A few days later, in the early morning.
"Everything is pretty much packed. Let's go, Ikaros."
Okabe dragged a heavy suitcase out of his room, called out to Ikaros who was in the living room wearing casual clothes, and then strode outside.
"Yes, Master."
As she spoke, Ikaros also picked up her own suitcase, which was filled with many clothes Okabe had bought for her. Although she could conjure various outfits with her own power, she couldn't possibly refuse a heartfelt gift from her Master.
Before long, the two arrived at the nearest station, bought tickets, and boarded one after the other.
"I'm really looking forward to this. I thought this was a purely culinary world, with some fantastical elements at most, but I never expected there to be a place for martial arts training."
"Judging by the anime's expressive power, the masters in there are all incredibly skilled. Perhaps this is where the proficiency system can truly shine."
Sitting beside Ikaros, Okabe couldn't help but think to himself.
"But before going to Ryōzanpaku, I have to make a trip to the market first. After all, the purpose of this trip is to become a disciple, and if I'm to become a disciple, I must follow the proper etiquette."
Soon, the subway reached its destination.
"Ikaros, let's go to the shopping street first."
After getting off the subway, Okabe instructed Ikaros beside him, then took the lead, following the navigation on his phone's map.
But in the end, he wasn't actually sure what specific items he needed to buy for a discipleship ceremony. So he decided to buy some pastries and strips of dried meat. The meat strips were of utmost importance.
In ancient China, there was the 'shuxiu' ritual. Although he had never studied classical Chinese, he had heard of it. It generally involved buying several strips of cured meat and some pastries to present when visiting a potential master. While he didn't know if Japan had a similar custom, since this was a formal request to be taught martial arts, he didn't want to omit it.
The preparations took two hours. He bought over ten meat strips from a reputable shop in the market.
As for the pastries, Okabe sampled several nearby shops before finally settling on a French patisserie named[Akechi no Kumakyukyu].
"This shop's cakes are good, and they have a rich variety of macarons. They give you a deep sense of happiness when you eat them. Not only are they colorful, but their shapes are also small and cute."
Looking at the opera cake and macarons placed before him, Okabe's attention was more focused on the macarons, as they formed a complete series. Rose, lavender, jasmine, and orange blossom.
Two macarons of each of the four types, vibrant in color, looked exquisite and petite. They were rose-red, light purple, milky white, and pale yellow, respectively, with subtle differences in shape, clearly indicating the pastry chef's imprecise control over the ingredients. But even so, this shop was still the best among the several Okabe had visited.
Taking the rose macaron as an example, the shell was crisp, and the inside was moist and dense. Accompanied by the fine granular texture of rose petals, the experience was very rich. The aroma of the rose transformed into flavor the moment it entered his mouth, erupting with an intense and genuine burst that filled his entire palate in the blink of an eye. The taste was sweet and mellow, with a lingering aftertaste of honey and the unique fruitiness of lychee.
"These are the ones!"
Okabe made his decision instantly. These macarons not only looked beautiful but also tasted great, making them a perfect gift for seeking apprenticeship.
He had actually considered giving lollipops to suit the recipient's tastes, but since no one had told him that Hayato Fūrinji liked lollipops, giving them presumptuously could easily arouse suspicion. The best approach was to be conventional. It didn't need to be too extravagant, but it couldn't be cheap either. It just had to show that he understood etiquette and convey his sincerity.
"Thank you for your patronage. Your purchase includes 1 opera cake, 8 macarons, 2 gift boxes, and 20 macarons to go, for a total of 15,800 yen."
"That's pretty expensive."
Seeing the bill the waitress handed him, Okabe muttered under his breath. Ikaros took out her wallet and paid, quickly settling the bill.
However, just as they were about to leave, a small figure emerged from the bakery in the back. She had dark purple hair, a fuzzy pinkish-purple bear, and a round, full, goose-egg-shaped face that looked incredibly delicate and cute.
"They sold out in an instant, amazing! Has that customer gone far? He has such good taste, just as good as Momo's!"
Seeing the empty macaron display case, a look of delighted surprise appeared on the small figure's face, and she began to look around the shop.
This person was none other than Momo Akanegakubo—or rather, a childhood version of Momo Akanegakubo. Despite being two years older than Okabe, she was only about a meter tall, appearing petite and delicate.
"That customer is over there..."
Seeing the girl's excited expression, the cashier smiled fondly. As she spoke, she pointed in the direction Okabe and Ikaros were leaving. The two had just reached the door when Momo Akanegakubo saw them and immediately trotted over.
"Hey," Momo Akanegakubo slightly raised her hand to stop them. "I'm so glad you like the macarons I baked. Could I ask your thoughts after tasting them? I want to hear customer feedback for adaptive improvements."
