"Eh? There's such a thing?!" Yukino exclaimed in surprise.
"Yeah, it seems the first and second batches entered for two months. Later batches, even if in the same world, have shorter survival times," Takeru explained.
"Anyway, it's getting late. I should head down. See you all tomorrow." After a brief chat, Takeru noticed it was much later than usual and prepared to leave.
"Wait, Takeru-nii, there's something I want to talk to you about!" Hearing Takeru was leaving, Ui quickly stopped him.
"Hmm, alright." Seeing her expression, Takeru paused, then nodded. The two moved to a more secluded spot.
"Takeru-nii, this is for you." Once they were alone, Ui took out an item and handed it to Takeru. A glance revealed it was an Item Storage Expansion Permit.
"Thank you, Ui. This is quite good, but I've already used several. You should use it yourself." After seeing it clearly, Takeru smiled and patted her head appreciatively.
Her thoughtfulness made him happy. However, this was likely her first time obtaining one. Takeru had already used nine and wasn't in urgent need of more storage slots, so he didn't accept the gift.
"I know you must have gotten some before, Takeru-nii. But this is my way of thanking you for always looking out for us. And isn't it true that the more, the better?" Ui insisted.
"I understand. But Ui, maybe next time you get one. Since you call me your brother, isn't it a brother's job to look after his little sister?" Takeru replied with a smile, still not accepting.
"This..." Hearing Takeru's words, Ui was at a loss for a response.
"Let's not dwell on that, Ui. Since you have Black Marlin, you know it can't create liquid from nothing, right?" Seeing Ui's conflicted expression, Takeru changed the subject.
"Yes. For that, I usually prepare water in my Item Storage beforehand and use it during battle," Ui explained.
"That's a good method. Besides that, I suggest you exchange for a C-Rank Ninjutsu: Water Release: Wild Water Wave. Its power can be adjusted based on the user's Chakra."
"Most importantly, it can quickly create a significant amount of water. As a C-Rank Ninjutsu, modified by the Reincarnation Space, it only requires two C-Rank Evaluations and 3,000 points, which is quite reasonable."
The Wild Water Wave spits out a waterfall-like torrent of water at the target! Power can be freely adjusted based on the user's Chakra. Its usage is flexible and versatile, a fundamental Water Release Ninjutsu.
"Oh, I see!" Hearing Takeru's suggestion, Ui, who had been pondering what to exchange, brightened up and looked at him excitedly.
After all, Ui's psychokinesis was still developing, and Black Marlin could significantly boost her current combat strength.
"Alright, I'll take my leave now." Seeing Ui's smile, Takeru chose to log out.
Coming to her senses, Ui sighed as she looked at the ungiven Item Storage Expansion Permit, then quickly put it away.
She then walked over to the curious group, including Yui.
"Ui, what did you talk to Takeru about just now?" Yui asked curiously. The others, though silent, also looked at Ui with interest.
"Nothing much. I asked Takeru-nii for advice, and he recommended a Ninjutsu for me to exchange," Ui replied after a slight hesitation.
"Hmm, really?" Hearing this, Yui didn't doubt her.
Yukino and the others weren't entirely convinced but, understanding Ui's reluctance to elaborate, wisely didn't press further.
After saying their goodbyes, everyone quickly returned home.
Takeru was unaware of what followed. When his consciousness returned to the rented room, he checked the time: 10:12 p.m.
After tidying up a bit, he quickly left the small apartment and headed home.
"I'm back!" Opening the door, Takeru announced.
"You're so late, Onii-chan!" Miu, who was meditating in the living room, opened her eyes, looking displeased.
"Alright, let me wash up first. Later, I'll let you try something amazing." After calming Miu down, Takeru casually mentioned.
"Eh? Really? What is it?" Hearing this, Miu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Wait a bit." With a light laugh, Takeru entered the bathroom, leaving Miu somewhat annoyed.
While enjoying his bath, Takeru also practiced controlling the water using the ring.
Compared to telekinesis, using Black Marlin felt smoother and more aggressive.
As Takeru experimented in the bathroom, Miu outside felt restless, unable to focus on her training, eager to know what the surprise was.
"Onii-chan, aren't you done yet?!" After about ten minutes, Miu couldn't wait any longer and called out.
"Not yet," Takeru replied, rolling his eyes.
"Hurry up! A quick wash should be enough, right?" Miu persisted.
"No." Takeru gave a firm refusal.
Under Miu's continuous pleading, Takeru emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later.
"So, what's the gift?" Miu asked excitedly.
"This." Seeing her expectant gaze, Takeru extended his hand, revealing the Teigu Black Marlin.
"This is...?" Looking at the dragon-head ring, Miu's eyes filled with intense curiosity.
"Let me be clear: I'm not sure if you can use it. If you can't, I can't give it to you," Takeru stated directly.
"So, what is it?" Miu grew even more curious.
"Come in, I'll show you." With a smile, Takeru led Miu into the bathroom.
"Water Dragon!" Inside, Takeru used the ring to control the bathwater, making it rise and form a water dragon. Seeing the floating water serpent, Miu's eyes shone with delight.
"Liquid control… that's this ring's special ability. But to use it, you must match the Teigu's wavelength," Takeru explained calmly, seeing Miu's joy.
"Eh? You'll really give it to me?!" Miu exclaimed, not considering the conditions, just thrilled.
"If you can use it," Takeru nodded.
"Okay!" Hearing this, Miu excitedly took the ring from Takeru and put it on eagerly.
"Now, imagine controlling this water with your will," Takeru instructed.
"Alright! Water Dragon!" Following Takeru's guidance, Miu stretched her arm forward. As she spoke, a small water dragon emerged from the bathtub.
Thrilled at her success, Miu's joy was short-lived. Soon, a headache struck, and the ring seemed to emit a strange electric current, causing pain.
Realizing this indicated incompatibility and rejection, Takeru quickly removed the ring from her finger.
Once the ring was off, the pain subsided. Miu looked fearfully at the ring in Takeru's hand.
"Looks like it's not suitable for you," Takeru remarked.
"Onii-chan, why?" Miu asked, puzzled.
"Well, those who don't match the wavelength can't use Teigus. Forced use either prevents the Teigu's power from manifesting or harms the user. The user's first impression of the Teigu is crucial, greatly limiting who can use them," Takeru explained.
"So, when you first saw it, you probably didn't feel an immediate liking, right?" Takeru continued.
"Yeah... I didn't really like the rabbit-bone-like pattern on it," Miu admitted honestly.
"That explains it. Since this one didn't work out, we can try others later." Takeru considered but didn't bring out Shambhala or Heavy Pressure, as testing those at home wasn't convenient.