In Toriko With A Chat Group

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"Hey! Boss, that's really hurtful to say!"

"But don't underestimate me. Even though I'm a city girl, I've always dreamed of adventure, and I exercise regularly!"

Tina rolled up her sleeves, trying to show off her arm muscles to Kei.

"Stop showing off. Your arms are as thin as bamboo sticks. With your build, you wouldn't last two days in the wild without collapsing from hunger."

Out in the wilderness, hunger was the most common problem Kei and his companions faced. It wasn't unusual to go several days without food in certain areas.

Every time they set out, they would gorge themselves on food to store energy.

"Boss! You forced my hand!"

"What do you mean?"

"I'll pay. I'll pay a separate interview fee, paid daily. And if I mess things up, you can deduct money from me."

Tina declared determinedly.

"Fine, you win. I'll take you with me."

Kei was successfully bribed.

"Awesome! Shall we depart now? I'm all ready to go!"

Tina was practically glowing with excitement.

"No, first I need to find someone to watch the shop while I'm away."

Kei cut off Tina's excitement with his reply.

"Oh, then... Then I'll help you find someone, Boss! Where do we go to look? Post a job request?"

"Or ask your friends to help? Or maybe..."

"Calm down. I'm just going to the employment agency to find a temporary worker."

Ignoring Tina's enthusiasm, Kei walked out of the shop, skillfully weaving through the streets and alleys. Along the way, many people greeted him.

"Boss, where are you heading today?"

"Kei-san, long time no see! I just got some fresh seafood. How about sharing a drink with me?"

"Boss, I've made a new dish. Please come and try it."

Kei responded to everyone one by one.

"Boss, you're really popular, huh?"

Tina commented.

"It's nothing. I've lived here long enough that everyone knows me. It's just neighbors saying hello."

Kei didn't think much of it. It was just simple greetings between neighbors, nothing worth being surprised about.

...

They arrived at the employment agency.

"Hey, isn't this Kei-san? What brings you here?"

The owner was a sturdy man with a cheerful smile. When he saw Kei, he immediately came over to greet him.

"I need to head out for a while, so I'm looking for a temporary worker to watch the shop."

"Got it! Leave it to me! I'll introduce you to the best candidates! Like this top student from a famous university!"

"Or this one, with years of professional work experience, who even served as a senior executive at a well-known company."

"Then there's this one, friendly and hardworking, with a spotless employment record."

"And finally, our ace here. This guy specializes in handling temporary job requests. To be honest, many companies want to hire him permanently."

"But he always refuses because he prefers doing various kinds of work."

The owner was exceptionally enthusiastic, leading Kei around the agency and introducing all kinds of talented people.

"This guy's way too eager! Is he trying to scam us for money or something?"

Tina whispered to Kei, standing on her tiptoes to speak into his ear.

"No, he's an old friend of mine. Back when he went on an ocean adventure, he got caught in a storm and was about to drown. I saved him."

"Ever since then, we've gotten to know each other well, and he's been trying to find a way to repay me."

Kei explained.

"Oh, I see. Sorry, I shouldn't have assumed the worst."

Tina nodded, finally understanding.

"This one... She doesn't have any special skills. She's just pretty, gentle, and caring. If you're interested, I can help you negotiate a price."

The owner had brought Kei to a beautiful woman dressed in professional attire, wearing a pencil skirt, glasses, stockings, and black high heels with red soles.

"No, I'm looking for a real temporary worker, not someone just for looks."

Kei immediately turned her down. He was about to head to a dangerous island, and bringing Tina, a burden, was already troublesome enough.

Taking another unreliable person was out of the question.

Besides, this woman didn't look reliable at all. Kei took his business seriously, and if she screwed things up, it would damage his reputation.

"Hmm, that makes it difficult. The high-end talents... Hmm..."

The owner was doing his best to recommend his best candidates, but either Kei wasn't satisfied, or the candidates weren't fit for the job.

He was feeling quite troubled. How could he help Kei?

"I appreciate your kindness, but I'm just looking for a temporary worker. Nothing fancy."

"Someone reliable who can get the job done."

Kei patted the owner's shoulder.

"Sigh, I was too eager. Alright, you can look around yourself. We definitely have the right person for you here."

The owner took a deep breath. He had been overly enthusiastic. Over the years, he had been trying to repay Kei's kindness but never found a suitable opportunity.

As they continued browsing the agency, the three of them eventually stopped in front of a small girl with blue hair.

She had blue hair with a piece of black charcoal on her head. She wore a white kimono with a short hem, revealing her fair legs. She was barefoot, with a red string tied around her left foot. A tilted pink ribbon on her back caught their attention.

"What's your name?"

"My name is Binchotan." (She is from an old anime)

Binchotan looked up at Kei, her eyes filled with nervousness. She pulled her feet back as if she didn't want them to be seen.

"Binchotan, do you want to work at my shop?"

"Yes."

Binchotan nodded. She desperately needed a job. Otherwise, she wouldn't have food to eat.

"How much do you want per day?"

"I-I don't need money. Just some rice will do."

Binchotan replied.

"She looks like she's barely ten years old. Are we really hiring her? What if her parents come making a fuss?"

Tina whispered.

"It's fine. Binchotan, come with me. When the job is done, I'll give you your payment."

Binchotan seemed uncertain at first but looked up at Kei's smiling face.

"Yes. I will work hard."

Binchotan nodded and gently grabbed Kei's finger.

As Kei prepared to head back to the shop with Binchotan, he casually chatted with the owner.

"By the way, how are you handling rice these days?"

"Kei, stop joking around. If I'm taking a cut of rice, then I'd just be another crook. I'm not a scumbag."

"Hahaha, I knew you were a good guy. Alright then, come by the shop sometime, and we'll have a drink together."

Kei bid farewell to the owner and returned to the shop with Tina and Binchotan.

(End of Chapter)

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