Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a good day when the blue sky appeared. It's been many days since he last heard of the thunder clapping and after all of those days, he finally found peace. Not only that, it was his day off.

Thoma, who is a certain housekeeper and a chief attendant of the Kamisato Clan, stretched his arms outside for a warm up. Given how lovely this weather is, he decided to go for a hike and play with some cats and dogs.

Before he left the Kamisato estate, he found a broken branch below the tree. Seeing the twig has brought up his mind.

"Oh I remember something…"

Thoma went back to the estate, trying to pick in the storage area, he found a fishing rod next to his favourite duster and then, he picked it up along with the bucket.

"I need this."

************

Meanwhile,

A young boy looks at the maple leaf tree blowing their leaves with a gentle wind. He was fond of nature. In fact, he needs it to get himself together.

He used to be someone who came from a noble clan. There was a meeting going on and their clan was going to fall down through their reputation, their hardships. But he didn't mind. In fact, what he wanted to do is to enjoy his life of freedom, plus leaving the others to sort it out while leaving his matters on his own.

He didn't regret it. The boy who loves poems, wanted to find his desire to live freely without being a shackles to someone else. The only thing is, did he make the right choice?

As he dozed off, the young boy suddenly felt a slap on his back.

"What are you dreaming, Kazuha?"

Kazuha turns his head to find his friend, Tomo with a white cat. He looked at him, wondering how he found him all of a sudden. He sighed back and turned his head down, feeling the breeze crossing them.

"It's nothing. The sound of the wind made me feel comfortable.."

"I see, I thought you would've been depressed." Tomo replied. He looked up to the sky, and remembered something that wanted to say. "Recently, I heard that Watatsumi Island is very enchanted there.. It's like a coral place where you have to see the ocean's waves and tides."

This draws up his attention. Kazuha turns back to his friend with a curious look, "Oh, have you been there before?"

"It's a long story." Tomo chuckled as he decided to tell him all his experiences he encountered.

*************
At the northeast of the Kamisato estate, below the forest with a cool sea breeze blowing by the wind, Thoma stood on the boulder, pulling the fishing rod as hard as he could.

"Come on, come on."

The stray cats are already there on his side. Their cute big and sorrowful eyes made him eager to catch a fish. In this lovely weather, he finally had a chance to go out fishing and he didn't expect to have so many cats swinging their tails and waiting.

"Don't worry, everything's gonna be okay. I'm definitely gonna catch this up!" Thoma tried to encourage them, giving more strength to pull it.

"It's coming! Alright! Don't panic, just reel it up and then… and then." Thoma believed he could do this. The cats are there for him and he was really determined to fulfill their goal.

And just like that, a water splash from the pole, seeing his fishing rod just pulled up by an aquatic creature that would make them rejoice.

"Finally! We caught a fish! And it's big!" Thoma put the fish on the shore. He noticed the fish didn't move and out of its breath. So he turned to the cats, who sparkled their eyes.

He clenched his fist with excitement and shouted, "What do you know? Today's our lucky day fellas!"

And so, Thoma tied up the fish to the branch where it was placed above the dried sticks that needed to be burned up. He used his Pyro vision to light the fire through the dry twigs.

When the fire started, the cats went closer, looking at the big fish that was going to be grilled. Thoma patted at one of the cats and smiled back,

"I know you're excited but, let me heat this up for a minute. It'll be done soon."

At the same time, the dead fish widened their eyes and their body spread with red.

"Aaahhhhh!!"

The fish suddenly moved back, breaking the ropes and jumping back from the fire. It took a second for the cats to screech and be scared back.

"....." Thoma couldn't say anything after seeing a talking fish, who destroyed his campfire. He thought the fish was dead but he didn't think it's alive and talked as well.

The big fish started to stand up, glaring at the blonde haired boy, who was too shocked right now.

"What did you do that for?! Meanie! Stinky! You almost burned me to death!!" The fish complained as it grabbed his collar.

"....." Thoma remained silent, still not getting over to meet a talking fish. His mind jumped into more problems of encountering strange beings. He wanted to ask who? And why did they talk like this?

Now that he thinks about it, Thoma looked at the area and found out that the cats were already gone. They seem to be scared of the talking fish right now. Looks like that predator becomes a prey, I guess?

"Sorry about that, talking fish? Oh wait, am I dreaming?" Thoma finally broke the silence but he still couldn't get over it as he rubbed his head.

The talking fish clenched its fin and slapped his cheek.

"What are you talking about?! I'm not a fish! Just a regular adeptus!"

Wait what? Adeptus? Thoma heard those mystical beings and their legends in Liyue but to think that someone came to reveal themselves. Maybe this fish was lying? He doesn't understand anything.

Looking at how confused the blonde man was, the talking fish had enough to watch his reaction as he decided to show his true form. Winds spread around the fish, creating a tornado that lost its visibility.

Thoma covers his eyes by the arm to block the sight. Once the wind fades, the fish form is changed. Thoma widened his eyes and became much more surprised by the fact that he saw in front of him. A young boy stood there. His messy hair resembles the colour of the fish and his clothes are different from Inazuma natives. The only thing is how did that boy get here? Is it another ninja special ability? Is it one of tanuki illusions?

