《Help! My Cousin is a Ninja Princess》


 what!

    Flashback: The Scam That Backfired


    Two weeks earlier, Ryo had thought he was on top of the world.


    He had sweet-talked a powerful Yakuza boss into handing over a briefcase full of cash for a "foolproof investment." He had walked out of that deal grinning, convinced he had pulled off the scam of the century.


    Then, like an absolute idiot, he lost it all.


    Gambling, bad investments, and a particularly aggressive crane game at the arcade had wiped out his entire fortune within a week.


    And just as he was considering skipping town, the Yakuza boss found him.


    Yakuza Boss: "You''ve got guts, kid. But you''re also a damn fool."


    Ryo: sweating "Now, let''s not be too hasty¡ª"


    Yakuza Boss: "Hasty? You lost all my money. You''re lucky I find you amusing. So, I''m giving you a new job."


    Ryo: "¡­Job?"


    Yakuza Boss: "Yes. You''re going to hide someone for me. A very special someone. And if anything happens to her¡­ well, let''s just say you won''t have to worry about money problems ever again."


    Before Ryo could even argue, the Yakuza boss had already made the arrangements¡ªincluding talking to his mother.


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    That''s how Ryo ended up hiding Ayane, the runaway ninja princess whose very existence put a target on his back.


    Present Time: Breakfast With the Devil


    Ryo trudged downstairs, still processing his ruined life.


    Ayane sat at the dining table, smiling sweetly as if she wasn''t the literal cause of all his problems. His mom was completely fooled by her innocent act, chatting away happily.


    Ryo''s Mom: "It''s so wonderful having family around! Ryo, you should treat Ayane like a real sister."


    Ryo: I''d rather eat my own shoe.


    Ayane gave him a demure look, then whispered so only he could hear: "Be nice to your dear cousin, Ryo. Or else~"


    Ryo gulped.


    Entering the Lion''s Den


    After surviving breakfast, Ryo led Ayane upstairs to show her the room she''d be staying in.


    "Alright, so this is where you''ll be¡ª"


    The moment the door closed behind them, Ayane''s innocent expression vanished. Her sweet smile twisted into something far more sinister.


    Before Ryo could react, she grabbed his collar, flipped him over, and tied him upside down from the ceiling like a piece of meat.


    Ryo: "WHAT THE HELL?!"


    Ayane (smirking): "Lesson one, Cousin Ryo: Know your place."


    She flicked his forehead, making him spin slightly. Ryo struggled, trying to wiggle free, but her knots were insanely tight.


    Ayane: "I know exactly what kind of guy you are. The moment you saw me, you were thinking all sorts of dirty things, weren''t you?"


    Ryo: "LIES! Slander! I''m innocent!"


    Ayane: "Oh? Then why is your face turning red?"


    Ryo cursed himself. He had, in fact, definitely imagined a scenario or two the moment he saw her, but that was beside the point!


    Ayane: "From now on, you will behave like a proper gentleman around me. Understood?"


    Ryo: "LIKE HELL I UNDERSTAND! LET ME DOWN!"


    She simply grinned, walking to the door. "I''ll think about it¡­ after I finish unpacking."


    With that, she left the room, closing the door behind her.


    Ryo dangled helplessly from the ceiling, staring at his upside-down world.


    He groaned.


    This was going to be a long nightmare.

 crying mens

    The next day, Ryo arrived at school expecting to suffer through another ordinary day. Instead, he was immediately called to the principal''s office.


    As he stepped inside, the air in the room felt thick, suffocating. The blinds were drawn, casting deep shadows across the office. The principal sat behind his desk, hands clasped together, his face pale as a ghost. His eyes, hollow and filled with dread, locked onto Ryo like a man staring at his executioner.


    Principal (low voice): "Close the door."


    Something about his tone sent a chill down Ryo''s spine. He hesitated before reaching back and shutting the door with a soft click.


    Principal: "Sit down."


    The way he said it¡ªit wasn''t a request. It was an order. Ryo gulped and sat, his heartbeat quickening. The room was too quiet. Even the ticking clock on the wall seemed to slow down.


    Principal (deep breath): "Ryo... there is something very... very important I need to tell you."


    A bead of sweat rolled down Ryo''s temple. His mind raced. Did the school find out about my fake lottery scam? No... Did I forget to pay my lunch debt? No, that can''t be it either... What could possibly warrant this level of seriousness?


    The principal leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Principal: "Ryo... please... save me."


    A single tear slipped from his eye, falling onto the desk with a soft plip.


    Ryo blinked. "Huh? Save you from wh¡ª"


    Cold metal pressed against his throat.


    Another blade rested lightly against the principal''s neck.


    Standing behind both of them, Ayane smiled sweetly, dual-wielding katanas.


    Ayane (giggling): "Good morning, Cousin! The principal was just agreeing to let me enroll here, weren''t you, sir?"


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    Principal (trembling): "Y-yes! Yes, of course! A-always happy to accept new students!"


    Ryo: I''m going to die in high school, aren''t I?


    Flashback: The Yakuza Boss''s "Negotiation"


    The night before, the school principal had been enjoying a quiet evening in his office when a very large, very tattooed man entered uninvited.


    Yakuza Boss: "You''re the principal, right? I need a favor."


    Principal: "W-who are you?! How did you get in here?!"


    Yakuza Boss: "That''s not important. What is important is that you enroll my friend''s daughter at this school¡ªimmediately. No questions asked."


    Principal: "S-sir, we have an official process! Applications, student records, and¡ª"


    The Yakuza boss cracked his knuckles. The sound alone sent a chill down the principal''s spine.


