I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 154 It All Belongs to You (A Long Chapter of 8000 Words!)

The minor incident didn't affect Tsukino Gen's mood, but he was a little worried that it might spoil the mood of the girl in front of him.

However, as soon as she sat down, Kazama Sakura started ordering food.

Anyway, when asked, the boy said he could eat anything and had no dietary restrictions. He kept making excuses, but in the end he always ordered for himself, so we decided to skip that step and just do it ourselves.

After ordering and handing the menu to the waiter, I looked up and saw Tsukino Gen looking at me with a smile.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Kazama Sakura raised her arm, rested her chin on it, and gazed at the boy with her bright, watery eyes.

The surrounding area was bustling with noise and many customers; it was a lively and lively place.

"No, I thought you'd be in a bad mood, you seem to be doing well."

Hearing the boy's words, Kazama Sakura snorted, "Why be unhappy over irrelevant people? To be honest, all these people can do is say a few unpleasant things, and that's all they can do. They just can't stand seeing others do well."

This is clearly referring to Yuriko.

Tsukino Gen looked at the other person curiously, "You don't even know my relationship with her, yet you're making such a judgment?"

It seems there's an overemphasis on this, and it's not very rational or objective.

Kazama Sakura shook her head slightly, just like a cat unconsciously wagging its tail, and the girl's ponytail swayed as well.

"I don't need to know what your relationship is or what your past is like. Anyway, she said those strange things to me because she wants me to misunderstand you and hate you. Since she's targeting you, she's definitely not a good person."

"Your judgment of good and evil is indeed very simple and clear."

"Of course, if everything has a fixed anchor point, the judgment becomes very simple."

"Anchor?"

"Well, for example, my anchor point is you."

The girl said those words earnestly and matter-of-factly, making Tsukino Gen want to reach out and pat her head.

Gen Tsukino thought for a moment, then said, "Actually, I'm not very familiar with her, but we're not complete strangers either. We used to be in the same orphanage."

"Huh? Same orphanage? Then why does she seem to treat you so badly?"

Kazama Sakura wasn't stupid; girls are very sensitive to malice. It might seem like that girl was targeting Tsukino Gen, but the malice was actually directed at her.

She wanted to ruin her impression of Tsukino Gen and thus affect their relationship, as if the two of them standing harmoniously in front of Yuriko was a great harm to her.

This psychological state isn't about judging Tsukino Gen as a scumbag and wanting to save herself from her predicament. It's simply using it as a convenient and legitimate reason to satisfy her destructive urges.

Upon hearing Kazama Sakura's question, Tsukino Gen actually knew the answer, and he revealed that the other party had 'stolen' his life.

“I don’t really care about this, because I never thought about being adopted by anyone, and it’s okay for her to fight for her own life. After all, people die for money and birds die for food, so it’s normal to be a little selfish. It’s just that she seems to be holding a grudge.”

Sakura Kazama thought for a moment and said softly, "It's probably because you feel guilty. Subconsciously, you still feel that what you did was immoral, that you stole what belonged to you. So the best way to calm this guilty feeling is to prove that she deserves all of this more than you do. As long as she does better than you, it proves that it wasn't stolen, but that it should have belonged to her."

"Wow, you've been put in charge of this shift, and now you're talking so logically and reasonably?"

"Get lost~" the girl said coquettishly, then her smile faded slightly and she said seriously, "No matter how indifferent you are, you should be careful of someone like her. Holding grudges like that is not a good thing."

"Well, I still think she's overthinking it. What if she knew I never intended to be adopted by anyone in the first place?"

"That's your problem. She definitely sees it as something that originally belonged to you and is trying to fight for it, so that's her issue. But why don't you want to be adopted?"

Kazama Sakura looked at the boy strangely.

Gen Tsukino replied nonchalantly, "Because I'm not thinking about joining a new family or building new bonds. I think it would be a bit fake and exhausting. I can take care of myself."

That's the truth; for him, the family he later built might actually be a constraint. You can't force an orphan to think the same way as other happy and fulfilling children.

However, there was a hint of heartache in Kazama Sakura's eyes.

"Although it's free, it must be very hard to live like this."

He could not only manage his life on his own, but he could even help her solve all her problems. Thinking of this, Kazama Sakura felt that this boy's value was far more precious than any gold or silver treasure.