The young boy suddenly slapped Thoma's cheeks again, making him remember that this fish is really him.

"This is for burning me alive!" The child said as he folded his arms, watching Thoma with a more confused look.

For some reason, he wasn't angry for being slapped two times. What he noticed is that a child is not a normal person. He wanted to question it, asking if he was some sort of yokai? Demon? Monsters? Or one of the servants in the four winds? But the child claimed to be an adeptus, the legendary being in Liyue. He wasn't sure to believe it but right now, he needs to understand the situation.

Thoma remembers he was planning to grill a fish for the cats. But seeing how they fled makes him sad. He picked out the fishing rod and used it to fish again.

"What are you up to this time?" The child asked firmly.

"Fishing." He gave this young boy a sorrowful look, as if he really wanted to grill the fish.

"Seriously?"

The child finds the cats hiding around the bushes, realizing that he really needs a fish for the strays. He rubbed his head and looked down,

"Oh… I'm sorry."

"It's okay, it's a little shame I didn't get to grill fish for them. And I also apologize for that." Thoma chuckled, not turning his back as he was determined to get some fish.

"No need. I also wanted to apologize to you and the cats. I ruined your meal" The child stood beside him.

"Don't be, I can catch them again." Thoma answered as he smiled back. "By the way, are you-"

At this moment, they heard a stomach growling noise. It's coming from the young boy who claimed to be an adeptus. Thoma looks at him with a suspicious look and then, the little boy knelt down, covering his stomach as he looks pale.

"I'm hungry." He wasn't acting this time. He really meant what he said. Ever since his journey of swimming desperately made him tired, he also forgot to eat properly. Turning to fish was also exhausting for him. This gives him more worry if this man ever kidnaps him or kills him. But that doesn't matter to him. What matters right now is food. Before he lays down, he remembered something they complained about when he used to transform into a fish. He stood up and looked back at Thoma.

"Wait, you said you can grill fish right?"

Thoma wanted to freak out but seeing this child's struggle to be starved, he felt like listening to him would be fine for now. He nodded back, "Of course."

The child removes his cloak, getting his bag out to pick an object. He turns to the sea and spots some fish swimming on the top.

"I have an idea"

**********

"So that's how it is, funny you didn't cause any trouble this time." Kazuha said as he walked alongside with his friend on a sunny day.

"Hehe.. I'm sure you can expect me, Kazuha." Tomo said as he was feeling proud of himself.

"Yeah right." Kazuha dropped his sweat. He couldn't imagine what his friend's doing in the place he mentioned. But something tells he was up to no good, which he knew was crazy.

When they passed through the kitsune, Tomo’s cat jumped away from his chest and walked to the side of the shore.

"Friend? Where are you going?"

Kazuha finds that his friend went to the sea, he chased after them. As his friend went to find his cat, he saw smoke on top and heard a man's voice.

"Hey buddy, it seems you smell it too. Here, I got you extra" Thoma gave this cat an extra grilled tiger fish. Smells fresh as the cat bits the food, chewing it down.

He left the white cat alone as Thoma smiles. He grabs the other grilled fish for himself. Before he eats his food, he meets with the familiar people behind the white cat.

"Oh, it's you! And Kazuha's here!"

Kazuha waves his hand while his friend gives him a kind hearted greeting. He spotted a young child with a cloak, who had already eaten five grilled fishes. Thoma made more grilled tiger fish and the cats chewed their food.

"What's this? And who is he?" Kazuha asks until Thoma interrupts his serious conversation and taps the sand shore.

"Never mind that, why don't you sit there and have a chat with us!"

Kazuha wanted to protest until his friend dragged him down and sat alongside Thoma, the mysterious child and the cats. Together, they share the time to enjoy their meal.

*******************

It was already night that they shared the same bouquet. However, there was no sake. Kazuha and his friend regretted not bringing it over but after seeing the cats enjoying the fish that Thoma grilled, they seemed happy to watch them.

Some cats have already left the campfire, others went to sleep after they ate more than one grilled fish. Thoma, Kazuha and Tomo with their sleepy white cat, look at the young child, who is very nervous but insists on introducing himself.

“My name is Les. An ade-”

“A child that I found on the shore.." Thoma interrupts him, trying to hide the adeptus fact. When Kazuha and his friend bothers more, Thoma was nervous as he did his best to change the subject.

"He’s not from Inazuma but he helps me catch fish. So we share the same meal with the cats.” The housekeeper chuckled.

“I see, how interesting..” Kazuha said, observing more about the child. Ever since Kazuha spotted Les, he knew his scent was different from others. For some reason, Tomo was curious about Les and wanted to talk more about himself.

Before they ask more, Les tries to kick Thoma in his gut but the blonde dodges it quickly. He actually predicted this would happen. Les must be angry for messing up his introductions.

In order to apologize to the young boy, Thoma introduces himself along with Kazuha and Tomo. Les also thanked him for making this delicious grilled fish, otherwise he would have starved to death. The introduction meeting was finished, now onto the next part.

“But I think it’s time to ask me this question." Thoma reached out for an item that looked like a cylinder device with a knot. "What is this thing?”

“A dynamite bomb that explodes when I pull the trigger. It’s a tool from Fontaine. I used to buy them for explorations.” Les explained, taking the item back. Sometimes, he used it for emergencies and he was glad to do it for blowing up the fishes.