    Yakuza Boss: "Oh, I understand. You''re saying you need a little... convincing."


    Moments later, the principal''s entire desk was stacked with cash.


    Yakuza Boss: "Here''s a donation. Consider it an investment in the school''s future."


    Principal: "I-is this even legal?!"


    The Yakuza boss placed a single hand on the desk. The wood creaked violently as if it was about to snap in half.


    Yakuza Boss: "You were saying?"


    Principal: "...Welcome to our school, Miss Ayane."


    Back to the Present


    Still trapped in the principal''s office, Ryo could barely process his situation. The principal sat frozen in fear. Ayane hummed happily, her katana still touching both of their necks.


    Ayane: "So, Cousin Ryo, aren''t you going to welcome me to school?"


    Ryo: "WELCOME?! YOU JUST THREATENED MY PRINCIPAL WITH A SWORD!"


    Ayane: "Oh, don''t be dramatic. It was a gentle threat."


    Principal: "IT WAS NOT GENTLE!"


    Ayane sighed and gracefully sheathed her swords. The principal exhaled in sheer relief, slumping back in his chair.


    Ayane: "There. See? No harm done. Now, Principal, I trust my paperwork is in order?"


    Principal: "Yes! Yes! You''re officially enrolled! Just please don''t kill me!"


    Ayane clapped her hands together. "Wonderful! Then I''ll be attending class with my dear Cousin Ryo from now on!"


    Ryo slumped in his seat, completely defeated.


    Ryo: This can''t be happening...


    Principal (whispering): "Ryo... please... control her..."


    Ryo: "DOES IT LOOK LIKE I CAN CONTROL HER?!"


    Ayane simply giggled and skipped toward the door.


    Ayane: "See you in class, Cousin! Oh, and Principal? I''ll be expecting preferential treatment."


    The principal nearly passed out.


    As Ryo dragged himself out of the office, he muttered under his breath.


    Ryo: "This school isn''t big enough for the both of us..."


    And thus, Ayane the Ninja Princess became a student.


    And Ryo''s life descended even further into chaos.

 spank them

    The moment Ayane stepped onto campus, chaos followed. Within hours, she had become the most popular girl in school. Her perfect act¡ªsweet, polite, and effortlessly charming¡ªhad the entire student body wrapped around her finger.


    But no one fell harder than Gouda Takeshi, the school''s most feared delinquent.


    A towering musclehead with scars from too many street fights, Gouda was known for making teachers cry and sending students to the nurse''s office with just a glare.


    Yet now?


    He was blushing like a middle schooler in front of Ayane.


    Gouda (grinning, flexing his arm): "So, Ayane-chan¡­ you got a boyfriend?"


    Ayane (tilting her head, smiling): "Oh my, why do you ask?"


    Gouda: "Because from today onward, you belong to me."


    Ryo, who had been minding his own business, nearly choked on his lunch.


    Ryo: "Excuse me, WHAT?!"


    Gouda slowly turned to look at Ryo, as if noticing him for the first time.


    Gouda: "Oi. Who''s this twig?"


    Ayane giggled and looped her arm around Ryo''s, pressing herself just close enough to make every guy in the room jealous.


    Ayane: "Oh, didn''t you know? He''s my dear cousin~"


    The words hit like a bomb.


    The cafeteria erupted into shocked whispers.


    "Wait, what?! That loser?!"


    "How is Ryo related to a literal goddess?!"


    "This must be a joke!"


    But Gouda heard something entirely different.


    Gouda: "Cousin, huh? Then that means¡­"


    He cracked his knuckles, his grin widening into something dangerous.


    Gouda: "If I wanna make Ayane mine¡­ I gotta take you down first."


    Ryo: "I BEG YOUR PARDON?!"


    Ayane leaned in close, her breath warm against Ryo''s ear.


    Ayane (whispering, smirking): "If you win¡­ I''ll let you spank them~"


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    Ryo: "WH-WHAT?!"


    Haruka (spitting out her drink): "PFFFFTTT¡ª"


    Misaki (dropping her fork in disgust): "Unbelievable."


    The cafeteria fell into dead silence.


    Ryo (internally screaming): "AYANE, WHY?!"


    By the time the final bell rang, the entire school had already spread the news:


    Ryo Takahashi vs. Gouda Takeshi


    A fight for dominance, pride, and Ayane''s heart.


    Ryo: "WHO MADE THIS ABOUT HER HEART?!"


    But his complaints didn''t matter. The entire school gathered behind the gym, forming a tight circle around the "arena."


    Gouda cracked his neck, towering over Ryo like a brick wall with fists.


    Gouda: "Don''t worry, I won''t break you too bad. Just enough to prove I''m the only man strong enough for Ayane."


    Ryo turned to Ayane, who stood off to the side, looking completely amused.


    Ryo: "A little help here?!"


    Ayane (smirking): "Oh, I believe in you, dear cousin~"


    Ryo: "THAT''S NOT WHAT I MEANT!"


    Gouda charged like a rhino, throwing a punch so hard that the wind alone almost knocked Ryo over.


    Ryo dodged by sheer dumb luck, tripping over his own foot.


    Gouda''s punch missed, smashing into the wall so hard it cracked the brick.


    The crowd gasped.


    "Whoa! Ryo dodged that like a pro!"


    "Is he secretly a martial artist?!"


    Ryo, still face-first on the ground, lifted his head. "What the hell are they talking about? That was me falling on accident!"


    Gouda growled and swung again. Ryo, in full survival mode, scrambled backward, flailing wildly.


    Somehow, his flailing accidentally jabbed Gouda right in the throat.


