The shop owner watched Kaito Ren and Genos with a knowing smile. Two more who overestimated themselves.
Hee hee hee.
His business thrived on these overconfident individuals attempting the 100,000 yen ramen challenge, only to end up enriching him…
"Is that all?"
However, in less than three minutes, Genos had devoured the enormous bowl of ramen, leaving the bowl spotless. The shop owner's mouth formed a perfect 'O'. What on earth was going on? He'd actually completed the challenge?!
While it pained him to pay out, he had no choice. He memorized Kaito Ren and Genos's faces, vowing never to offer them the challenge again.
100,000 yen, easily acquired!
Kaito Ren grinned at the newly obtained prize money. The feeling of wealth was undeniably good.
[You see an elderly man fall to the ground. Your choice is?]
[1: Help him and take him to the hospital (Strength Enhancement Agent +20)]
[2: Ignore him; someone else will help (Constitution -50)]
WHAT THE HELL?!
Kaito Ren's mind was flooded with a thousand curses. What in the world was this?! -50?! He'd almost impulsively chosen option two!
Only noticing the unusually short reward time for option two had made him hesitate. This was unprecedented.
Huh? Wait a minute…
As Kaito Ren prepared to berate the system, he looked up at the fallen man and froze. That spiky silver hair, those distinctive sideburns… Kaito Ren was certain: it was Bang!
Bang, the Silver Fang, who would be the third-ranked S-class hero in three years, couldn't simply fall and be unable to get up! Something was definitely fishy!
Kaito Ren's brow furrowed as he scanned the surroundings, but everything appeared normal. What was going on?
He was completely baffled. Something was definitely amiss. While he desperately wanted to turn and walk away…
The -50 Constitution penalty was agonizing. Regaining that would take a considerable amount of time. After much deliberation, Kaito Ren decided to investigate.
"Sir, are you alright?"
Kaito Ren helped Bang to his feet.
"Ah? Old man's fine. Just got a bit sleepy and dozed off."
Bang yawned, offering an explanation.
Dozed off?! On a busy street?!
Kaito Ren was so angry he almost swore. He'd almost chosen the second option!
"Hey, young man, haven't we met before?"
Bang looked at Kaito Ren with a puzzled expression.
"Have we?"
Kaito Ren frowned, searching his memory, but finding nothing familiar.
"Ah! Sorry, I'm mistaken. I must have seen someone else."
Bang scratched his head apologetically.
…
Kaito Ren's face twitched. Foolishness truly knows no age. Bang was a complete goofball.
"But young man, you have exceptional potential, a natural for martial arts. Want to train with me?
I guarantee you'll be among the strongest in three years! Don't refuse hastily. While three years is long, there are no shortcuts in martial arts! You must work diligently, step by step!"
"I only make this guarantee because of your exceptional talent. Others might take ten years or more to achieve the same!"
[Bang wishes to take you as his disciple. Your choice is?]
[1: Accept, and learn the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist (Strength Enhancement Agent +25)]
[2: Refuse (Constitution Enhancement Agent +20)]
Finally, some sense!
Seeing the system's reward, Kaito Ren's earlier irritation subsided somewhat.
While Bang's Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist was undoubtedly excellent, Kaito Ren already possessed a comprehensive mastery of martial arts techniques, surpassing even Bang by a considerable margin. He needed strength, not technique. Bang couldn't teach him anything new.
"Two!"
"I'm afraid I can't accept your offer."
"Young man, your talent is exceptionally rare! Don't waste it! If you agree to become my disciple, I guarantee you'll become a top-tier fighter in two years, maybe even less!"
Bang quickly added, upon seeing Kaito Ren's refusal.
"I still refuse."
Kaito Ren didn't hesitate.
"Such a pity!"
Bang shook his head regretfully.
"Young man, if you ever change your mind, my doors are always open. The Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist school welcomes you anytime!"
In the end, Bang, still unwilling to give up, made one last attempt, but Kaito Ren remained uninterested. Bang left, but he wasn't giving up. He couldn't bear to see such exceptional martial arts talent wasted.
"Do you know how many people long to be Bang's disciple? You refused him twice! Why?"
Genos, watching Bang leave in disappointment, frowned at Kaito Ren. Normally, a master's guidance would provide invaluable insights and accelerate progress.
Studying under Bang was a dream for many, yet Kaito Ren remained unmoved. If he were still human… Genos would have accepted without hesitation.
Now, his focus was on defeating more cyborgs, acquiring advanced technology, and undergoing further upgrades from Dr. Kuseno.
"If I must give a reason, it's that I don't believe he can teach me anything new. What I need most is strength, not technique."
Kaito Ren shrugged.
Genos, recalling their fight, his eyes narrowed. If anyone else had said that, it would have been blatant boasting. But coming from Kaito Ren…
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