Watching from the Shadows

Because dealing with them is very troublesome.

Shuya assumed that at Yukino Yukinoshita's age, if something unusual happened, she would definitely tell her family.

Unexpectedly, Yukino Yukinoshita no ordinary person; she was able to endure it and silently accept this situation.

Shuya made a mistake from the beginning, which is why Haruno learned the truth.

His initial show of arrogance was merely an attempt to gain control over the handling of the situation.

I never expected to look like a complete idiot.

This was one of the very few mistakes in Shuya's life.

Ah, Yukino Yukinoshita, how interesting.

Woman, you've successfully caught my attention.

Shuya found joy even in hardship.

Now he's in trouble.

If Yukino's family finds out, he may have to spend a lot of effort persuading them.

This brings us to Shuya's purpose.

He needs the Snow Woman's power.

The Snow Woman) can create icy and snowy environments, making her a perfect match for the Northland New Snow Thousand-Fold Style).

The combination of Ikeda Ichinosuke and Snow Woman was quite formidable back then.

When Shuya found out that Yukino had obtained the remaining power of the Snow Woman, he set his sights on her.

I hope she can help resolve the Fox God's incident.

If Yukino Yukinoshita's family didn't know, he could have secretly persuaded and abducted her.

But once her family found out, they had to reconsider their actions.

The Yukinoshita Family has some power, so it's possible they could hinder Shuya.

After Shuya finished explaining, Haruno didn't say anything; she was trying her best to process what he had said.

He had no idea what Haruno was thinking.

Hmm... I haven't learned any methods for erasing memories... How about trying physical erasure...?

Shuya looked at Haruno's beautiful face, contemplating a dangerous situation.

Such a beautiful head, it must sound really nice to tap.

After thinking it over, Haruno grasped the key point. "Shu-chan, why are you so concerned about Yukino- chan? Is it simply out of kindness? Or is it because you know that Snow Woman?"

Shuya didn't hide anything. "I need her to do me a favor."

What kind of help?

I can't tell you that.

Shuya shook his head. Haruno was not from his world, and he was not prepared to tell her everything.

Even if she were to say something, she should say it to Yukino's parents; it's none of her business.

Haruno: "Then let me ask you a different question. Is that matter dangerous?"

Shuya and said, "I can't say for sure there's no danger, but it shouldn't be a big problem for your sister."

According to his observation, the chains were only aimed at the Fox God.

The chains have a counterattack mechanism, but they will only attack the person who moves them.

The ones under pressure are Shuya and Shizuka Hiratsuka, who are the ones who directly take action.

"I see..."

Haruno Dao.

"..."

Shuya didn't say anything to influence her judgment.

Although Haruno always had a bad attitude towards her younger sister, she actually just wanted her to grow under pressure, not because she hated her.

The primary purpose was not to derive pleasure from his sister.

If there were no danger involved, it would be fine, but now she has to consider it carefully.

As she pondered this, Haruno suddenly realized a crucial question, "If I don't let Yukino help you, will you still handle her problem?"

Shuya flashed his signature smile, "Haruno Yukinoshita, I'm not a saint; I won't help just anyone."

Haruno silently observed his true feelings and keenly discerned the indifference beneath his smile.

... He really is a lot like me.

She thought to herself.

The intelligent Haruno didn't try to plead or beg in response to Shuya's attitude; she knew it would be useless and would only earn her his contempt.

She knew that Inoue Shuya wasn't the kind of person who would agree to anything a beautiful woman asked for.

If he agrees, it's only because he's in a good mood or it's on a whim.

In Haruno Yukinoshita's heart, Shuya was essentially the same as her—a pleasure-seeker.

They can do a lot on a whim, but once the enthusiasm fades, they lose interest and become quite negative.

Shuya's criteria for doing things are based on opportunity and relationships; for example, he is basically always willing to grant requests from his parents.

