Ebisu snuck into Shindais Dream House and walked with clear purpose straight up to Uchiha Hikari, who was currently spacing out.
Ebisu nervously looked around and whispered, "I want to buy a Tier 2 maria no. 1."
Ebisu had been there on the day Shindais Dream House opened.
That day, Ebisu had taken a liking to the maria no. 1 and swore he would buy one to take home.
Ebisu had saved up money from missions for a long time, and combined with his own savings, he finally had enough.
Finally about to bring a maria no. 1 home, Ebisu was extremely excited.
Uchiha Hikari's vision gradually focused as she looked at Ebisu and asked blankly, "Huh?"
Ebisu repeated himself.
Uchiha Hikari looked Ebisu up and down and confirmed, "Are you sure?"
Ebisu looked at Uchiha Hikari strangely; he had come to buy something, so of course he was sure.
Why were she and the bespectacled brat next to her looking at him with expressions of surprise mixed with a bit of disdain?
What about the saying that the customer is king?
Ebisu said very seriously, "I'm sure!"
"Alright, wait a moment."
Uchiha Hikari said to Yakushi Kabuto, "Kabuto, I'm going to find Shindai; you host this guest."
"Okay, Big Sister Ashita Natsu."
Uchiha Hikari left to find Shindai.
Ebisu asked Yakushi Kabuto in confusion, "Can't I just take it with me after paying?"
Yakushi Kabuto explained, "No, these are all display models. Big Brother Shindai says that to ensure quality, every puppet must be made to order. This is to be responsible to the customer. However, we do require a 50% deposit to prevent the customer from suddenly changing their mind after the puppet is finished."
"That's so thoughtful, really nice."
Ebisu had felt the service was poor just a moment ago, but he didn't think so anymore.
This service was amazing. If it can be made to order, of course it should be; who would want something that's been sitting in a shop for months?
Yakushi Kabuto's eyes darted to the side, not daring to look at Ebisu.
What quality assurance, what made-to-order—the truth was that Shindai simply didn't have enough money to make extra puppets.
And this was what Shindai had taught Yakushi Kabuto to say.
Feeling guilty for lying, Yakushi Kabuto poured Ebisu a glass of water, "Please, have some water."
"Thanks."
Ebisu took the glass and waited while drinking.
Underground research base.
Uchiha Hikari found Shindai.
The whites of Shindai's eyes were bloodshot. He scratched his messy hair and muttered, "Which step went wrong? This shouldn't be happening. Theoretically, after balancing, it should be stable."
Watching Shindai act like he was possessed, Uchiha Hikari sighed.
Lately, Shindai was basically like this, sometimes even more exaggerated.
"Shindai, someone wants to buy a puppet."
"Huh? Oh..."
Shindai acknowledged her and went back to muttering to himself.
Uchiha Hikari looked helpless; Shindai definitely hadn't heard what she said.
Uchiha Hikari shouted, "Someone wants to buy your puppet! 350,000, Tier 2!"
Shindai heard clearly this time. He snapped out of it, and a look of surprise appeared on his face, "Really?"
Uchiha Hikari nodded, "Really, they're waiting in the shop."
"Then let's go quickly! We absolutely cannot let him get away!"
Shindai grabbed Uchiha Hikari's arm and rushed out of the base.
Finally! Finally, business was starting!
It's been months!
From his initial grand ambitions, Shindai was now on the verge of losing hope.
If he let this person get away, Shindai felt he would regret it for the rest of his life!
While waiting with nothing to do, Ebisu admired the maria no. 1 in the display case, listening to the coquettish 'Feel free to command Maria,' and a very satisfied expression appeared on his face.
Suddenly, Ebisu felt a scorching gaze land on him.
Ebisu turned his head and saw Shindai looking at him with shining eyes.
With a 'whoosh,' Shindai appeared in front of Ebisu.
"Oh, it's you, Ebisu. Buying a puppet?"
Ebisu felt a chill from Shindai's gaze and replied unnaturally, "Uh... yeah."
Shindai excitedly grabbed Ebisu's hand and shook it violently, "You really have a good eye! Let me tell you, I'm not bragging, but if you buy this maria no. 1, it's definitely worth the price. It will make every day a wonderful day for you!"
Ebisu pulled his hand away with force; Shindai's grip had been painful.
Ebisu asked, "Kabuto said just now that the puppet needs to be made to order, and I have to pay half the deposit, right?"
Shindai nodded excitedly, "Yes, yes, that's right. We would never try to fool a customer with old inventory. It's all absolutely fresh!"
Uchiha Hikari and Yakushi Kabuto looked at Shindai with disdain.
Old inventory? As if there's any stock!
Fresh? Do you think we're selling vegetables!
Yakushi Kabuto continued to ask, "How much time is needed?"
Shindai replied, "It will only take three days... No! Two days! You can come pick it up tomorrow!"
"Alright, then I'll pay the deposit. Half of 350,000, so 175,000 ryo, right?"
Ebisu took out the money to pay, but Shindai put his arm around Ebisu's shoulder and asked, "Ebisu, do you want a Tier 3 maria no. 1?"
Ebisu sighed, "Of course I do, but I don't have that much money. 600,000 ryo is too expensive for me."
Shindai proposed, "Then we can make a deal. I can sell you a Tier 3 maria no. 1 for 350,000 ryo, but you have to help me promote them. For every puppet sold through your promotion, I'll give you a commission. How about that?"
Ebisu said in surprise, "Really?"
Shindai nodded, "Of course it's real, but you have to promote it well for me."
Ebisu pushed up his sunglasses and said, "Actually, a lot of people quite like your puppets."
Shindai asked strangely, "Huh? They like them? Then why haven't I sold a single one in months? Because they're expensive?"
"That's one reason, but not the main one. The main reason is... excuse me."
"Huh?"
Ebisu explained to Shindai, "After all, Shindai, these puppets of yours are too novel. Usually, when people go to bookstores to look at that kind of book, they do it quietly. Your place is too open and aboveboard. You just need to write four words, and I think your business will improve."
Shindai asked humbly, "What words?"
"Strictly Confidential! That poster of Lord Jiraiya at your door makes everyone think that if they buy your puppet, it will become known to everyone, so they don't dare to come and buy one. I only gathered the courage to come buy one when there was no one in your shop."
Hearing Ebisu's words, Shindai felt like he had been enlightened. So, everyone was just thin-skinned!
Shindai revealed his gleaming teeth and gave Ebisu a thumbs up, "I get it now! Ebisu!"
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