Free Home Delivery / Brain: "I've Got This." Hands: "No, You Don't!"
P. S.: An extra chapter today.
Chapter 176, Section 187: Free Home Delivery
"We've arrived in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture!" Kevin and the others looked at the landmark, then glanced at an illegally obtained household registration file on their phones, a slight smile playing on their lips.
Located in the inland central part of the Kanto Region, Japan, this area was historically known as Musashi Province, along with most of Tokyo. It boasts a wealth of historical sites and is known as a vibrant city.
Furthermore, it boasts a dense transportation network, with two Shinkansen lines forming the main arteries of transportation, making it one of the most important transportation hubs in eastern Japan.
In addition, Saitama Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture are neighboring prefectures that are right next to Tokyo, and many office workers who work in Tokyo have bought houses in these two prefectures.
Because it's a prefecture-level standard, it's cheaper than buying a house in Tokyo, so most of the people who take the train to Tokyo to work in the morning come from Saitama Prefecture, and Chiba Prefecture Ibaraki Prefecture.
Because it's so close, it's only a few hours' drive away.
"Excuse me, where is the Kiritani family's residence around here?"
The gentle question in her ear made a short-haired girl with bangs, who had just finished school at noon and was walking with her head down, subconsciously raise her head and warily scrutinize the "foreign friend" in front of her.
"What a coincidence? You are... Little Leafa? He mentioned you to me..."
"She's just as cute and pretty as in the photos..."
The foreign friend's slightly surprised words and heartfelt praise greatly reduced Kirigaya Nao's guard.
"You know my brother? His friend?"
The girl, who had diligently practiced bamboo sword for eight years, heard that familiar name and her right hand slowly moved away from the black cloth strip behind her back.
The young woman nodded and led the way, while her foreign friend gathered seven or eight men and women who were chatting and laughing, and they went together.
On the way, Kirigaya Nao bit her lip several times, wanting to turn back, but ultimately restrained herself.
"Actually, we became friends through the game. Every time Kirito logs on, he always tries to brag to me about how cute and amazing his little sister is..."
"Furthermore, he also told you the embarrassing story about how he gave up learning kendo and made you angry..."
"Furthermore, he's always wanted to reconcile with you, but he just didn't know how to bring it up..."
The foreign friend was very understanding and took the initiative to start a conversation, seemingly unintentionally revealing the things that Kirigaya Nao was concerned about.
As the foreign friend recounted their gaming experiences, Kirigaya Nao began to gain a general understanding of her cousin's recent social interactions and life.
Not long after Kazuto Kirigaya was born, his parents died in a car accident. Although he was also seriously injured, he survived, but was later adopted by the Kiritani family (his mother's brother-in-law's family).
Moreover, this prodigy, respectfully known as "Grandpa Kirito," was born extraordinary.
He could assemble a computer by himself when he was 6 years old, and when he was 10, he discovered that his electronic household registration had been modified and he learned about his origins, which greatly surprised his adoptive parents.
But after the boy lost both his parents and learned the truth, he gradually became introverted and reserved.
In particular, when Kazuto Kirigaya was seven years old, he gave up kendo, and his cousin Kirigaya Nao, who grew up with him, could never understand her brother's decision.
Because Suguha practiced kendo from a young age, and when she was a child, she was scolded by her strict grandfather for giving up kendo. Suguha cried and promised her grandfather that she would work hard for her brother's sake as well.
After all, in her eyes, this was a bond between her and her brother, and she was willing to pay more for it.
However, Kazuto later developed a liking for computer and internet technology, and at the same time, he felt guilty towards Suguha, so he communicated less and less with Suguha.
Unfortunately, Grandpa Kirito not only failed to notice his cousin's inner conflict, but also never took the initiative to explain the reason, and a rift gradually grew between the two.
What this seemingly Winner didn't know was that his cousin Kirigaya Nao, had feelings for him that went beyond the concept of familial affection.