    Gouda (choking): "Ghhk¡ª?!"


    The huge delinquent staggered backward, gasping for air. The crowd exploded.


    "Ryo countered him in one move!"


    "That was insane!"


    Ayane (clapping politely): "Ara~ how impressive."


    Ryo, still on the floor, just stared. "No. No, that was NOT impressive. That was me trying NOT to die!"


    But Gouda misunderstood everything.


    He finally caught his breath and grinned.


    Gouda: "Damn. You''re tough. Guess I gotta try even harder!"


    Ryo paled. "HOW IS HE STILL STANDING?!"


    As Gouda lunged again, Ryo did the only thing he could think of: he threw his wallet at Gouda''s face.


    The impact wasn''t strong. But when Gouda saw a single £¤100 bill flutter to the ground¡­


    He froze.


    His body shook.


    Then, to everyone''s shock¡­ he bowed.


    Gouda: "T-Takahashi¡­ You''re not just strong. You''re a MAN OF WEALTH?!"


    Ryo: "Wait, what? No, I''m broke¡ª"


    Gouda: "A TRUE ALPHA! STRONG IN BOTH FISTS AND FINANCE!"


    Ryo: "I HAVE LITERALLY NO MONEY."


    Gouda grabbed his hand and shook it firmly.


    Gouda: "You win, man. I respect you. Ayane''s all yours."


    Ryo: "WHAT?! THAT''S NOT¡ª"


    The crowd erupted into cheers.


    Ayane smiled knowingly.


    Haruka facepalmed.


    Misaki stormed off, muttering about ''idiots.''


    And just like that, Ryo Takahashi accidentally won his first school fight.


    That night, still riding the high of his accidental victory, Ryo actually tried to claim his "reward."


    Ryo (grinning): "Alright, Ayane. Time to keep your promise!"


    Ayane smiled sweetly.


    And then, without warning, she struck a precise pressure point on his neck.


    Ryo: "Huh¡ª" THUD.


    Ryo collapsed, completely unconscious.


    Ayane (smirking): "Nice try, Cousin~"


    And with that, Ayane walked off, leaving Ryo drooling on the floor.

 The Art of Verbal Jutsu

    Late at night, a black car pulled up in front of Ryo''s house. The engine cut off, and three intimidating Yakuza men stepped out. Their suits were crisp, their sunglasses reflected the dim streetlights, and their aura screamed violence.


    Ryo, half-asleep and in his pajamas, opened the door only to be greeted by the sight of three menacing figures looming over him.


    Yakuza Guy 1 (gruff voice): "Takahashi. We need to see Ayane-sama."


    Ryo (yawning): "Ugh, it''s late, can''t we do this tomorrow?"


    Yakuza Guy 2: "No. It''s now."


    Ryo (sighs): "Fine, fine¡­ but before that, let me ask you something."


    The Yakuza blinked.


    Yakuza Guy 3: "What¡­?"


    Ryo leaned against the doorframe, rubbing his chin like he was about to say something profound.


    Ryo (seriously): "Do you guys ever¡­ question your jobs?"


    The three hardened gangsters stared at him.


    Yakuza Guy 1: "...What?"


    Ryo: "I mean, think about it. You work for a powerful boss. He tells you to check on Ayane. But does he ever check on you?"


    Ryo: "When was the last time someone asked if you were safe?"


    The air grew heavy. One of the men shifted uncomfortably.


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    Yakuza Guy 2 (hesitating): "Well¡­ I mean¡­"


    Ryo (nodding): "Exactly. You guys risk your lives daily. But do you have health insurance?"


    One of them subtly reached for his wallet.


    Yakuza Guy 3 (muttering): "Do we have insurance¡­?"


    Ryo: "And what about retirement? When you get old, will the Yakuza pay for your nursing home fees? Will the boss visit you when you''re in a wheelchair?"


    One of the men visibly gulped. Ayane, watching from the stairs, was gripping the railing, barely containing her laughter.


    Yakuza Guy 1 (sweating): "Wait¡­ does the boss even know my name?"


    Yakuza Guy 2 (shocked): "He¡­ he calls us all ''Oi''..."


    Yakuza Guy 3 (whispering): "...My name is Kenji."


    Ryo saw an opportunity and pushed further.


    Ryo: "Maybe¡­ just maybe¡­ you guys are the ones who need protection."


    The Yakuza guys stared into the void.


    One of them sat down on the porch, head in hands.


    Yakuza Guy 1 (shaking): "All these years¡­ all these fights¡­ what was it for?"


    Yakuza Guy 2: "I just wanted to open a ramen shop¡­"


    Yakuza Guy 3: "I never even finished high school¡­"


    Ryo clapped a hand on their shoulders, like a wise old master.


    Ryo: "Go home, gentlemen. Find your dreams. Chase happiness."


    One of them removed his sunglasses, tears forming.


    Yakuza Guy 1: "I¡­ I need to make a call."


    And just like that, the Yakuza left, completely forgetting to check on Ayane.


    As soon as the car disappeared, Ayane fell to the floor, laughing so hard she couldn''t breathe.


    Ayane (gasping): "YOU¡ªYOU JUST TALKED THE YAKUZA INTO AN EXISTENTIAL CRISIS!"


    Ryo (grinning, stretching): "They came to check on you, but they left wondering if they were safe."


    Ayane (wiping tears): "I take back everything. You are dangerous."


    Ryo (smirking): "Remember that next time you try to mess with me."


    Ayane''s laughter stopped instantly. Her eyes narrowed.


