When Shin and Haruno Yukinoshita entered the café, they naturally drew some attention.
On one hand, both Shin and Haruno Yukinoshita had striking appearances, so it wasn't unusual for people to glance their way—something they were both already accustomed to.
On the other hand, Shin was still wearing his private Toyosaki High School uniform, which meant he was clearly still a high school student.
Since it was currently school hours, the sight of a student in uniform outside naturally led some to speculate whether he was skipping class.
However, neither Shin nor Haruno Yukinoshita paid any mind to the onlookers. They simply found a relatively secluded spot and sat down.
Haruno Yukinoshita ordered a coffee, while Shin opted for a cola. The two waited in silence for the server to bring their drinks before beginning their conversation.
Soon, the server arrived with their orders. When Haruno Yukinoshita saw Shin pick up his cola, she couldn't help but chuckle.
"Just cola? Normally, shouldn't you have ordered coffee like me?"
Though most high school students had outgrown their chuunibyou phase, some still clung to their stubborn tendencies—like deliberately ordering bitter coffee in front of an older girl to appear more mature.
At least, that was what Haruno Yukinoshita, who fancied herself as the "big sister" type, assumed.
"I don't like the taste of coffee."
Shin had no intention of putting on a show of sophistication. He genuinely disliked coffee, and he didn't need caffeine to stay alert.
If he wanted, he could go for long periods without sleep—it was just out of habit that he still rested at regular intervals.
"You didn't come here just to tease me, did you? If you have something to say, just say it outright."
Since Shin had no prior interactions with Haruno Yukinoshita, he saw no reason to beat around the bush.
Hearing his words, Haruno Yukinoshita smiled faintly before adopting a slightly more serious expression.
"Indeed, I suppose you've already guessed my purpose. So, let me ask directly… Shin, are you really a psychic?"
Just as Shin had suspected, Haruno Yukinoshita had sought him out after hearing the rumors about the Shijou family banquet.
To outsiders, the Yukinoshita family might seem wealthy and influential, but as someone who had already taken on some of the family's responsibilities, Haruno Yukinoshita knew their situation wasn't as rosy as it appeared.
The family business had hit a bottleneck, and her father's position as a council member had stalled, unable to advance further despite the family's financial resources.
Desperate for a new path forward, the Yukinoshita family had naturally turned to Shin—not for psychic powers, but to establish a connection with the Shinomiya family through him.
During her investigations, Haruno Yukinoshita had also heard another piece of news.
The Kiryuu Group, a small-time gang from Shimokitazawa, had rapidly expanded its influence after receiving Shin's assistance and had even formed close ties with the Shinomiya family.
Rumors even claimed the Kiryuu Group had clashed with the Ryuju Group—a notorious organization known across Japan—highlighting just how absurd their growth had been.
If the Yukinoshita family could also latch onto the Shinomiya family through Shin, their development would undoubtedly skyrocket.
"And if I am? What do you plan to do about it?"
Shin raised an eyebrow. He could guess Haruno Yukinoshita's intentions, and he didn't particularly mind people approaching him with ulterior motives.
After all, Haruno Yukinoshita wasn't the type to be easily swayed by emotions. In the original story, she was skilled at hiding her true self—her "cheerful big sister" persona was nothing more than a facade.
However, Shin had no particular reason to help the Yukinoshita family.
While they held some influence locally, countless other factions—many far more powerful than the Yukinoshitas—were vying for his favor.
The Yukinoshita family had no real advantage in this regard.
The Kiryuu Group, though small, was still a yakuza organization. The Stand Users Shin had created for them could handle the Shinomiya family's dirty work, making their relationship mutually beneficial.
But the Yukinoshita family had nothing to offer the Kiryuu Group or the Shinomiya family. Shin couldn't see any real benefit in taking them under his wing.
Though Shin and Yukino Yukinoshita could be considered acquaintances, their relationship wasn't deep enough to be called a friendship.
He certainly wouldn't favor the Yukinoshita family just because of Yukino—especially since Yukino herself wasn't particularly fond of her family.
"So it's true…"
Seeing Shin's calm demeanor, Haruno Yukinoshita concluded that the rumors were likely accurate.
Though the idea of "psychics" existing in the world was hard to believe, she knew she was the one seeking help here.
Now wasn't the time to say something like, "Can you show me your powers? Not that I doubt you, but I'd love to see it for myself." That would only ruin her chances.
After a moment of contemplation, she decided that since Shin had already guessed her intentions, there was no point in hiding anything.
"Shin, what does the Yukinoshita family need to offer in exchange for your protection?"
Clearly, Haruno Yukinoshita had realized that Shin, backed by the Shinomiya family, now stood far above the Yukinoshitas.
A partnership was out of the question—the best option was to follow the Kiryuu Group's example and become one of Shin's subordinates.
From what she had gathered, Shin rarely interfered in the Shinomiya family or Kiryuu Group's affairs—he didn't seem like the type to micromanage.
If the Yukinoshita family could pledge allegiance to him, it would be a risk-free opportunity.
"You've got quite the plan."
Hearing her question, Shin smirked, understanding exactly what she was after.
Of course, Shin truly had no interest in meddling in faction affairs—he was here to enjoy himself. Professional matters were best left to professionals. He had no desire to dabble in business or politics.
"Originally, I had no interest in your family. But since you're the first to come to me directly… I'll give you a chance."
Though the Yukinoshita family's influence was negligible in his eyes, Haruno Yukinoshita's initiative had earned her some goodwill.
"You've probably heard that the Kiryuu Group's synergy with the Shinomiya family comes from the 'Stand Users' I created for them—what you'd call psychics."
With that, Shin raised his hand, and a golden "arrow" materialized out of thin air, landing in his palm.
"Right now, the Yukinoshita family holds no value to the Shinomiya family. So if you want to establish a connection, you'll first need to prove your worth… For example, by producing a Stand User of your own."
"A… Stand User?"
Haruno Yukinoshita's eyes widened as she heard the formal term for these "psychic abilities" for the first time.
The sight of Shin summoning an arrow from nowhere further confirmed his claims—this world truly held powers beyond ordinary comprehension.
"This 'arrow' can awaken a person's Stand. If you have the potential, the Yukinoshita family may earn the right to connect with the Shijou family."
Shin grinned as he placed the arrow on the table.
"Go on. Let's see if you have what it takes."
Haruno Yukinoshita lowered her gaze to the arrow, her heart pounding. She hadn't expected this meeting to not only secure Shin's protection but possibly grant her the power of a Stand User.
Yet when she focused on the arrow, a sudden chill ran through her.
The golden arrow lay motionless on the table, its tip pointing idly to the side—showing no reaction to her presence.
She… lacked the potential to become a Stand User.
To be continued…