“You’ve been to Fontaine?” Thoma asked

“Not that Thoma, I think he's born in Fontaine, right?” Kazuha said.

“Exactly. I’m a newbie Fortune Teller. My purpose for coming here is.. What was it again?” Les thought up, trying to remember something.

“So you forgot?”

“It’s not that! I’m trying to thi-”

Before Les finished it, there was a loud noise coming from the hill. Sounds of men arguing themselves.

“You heard? It’s coming from that place. Let’s go and find out.” Tomo said excitedly.

Kazuha and Thoma wanted to stay on guard but his friend, Tomo had already gone there first. So The boys headed out to the hill and they saw a guy complaining to the merchant about their products using their transport balloon.

“I thought we had this through! You were supposed to deliver it on time but you broke it!”

“No! I swear!”

Kazuha can smell a lie while Tomo looks uncomfortable to see this as he joins the group to settle this out directly. Thoma freaks out and tries to stop him but instead, Les holds his shoulder and tells him what he saw.

As a fortune teller, he has the skill to read the past of someone and detect lies. When he saw the merchants, Les secretly used his eyes and read their past, realizing that the merchant who complained to them was trying to steal the products. This merchant also spoke his fake nicknames. At

As a fortune teller, he has the skill to read the past of someone and detect lies. When he saw the merchants, Les secretly used his eyes and read their past, realizing that the merchant who complained to them was trying to steal the products. This merchant also spoke his fake nicknames. At first, Thoma wasn't going to believe his thoughts but after seeing Tomo joining the conversation, he was worried more.

Tomo looked at the area, his ears moved as if he could hear the sounds rustling around the bushes. He draws out his sword, showing his wicked smirk. Suddenly, Kazuha used his Anemo vision, and blew out the bushes, making the bandits show up.

The delivery guy found out he was being cornered by the bandits. It seems they wanted to steal his products by tricking him. The bandits were the first to charge as they tried to attack an innocent guy. Luckily, Tomo interferes and counters them. He made the next move, slashing the bandits and defeating them.

"No fair, let me join in." Kazuha draws out his sword and stops the bandit from attacking Tomo behind.

Seeing the samurai attacking his hired bandit, the fake merchant orders the others to kill the delivery guy. Before the bandits were closer to aim the merchant's head, Thoma moves in front, uses his Pyro vision to create a shield, surrounding him and the delivery guy. He taps his spear on the ground, kicks the bandits and throws them away.

The merchant was shocked to see the bandits getting beat up by those men. Even a young child can put up a hand to hand fight against his enemies. A minute later, the fake merchant saw that all of his recruited bandits were defeated and he was alone and cornered by Kazuha and Tomo. Thoma and Les began discussing with him, trying to make a peace talk and settle things out for good.

After going to Inazuma city, the fake merchant admitted his wrongdoings and was arrested by the Tenryuu Commission officers. Thoma also helped to solve this situation by having an easy going conversation with them.

The delivery guy has also delivered his goods on time and he picked out the items and met up with the gang.

"Thank you, thank you so much, kind people! Here, take this as a token of our gratitude!” He gave them each a book of "Treasured Tales of the Chouken Shinkageuchi (I)" for free.

Watching the delivery guy leave, the gang reads the book and then, Kazuha and Tomo are already amazed by the story. Thoma was struggling to understand the Inazuma language but somehow, he got used to it. Despite being an outlander as well, used his knowledge to translate those words from Inazuma to Fontaine's language. He managed to read it properly, understanding the story until something pops out of his mind.

"Ahh! I remember now! The reason I came here was to buy some volumes of those books from Yae Publishing House!"

"Really? That place is already closed at night. Come back tomorrow." Kazuha said, closing the book as he decides to call it a night.

"Huh?! Come on.. I want to go there!" Les clenched his fist, begging to do his wishes. After coming to Inazuma and remembering his goal, he wanted to go to that place and finish it as soon as possible.

"Look, if you want to go there so much, I can take you there tomorrow." Thoma said.

"You swear that?!" Les sparkled his eyes, hoping the Blonde wasn't lying.

"Of course." Thoma patted his head and smiled back.

"Tha- Thank.. you.."

At the same time, Les fell down and stayed unconscious. Thoma panicked for a second, picking Les up and reaching for his pulse. He can hear his breathing. He wonders why he suddenly fainted until he heard his snore. Les was already asleep. This brings him to new problems.

"Wait? Where is your home? Family? I can take you there. Hey, don't fall asleep!" Thoma tries to slap his cheek but Les couldn't wake up. The young boy was really exhausted.

"Hey Kazuha, Tomo, I need some- Ah! They left!"

Their friends have already gone, leaving Thoma alone with a child. This was just great. A sleepy adeptus boy who doesn't have a home. That only gave him one option left.

************
Les can definitely get tired after using all his strength. His fish appearance for swimming all the way to Inazuma costs a lot of energy. Not only that, the way he transformed and took a young boy's appearance was no easy task. It was noy his true form. As a shapeshifter and adeptus, he was cautious about meeting with strangers.