    Ayane (smiling dangerously): "Oh? Feeling confident now, Cousin Ryo?"


    Ryo sensed death.


    Ryo (panicking): "N-now let''s not do anything rash¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Ayane flipped him onto the floor and locked him in a painful armlock.


    Ryo (groaning): "Ow, OW! OKAY! OKAY! I TAKE IT BACK!"


    Ayane (grinning): "That''s better~"


    And just like that, balance was restored.

 The Sweet-Talking Battle Royale

    By now, everyone at school had accepted one universal truth: Ayane was perfect. She was beautiful, intelligent, graceful¡ªand worst of all? She doted on Ryo.


    The breaking point came during lunch.


    Ayane, with a warm smile, lifted a spoonful of food and held it up to Ryo''s mouth.


    Ayane (sweetly): "Say ahh~"


    Ryo (muttering, embarrassed): "I can eat by myself, you know¡­"


    Ayane: "Nonsense. Open up, Cousin~"


    The entire cafeteria went silent.


    Then, the murmurs began.


    "Did she just¡­ hand-feed him?!"


    "That should be illegal!"


    "What does that guy have that we don''t?!"


    "I swear to god, if I see him smile, I''m throwing hands."


    At a nearby table, four guys clenched their fists. These weren''t just any students. These were the top-tier handsome guys of the school¡ªthe ones who had never known rejection. Until now.


    Shinjiro ¨C The basketball ace, 6''3, shredded, and always sweating attractively. Renji ¨C The top honors student, cold, calculating, and filthy rich. Daiki ¨C The kendo club captain, could slice a fly in half midair. Hibiki ¨C The school pretty boy, smiles like a prince but fights like a beast.


    And now, they all had one thing in common:


    Shinjiro: "I can''t take this anymore. That scrawny bastard needs to go."


    Renji (adjusting glasses): "Logically speaking, eliminating him is the only answer."


    Daiki (cracking knuckles): "He has dishonored us."


    Hibiki (flipping his hair dramatically): "Ladies love a strong man. If we crush him, we take his place."


    Their target? Ryo.


    Their plan? Challenge him to a fight after school.


    Their flaw? Ryo had never lost an argument in his life.


    By the time school ended, word had spread like wildfire.


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    Ryo found himself surrounded behind the gym, with nearly half the school watching.


    Ryo (dead inside): "Not this again¡­"


    Shinjiro: "Takahashi, we challenge you! A battle for honor, pride, and¡ª"


    Hibiki: "¡ªthe chance to be hand-fed by Ayane-sama!"


    Ryo (glaring at Ayane): "This is literally YOUR fault."


    Ayane (smiling): "Good luck, dear cousin~"


    The crowd roared as the four challengers charged at once.


    Opponent 1: Shinjiro (Basketball Ace)


    Shinjiro cracked his knuckles. "Prepare yourself, Takahashi."


    Ryo simply sighed and raised a hand.


    Ryo: "Wait, wait, Shinjiro. Quick question¡ªdo you really think fighting me will impress Ayane?"


    Shinjiro: "Uh¡­ well¡­"


    Ryo: "Let''s be honest. She likes strong men, right? But what''s stronger¡ªphysical power or emotional intelligence?"


    Shinjiro: "...Huh?"


    Ryo: "Do you think Ayane is the type to fall for brute strength? Or would she rather have a man who understands her emotions, supports her dreams, and listens when she talks?"


    Shinjiro blinked. Then blinked again. His mind shattered.


    Shinjiro: "...Bro¡­ you''re right."


    Crowd: "SHINJIRO IS DOWN! HE''S HAVING AN EXISTENTIAL CRISIS!"


    Opponent 2: Renji (Honors Student)


    Renji smirked. "Nice tricks. But I am immune to such foolishness."


    Ryo: "Oh? Then let me ask¡ªwhat''s more impressive? Beating me up, or proving your intellectual dominance in a high-stakes debate?"


    Renji: "...A debate?"


    Ryo: "Exactly. If you win, you prove you''re superior. If I win, well, you weren''t worth Ayane''s time anyway."


    Renji: "...Fine. What''s the topic?"


    Ryo: "Who would win in a fight: one horse-sized duck or a hundred duck-sized horses?"


    Renji opened his mouth. Then closed it. Then clutched his forehead.


    Renji: "I¡­ I need time to think about this¡­"


    He walked away mumbling, deep in thought.


    Crowd: "RENJI HAS LEFT THE BATTLEFIELD?! TAKAHASHI IS UNSTOPPABLE!"


    Opponent 3: Daiki (Kendo Captain)


    Daiki unsheathed his wooden sword. "You can''t talk your way out of this one."


    Ryo: "Oh? Tell me, Daiki, what''s the essence of kendo?"


    Daiki: "Discipline and precision."


    Ryo: "Exactly. And what''s the ultimate display of discipline?"


    Daiki: "..."


    Ryo: "Walking away from an unnecessary fight."


    Daiki''s grip loosened. His eye twitched. Then, with a deep sigh, he sheathed his sword.


    Daiki: "...I have much to learn."


    Crowd: "DAIKI JUST ADMITTED DEFEAT! TAKAHASHI IS A GENIUS!"


    Opponent 4: Hibiki (Pretty Boy Fighter)


    Hibiki stared at the battlefield, trembling.


    Hibiki: "You¡­ you''re a monster¡­"


    Ryo: "Still want to fight?"


    Hibiki: "N-no¡­"


    And with that, Ryo won without throwing a single punch.


    With all four challengers defeated, Ryo stood in the middle of the battlefield, completely untouched.


    Ryo: "...I want to go home."


