Chapter 0017: Azuki
I had no idea that even before my graduation, my future had already been decided by a certain blonde, violent lady. Nor was I aware that the Third Great Ninja War, which would occur in the original story, was quietly approaching.
At this moment, I stood in front of a guesthouse, lost in thought, my youthful face etched with worry.
"Why are you spacing out? Hurry up and knock on the door!" Kurenai suddenly slapped the back of my head and ordered.
"C-can't we skip it… Big Sis, I'm a bit scared," I said, turning around with a pitiful look. It was as if the house before me was not a simple residence but a lair of a prehistoric beast.
"Scared of what?!" Kurenai grabbed my cheeks and shook my face. "Does Auntie Miki really look like she would eat you up?"
"It's not that, it's just… I don't know how to deal with that woman," I said, my frustration clear.
In truth, I had a premonition that if given the chance, that woman might really devour me—figuratively speaking.
"No matter what, you can't avoid this today," Kurenai's expression turned serious. "I already told Auntie Miki and Azuki that we'd be visiting. Are you going to go back on your word and disappoint them?"
That was something you decided on your own, not me! Why drag me into this!
I mentally grumbled, but didn't dare voice it. Instead, I reluctantly said, "Alright, I'll go knock."
Knock, knock, knock.
The sound echoed like a hammer on my own heart. At this moment, I desperately hoped the owner of the house was out and not at home.
But ideals were far from reality. Soon, the guesthouse door creaked open, revealing a gracefully beautiful woman.
She was a classic Eastern beauty with a gentle and lovely face, dressed in a tight, pure black dress that accentuated her slender figure. Her jet-black hair was styled up, giving off an elegant and refreshing vibe. She looked like a friendly older sister who would naturally make one want to get close to her.
But I knew well that beneath this seemingly deceiving exterior lay a demonic soul.
Every time I thought of the humiliating past I had with her, I couldn't help but shiver and feel a strong urge to distance myself from this female devil.
"Oh, you're here," the woman greeted with a bright smile. "It's been a while, Hiroto-kun."
"Yes, it has been a while, Auntie Miki," I said, forcing myself to stay calm.
"Come in, come in. Azuki has been waiting for a long time!" Miki opened the door wide and ushered me and Kurenai inside.
As if to confirm her words, as soon as I entered the hallway, a small, delicate figure rushed over. "Hiroto Oni-chan, I've missed you so much! Azuki has been thinking about you!"
"I missed you too. Let's go for a fly," I said, lifting her effortlessly with just a bit of effort.
"Mmm… Oni-chan is lying!" Though the feeling of being lifted was delightful for the little girl, she still promptly called out my deception. "If you missed Azuki so much, why didn't you come to see me earlier?"
'I wanted to, but I didn't want to see your mother!', I thought to himself but, of course, couldn't say it out loud. "I've been busy with year-end evaluations and training."
"Oh, is that so?" The little girl looked skeptical.
"Of course. Oni-chan would never lie to you," I lied through my teeth.
Forgive me, little Azuki. I really can't handle your mother!
"Well, if Oni-chan says so, then I'll believe you," Azuki said, revealing how much she missed me.
Kurenai, on the other hand, felt quite envious. With a sour tone, she said, "Why does Azuki call Hiroto Oni-chan but only use my name? Shouldn't she be calling me 'big sister' too?"
"No!" Azuki shook her head vigorously, refusing.
"Why not?!" Kurenai said, pinching her cheek in annoyance.
"Because Kurenai isn't like a big sister at all. She only bullies people and steals Azuki's dumplings…"
"Rubbish! You couldn't eat all those dumplings anyway. I was just helping you finish a few!"
"Who told you I couldn't eat them? I'm actually very capable!"
"Such a little brat, don't you know to watch your tongue? I'm going to teach you a lesson today. Come with me upstairs!"
"No! Oni-chan, save me!"
"Sorry, Oni-chan is powerless right now." I silently wept in my heart. I had noticed a pair of eyes locking onto me.
Those eyes belonged to Azuki's mother, Miki.
Author's Note: Hey guys, I got a lot of dms saying $25 for just 30 chapters is too much. I didn't realize the mistake so here's a new revised tier list in p@treon: https://www.patreon.com/NarutoWriter
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