Strangers like those samurais and the chief retainer, he wasn't expecting they were reliable in the end. When he first met them, he was so curious of Kazuha and Tomo's personal background and so, he read their past using his eyes. It was at this moment that their fates made him believe they have noble hearts. He also tried to predict their future, only to understand something strange will happen to them one day. He couldn't say it to them, thinking they wouldn't believe it.

As for the blonde guy, Les tried to use his fortune telling skills and look up on his background but got distracted by those fellow bandits trying to steal the delivery guy's products. So he decided to do his justice and help them clear up the misunderstanding by reading the fake merchant's identity.

It costs him a lot of energy again. Even reading Inazuma books was hard for him. But despite that, he needs to buy those collections for their promise. His sibling's bet to buy his favourite book in Inazuma. It was such a dangerous task but what's more dangerous is watching his siblings sad while bedridden. So he had no choice but to swim all the way without getting spotted by anyone. There were no closing borders, no storms and lighting and he was lucky enough to cross there.

Just as he witnessed underwater, he stumbled upon a fishing rod and what happened next, his eyes widened and saw how he met the blonde guy named Thoma.

It doesn't look to be fate but after seeing the man's cheerful attitude, for some reason, he wanted to rely on him.

*******
It was already midnight when Les woke up from that dream. The dream is about how he first came to Inazuma and met with some samurai, helping the delivery guy and reading books. He knew it was real. He also finds himself, sleeping on the ground with comfy blankets and pillows. Could this be one of Inazuma's ways to sleep? He couldn't get used to it but for some reason, he needs it to restore his energy back for the next day.

While laying on the bed, he looked up at the ceiling, thinking about his future. He was planning to thank Thoma tomorrow for giving him a comfortable place to rest. By the way, where is he? He hasn't heard of him after bringing him to a beautiful household. And what is this room? Even if he's a stranger it feels like he's inside the hotel and enjoying his time.

But rest comes first, he should probably ask more about this place tomorrow. Before he closed his eyes, Les could hear someone gossiping in the wall. No, there was a window so it was outside.

“Ohh.. look who it is.. That Servant guy is back.” A soldier let out his mutterings, watching Thoma open the door to the storage room to put the fishing rod back.

“You mean that Mondstadt brat? Heh, to think he had to sneak up at night, like a rat.” They spoke behind his back,letting a small whisper that wouldn't hear anyone. Well, not anyone since Les was there behind the walls.

“Yeah. I wonder what he’s been doing lately. Maybe he’s walking around on Ritou, talking to Outlanders like a pig, right?” The soldiers chuckled for mocking the retainer.

“You never know what they say, that brat goes off, messing up again.”

Les couldn't bear to hear it. After all the kindness Thoma has made, and now hearing someone making fun of him at a bad time, he wanted to slap those soldiers, beat them up, and teach them a lesson for good in the name of justice. But, he shouldn't do it right now. If he goes outside, that would mean Thoma's efforts for bringing him hospitality would be in vain. He knew that Thoma didn't want to see him beating those soldiers for his sake. Surely, Les would've felt better if he helps Thoma deserves some more respect.

He wanted to think about that tomorrow as he closed his eyes, pretending that everything's fine in the night. Despite that, he can still hear those soldiers badmouthing more about Thoma. Mocking about his Mondstadt race being poorly different from them, saying bad things about his mistakes, Les couldn't sleep well. He really wants them to feel his bloodlust. It's not just they're noisy people, he doesn't want to hear them saying bad things about Thoma behind his back.

"I'm gonna make them pay tomorrow… "

Chapter Text

It was another day to live or, should he say, survive in a foreign country. Since he had some hard time sleeping on futon, Les started to hate sleeping in Inazuma. 

He woke up, leaving the futon alone and decided to find Thoma. Just before he opened the door, he heard footsteps coming inside this room.

"Thoma? Thoma where are you?" The silver haired lady opens the door. 

She couldn't find who she's looking for but noticed that the futon hadn't been arranged back. Her arms are on her hips, mumbling that someone couldn't arrange their bed properly. 

Les can definitely hear her complaints but luckily for him, he immediately changes his form into a small dormouse and crawls out of the room. It's a good thing the graceful looking woman hadn't noticed him. It would've been more problematic if she found out an outsider just slept in their house. 

Right where he disguised as a dormouse and scout the corridor, he spotted a sliding door left open, presenting a beautiful scenery outside. More like a perfect chance to escape. Les jumps all the way without anyone noticed and he reaches the backyard, earning his freedom once again.

And Les suddenly freaked out when he didn't notice someone sweeping in the backyard. Upon hearing the squeak noise, the blonde man looked behind and found a dormouse. 

Wait, Les recognised this guy! The one who gave him a place to rest. And that guy who gives him a Grilled Tiger fish. Before Thoma used his broom and tried to slash the rodent, Les immediately shipshapes back to his young boy's form, revealing his face and the clothes he wore.

Thoma finally realizes this kid is really an adeptus that used to transform into a talking fish and now, he witnessed a dormouse and was apparently good at hiding. It's also a good thing that no one is outside other than him. 

"Morning Les. How's your sleep?" Thoma waves him, putting his broom down in order not to scare the young boy.

Les rubbed his eyes and replied with a disappointing look on his face. "Not good. I just had a bad dream.” 

