Chapter 4 – Shi Fang’s Restaurant

Daichi’s POV

I felt the warm rays of the sun on my body. The cool morning breeze gently blowing around me. I was so excited I had a small skip in my step. As I looked around I saw trees of different shapes and sizes and various plants of all colors adorning the sides of the road. This village was mesmerizing. 

There was no pollution in the air here or the screeching noises of the many vehicles that I was accustomed to back in my old world. With every breath of air, it felt like strength was flowing into my body.

As I was walking forward I realized that the orphanage was situated at the outskirts of the leaf village. I took a look back to take in the sight of the building. It was different from the one I remember watching in the story. So this must be another orphanage in the village. I remember reading in the description that this orphanage was built by Aiko with her funds and she was the one running it. 

Quest Created - ‘Scout out the village.’

Explore and find out more about the village. Find the different buildings and places in the village (0/7). Time limit: 7 Days.

Rewards:

1000 Exp

Rep increases with Leaf Village citizens. 

Complete Quest in 3 days.  (New Title)  (Bonus)

Failure:

Rep decreases with Leaf Village citizens.

Rep decreases with Kensei Yasaji.

Accept (Y/N)

I was slightly surprised by a new quest appearing so soon but quickly accepted after reading the contents. I won’t say no to more exp and with my knowledge and the time limit of 7 days, it would be easy for me to complete it. 

I looked towards the old man who was walking beside me with a small smile. 

"So where to?" I asked. 

He had a grin when he answered. "Why don't we get some breakfast. I know a place that sells some of the most delicious foods in the village." I gave him a nod and looked ahead. 

He had a serene expression as his left hand used the cane to help him take each step and his right hand folded behind his back. The old man walked slowly but had a measured gait. I walked beside him looking all around me. What the old man didn't know was that I was using my ability 'Observe' on everything that I set my eyes on.

'Observe'

[Oak tree]

A tall oak tree that was planted 33 years ago and is home to various species of birds and rodents. It is 72 feet in height and 8 feet in width. The branches reach up to 105 feet in length. It is a healthy tree and has strong and durable wood, excellent for furniture and carpentry work. The wood of this tree has a small resistance to water.

'Observe'

[Small Stone]

A hard earthen substance that came from a large rock. Mainly used in walls and foundational works.

'Observe'

[Squirrel]

HP: 18   CP: 8

A flying squirrel from the species of squirrels. It is four years old. They are not capable of flight like birds but they can glide from one tree to another using their wing-like membrane that stretches from wrist to ankles.

Skill Observe’s level has risen by one.

Skill Observe’s level has risen by one.

Skill Observe’s level has risen by one.

As I was using 'observe' on everything that crossed my path, the level of the skill increased several times. As I kept walking towards the center of the village I noticed buildings of all shapes and sizes and various colors. The leaf village was a mixture of nature and city. The trees and various plants intermingled with the different buildings gave this village an elegant natural beauty.

I saw more and more people walking down the streets. People opening their shops for business. I even saw a few ninjas jumping on rooftops and disappearing as quickly as I saw them. I saw some teenagers in chunin vests walking past me. I looked around and at everything in wonder. Like a country bumpkin who just entered the big city. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that a few women were looking at me and giggling at my expression. I felt a blush slowly starting to appear on my face.

"It's breathtaking isn't it?” The old man asked me. 

"Very." I replied. 

The old man stopped in front of a small store and motioned me to come inside. I read the small sign hanging on top of the store.

'Shi Fang's Restaurant.'

As soon as I stepped in I could smell the fragrance of different foods lingering in the air. It was a small, simple restaurant. Only a few people were dining inside at the moment. Even though the restaurant was simple it was neat and tidy. With an area of, little over 17 square meters and around a dozen sets of tables and chairs, it was indeed a small restaurant.

You have found a restaurant. Quest progression (1/7)

I glanced at the blue notification box and slightly smiled and dismissed it. Happy at the small completion of the quest, I followed Kensei to a seat. The old man went to a table at the corner and took a seat while I took the opposite chair. Suddenly a young man walked out of the kitchen and headed for us. He had a slim figure and fair skin. His long black hair was tied back into a ponytail with a small wool rope.

I quickly used 'observe' on him. 

[ LV.19] [ Shi Fang]

Age: 20

HP: 2738.  CP: 2023

[Shi Fang is the owner of Shi Fang's Restaurant. Even though he trained in the shinobi academy for a few years his dream was to become a chef like his father. He dropped out during the 3rd year of the academy to pursue his dream. 2 years ago he inherited the restaurant from his father after he proved himself as a capable chef and owner. He secretly trains his body and senses to improve his cooking speed and skills.]