"Most people have a tough life, there's no difference in quality. Weren't you tired a while ago?"

Gen Tsukino smiled and asked in return.

Sakura Kazama blushed slightly and argued softly, "What? Can't I feel sorry for you? Why do you have to argue with me?"

Wow, buddy's become the one who talks back?

"Fine, fine, if it hurts your feelings, then you can pay the bill later?"

"Okay, I have money."

Like showing off a treasure, the girl waved her phone, her face beaming with an indescribable joy. This, in turn, made Tsukino Gen's expression fall silent.

He couldn't help but ask, "You're so eager to spend money on me?"

Sakura Kazama replied softly, "Yes, I'd like to. But I haven't received my salary yet. When I get paid, I'll buy you a pair of shoes, okay?"

She could notice that Tsukino Gen wore the same few pairs of shoes over and over again. Although they all looked clean, they were quite worn. There were obvious signs of them being washed.

While this makes the boy appear more innocent and simple, a boy like him should be more dashing and spirited.

She might not have the financial resources of Asagiri Rin, who could easily afford to support him. But she didn't want to take it for granted. What Asagiri Rin did was her business, and how she treated him was her own business.

"Are you an idiot? How much do you earn working at a coffee shop? And you buy me shoes? Wouldn't it be better to keep them for yourself?"

Sakura Kazama playfully stuck out her tongue. "It's okay, I've calculated it. The allowance is fine; I'll keep a little to buy some clothes, and the rest should be enough for shoes. Anyway, we still have cosmetics at home, and I don't really need them for school. And as for food, I don't usually eat much."

Seeing the girl's serious and meticulous calculations, Tsukino Gen couldn't muster a relaxed smile.

I used to think of myself as a hypocrite when it comes to relationships. I might seem serious at times, but deep down I don't really take it seriously. I just don't consider it the most important thing.

Living in this world with a relaxed mindset means you won't be bound by so-called constraints. An orphan who grows up alone without any support has little guidance and no family affection to speak of.

This way of living in this world seems to be the best.

But now, watching this girl checking her phone balance and then opening a calculator, Tsukino Gen felt an indescribable heaviness in his heart. It was as if countless shackles were attacking from all directions, binding his heart tightly in many layers.

What's even more alarming is that Gen Tsukino didn't seem to feel any panic or unease about this.

He even felt warm.

Perhaps I didn't think things through enough; I should have anticipated it earlier.

For example, while you are changing the people around you, you are also gradually being changed by them.

Seeing the girl still calculating, Tsukino Gen reached out and took her hand.

The girl was taken aback, her cheeks slightly flushed as she looked at the boy, feeling a little uncomfortable. This seemed to be the first time Tsukino Gen had taken her hand in such a public place, surrounded by so many strangers.

"what's wrong?"

However, she also noticed the unusual state of Tsukino Gen's emotions. This boy's emotions and mental state were always very stable. He had an enigmatic air about him and rarely appeared in such a slightly silent and heavy-hearted state.

Did I put too much pressure on him by being too proactive?

It's said that sensitive guys actually dislike feeling pressured. They even feel uncomfortable with frequent expressions of concern from others.

It made her feel a little guilty, wondering if she had been too hasty.

But Tsukino Gen slowly curled the corners of his mouth, revealing a familiar and reassuring smile.

"What an idiot. When did I become someone who needs to do this for me? I'm not helping you so you can support me financially. Besides, your priority is to take care of yourself and your mother."

She blushed slightly and lowered her head a little. "It's no trouble at all. Like I said, it's all extra."

"Then save the extra money. I'll take you on a trip later, and you'll need it. As for what shoes and clothes I wear, don't worry, I can afford it. I won't embarrass you."

"It's not about saving face or losing face."

Being with a guy like Tsukino Gen would make you feel incredibly proud, no matter what you do.
"In short, listen to me when it comes to spending money, and don't be extravagant."

The boy 'reprimanded' him earnestly.

Instead of feeling resentful about being controlled by the other party, Kazama Sakura blinked and said, "Is spending money on you considered extravagant?"

"Yeah, that makes sense. So let's save the money and use it when we go out together sometime."

