The train rattled rhythmically forward, the countryside and mountains flashing past outside the window.
"Grrr—"
A loud growl from Tanjirou's stomach made him blush crimson, and he awkwardly covered his belly.
From morning until now, he hadn't eaten a single bite, only had some water, and the high-intensity training had caused immense exhaustion.
Cheng Mo glanced at him, saying nothing.
A moment later, as a uniformed attendant pushing a dining cart passed by, he raised a hand to signal.
"Two beef bento boxes," Cheng Mo's voice was calm.
The attendant deftly took two steaming wooden bento boxes from the insulated cart and handed them over.
Cheng Mo paid and handed one box to Tanjirou, who was looking on eagerly.
"Thank you, Teacher!" Tanjirou quickly accepted it, his voice full of gratitude.
Opening the lid, a wave of hot steam mixed with a rich, savory aroma wafted out.
Beneath the generously portioned, thick-sauced beef slices lay plump white rice grains, thoroughly soaked in broth, accompanied by a small pinch of pickled red ginger.
Tanjirou swallowed, picked up his chopsticks, and devoutly said, "I humbly accept this meal."
He took a large mouthful of rice, and the aroma of the sauce-infused rice and beef exploded in his mouth, making him happily narrow his eyes.
"Delicious!"
The beef was stewed until tender and flavorful, the sauce savory and slightly sweet.
Mixed with the warmth of the rice, it greatly comforted his hungry stomach.
He ate quickly yet savored every bite, leaving not a single grain of rice.
Cheng Mo watched the young man devour his food, yet still maintain his manners.
His eyes flickered slightly, then returned to their usual calm.
He also opened his own bento and transferred half of the beef from his box into Tanjirou's.
"Teacher?" Tanjirou paused his chopsticks, a little taken aback.
"Eat more," Cheng Mo's tone was flat, showing no emotion, "Your physical exertion will be very high over the next few days."
Tanjirou looked at the extra meat in his lunchbox, feeling a warmth in his heart, and nodded heavily: "Yes! Thank you, Teacher!"
He ate even more diligently, feeling invigorated all over.
Cheng Mo also began his meal; his eating remained refined and unhurried, but his speed was not slow.
The train whistle blew a long blast, emitting white steam, and slowly pulled into the small station in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Cheng Mo led Tanjirou off the train. The damp, cool air, mixed with the scent of distant mountain trees and a faint hint of sulfur, wafted over, a stark contrast to the clamor and heat of Tokyo.
Tanjirou curiously surveyed the small town, famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Vendors near the platform were hawking various mountain produce and hot spring steamed buns.
"Teacher, where are we going next? Are we going to visit Rengoku-san directly?" Tanjirou asked softly, tightening the simple pack on his back.
"First, exchange money, buy medicine, and get some supplies," Cheng Mo said concisely, "Contacting a Pillar is not a simple matter; it takes time."
His gaze swept over the slightly dated street map in front of the station, then he stepped off towards the town center.
"Yes, Teacher!"
Tanjirou quickly followed.
His Teacher's pace was always so steady and fast; he had to concentrate hard to keep up.
The town was small but, thanks to tourism, quite bustling.
Soon, a pawn shop with a sizable storefront and a sign reading "Bōya" appeared before them. The black sign with gold characters exuded the air of an old establishment.
Cheng Mo pushed the door open, and the brass bell above it chimed crisply.
The interior was dimly lit. Behind a high counter, an old shopkeeper, wearing round-rimmed glasses and with meticulously combed hair, was clicking an abacus.
Several clerks were organizing items nearby, while a few seemingly customer-like individuals quietly inquired about prices at the counter.
It was Tanjirou's first time in such a place, and he stood somewhat stiffly behind Cheng Mo, curiously examining the myriad of pocket watches, jewelry, and antiques in the glass display cases.
Cheng Mo's appearance immediately drew the attention of everyone in the shop.
He had a stern demeanor, and his clothes, though seemingly ordinary, were made of excellent fabric and expertly tailored, somewhat out of place with the town's atmosphere.
He ignored the stares of others and walked directly to the counter.
The old shopkeeper raised his eyelids, pushed up his glasses, and slowly asked, "Sir, are you pawning or redeeming?"
Cheng Mo said nothing, merely extended his hand.
Under the curious gaze of those around him, a thumb-sized gemstone lay in his palm.
At that moment, it was as if even the air had momentarily stilled.
The gemstone displayed an incredibly pure, deep azure color, as if containing a miniature, shimmering ocean within.
The cutting craftsmanship was even more astonishing; countless tiny facets refracted dazzling fire in the dim light, crystal clear without a single impurity.
"This… this is…" a well-dressed merchant couldn't help but gasp, his eyes fixated.
"What a beautiful sapphire! I've never seen anything like it…" The woman next to him covered her mouth.
Tanjirou also held his breath. Although he didn't understand gemstones, the beautiful glow and the reactions of those around him told him that this was undoubtedly a priceless treasure.
His Teacher… just casually took it out?
He was once again astonished by his Teacher's unfathomable depth and immense wealth.
The old shopkeeper's breathing quickened almost imperceptibly for an instant.
But he was an old hand, after all, and quickly suppressed the amazement in his eyes, regaining his composure.
He cleared his throat, took the gemstone, and pulled out a special black velvet cloth from a drawer to place on the counter, then set the gemstone upon it.
Only then did he pick up a heavy magnifying glass and lean in to examine it carefully.
The shop was silent, save for the faint friction sound of the old shopkeeper occasionally adjusting the magnifying glass's angle.
He examined it extremely closely, yet habitually began to find fault, attempting to drive down the price: "Hmm… the color, well, it's quite pure, but this blue… seems to lack a tiny bit of the richness of royal blue?"
"The cut is novel, too many facets, it sparkles, yes, but it loses its gentle, antique charm… And, look at the interior, it seems… uh…"
He had intended to forcefully point out some "impurities," but in the face of such a nearly perfect crystal structure, he truly couldn't find many flaws. He could only vaguely shake his head, put down the magnifying glass, and feign contemplation: "The item is acceptable, but it's not a traditional rarity. As for the price…"
Tanjirou listened from the side, feeling a bit stifled, his fists quietly clenching.
This boss's eyes were practically glued to it, his breathing was rapid, yet he was still saying such things!
He clearly just wanted to drive down the price!
Cheng Mo's face showed no ripples of emotion.
When the shopkeeper had finished his rambling, he calmly spoke, stating a figure.
"150 gold yen."
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