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The fundamental abilities of the Sharingan include copying, illusions, and keen insight. While Natsubi Raku's illusions may not be highly effective against Jujutsu sorcerers, they can still easily deceive ordinary people.
Even if he hasn't mastered the technique, he can still manage to daze someone for a few seconds.
Such naive and straightforward money isn't something he is willing to take.
"Look into my eyes," Natsubi Raku instructed, channeling his cursed energy into his eyes. His originally dark pupils turned crimson, and a tomoe swiftly spun within them.
Otsuchi Miku only glanced briefly before everything went black. It felt like she was floating in space, devoid of any sense of weight, heartbeats, or sound in the pitch-black silence.
But this surreal sensation quickly vanished. The heaviness returned as the dark world dissipated like a thin veil. The dimly lit street reappeared, merging with her previous memories, making it seem like nothing had happened.
"Phew!" Natsubi Raku exhaled deeply, covering his slightly fatigued eyes. This first attempt at using the Sharingan, even on an ordinary person, was unexpectedly exhausting. He began to doubt the authenticity of this Sharingan.
He then slowly stood up, feigning nonchalance. "If there's nothing else, I'll be off. Remember not to fall for me," he quipped before departing, imagining how heroic he must seem. Though he lost a chance to make money, he left an impressive image behind.
Meanwhile, Otsuchi Miku's attention was drawn to the large characters behind Natsubi Raku as he left.
[Tokyo General Hospital]
[Natsubi Raku]
"So his name is Natsubi Raku? I'll have my father investigate him. He seems reliable as a bodyguard," she mused.
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Nightfall.
The previously silent corridor became lively with a touch of warmth amidst the clamor.
Maki Zenin, holding a bottle of drink, declared, "Natsubi Raku is cooking tonight. If it's not good, we'll beat him up."
Yuta Okkotsu smiled, "Can Raku cook? I'm looking forward to it."
Toge Inumaki added, "Salmon!"
Panda, munching on tender bamboo, seemed satisfied, indicating the meal was quite good.
Natsubi Raku had visited three supermarkets to gather ingredients, aiming to build good relations with everyone. He still had much to learn.
As the aroma wafted from the room, the three outside felt their stomachs rumble.
Natsubi Raku called out from the kitchen, "Food's ready. Panda, if you're full, help bring out the dishes."
"Coming!" Panda set down the bamboo and slowly stood up. Entering the kitchen, he was greeted by a mouth-watering smell.
"Bamboo shoots!"
His fondness for Natsubi Raku increased. Not only was he friendly, but he could cook as well.
The dishes didn't need tasting; the aroma alone promised deliciousness.
"There are two more dishes and a soup inside. Please bring them out," Natsubi Raku said, smiling.
"Got it! Leave it to me," Panda assured, patting his chest.
"Great."
Another ally gained, thought Natsubi Raku, smiling as he placed two bowls of food on the table outside. "I've made fish-flavored shredded pork, beef soup, sweet and sour fish, stir-fried bamboo shoots, and beef stew. If you like it, it's fifty thousand yen per month per person, one meal a day."
"Fifty thousand! That's expensive!" Yuta Okkotsu exclaimed, almost spitting out his food.
"Kelp," Inumaki commented, picking at the sweet and sour fish.
"Isn't it usually three meals?" Maki Zenin inquired, savoring the fish-flavored pork.
"Three meals are too time-consuming. I need to train too, can't cook all day," Natsubi Raku explained with a smile. "You'd rarely find such good food in a restaurant, and it's not that expensive considering the cost of the ingredients."
Panda's voice came from inside, "Sign me up for a month!"
"Panda, for you, it's a hundred thousand. Bamboo is expensive."
"Hey! That's unfair. I'll bring my own bamboo. Just make me good food."
"Deal!"
Natsubi Raku grinned, already imagining a future without financial worries. Should he buy a house or start dating first?
"What are you guys eating? Smells great. Count me in," came Satoru Gojo's voice from down the hall.
"This meal cost me five thousand yen. Sensei, you'll need to pay a thousand yen to join," Maki Zenin promptly said, hoping to recoup costs.
"Now, Maki, that's not fair. I'm your teacher. Students shouldn't charge their teachers," Gojo replied, holding a black uniform.
The Jujutsu High uniform, Natsubi Raku noticed. It must be his, since he hadn't received one yet and had been wearing spare clothes.
Wearing this uniform would make him officially part of Jujutsu High. With these friends, his future seemed far less lonely.
"Make way, the dishes are here!" Panda entered, balancing two dishes and a soup, moving carefully.
Yuta Okkotsu, enticed by the aroma, gulped and said, "I don't have money this month. I'll pay next month. Count me in."
"Great! Two down. Sensei, it's fifty thousand yen per month, custom meals, quality guaranteed," Natsubi Raku bargained with a sly grin.
"Um..." Gojo considered the four dishes and soup on the table. "How about a fifty percent discount?"
"Deal! But remember, you get what you pay for. Quality costs," Natsubi Raku agreed.
"Salmon!" Inumaki added.
Panda explained, "Toge says he wants in too."
"Alright, that's four. Maki, want to join? There's a discount," Natsubi Raku tempted.
"Hmph!" Maki Zenin, wiping oil from her mouth, feigned nonchalance. "The food is decent. Since everyone else is in, I guess I'll join too."
"Great."
Natsubi Raku's internal joy was immense. He earned 225,000 yen in one evening, and despite the 70% cost of ingredients, the profit was thrilling.