Watching the charming smile and elegant gestures of Ayako, Kirito couldn't help but feel a little dazed. In just over half a year, this girl had grown into a more mature and graceful version of herself.
Perhaps it was the shift in their current roles, or simply the time apart, that made their conversation feel even more open and easy than before. In fact, the unexpected reunion only seemed to deepen their bond.
"Are you really going to do this?"
"Yes."
Ayako exhaled softly as she stared at the youthful face before her, one that had shed its previous immaturity for a calm steadiness.
Kirito hadn't shared the details of his past half-year, but Ayako knew. She knew full well just how serious this seemingly lazy, indifferent boy could be when it came to what he truly cared about.
Clenching her teeth, as if resolving something deep within her, Ayako grabbed Kirito's hand and led him toward a smaller path that wound toward the Hyuga estate.
"What's going on, Ayako?"
"Just follow me…"
Without resistance, Kirito let Ayako lead him through the winding trail. Eventually, they arrived at a lesser-used side gate of the Hyuga clan compound.
When the guards stationed there spotted them, they exchanged confused looks. They naturally recognized Ayako. As for Kirito, well, his reputation preceded him. Though the clan had never officially expelled him, anyone with eyes could see how things really stood. By clan rules, Kirito no longer counted as part of the Hyuga.
And under normal circumstances, outsiders weren't allowed through the gates. But Ayako's branch of the clan held considerable status, and she herself was the personal maid of the main family's Second Daughter, Lady Hanabi. Compared to ordinary guards, her authority was much higher.
So, when the two approached the side entrance, the guards didn't dare block their path. One did nervously step forward, preparing to speak, but one cold glance from Ayako's silver eyes made him swallow his words and step back with a bitter smile.
"I'll take responsibility if anything happens," she said calmly, taking Kirito's hand and stepping forward to enter.
But before they could pass through the threshold, a thudding set of footsteps echoed from within the compound. Ayako's expression faintly darkened.
The approaching steps belonged to a young man about her age, pale-faced and frail-looking, the type who clearly avoided any real physical training.
From atop the steps, the youth gazed downward, his eyes falling squarely on Ayako's delicate figure, her outline perfectly framed by the angle. His breathing grew visibly heavier.
Noticing his stare, Ayako's pretty face turned frosty. She raised her head and gave him a cold glare, her usual calm now edged with undisguised disgust.
Seeing her reaction only made the youth's face twist with frustration. As a direct descendant of a Hyuga elder, he was used to women swooning over his status. But with Ayako, his noble lineage only seemed to deepen her disdain. He couldn't stand it.
"Heh… well, well. If it isn't the most famous disgrace in Hyuga history, Kirito!"
He turned his venom toward Kirito with glee, venting the bitterness he couldn't direct at Ayako.
"What's this? You trying to come crawling back to the Hyuga estate? Sorry, but once trash is thrown out, it doesn't get to walk back through the front door!"
Kirito narrowed his eyes slightly at the insult.
The young man, seeing this, grew even more smug and prepared to continue his mockery. But before he could, Kirito casually tilted his head.
"...And you are?" Kirito asked, genuinely puzzled.
"…"
The youth's expression froze. While he wasn't particularly famous, he was still a direct descendant of the main branch. Yet this nobody, a disgraced outcast, had the nerve not to even recognize him?
Ayako spoke coldly, "I said I'll take responsibility. Now move."
Without waiting for permission, she pulled Kirito along and began walking up the stairs into the compound.
Being dismissed like that, especially in front of the other guards, made the young man's pale face twitch with fury. But it was seeing Ayako take Kirito's hand that truly set him off.
He had always known Ayako to be soft-spoken and reserved, but now she was initiating contact with him, this so-called failure? A spark of burning jealousy erupted in his eyes.
"So that's it, huh? Ignoring me because you're into little pretty-boy failures now?"
He sneered, voice laced with contempt.
"Wonder if he even has what it takes to satisfy you?"
Ayako said nothing, continuing up the stairs with a blank face, as if she hadn't heard him. But Kirito, whose hand she still clutched tightly, could feel her nails digging deep into his palm.
Kirito let out a sigh and cast a glance at the boy.
His expression was calm. Empty. Unamused.
"You little piece of sh-" the youth snarled, noticing the look and exploding in anger.
Kirito's steps stopped. But Ayako pulled his arm gently, shaking her head. She didn't want him to escalate things.
Kirito, however, simply raised his other hand and gently laid it over hers.
She stiffened, said nothing. But she didn't resist.
There was no need for words. They understood each other perfectly.
"When it comes to people who only run their mouths," Kirito said mildly, turning slowly toward the youth, "I usually don't even bother responding."
"Careful. He's a Chūnin…" Ayako warned quietly.
But before her words had even fully left her lips, a loud BOOM shattered the air.
Ayako froze in shock.
In the blink of an eye, the once-arrogant youth was now face-down in the dirt, Kirito's foot firmly planted on his back.
His calm voice drifted across the stunned courtyard.
"Your words upset my friend."
"You know, people like you, you stand there rotting and smelling like trash. Would you mind throwing yourself into the garbage where you belong?"
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45 Advanced Chapters on p(a)treon
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200 P.S = 1 Extra Chapters
• TL/N •
Hello guys Fanfic recommendation!
Check out my other work:
> Naruto: Mind Control
If you like smart and strong MC, this fanfic is for you.
It's Peak.
Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed