Chapter 13 – Money Doesn't Come Easy
The most basic abilities of the Sharingan are replication, genjutsu, and keen insight. Although Tatsuro's illusion technique wasn't much use against jujutsu sorcerers yet, it was more than enough to mess with a regular civilian.
Even if he hadn't trained in genjutsu properly, causing someone's mind to lag for a few seconds was totally doable.
Still, he couldn't bring himself to take money from someone so innocent and clueless.
"Look into my eyes," he said calmly.
He channeled cursed energy into his eyes. His originally black pupils turned crimson, with a single tomoe spinning slowly.
Yuto Mi, the woman in front of him, met his gaze—and instantly, her world turned black. It felt like she was floating in outer space. No gravity. No heartbeat. Just vast emptiness and silence.
But it only lasted a moment.
The weight of her body returned. The darkness faded like mist, revealing the alley as it was before, with everything aligned as if nothing had happened.
Tatsuro let out a deep breath and rubbed his eyes. That took more cursed energy than expected—just on a civilian? Is my Sharingan defective or something?
He stood up and brushed off the moment, playing it cool. "Well, if everything's fine, I'll be on my way. Try not to fall for me, okay?"
He strolled off without another word, imagining the glorious image he must've left behind in her mind. Surely, in her eyes, he was the very definition of cool—a mysterious protector, vanishing into the night.
Worth it.
Meanwhile, Yuto Mi wasn't thinking about any of that. She was staring at the words printed on the back of his hospital gown:
> Tokyo Central Hospital
Tatsuro
Tatsuro… huh? She made a mental note. I'll ask my father to look into him later. Might make a decent bodyguard.
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Later that night.
The quiet dorm hallway buzzed with a cozy energy.
Maki Zenin sat on a bench, holding a drink. "Tatsuro's cooking tonight. If it sucks, we're beating him up."
Yuta Okkotsu smiled warmly. "He can cook? I'm actually excited."
"Salmon," said Toge Inumaki approvingly.
Panda happily munched on bamboo, clearly already in a good mood. Judging by his expression, dinner smelled great.
Tatsuro had visited three grocery stores just to prepare for this. Winning everyone over through their stomachs—what a time-tested strategy.
The rich aroma of the food wafted out from the kitchen. Everyone's stomach growled.
"Food's ready!" came Tatsuro's voice. "Panda, if you're full, come help carry the dishes."
"On it!"
Panda put down his bamboo and stood up, his nose twitching as he entered the kitchen. The smell hit him like a truck.
Bamboo shoots!
His affection for Tatsuro skyrocketed. Friendly, skilled in the kitchen… What a catch.
Best part? Just smelling the dishes was enough to know they'd be amazing.
"There are two more dishes and a soup left. I'm counting on you."
"Leave it to me!" Panda puffed out his chest proudly.
Tatsuro grinned. Another ally secured. Food is truly the path to friendship. Half a year of self-taught cooking finally paying off.
He set down the two dishes on the table and casually announced, "Tonight we've got shredded pork in garlic sauce, beef broth, sweet and sour fish, stir-fried bamboo with pork, and potato stew. If you like it, it's 50,000 yen a month—pay later if you're broke. One meal a day."
"Fifty thousand?! That's robbery!" Yuta choked on his first bite.
"Seaweed," Toge added flatly as he sampled the sweet and sour fish.
"Wait, just one meal a day?" Maki asked, tasting the garlic pork. Her eyes lit up—it was way better than cafeteria food.
"Three meals is too much. We're training too, can't cook all day. Plus, this quality's rare even in restaurants. I'm actually losing money—ingredients alone cost a fortune," Tatsuro explained with a smile.
"Count me in!" Panda yelled from inside.
"For you, it's 100,000 yen. Bamboo shoots are expensive."
"Unfair! Fine—I'll bring my own bamboo. You just cook."
"Deal!"
Tatsuro beamed. That's four monthly clients. Not bad. With this income… should I buy a house or chase girls first?
"Hey, what smells so good? Save a plate for me!"
Gojo Satoru's voice echoed from the end of the hall.
"I paid 5,000 yen for this dinner. If you want in, Sensei, it'll cost you 1,000," Maki called out.
"Oh come on, I'm your teacher. How could you charge your own teacher?"
Gojo entered holding a black uniform. A Jujutsu High uniform.
Tatsuro glanced at it. So that's mine, huh? I guess I'm officially a student now.
Wearing that uniform meant he was no longer alone—he was one of them.
"Hot food coming through!" Panda emerged with two more dishes and soup. He moved like he was defusing a bomb, clutching the bowls like they were precious gems.
The aroma made Yuta gulp. "I'm broke this month, but sign me up. I'll pay next month."
"You got it! That's two. Sensei, how about it? 50,000 a month. One meal a day. Guaranteed quality."
Tatsuro grinned devilishly. Pay up or starve.
"…Can I get half off?" Gojo asked, eyeing the meal.
"Done. But remember—you get what you pay for."
"Salmon."
Panda translated, "Toge's in too."
"Perfect! That's four. Maki, how about you? We're doing discounts!"
"Ahem."
Maki wiped her mouth, trying to act serious. "It's not bad. If the others are signing up, I will too."
"Great."
Tatsuro couldn't stop smiling. He had made 225,000 yen in a single evening.
Sure, 70% would go toward ingredients… but the profit still felt amazing.
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