Ebisu sneaked into Shindai's shop, heading straight toward Uchiha Hikaku, who was lost in thought.
Ebisu nervously glanced around and whispered, "I'd like to buy a second-generation Maria No.1."
Ebisu had also been present on the opening day of Shindai's Dream Workshop.
On that day, Ebisu immediately fell for the Maria No.1 and swore he must purchase one to take home.
He had worked on tasks for a long time to save up and even added his personal savings just to afford it.
Finally about to bring Maria No.1 home, Ebisu felt extremely excited.
Uchiha Hikaku gradually focused her gaze on Ebisu and asked blankly, "Huh?"
Ebisu repeated himself once more.
Uchiha Hikaku examined Ebisu up and down before confirming, "You're sure?"
Ebisu looked at Uchiha Hikaku strangely—he was here to buy something, so of course he was certain.
Why did she and that kid with glasses beside her look both surprised and slightly disdainful?
Wasn't the customer supposed to be god?
"I'm sure!" Ebisu emphasized seriously.
"Alright, please wait a moment."
Uchiha Hikaku turned to Kabuto Yakushi and said, "Kabuto, I'll go find Shindai. You handle this customer for now."
"Yes, Sister Asu Natsuka."
Then Uchiha Hikaku left to look for Shindai.
Confused, Ebisu asked Kabuto, "Can't I just pay and take it with me right away?"
Kabuto explained, "No, these are all display models. Aniki Shindai said to ensure quality, each Puppet must be custom-made. However, we require half payment upfront to prevent customers from backing out after their Puppet is completed."
"How thoughtful! That's great!"
Earlier, Ebisu had felt the service wasn't too good, but he no longer thought so now.
This service was simply amazing—of course they should be custom-made.
Who would want one that's been sitting in the store for months?
Kabuto shifted his eyes sideways, avoiding Ebisu's gaze.
'Ensuring quality,' 'custom-made'—the real reason was that Shindai simply didn't have enough funds to create spare Puppets.
And those were words Shindai had taught Kabuto to say.
Feeling guilty for deceiving the customer, Kabuto nervously offered Ebisu a glass of water. "Please have some water."
"Thanks, huh."
Ebisu took the glass and drank from it while waiting patiently.
In the underground lab,
Uchiha Hikaku found Shindai.
Shindai's eyes were bloodshot as he scratched his messy hair while muttering to himself, "Which step went wrong? This shouldn't happen. According to theory, after balancing, it should've stabilized."
Seeing Shindai behaving peculiarly, Hikaku sighed.
Recently, Shindai had mostly been like this, and at times, it was even more extreme.
"Shindai, someone wants to buy a Puppet."
"Eh? Oh..."
Shindai responded with a hum, then resumed muttering to himself.
Hikaku Uchiha wore an expression of helplessness. Shindai definitely hadn't listened to what she just said.
Hikaku raised her voice, "Someone wants to buy your Puppet! 350,000 for the second-generation one!"
This time, Shindai heard clearly. He snapped back to attention, his face lighting up with surprise and delight. "Really?"
Hikaku nodded. "Yes, really. The buyer is waiting in the shop now."
"Well, then let's hurry up! We absolutely cannot let him get away!"
Shindai grabbed Hikaku Uchiha's arm and rushed out of the hideout hastily.
Finally! Finally, they were going to make a sale!
It had already been several months!
From his initial ambition and determination, Shindai was now nearly losing all hope.
If he let this customer escape, he felt he'd regret it for the rest of his life!
Ebisu, who was waiting around with nothing much to do, was admiring Maria No.1 inside the display case. Hearing the seductive voice whispering, 'Just give Maria your commands,' Ebisu wore a look of pure enjoyment.
Suddenly, Ebisu felt a burning gaze resting upon him.
He turned his head and saw Shindai staring at him, eyes sparkling with excitement.
In a blur, Shindai appeared right in front of Ebisu.
"Oh! So it's you, Ebisu. Buying a Puppet?"
The way Shindai stared made Ebisu feel a chill run down his spine. Somewhat awkwardly, he answered, "Uh... Yeah."
Shindai excitedly grabbed Ebisu's hand and shook it vigorously. "You've got great taste, believe me! Don't think I'm bluffing — take Maria No.1 home, and it'll be worth every penny! Every day will become a wonderful day for you!"
Ebisu forcefully pulled his hand away. It actually hurt from how hard Shindai had squeezed.
Ebisu asked, "Earlier, Kabuto mentioned that the Puppets have to be custom-made, and half the payment must be paid upfront as a deposit, right?"
Nodding excitedly, Shindai replied, "Exactly right! We won't trick our customers by selling off old stockpiled goods! Everything we make is brand new!"
Hikaku Uchiha and Kabuto Yakushi looked at Shindai with disdain.
Stockpiled goods? Since when did they even have any stock?!
Fresh? Are we selling vegetables here?!
"—And how long will it take?" Kabuto Yakushi continued asking.
Shindai answered, "Only three days—no! Two days! You can come pick it up tomorrow!"
"Alright then, I'll pay the deposit. Half of 350,000 would be 175,000 ryo, right?"
As Ebisu dug out his money to pay, Shindai suddenly patted Ebisu's shoulder and asked, "Ebisu, would you like to upgrade to the third-generation Maria No.1?"
Ebisu sighed. "Of course I'd love to—but I don't have enough money. Six hundred thousand ryo is just too expensive for me."
Shindai suggested, "Then maybe we can negotiate. I can sell you a Maria No.1 third-generation model for 350,000 taels, but you have to help me promote it. For every Puppet sold through your promotion, I'll give you a commission. How about that?"
Ebisu exclaimed joyfully, "Really?"
Shindai nodded, "Of course it's real, but you must promote it well for me."
Ebisu pushed up his sunglasses and said, "Actually, there are quite a few people who really like your Puppets."
Shindai replied curiously, "Huh? Like them? Then why haven't I sold even one in several months? Is it because they're too expensive?"
"There is some truth to that, but it's not the main reason. The main problem is... sorry."
"Huh?"
Ebisu explained to Shindai, "You see, your Puppets are just too novel. Usually, people go to bookstores secretly to look at that kind of material. What you're doing is just too blatant. Just add four words, and I think your business will pick up."
Shindai humbly asked, "What words?"
"Full Confidentiality Guaranteed! That poster of Lord Jiraiya outside your shop makes everyone think buying your Puppet will make it common knowledge, so nobody dares to come buy one. I myself only had the courage to come in when there was no one else in your store."
After hearing Ebisu's explanation, it was like a lightbulb went off in Shindai's head—so it was all because people were shy!
Shindai beamed a dazzling smile and gave Ebisu a thumbs-up, "I get it now! Ebisu!"
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>