? And you had a competition?" 

Jiang Ning was puzzled.

These two seemed to have completely different vibes, how did they know each other?

Yae Miko smiled and said, "We met before and had a competition eating Fukuuchi Udon. Whoever lost had to pay mora..."

"Wait, Fukuuchi Udon?" Jiang Ning was stunned.

If he remembered correctly, weren't oni allergic to beans?

It could even be fatal in serious cases.

Isn't that why there's a tradition of throwing beans to ward off oni?

Having a competition like that with him, weren't you trying to send him to his grave?

And wasn't that oni also being a bit simple-minded to compete with you in eating beans?

"Oh, who's this new friend? I am Arataki Itto of the Arataki Gang. You can also call me the Supreme Strongest Itto! Hahahahaha!"

Though he seemed somewhat foolish, Jiang Ning could sense that this big guy was very... pure? He had no pretenses and no complicated thoughts.

Overall, he seemed like someone worth being friends with.

Jiang Ning introduced himself: "I'm Jiang Ning, from Liyue."

"Oh, a friend from Liyue! Long time no see, meeting makes us friends, this meal is on me! Hahahahaha!" 

Arataki Itto declared, patting his chest.

"Boss, I don't think that's how you use 'long time no see'..."

"Also Boss, I think we only have enough mora for our own meals... and that's what Shinobu gave us."

Several gang members of varying heights and builds followed behind Arataki Itto.

And behind them...

There was a masked young woman. She wore clothes that seemed modified from ninja armor, revealing her slender waist.

Her green hair was tied up, giving off a free-spirited feeling, but her demeanor radiated wisdom and sophistication.

The young woman had also heard the commotion in the ramen shop and came in to look. When she saw who was inside, her face turned pale.

"Lady Guuji, and..."

White hair, a handsome young man, and Lady Guuji accompanying him... could this be the much-talked-about future husband of the Shogun, the next Geo Archon from Liyue?!

Remembering what her boss had just said, the young woman immediately became nervous:

"I apologize, Lady Guuji and Lord Jiang Ning. Our boss means no harm, he's just a bit slow sometimes. Please forgive him..."

"It's fine, I actually find it quite interesting..." Jiang Ning smiled. He could tell this young woman had already figured out his identity - she was quite sharp.

Meanwhile, how did Kuki Shinobu react when she saw this young woman? She was stunned, and instinctively exclaimed:

"Shinobu?"

"Hm? You know each other?" Jiang Ning was puzzled.

The young woman covered her face and said: "Sister..."

Yae Miko watched the scene with interest, then said:

"Let me introduce you - this is Kuki Shinobu, Kuki Miyuki's younger sister. She used to work at the shrine for a while, but later said she didn't like the rigid lifestyle and resigned... Such a pity, she's quite talented, not inferior to the Kamisato kid or that ornamental fish from Watatsumi Island in certain areas."

"Lady Guuji, you flatter me..." Kuki Shinobu said respectfully.

Looking at the composed Kuki Shinobu, Jiang Ning became interested:

"With your abilities, why not find a good position somewhere?"

Kuki Shinobu said: "Mainly because I yearn for a freer life, so I resigned."

"Then you should go to Mondstadt..." Jiang Ning muttered, "It's free enough there, even their deity is exceptionally free..."

If Mondstadt wasn't so free, he wouldn't have been able to bring Eula back as his wife.

"Shinobu, who are these people? Why are you talking so formally?"

Arataki Itto scratched his head, feeling itchy, like his brain was starting to work.

Kuki Shinobu said: "Boss, don't be rude, these two are..."

"It's fine, we're just ordinary tourists, yes, very ordinary ones."

Jiang Ning said with a smile.

Yae Miko also found this oni interesting, ever since their first meeting.

Though she didn't like to make a show of things, basically everyone in Inazuma knew her as the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine.

But this oni didn't know? That's why during their first meeting, Yae Miko wanted to tease Arataki Itto a bit.

"Hahahahaha, Shinobu, these folks are friends at first sight! Treating friends to a meal shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Arataki Itto said.

"Since it's Lady Guuji and Lord Jiang Ning..."

Kuki Shinobu sighed. This wasn't really a waste of money, and since these two important figures were being so amenable, she'd let her boss have his way.

Kuki Shinobu paid, while Arataki Itto and Jiang Ning chatted away. Jiang Ning talked about Liyue's customs and culture, occasionally causing Itto and his gang members to exclaim in amazement and envy.

Taking advantage of this moment, Kuki Miyuki finally had a chance to talk with her sister.

She pulled her sister aside and said with a hint of reproach:

"How did you end up with these people? And your hair... why did you dye it?"

In Kuki Miyuki's eyes, these people looked like unemployed street thugs. Her sister was considered one of the top talents in Inazuma in both looks and ability - wouldn't she be led astray?

"Sister, I dyed my hair back when I was at the shrine... and they're not bad people, just a bit simple-minded, but they have pure hearts."

Kuki Shinobu explained.

Kuki Miyuki looked at her sister with a complicated expression. At this moment, she felt like her sister had run away from home, and then one day she found her on the street following a group of delinquents, showing signs of being led astray.

However, after Kuki Shinobu's explanation and learning about her recent situation, Kuki Miyuki felt relieved.

She had obtained many certifications, studied abroad in various places, and upon returning helped these people clean up their messes or introduced them to jobs...

At least she probably wouldn't go bad, right?