Gen Tsukino didn't simply warn Sakura that spending money on herself was pointless. Instead, he gave Sakura a reason to save the money.

He wouldn't try to change the girl's thrifty and frugal qualities, nor would he try to distort her values ​​by arguing that people should be selfish and indulge in self-enjoyment.

This is also what makes him the most different from those who only talk about grand principles, in Kazama Sakura's eyes.

What's the use of just talking about principles? What we need are solutions, and the hard-won emotional value in our mundane lives.

It's not enough for you to be right or make sense.

She enjoyed being guided and managed by Tsukino Gen. It might seem like it made her lose some of her initiative, but it was simply a sign of her unconditional trust in him. Whatever happened, as long as he was there, that was enough.

"Okay, I'll listen to you~"

The girl smiled sweetly.

Just as Tsukino Gen was trying to say something more.

"Clap."

Suddenly, a hand landed on my shoulder from behind.

Gen Tsukino frowned subconsciously. What kind of acquaintance would pat him on the shoulder without even saying hello?

That's not a girl's style. If it were Miura Akihiko, she probably wouldn't be able to resist calling out her own name first.
"Not bad, young man. Your girlfriend is so beautiful."

The tone was somewhat flippant, but the voice sounded so familiar.

Gen Tsukino gradually turned his head and then saw Shinichiro Kawakami's deliberately arrogant face.

Shinichiro Kawakami's expression was also quite interesting.

From his initial carefree attitude, he gradually began to doubt his own eyesight, then stared wide-eyed in terror. At that moment, he even forgot to put his hand down.

Kazama Sakura didn't notice any of this; at first, she was just wondering if Tsukino Gen knew such a friend.
But judging from the other person's words, they didn't seem to know him. The content of their conversation was even stranger. Could they be targeting him?

She frowned and looked over. "You..."

Gen Tsukino interrupted the girl abruptly, "What is it?"

Shinichiro Kawakami truly hadn't expected this.

All I wanted to do was help a girl who needed food solve some problems and set the stage for a potentially wonderful night. So, with an air of arrogance, I used the confidence I'd cultivated over the years to give this scumbag a taste of his own medicine.

But how could it be him?
How could it be Tsukino Gen?!

He turned his head stiffly, looking in the distance, expectantly watching Yuriko on his side.

Yuriko nodded excitedly, as if to tell herself that she hadn't made a mistake; it was him!

Hey!
Shinichiro Kawakami was about to curse.

What kind of bad luck is this? Is it Mercury retrograde? Damn it, if I'm going to cause trouble, it'll end up going to the big boss in the guild. Is this even fair?!

Looking at Tsukino Gen's gaze, which seemed to pose no particular threat, Kawakami felt a cold sweat break out on his brow. He quickly racked his brains, trying to come up with a solution.

"Oh dear, I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone else."

"Eh?"

Kazama Sakura thought he was one of those thugs who would try to cause trouble for pretty girls, but to her surprise, he immediately lowered his head and explained with a fawning expression.

Even with an extremely respectful demeanor
"Um, to make amends, I'll pay for your table. Sorry, sorry! Please continue eating and drinking, I'll be leaving now. Sorry to have bothered you!"

Kazama Sakura stared blankly as Kawakami Shinichiro left, practically bowing and scraping.

This is completely different from the way he casually patted Tsukino Gen's shoulder before; they seem like two different people.

She looked at Tsukino Gen, who seemed completely unfazed, with utter confusion. "What... what's going on?"

Did they mistake someone for someone else and then offer to pay the bill as an apology?

This isn't some kind of thug; this is charity work!

Gen shrugged. "I don't know either. It's been a long time since I've met such a polite person. It seems society is getting better and better."

"Snapped!!"

The voice just fell.

The sudden sound of a slap echoed throughout the second-floor restaurant.

Tsukino Gen and Kazama Sakura turned their heads almost simultaneously to look at the place where the commotion had occurred, where Kawakami Shinichiro had slapped a girl with a bewildered expression across the face.

He said fiercely, "I forgot to mention, I'm even better at dealing with women!"

"...That...that seems to be one of your friends from the orphanage?"

Sakura Kazama said somewhat uncertainly.