    Ayane (clapping): "Bravo, dear cousin! Such intelligence!"


    Haruka and Misaki watched from the sidelines.


    Haruka (muttering): "This idiot talks so much, people just give up."


    Misaki (crossing arms): "Somehow, that''s even more annoying than actual strength."


    As the crowd cheered his name, Ryo covered his face in frustration.


    Ryo: "Why does this keep happening to me?!"


    Ayane (smirking): "Maybe it''s fate, Cousin~"


    And with that, Ryo''s legend only grew.

 Clueless Ryo and a Very Jealous Ninja

    The next morning, Ryo sat at his desk, enjoying the rare moment of peace before school started. That peace ended immediately when Haruka, his childhood friend, plopped down next to him with an exasperated sigh.


    Haruka (smirking): "Ryo, you know¡­ sometimes a girl wishes a guy would notice things."


    Ryo (raising an eyebrow): "Notice what?"


    Haruka (leaning in slightly): "Like¡­ when a girl likes him."


    Ryo blinked. Then blinked again.


    Ryo: "Yeah, I bet that must be tough for someone out there."


    Haruka (eye twitching): "That ''someone'' is you, idiot."


    Ryo: "Me? Oh, nah. No girl likes me. I''m broke."


    Haruka: "I WILL LITERALLY STRANGLE YOU."


    Across the room, Ayane was watching. Her eye twitched. She gripped her pencil so hard it snapped in half.


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    Ayane (muttering): "Oh? So she thinks she can just flirt with my Ryo?"


    At lunch, Ryo sat down with Haruka, completely unaware of how determined she had become.


    Haruka (smirking): "Hey, Ryo, do you remember that time we played ''house'' as kids?"


    Ryo: "Oh yeah, you always made me be the dog."


    Haruka: "A-Anyway! You once said if we weren''t married by the time we turned 20, we should just marry each other, right?"


    Ryo: "Oh yeah, I did say that. Good thing I''ll be rich by then and can marry for money instead."


    Haruka: "..."


    Haruka (slamming her hands on the table): "HOW ARE YOU THIS DENSE?!"


    From a nearby table, Ayane was watching. The vein on her forehead bulged. She calmly set down her chopsticks and smiled.


    Ayane (dangerous whisper): "Oh, Ryo, dear cousin¡­ you''re in for it tonight."


    That night, Ryo stretched his arms and let out a satisfied sigh.


    Ryo: "Man, what a peaceful day. Time to get some sleep."


    Ayane (suddenly behind him): "Oh, Ryo~"


    Ryo froze.


    Ryo: "...I don''t like the way you just said my name."


    Before he could react, Ayane deftly flipped him onto the floor, locking him in a painful submission hold.


    Ryo (groaning): "WHY?!"


    Ayane (smiling sweetly): "Because, dear cousin, you need to learn when a girl is interested in you."


    Ryo: "WHY DOES THIS LESSON INVOLVE PAIN?!"


    Ayane: "Because you deserve it~"


    She tightened her grip.


    Ryo: "OKAY! OKAY! I''LL PAY MORE ATTENTION! JUST LET ME LIIIIVE¡ª"


    And so, that night, Ryo learned nothing.


    But his bruises told a different story.

 Double Trouble

    After surviving yet another morning filled with Ayane''s subtle threats, Ryo thought he was safe. That was his first mistake.


    During lunch, he was happily eating his meal when Haruka sat down beside him. A second later, Misaki took the seat on his other side.


    Ryo (pausing mid-bite): "Huh? What''s this? A seating arrangement I wasn''t informed about?"


    Haruka (grinning): "Nope, just felt like sitting here today."


    Misaki (smirking): "Coincidence, I''m sure."


    Ryo''s survival instincts kicked in immediately. Something about this setup felt very, very wrong.


    Across the cafeteria, Ayane''s chopsticks snapped in half.


    Ayane (muttering, glaring daggers): "Oh? So now there are two of them?"


    Haruka leaned in closer, smiling innocently.


    Haruka: "So, Ryo, you ever thought about getting a girlfriend?"


    Ryo (casually): "Nah, too expensive. Dating means gifts, dates, and anniversary dinners. I''m not about that life."


    Haruka (eye twitching): "Oh? What if the girl didn''t care about money? What if she just liked you for you?"


    Ryo (laughing): "That girl would have terrible taste!"


    Haruka''s grip on her spoon tightened. The sound of metal bending filled the air.


    Haruka (sweetly but menacingly): "Oh, really now?"


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    Misaki, watching this unfold, sipped her tea with amusement.


    Misaki: "Interesting. Very interesting."


    Misaki, never one to let Haruka take the lead, gently placed a hand on Ryo''s shoulder.


    Misaki (smiling elegantly): "Ryo, darling, if you''re so worried about money, I have a simple solution."


    Ryo (raising an eyebrow): "Oh? What''s that?"


    Misaki (leaning in, whispering): "Just marry into my family."


    Ryo froze mid-chew. The cafeteria went dead silent.


    Random Student: "D-Did she just propose?!"


    Haruka (slamming the table): "EXCUSE ME?!"


    Ryo (choking on his food): "HACK¡ªCOUGH¡ªWAIT, WHAT?!"


    Misaki simply took another sip of tea, looking completely unbothered.


    Misaki (smirking): "What? You''d be rich, you wouldn''t have to work, and all you''d have to do is sit there and look pretty. Isn''t that your dream?"


    Ryo held his head.


    Ryo (muttering): "Why does that sound so appealing¡­?"


    Ayane, meanwhile, was seconds away from leaping across the room and throwing hands.


