An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

Seeing the fate of the red fruit, the beautiful girl Yue nodded with satisfaction, gently collected the red powder on her palm, and hurriedly, or should I say tiptoed, walked to the boiling pot.

Then, as if praying, "I hope it tastes good ❤," a smile appeared on her face as she prepared to throw the powder into the pot:

"...What are you doing, Miss Yue?"

「!?」

A hand reached out from the side and grabbed Yue's hand. Yue was startled and looked at the person who grabbed her hand with fear.

“…Shi-Shia.”

"Yes, it's me. It's Shia, whose patience is nearly broken by Yue-san's repeated, self-proclaimed, 'original' behavior."

Seeing the bunny-eared girl, Shia, who always seemed to be apologizing to the rabbit, a vein bulged on Yue's forehead. Yue grumbled, unable to speak. Her eyes darted around fiercely as she began to defend herself.

“…To call it barbaric is too much! According to my prediction, adding it will make a delicious dish—”

“How many times have you messed up my cooking with that kind of talk? There’s nothing more dangerous than a beginner’s original creation!”

As she said, Yue was originally a princess and therefore had no cooking experience. She often asked Rabbit, who was actually a household expert, for cooking tips, but she always messed up Shia's dishes by adding her own "original" recipes, and she was a repeat offender.

Since Shia understood Yue's desire to create her own special dish for Hajime, she initially just smiled wryly and pretended nothing was wrong. However, Yue messed up so often, and she always wanted to skip the basics and jump straight into the practical part, so Shia gradually turned into an angry bunny, her ears suddenly erected to express her anger.

“…But this time, I’m confident that by adding this, the dish will be more to Hajime’s taste.”

"Don't talk about 'should'. No matter how you think about it, it can't possibly be delicious if you add that, right? That thing is the 'Devil's Claw', right? It's a dangerous ingredient that can ruin your taste buds with just one piece, and it needs to be processed beforehand! Do you understand?!"

“…But the one eating it was Hajime, and he likes spicy food…Since he’s fine with eating monsters, he should like this kind of spicy food.”

"That's why I say, when it comes to cooking for people to eat, you can't just throw ingredients in there based on the word 'should'!"

Shia roared, and with her superhuman strength, she tried to force Yue's hand away, forcing her to throw the super spicy seasoning "Red Devil Fruit" into a seasoning bag.

Yue, however, was completely unwilling, clenching her hands in resistance. Xia's rabbit ears kept pushing against Yue's cheeks, as if to say, "Hey! Don't let go!" Although Yue tried to hold on for a while, she was no match for the abnormal rabbit with the added strength, and her hands were pried open.

...but because he didn't stop in time, he accidentally threw the seasoning on Xia's face.

“Wow! It’s really as intense a stimulation as it’s said to be!? My eyes! My nose ahhhh!!”

Shia pounded her face with her hands, writhing violently on the ground. Seeing her screaming and thrashing about like a fish out of water, even the usually calm Yue began to panic.

If a Devil Fruit isn't handled properly, touching it will cause severe skin irritation. However, Yue, possessing the ability to automatically regenerate, doesn't have much of an effect when handling it, so he doesn't consider it particularly poisonous. However, a properly handled Devil Fruit often has a devilish sweetness beneath its pungent flavor, and Yue only remembers its delicious taste.

"...Shi-Shia? Are you okay?"

“How can it be alright—! Give me water! Hurry up and use the torrent to wash away this demon—!”

"……Um!"

Then, through the moon's magic, a massive torrent of water poured down with such force that it could be described as a small waterfall. If this torrent had rushed directly towards an ordinary person, it would have crushed them to death, such was its sheer force.

Shia opened her arms and looked up at the sky. She looked like a devout believer praying for salvation! A deadly stream of water poured down on the bunny-eared girl who longed for a savior!

After a while, the torrent finally stopped, leaving only a small hole created by the water pressure, the waterlogged ground, and the rabbit-eared girl standing in the middle of the hole, her hands raised to the sky, motionless.

“…Shia? Hello—Miss Shia—”

Yue called out to Shia tremblingly, and the first thing to respond to her voice was the drenched, limp Rabbit Ears. Then, shaking off the water, the Rabbit Ears stood upright, and Shia also staggered to her feet.