She was hugging a large panda doll named 'Bucchi', whose hands were sewn with a zipper and could be detached at any time. Right now, she was blinking her large, watery eyes, looking at Okabe adoringly as she asked for his opinion.
The reason was simple: although the macarons in the store tasted good, sales had always been low. A customer like Okabe, who bought eight to taste in the store and then another twenty to go, was truly rare. Therefore, she was certain he could appreciate her sweets.
"They're too sweet. Although authentic French macarons are cloyingly sweet, once they land in Japan, they need to adapt to local tastes to be popular."
"Of course, I can tell you've probably reduced the sugar ratio, but you were afraid to reduce it too much, fearing it would lose the macaron's inherent charm."
"Other than that, the flavor is one-dimensional. Take the rose macaron for example."
"You've added rose, honey, and lychee pulp. You could try adding a tiny bit of dark chocolate to increase the complexity with some bitterness; the flavor profile would become much richer."
Looking at the small figure before him, Okabe recognized her in just a second. He thought to himself that it was no wonder the shop's desserts tasted so good, and then responded with a serious expression.
These were all adjustments he would make if he were making the macarons himself. He now possessed an Elementary Sense of Taste at the 'Slightly Accomplished' level, which was the peak a normal person could reach. His sensitivity to flavors was exceptional.
The real reason he chose this set of macarons was because of their high aesthetic value; they wouldn't be embarrassing as a gift, not because their taste was that amazing. Considering there were girls at Ryōzanpaku, and most girls like exquisite desserts, he chose this option, as it was both elegant and tasted decent.
"Localization, and then add dark chocolate, you say?"
"Thank you, I'll try it when I get back. As a reward, Momo will give you a coupon for the shop. It's mainly for the desserts in the store; you can get them for half price."
Hearing Okabe's response, Momo Akanegakubo's eyes lit up instantly. She then held up 'Bucchi', on which was a hand-drawn coupon.
"Okay, I'll definitely be back."
After giving Momo Akanegakubo a deep look and leaving her with those words, Okabe left the shop with Ikaros. By now, Ikaros was carrying both suitcases, while he held the gift box in his left hand and the ceremonial bundle of dried meat in his right.
Ryōzanpaku wasn't very far from the Nakiri family estate, located in Tokyo's Shibuya ward, but its location was a bit remote. Okabe searched with a map for a long time but couldn't find his destination.
"Where on earth is it? Why does it feel like we're getting more and more off track..."
Looking at the location marked on the map, Okabe couldn't help but complain. They had been walking for over half an hour since leaving the dessert shop, yet they still couldn't find their destination. This map was way too crude. Who in their right mind provides a hand-drawn map!?
"Master, could it be on that mountain over there?"
Just as Okabe was feeling lost, Ikaros raised her hand and pointed behind him—more accurately, at the mountain behind him. The corner of a building was visible among the trees, surrounded by a dense forest. And right at his feet was the path leading there; all he had to do was walk forward.
"Looking at the map, there's a 90% chance that's the place! If I'm not mistaken, that's it!"
After carefully comparing it with his map and confirming that the location matched the spot marked on the hand-drawn map, Okabe's face lit up with excitement.
"Ryōzanpaku, here I come!"
Having found the place, Okabe couldn't help but shout. In one hand, he held the ceremonial meat and pastries, and in the other, he clutched the map.
"Are you two heading to Ryōzanpaku?"
Just as Okabe and Ikaros were about to set off again, a slightly curious voice sounded from behind them.
Turning around, he saw a girl with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a strikingly beautiful face. She tilted her head slightly as she looked at him, her gaze tinged with inquiry, and then repeated her earlier question: "Are you heading to Ryōzanpaku?"
"We are heading to Ryōzanpaku. Are you going there too?"
At that moment, Okabe finally recognized the person before him: Miu Fūrinji, a girl who appeared somewhat gentle but was in fact incredibly powerful.
"That's right, I'm going to Ryōzanpaku too. If you don't mind, let me lead the way. But it's been a long time since Ryōzanpaku has had any visitors. Do you have business there? Perhaps I can help."
Miu Fūrinji led the way at the front while trying to gather information from the two. Since Okabe knew her identity, he didn't hide anything: "I'm here to become a disciple. I want to forge a super-strong physique that won't feel tired no matter what dish I cook!"
His voice wasn't loud, but it reached Miu Fūrinji's ears clearly, surprising her slightly. She subconsciously took a serious look at the boy before her.
A height of 1.4 meters, an incredibly youthful face—he didn't look very old, perhaps around her age?
"Wow, that's a very ambitious goal."
"Speaking of which, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Miu Fūrinji. You can just call me Miu."
