Yukito squatted down and leaned close to the debt collector's ear.
With a fake smile and a biting tone, he whispered, "Do you believe me now? If only your neck were as hard as your mouth. Either apologize to her, or die."
His voice was like a devil's whisper.
The debt collector's mind went blank. He understood clearly that this kid would truly kill him.
His arrogance disappeared instantly.
Yukito smiled faintly and patted his shoulder before pulling the Nichirin Blade from the man's thigh.
The moment the blade came out, blood followed, and the debt collector nearly fainted from the pain.
Yukito stepped aside.
Whether the man lived or died now depended on Shinobu Kocho.
The debt collector crawled toward her and knelt.
"Young Miss, I was wrong! Please spare me!"
"I'm trash! I'm not human!"
He slapped himself repeatedly and kowtowed on the wet ground.
Shinobu Kocho stood frozen.
This was the first time in years she had seen someone kneel and beg before her.
She hated these people.
Loan sharks.
Human traffickers.
Scum who pushed others into despair.
"You trash, just die!" she shouted, venting years of resentment.
Yukito slowly raised his blade again.
In this era, demons were not the only monsters.
If she gave the word, he would end it.
The debt collector trembled in terror, even wetting himself.
Just as the blade was about to fall—
Shinobu grabbed Yukito's wrist.
Their eyes met.
She did not want this person to stain his hands for her sake.
"Forget it. Let's go."
Yukito paused, then sheathed his blade.
The two left the alley.
Shinobu bowed deeply. "Thank you. Words cannot express my gratitude. I know some pharmacology, so if you ever need help, please tell me."
Yukito quickly helped her up. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
If he expected repayment for helping Shinobu, that would be truly shameless.
"By the way, I'm carrying a blade. Aren't you afraid?" he asked casually.
"Because you helped me, I'm not afraid," she replied honestly. "What's your name?"
Yukito straightened his clothes and said earnestly, "Yukito."
A bright smile bloomed on her soot-smudged face.
For a moment, he froze.
Even covered in dirt, she was beautiful.
"Hello, Mr. Yukito. My name is Shinobu Kocho. Thank you again."
His heart was practically dancing.
Step one: names exchanged.
Perfect.
"I only drew my blade because I wanted to. Please don't feel burdened," he replied.
"Then I'll leave now. I need to go home and brew medicine for my sister."
She smiled again.
Yukito panicked.
If he followed her directly, he would definitely look like a pervert.
He needed an excuse.
Should he cut himself?
No.
Too extreme.
Then—
Feign illness.
He had mastered that technique after years of avoiding Kuwajima's training.
"Oww! My stomach! It hurts so much!"
He clutched his stomach dramatically.
Shinobu turned back immediately.
"Mr. Yukito, what's wrong?"
"Maybe I ate something bad. It hurts…"
"Come to my house. We have medicine. I'll check you."
She supported him without hesitation.
At that moment, the dango shop owner ran over carrying a large bag.
"You forgot your sanshoku dango!"
The aroma nearly broke Yukito's concentration.
Food was important.
But Shinobu was more important.
"No wonder your stomach hurts. This is enough for ten people," Shinobu said seriously as she took the bag.
"Overeating sweets is bad for your stomach."
"Yes, yes, I won't overeat again," Yukito replied obediently. "Let's eat them together."
She blinked. "Doesn't your stomach hurt anymore?"
"Oww! It hurts! It hurts so much!"
He instantly returned to acting mode.
"We should hurry to your house for medicine."
Shinobu quickened her pace.
"Will walking faster make it worse?"
"It's fine. The faster, the better."
"Hold on a little longer."
She supported him carefully as they walked away.
In the distance, a shadowed figure watched silently from a dark corner.
...
Author's Update 18+ 📢
The fanfic Naruto: Raised by Kushina, Took His Brother's Wife – Part 1 is now officially fully completed!
It is now available on Patreon for all tiers, including the lowest Tier 1.
The complete Part 1 has been uploaded on Patreon.
📚 Category: Naruto 18+
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your continuous love, support, and patience for this story 💙