Chapter 253

At that moment, Senju Yukika gave the scene another glance and then chuckled quietly. With a touch of curiosity, he walked over.

He wasn't stepping in out of some noble sense of justice—it wasn't about playing hero. The truth was, he had sensed something unusual in the red-haired boy's aura. A strange energy, subtle but unique, had caught his attention.

That energy stirred his interest.

As Yukika approached, the two men who were harassing the red-haired boy furrowed their brows in annoyance.

One of them, a tall bald man with a rugged build, barked coldly, "Who the hell are you? Get lost. This doesn't concern you."

The other, who held a gleaming knife, sneered menacingly as he bared his crimson-stained teeth at Yukika.

It was only now that Yukika realized this planet had ordinary, non-divine inhabitants—and among them, the same patterns of bullying and cruelty existed. Much like the Earth of 1997, where the strong often preyed on the weak.

It was proof that injustice thrived even in distant corners of the universe. Even on the home planet of the prestigious Ōtsutsuki clan, the same dramas played out.

Yukika sighed.

He said quietly, "You two should walk away. I don't want to kill anyone today."

Ever since he had begun his spiritual cultivation, Yukika's inner world had become more tranquil—deeper, more introspective.

Unless it was absolutely necessary, he no longer wanted to take lives. Though killing would bear no consequence for him now, his immersion in Buddhist principles had changed him. At his core, he was no longer willing to accumulate more karma. Perhaps that too was a sign of the power of enlightenment.

Yet, after he spoke those calm and unforgettable words, the two men just stood stunned for a moment—then their expressions turned ugly with shame.

The truth was, they weren't nobodies. In the Kingdom of Lora, they held high status, and their backers were powerful. They weren't picking on the red-haired boy for fun—there were specific reasons behind their pursuit. He was supposed to be taken back to the city.

But now this idiot had shown up—talking big, telling them to leave, claiming he didn't want to kill. His tone was so arrogant, they couldn't believe their ears.

The knife-wielding man narrowed his eyes and said darkly, "If you want to live, maybe I'll treat you to a little lesson."

He'd already decided to teach this interloper a painful one. He wouldn't kill him outright—that would attract the attention of the city guards. But slicing off an arm or a leg? That wouldn't raise too many questions.

With that, both men released the red-haired boy and started striding toward Yukika, exuding bloodlust and menace.

But what they didn't know—what they couldn't even begin to comprehend—was who they were walking toward. Or just how terrifying a being Senju Yukika truly was.

"Kid, maybe in your next life, don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong."

The man raised his shining blade and swung it straight for Yukika's head, fully prepared to change direction at the last second and slash his shoulder instead—enough to leave a lasting mark.

But as soon as the blade came down, something incredible happened.

The knife… simply stopped mid-air.

It was as if an invisible force had seized it, wrapped around it like a vice, and refused to let it move an inch further. Both men's faces twisted in disbelief.

The bald man began to sweat profusely, gripping the handle with all his strength, trying to push it down.

But no matter how hard he tried, it was as if the blade had struck an immovable wall of air. He gritted his teeth in fury—but the weapon wouldn't budge.

His companion stood frozen for a moment, then shouted, confused, "What are you doing? Cut him already! Why are you hesitating?!"

The knife-wielder finally lost it. He yelled back in panic, "You think I'm not trying?! Try it yourself if you don't believe me—this guy's using sorcery!"

The other man snorted. "There's no such thing as sorcery. That's just superstition."

Still, his unease was growing.

He drew a short sword hidden at his waist and lunged at Yukika, aiming directly for his side.

But Yukika must have felt this attack crossed a line.

The moment the blade lunged toward him, a single flower bloomed in mid-air in front of his chest.

Then—bam!

In the attacker's vision, a foot appeared—growing larger and larger—until it slammed into his chest like a boulder.

Thud!

The man was launched backward like a ragdoll, spinning through the air like a kite with a severed string. He hit the ground hard and rolled across the dirt, finally lying still.

Yukika had barely used any strength, yet the man lay there unable to rise. Though his body showed no visible wounds, Yukika knew: internally, the damage was severe. He wouldn't be getting out of bed for at least three months.

The knife-wielder, still standing, stared at Yukika as if he had seen a ghost.

But Yukika simply smiled at him, his eyes calm, saying nothing.

Yet the look in his eyes said it all: "I warned you. You didn't listen."

The man suddenly realized just how badly he had underestimated the stranger.

Panic overtook him. Without another word, he tied his own hands together and fled into the distance, screaming in terror, almost sobbing as he ran.

Yukika couldn't help but feel speechless. This same man, who just moments ago had been snarling and threatening, now fled like a coward—like a frightened woman who had completely broken down.

He shook his head and turned toward the red-haired boy.

Yukika raised his hand and waved him over.

The boy hesitated but eventually took a few steps forward.

Standing in front of Yukika, he looked cautious and a little shy, scratching the back of his head nervously without saying a word.

Yukika asked gently, "What's your name?"

The red-haired boy paused for a moment, then answered, "Sir, my name is Tanaka Little Bear!"

"Little Bear Tanaka?" Yukika chuckled. "That's a funny name."

Looking at the boy's messy hair and familiar aura, Yukika felt something stir in his heart.

He made a decision.

Reaching out, he lightly tapped Tanaka's forehead. The boy flinched, but then relaxed as a gentle warmth spread through him.

Yukika leaned down and said softly:

"Tanaka Little Bear, from this moment on, you're my first disciple."