Aomori City.
A city at the northernmost tip of Japan's Honshu Island.
Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Aomori City had used its unique geographical advantages and abundant ocean resources to become one of Japan's leading cities in embracing modernization.
Afternoon.
Sunlight spilled over the streets of Aomori City, gilding the city's outlines with a golden glow.
Teiichi set foot in Aomori City.
A scene of interwoven Eastern and Western cultures, of history blending with modernity, unfolded before his eyes.
Pedestrians streamed along both sides of the streets, some wearing traditional kimonos and others dressed in crisp suits, mingling to form a distinctive sight. Every face brimmed with anticipation and hope for the future-the confidence and vitality that Japan in this era had brought its people.
Tall buildings rose from the ground, complementing the quaint, elegant wooden structures and showcasing Aomori City's distinctive urban character.
Streetcars rattled through the streets with a ding and a clang, as though recounting the city's history and changes. The vintage automobiles that occasionally passed added a touch of romance and old-fashioned charm.
"Finally, it feels a little modern!"
Teiichi could not help remarking as he looked at the scene before him.
For the past few years, he had spent almost all his time in the mountains. The few missions he had gone on had taken him no farther than towns, the equivalent of the villages and towns of his previous life, and even those had all been in the mountains.
Although even Japan's mountains were gradually beginning to acquire a modern feel, he really had to come to a big city like this to experience it!
Hmm, first I need to find somewhere to stay.
With that thought, Teiichi headed into the city.
He made his way to the seaside and followed the road along the shore. After searching for over ten minutes, he finally spotted a sign reading "Aomori Seaside Pavilion."
He stepped inside and approached the front desk.
The young woman at the front desk smiled and bowed when she saw Teiichi arrive, then asked:
"Welcome, sir. Would you like to check in?"
Teiichi nodded.
"How many nights will you be staying?"
Teiichi thought for a moment, then replied:
"I'm not sure yet. Three nights to start."
The attendant nodded and replied, "Certainly. That will be 3,000 sen in total."
"Hiss..."
Teiichi could not help drawing a sharp breath when he heard the price.
Good grief, a night in Yamada Town only cost me 150, and here it's a straight 1,000 a night. Almost seven times as much! Why don't they just rob people?
With an aching heart, Teiichi took 3,000 sen from his pocket.
Good thing I can catch wild boars and sell them. Life would be rough if I had to rely on a Demon Slayer Corps employee's wages.
He was already considering whether he should keep staying here after the three days were up.
After taking the key from the attendant, Teiichi went to his room.
He opened the door and walked inside.
Though the room was small, it was furnished very cozily.
He walked to the window and pushed it open. A sea breeze washed over his face, carrying a faint, salty scent of seawater. Gazing at the boundless sea not far away, he felt his mind instantly relax.
"Ah, let it be expensive, then. Maybe I should move my home somewhere by the sea like this someday."
Looking at the sea before him, Teiichi could not help thinking this.
Night.
As night deepened, the streets of Aomori City shone beneath the neon lights like a flowing ribbon of dazzling colors. The aromas of all kinds of food filled the air, tantalizing the taste buds of passersby. The crowds bustled, everyone searching for their own evening meal.
Teiichi wandered through the bustling streets, his gaze moving between the signs of the various shops. His stomach had already begun protesting, reminding him that it was time to eat.
"Soba & Buckwheat Noodle Specialty Shop"
"Grilled Skewers & Yakitori"
"Famous Aomori Ramen Shop"
"Sushi & Sashimi Bar"
"Tempura Specialty Shop" (tempura)
"Soba noodles?"
"Grilled skewers would work too."
"Maybe tempura. It's been so many years since I transmigrated, and I've been cooking for myself in the mountains every day. I still haven't had a proper taste of local Japanese cuisine."
"Sushi sounds pretty good too."
Beneath the neon lights, the shops' banners fluttered in the wind, leaving Teiichi dazzled by the choices.
Suddenly, a fresh, savory aroma reached his nose.
Teiichi could not resist sniffing the air.
Following the scent, he arrived at the entrance of a shop.
A shop banner hung high above it, bearing the words:
"Aomori Seafood Donburi Specialty Shop"
Seeing the name, Teiichi decided this would be his dinner tonight.
"Ah, of course. When you come to the seaside, you've got to have seafood for your first meal to show some respect. The other stuff can wait until the next few days."
Teiichi gently pushed open the door and walked inside.
The shop was brightly lit, with several wooden dining tables neatly arranged inside. A faint seafood aroma filled the air, greatly whetting his appetite.
"Hello! Welcome, dear customer!" The owner's voice rang out the moment he entered, warm and friendly.
Teiichi looked around and chose an empty seat by the window. From here, he could enjoy his food while admiring the nighttime scenery outside. Once seated, he raised a hand to signal the owner, ready to order.
"Five seafood donburi, please."
"Coming..." The owner's words came to an abrupt halt. Looking at Teiichi, he asked:
"Sir, did you say five seafood donburi?"
Teiichi nodded. He was used to this by now. Ever since his physical abilities had improved, his appetite had grown enormously as well. These days, eating five kilograms of food in one meal was nothing out of the ordinary for him. Whenever he went to a restaurant, the amount he ordered always drew attention.
While in the mountains, he had even hunted so many wild boars for food that he had nearly wiped out those nearby. To find food, he had been forced to travel farther afield to hunt, which often cost him a great deal of time.
The five portions he had just ordered were not even enough. Worried they would get cold, Teiichi planned to order five first, then add more once he had nearly finished.
"Coming right up!" After confirming Teiichi's order, the owner answered loudly, his voice betraying an unmistakable delight. He immediately got busy preparing the five generous seafood donburi for Teiichi.
Before long, five large bowls of seafood donburi were brought out, each covered with a wooden lid.
The owner placed one of the bowls before Teiichi and deftly lifted its wooden lid. An aroma mingling the freshness and richness of the ocean depths immediately spread through the air.
The rice in the bowl was golden and plump, topped with a thick layer of seafood. The fresh tuna was tender, cut into thin slices and arranged neatly together. Beside it were succulent sea snails and tender shrimp, dotted with emerald-green chopped scallions. Sauce drizzled over the seafood and rice completed an appetizing picture.
At the sight, Teiichi's eyes shone with anticipation. He eagerly picked up his chopsticks and began enjoying the delicious seafood donburi.