The waves crashed against the hull of Denzan's ship as he neared Liyue's golden shores. The scent of salt and incense mixed in the breeze, a stark contrast to the stormy seas he had left behind in Inazuma. The towering peaks of the harbor city stood like silent guardians, their stone faces carved with the wisdom of ages.
He had come to Liyue for a reason.
The fight with Diluc had been a wake-up call. Strength alone wasn't enough—he needed refinement, discipline. If he was going to forge the greatest weapon, he had to learn from the best. And Liyue was home to some of the finest blacksmiths and martial artists in all of Teyvat.
As he docked, Denzan hopped off his ship, boots landing on the smooth wooden pier. His arrival didn't go unnoticed; merchants and sailors cast wary glances at his rugged, pirate-like attire. Liyue was no stranger to traders and wanderers, but a lone swordsman carrying both a katana and a pistol was bound to draw attention.
He didn't mind.
His first stop was the blacksmith's forge in Chihu Rock. The clang of hammer against steel echoed through the streets as he approached, the familiar sound stirring something deep within him. A stocky man with soot-covered hands glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing at the newcomer.
"You looking to buy or forge?" the blacksmith asked gruffly.
Denzan smirked. "Neither. I'm here to learn."
The blacksmith scoffed, wiping sweat from his brow. "Learn? Boy, this isn't some scholar's study. You don't just 'learn' blacksmithing in a day."
Denzan unsheathed his katana just enough for the metal to gleam under the lantern light. The blacksmith's eyes widened slightly as he took in the craftsmanship—the balance, the curvature, the unmistakable aura of Electro humming through the blade.
"I know my way around a forge," Denzan said. "But I want to refine my craft. And from what I've heard, Liyue's smiths are second to none."
The blacksmith grunted, but there was a flicker of respect in his gaze. "Hmph. If you're serious, you can start by helping around the forge. No shortcuts."
Denzan grinned. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
---
Days turned into weeks as Denzan worked the forge, learning new techniques from Liyue's craftsmen. Unlike Inazuman blacksmithing, which focused on precision and discipline, Liyue's artisans embraced adaptability, crafting weapons to suit the fluid combat styles of their warriors.
During his stay, he also sought out martial artists in Feiyun Slope, training with those who specialized in quick, decisive strikes. He learned to read his opponent's movements, to anticipate rather than react—a lesson that had been drilled into him during his fight with Diluc.
One evening, as he stood by the harbor watching the lanterns flicker against the darkened sea, he found himself reflecting on his journey. He had come to Liyue for knowledge, and he had gained more than he expected. But his path was far from over.
As the wind carried the scent of the ocean, he tightened his grip on his katana.
"There's still more to learn. More to forge. More to fight for."
And so, as the moon cast its silver glow over Liyue Harbor, Kajiwara Denzan set his sights on his next destination.
The Crux Fleet.
And at its helm, the legendary Captain Beidou.
Denzan had always wanted to meet her. A pirate, a warrior, a master of the waves—if anyone understood the life he had chosen, it was her.
It wasn't hard to find the fleet. Even from a distance, the Alcor stood out against the horizon, its sails billowing against the setting sun. The sound of boisterous laughter and shanties reached his ears as he neared the ship.
But as he approached, a warning shot whizzed past his hull.
"Oi! State your business, stranger!" a crew member called from the deck, hands resting on the hilt of their sword.
Denzan raised both hands in mock surrender, grinning. "Relax, I'm not here to cause trouble." He tapped the hilt of his katana. "Just a lone traveler looking to meet the captain."
The crew exchanged glances before a familiar voice rang out.
"Let him through."
Beidou.
As Denzan climbed aboard, he finally got a good look at her. She stood tall, one hand on her hip, the other gripping her claymore with casual ease. There was an undeniable presence about her—commanding yet welcoming, like the calm before a storm.
"You've got guts, sailing up to my fleet alone," Beidou remarked, eyeing him. "Not many have the nerve."
Denzan smirked. "I figured if anyone would appreciate boldness, it'd be you."
She let out a hearty laugh. "I like you already."
She gestured for him to follow, leading him across the deck. "So, what's a swordsman like you doing out here? You don't look like the usual merchants or riffraff we deal with."
Denzan glanced at the open sea. "I've been searching for rare materials, refining my skills, and seeing where the wind takes me."
Beidou raised an eyebrow. "A wanderer, huh? You remind me of someone I know."
She crossed her arms, studying him. "Tell me, Denzan—how well do you fight?"
Denzan's grin widened. "Only one way to find out."
---
The duel was fast and fierce.
Beidou's claymore came down like a crashing wave, her raw strength undeniable. But Denzan was quick, weaving through her strikes like lightning in a storm. Sparks flew as their blades clashed, each attack met with equal ferocity.
Finally, after a flurry of blows, they broke apart, both breathing hard but grinning.
Beidou rested her claymore on her shoulder. "Not bad, kid."
Denzan sheathed his blade, smirking. "Not bad yourself."
She let out another booming laugh. "I like your style! If you ever get tired of sailing alone, there's always a spot for you on the Alcor."
Denzan chuckled. "Tempting, but I think I'll stick to my own ship—for now."
Beidou nodded in understanding. "Then at least stay the night. Drink with us. A good sailor never turns down a chance to share a drink with friends."
As the crew cheered and the night came alive with music, Denzan realized something—this was freedom. Not just the solitude of the open sea, but the camaraderie, the thrill of the unknown, the bonds forged through battle and adventure.
And for tonight, he'd enjoy it.