Gen Tsukino had more or less figured out what was going on. He hadn't expected Yuriko to hate him to this extent. He had underestimated the ugliness of human nature, or perhaps it was her guilty conscience.

"Seems to be."

"Why was I suddenly slapped? And wasn't that person just being polite? Why did it happen so suddenly?"

"It's probably just some minor emotional entanglement. It's normal. Men and women, it's just these kinds of trivial things."

"Yeah, but he deserved it."

Kazama Sakura couldn't help but laugh.

Tsukino Gen looked at the other person with amusement. "Kazama-kun seems a little gloomy too." Kazama Sakura stuck out her tongue. "Isn't this what watching a show is all about? Besides, that girl is definitely not a good person. At worst, it'll be dogs fighting each other, which is kind of fun to watch."

"indeed."

Gen Tsukino certainly wouldn't have any sympathy for Yuriko.

As for Shinichiro Kawakami, he is indeed quick-witted; no wonder he's an educated hoodlum.

The moment he realized something was wrong, he not only apologized on the spot, but also took the initiative to pay the bill as compensation. Then he went back and quickly taught the instigator a lesson, to show himself that it was not his fault, but that he had been deceived.

Of course, the smartest move he made was not to 'recognize' Tsukino Gen.

He had realized from Tsukino Gen's many actions regarding the White Summit that the boy did not want his private life to be involved with the yakuza organization, and those methods were just left behind to avoid trouble.

Therefore, not showing any trace of knowing Tsukino Gen was the behavior that pleased Tsukino Gen the most.

As for that place
Not only was Yuriko, who had just been slapped, stunned, but Yuu Uda, who had been watching the show, was also dumbfounded.

What's going on?

Didn't you say you were going to help teach that scumbag a lesson? How come you came back like you've laid down your weapons and become a Buddha?
Even if there's a possibility that Yuriko brought this upon herself and is now facing retribution, isn't this retribution coming way too fast? This isn't retribution; it's retribution delivered on the spot!

"No, no. Kawakami-nii, how could you? You..."

Yuriko had no idea what was going on. Her face was burning, and she could tell that the other person was not only showing no mercy, but was even filled with anger.

What did I do to offend him?!

Even though he helped her achieve this, she most likely won't let Kawakami sleep with her and get her body.

But it's not that she can't give money to repay the other party materially.

What kind of move is it to walk around and then slap yourself in the face?!

She couldn't figure it out.

But Kawakami naturally wouldn't explain, wouldn't let her understand.

He just wanted to distance himself from the situation as soon as possible.

"What do you mean, 'Brother Kawakami'? Don't act like we're old friends. Trying to use me as a tool? This is what happens to you! Don't ever show your face in front of me again!"

After saying that, Shinichiro Kawakami quickly went downstairs, and of course, he didn't forget to pay the bill for Gen Tsukino's table.

As for Yuriko, who had been slapped in public and whose face was still being watched by many guests, she had no face to stay any longer.

She grabbed her bag, didn't even say goodbye to Yuda Yu, and stormed downstairs in tears, fleeing the scene of the crime.

Uda Yu didn't rush to leave. He thought for a moment, looked around, and waited until things calmed down before shifting his focus away from his table. He got up and walked over to Tsukino Gen and Kazama Sakura.

"Sorry to interrupt your meal."

He smiled politely and courteously.

Kazama Sakura frowned as she looked at him.

It's so annoying! Why are there always so many rude people when I eat out?

Gen Tsukino looked at Sakura Kazama with a half-smile, "You said I had a lot of trouble, but it seems that Kazama-san has quite a bit of trouble around him too."

Sakura Kazama was a little embarrassed, but Yuu Uda explained, "No, no, no, I didn't come to see Kazama-kun."

"what?"

Wait, they're not here for me.

You can't possibly ask Tsukino to wait!

She quickly looked at Yuda Yu with a wary expression.

Good heavens, how can you tell if I'm male or female? No wonder you just watched Yuriko sabotage their relationship; you had ulterior motives, didn't you!
Yuta felt the strange gazes, but he didn't care. He just looked at Gen Tsukino and smiled.

"I don't mean anything by it, I just want to get to know Kazama-san's boyfriend. If it's convenient, could you give me his contact information? We can keep in touch in the future. Don't worry, I have absolutely no romantic feelings for Kazama-san, I just want to be friends with you."