For example, he would agree to Shuya things for his friends, such as his Little Senior Sister and Mai- chan.

Aside from these relationships, getting his help would depend on the price to pay.

Equivalent exchange.

Haruno and shadow.

Shuya patted her on the shoulder and said kindly, "Look at your little face... Don't be afraid, little sister. You're an excellent employee at my mom's firm, and we get along very well. I'll help if I can."

"Hmm... if things aren't too troublesome."

His last sentence revealed his lazy, indifferent nature.

Haruno sneered, "I understand. You're saying you'll help casually, and we shouldn't expect too much from you, right?"

You understand me too.

Shuya smiled with satisfaction, "That's why I said I quite like you."

"Don't laugh like that, it's too much like me, it's kind of disgusting."

Frustrated Haruno took off his mask and uttered suicidal rants.

Shuya's feelings for her actually increased.

This isn't because he's a masochist, but rather...

"I don't dislike your family-oriented nature, really."

Shuya sighed.

But Haruno still young; if he were older, he would probably be able to control his emotions better.

Haruno had made up her mind. "How about this, you go ahead and help Yukino- chan as you originally planned. I won't tell Mom and Dad about this. As for whether Yukino- chan will help you, you'll have to convince her yourself, okay?"

"Can."

Shuya nodded.

This puts things back on track.

Not bad either.

As for whether Yukino Yukinoshita would help him or not, he was still confident.

Ikeda Ichinosuke and Snow Woman had a very good relationship, and this affection extended to Shuya.

Shuya only received a little bit of Ikeda Ichinosuke's power from the First Snow, yet he already felt a strong sense of closeness to Yukino.

It's easy to imagine that Snow Woman -Yukino's remaining power, would be in the same situation.

Otherwise, Yukino wouldn't have talked so much with Shuya she was meeting for the first time.

You should know that Snow Woman are all known for their aloof and cold personalities.

Yukino has been fused with the residual power of the Snow Woman for four or five years, and her personality has inevitably been affected. The fact that she can still talk to Shuya under these circumstances is enough to prove her attitude.

Everything is fate.

The successor of Ikeda Ichinosuke and the successor of the Snow Woman) have unexpectedly encountered each other again.

Fate is truly wondrous.

Could it be... that Stand users are attracted to each other?

Shuya and Haruno sat on the sofa, each lost in their own thoughts.

Haruno was thick-skinned and quickly accepted the premise, then inquired about Strange Arts abilities from Shuya.

Shuya introduced her some basic knowledge, but didn't go into details.

After finishing her explanation, Haruno, having satisfied her curiosity, casually began examining the script left behind by Maeda Saori.

Shuya decided to leave.

As he stood up, Haruno suddenly leaned in when he wasn't paying attention, cupped his face, and brought her close to his chest.

A pink, cherry-red lip print was pressed against it... which Shuya had previously covered with his hand.

"Cut."

What are you doing?

Shuya said calmly.

Haruno revealed a dangerous smile, "I was originally planning to use this to blackmail you into paying more attention."

Shuya said irritably, "Alright, you hardcore siscon, you don't need to do this. I'll do my best."

He pressed Haruno's face down, pushed her back onto the sofa, and then left.

Section 175, Page 159: Observing in Secret

Shuya wasn't just making excuses for Haruno; he went to school the next day.

At the shoe cabinet, Shuya ran into Yukino again.

"Yo, good morning."

"... morning."

Yukino paused for a moment, then returned his greeting.

After Shuya changed his shoes, he didn't leave. He just leaned against the shoe cabinet and watched her open it, take out her indoor shoes, and put them on.

Hey, nothing got stolen today.

It's not stolen every day.

Is that so?

Yukino walked into the teaching building on her own, Shuya followed her in.

She seemed a little uncomfortable, and the surrounding temperature dropped again.

Shuya said, "Yukino- chan... um, can I call you by your name? It's easy to confuse you with your sister."

"... casual."

Yukino turn her head.