"Excuse me for intruding."
Nobi Hiroshi took off his shoes and followed Shizuka into her room.
The moment he stepped inside, a soft floral scent greeted him.
Pink bedding and neatly arranged furniture filled the room, spotless and cozy.
A few plush toys sat by the bedside, and a photo frame on the desk displayed Shizuka's childhood pictures.
Her round face in the photos was unbelievably cute.
The entire room radiated a gentle, girlish charm.
Shizuka's mother personally brought over snacks and juice to treat the guest who had come to tutor her daughter.
For students who excelled academically, parents naturally held them in high regard—and treated them with extra enthusiasm.
"Hiroshi, Auntie won't disturb you two," she said kindly. "Just study quietly."
"Okay, thank you, Auntie."
Hiroshi placed his schoolbag in the corner. Glancing at the plate, he noticed strawberry daifuku—his favorite.
Without bothering to be polite, he picked one up, took a bite, and then knelt down beside Shizuka at the low table to begin tutoring.
The Japanese round table was a bit too low for his liking. After a while, he slid a cushion under his feet, which made things more comfortable—though also a little warm.
"Shizuka, look here," Hiroshi said, pointing at the textbook.
"Even though this path looks winding, we can divide it into sections, convert each part, and then piece them together into a rectangle."
He calmly analyzed the problem and explained the solution step by step.
It was a classic find-the-area-of-the-shaded-part question—something he'd solved countless times before.
"So that's how it works!"
"Hiro, you're amazing. When you explain it like this, the problem suddenly feels so simple."
Shizuka smiled sweetly and picked up her pencil, quickly writing down the answer.
Taking advantage of the pause, Hiroshi shifted his posture slightly and rubbed his calves. Kneeling for half an hour had left his toes a little numb.
Warm sunlight streamed in through the window, falling softly on Shizuka's face.
Hiroshi found himself staring.
From this angle, her focused, hardworking expression was even cuter.
Below her twin braids tied with elastic bands was a long, elegant neck—graceful like a swan's. Her narrow shoulders peeked out faintly, her snow-white skin glowing softly in the golden light.
Even the bangs on her forehead danced gently with the breeze drifting in through the window.
"Alright, Hiro," Shizuka said, lifting her head. "What should we review next?"
Their relationship had clearly grown closer.
At the very least, there was no more awkward "classmate" attached to their names.
"Oh, let me see."
Hiroshi adjusted his posture and reached for the book—but suddenly, his foot cramped.
His body tilted.
His right arm slipped under the table.
And his palm pressed against something soft.
Very soft.
And squishy.
His fingers instinctively squeezed.
It was warm.
It was definitely a thigh.
"Ah!"
Shizuka's face instantly flushed crimson. She slapped his hand away, letting out a shy, flustered cry.
"I—I'm sorry, Shizuka!" Hiroshi said quickly, pulling his hand back.
"I really didn't mean it—my foot suddenly cramped."
Having regained his balance, he waved his hands hurriedly, apologizing.
You really can't blame me… I'll just do it properly next time.
"Oh, honestly… be more careful next time," Shizuka muttered softly.
"I'll forgive you this time."
Seeing that it truly hadn't been intentional, she wasn't angry. She lowered her head shyly and returned to studying.
Still…
What was that strange electric sensation just now?
She shifted her legs slightly, feeling an inexplicable itch.
"Alright, I'll be careful next time."
Even as he said that, Hiroshi leaned a little closer.
Their shoulders touched.
After all, he'd already touched her leg—this shouldn't be a big deal anymore.
"Hiro… aren't we sitting a little too close?"
"Are we?" Hiroshi replied calmly. "I don't think so."
"Let's not worry about that for now," he continued naturally. "This problem here is important. You have to remember it."
He stared at the textbook with a perfectly normal expression.
Shizuka straightened her legs and tried to focus.
Something felt different—but also not quite wrong.
It was just that the atmosphere had subtly changed.
The distance between them had vanished.
Listening to Shizuka's slightly uneven breathing, Hiroshi continued teaching earnestly, turning pages and explaining carefully.
"So, do you understand now, Shizuka?"
"Y-yes… I do," she replied softly. "Thank you, Hiro. I really learned a lot today."
"There's no need to thank me," Hiroshi said. "If anything, I should thank you."
"Last time, if you hadn't stood in front of me, Gian wouldn't have stopped."
"Hmph," Shizuka said gently. "Caring for classmates is what we should do."
"And besides, you're a transfer student. Of course you deserve extra care."
She smiled warmly, her eyes curving into a beautiful crescent.
Hiroshi paused slightly while drinking his juice.
If he weren't afraid of being too abrupt…
"Well," he said lightly, "I didn't expect my luck to be this good—to meet someone as beautiful and understanding as Shizuka."
"I don't look bad either, so maybe we're just a match made in heaven."
He laughed, leaned closer, and met Shizuka's stunned gaze.
Her clear eyes widened.
Her fair face slowly burned red.
Her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
His words were like a pebble dropped into a still lake.
Ripples spread.
Shizuka lowered her head shyly, sneaking glances at Hiroshi's handsome profile, her heart pounding wildly.
Hiro really is handsome… a good match…
No—no—what am I thinking?!
"Hiro… you're being too direct," she said softly, clutching the hem of her skirt.
"Praising a girl like that… and saying 'match made in heaven'…"
In his previous life, words like that might've branded him a scumbag.
But in this era—especially in a place where romance was still pure and subtle—
They were surprisingly effective.
"Isn't it better to be direct?" Hiroshi replied calmly.
"Shizuka is beautiful. Should I lie and say you're ugly instead?"
"…You're not wrong."
"Hmph… forget it. Whatever you say."
Shizuka nodded reluctantly. His logic made sense—but when he said it, it carried a strange undertone.
"Shizuka, Auntie, thank you for today," Hiroshi said as he stood. "I'll head home now."
He went downstairs, put on his shoes, and stepped out.
"Goodbye, Hiroshi," Shizuka's mother said warmly. "You're welcome to come again and help Shizuka study."
"Goodbye, Hiro," Shizuka said softly. "See you tomorrow at school."
She even walked out onto the street, watching Hiroshi's figure disappear into the distance, reluctance clear in her eyes.
"…Strange."
Minamoto Yoshie tilted her head, watching her daughter.
"He's just a new transfer student, isn't he?"
"Is Shizuka really that close to him already?"
She frowned slightly.
Shizuka had never seen guests off like this before.
What exactly had happened today?
...
Author's Update 18+ 📢
The fanfic Naruto: Raised by Kushina, Took His Brother's Wife – Part 1 is now officially fully completed!
It is now available on Patreon for all tiers, including the lowest Tier 1.
The complete Part 1 has been uploaded on Patreon.
📚 Category: Naruto 18+
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your continuous love, support, and patience for this story 💙