Chapter 566: Sora Being Targeted, Karura's Memories
Sonoda Umi's eyes widened, reflecting the vibrant, glistening colors of the exceptionally rich fruit salad placed before her. Minami Kotori mirrored her awe. Most girls harbored a deep fondness for fresh fruit, and these two were certainly no exception.
Umi picked up a silver fork, speared a dew-kissed piece of melon, and placed it past her lips. She froze instantly. The burst of natural sweetness flooded her senses, melting over her tongue.
"How... how is this fruit so delicious?!" she asked in sheer disbelief.
Kotori quickly took a bite of her own, her expression melting into the exact same stunned wonder.
Karura flashed a triumphant smile. "Right, right? I didn't trick you! I told you guys! When it comes to Ren's cooking, even if he just boils a cheap packet of instant noodles, it turns into an absolute masterpiece!"
The two young girls nodded vigorously.
Ren merely let out a soft sigh. "Karura, it's just a simple fruit salad. I'm not quite that amazing yet."
"Yes, yes, yes! You're completely right! Whatever makes you happy!" the girls chorused in perfect unison.
They used to think something as basic as a fruit salad couldn't possibly be special, but Ren's hands seemed to weave magic into every ingredient. Yet, since the head of the household constantly insisted his food was no different from street stalls, they had learned to simply humor him.
Karura giggled. "Come on, Ren, just admit it!"
"Alas..."
Before he could finish his lament, Lucifer patted his shoulder, her tone laced with mild annoyance. "Why are you sighing? Hurry up and finish your food. The shop is opening soon. Are you planning to sit around sipping tea all night?"
Ren wisely chose silence, focusing entirely on his meal. Lucifer gave a satisfied nod and returned to her own quiet elegance.
Nearby, Cerberus practically inhaled her dinner. The moment her plate was clean, she grabbed Kasugano Sora by the hand, dragging the frail girl over to join Karura and the others. The little girls immediately fell into happy, animated chatter.
Kasugano Sora's delicate, Gothic-style dress instantly caught Minami Kotori's attention. Kotori's eyes gleamed with a dangerous, creative light. Sora was already more exquisite than a porcelain doll, and wrapped in those dark, elegant frills, she looked entirely defenseless. Completely oblivious, Sora had no idea that she had just become Kotori's next dress-up target, taking the mantle right after Shiina Mashiro.
Nakiri Mana and the others finished their meals and headed downstairs to attend to their own business, leaving only Pandora, Lucifer, and Ren in the dining area.
Ren stretched his arms, his joints popping softly. "Lucifer, go hang the 'Open' sign."
He then walked over to Karura's table, his posture relaxed. "What would you all like to eat tonight?"
Sonoda Umi blinked, looking around in confusion. "Is there no menu?"
Minami Kotori gasped softly. "Ah! Umi! Did you forget? Karura-senpai mentioned that Shopkeeper Ren's restaurant doesn't have a menu. He can make absolutely anything as long as he has the ingredients!"
Umi rubbed her temples, a headache forming. "That makes it so much harder to figure out what to eat... The choices are too broad..."
Kotori pondered for a moment before sighing. "The only thing I can definitively say I want right now is a slice of cheesecake..."
"Alright, that covers dessert," Ren said smoothly. "Anything else?"
Karura sighed, leaning her chin on her hand. "Ordering really is a difficult task... Elena, do you have any suggestions?"
Elena smiled brightly. "I've had Kotori's beef and potato stew before, and it was incredible! Let's order that! How about it?"
"Agreed!" the three girls chimed in.
The hardest part of any journey was the first step. Once Elena established the first savory dish, the rest of the order fell into place naturally. In the end, the girls settled on four dishes, including a fresh salad.
Ren glanced over their final requests, a warm smile touching his lips. "Surprisingly, none of these are heavy, greasy foods. As expected of Otonokizaka students. Please wait just a moment."
After Ren retreated to the kitchen, Elena sighed dreamily. "Shopkeeper Ren is truly as gentle and thoughtful as ever. It's no wonder Little Garuda talks about him all the time!"
Karura chuckled softly, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. Minami Kotori nodded in agreement. "Mm! Shopkeeper Ren is indeed a wonderful person. How exactly did you two meet, Karura-senpai?"
Kasugano Sora and Cerberus both leaned in, their eyes wide with intense curiosity.
Karura traced the rim of her cup, a nostalgic smile curving her lips. "That day's events... that day..."
As the memory washed over her, Karura was pulled back to a time she could never forget. Back then, Ren was already a terrifying legend within the underground Kengan Matches. Countless massive corporations desperately wanted to hire the monstrous Combatant who had never once taken more than ten seconds to utterly dismantle an opponent.
On that particular day, Ren's scheduled opponent was Hatsumi Sen. Hatsumi was a veteran Combatant, infamous for his overwhelming ability, though his true strength was notoriously dependent on his mood and peak condition.
Because this specific Kengan Match was hosted by the Nogi Group, Katahara Metsudo had taken a personal interest. The old man was acutely aware of Nogi's hidden ambitions, and he was equally fascinated by Hatsumi Sen. Hatsumi had once been personally invited by Metsudo to become a Fang of Metsudo, an offer he casually refused—absolute proof of just how dangerous the man truly was.
Katahara Metsudo had brought Kure Erioh along to spectate the brutal underground bout. Naturally, this meant Karura and Kure Raian were also in the VIP stands.
Looking down at the arena, Kure Raian scoffed, his voice dripping with characteristic disdain. "That pretty boy down there is today's opponent? Pathetic."
No one bothered to answer the bloodthirsty Kure. Karura simply kept her eyes glued to the ring.
Down below, Ren executed a flawless, deeply respectful martial arts bow. Hatsumi Sen, clearly experiencing a polite opponent for the very first time in this blood-soaked arena, blinked in surprise before returning the bow with a lazy smile.
That simple gesture formed Karura's very first impression of Ren: devastatingly handsome, yet incredibly refined and polite. Beside her, Katahara Sayaka's eyes practically turned into stars.
Hatsumi Sen chuckled, rolling his shoulders. "I've been hearing rumors about some terrifying new Combatant showing up lately. They say his opponents can't even lay a single finger on him before they're knocked out cold! I was totally expecting some massive meathead like Sekibayashi Jun! I definitely didn't expect a guy like you. Truly unexpected! The name's Hatsumi Sen!"
Ren smiled calmly. "Ren. Since that's the case... hey, boss over there, please hold my clothes for a second."
Hatsumi threw his head back and laughed. "Hahahaha! This is my first time seeing a Combatant who can make his employer act like an obedient coat rack! Interesting! Very interesting! You... hmm?!"
Hatsumi's lazy demeanor vanished in an instant. "Ho! I definitely didn't see that coming!"
Moving with unhurried grace, Ren pulled his shirt over his head, exposing his bare torso to the harsh arena lights. It was a physique carved from marble, every muscle perfectly defined, holding a lethal, artistic beauty.
The moment those sculpted lines were revealed, Karura's face erupted into a furious blush. Katahara Sayaka immediately screamed, "He's so handsome!"
Even the hardened Kure Erioh leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in genuine shock. "Is this kid's physique... even something that can be achieved through normal training?"
Katahara Metsudo merely stroked his beard and laughed. "Hahahaha! Who knows!"
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