He still cares about me! After arriving at a certain conclusion during a casual chat with a foreign friend, Kirigaya Nao's resentment gradually dissipated, and a sweet feeling welled up in her heart.
The Kiritani family home, living room.
"Kirito! Long time no see! I'm Kevin, from Yotsuki's Black Cat Group!"
The foreign friend warmly embraced the bewildered, dark-haired, handsome boy, who had just been called offline from the virtual world and whose mind was still in a daze.
"You..."
Kazuto Kirigaya's pupils suddenly contracted, and a surge of tension rose in his heart.
They've only met once; they're not that close...
But this guy somehow managed to sneak up to his doorstep without him noticing, it's terrifying!
"Today, because most guilds are organizing raids on the Five-colored Great Dragons, the area is in complete chaos."
"Since we had nothing better to do, we all got together and decided to have an in-person gathering."
"Now, all that's missing is you!"
The light laughter that tried to ease the atmosphere was less convincing than the shy, black-haired girl with bangs who was being playfully pushed forward by her teammates.
"Fortunate?"
The reserved Kazuto Kirigaya was somewhat hesitant to confirm, and asked cautiously.
"This is Dakar, oh ho ho, Kirito!"
The mischievous thief grinned and slipped between the two, but was instantly punched on the back of the head and dragged away by the student council Keita.
"You guys continue, I'm going out to walk the three of them..."
The three friends who wanted to watch the show were suddenly grabbed by the throat and dragged away by Keita.
However, not long after they left, Kevin noticed four pairs of eyes watching them from outside the window.
With Kevin warming things up, the two reserved teenagers sat on the sofa, chatting and laughing as they reminisced about how they met and got to know each other, and the atmosphere gradually eased.
Kirito, who is usually not very talkative, couldn't help but chat a bit more enthusiastically when it came to games, an area he excels at.
"Have some tea, everyone..."
Kirigaya Nao, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists. He felt that the foreign friend, whom he had previously liked quite a bit, was now extremely detestable.
I've never seen anyone offer free delivery to my door when they come to visit me in person!
"Let me introduce another friend I brought..."
"Asuna the Berserk Healer, Shino Asada the Ghost Sniper, Yuzuriha Inori the Void Songstress, Angela the Templar Healer..."
"And then there's my colleague next to me— Miyu Kirishima —a policewoman from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department..."
The commander tapped his head sheepishly Kazuto Kirigaya a slight smile.
"You're... a police officer?!"
Kirigaya Nao, who was the first to come to her senses, suddenly stood up and looked at her brother with worry in her eyes, while at the same time, she wanted to protect Kazuto Kirigaya like a fierce wildcat.
"Ahem, it's just a break, don't be so tense. I just wanted to invite your brother to join my gaming guild... [Guns N' Roses Knights]..."
Kevin quickly waved his hand, trying to put Kirigaya Nao.
"Let's talk upstairs..."
Kazuto Kirigaya subconscious protection of him made him feel even more guilty, as he had become somewhat estranged from his adoptive parents after learning about his true parentage.
The two got up and left, going to the balcony for a detailed discussion.
What are your thoughts on this campaign against the Five-colored Great Dragons?
Kevin leaned on the railing, munching on Mentos he'd bought nearby, and casually asked a question.
"I always felt it wasn't that simple..."
"This is a game that downplays the rules. If a difference of around 30 levels can be overcome simply by sheer numbers, then this design is meaningless."
"Furthermore, I noticed that during each of the Five-colored Kings' third advancement, although their level increased, the damage inflicted on them by the raiding party remained the same."
"Because the Five-colored Kings's own defense and skills do not adjust significantly with level increases."
"So either the game mechanics are flawed, or the Five-colored Great Dragons boss is just an empty shell."
When the topic turned to games, Kazuto Kirigaya couldn't help but share his speculations, as he was remarkably perceptive in these matters.
Kevin offered no comment on Kazuto Kirigaya's answer, then slightly raised his eyebrows, casting his gaze down at the strangely atmospheric living room below, and asked with a peculiar expression.
