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Kujuo Sara hates slacking off.
As the general of the Tenjou Commission, she’s expected to devote herself to carrying out her duties. She often exerts her strength into its limit and the word “rest” is not included in her vocabulary ever since she was appointed.
She’s pledged her loyalty to the Raiden Shogun. She’s willing to dedicate everything she has for the Archon, even if she thinks it’s pointless. She devoted herself to the deity ever since she received a vision after surviving a fall. The faint purple beam in her vision was her only hope. It's the only light that made her dull life clear.
She keeps her emotions in a bottle and she prevented them from spilling. She thinks that vulnerability is not something a general should show. She doesn’t want people to see her cry like a baby. She can’t imagine the humiliation she’ll get from that.
The general only felt loneliness as she grows up. But if her loneliness is contributing to the prosperous Inazuma, then why not?
When will the general find the person who will understand her?
When will the general find the person who will never leave her as her parents did?
When will someone treat her as a family?
She sighs as she thinks about those things.
The moon is shining brightly and the general decided to work on her documents pilled up on her desk. The papers on the desk contain all the necessary information about the series of events that happened recently.
She lit up her Sakura-scented candles and decided to heat up some tea to help her with her focus. She opened her window so she can see the view of the moon up in the sky. She meditated for a few minutes and now she’s ready to do all the paper works she has to do.
“Don’t you get sad?”
Sara released her arrow at the speed of light towards the person who decided to disturb her from her focus.
“Woah, Woah, Chill.” The person said as he caught the fast arrow from where he is sitting.
As Sara saw the person’s red horns, she can’t help but sigh.
‘Then, let me ask you. Don’t you get tired?” she replied with a frown.
“Tired? No! I’m Arataki Itto, the strongest, after all. I’m not that weak.” Itto said proudly.
Sara groaned.
Itto saw the pile of papers on Sara’s desk. The man had never seen the general slack off a bit. Seeing all the documents just hurt the oni’s brain. How could she finish all these tasks? Is she going to pull off an all-nighter?
“General Kujuo, why don’t you slack off a bit?”
“I’m not like you, I have other things to prioritize.”
“Oh yeah, me too! I prioritize my onikabuto fights but I’m slacking off a bit.
“Well, prioritize that now. Don’t bother me.”
“Come on,” Itto whined. “You won’t get stronger to beat me if all you do is sit there.”
“Says the one who was defeated.”
“SHUSH, WATCH ME DEFEAT YOU---- but since I’m a very kind oni, I won’t fight you right now,” Itto said as he winks after.
Sara shows her disgusted face as she felt that the stars from Itto’s wink hit her head.
“So? Why aren’t you going away?” she replied.
“I’m gonna hang out with you for a bit.”
“Then, I’m not sorry. I have no time for you.”
“You’re way too boring, Kujuo Tengu.” Itto said as he tried to sit on the floor.
Sara somewhat felt a small pang in her heart.
“I know.”
“DON’T TELL ME YOU’RE GONNA STAY THAT WAY???” He replied with a face Sara can’t comprehend.
“Yes, if it’s for the Raiden Shogun I can be the most boring out of all the boring people in Teyvat.”
“But the Raiden Shogun didn’t tell you to be that boring, right?”
After that, Sara didn’t reply.
Itto looked at the woman’s room. It was simple and peaceful; it has designs of the Tenjou Commission logo all over the place. It seems not to hinder the fact the room is organized. The books are piled in place. The sheets are folded nicely. He thinks that the room suits the general’s cold temperament. He also thinks that the room will never be this pretty without Kujuo Sara sitting on her desk as if she was a centerpiece of an artwork on a canvas, something that can never be replaced.
He doesn’t know anything about the general but if he was given a chance, he will try his best to know her. .
He wants to understand her devotion. He wants to understand her struggles, her coldness---everything. He wants to know her least favorite season of the year to her deepest secrets down to the depths of the Tengu’s heart.
He also wants to understand his heart beating wildly in front of the general, but he’s not too witty to conclude an answer.
He looks at the general’s serious face that seems to never change. She’s breathtakingly beautiful. Her face is fair and her indigo hair stands out. Her yellow eyes are like gems that shine because of the light reflected on them. Itto was lowkey grateful of the Almighty Raiden Shogun’s Vision Hunt Decree. If it weren’t for her, he will never meet the beautiful opponent in front of him now. He should pay his respects in the Narukami Shrine tomorrow.
That night was the first time the noisy big bro was silenced by the beauty of his own self-proclaimed nemesis.
“Why the fuck are you so silent?” Sara asked.
“It’s because I'm too busy looking at your pretty face.” Itto replied without hesitation.
What?
Sara coughed her so hard as she heard that. Her face is now red from embarrassment.
“OI, TENGU ARE YOU ALRIGHT?” Itto exclaimed as he hastily offered the cup of tea to the general.
“Yes.” Sara coughed again. “Just don’t make such remarks again.”
“Remarks?” Itto asked. “Oh! Is that when I told you that you’re pretty?”
How the fuck can this oni be this stupid. Sara said as she continued doing her work.
“What’s wrong with the remark? I really think you’re pretty, though.”
Oh my, the general can’t even glance at the white-haired oni in front of her. Sara thanked The Seven that Itto didn’t notice her red face.
“I think I have to go.” Itto said after looking at the moon.
"Thank you, Raiden Shogun.” Sara replied after.
“What are you thanking for?"
“That you’re born a dumbass.”
“OI, I’M NOT THAT STUPID.”
"It's alright to be in denial, you'll realize it soon yourself.”
Itto let out a chuckle and looked at Sara once more.
“Is there something wrong with my face?” Sara asked.
“No, have this.”
“Huh, what is this for?”
“Eat that. Your face is too red. Are you sick?”
“…Huh?”
“Eat my ‘Way of the strong’. It’s my specialty and It’s very delicious. You have to eat more so you can’t get sick. We still have a duel to fight.” Itto said with a smile on his face.
“…”
“GOODBYE TENGU!” Itto screamed.
Kujuo Sara is speechless.
“...He did see my red face after all!"