I'm in Conan, I'm not a gangster

Chapter 574 The Big Eater (2nd Update)
The rooftop restaurant at the Conrad Osaka.

Under the dazzling crystal chandelier, Shiraishi E led Sonoko into the restaurant.

The waiter respectfully led them to their seats, and just then, Shiraishi E noticed Kyogoku Makoto in the corner.

He was sitting by the window, with a table full of exquisite dishes in front of him—grilled Wagyu beef, lobster sashimi, truffle foie gras… he had ordered almost all the most expensive dishes on the menu.

The other person was enjoying their dinner with a focused expression.

"Kyogoku-kun, you know how to enjoy yourself." Shiraishi E chuckled, pulling Sonoko over. "Would you mind eating with us?"

Kyogoku, engrossed in working on a bone-in steak, looked up when he heard this, sauce still on his lips: "...Please go ahead."

Shiraishi E and Sonoko sat down opposite him.

The waiter immediately handed over the menu, which Sonoko casually flipped through before closing it with little interest: "Ugh, it's Wagyu beef, tuna sushi, and lobster again... I eat this every day in Tokyo, and it's still the same in Osaka. It feels like I've wasted my trip."

She rested her chin on her hand, listlessly poking at the bread with her fork: "Can't we have something new?"

Shiraishi smiled, took the menu, and ordered a few relatively light dishes for her: "The hotel's main focus is on high-end food, not specialty dishes. Just eat something to fill your stomach first, and after the competition, I'll take you to Dotonbori to find some snacks."

Sonoko immediately perked up, her eyes sparkling: "Yes! I'll invite Kazuha along! She's a local from Osaka, she'll definitely know where the best food is!"

"Sure." Shiraishi E smiled and ruffled her hair.

Eating this every day?
He looked down at the Wagyu beef on his plate. The meat was tender and melted in his mouth. The black truffle sauce was rich and fragrant, and every bite felt incredibly luxurious.

He usually wouldn't dare to eat such a meal; he would only reward himself with a decent steak after winning a major competition.

Now, however, Sonoko has lost interest in these delicacies and even feels "tired" of them.

Makoto Kyogoku suddenly felt a strange sense of loss, as if an invisible wall stood between him and Sonoko—not a difference in strength, but a difference in their worlds.

This made him start asking himself: Even if I really did get together with Sonoko... could I bring her to eat in a place like this? Could I let her stay in a hotel like this?

He silently calculated the prize money he had earned from the competitions, realizing that even if he gave it his all, he probably couldn't afford Sonoko's daily allowance.

As for getting Sonoko to pay for it? Kyogoku Makoto never even considered it!
No, Makoto Kyogoku is definitely not a gigolo who lives off women! But if even the most basic material needs cannot be met, what right does he have to talk about "liking" someone?
Thinking of this, Makoto Kyogoku took a deep breath and remembered something his master had once told him: "Women will only affect your cultivation!"

He stopped thinking wildly and focused on the food in front of him—he would eat whatever was high in protein!

Tender lobster meat, rich Wagyu beef, high-protein deep-sea fish... He meticulously calculated his nutritional intake, just like he would for a training plan.

Eat more so you can fight with all your might later!
However, while he was resting, he saw Sonoko listlessly poking at the tuna on her plate with her fork, looking disgusted: "The fish is just so-so, not as good as the one at that restaurant in Ginza last time..."

Kyogoku Makoto pretended not to hear anything and continued to show off.

………………

Presidential Suite at the Conrad Osaka.

After dinner, Shiraishi E and Sonoko stared in disbelief at the mountain of plates piled up in front of Kyogoku Makoto.

He devoured all five top-grade Wagyu beef steaks, seven lobsters, three plates of tuna sashimi, and countless side dishes and desserts.

"This...this guy can eat so much? He's a real glutton!!" Sonoko couldn't help but mutter, her eyes wide open. "He eats more than I have in three days!"

Eya Shiraishi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Makoto Kyogoku's appetite was comparable to that of a Super Saiyan in a manga. Despite his lean physique, he could stuff so much high-protein food into his stomach, which was truly unbelievable.

“Kyogoku-kun,” Shiraishi E said with some concern, “how about… we reschedule the match for another day? You’ve eaten so much; strenuous exercise might cause your stomach to sag.” Sonoko, though eager to see the two men duel for her, was more worried about Kyogoku Makoto’s safety, and quickly chimed in, “Yes, yes! No rush, we can fight tomorrow!”

Kyogoku Makoto wiped his mouth, his expression calm: "It's alright, I only ate about 70% full. I just need to rest for a bit."

"Seven-tenths full?!" Sonoko nearly jumped up from her chair. "You call that seven-tenths full?!"

Makoto Kyogoku nodded seriously: "When the training volume is high, I eat even more than this."

Shiraishi E and Sonoko looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

“…Alright then.” Shiraishi E sighed. “Since you have no problem with it, let’s proceed as planned.”

Kyogoku Makoto stood up, stretched his shoulders, and asked, "Where should we compete?"

Shiraishi E thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to your room. I don't want to mess up my suite."

Makoto Kyogoku nodded: "No problem."

……

Makoto Kyogoku's presidential suite, with an open-air balcony.

As night fell, the lights of Osaka twinkled in the distance, and a cool night breeze swept across the balcony.

The space here is spacious enough for the two of them to practice their skills.

Sonoko excitedly asked the hotel butler to bring over a professional video camera and set it up in the best shooting position. She then sat on the sofa next to her, holding a glass of iced juice, looking every bit the part of a spectator.

"I'm going to record this match!" she said with a grin. "I can watch it over and over again later!"

"If that's the case, then I'll have to fight pretty well." Shiraishi E said to Sonoko with a smile, then turned to Kyogoku Makoto and said, "Let me make this clear first, if I hurt you and it affects your match tomorrow, I won't be responsible."

Kyogoku Makoto said solemnly, "Of course I won't blame you. Sparring is bound to result in injuries."

"That's good." Shiraishi glanced at her watch. "It's been half an hour since we finished eating. Shall we begin?"

Makoto Kyogoku nodded: "Okay."

As soon as they finished speaking, the two of them took off their coats and removed their watches and other accessories.

Shiraishi E wore a fitted white shirt underneath, with the cuffs slightly rolled up, giving her an elegant yet casual look.

Makoto Kyogoku was wearing a black sports vest, his muscles clearly defined, exuding power.

Makoto Kyogoku frowned: "Are you sure you want to fight me in a white shirt?"

Shiraishi E chuckled: "Of course, I'll be going shopping with Sonoko later, so I have to be mindful of my appearance and can't dress sloppily."

Kyogoku Makoto said no more. He stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, his hands clenched into fists and placed at his waist, assuming the standard starting stance of Kyokushin-ryu karate, his eyes sharp as knives.

Shiraishi E remained composed, even placing one hand behind her back and casually beckoning to Kyogoku Makoto with the other.

"Do it!"

(End of this chapter)