The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"A peaceful...departure?"

Ying and Paimon's smiles froze as they realized the awkward atmosphere and the truth revealed in Hana Sanri's words.

If she was a filthy demon formed from the memories of the Fox Palace, then now it's all over.

What will happen to her?

Will you disappear, Hana-san?

"The reason this body still exists in the world is entirely because the filth of the Divine Cherry still remains. When she is completely purified... my mission will be completed."

The Song of Flames and Lightning (Genshin Impact Inazuma Main Story): Chapter Thirty-Six: If more people could know her...

When Hana Sanri said that the mission was accomplished, both Ying and Paimon were somewhat puzzled.

"mission?"

"How could this be! You should know more about this than we do, Masked Shrine Maiden... Did someone force you to do this?"

Seeing that neither side could accept Hanahara's final fate, Kiana reached out to stop them and said slowly, "Hoshino, Paimon. Don't worry, no one forced her... This was Hanahara's own choice."

"Your own...choice?" Ying tilted her head and looked at Hana Sanri with some confusion.

"That's right, you two."

She clutched her chest and recounted that memory in a deeply emotional tone.

"After being born in such a defiled state, I was lost and helpless. Even though I inherited the memories of the great priestess, what good was it? Even such a strong and powerful person has passed away. With my meager strength, how could I possibly preside over the Great Exorcism as I wish? But fortunately, I met you all. Your performance... truly exceeded my expectations. Sometimes I often wonder, if I had your help by my side, would I have been able to survive?"

“But then you wouldn’t be able to be born, would you?” Ying made Kiana release her hand, and then came to her with Paimon. “Why don’t you seek help from others? You, who inherited the memories of the Fox Palace, should know the strength of the Thunder General. If you ask her for help—!”

"I... I dare not. That person has carried too much, lost too much. I don't know what she's feeling right now. If she knew that her dearest friend's memories had resurfaced in a tainted form, she might feel utter disgust and wish I would disappear completely..."

Hana-sanri seems to have come to terms with her impending death.

Or rather, she had been preparing for this for a long time, and now it was just time for the moment to meet it.

"Please don't be sad for me, everyone. Lady Kiana, I must now fulfill my promise to you. Meeting you all... was the happiest time of my life. I truly hope this moment... can last forever..."

The figure in the flower scattering gradually dissipated into a dark shadow, drifting away in the silent breeze.

He vanished from this world along with his dying wish.

As she once said, she was no different from those filthy monsters.

But neither Ying, nor Kiana, nor Paimon can forget that there once existed a gentle person in this world who devoted herself to the Divine Cherry Tree and this land, and who did not want anyone to be sad for her even as she was about to pass away.

Kiana slowly stepped forward and picked up the mask that had fallen in front of the roots of the Divine Cherry Tree.

This is proof that Hana-san once existed, and the only item related to her. Unfortunately, unless witnessed firsthand, no one can imagine the great achievements of the mask's former owner.

"Is it over? But...it's not enough."

Kiana turned around, took Luminous's hand, and solemnly placed the mask in her grasp, saying, "Luminous, you are a traveler, someone who crosses oceans and traverses the stars. On your journey to find your loved ones, you will encounter many people and things. Promise me, don't forget her."

"...Yes, definitely." Ying solemnly removed her mask, making her promise.

[Ding! Congratulations, host, on completing the mission. Your Herrscher Points have been issued. Please check your account.]

"Paimon will remember! But...Paimon sometimes has a bad memory, so if I forget, Kiana and Luminous, you'll have to remind me!"

"At least try to remember it..."

Ying covered her forehead, somewhat speechless as she complained about her travel companion.

The purification ritual for Shinsakura is over; now it's time to fulfill the promise and go see Lady Kamisato.

As everyone left the newly renovated and vibrant cave and slowly made their way towards their destination, Kiana shook her head with some regret: "I'm afraid I can't do it."

"Huh? Why?"

Paimon approached, somewhat puzzled, and asked a question. Ying also stopped in her tracks.

Kiana, are you... leaving?

"My journey is long, and I won't stay in this world forever."

"I see..." Paimon scratched his head and suggested to Luminous, "It's a real shame, Luminous... can you remember it all by yourself?"

"I don't know where my brother is, or when we will be able to reunite... I don't know."

"Huh? In that case, can we tell other people? The more people who know about her, the less likely they are to forget her, right?"

“Good idea, Paimon… Hmm, who should we tell? Ayaka Kamisato, or General Raiden?”

"Okay, okay, I'll tell them when the time is right."

The three of them walked away, chatting and laughing, setting off towards Inazuma Castle...

...

"Honestly, why did Thomas have to go back for no reason? He made us come all this way for nothing!"