“Oh, sorry to hear that. Maybe the futon is not comfortable?” Thoma suggested, his voice sounds worried. As if he's doubting about the hospitality service being bad.

In fact, Les couldn't sleep last night because of some soldiers muttering his name. Every time they gossip about the blonde man being an outlander from other places and taunting him, he kinda feels the same way as him, being discriminated against and not treated equally. After all, Les is an unusual adeptus, living in Fontaine but was not getting along with others. Heck, if he saw those people gossiping about that, he would've taken those words out. 

“No need. Say, if you ever find someone who's saying bad things about you, do you want to beat them up?" Les remembered he planned to ask this question to him. He waited for the blonde man's response. 

Thoma stares at the sky, thinking about it. A few seconds later, he let out a sigh and replied,

"Of course not! Why would I? If it was from the Kamisato clan, I would try to settle the scores with them but, I don't really care if someone has different opinions on me. If it was on their steam, I would basically ignore them as usual."

"I knew it.. he doesn't really take care of himself… I should've just beat those soldiers out last night." Les clenched his fist and looked down.

Thoma can feel his bloodlust coming out, so he decided to change the topic until Les was the first to speak back.

"But anyways, when can you take me there?”

"The Yae Publishing House? Sure, I'll take you there. But after this" Thoma grabbed his broom and continued sweeping the fallen leaves. "I still need to clean the backyard. Today's been windy around that leaves always falling off."

This turns out that Les time was wasted. He would've wanted Thoma to guide him in their shops. Like what Mondstadt people used to do a lot. But everytime he reads this place, it gives him shivers like there's dark secrets inside. Thoma noticed his pale reaction when he heard his answer.

"Don't give me that look. Why don't you go with Sayu and explore the city with her? I'm sure you like it."

"Wait, who's Sayu?" Les wondered until someone tapped on his shoulder.

"Right here." A soft voice whispered in his ears, revealing to be a young girl who has the same height as him.

"Eekk! Where did you come from?!" Les freaked out, using his fighting stance and demanded an answer.

"Thoma asked me.." Sayu replied, her fingers on her chin. She observed Les' mysterious costume. 

Les noticed this girl wears ninja clothes, basically she's a true sneaky ninja. Based on the stories, ninjas were supposed to hide their presence and be good at hiding. No wonder he's shocked by Sayu's appearance. Thoma managed to break this awkward silence as he introduced then. 

“This is Sayu, one of the Shumatsuban’s Resident ninja. She can take you to Inazuma, although, you shouldn’t ask her too much, okay?”

“Ummm.. okay” said Les, who couldn't understand it but shook her hand politely.

“And Sayu, I already told you about Les. He’s still new in Inazuma and you should take an easy on him, alright?” Thoma smiled as Sayu nodded back in reply.

Les couldn't believe he met a real ninja who's actually as small as him. Sayu led him outside of the Kamisato Estate without being noticed by the guards. The way she moves, hides around the bushes and climbs into the walls is very impressive to him. Les follows but not as agile as her. 

They crossed to the Chinju Forest, and Les noticed some black looking panda wandering around. At first, he thought he wanted to eat it but after seeing it dancing happily, he decided to leave the wild bear alone.

After they passed through the forest, Les and Sayu arrived in Inazuma city. The trip was not hard but it was quite a challenge for him, realizing that Sayu is really fast. He managed to keep up on her and learns she shouldn't be underestimated.

And for the first time, he saw that Sayu finally stopped before they entered.

"Just so you know, I didn’t do this for you and Thoma. I just wanna ask you something." Sayu turned her eyes to Les seriously. "Thoma claimed you’re a so-called Fortune teller, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, a newbie, perhaps? But the "so-called Fortune teller" is a bit mean. Think of me as a beginner Fortune Teller. I’m still learning to be one.” Les rubbed his head, describing his true role. 

“I see.. ” Sayu said with a silent tone. For some reason, Les feels bad for her expectations when he heard her deep voice, meaning that she wasn't satisfied with his status as a newbie fortune teller. 

“I was gonna ask if you can read my fortune. I want to know if I can grow up one day. Just like everyone else.” She whispered, hiding her true reason but Les can definitely hear it.

“Sayu..” He saw the small disappointment look on her face. 

And then, he held her shoulders, drawing her attention to his determined face.  “But I can definitely try to read it! Right now!”

Sayu clenched her fist and bit her lip, thinking it's one of those tricks. “Really? You really mean it?!”

Les moves back, gives her a thumbs up and smiles proudly and “Sure! I'll-” 

Suddenly, he knelt down at the same time as his stomach growled loudly. “Ugh… I’m hungry. Why is it always like this?”

Sayu observed Les and thought he really was a strange person. She really saw it just now. After hearing his stories from Thoma, she would've expected him to be formal, serious and taller than her. Judge as an adult person she thought. But what she saw right now is a kid, who forgot to eat his breakfast and is the same height as her. 

He's not a ninja but he managed to keep up with her, which a normal child wouldn't do. She felt there's something more than meets the eye. But since he's the Outlander like that Housekeeper, she knew that underestimating him is not a good idea. Especially when it comes to strangers who barely know twenty minutes. But she couldn't let this slide as she saw him struggling for starvation.

“Don’t worry.. I’ll take you to any food store and treat you! In exchange for reading my fortune” Sayu just made a bargain.