    Ayane (muttering): "Oh no. Oh no, no, no. That won''t do."


    4. The Nightly Punishment ¨C Double the Pain


    That night, Ryo stretched, feeling mentally exhausted from dealing with both Haruka and Misaki.


    Ryo: "At least now I can sleep in peace¡ª"


    Ayane (suddenly appearing behind him): "Oh, Ryo~"


    Ryo''s soul left his body.


    Ryo (slowly turning): "Ayane¡­ why are you smiling like that?"


    Before he could react, Ayane flipped him over and pinned him down.


    Ryo (panicking): "WAIT, WHAT DID I DO?!"


    Ayane (smiling sweetly): "Oh, nothing. Just making sure you don''t get any funny ideas about Haruka or Misaki."


    Ryo: "THIS IS UNFAIR! I DIDN''T EVEN DO ANYTHING!"


    Ayane: "Oh? So getting a marriage proposal and ignoring Haruka''s feelings isn''t ''anything''?"


    Ryo: "OKAY! OKAY! BUT WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO INVOLVE PAIN?!"


    Ayane (grinning, tightening her grip): "Because, dear cousin, you deserve it~"


    Ryo''s cries of suffering echoed through the night.


    And so, the next morning, he arrived at school limping.


    Haruka: "Ryo, what happened to you?"


    Misaki (sipping tea): "Rough night?"


    Across the cafeteria, Ayane smiled smugly.

 Ayanes Strategic Seating

    Ryo walked into class, rubbing the sore spots from last night''s ''lesson'' courtesy of Ayane. He just wanted a normal day.


    That hope died instantly when he saw the seating chart.


    His usual spot? Gone.


    And now? He was sitting next to Ayane.


    Ryo (blinking): "Wait. What?"


    Haruka (narrowing eyes): "Wait. WHAT?!"


    Misaki (adjusting her hair): "Curious. Very curious."


    Ryo (turning to Ayane, suspiciously): "Ayane¡­ did you do something?"


    Ayane simply smiled sweetly.


    Ayane: "Oh, don''t be silly, dear cousin. I just had a friendly chat with the principal."


    Ryo: "A friendly chat? What kind of friendly chat makes a principal rearrange the entire classroom?"


    Ayane tilted her head, innocence oozing from her expression.


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    Ayane: "He was very¡­ persuaded by my reasoning."


    In the teacher''s office, the principal still trembled, recalling the moment cold steel touched his throat.


    Principal (whispering to himself): "T-Takahashi-kun is safest next to her¡­ Yes¡­ safest¡­"


    With Haruka and Misaki glaring from across the room, Ayane took her new position as Ryo''s guardian very seriously.


    First Attack: Haruka''s ''Accidental'' Brush-Up


    Haruka (stretching, leaning toward Ryo): "Oops! My hand slipped¡ª"


    Ayane (smiling, but moving Ryo''s chair back): "Oh my, be careful, Haruka-chan~"


    Haruka (gritting teeth): "You¡­!"


    Second Attack: Misaki''s Mysterious Note


    A neatly folded letter landed on Ryo''s desk.


    Misaki (smiling from across the room): "It''s a little secret~"


    Before Ryo could even unfold it, Ayane had already snatched it and shredded it into tiny pieces.


    Ayane (smiling sweetly): "Oops. My hand slipped~"


    Misaki: "..."


    Ryo: "Can someone explain why I''m the one suffering?!"


    At the end of the day, Ryo felt like a hostage being protected by a bodyguard he never asked for.


    Haruka (arms crossed): "This is cheating."


    Misaki (sipping tea): "Indeed. Highly unsportsmanlike."


    Ayane simply smirked and leaned against Ryo''s desk.


    Ayane: "I just want to make sure dear cousin doesn''t fall into bad company."


    Ryo (deadpan): "I AM the bad company."


    As the girls continued their battle of glares, Ryo slumped forward.


    Ryo: "This school isn''t big enough for all of us¡­"

 Onii-chan?

    It was the weekend. Ryo and Ayane sat in the living room, both bored out of their minds.


    Ryo (groaning): "I hate weekends. No school means no free cafeteria food."Ayane (twirling a kunai): "You could get a job, you know."Ryo: "That''s illegal. I''m allergic to hard work."


    Ayane sighed, then suddenly perked up.


    Ayane: "Let''s go shopping."Ryo: "Why? We''re broke."Ayane: "I still have my ninja clan''s emergency funds."Ryo (suddenly interested): "Wait. How much¡ª"Ayane (smirking): "Not telling."


    And just like that, Ryo was dragged into an unwanted shopping trip.


    Unknown to them, Haruka and Misaki somehow found out.


    Haruka (peeking from behind a lamppost): "They''re on a date?!"Misaki (adjusting sunglasses): "Unacceptable. That should be me spending money on him!"Haruka: "Wait, why are you even here?!"Misaki: "Why are you here?!"


    Realizing they had the same goal, the two girls reluctantly teamed up to spy on the "date."


    Of course, Ayane''s ninja senses detected them immediately.


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    Ayane (grinning): "Oh? I see we have some little spies."Ryo (confused): "Huh? What are you¡ª"Ayane: "Time to have some fun~"


    Then, without warning¡­


    Ayane (clinging to Ryo''s arm, loud and innocent): "Onii-chan~! Thank you for taking me out today!"


    The world froze.


    Haruka and Misaki, who were perfectly hidden behind a clothing rack, snapped their heads toward them in pure horror.


    Haruka: "She¡ªDID SHE JUST¡ª"Misaki: "NO. NO WAY."


    Ryo, blinking rapidly, turned to Ayane.


