A stubbornness that disregards life and death.
Morrow saw traces of Gon in Menchi.
For certain people, this kind of obstinance was the most troublesome to deal with.
However, Menchi's proposal did address Morrow's needs.
Jappon…
Hanzo's homeland.
The legendary sword Senro he had acquired earlier also originated from Jappon.
As Menchi had said, Jappon's forging craftsmanship was indeed exceptional, possessing unique masterful techniques in weapon smithing.
That was why the legendary sword Senro could harbor such intense aura.
If it were just to obtain a suitable weapon, Morrow wouldn't have made a special trip to Jappon.
Previously encountering the Poultry Scarlet Knife at the auction had been pure coincidence.
Thus, Menchi's suggestion did stir some interest in Morrow.
Yet the Poultry Scarlet Knife's unique qualities were beyond what conventional weapons could match.
After all, it was a blade forged from special ore, combining flexibility, durability, and sharpness.
After some thought, Morrow said, "Come talk to me again when you can find a weapon comparable to the Poultry Scarlet Knife."
"Then state your requirements. I can post a commission with these conditions on the Hunter website first."
Menchi couldn't hide her eagerness, clearly afraid Morrow might change his mind.
Recognizing her seriousness about the Poultry Scarlet Knife, Morrow didn't drag it out and directly listed his demands:
"It must feel right in hand, be made of special forging materials with both flexibility and durability, and be able to channel powerful aura."
"This…"
Menchi was momentarily stunned, but knowing she had no room to negotiate, she quickly nodded in agreement after regaining her composure.
It was just that Morrow's requirements left her feeling rather uncertain.
Money wasn't the issue; it was the uncertainty of finding a weapon that met Morrow's standards.
Even if there was a chance, it wouldn't happen overnight.
Lowering her gaze, Menchi considered pouring a large sum into the Hunter website to post a blade-seeking commission with Morrow's conditions.
At the same time, she'd ask her friends in Jappon to keep an eye out.
At the first sign of any leads, she'd fly straight to Jappon to personally search for a weapon that would satisfy Morrow.
Until this matter was settled, Menchi decided to abandon all current and future work plans.
"The discussion's over. Aren't you getting off?"
Morrow's abrupt dismissal startled Menchi into looking up.
"Um… until I get any news, can I… stay with you?"
Menchi asked timidly.
This was completely unlike her usual self.
But before Morrow, she couldn't muster even a hint of assertiveness.
Partly out of fear of annoying him, partly because she sensed Morrow might respond better to soft approaches than forceful ones.
Besides, she lacked the capital to be assertive anyway.
Hearing her request, Morrow frowned.
Seeing he didn't immediately refuse, Menchi knew there was hope.
Quick-witted, she immediately switched to a coquettish tone, emphasizing her strengths:
"I'm a professional Gourmet Hunter, and I pride myself on top-tier culinary skills. If big brother doesn't mind, I'd love to prepare three balanced, nutritious meals daily for you, with health-boosting benefits too."
"…"
Morrow's expression turned distinctly odd.
But all of this was to prevent the Seven Chef Poultry Scarlet Knife from becoming a murder weapon!
Thinking this, Menchi felt a surge of conviction and forcefully suppressed the discomfort rising within her.
"Brother, what do you think?"
"Not much."
Morrow couldn't shake off a strange feeling.
Mainly because his impression of Menchi from the original story still lingered on her strong-willed and obsessive personality.
"Never mind, do as you please."
But recalling Menchi's culinary skills, Morrow felt a flicker of anticipation, especially intrigued by her mention of food therapy for strengthening the body. Thus, he stopped refusing.
"Thank you, brother!"
Menchi's eyes sparkled with delight, though inwardly she sighed in relief.
As long as she could stay by Morrow's side, there was a chance to build a good relationship.
And with a better relationship, obtaining the Poultry Scarlet Knife would become easier.
Morrow kept his eyes on the road ahead and pressed the accelerator.
With the roar of the engine, the car sped forward.
"At the border of the Kukan'yu Kingdom, there's a town called Pulit."
Morrow watched the road as he suddenly spoke.
Menchi, puzzled, tilted her head to look at Morrow's profile, waiting for him to continue.
Morrow said slowly, "There's a noodle shop called Red Dan in that town. Do you know it?"
Red Dan Noodle Shop was where Kanzai had taken him for a "feast" last time.
Though it was just a bowl of Bone Broth Noodles, it was the most memorable meal Morrow had tasted since arriving in this world.
He had experienced the joy of savoring delicious food, even feeling that being alive was truly a blessing.
This wasn't an exaggeration.
In this fantastical, bizarre world, the threshold for culinary delight was incredibly high, far beyond anything from his previous life.
Menchi looked at Morrow's profile and nodded. "I know it. That shop is quite famous."
"Can you make something better than what they serve there?"
Morrow asked calmly.
Without hesitation, Menchi replied, "Brother, I can do it!"
When it came to her expertise, the girl's face finally radiated confidence.
"Call me Morrow."
Morrow was starting to find the overly deliberate address grating.
An epic leap forward, Menchi cheered inwardly, softening her voice as she said, "Alright, bro… Morrow."
Morrow fell silent, focusing on driving while contemplating his future plans.
For now, he intended to return to Heavens Arena, but the Floor Masters there likely couldn't meet his needs anymore.
Moreover, compared to leveling up, Morrow was more eager to face opponents slightly stronger than him, but not overwhelmingly so.
Ideally, fighting against multiple opponents would be best to refine the precision of his Starlight Convergence.
Nen Techniques are also important…
Morrow suddenly thought of Advanced Composite Nen Techniques.
In any case, he would head back to Heavens Arena first.
—--
Several days later.
Heavens Arena.
During Morrow's absence, Kastro had become a Floor Master, earning his own exclusive floor.
The floor housed luxurious rooms and a dedicated arena.
On a non-match day, Kastro and Calista were sparring alone in the arena.
However, their fight was interrupted by the arrival of an uninvited guest.
"Mind if I join?"
Hisoka leaned against the entrance, exuding a sinister and chilling aura.
On the arena, both Kastro and Calista's expressions darkened as they stared warily at the intruder.
"Hisoka!" Kastro released his aura in resistance, yet he was clearly at a disadvantage.
"I didn't invite you. If you want to fight, follow Heavens Arena's rules!"
"Ah, but I can't wait any longer."
Hisoka walked toward the ring, his eyes curved with amusement, the desire for battle nearly overflowing from his golden pupils.
On the stage, Kastro and Calista immediately tensed as if facing a formidable enemy.
All because Hisoka exerted immense pressure on both of them.
"What do you think you're doing to my disciple, Hisoka?"
Morrow's voice came from the passageway on the other side of the venue.
Hisoka's surging aura abruptly stilled as he gazed intently at the distant figure at the passage entrance, the one he both loved and hated.
Meanwhile, recognizing Morrow's voice, Kastro and Calista's faces lit up with joy.
Their master had returned!