"Here, let me help you."
Uchiha Shigure bent down beside Hoshiko, picking up the last few crates stacked awkwardly around the shop.
It had taken nearly an hour of hard work, but finally, every box was sorted, all the jars sealed, and the shelves neatly arranged. Hoshiko collapsed against the counter, breathless and flushed from exhaustion. By contrast, Shigure looked calm, barely winded.
"Alright, that's everything. This customer was—"
"Oh? Sorry!" A mocking laugh cut her off. The young man they had been helping, dressed in lavish clothes and dripping arrogance, turned with a smirk. "I didn't bring any money today. Maybe next time." He spun on his heel as if the entire shop were his stage, and made for the exit.
Shigure's expression darkened. He stepped forward, placing one hand firmly on the young man's shoulder.
"Are you joking with us?"
The arrogant youth paused, lifting his chin. "Oh? You're a ninja, huh? So impressive." His smile widened in mockery. "What's the plan, big shot? You want to hit me? Don't forget—this is Konoha Village. Strike me here, and you'll regret it."
Then he raised his voice suddenly, loud enough for those outside to hear. "Help! They're trying to force me into a shady deal!"
At once, several towering bodyguards stormed through the doors, faces grim and fists already clenched.
"What's the commotion?! What's going on?!" The store manager's booming voice resounded, accompanied by his heavy steps.
"Manager—" Hoshiko began quickly, but the man's eyes had already shifted and softened. He recognized the arrogant customer immediately.
"Oho! Master Nakajima!" The bearded manager's attitude flipped in an instant. His tone was rich with flattery. "What an honor! What seems to be the trouble? You look upset." It was obvious—this manager had played this game before.
Young Master Nakajima sneered, pointing at Shigure. "This little clerk tried to force me into buying something. Worse, she even brought in outsiders to rough me up. Look, his hand's on my shoulder! That's proof enough."
"He's not an outsider!" Hoshiko snapped, her voice trembling with fury. "He's my brother! You're slandering me! What did I ever do to you?"
Nakajima's smile turned sharp. "You? Nothing at all. My real grievance is with the one not on shift today… Narcissus. That's who I came for."
"Narcissus?" The manager's brow furrowed. "You mean Miss Amamiya Narcissus… She doesn't work today…"
"I don't care," Nakajima interrupted, voice cold with entitled authority. "I came to see Narcissus, and that's what I'll do."
"But, Master Nakajima," the manager said, now sweating profusely, "she… truly isn't here."
"Then fire this brat!" Nakajima jabbed a finger at Hoshiko. "Replace her with Miss Narcissus. I'll cover the salary out of my own pocket. You'll profit more with me as a regular patron. Otherwise—" His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Forget about keeping this shop open."
The manager nodded quickly, then turned toward Hoshiko. "Come on, just let go of him," he urged with a desperate blink.
Nakajima smirked, sensing his victory. "Good. Fire her."
The manager hesitated for only a moment before sighing deeply, guilt shadowing his face. "Hoshiko… I'm sorry. You're dismissed. Take your friend and go."
"Manager! That's not fair! I—"
"Hoshiko," Shigure said softly, raising a hand to stop her retort. His calm voice cut through the tension. "Enough. Don't say another word."
He turned his gaze on Nakajima, eyes sharp as a blade. "I get it now. You're chasing after this 'Narcissus,' and she doesn't feel the same. That wounded your pride. So, you tossed your tantrum onto Hoshiko. You're nothing but an empty purse rattling with your father's money."
Nakajima's face contorted with rage. "You bastard! Who do you think you're talking to?"
With a subtle gesture, he signaled his bodyguards. Two bulky men rushed Shigure without hesitation.
Shigure welcomed it. His lips curved in a faint smile as his chakra flared.
The first bodyguard lunged, but Shigure's fist sank deep into his stomach. "Prrghh!" The man collapsed onto the floor, retching violently.
The second barreled forward in blind anger. A simple sidestep from Shigure, followed by a swift kick to his temple, dropped him cold.
The shop fell silent.
Nakajima froze, his confidence shaking as his eyes darted to the hitai-ate on Shigure's forehead—the gleaming symbol of Konoha. His mouth dried instantly. "Y-you… you're really a ninja?! This—this can't…"
"Get out," Shigure said flatly, his tone laced with a cold edge that rattled through the boy's bones. "And don't let me see you here again."
The killing intent behind Shigure's words hit Nakajima harder than any punch. His knees nearly buckled. Barely able to keep his composure, he scrambled from the shop with his groaning bodyguards trailing behind him.
The tension shifted at once.
"Brother Shigure, you were incredible!" Hoshiko's eyes sparkled as she beamed at him.
"Hmph. It was nothing," he muttered. "Besides, because of me, you've lost your job."
"It's alright. The manager was really just trying to shield me…" Hoshiko whispered, crouching to gather her things.
The manager—red-faced and silent—avoided her gaze, clearly ashamed.
Before the awkwardness could deepen, a new voice chimed in, sweet and bright as a bell.
"You mustn't leave, Hoshiko. I haven't even had the chance to thank you properly yet!"
They turned toward the back room. From behind the curtains emerged a girl like drifting mist—graceful, refined, and radiating a quiet, ethereal beauty. She stepped forward, her movements elegant yet light. Her presence alone seemed to fill the small shop.
"You…" Shigure muttered, caught off guard.
The girl smiled warmly at him. "You must be Hoshiko's brother. Thank you. Because of you, that pest won't dare disturb us again."
She crossed her arms, a note of steel beneath her airy elegance, and fixed the manager with her gaze. "Hoshiko can't leave. If you fire her, I'll resign too. Is that clear?"
The manager paled instantly. "Miss Narcissus! Of course not. Don't misunderstand. We'd never let Hoshiko go. We were just… buying time, yes." He forced a laugh. "Her brother's strength surprised me, that's all. He dispatched those brutes in seconds!"
He turned on Hoshiko, scrambling to amend his mistake. "Stay, Hoshiko. Stay, please! I'll even double your salary."
Then he looked back at the girl with a bow of exaggerated deference. "Would you approve, Miss Amemiya?"
The girl—Amemiya Narcissus—hummed softly and gave a curt nod, as if bestowing the shop a favor.
"Miss?" Shigure blinked in confusion.
"Yes!" Hoshiko chimed, eager to explain. "Brother Shigure, Sister Narcissus is actually the daughter of this store's owner. That arrogant Nakajima only hounds her because he wants to force an engagement. That way, he could eventually seize her family's business."
Her eyes softened as she looked up to Narcissus. "Her father wanted her to learn humility, so he made her start as a regular shop assistant. She's been enduring this role for weeks."
"Exactly so," the manager muttered hastily. "Miss Narcissus is simply—experiencing grassroots work. Nothing to worry about." With that, he fled, vanishing toward the storeroom.
A silence lingered.
Finally, Narcissus faced Shigure again. Her smile returned, luminous as a spring bloom. She reached forward, offering her delicate hand.
"I forgot my manners," she said. "I am Amemiya Narcissus. But please, just call me Narcissus. Tonight, I owe you a debt for saving me from that vile man. Rest assured—Hoshiko is not only your sister… she's mine as well. I won't let her be mistreated again."
Her words were firm, her eyes unwavering.
Shigure paused, gaze caught by hers, recognizing both strength and gentleness within her. Something told him this was not the last time their paths would cross.
And yet, what none of them knew was that Nakajima's defeat had only sparked a deeper grudge—one that would not fade so easily.
--
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