Then, dripping with water, Shia approached Yue at an astonishing speed, grabbing her slender shoulders with both hands. Yue retreated in fear from the same oppressive feeling, but Shia's face came so close that her noses almost touched.

"Tsuki-sama!"

“…Shi-Shia, calm down, okay? Your face looks so scary—”

"Shut up."

"Ah, yes."

Yue's facial muscles twitched constantly, as the terrifying expression of Shia before her was so close. Her eyes were bloodshot, and even then, tears, snot, and other unidentified fluids continued to flow. Her lips were swollen, red spots appeared on her once-white skin, and her voice was dry and hoarse.

That face, the kind that would make even ghosts recoil, betrayed clear anger as it faced Yue. Just how terrifying were Shia's wide-open eyes? From the moment she fearlessly commanded Yue to "Shut up," it was clear that Shia's rage had already reached the stratosphere.

Yue swallowed, feeling the monster-like grip on her shoulders. Her entire body stiffened, a cold sweat pouring down her face. Shia barked orders in a voice that seemed to be squeezed from the depths of the abyss:

"Don't waste food."

“…(Nods)”

"The most important thing about cooking is the basics."

“…(Nods)”

The pressure on her shoulders forced Yue to her knees. Shia's expression was fierce, and she warned him stiffly. Yue nodded rapidly, desperately, but it wasn't enough to stop the now grimacing Shia.

Yue shifted her gaze, as if seeking help, and noticed her beloved lover not far away, watching them with a subtle expression. Yue pleaded with him with her eyes, "Requesting support!"

He instantly averted his gaze, leaving Yue feeling incredibly surprised. She hadn't expected Hajime to stand by and watch someone die. This fact left Yue stunned. Shia's terrifying face came close to her and she said, "Don't look around."

Yue felt he couldn't escape the extremely angry rabbit's clutches, and he slumped his shoulders in frustration. After that, he listened attentively to Xia's words for a long time.

Seeing Yue kneeling with a dejected look on his face, Hajime couldn't help but feel his heart beating fast, but this was his secret.

The store manager in the third volume is also good

The bustling TSUTAYA store—a super chain that sells everything from movies and books to gashapon toys, even merchandise and claw machines—is packed with people during holidays, flocking to buy newly released titles.

However, the number of people at this store was a bit "abnormal" because the store was packed with customers, like a theme park parade. Even if TSTAYA is convenient, this number of people is too unusual.

Moreover, almost all the customers are men, and none of them are flipping through books. Instead, they are looking at the products, walking around, and repeating this behavior over and over again.

To others, they looked suspicious, and under normal circumstances, they would have immediately attracted the attention of the staff with a fake smile. However, the staff in this store seemed to be accustomed to it and focused on their work as if nothing had happened.

“Oh, really…”

One of the part-time students, Nanyun Hajime, sighed softly and glanced back at his watch. He wasn't praying for a quick end to his shift, but rather that the time that had become his custom was approaching. At that moment, the door to the employee lounge made a soft sound and slowly opened. The store suddenly became noisy, and everyone stared at the door, and even a perverted person with a dangerous expression was breathing heavily:

Under everyone's gaze, a person walked out of the opened door—

"The manager is here!!"

“So, so beautiful…”

"Can you believe it? She's already over twenty... Isn't that amazing?"

A warm atmosphere descended upon the shop, as if one had met an idol. The person who appeared was the shop manager, Yue, wearing a TSUTAYA uniform and apron.

Petite, she walked with small, flowing steps, her soft, flowing blonde hair swaying gracefully. At first glance, she looked like a delicate porcelain doll that had come to life. However, cute wasn't enough to describe her, because even with her expressionless face and petite figure, she exuded a sexy charm and a commanding presence that overwhelmed everyone.

She is none other than the Queen of TSUTAYA! The invincible Queen!

“…Hajime, Shia, have you finished the inventory?”

"Ah... yes, we finished the inventory this morning, Manager."

"Yes, Manager! We are ready for war."

Today was the release date for a new book by a renowned author, and Hajime and fellow part-time student Shia had already finished inventorying the special section early in the morning. "...Yeah," Manager Yue nodded in satisfaction, slowly scanning the "Manager Yue Fan Club" customers scattered throughout the store.

