17. Pathetic (2)

"Everything will be okay because I'm here."

Gyuutarou and Ume stared in bewilderment at the young boy who was shorter than them. 

Although he seemed somewhat boastful, at that moment, they felt an inexplicable sense of safety and security.

"Who are you?" The lackeys reacted, adopting defensive stances due to the unexpected arrival of the short figure.

"Oof, I forgot there are still some fish left to cook." Ye Xinghan raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Blame yourself for choosing the wrong master," he added dismissively.

"What do you mean—" One of the lackeys began, but before he could finish, he was knocked out along with the rest in a swift movement.

"Phew, it's done." Ye Xinghan wiped away non-existent sweat from his forehead, then turned his attention to the siblings.

Gyuutarou and Ume were flabbergasted; they had only seen a blur before all the lackeys collapsed.

Ye Xinghan had utilized his Light Devil Fruit power to move quickly between the lackeys, striking their necks to incapacitate them. 

Of course, he kept the details of his power to himself, aiming to plant an aura of mystery, particularly in Gyuutarou's mind.

"Well..." Gyuutarou managed to regain his composure. "You didn't kill them?" 

"Kill? Of course not. They're just ordinary people trying to make a living," Ye Xinghan replied. He continued, "And I didn't kill Shen Ye either."

"Why?" Gyuutarou asked, his teeth clenched. Shen Ye was currently the person he hated the most.

"His identity might not be significant, but he's still the young master of the Sacred Family. I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble. Besides, his life is yours to take." Ye Xinghan explained calmly.

"Me?" Gyuutarou pointed at himself, confusion evident on his face.

"Yeah, Ume was just one of the victims of these so-called young masters. By sparing Shen Ye today, he'll continue his atrocities," Ye Xinghan elucidated.

"Then isn't that more reason for you to kill him?" Gyuutarou tilted his head, puzzled by Ye Xinghan's logic.

"Urgh..." Ye Xinghan pinched the bridge of his nose. "To put it bluntly, Shen Ye is your responsibility. The longer you take to get stronger, the more crimes he will commit."

"What? Aren't you being unreasonable?" Gyuutarou argued.

"To be weak is a sin," Ye Xinghan stated calmly.

"At this point, don't you realize how pathetic you are?"

"No, Big brother is amazing. He fought those people knowing he would lose." At this time, Ume interjected, her voice filled with excitement.

Ye Xinghan, however, ignored her and kept his gaze on Gyuutarou.

"Ume, he's right," Gyuutarou said with a bitter smile. "I took advantage of his kindness to solve my own problem because I didn't want to bear the consequences of offending a major family."

"I am indeed pathetic." Gyuutarou looked down at his feet, his figure a picture of depression and loneliness. "I want to be strong, I want to protect Ume. But I don't know how..."

Ye Xinghan smiled. "We're all just trying to survive; I understand you, and I won't blame you for that. Because I am no different from you."

"My goal is to create a safe haven for everyone if I can."

"But isn't it ironic that I let a hidden danger like Shen Ye go free? I want you to be strong and motivated, which is why I'm willing to sacrifice the future victims of Shen Ye. I am no saint; I can't help everyone everywhere. I can only help those in front of me."

"But, I will and won't hesitate to sacrifice the world for the one I love. That's why I'm no different from you." Ye Xinghan slowly removed his black robe.

"Gyuutarou, I will ask you once more and you have the free will to refuse."

"Help me on my journey." Ye Xinghan extended his right hand towards Gyuutarou.

"I don't know what the hell you see in me, but you've convinced me. I, Gyuutarou, will help you accomplish whatever plans you have, as long as they aren't detrimental to my sister." Gyuutarou firmly grasped Ye Xinghan's small hand.

Thus, the 'Sickle Demon' was born, the first of the four stars under Ye Xinghan, who would later shake the Draconic Ruins Realm.

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The trio made their way back to the Snow Wind Family, taking every precaution to avoid being spotted by members of the Sacred Family.

Throughout the journey, Ye Xinghan wore a peculiar expression. The cause was Ume, who hadn't taken her eyes off him since they started walking, almost tripping multiple times in her distraction.

Finally, Ye Xinghan, growing impatient, turned to her and asked, "What's wrong with my face?"

Ume gasped, then smiled innocently. "Little brother, you are so strong."

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