“It’s a deal then!” He accepted it as he held her hand and nodded back

**********************

After sweeping the backyard, Thoma wipes his sweat from his face and is relieved. He completed his task. All he needs now is to take his break and go to Yae Publishing House to meet up with Les and Sayu. Aside from having a lack of sleep, everything's under control. Just before he made his way outside the Kamisato estate, he met up with a young samurai, a friend of his, waving his hand with a smile.

"Hey Thoma!" It's Kazuha's friend, Tomo. He also brought his small cat, hiding in his chest.

"Hello there Tomo!" Thoma greeted as always with a gentle smile. But something was off. Tomo sounds as if he was in a rush. Not just that, Kazuha wasn't with him.

"Oh, you're not with that kid?" Tomo rubbed his head, 

"You mean Les? Don't worry, he's with Sayu. I was going to meet up with him. Wanna come?" Thoma invited him.

"Sure thing, friend." Tomo agreed along with a nod. His ears made some movements, as if he heard something. However, he'll let it slide when he raises his brow and adds, "That's right, I forgot to tell you something..."

"While I was at Ritou, I heard some soldiers talking about you. Well, not so wonderful words to listen to. Hearing their blabberings made my ears explode. So I asked Itto to take them out."

Itto? Does he mean the oni, "Arataki Itto"?? Thoma heard about his rumours of being a troublemaker and well known on the streets of Inazuma City. And he knows troublemakers are crazy looking who do what they want, which is very interesting to meet that person one day. And then, Thoma raised his head.

"Wait a sec, how did you convince him when that guy doesn't listen to someone?"

"Hehe... simple." Tomo smirked as if he was proud of himself. "When I told him that you have horns, this made him upset and beat those snots all alone, thinking they're harming another oni friend of his."

"You're serious, aren't you?" Thoma dropped his sweat. He has never met Itto before but he can tell he is one quick of a guy who confronts directly without thinking. Tomo laughs while crossing his arms.

“Oh yeah, there’s something I want to talk to you about." He moves his face, closer to Thoma's ears, trying to let out a whispering tone. 

"It’s about Konda village. I heard some distress noises out there, parents trying to ask where their kids are. And hearing them makes me want to help them! I talked it over to Kazuha. He wants to know more but sadly, he's got a friendly chat with someone at Watatsumi.. Guys can't break their word, right?”

“Maybe he still gets his spirits up?" Thoma said, "And you came over there to think I know of a way?”

“You’re a smooth talker and everyone knows you. And sure, I always rely on you.” Tomo slapped his back, approving his guess, which Thoma felt unpleasant but left no choice.

“Man, you’re giving more sense of justice around here. Alright, I’ll help you. Les would probably be good since he’s a fortune teller.”

When he heard that name, Tomo placed his hand on his chin, raising his head up and wondered. “That young lad? He was so interesting. I don’t see him lying in his reputation. In fact, he understands me very well.”

“Did he?! Why didn’t he ask me?!” Thoma asked as he raised his brow and felt betrayed when he learned the first guy to use their skills wasn't him.

“You never ask him?" Tomo can see Thoma's sad expression upon realizing the truth. He sighed, thinking it was a bad idea to say it.  

"Well, anyway. I don’t know what his saying is true since he’s not sure about my fate. So I let this slide for now.”

”So you believe him?” Thoma finally asked, changing his face to be another curious cat.

“I don’t know. But let me know if you meet him again. I’ll have more questions to ask about"

=========

Speaking of questions, at the same time they walked on their way to Inazuma city, there was a private meeting that took place when the Commissioner stood alone at the back of the Kamisato Estate. 

He was alone, watching the calm sea. He folded his hands, trying to ease his mind. The area where he can feel the warm  breeze, blowing around made his life more comfortable than sitting sith papers inside his room 

“Now then.. ” He turned his head at the stair, hearing footsteps stepping onwards to him. “So you came, detective.”

The young boy managed to step the stairs and made his meeting on time. He bows down to the current Commissioner of the Kamisato clan with humble respect. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Kamisato Ayato.” 

“A pleasure as well, Shikanoin Heizou." Ayato bows down and steps in closer to face the young boy.

"From what I assigned you last time, you did manage to investigate ''them " without your presence?"

The young boy picked something from his bag. He held a silver mask and showed it to Ayato. An object that doesn't belong in Inazuma. Usually, every Inazuma person knows that his mask has different meaningful decoration styles that are easy to guess. Kitsune mask, yokai mask and others.

However, a silver mask that is very metallic and rare with spikes on its side, is a rare treasure indeed. The young boy managed to snatch a simple piece of evidence just to show he did his assignments well. He nodded back in reply.

"Good. It appears your reputation exceeds well." Ayato chuckled back,

"Now then, let's hear of your investigations so far. Make sure they're valuable and don't make it longer, I still have important places to attend to"

====

Sayu gives him a tour to Inazuma city. She points out what shops they cross. Les learned this place has a Bathhouse, a shop that sells kimono and other beautiful clothes, and a Teahouse that was owned by a dog? Les couldn't believe that but he had no time to doubt since his tour guide is well experienced in this place.