After learning Okabe's purpose for visiting Ryōzanpaku, Miu Fūrinji became noticeably more enthusiastic, and a hint of a smile appeared in her eyes as she looked at him. The reason was simple: Ryōzanpaku was in dire financial straits. If they could recruit a disciple, they could collect a hefty registration fee. Everyone gets an extra side dish tonight!
"Miu, my name is Okabe."
"This is Ikaros, my best friend, but she doesn't like to talk much due to her personality."
Okabe said, a bit reservedly.
Upon hearing his introduction, Ikaros spoke up to correct him: "I am Master's exclusive angel, Ikaros."
"Exclusive angel, but also my best friend."
Okabe corrected her once more.
"Mm."
Ikaros nodded without denying it, a strange feeling stirring in her heart.
"You two are really interesting. 'Master' this, 'exclusive angel' that, yet you seem to be very good friends. Ryōzanpaku is just ahead."
Hearing Okabe and Ikaros's conversation, Miu Fūrinji couldn't help but tease them a bit, then stopped and pointed to the imposing building before them.
"It's so big..."
Slowing his pace, Okabe stopped before a massive wooden gate. Above the door, the three large characters for 'Ryōzanpaku' were clearly visible. He pondered for a moment, then took two steps forward and placed his hand on the door.
"I can't push it..."
As he controlled his body to exert force, all his strength gathered in his right hand, yet against the thick wooden door, it only managed to make it tremble slightly.
"Sorry, I'll open it for you."
Miu Fūrinji stared at the slightly trembling wooden door, momentarily stunned, before she realized what was happening, stepped forward, and placed her hand on the door. With a 'bang', the imposing wooden door swung right open.
"What's the principle behind that? Muscle tremor technique? Or is her physical stat just that much higher than mine? Otherwise, how could she push this door open so easily?"
Seeing this, a shocked expression appeared on Okabe's face. Although he had long known that Miu Fūrinji's combat power was astonishing, knowing was one thing, but actually witnessing that small body unleash such immense power in an instant still had a very strong impact on him. After all, he had just experienced firsthand the immense pressure from that very door.
"Please, come in."
Seeing Okabe standing there in a daze, Miu Fūrinji, who had already entered the dojo, called out with a smile, then once again led the way.
"How strange, is no one home today? It's usually so lively at this time."
Walking along the stone-paved path, Okabe looked at the numerous, exquisite, albeit old, buildings within the dojo, a look of curiosity on his face. His intuition told him that the area of this dojo might be no smaller than the Nakiri family's estate.
"I'm sorry, Okabe-kun, it seems my grandpa and the others went out for something. Please rest here for a bit, I'll go make you some tea."
Having not seen a single person after being inside for a while, Miu Fūrinji couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. She gave Okabe an apologetic look and led him to the reception hall.
"Okay, thank you for having me."
Hearing Miu Fūrinji's words, Okabe nodded slightly without saying much. He gently placed the apprenticeship gift on the table, then sat down to wait. Ikaros stood quietly by his side, guarding against any unknown dangers.
Time passed quickly. Okabe sat quietly on the cushion with his eyes closed, completely unaware that six people were observing him from the surroundings of the reception hall.
"This is the kid, Okabe? Didn't the Elder say he's only five? He looks more well-developed than an ordinary ten-year-old."
An old man spoke, his voice filled with astonishment. He was wearing a green, front-buttoned short jacket, a green hat, and loose-fitting Chinese trousers and cloth shoes. He was currently hanging upside down from a beam, the shortest among them. He was a master of all Chinese martial arts, named Kensei Ma, and specialized in medicinal cuisine.
"To have such a physique at this age, he is indeed a rare martial arts prodigy."
Dressed impeccably in a kimono with a sash tied at his waist, with two neatly trimmed mustaches at the corners of his mouth, his pupils were not visible. The speaker was Akisame Koetsuji, a master of various styles of jujutsu, judo, and wrestling skills, known in the martial arts world as the 'Philosophical Martial Artist', with deep expertise in kneading dough, pasta, and carving-style cuisine.
"I'll say this now, I have no intention of ever taking a disciple. Whoever wants him can take him quickly, so he doesn't come and bother me later."
He wore a brown motorcycle leather jacket on his upper body, blue jeans with short boots on his lower body, and had bandages wrapped around his hands despite having no injuries. His name was Shio Sakaki, and he specialized in Japanese set meals and violent cuisine.
"Apa, apa apa."
Apachai Hopachai shouted excitedly. He wore a white tank top, revealing his bronze-colored muscles. Below, he wore only a pair of standard Muay Thai shorts in a vibrant red color, with his hands also wrapped in bandages.