    Ryo: "WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!"Ayane (smug, leaning closer): "Onii-chan~?"


    Haruka and Misaki, both red-faced, started shaking.


    Haruka: "This¡­ this isn''t real¡­"Misaki: "He''s¡ªhe''s not even her cousin¡ª"


    Haruka suddenly grabbed a random plastic baseball bat from the store shelf.


    Haruka (trembling, gripping the bat): "I¡ªI''m going to kill him."


    Misaki''s glasses cracked slightly from how hard she clenched her fist.


    Misaki: "Takahashi, you absolute DOG."


    Ayane hid behind Ryo, fake crying.


    Ayane: "Onii-chan, why are they looking at me like that~? I''m scared~!"


    Ryo: "STOP SAYING THAT!"


    Haruka chased them through the store with the bat. Misaki threw her wallet at Ryo, yelling that he was "tainted." Ayane? Ayane just laughed the entire time.


    By the time they got home, Ryo was exhausted.


    Ryo (collapsing on the couch): "You nearly got me KILLED today."Ayane (smirking): "You survived. I believe in you, Onii-chan~"Ryo: "I swear, if you say that one more time¡ª"


    Ayane leaned in close.


    Ayane (whispering): "Onii-cha¡ª"


    Ryo jumped out the window.


    And Ayane laughed until she cried.

 Silent Blades & Silver Tongues

    The school day started normally¡ªwhich meant Ryo was already suffering.


    Ryo (groaning): "Ayane, why are you sitting on my desk?"Ayane (grinning): "Because I like watching you struggle."


    Just as Ryo was about to push her off, Ayane suddenly froze. Her eyes narrowed.


    Ayane (serious tone): "We''re being watched."Ryo (blinking): "Uh¡­ yeah. Half the class is staring at you sitting on my desk."Ayane: "Not them."


    Her ninja instincts were on high alert. Somewhere in the school, a rival ninja was lurking.


    And then, the battle began.


    As the day went on, Ayane started vanishing randomly.


    Ryo: "Where did¡ªwait, WHERE DID SHE GO?!"


    While Ryo was distracted, a high-speed battle was taking place.


    ?? In the hallways:


    Ayane dodged a thrown shuriken mid-step, kicking it into a trash can without anyone noticing. She flipped over desks, using students as cover. A shadowy figure leaped between lockers, attacking with kunai. Ayane blocked with a textbook, pretending to study.


    ?? In the cafeteria:


    The stalker ninja lunged with a dagger. Ayane countered by "accidentally" spilling her juice tray, making him slip and crash into a table. Students just thought someone clumsy fell.


    ?? In gym class:


    Ayane backflipped over a flying kick while tying her shoe. She "accidentally" knocked over some basketballs, sending the enemy rolling into a wall.


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    ?? In the library:


    She fought using only books, slapping the enemy ninja across the face with a dictionary. The librarian just thought she was studying extra hard.


    All while Ryo had NO IDEA what was happening.


    By the end of the day, Ayane had the enemy ninja cornered.


    Enemy Ninja (panting): "Damn¡­ she''s too strong¡­"Ayane (cracking knuckles): "You picked the wrong school, buddy."


    Just then, Ryo walked around the corner.


    Ryo: "Hey, Ayane, are you skipping class ag¡ªwho the hell is this?!"


    The stalker ninja, bruised, panting, and questioning his life choices, stared at Ryo.


    Enemy Ninja: "...You''re the guy I was sent to test?"Ryo: "Wait, ME?! I don''t even know how to throw a punch!"Ayane (smirking): "That''s true. He''s completely useless."


    The enemy ninja hesitated. If this was the legendary ''man protecting the princess''¡­ why was he so weak?!


    And that''s when Ryo''s true power awakened.


    Ryo, realizing he might die, did what he did best.


    Ryo (crossing arms): "Listen, dude. You came here to test me, right?"Enemy Ninja: "Y-Yeah?"Ryo (smirking): "Then tell me¡­ have you considered your career path?"


    The ninja froze.


    Ryo: "I mean, think about it. You''re working for some mysterious boss. But what''s your salary?"Enemy Ninja: "Uh¡­"Ryo: "Do you get health insurance?"Enemy Ninja: "No¡­?"Ryo (leaning in): "And tell me¡­ do you REALLY want to spend your whole life getting beaten up by high schoolers?"


    The ninja''s soul left his body.


    Enemy Ninja (whispering): "¡­Oh my god. He''s right."


    He collapsed to his knees, questioning everything.


    Enemy Ninja: "What¡­ what am I doing with my life?"


    Ayane watched in amazement.


    Ayane: "You actually broke him."


    And just like that¡­ Ryo won the fight without lifting a finger.


    Later that night, Ryo stretched out on the couch, feeling smug.


    Ryo: "I won a ninja fight without even trying. Maybe I really am legendary."


    Ayane appeared behind him.


    Ayane (sweet smile): "Oh, Ryo~"Ryo (immediately sweating): "Oh no."


    In one swift motion, Ayane flipped him off the couch.


    Ayane (smirking): "Next time, I get to have fun before you ruin it with your words, got it?"Ryo (groaning in pain): "I regret everything."


    And so, Ryo survived another day. Barely.

 Haruka & Misaki’s Revenge

    Ryo thought today would be peaceful.


    Ryo (stretching): "Finally, a normal day¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Haruka and Misaki appeared on either side of him, blocking his escape.


    Haruka (smiling too sweetly): "Ryo~ we need to talk."Misaki (adjusting her gloves): "Yes, Takahashi. A very important talk."