According to Yuu Uda.

This young man is definitely not simple.

Because he recalled all the details of the unexpected situation when Shinichiro Kawakami slapped Yuriko, he realized that Shinichiro Kawakami seemed to have changed his attitude immediately after seeing the boy's appearance.

Then he came back and immediately slapped Yuriko.

What does this mean? Kawakami knows Tsukino Gen, and not only does he know him, but he also treats him with great respect.

If, as Yuriko says, Tsukino Gen is just an orphan with no background, then why would Kawakami Shinichiro's attitude change so drastically? Don't tell me that a handsome face can save the world and make bad guys instantly kind-hearted.

Izanami takes time to develop!
Therefore, it is only possible that this boy has an extraordinary background, and Yuriko has no idea that he has other secrets. She stepped on a hot plate but didn't take it seriously.

Having watched his father rise from the bottom, Yuta Yu is not the kind of naive rich kid. On the contrary, having seen a lot about human relationships, he is good at analysis and observation.

Regardless of whether my guess is correct, it's always better to take a chance, even if it's risky. At least I won't offend the other party or suffer any undeserved trouble, and it can also reduce the potential problems caused by my previous 'carelessness'.

Kazama Sakura's eyes widened.

Good grief! You're serious? You're messing with my man, aren't you?!
"what are you doing?!"

She immediately looked over, eyeing Yuda Yu warily.

Before Tsukino Gen could even answer, he saw the girl's huge reaction.

Yuya looked over curiously, not understanding what was going on. "Um... it's nothing, I just wanted to get to know your boyfriend. I think he's a pretty good person. I like making friends. The more friends you have, the more paths you can take, right?"

"I'm sorry, as you can see, it's not very convenient right now. Let's talk about it another time."

Gen Tsukino smiled and politely declined. He naturally knew what Yuu Uda was planning, but he had no intention of getting to know her. There was no need; besides, having more friends might seem like having more options, but it could also just be another source of trouble.

Besides, he and Kazama Sakura weren't particularly close to begin with, so there was even less reason for it.

Hearing what Tsukino Gen said, Uda Yu could only give up, apologized again, and left the two of them.

Kazama Sakura breathed a sigh of relief, finally able to sit down and eat something with this boy in peace.

She still looked at Tsukino Gen with some unease, "By the way, if you run into him again and he makes any strange requests, don't agree to them."

Gen Tsukino looked over with amusement. "Something's off about what you're saying. Are you thinking about something strange?"

Kazama Sakura shook her head like a rattle-drum, "How could that be? I just feel that his intentions are not pure, and I'm worried that you'll be fooled!"

"is it?"

"Really!"

Tsukino Gen didn't expose the blushing girl, and the two finally managed to finish the barbecue smoothly in the second half.

A lot seemed to have happened today, both about Kazama Sakura and about myself, but after having a meal chatting and laughing with this girl, those few worries just vanished.

The setting sun at dusk burned the clouds in the sky.

Countless people rushing off work have no time to stop and appreciate this spectacular sight day after day.

"By the way, are you in a hurry to go home now?"

Kazama Sakura looked at the boy's hand, which was hanging naturally at his side. It was a pity that there seemed to be no one else around, and she didn't have a good excuse to hold his hand.

I want to cling to him and act like a carefree koala.

Gen Tsukino shook his head. "I'm fine. What's wrong?"

"I remember there's a fireworks display at the beach today, it'll start in about an hour, do you want to go watch it together?"

"Hmm? Why did you suddenly decide to watch this?"

Gen Tsukino walked to his parked electric scooter, climbed on first, and then turned to look at the girl.

Sakura Kazama blushed slightly. Actually, she hadn't been that obsessed with fireworks displays before. After all, she had seen them since she was a child. Every summer, there were countless fireworks festivals of all sizes, and she had gradually gotten used to it.

But how could I possibly say that, looking back now, it was entirely because I wanted to do more things with this boy, things that couples would do in a completely different way?

Her hands were nervously entwined behind her back, and her body twisted slightly.

"I just overheard a senior colleague talking about not going to see fireworks in the summer. It makes me feel like something's missing."

