Chapter 20: A Surprising New Addition

The Crux Fleet had just docked in Liyue Harbor after a grueling voyage. Beidou stood at the helm, her usual commanding presence punctuated by an unusually wide, mischievous grin. On the dock, Ningguang awaited, her elegant poise concealing a hint of curiosity about her wife's return.

As Beidou stepped onto the dock, Ningguang's eyes scanned the crew and the ship. It wasn't unusual for Beidou to come back with strange tales or eccentric guests, but this time something felt extra chaotic.

"Welcome back, Beidou," Ningguang greeted, her voice warm but her eyes sharp. "And who might this be?" Her gaze landed on a new face among the sailors.

Beidou, reveling in the moment, dramatically stepped aside to reveal Kazuha, who looked like he'd just been swept up in a whirlwind. His long white hair was tousled like he'd been living in a storm, and his expression was a mix of bewilderment and determination.

"I remember that day." Ningguang, Beidou and Kazuha exclaim in union, reminiscent.

"Ah, Ning, I've got a surprise for you!" Beidou announced with exaggerated flair. "Meet our new addition!"

Ningguang's eyebrow arched so high it almost vanished into her hairline. "A new addition?"

Beidou grinned like a cat who'd just swallowed a canary and clapped a hand on Kazuha's shoulder. "Yep! Kazuha here was a bit lost in Inazuma, so we rescued him. He's like a new family member now!"

Kunikuzushi's eyes glint with realization. "So that's how you managed to land yourself two moms."

Kazuha chuckles.

Kazuha, trying to maintain his composure, offered a bow that was just a little too deep. "Greetings, Lady Ningguang. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Ningguang's eyes darted from Kazuha to Beidou, and her mouth twitched into an amused smile. "So, you're saying that Beidou—"

"—has added him to the Crux Fleet!" Beidou interrupted, her grin stretching so wide it threatened to wrap around her head.

Ningguang blinked, momentarily rendered speechless. The idea of Beidou adopting a wandering samurai and integrating him into the Crux Fleet was absurdly hilarious. She had seen many surprises in her life, but this took the cake.

"Beidou," Ningguang said, trying to keep her voice steady despite her amusement, "you've managed to turn a routine return into quite the spectacle. Did you even ask Kazuha if he was okay with this arrangement?"

Kazuha, looking like he'd been hit by a whirlwind of enthusiasm, nodded earnestly. "I am grateful for their kindness and am happy to be part of the Crux Fleet."

Beidou patted Kazuha on the back with such force that he almost toppled over. "See? He's totally on board! It's practically official."

Ningguang's smile widened into a full-blown grin. "Well, if we're to have a new addition to the fleet, I suppose I should be welcoming. Kazuha, consider yourself part of the team."

Kazuha's eyes softened with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Lady Ningguang. I will do my best to contribute."

As they made their way to the manor, Beidou continued to chatter animatedly about Kazuha's backstory. Kazuha and Ningguang exchanged amused glances, trying to keep up with the whirlwind of Beidou's excitement.

Later that evening, after a lively dinner filled with laughter, embarrassing stories, and a few too many glasses of wine, Ningguang pulled Beidou aside with a playful smirk.

"So," she began, "how exactly did you find Kazuha?"

Beidou eyes turned dark. "We found him floating at sea. He told us he escaped from Inazuma and was being hunted." She explained.

Ningguang's eyes filled with concern.

After a few minutes of talking, they returned to Kazuha, who was sitting at the table. Beidou leaned in close, her eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement.

"We have great news, Kazuha!" Beidou said, while Ningguang nodded enthusiastically.

Kazuha looked at them, confusion written all over his face. "What is it?"

"We've decided to adopt!"

Kazuha's jaw dropped, his eyes darting between the papers and Beidou's expectant grin. "Oh! That is great news indeed! Who is—"

Beidou, unable to contain her excitement any longer, slammed a stack of papers down on the table with a dramatic thud. "—It's you!" She said triumphantly, shoving the pen into his hand. "Sign here!"

The room erupts into laughter at Beidou's bluntness.

Kazuha blinked, his face a mix of shock, amusement, and disbelief. He took the pen, his hand shaking slightly as he signed the papers. The room erupted into laughter and cheers as Beidou and Ningguang celebrated their new, albeit unexpected, family member.

Ningguang, her eyes twinkling with affection, patted Kazuha on the back. "Welcome to the family, Kazuha. We're thrilled to have you."

Kazuha, finally cracking a smile, signed the last of the papers and looked around at his new, chaotic family with a resigned but happy grin. "Well, if this is what family looks like, I think I'm going to fit right in."

As the night went on, the manor was filled with laughter, celebration, and the unmistakable feeling that this was just the beginning of many more wild adventures to come.

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