    Ryo''s survival instincts kicked in.


    Ryo (sweating): I''m in danger.


    Haruka and Misaki dragged Ryo to an empty classroom and shut the door.


    Ryo (nervous laugh): "Uh¡­ this feels like an interrogation."Haruka (smiling but eyes sharp): "Good. Because it is."Misaki (crossing arms): "We''ve had enough, Takahashi."


    Ryo gulped.


    Ryo: "Enough¡­ of what?"Haruka & Misaki (together): "AYANE."


    Ryo froze.


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    Ryo: Oh no.


    Haruka (leaning forward, blushing but serious): "Ryo, be honest. Who do you like more? Me, or that sneaky ninja girl?"Misaki (smirking, confident): "Obviously, I''m the superior choice, but let''s hear it from you."


    Ryo''s brain shut down.


    Ryo (internally screaming): WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!


    He had two options:1?? Answer truthfully ¡ú Immediate death.2?? Lie ¡ú Delayed death.


    Ryo (suddenly serious): "You know¡­ this is a deep question."Haruka & Misaki (leaning in): "Yeah?"Ryo (nodding, crossing arms): "How can I possibly answer before considering all factors?"


    Step 1: Stall for Time.


    Ryo: "Love is a complex thing. It requires deep thought, understanding, and¡ª"


    Misaki: "Just pick someone, idiot."


    Step 2: Confuse the Enemy.


    Ryo: "BUT! What is love, really?"Haruka: "DON''T START PHILOSOPHIZING."


    Step 3: Escape.


    Ryo (pointing to the window): "OH NO, A DISTRACTION!"


    Haruka and Misaki instinctively looked.


    Ryo ran.


    Haruka & Misaki: "GET BACK HERE!"


    That night, Ryo sighed in relief.


    Ryo (grinning): "Man, I dodged that one."


    Then, Ayane''s voice purred behind him.


    Ayane (smirking): "Oh, Ryo~"Ryo (immediately sweating): "Oh no."


    Before he could react, Ayane kicked his legs out, pinned him, and grinned.


    Ayane: "I saw everything."Ryo: "Please, have mercy¡ª"Ayane: "No."


    And so, Ryo suffered that night.


    But at least he was still technically alive.

 The Day Ayane Became Soft?!

    Ryo woke up to something strange. The house was¡­ quiet.


    Normally, Ayane would''ve ambushed him, flipped him out of bed, or at least smacked him for existing. But today? Nothing.


    Ryo (blinking): "Weird. Maybe she finally got bored of bullying me?"


    He walked into the living room and found Ayane curled up under a blanket on the couch.


    Ayane (weakly glaring): "If you¡­ say anything smug¡­ I will end you."Ryo (grinning): "Oh? The mighty ninja¡­ defeated by the common cold?"Ayane: "Shut up before I use my last strength to strangle you."


    For the first time ever, Ayane looked¡­ fragile.


    Ryo (tilting head): "Huh. So even you have weaknesses."Ayane (mumbling): "I swear, once I recover¡­"


    Before Ryo could process this rare non-violent moment, the door slammed open.


    Haruka (rushing in): "I heard Ayane''s sick!"Misaki (dramatic gasp): "How tragic! I suppose even the strongest warriors have their limits!"


    Ryo: "Why do you two always know what''s happening in my house?!"


    Haruka immediately pulled out a homemade lunch.


    Haruka (blushing): "I-It''s not like I made this just for Ayane! It''s just¡­ I always carry one!"Misaki (smirking): "How pathetic. Unlike you, I hired a professional chef to prepare this."


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    She gestured to a bag full of expensive, high-class food.


    Ayane stared at both offerings¡­ then looked at Ryo.


    Ayane (weakly): "Ryo. I''m too tired to pick. You choose."


    Ryo, being Ryo, made the worst possible decision.


    Ryo: "I''ll take both. I''m starving."


    Haruka & Misaki (in sync): "YOU''RE NOT THE ONE WHO''S SICK!!!"


    Haruka and Misaki took turns fussing over Ayane, but as soon as they left the room¡­


    Ayane (mumbling): "Ryo¡­ water¡­"Ryo: "Oh, NOW you need me?"Ayane: "Shut up¡­ or I''ll¡­ beat you¡­ later¡­"


    Ryo sighed, grabbed a wet towel, and placed it on her forehead.


    Ryo: "Wow. Taking care of you without getting punched? This is new."


    Ayane opened one eye, her usual sharp gaze missing.


    Ayane (softly): "You''re¡­ kinda nice when you''re not an idiot."Ryo (grinning): "Is that a compliment? From you?"Ayane (mumbling): "Don''t get used to it¡­"


    For the first time ever, Ryo saw a different side of Ayane. One that wasn''t smug, teasing, or violent.


    And it made his heart feel weird.


    Ryo (frowning): "Ugh. Maybe I''m getting sick too."


    By nighttime, Haruka and Misaki had gone home, and Ayane was finally resting.


    Ryo, sitting beside her, let out a relieved sigh.


    Ryo: "Okay, finally, some peace¡ª"


    Then, Ayane shifted under the blanket¡­ and grabbed his sleeve.


    Ryo (blinking): "Uh¡­ Ayane?"


    She wasn''t fully awake, but she mumbled softly:


    Ayane (sleepily): "¡­Don''t leave."


    For once, there was no teasing. No threats. No smug grins. Just¡­ a quiet, genuine moment.


    Ryo, normally dense, felt something stir in his chest.


    Ryo (softly): "¡­Yeah, yeah. I won''t."


    And for the first time¡­


    Ayane didn''t beat him that night.