Gen Tsukino smiled and gazed at the girl. "You must have seen this before, right? Haven't you gotten tired of it after all these years? Besides, at this time of year, the beach must be packed with people. It's so crowded that it's hard to see anything."

Kazama Sakura thought that Tsukino Gen wasn't interested in this kind of thing and was slightly disappointed, but she didn't show it very obviously, she just said...

"That seems to be true. It's easy for things to get chaotic when there are a lot of people, and you really can't see much."

"but."

Gen Tsukino suddenly changed the subject.

"Ok?"

Kazama Sakura looked at him strangely.

Then he saw the boy looking at him with a bright smile, "If I were with Kazama-kun, I think the fireworks would be even more beautiful today."

"You bastard!"

Sakura Kazama immediately realized that the boy was deliberately teasing her, but it wasn't annoying teasing; it was just the right amount of teasing to make a beautiful girl blush.

She playfully patted Tsukino Gen, which was no different from her acting coquettishly.

Gen Tsukino moved forward a bit. "Alright, get in the car. Now we'll take you at full speed. Our destination is fireworks and the sea."

"Good~"

With a sweet smile, Kazama Sakura sat down behind Tsukino Gen.

She put on the helmet, wrapped her arms around Tsukino Gen's strong waist, and leaned against his back. The electric scooter started moving through the bustling street.

It's not the fastest mode of transportation, nor is it as fast and exciting as a motorcycle.

It's not like a sedan, which is comfortable, has air conditioning, and feels safe.

But how to put it... she felt that no matter the weather, she would be willing to sit behind this boy on this electric scooter. No matter where they went, they could leisurely travel through the various corners of the world together.

Cross the street corner.

We crossed the bay and the bridge.

Looking up, you can see the sky gradually darkening, and every power line that cuts through the sky becomes a musical staff etched in the sky.

She felt a deep sense of freedom and enjoyed the slowly passing summer.

Until the sea breeze approached, a completely different scent blew onto my face.

Just as Tsukino Gen had predicted, many people could see that even before the fireworks festival had fully begun, a large crowd of men and women dressed in kimonos had already gathered around.

"There are so many people!"

Kazama Sakura got off the car, and Tsukino Gen parked the electric scooter.

"Hmm, how about we do what you did when you were little?"

"When you were a kid?"

Kazama Sakura looked at Tsukino Gen with a strange expression.

Gen Tsukino gestured to the side with his lips.

Then, following the direction, Kazama Sakura saw a tall father with a little girl sitting on his shoulders, as if this would allow him to see a wider view and not have his view blocked by the crowd.

Sakura Kazama immediately understood, blushing as she patted the boy's shoulder.

"No way! I'm not a child anymore!"

If we're talking about fantasies, of course I have, but I always feel a little embarrassed. I guess other people would find it strange. I'm an adult, yet I'm acting like a child, forcing a guy to do something like this.
Tsukino Gen teased, "You're not worried that you're too heavy and will crush me, are you?"

"You're the one who's heavy! I'm so tall and I don't even weigh 110 pounds, how am I heavy!"

Indeed, while Kazama Sakura isn't exactly skinny, she's well-proportioned in all the right places, with straight legs that aren't overly thin, and just the right amount of flesh on her thighs. Crucially, her height gives her a perfectly proportioned look, like a professional model.

Gen Tsukino shook his head regretfully, "That's a pity. Another excuse to get close to Kazama-kun is gone."

The girl's face instantly turned as red as the setting sun.

Looking at the boy who was pretending to feel sorry for her, she knew clearly that this was Tsukino Gen's wicked intention, a trap laid out in the open.

But she still pouted her red lips slightly, twisted her body slightly, and proudly stretched out her fair and delicate little hand.

"Here, take this one and hold it for me, you idiot."

"Huh? Isn't that too offensive?"

The boy was still causing trouble, and the annoyed girl stomped her foot.

"Then don't hold my hand!"

"Hahaha, I'll take your hand. It's a wonderful first step, let's go."

Gen Tsukino easily took the girl's soft hand and walked towards the crowded beach.

The girl, feeling her hand being held tightly, had cheeks as red as peach blossoms.

But I couldn't help but mutter to myself.

What a wonderful first step!
It's all yours now, you idiot.

……

(End of this chapter)