KazuXiao

KazuXiao is the slash ship between Kaedehara Kazuha and Xiao from the Genshin Impact fandom.

Canon
Xiao is from Liyue, while Kazuha is from Inazuma. Given that Kazuha mostly hangs out in Liyue, it's possible that he met Xiao at some point; however, it's highly unlikely since Xiao doesn't interact with humans very often. The color schemes of their designs are somewhat opposite, Kazuha's being dominated by warm colors, and Xiao's by cool ones. Their lives have also been touched by loss: Xiao, who lost his fellow yakshas, and Kazuha, who lost his family and best friend. They are both mentioned as the last in their race/ family.

Both are playable 5-star Anemo characters available in limited-time banners. Despite utilizing different weapons, they both share the distinct ability to maneuver in mid-air, and both utilize plunge combat. Kazuha's elemental skill allows him to lift himself up in the air before unleashing a powerful plunge attack. Xiao's burst increases his jumping ability to deal more plunge attack damage.

They also complement each other in exploration. Kazuha's utility passive decreases stamina consumption, while Xiao's passive reduces climbing stamina. Kazuha's elemental skill allows him to jump in mid-air to make climbing/ reaching platforms easier, while Xiao's skill allows him to dash/ speed run across platforms. Having the Anemo Resonance further increases team movement speed.

Although Xiao and Kazuha have similarities in a lot of different things, they do have some differences in their personalities. The two both like to keep to themselves but while Kazuha is more relaxed and care-free, Xiao can be seen as distant and intimidating. Though they have differences, there are some more similarities to mention. Both Xiao and Kazuha are very grateful to certain people. Xiao is immensely grateful to Morax for saving him, dedicating his life to protecting Liyue as payment. He does not take lightly to those who speak ill of the Geo Archon regardless of whoever they are. As for Kazuha, he is forever grateful to Beidou and Gorou for taking him in when he needed shelter.

Fanon
KazuXiao is notably a rarepair within the Genshin fandom, however it is still a known one. There are currently over 300 works of the ship on ao3. Their main rival ships are XiaoVen and Xiaother, two of Xiao’s most popular ships. Others are KazuScara and TomoKazu, Kazuha’s most popular ships. The ships has a fan base on twitter, as there is a lot of content there. The ship most likely gained its shippers because of their dynamic, since Kazuha is so carefree, most fans of the ship think that it would be good for Xiao to have someone like Kazuha. They both can also bond over the fact they've lost people in their lives.

Fandom
FAN FICTION

Trivia

 * The ship's signature emojis are 🍁👹. The maple leaf representing Kazuha and the oni representing Xiao's mask.
 * In an official interview with Kazuha's Japanese voice actor, Nobunaga Shimazaki, he chose Xiao as one of his favorite characters. He stated that he would be delighted to see people “line up” Kazuha and Xiao on the same party.
 * In the Japanese dub, Kazuha and Xiao share the line “風よ” (The wind) with a similar tone of voice. Xiao says the line when he uses the wind glinder whereas Kazuha says the line when he performs his Elemental Skill.
 * Both are unfazed by thunderstorms (based on their voice lines)
 * Both do not reside in their home country (Xiao's speculated to be from Sumeru (Timestamp: 19:00 onwards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAurswn4PII&ab_channel=Ashikai) due to his dream eating capabilities, and was enslaved by an unknown god prior his contract with Morax)
 * Both have similar birthday arts.
 * Both have lost a friend with an electric vision and failed to save them.
 * Both have similar looking constellations (wing-shaped).
 * Both have appeared as one of the main characters in the collaboration art for Sweet Paradise (and in the same right spot).
 * Kazuha's TCG event card has the same pose as Xiao's TCG character card. Both cards are launched in the same patch.
 * Kazuha has stumbled upon an Adepti dwelling during the Tuned to the World's Sounds Event, and has gotten hold of an Ancient Zither and played till it broke.
 * Kazuha usually loiters around Guyun Stone Forest due to the Alcor's ship being docked there. Xiao often patrols around that spot as mentioned by Zhongli during the 2022 Lantern Rite Festival (Day 4 - Post-Quest Dialogue).
 * Kazuha's design is rumored to be based on Beta Xiao's design.
 * In the Bilibili's Fan Art Birthday Party 2022, Kazuha and Xiao can be seen running a cat cafe together at timestamps 5:30, 6:18, 52:45 and 1:49:36.

Variations

 * 4NEMO refers to the ship between the two, Aether and Venti
 * 5WIRL refers to the ship between the two, Aether, Venti and Shikanoin Heizou
 * 6REEZE refers to the ship between two, Aether, Venti, Shikanoin Heizou and Scaramouche
 * KazuXiaoVen refers to the ship between the two and Venti