Reincarnation into the world of Naruto with the system

Chapter 13: Chapter 13



Damn, I don't even know how to describe it. My companion might've been a "not-quite-friend," but she bargained like a beast. So much so that out of the funds allocated to me, a good half... okay, a third remained, and I became the proud owner of a two-room apartment in a much more prosperous area. And the apartment itself, on first inspection, was great! Having learned from the previous one where the quality might be lacking, I checked everything, earning the girl's approval and an extra 2%, without finding any flaws, even hidden ones!

After the purchase, she really put me through a crash test, making me go over everything I saw and heard while dissecting my assumptions. Am I being trained as a merchant or something? Although I have to admit, my eloquence skyrocketed after such a lesson… as did my relationship with this peculiar woman who introduced herself as Tsuru. Yep, "tool" is a fitting name. But it's not in the "name" field.

Hmm, should I try the approach I once translated? A personal name just between the two of us—it's supposed to create closeness, and considering her oddities, it might even count as a full-blown event!

"Can I call you Hitomi?"—a name given to those with beautiful eyes. Come on, react!

"Why?"—she asked without even breaking stride... minus two percent. What?!

"It suits you, sounds nice, and is easy to remember," I said, playing dumb.

"Alright." And that's it—zero reaction.

We continued on in silence after that. Then came the move and a trip to the shops with both of my babysitters—no other way to describe them. At least nobody overcharged me or tried to interfere with my purchases; it seems the sight of these two in their vests made an impression on the merchants. Hopefully, it was enough that when I come next time without them, I'll still get fair prices. I really hope so.

At the market, though, I was amused by Yugao's reaction. If Hitomi (oh, how Uzuki widened her eyes at that name and fully resigned herself to it as the "friend" did) was a divine bargainer and a decent product picker, I also showed myself to be a diligent student. I even managed to persuade Hitomi to buy some rare potatoes—I'll surprise them with dinner. But Yugao was completely lost. How did she live before? Did she survive on rations?

Somehow, we managed to get all this back home. Seriously, somehow. For better understanding, my strength stat is already hard to raise, but on the way back, I gained one whole point in strength! That's like half a day's worth of training!

The fridge was packed to the brim. Yeah, a fridge. This world is so bizarre: you see people fighting with cold weapons, barely aware of some things like gunpowder, or not giving it the importance it had in my previous world. Yet they have radios and refrigerators! This world is nuts. I've known that for a long time, but sometimes it still hits me, like now.

Afterward, I kicked the ladies out of the kitchen, announcing that I'd cook something myself. The grown women didn't argue, but the way they looked at me (both of them, mind you, making me question one's emotionless nature) almost made me doubt my own cooking skills!

It was hilarious to see their expressions afterward. Or, rather, Uzuki's surprise—Hitomi just froze upon seeing the table full of food. And I got an extra 2%! Then after the first taste, and again when I was washing the dishes. Yugao gave me one percent, too, but only after the whole meal, and I strongly doubt that I can achieve anything meaningful with moments like this. Firstly, it's still new to them now, but later it'll become routine, and nothing will come my way. Familiar things don't evoke the same emotional response. Secondly, the gradient—I'm almost certain that while it's possible to build up to the first "heart" like this, the others will require different methods.

Afterward, Yugao taught me chakra theory. It hit me out of nowhere, and I still can't fully process the fact that they're actually planning to teach me seriously. After that, I was dismissed. That's it for today. Apparently, the first day is introductory, but I was promised to be loaded up fully afterward.

And just when I was happily heading for the door, intending to visit Kiba again and explaining this to Hitomi… there she was, acting like an older relative! Long story short, I opened the door to find Sai and her sister calmly waiting outside for me.

God, this is going to be a long day. Adding to the spice of the situation is that I just can't genuinely enjoy myself with them—I feel like a hypocrite, laughing and joking with people who won't be around a year from now. It just feels wrong. Sigh, if I end up gaining a "hypocrite" skill by the end of the day, I won't be surprised.


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