Sayu drops into the so-called Shimura restaurant. There were bulletin boards that Les couldn't read but Sayu decided to treat him, paying for all the food. 

She ordered some egg rolls, teyvat eggs, tri color dango and Onigiri. The chef made them on time, giving it to their customers. Sayu gave them to Les, making him wary of Inazuma foods. After a first bite, he kinda loves eating them more. The onigiri stopped his stomach from growling. He also feels bad about eating another Onigiri with the shape of a brown bear but he took more bites than usual. 

To him, this was better and easier to eat than yesterday. He noticed how Sayu paid the bills and rested on her head, covered by her arms beside him. There were so many bear-shaped Onigiri's left and he wanted to share with her but seeing her peaceful sleep didn't want to disturb her.

Minutes later, Les was kinda satisfied with all the food he ate. He was starting to be more energetic than before. In that moment, Sayu woke up and stretched her arms, watching his companion getting worked out.

“Ahh, I’m full! Thank you Sayu.” Les said with a gentle smile. 

“No problem. *yawn* I’m glad you didn’t talk much.” Sayu rubbed her eyes.

“That’s because I don’t want to disturb your sleep. You have a good reason and I can already tell it to your fate. Hehehe..”Les answered.

“So, can you read my fortune?” She wonders, as she's doing another small stretch.

“Sure thing friend! Let’s see-” 

He picks up his book and casts his magic spell in his eyes secretly. Before he demonstrated his fortune-telling skills, they were interrupted by the loud noises that came beside the store, making him shocked the most.

“HAHAHAHAHA! NOT BAD KID! I WON AGAIN!!” 

It was the voice of a wild man, laughing proudly. They went to check it out. Sayu isn't pleased to see him again and Les was intrigued by the horns, thinking he was some sort of adeptus like him. He was very manly and was already inspired to have the same body as him. Surely, he didn't expect to see a tall guy teasing a crying child. So speechless that he couldn't find words to express. He looked way more manly than he would have imagined but to think he acts as childish as he can be, spoiling and betting the young child, winning and making them cry. He can't tell if his personality and appearance are the same. 

“He’s so loud..” Les commented to his silent ninja friend until the ground shakes by taking one stop from that big guy.

“I heard that! Another kid!” The guy with horns shouted as he took another step. He was staring at Les, who somehow shivers down his spine.

“He’s not coming closer, is he?” Les prayed that he wouldn't come to them, but didn't expect he was already in his range. The demon looking guy knelt down, observing the kids. Aside from Sayu, he was intrigued by her friend. 

“Hhmm.. You’re new." The man took his eyes seriously while Les was scared and broke his sweat down on his face.

The young boy wanted to hold Sayu and stepped out because, right now, that demon looking guy is really close to him as if he's gonna bite his head off. Les tries to act bravely until the guy with horns slaps his knees and stands up. 

"Do you want to have a match with me?!” 

Seeing his sudden enthusiastic smile made the young boy shocked. Sayu backs him off, spreading her arms to block the big guy. “Hey! You shouldn’t go off and give him a match! I was just planning to-”

“Sayu! Don’t worry, I’ll give you a match after your friend!” The big guy answers with a chuckle . He pats her head, which Sayu doesn't like. 

“That’s not the point.. ” Les dropped his sweat down. 

He thought the big guy was gonna act like a serious man but he didn't expect to be so friendly around the kids, especially Sayu.  

“And who are you?”

The big guy raised his brow, ignoring Sayu's complaints as his head turned back to Les. 

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. The name’s Arataki Itto, the Supreme, Strongest and the first and the greatest head of the Arataki Gang!!”

“That’s a long name.. ” Les thought as he covered his ears for listening to the noisiest guy.  “I’m Les! A for-”

Before he continued  he met his gaze back at Sayu, who looked pale all of a sudden. He can guess if he told this guy about his fortune telling skills, that would mean he would be intrigued and begged to use it, leaving Sayu alone. Les bit his lip and smiled back, shaking his hand.

“A fortunate kid who happens to be in Inazuma.”

“Nice to meet you Les!" Itto slapped the young boy's back, which he doesn't notice he's hurting him on the inside.  "Now then, what games should we be playing?! Is it Sumo wrestling? Or a card flipping game? Perhaps A Beetle game?”

What? Les just met this demon looking guy for seconds and now, he wants to play with him like a friend? He doesn't even know what those games are, which leaves him speechless.

Sayu pulls his hair, which draws his attention to her. “Itto, this kid is an Outlander. He doesn’t know any kinds of games you’ve been doing. And he doesn’t have any time for the match. Can you call it a day?”

“Oh really?! Then I guess I have to choose a better one! How about playing this one, ‘Rock Paper Scissors’! You heard of that game, lad?!”

“Of course! My friends used to play with me a lot!” Les clenched his fist. His expression made his eyes sparkled. Just a perfect child game.

“Good! Here we go then!” Itto raised his hand, clenching it as Les did the same thing. 

Sayu and the other kids observed their match. Some of them think that Itto would probably win because he's always like that while others bet on a newbie Les and believe he can take their revenge back.

When the two started their Rock, Papers game, Les activates the power of his eyes, hiding it from others. 

“Sorry Itto, I want to fight you fair and square but, you’re annoying and I just need to use my fortune telling skills. " Les extended his time to use his power, looking at Itto, who was unaware of everything.

