In short, Yelan's words were as blunt as they could be, not mincing anything, and even Itto understood.
[Arataki Itto, displeased: "What's that supposed to mean? You think I'm not famous enough, or that I've got bad intentions?"]
[Yelan, unhurried: "It's precisely because I don't know your background that I can't let you move freely. Besides, Yanfei's attitude doesn't exactly scream that she needs your help, does it?"]
[Itto laughed loudly: "Ha! How would you know? Are you a mind reader or something?"]
The two were on the verge of an argument, but thankfully, Kuki Shinobu was there to mediate. She was truly breaking her heart for this "family."
If they actually fought, the Traveler would be in the most awkward spot, with friends on both sides, stuck in the middle.
Sure enough, in the illustration, she stood in the center, with Itto and Yelan facing off on either side, her hands raised to calm them.
Unfortunately, Inazumans, like their Archon, could be clever like Makoto but stubborn like Ei. Arataki Itto's bullheadedness kicked in.
[Itto spread his hands: "What if we don't plan on leaving right away?"]
In the illustration, Itto struck a "sumo" stance, already in combat mode.
[Yelan's tone turned icy: "Then I'm afraid something unpleasant might happen."]
Lucian drew another illustration of Yelan, her brows slightly furrowed, her expression stern.
Now it didn't just look like an argument—it was shaping up to be a fight.
Kuki Shinobu, the "mom," was still trying to mediate.
[Kuki Shinobu, holding Itto back: "Wait, there's no need for a conflict here!"]
[Itto, unconvinced: "No way, I'm going in, and what's she gonna do about it?"]
Readers could only say: don't try this at home. Itto could act like this because he could take a beating.
[Yelan flashed a "dangerous" smile: "Heh… Think I'm joking?"]
While readers didn't want them to fight, they were also curious—who was stronger?
Ayaka sighed, giving a helpless bitter smile. Itto was both bringing pride and shame to Inazuma. Using force in another nation's restricted area… this could turn into a diplomatic issue.
In reality, Itto glanced at Yelan and noticed she was looking at him too.
She must have seen this scene. Arataki Itto scratched his head. "Sorry, I got too worked up."
"My bad for poor word choice," Yelan said with a smile.
She didn't say she was wrong, just that her phrasing was off, because what she said was true—just a bit too direct.
Unlike the story, they had met a few times in reality. Itto, for all his flaws, was great at making friends.
While Yelan hadn't become his "bro," having read Itto's story, she knew his character and trusted him.
Back to the book, Yanfei also tried to mediate, planning to leverage her "face fruit" ability.
Perhaps because she tried using "face" in front of a face fruit ability user, she was punished. The ground suddenly began to tremble.
The ground beneath their feet cracked, and a large hole appeared, giving them no time to react before they all fell in.
[Paimon, rubbing her head: "Ow, ow, ow, what happened?! Hey, Lumine, you okay?"]
Though she was in pain, not understanding what happened, her first concern was for the Traveler.
They had fallen into a hole of unknown depth, yet miraculously, no one died or was seriously injured.
Furina was curious, silently observing Paimon floating beside Lumine.
In her mind, she thought: Isn't Paimon floating? Why did she fall and get hurt?
She didn't ask aloud, as no one else seemed curious about it. Asking would make it seem like she was the only one clueless. She'd ask Lucian privately later.
[Yanfei stood up, rubbing her backside: "Ugh… Even cushioning my fall with a book didn't help…"]
She was in pain too. This must be what they mean by "you only regret not having enough books when you need them."
Yelan, beside her, scanned the surroundings, trying to figure out where they were and if there was any danger.
Itto, recovering, immediately checked on everyone—except Yelan.
[Paimon: "Hey, just how deep did we fall?"]
[Yelan analyzed: "It seems the ground collapsed during our standoff. Could it be because we used elemental power…?"]
[Itto, arms crossed, head tilted: "It's not my fault, you know. You were so rude—who wouldn't get mad?"]
Readers then recalled that during the standoff, Itto had stomped the ground in his "sumo" stance. Could that one stomp have caused the collapse?
This place had already been struck by the Nail of the Heavens. Itto's additional stomp might have been too much. The kid's clueless, but he's got strength.
Just like his Archon, full of unstoppable bullheaded energy.
[Yelan stared at Itto: "My job is to stop outsiders from trespassing in restricted areas. If telling the truth counts as rude… your mentality might be a bit too fragile."]
Furina quietly observed the two, worried they'd fight and drag the "pond god" into it.
She couldn't fathom what Lucian was thinking, writing this and still bringing them together.
Weren't you afraid Itto would actually show his "fragility"?
Lucian, however, thought, What's there to be fragile about? Let's hear what Scaramouche has to say.
Scaramouche: "Am I harsh? I just tell the truth. Those who can't handle it should reflect on themselves."
Hear that, Itto?
[Itto, hands on hips: "You…! I live for pride, and I don't like backing down!"]
Navia couldn't help but pat Itto. His personality really suited her taste—not just his personality, but other aspects too.
Both were gang leaders, both at odds with official figures wielding Electro Visions.
But no matter how well they got along, Itto was indeed in the wrong this time.
Yelan was doing her job. You expected her to serve you with a smile? Was that part of her job description?
"Dear, there's a cell waiting for you to sit in~."
Did you expect Yelan to say that with a smile?
Itto knew he was in the wrong, which is why he apologized first earlier.
Back to the story, Kuki Shinobu looked at Itto helplessly:
["Boss, you can't outtalk her. Why do you keep arguing?"]
Indeed, anyone could see Itto was outmatched and arguing without reason.
[Itto, shocked: "Shinobu, whose side are you on?"]
But Kuki Shinobu didn't care about her boss's "reprimand" and naturally "lectured" Itto.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Arataki Itto: About the Chasm Trip
"It was fun, but a dangerous place like that is best avoided. If you must go, make sure to bring your big bro along!"