Parked in front of the gates of the neighborhood park, a luxury sedan gleamed beneath the fading light.
Inside, Minamoto Senya shifted uncomfortably against the soft leather of the seat, silently cursing the decadent comfort of the filthy rich.
A few minutes earlier, when Yukinoshita Haruno had "kindly" offered to send him home, he'd refused without even thinking.
Not because of pride or fear—he just enjoyed one thing far too much: saying no to people who thought they were in control of everything.
But the harsh reality was, he was just a kindergartener. And when it came to physical strength, he couldn't possibly overpower an elementary schooler three years his senior like Haruno.
Her small but firm hand had gripped his wrist, and no matter how he twisted, he couldn't get free.
So in the end, half-coaxed and half-dragged, he'd been stuffed into the back seat.
"My sister isn't a bad person. She's just… worried something might happen to you."
Seated to his left, little Yukinoshita Yukino whispered the words softly as she leaned in close. At five years old, she hadn't yet developed much sense of the difference between boys and girls.
The moment Senya had gotten into the car, she had even leaned across to buckle his seatbelt for him, her clean hair brushing against his shoulder, her skin carrying the faint scent of children's bath soap. Unlike most messy, dirt-smudged kindergarteners, she was tidy and neat, and being next to her was oddly comforting.
Senya shook his head at her explanation. For a second, she thought he was upset—but then his calm reply let her relax.
"It's fine. I know she means well."
He paused before adding, more warmly, "Thank you. For taking the trouble to send me home."
Yukino shook her head, smiling faintly as if to say he didn't need to thank her.
On Senya's right side, Haruno slid into the car with a rustle of her dress. From that angle, she had caught the entire sight of her usually aloof little sister leaning in to whisper secretly to a boy.
The discovery only deepened her conviction: her gloomy little sister had finally made a friend at kindergarten!
Unbelievable!
Haruno, more than anyone, understood how rare this was. Apart from the endlessly agreeable Hayama, her sister had almost no playmates. Yukino was kind, yes—but her seriousness and stubborn sense of justice made her stand apart, and most children saw that as cold and unapproachable.
When the other kids poked at ants, she scolded them about respecting life.When someone invited her to climb trees, she lectured them about how humans weren't monkeys, how it was dangerous, and how it would only make them look foolish.When they played house, she would argue for twenty minutes straight about how a family couldn't possibly have three mothers, until the other children burst into tears and gave up.
Cute face or not, her personality was… difficult.
So for Haruno, seeing Yukino chatting naturally with Senya was both surprising and deeply reassuring.
Of course, reassurance wasn't all she felt—there was also a sharp curiosity.
What kind of boy could make her stubborn little sister smile like that?
Definitely worth digging deeper.
"Alright, let's get going. Where do you live?" Haruno asked brightly.
Senya gave the address, and the chauffeur started the car.
The engine purred so smoothly it barely seemed to be running. Once the tinted windows shut, almost no outside noise remained.
The ride was almost unnervingly quiet—except Haruno wasn't the quiet type.
"So, for you to become friends with my Yukino-chan… you're actually the very first," she teased. "Really, thank you. Thanks to you, she won't be all alone at kindergarten anymore."
"Haruno-nee!" Yukino protested, frowning. "I like being on my own. I don't think I'm lonely at all."
Haruno gave her a pitying look. "The fact that you can't even realize it yourself just makes it sadder, don't you think?"
"…"
Age and experience made all the difference. When it came to verbal sparring, Yukino was no match for her sister. Within seconds, she was staring down at her lap, thoroughly defeated, the little ahoge on her head drooping as if in sympathy.
Wedged between the sisters, Senya watched their dynamic with mild amusement.
Normally, he wouldn't have cared. But watching the younger Yukino being cornered so one-sidedly tugged at something in him—a faint sense of sympathy.
"I should be the one grateful," Senya said suddenly, "for having the chance to become friends with Yukinoshita-san."
Both sisters turned to him at once.
"I think… Haruno-nee, you don't have to worry about her," Senya continued, his voice calm.
"Oh?" Haruno leaned in, curiosity lighting her eyes. "And why's that?"
Even Yukino tilted her head, listening intently.
Senya spoke without hesitation.
"Because Yukinoshita-san is far more exceptional than most of her peers. She has a strong heart and a clear, correct way of thinking. She may seem distant at first, but once you know her, you realize she's actually very kind and gentle."
Yukino's pale cheeks turned pink.
He's… praising me?
"And as for what you said, Haruno-nee—that she's all alone. I won't deny it. But I also believe… that might actually be a good thing."
Haruno blinked. That wasn't the kind of statement she expected from a five-year-old.
Still, she kept her smile, her poise as smooth as ever.
"Being excluded and isolated… you think that's a good thing?"
"Of course," Senya nodded firmly.
Yukino's lips parted slightly. She didn't realize it, but her eyes shone brightly as they fixed on him.
"Lu Xun once said, 'Sheep flock together, but beasts walk alone.'"
Senya's voice carried steady conviction.
"Being in a herd may be safe, but it strips away individuality. Sheep go with the flow, lose the ability to think for themselves, and sink into laziness.
But a beast that walks alone? It may be lonely. It may face danger with only itself to rely on.
Yet it is also braver than anyone. It faces hardship head-on, dares to challenge the unknown. Adversity forges its spirit and tempers its will.
Its suffering becomes its trial by fire—shaping a heart stronger than any other."
He paused, shifting his gaze from the astonished Haruno to the blushing Yukino beside her.
"She's chosen solitude, not because she's been rejected, but because she prefers it. She knows her own path, and she's strong enough to walk it. That's why… you don't need to pity her. You should be proud, and simply support her in chasing her dreams."
Then, flashing a bright, innocent smile, he added sweetly, "Don't you agree, Haruno-nee~?"
Pretty words, Senya mused inwardly. Anyone can spout them.
Before his reincarnation, he'd only been a teenage boy. Compared to the two little girls beside him, yes, he was more mature—but not that mature.
The only reason he'd launched into that speech was simple: to tease Haruno.
He wanted to see how this smug, self-centered little "big sister" would react when faced with such grand words from someone half her size.
And when he saw her wide violet eyes go round with shock, her lips parting slightly as she stared at him…
Ahhh, perfect.
Spabarashi!
It was just too entertaining!
Senya smirked inwardly, his mischievous satisfaction bubbling over.
And it wasn't just the sisters who were floored.
Even the chauffeur up front was sweating bullets.
Peeking in the rearview mirror, he nearly choked.
This brat's the same age as the second young miss?!