"Let's see, is it Rock? Is it Paper? Is it Scissors?” 

In his sight, he can see the future and what is about to happen soon. Les, being a shapeshifter adeptus has the power to predict the future. Such power is good for improving his fortune telling skills and others are for combat. However, this day made him aware that his power used it for cheating the game. He can definitely see the future of his opponent's moves when looking at it.

“It’s Rock! That’s it! All I need is to do this!” Les felt confident as he decided to choose paper. Now that he's aware of Itto's moves, he's going to finish him off and win the game for sure.

“Rock, paper, scissors!” They said at the same time.

After the simple showdown, the results are there and the kids are surprised.

“Ah.. You’re kidding me?” Even Les was surprised by the fact he didn't see it coming. 

“HAHAHAHAHA!! I WON! AGAIN!” Itto laughed proudly. 

It turns out Itto really won the match by picking scissors on his hand while Les chose paper, which he lost this time. The young boy couldn't believe his powers weren't working well. At first, he thought something was missing when he read Itto's fortune about rock. He secretly tried using his eyes again and found out that rock was the symbol of his vision. In other words, Les discovers this demon looking guy is a Geo vision user.

Just in luck for losing by his own power. Les wanted to cry right now but hearing the guy's victory laughter made him pissed off. He really hates losing, so much for all his hype of winning. 

“Now kid, don't cry! I know how it feels to be losing but, there's no helping it!! It takes more time to be a strong man with a strong will!” Itto slapped his back and laughed again. 

“I’ll try.. ” Les whispers while bearing the pain of getting a hard slap by the winner. The kids chuckled while Sayu sighed after witnessing the result of the match.

“Now then, the reward!” Itto shook his hand and waited for something.

“Eh?” Les was confused.

“Well, the winner has to claim their reward from the loser!" Itto folded his arms and his expression looked serious.

“No one told me that!” Les freaked out.

“Sadly to say Kid! A loser is a loser and they have to pay the price for losing against the Greatest!!”

“How frustrating! I really hate this guy! He’s very different from Tomo and Kazuha!” Les thought as he clenched his hand, biting his lip. Now he regrets matching with him. It took him a second to finally choose a price that would settle things out.

"My crystal ball.. It was nice meeting you..” Les hid his frustrations and picked out his precious item. His hands were shaking when he was going to give it to Itto, fair and square.

“Hold up!” A young woman said, interrupting them. She went to Itto and slapped his head, making everyone (except Sayu) surprised. Sayu recognizes her as one of Itto's gang Kuki Shinobu. 

Itto was about to protest but he was being ignored as she went to Les and held his shoulder. 

“Listen Kid, you don't have to do this. You shouldn’t take those important things. I know a loser is a loser but, you shouldn’t listen to that guy, he’s not really serious!” The young woman gave him a gentle smile.

Les began to realize that despite being a loser, it's still okay not to listen to the rules. He didn't think about it. Rebelling someone could be bad but doing this will keep his treasures safe in his hands. He put his crystal ball back in his pocket and backed away.

“Hey! Are you underestimating me, Shinubo?! How can you treat this kid nicely when I am about to receive my trophy?!” Itto glared at her back and their argument suddenly started.

Seeing how intense this situation is, the children left the area while Les went back to Sayu but was more curious to watch them back. Before Itto and Shinubo stroke their different ways to handle/complain about their match, they heard more footsteps marching in closer.

“There they are! It’s those guys who vandalise the boards again!” The Tenryuu commission officers directed at Itto and shouted to his men. They went to chase after him. "Arrest them!"

“Eehh! Those weakling soldiers!” Itto twitched his eyes and annoyed. He clicked his tongue, feeling a bit upset about having bad timing.

Shinubo grabbed Itto's wrist and pulled him off to run away from those soldiers. She doesn't want to let him and herself be arrested again. She almost forgot that Itto's been putting on some boards before he played with those children. It truly was bad timing.

“Les, we’re getting out of here!” Sayu whispers as she hides behind the bushes.

“Sure..” Les nodded back and followed Sayu on her way down the stairs.

Upon running away from the guards, Itto noticed the young boy fled as he turned his face and screams, 

“HEY! WE’RE NOT DONE YET! MY REWARD KID?! YOU SHOULD GIVE-” 

He stopped when Shinobu gave him something in his hand. “Here you go!” 

She lets go of his wrist and continues running without turning her face at him. “An Onigiri! That kid couldn’t hand over his items, so his friend helped him by handing her Onigiri to you!”

Itto stared at the cute tanuki shape figure of Onigiri before he ate it. Once he swallowed the food, Itto felt more energetic and stretched his arms, feeling more satisfied than before. 

“Wow, a wonderful friendship! How touchy! Hmm. I accept it!” 

“If you accept it then, run!” Shinubo runs as fast as she could, trying to leave Itto behind. 

However, Itto with his blood Oni through his veins, runs as much faster than her. Still, he couldn't leave her behind and he turned his back, noticing the few soldiers couldn't keep up with them.

And thus, the two members of the Arataki gang escaped from the Tenryuu Commissioner Officers once again. Arataki Itto felt his victory rise again when he knew how fast and stronger he was than those mere mortals.