However, seeming to think of something, Kuki Miyuki seriously said to her sister: "I won't interfere with how you live outside as long as you're happy, but remember, you must maintain your principles. If you fall for someone from a normal family, I won't say anything, but these guys are absolutely not acceptable... understand?"

Kuki Shinobu was stunned, then felt somewhat embarrassed, though it wasn't visible behind her mask.

"Sister, what are you thinking? We're just friends, there's nothing like that at all!"

"I'm serious. If you really lose your head over this, don't blame your sister for not giving you freedom anymore, and I won't speak up for you with our parents either."

"I understand, sister..."

Kuki Shinobu was still very obedient to her sister.

"Well, if you change your mind, feel free to come find me. I can still put in a good word for you with Lady Guuji... By the way, now that the Sakoku Decree has been lifted, do you have any plans?"

Kuki Shinobu thought for a moment and said: "I might go to Liyue. I passed their legal certification, and there's a study exchange meeting. A senior student there invited me."

"Which senior student?" Kuki Miyuki was curious.

"The famous legal expert from Liyue, called Yanfei."

Kuki Miyuki said: "Ah, Lady Yanfei... I know her, she's very capable."

Mentioning this, she felt relieved. At least in Liyue, someone would look after her sister a bit.

"But sister..." Kuki Shinobu glanced at Jiang Ning and lowered her voice, "Are both Shoguns really going to marry into Liyue..."

"Yes, hasn't it been announced already? From now on, Liyue and Inazuma will share glory and hardship together, so we're one family now. Divine travel is quick, they'll be able to return soon, there won't be any problems."

Kuki Miyuki said.

Kuki Shinobu seemed thoughtful.

"Hahahahaha, indeed, Brother Jiang Ning, you're an interesting person! Though you look young, you know so many interesting things about Liyue. It makes me want to visit Liyue too."

Jiang Ning said: "Now that the Sakoku Decree has been lifted, you're welcome to come to Liyue anytime."

"Hahahahaha, with your words, I'll definitely come to Liyue for a good tour! By the way, about the Sakoku Decree, the great me's thoughts must have reached the Raiden Shogun, that's why she lifted the decree. And the Visions have been returned too. I knew it, why should Visions be taken away?"

"Also, that Kujou tengu, the great me was just caught off guard when she took my Vision. Now that my Vision is back, I'll show that tengu what a fair fight means!"

"What should I challenge her to? Let's make it sumo!"

Jiang Ning fell silent. Though he could tell this big guy wasn't very bright from how Yae Miko could trick him into eating beans, he hadn't expected him to be quite this... special.

Wait, you're trash-talking your deity and you're still able to walk around freely?

And that Kujou tengu you mentioned must be Sara, right? She's a young lady, and you want to challenge her to sumo?

Seeming to think of something, Jiang Ning gave Arataki Itto a pitying look.

This young man was so young, yet his mind was already not working well... he wondered if Teyvat had any medicine for brain damage.

"Boss! What are you saying?!"

Kuki Shinobu was startled. Her boss really didn't think before speaking. Moreover, talking badly about someone's wife in front of the Almighty Shogun's future husband - did he have a death wish?

If it was the Tenryou Commission's prison, she might still be able to bail him out, but if divine punishment came down directly, how could she possibly save him?

They'd be collecting his remains directly.

"Shinobu, I didn't say anything wrong, I..."

"Shut up!" Kuki Shinobu's face looked very unwell. The tall and strong Arataki Itto shrunk his neck, looking quite scared, which was rather comical.

"We've been extremely rude today, we'll take our leave now..." Kuki Shinobu bowed to Jiang Ning and Yae Miko.

"Shinobu, we haven't eaten yet..."

"Shut up." Kuki Shinobu glared at Arataki Itto.

With that, she dragged Arataki Itto away without further discussion.

After they left, Kuki Miyuki said indignantly: "What's with that guy, he's so disrespectful."

"But he's quite an interesting person, isn't he?" Yae Miko said cheerfully.

"But he was disrespectful to the Shogun..." Kuki Miyuki had been convinced by her sister before.

But now she was worried again.

Yae Miko said: "It's fine, even I as her familiar don't hold a grudge, and look at Jiang Ning, he doesn't seem to care at all, so why are you worried?"

Kuki Miyuki looked at Jiang Ning and found him still slurping his noodles, so she could only suppress her dissatisfaction.

Jiang Ning swallowed his noodles and said: "He's not wrong, the Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree were Ei's fault after all. It's just his words about Kujou Sara weren't very nice."

But it wasn't a big deal, because from Jiang Ning's perspective, Arataki Itto's strength was more than a level below Kujou Sara's.

If he really went to Kujou Sara with this challenge...

Jiang Ning suddenly burst out laughing.

He felt that Itto would definitely get beaten up, and then Kuki Shinobu would have to go bail him out of the Tenryou Commission's prison.

"But compared to that Arataki Itto, I'm more curious about Kuki Shinobu. Why does your sister wear a mask?"

Kuki Miyuki sighed and said: "Because my sister wants to live freely, but she's afraid of being recognized on the street. After all, the Kuki family, though not a great noble house in Inazuma, is still a prominent family, so..."

Jiang Ning nodded: "Oh, I see..."

Yae Miko said: "I still have photos of Kuki Shinobu from when she was at the shrine, she's very cute. Want to see?"

Jiang Ning became interested:

"Yes, please."

----

You can join my P@treon to read 30+ chapters early and support me and my work.

P@treon.com/rivyura