"It wasn't a wasted trip, was it? I really didn't expect the dog shopkeeper to be hiding a treasure chest behind him. But the bugs and meat... could it be his secret stash of money?"

Ying and Paimon walked one after the other on the path in the Forest of Guardians, complaining about Thomas for not keeping his word.

They had agreed to meet at the Wood Leak Tea House, but the shopkeeper told them that Thomas had to leave because the Kamisato family had suddenly given them orders.

Fortunately, before leaving, Kiana suggested that there was a surprise inside the store, and Ying did indeed find one.

So the trip was worthwhile.

"Once we get to the Kamisato family, we'll have to give them a good sue and make them teach that untrustworthy guy a lesson! Hmm? Something seems to be rolling over there, let's go check it out."

Paimon spoke without any fear.

"Paimon, isn't talking about someone to their face also called tattling?" Ying muttered under her breath, then yawned.

"what!"

Suddenly, Paimon's cry of pain caught her attention.

"What's wrong with her? Kiana, let's go check on her!"

"Ah."

Kiana nodded, and the two quickly arrived at the scene, only to find that Paimon, who could always nimbly escape from enemies...

This time, they were actually captured by a small ninja wearing a hood.

"Waaaaah! Don't bite me, Ying, Kiana, help me!"

Zaoyou rubbed her eyes and smacked her lips, seemingly wondering what she was biting and why she couldn't chew it.

"Hmm... what is this?"

"Saoyu! Why are you here?" Seeing her companion being captured, Ying was puzzled as to why this little ninja was here.

After all, they last met at Naruto Shrine, and now they've unexpectedly run into each other in this desolate wilderness. What could possibly be the reason behind this...?

"Waaaaah, Ying, make her let me go first!"

Before Paimon's cry for help had even faded, Zaoyou instantly released her and then rolled over to Ying like a baby rock dragon... She jumped up and hugged Ying's waist tightly, refusing to let go.

"Go back with me!"

"Huh?"

"Eh!!!"

Paimon, having broken free, dusted himself off, looking on in surprise.

Seeing this, Kiana, who was standing nearby, spoke up to remind her:

"She probably meant that she hopes you will go back with her to see Shinri?"

Song of Flames and Lightning (Genshin Impact Inazuma Main Story): Chapter 37 Ying looks like Mom!

Hayato is a ninja from the final episode, loyal to the Kamisato family. I remember promising her I'd go see Lady Kamisato last time.

With the Great Exorcism imminent, Kiana had no choice but to use a clever trick to get Yae no Miko to hold her back, and then she and Hotaru made a quick getaway.

I never expected to run into her on the way to Kamisato-yashiki. I guess what they were meant to do will happen.

Kiana stood with her hands on her hips, looking at the little ninja with a hint of helplessness.

"Ugh... Kiana," Paimon's voice came from behind. Turning her head in the direction of the sound, Kiana saw Paimon patting the dirt off his back and pointing to the faint teeth marks on his cheek. "She bit me!"

"Does it hurt?" Kiana reached out and rubbed Paimon's little face, wondering why Zaoyou would suddenly pounce on Paimon.

Could it be that it was so hungry that it mistook this little guy for a passing egret and started eating it?

"A bit... why did she bite me out of nowhere..."

"I don't know, maybe you smell too good? Just ask."

After they finished speaking, they nodded to each other and then looked at Ying, who was trying to break free from Zaoyou's restraints.

At this moment, she was being held tightly by the little ninja's arms, showing no sign of breaking free.

Even though she used all her strength to pry and pull, she couldn't get the other person to let go.

After several failed attempts, Ying was drenched in sweat and could only wipe the sweat from her forehead and look at the two of them with pleading eyes.

"Hurry up and pull her away!"

"Huh? Hmm...why don't we ask her if she's willing to let go?" Paimon spread his hands, looking helpless.

If it were just her making that expression, that would be one thing, but unfortunately, she did it wrong.

Kiana also stood with her hands on her hips, looking like she didn't want to help.

Seeing that her two best friends were so indifferent, Ying pouted and glared at them, then looked down at Zaoyou who was clinging to her.

"Can you let me go? I promise I'll go with you to see Shinri this time..."

"Don't even think about it! You guys conspired last time... and made it impossible for me to explain myself! I've been wandering around Shadow Mountain for so long, don't think I'll fall for the same tricks again, ugh~"

Although Zaoyou yawned and made some tough remarks, she didn't let her guard down for a moment.

It's clear she's been scammed before.

Faced with this situation, Ying felt increasingly powerless. She looked up at Kiana and Paimon, seemingly hoping to get some advice from them.