If you had to choose one person to be your girlfriend, which of the following would you pick?
Faced with this unexpected question, Kazuto Kirigaya looked bewildered.
P. S.: By the way, do you guys want Grandpa Kirito to push his sister?
Also, I'll try to add another chapter after I wake up.
Chapter 177, Section 188: Brain: I understand. Hand: No, you don't!
Kirito's gaze unconsciously fell on the shy girl with Kazuto Kirigaya in the corner. His deliberately mature expression crumbled into the shyness of a young boy.
"Slap! Slap!"
After the atmosphere gradually eased, Asuna Yuuki clapped her hands lightly and stood up solemnly amidst the crisp applause.
"Xiao Zhi said that Uncle and Aunt are away on a business trip today, so let's all prepare lunch together..."
"Buying ingredients and cooking are things for us girls..."
"You guys keep an eye on the house, and while you're at it, tidy up the living room!!"
The young lady of the Yuuki Family, with her hands on her hips, simply gave instructions to both sides on the tasks to be completed, instantly exuding an aura of authority.
Xiao Zhi? When did they become so close?
Kazuto Kirigaya looked at the beautiful girl with orange eyes and chestnut hair in the hall, and Kirigaya Nao who was chatting and laughing with her, with a somewhat surprised expression.
"Five Mentos, a bottle of mints, and some ice cream and fruit, please..."
Kevin leaned on the railing, waved to state his request, and then turned to give Kazuto Kirigaya a slight smile.
"This girl appears to be a well-behaved child, but she actually has a hint of a domineering CEO's nature..."
"When she gets serious, even I have to follow her orders..."
Kazuto Kirigaya nodded slightly, realizing that what Kevin said was true.
For some reason, he felt a strange sense of familiarity with this girl named Asuna.
But the shy glance from Sachi at the doorway made Kazuto Kirigaya quickly suppress any strange feelings he might have had, and he waved to the Moonlit Black Cats Guild.
The task of cleaning the living room was quite simple; Kevin didn't even need to lift a finger. The cheerful and lively young people had already cleaned up all the clutter.
In just half an hour, the four people downstairs had barely played a few rounds of cards when the girls who had gone out shopping returned carrying large and small bags.
"How about we divide into groups and have a competition, with each pair of people responsible for two dishes?"
After taking time off from her job, policewoman Miyu Kirishima, whose serious personality had softened slightly, surprisingly suggested a cooking competition.
Everyone nodded enthusiastically, and after drawing lots, Kevin was surprisingly assigned to a group with Asuna Yuuki based on the characters on the lot.
Kazuto Kirigaya becomes Sachi's helper, Shino Asada is assigned to the stubborn girl Kirigaya Nao.
Considering the time constraints and the fact that some people know nothing about cooking, those who didn't draw a character were naturally responsible for providing feedback.
"I'll wash the vegetables!"
Kevin was quite self-aware and took the initiative to do the chores, and began to clean vegetables and prepare fish according to Asuna Yuuki's request.
Cut the sea bream (or other fresh fish bones) into pieces, blanch in boiling water, remove and rinse with clean water...
Wash the red and white radishes separately and cut them into thin strips...
"Pour 1/3 cup of water into the pot and bring it to a boil..."
The chestnut-haired girl, wearing an apron and holding a soup spoon, instantly exuded confidence and charisma, and while cooking, she pointed out the procedures and precautions to Kevin, who seemed interested in learning.
"Stop! Don't put in so much seasoning! A third of a spoonful is enough!"
Japanese cuisine is characterized by its light flavors and emphasizes the natural freshness of the ingredients...
Kevin had lost the ruthless, cold-blooded way he reaped lives on the battlefield; his expression was serious, his demeanor focused, and he learned very quickly.
Moreover, his knife skills were clean and crisp, and the rhythmic tapping sounds on the cutting board made Asuna Yuuki slightly lose her focus. Her orange eyes, through a wisp of mist, froze on Kevin's face.