Third Person POV

"Good morning Kensei-san. It's been a while. How have you been my friend?" He asked in a jovial tone. 

"I'm Good little Shi. How's business.?" 

"The usual. Things won't get hectic until noon. So I'm free for a while. I'm currently looking for ideas on a new dish."

"Oh? What kind of a dish?" The old man asked curiously. He knew that all the dishes here were made by Shi and they were all delicious.

"That's a surprise." That was the only reply he got. The young owner then turned his head and looked to Daichi and asked politely

"And who might you be kid?"

"I'm Daichi Hekima." The boy said with a smile.

"I decided to adopt him. So now he's my grandson." Kensei added. 

Rep increases with Shi Fang

Shi was surprised and then smiled. "Good for you old man. Guess you won't be so lonely in that house anymore. Now then, what will you two be having?"

"We'll have two plates of Rainbow dumplings." 

"Coming right up." Shi left and disappeared into the kitchen. 

"I could smell the fragrance of several foods when I entered this place. So I'm guessing this 'Rainbow dumplings' is gonna be delicious huh." Daichi asked, looking at Shi’s retreating figure.

"It is. This place may look small but I've eaten some of the most delicious foods in my life at this place." Kensei had a small grin when he said those words. Hearing his reply Daichi got excited to try the dish and was waiting eagerly for it. 

“We have a few minutes before he comes back. So let's have a chat.” Kensei’s smile disappeared as he said those words. He was calm and collected with no emotions showing on his face.

Daichi was only slightly surprised at the sudden change in atmosphere. Even though he smiled and was putting on a cheerful face all this time, he was cautious and had never let his guard down. He knew this was a shinobi village and he had to be extremely careful with every move he made.

He knew from the start, the person adopting him could potentially be an enemy. Until he had the strength to protect himself from most threats, he would tread cautiously. This was something Daichi decided after his meeting with Kensei in the orphanage. 

Without even realizing it, Daichi’s body instinctively shifted into a defensive posture and the smile and cheerful expression disappeared. He maintained a neutral face just like the old man sitting opposite to him. About 30 seconds passed by, with neither of them making a sound or movement. Each of them looking at the other with expressionless faces.

“That’s what I wanted to see.” Kensei said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. 

Daichi was confused. ‘What does he mean by that? What did he see?’ Daichi was only pondering these questions for a few seconds before the answer hit him. He suddenly looked at his clenched hands and the defensive posture his body was in. 

His eyes widened as he found the answer. He didn’t react in the way a normal 5 year old would. Daichi quickly realized that the old man figured out he was no ordinary child, with the way he schooled his face and his body’s fight or flight response. 

‘He realized I’m more than the average kid based on my reaction just now. But what triggered him to test me? I doubt he knows about my Gamer ability or its abnormalities. But if he thinks I’m some kind of a spy or a threat and decides to interrogate me or report me, I’m doomed.’ 

‘I have to find out how much he knows and what he thinks I am. I can't tell him who I really am but playing dumb won’t help me either. And if I lie it would only get me in trouble. It's best to do this straight forward.’ 

Daichi quickly looked back to the old man and asked in a serious voice. “How long have you known?”

Kensei looked at the child in front of him and answered. “I see you’re choosing the direct approach. Good. That’s my style too. So how long have I known that you are much smarter and perceptive than a kid your age has any right to be? Isn’t that your question?” Kensei asked with a smirk. Daichi looked at him and slowly nodded.

“Since our first meeting. When Aiko told you about the adoption, you had a certain look on your face and a glint in your eyes. Something I've seen on many shinobi who are deep in enemy territories. It was only for a split second so I doubt Aiko saw it. But I've been a shinobi for most of my life. So when I saw that calculating glint in your eyes, I instantly recognized it.”

“The eyes of someone finding himself in an unknown situation, and deciding to take a risk after weighing the pros and cons and to figure out the variables. Which in this case is me. And right now your body's reaction to what you perceive as a possible potential threat. The way you reacted to my words. All of that tells me all I need to know."

Daichi was freaking out inside his head. 'Holy crap. Holy crap. This guy is way too perceptive. I knew I might be caught one day but not on my first day here before lunch. Oh man, what do I do?' 

As Daichi was panicking a sudden calmness washed over him and he was able to quickly regain control of his emotions and thoughts. 

'Thank you gamer's mind'.