Teuchi felt that never in his life had he been so brimming with determination.
He had a goal to achieve.
To make tastier ramen, earn more money, and buy more cans!
Shen Mo brought out the cans Teuchi purchased, looking at him open them with nervous anticipation, while his mind mulled over the recent conflict.
Those Anbu ninjas weren't strong.
Likely just chunin.
The leader, probably ex-Root, might have elite chunin strength.
To overwhelm them, 100,000 Trade Points' worth of Dragon Might sufficed. But against jonin, or even Kage-level…
It fell short.
Dragon Might only projected an invincible aura. For those with iron will, daring to challenge the mightiest, they could still attack under its pressure—perhaps, in a do-or-die mindset, even surpassing their full strength.
Then, such a "cheap" resolution wouldn't cut it.
Shen Mo estimated…
Barring poison, curses, or assassination, to stylishly crush the Third Hokage outright would take at least 3 million Trade Points for a single battle's one-off cost.
For permanent abilities…
His current funds could buy Professor X's mutant ability, but that only granted early potential. Reaching X's peak would take over a decade of development.
Unless he upgraded with Trade Points—at a steep price.
And after buying, his remaining funds might not ensure crushing the Third Hokage plus Konoha's many jonin.
"An invincible image is a must," Shen Mo concluded inwardly. "The more clients obsess over cans, the greater the temptation I become. Only an invincible, mysterious image can minimize endless fights. Until my strength truly grows, fighting is just wasting money. So… 20 million Trade Points is the minimum I need."
Using 20 million Trade Points consumptively, even against Madara Uchiha, he might go toe-to-toe.
A safety net for his current limits.
Trade Points beyond that could be leisurely spent on boosting his strength.
Sigh…
When would he have spare cash for an Ikaros?
Shen Mo felt a pang of melancholy.
He suddenly turned, looking at Sasuke.
Sasuke flinched under Shen Mo's gaze.
That terrifying sensation from before seemed to resurface, his heart racing, limbs stiffening.
"This young client, perhaps interested in buying some cans?" Shen Mo said, smiling gently.
He hadn't forgotten this high-potential protagonist.
"…"
Sasuke swallowed hard.
But he nodded firmly, fists clenched, saying darkly:
"I want to get stronger—because there's someone I must kill!"
That yearning…
It's why he lingered here despite the fear.
Forget mere money—he'd pay any price.
"To get stronger, huh," Shen Mo sighed softly. "The most common wish I hear. Many think power solves everything."
"Can it be done?"
Sasuke pressed, staring at this mysterious, immensely powerful merchant, dreading a "no."
"Of course," Shen Mo said, eyeing Sasuke with interest. "Most times, I don't care why clients buy. As long as they pay the price, everyone has a shot at changing their destiny here. So, client, what price can you pay?"
The entire Uchiha clan's wealth, inherited by its sole survivor? Unlikely.
But his parents' estate alone should be substantial.
And more valuable—ninjutsu, perhaps… bloodline, or something else.
"I don't know how much—it's uncounted, but it's not small!" Sasuke said, relieved, his excited voice hushed. "It's at my house. Can you come with me? Besides money, there should be other things to trade!"
His parents had left plenty of money.
But he'd never paid it much mind.
He even avoided it, as it stirred old memories.
But now…
If it could buy power to avenge his parents, they… they'd be pleased, right?
"No problem at all," Shen Mo said, seeing Sasuke's demeanor, growing expectant.
Maybe this Uchiha orphan would surprise him.
Meanwhile…
Teuchi had opened the tier-two cans.
The second one yielded edamame.
Same as before.
"Items in tier-one cans are in tier-two cans too," Shen Mo explained, smiling. "Just about ten times more, some of higher quality. But after becoming a member, clients can't buy tier-one cans anymore—they're just for initial exposure."
Each can's items were handpicked by Shen Mo for value, placed with a thought.
Though effortless…
Low-valuecans were a hassle if too numerous.
As expected…
Hearing this, Teuchi didn't mind—he was relieved.
Tier-one cans had many wondrous, delicious ingredients. Losing access would've been a shame.
"Here's the membership badge," Shen Mo said, handing one over as usual. "Next time you want cans, use it to notify me. If I'm tied up, I'll contact you as soon as I'm free."
"Thank you!" Teuchi clutched the badge tightly, looking at Shen Mo with gratitude. "Truly, thank you for this opportunity."
Without meeting Shen Mo…
He might never have glimpsed the heights of culinary art.
This gratitude was heartfelt.
For Teuchi, who saw ramen as his faith, it was no less than a profound kindness.
"Looking forward to your next purchase," Shen Mo said, chuckling, accepting the gratitude.
Sure, he made nearly four times the cost in profit, but if the client felt it was a win and stayed happy, what did it matter?
You're happy, I'm happy.
That's true joy-making.
Leaving Ichiraku Ramen amid Teuchi's gratitude, Shen Mo stood under dim streetlights, looking at Sasuke beside him, the corner of his mouth curving slightly.
And that smile, in Sasuke's eyes…
Held an ineffable, immense allure.
Even before it began…
A fanatical yearning already burned deep in his gaze.
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