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Chapter 26: The Fish Butcher and Akihabara Plans
In the span of a single morning, Ryusei Kiryu killed dozens more fish and collected over 300 copper coins. At noon, Uncle Takagi treated him to lunch, taking him to an old, weathered ramen shop near the market. The noodles were perfectly chewy, the broth was rich and fragrant, and the price was surprisingly affordable.
Coming out of the shop, Uncle Takagi wore a look of deep satisfaction. He turned his head and smiled, "How was it, Ryusei-kun? Was the ramen at that shop delicious?"
Ryusei nodded sincerely, "It was delicious."
"The owner of that shop is a certified chef. He studied at Totsuki Academy before, and after graduation, he returned to help at his family's shop and later took over..." Uncle Takagi said with a hint of emotion in his voice. "There are levels even among certified chefs. Those from Totsuki Academy are much more formidable than self-taught ones. Ryusei-kun, if you ever want to become a true chef, aim for Totsuki Academy!"
Ryusei could only respond with a polite, "Mm." Uncle Takagi clearly had good intentions, specifically bringing him here to experience the prowess of the Totsuki style. Unfortunately, his dream was not to be a chef.
Returning to the market, he took a short rest during the lunch break. Whenever a customer approached to buy fish, Ryusei immediately went over to greet them, picked up his knife, and began his work. Uncle Takagi watched how diligent he was and secretly nodded to himself, feeling that he had not misjudged the boy; this young man would definitely have a bright future.
Time passed amidst the damp, sharp smell of fish. When Ryusei once again skillfully "killed" a five-pound bonito, a new notification sound rang in his mind. It was an exhilarating chime, almost as if the system itself were celebrating.
Ryusei paused his movements momentarily, then continued focusing on the task at hand. It wasn't until he handed the processed fish to the customer that he found a moment to glance at the system panel. He discovered a new feature—the [Title Panel]. On this brand-new interface, a shining title was displayed:
[Fish Butcher] Acquisition Condition: Accumulatively kill 100 fish creatures (weighing at least over one catty). Title Effect: All damage dealt to fish creatures increased by 15%. (Wearable)
Ryusei looked at the title and felt a flash of surprise. A new system function had been triggered. He wondered if this would be the last one. He chose to wear the title in his mind, and the status immediately changed to (Worn).
Just then, another customer arrived. Ryusei went to help, and with the bonus from the [Fish Butcher] title, he found that killing fish had become significantly easier; he could split open the fish's body without needing as much force as before. The new function was genuinely useful.
As he processed the fish, Ryusei pondered. Since killing a hundred fish granted a title, what if he killed a thousand? Would the system unlock a new title or upgrade the existing one? If he killed a hundred chickens, would he unlock something like [Poultry Butcher]? Was there a limit to how many titles he could wear simultaneously?
The new function raised many questions that needed testing. He still needed to earn more money; eventually, he could invest in a slaughterhouse and test whatever he wanted. Tomorrow, he planned to buy all the computer parts on his list and start preparing for streaming.
At this moment, the alluring image of Sayuri drinking wine suddenly appeared in his mind. She didn't even care about such a massive villa; she seemed much wealthier than he had imagined. If he could rely on such a rich woman, it seemed he wouldn't have to struggle anymore... but the problem was, he was just an ordinary high school student. He had an average build and average charm. Why would a rich woman be interested in him just because he carried her and killed a snake?
He shook his head, knowing his place. He should continue killing fish and strive to achieve the thousand-kill milestone as soon as possible.
In the evening, Ryusei said goodbye to Uncle Takagi. The older man took out the wages he had prepared, gave him a few unsold small squids, and praised his rapid progress, noting that his fish-killing technique was becoming effortless. Ryusei thanked him and accepted. The title bonus was something he had earned through hard work and sweat, after all.
Leaving the market, Ryusei glanced at the system panel. After a full day of labor, he had obtained over 700 copper coins from the fish.
[Current Wallet]: 0 gold coins, 10 silver coins, 63 copper coins.
Ryusei was very satisfied. Ten silver coins was a solid sum. The next time an "advertisement" was triggered, as long as it wasn't an item of extreme quality like a Devil Fruit, he should be able to afford it.
At the bus stop, he stood by the sign, waiting. Although the subway had resumed operation, for safety reasons after the earthquake, he chose the bus that stayed on the ground. His phone rang, displaying the name "Miss Mira's Jewelry Store."
"Hello?"
"Good afternoon, customer. The commemorative coin sample you ordered from our store has been completed. When would you be available to come and inspect it?"
So efficient? As expected of a store with rave reviews. Ryusei thought for a moment. "Tomorrow."
"Alright, customer. Our business hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM. You can come anytime within that window."
"Mm."
Hanging up, Ryusei looked at the setting sun. Tomorrow he had to buy a computer, streaming equipment, and visit the jewelry store. He was going to be busy. It would be great if someone could help. Aki Tomoya had recommended Akihabara, and since he needed a Kaito Kid cosplay outfit, that was the place to go. Being a sacred place for otaku, Eriri would be very familiar with it.
He sent a Line message to Eriri.
Ryusei: Senpai, want to go shopping in Akihabara tomorrow?
A moment later, Eriri replied.
Eriri: ? Why are you going there? Ryusei: To buy a computer and a camera. Eriri: ...Boring. Not going. Ryusei: I'll treat you to Hawaiian pizza then. Eriri: How did you know I like Hawaiian pizza?!!!
At her desk, Eriri looked at her phone, puzzled. Then, another message came.
Ryusei: That's not important. Are you going or not? If you're willing, I can accompany you to grab limited merchandise next time. I can also help you sell your doujinshi at the next comic convention.
A flicker of desire appeared in Eriri's eyes.
Ryusei: If you don't go, then I'll ask Sayuri if she's interested.
Eriri's expression changed drastically, and she quickly typed back.
Eriri: I'm going!
Ryusei looked at the instant reply, slightly surprised. Then he realized—her mind must be in the gutter. The Sayuri he meant was the landlady, not Mrs. Sawamura! He decided to explain that in person tomorrow so she wouldn't go back on her word now.
The bus hadn't arrived, so he sent a message to the Landlady.
Ryusei: Sayuri, has the apartment building been inspected by a professional agency today? Sayuri: Yes, it was inspected this afternoon, and there's nothing wrong with the apartment. Ryusei: Then I won't go back to the villa; I'll go straight back to the apartment later. Sayuri: No! The villa is too big, I'm so scared living alone! No! I remembered wrong! Ryusei-kun, the professional agency said they're coming to inspect tomorrow. Ryusei: ...
The landlady was quite interesting. A few minutes later, the bus arrived, and he headed home.
In the villa, Sayuri threw her phone on the sofa and muttered, "Boring... Never mind, I'll go back to the apartment to live, too." She jumped up, changed her clothes, and left to hail a taxi. It wasn't far, after all.