Shigure Kōsaka lurked silently in the shadows, like an elegant black cat. She wore a pink outer garment over a fishnet-style inner layer, and purple stockings that outlined the curves of her agile figure. Her long purple hair was tied back, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks, adding a touch of casualness to her coolly beautiful face.
"That child... his eyes... are very determined." Her words had their characteristic fragmented rhythm, her voice low and clear like spring water dripping in a mountain stream. "He's... good material."
At her feet, little Tocchimaru, mimicking the masters, propped himself up on the wall's edge with his two front paws, peeking out with half of his furry head. His bean-like eyes curiously observed Okabe sitting quietly in the courtyard and Ikaros standing guard by his side, letting out a soft 'cough cough' sound, as if agreeing with Shigure's assessment.
"Ohya?" Kensei Ma, still hanging upside down, stroked his mustache, his face bearing his signature, slightly teasing smile. "Even Shigure thinks so highly of him? However, compared to the boy, I'm more interested in the pink-haired girl behind him... Her body proportions are quite excellent, especially that silent, protective stance. It has a very 'warrior-like' feel to it."
His gaze lingered more on Ikaros, his eyes filled with appreciation.
Akisame Koetsuji crossed his arms and nodded gravely. "Indeed. The fact that he could move the gate shows his base strength far exceeds that of his peers, and even that of an ordinary adult. This is quite incredible. What's rarer is his temperament. To remain so calm in an unfamiliar environment—that kind of composure is rare even among young people, let alone a five-year-old child."
His gaze was sharp, as if it could see through Okabe's bones and muscles. "His body seems to have undergone some sort of... unconventional tempering."
"Apachai thinks he is very interesting, apa!"
Apachai Hopachai shook his head excitedly, his bronze muscles gleaming slightly in the sunlight. "He looks... delicious! No, I mean, he looks like he can take a punch, apa!" He had accidentally blurted out his desire for a 'sandbag'.
Just then, a loud and vibrant voice boomed like thunder across the dojo: "Ohoho! Okabe, you're finally here! We've been waiting for a long time!"
Before the words had even finished, a huge figure descended gracefully from above like a bird, landing silently in the center of the courtyard. The newcomer was an extremely tall elderly man, wearing a simple light green training uniform.
His long yellow hair and beard flowed in the wind, and he wore a hearty and curious smile on his face. But the most striking feature was his pair of thick, long yellow eyebrows. It was the Invincible Superman, Hayato Fūrinji!
His appearance prompted the other masters who had been hiding to reveal themselves. Akisame Koetsuji calmly walked out from behind a pillar, Shigure Kōsaka and Kensei Ma dropped down from the beams, Apachai waved happily, and Shio Sakaki simply stepped out from the shadows of the corridor.
Hayato Fūrinji walked up to Okabe in a few steps and bent down. His enormous frame created a strong sense of pressure, but his face remained smiling.
"Kid, someone asked us to look after you and teach you martial arts. But learning this kind of thing depends on your own will. You can't master good kung fu through force."
"So, answer me, are you willing to become a disciple of our Ryōzanpaku?"
Noticing the gift box of pastries and the meat strips on the table behind Okabe, Hayato Fūrinji felt satisfied and then asked with his full aura unleashed.
"As long as it can help me advance further on my culinary path, I am willing to join Ryōzanpaku!"
Looking at the tall and straight Hayato Fūrinji before him, and the masters standing behind him watching, Okabe's expression was serious, his eyes burning with a fierce determination.
"Very good. I admire your purpose."
Hearing Okabe's words, the smile on Hayato Fūrinji's face widened. After hearing his words, the nearby Kensei Ma immediately took out a scroll and unrolled it.
"Then write your address and name here."
Kensei Ma brought over a table, placed the scroll on it, then ground the ink stick, telling Okabe to fill in all his information.
"Okay."
"Alright then, the monthly fee is 20,000 yen."
Looking at Okabe, who was writing down his information, Kensei Ma said as he held out his hand.
"Ikaros."
At Okabe's call, Ikaros took her wallet from her pocket, counted out 20,000 yen, and handed it over as this month's fee.
"Thank you for your business."
Taking the cash from Ikaros's hand, a smile appeared on Kensei Ma's face.
"Hey, Kensei, this is outrageous. How can you take money from a child?"
Akisame Koetsuji frowned, looking helplessly at Kensei Ma who was accepting the money.
"It's alright, it's alright, Akisame."
"The thing is, we at Ryōzanpaku are extremely poor right now, and Kensei is just thinking of our welfare."
"However, under Miu's management, we can barely get by. But for him to charge a monthly fee from a child like you is indeed going too far."
Taking the money from Kensei Ma's hand and returning it to Ikaros, Hayato Fūrinji had no intention of accepting the money, especially since he was doing this as a favor for an old friend.
_____
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