Instantly, the customers lined up in front of the special sales area, marching in unison like soldiers. They must have been well-trained customers, waiting for the Queen's orders.

“…Yeah, let’s buy it.”

““““““Yes, Queen!!”””””””

The Queen has given her an order! As a store manager, no, as a service provider, can she order customers around? But now, no one would complain about her like that. Even Hajime, who had only recently joined the part-time job, could only mutter inwardly.

The Queen's servants all headed towards the cashier counter, new books in hand. However, before that...

"...Hmm? Just one copy?"

Manager Yue tilted his head, his eyes seemed to be asking, "Are you only willing to buy one book for me?" How cruel, as expected of Manager Yue, too cruel, he is ruthless for the sake of sales!

"Of course I'll buy another one. No, I'll buy two more for both preaching and collection purposes!"

"...I also recommend the products here."

"I'll buy it! I'll buy three copies of that work too!"

Truly merciless, Yue, the store manager, smiled faintly at the customer who came to check out with six books in hand. Then, tilting her head again, she looked at the customer, who was fascinated by her smile, as if asking, "Aren't you buying anything?" The result was obvious.

"Manager! I want to buy five! So please give me your phone number later—"

"You're trying to run away after buying so little! Manager, I want to buy the most expensive item in this store."

"Ha, you idiot! It's not just about the price. Some things, even though they've been stocked, aren't selling well. Wouldn't the manager be happier if you bought something like that? Manager, do you still have that 'Chupacabra Complete Works' I saw last time? By the way, could you please have dinner with me next time—"

"Manager, can I take a picture?!"

In pursuit of Yue's smile, the men, with lustful intentions, piled up offerings. Customers jostled each other, and Hajime, like a defensive wall, stood in front of Yue, shouting, "No jostling! Please line up in order!", "Sorry, please don't try to exchange contact information with the manager!", "The entire Chupacabra collection, including the revised edition, is sold out!", "Please don't take pictures! We don't offer that kind of service!", "Customers, please don't touch me or I'll kill you!", "Hey! You guys, calm down! Don't come near our manager!"

As a result, Hajime, with his devilish grin on his face, dealt with the customers he couldn't handle in time, and Shia, second only to the manager in popularity, rewarded them with a toy mallet to quiet them down. The other employees also diligently performed their duties, and finally, the incidents caused by Yue, which had become commonplace, were calmed down.

A beautiful black-haired girl (Kaori) hurriedly entered the store midway through, wondering, "I wonder if Hajime-san has a shift today?"

However, Hajime was so busy attending to customers that he didn't notice her arrival. Instead, it was Yue, the store manager, who had a flash of inspiration, like a masked pilot from a mobile suit, who told her, "We're closed now. We don't expect you to come back. Please leave immediately," and kicked her out.

"Huh...it's finally over...This isn't the first time, but Manager Yue's allure is just too strong! Compared to other shops, our sales are incomparable, but I always feel like this isn't right."

After the storm passed, Hajime was allowed to rest, and he collapsed in the staff lounge. Since rest was a rotation system, Hajime was the only one in the lounge.

Just then, Yue, the store manager, approached with a drink in hand, apparently to comfort Hajime. Hajime thanked her and accepted the canned juice she offered. This level of thoughtfulness, coupled with her exceptionally high sales figures, was the reason she earned the strong support and trust of her employees. So, even though the canned juice was called "holy water," Hajime didn't complain.

"Thank you, Manager. I'll be happy to help you then."

“…Yeah, I’m also very grateful to Hajime for protecting me. Hajime is very handsome.”

"No, that's nothing... This sales method is actually dangerous. You should stop doing it."

"...For the sake of sales, I won't stop until I reach the top of TSUTAYA."

Manager Yue held her head high and spoke of her ambitions, and Hajime couldn't help but smile wryly. Although the operating conditions of this shop were beyond common sense and must have been several times more arduous than other shops, he had no intention of resigning, probably because of this lovely and charming manager.

As Hajime sipped the "holy water" in small sips, she watched as Manager Yue pulled out a light novel from somewhere and handed it to Hajime. While the book looked like it had been pulled from her chest, Hajime, being a gentleman, remained oblivious. Although he could sense the book still lingering with warmth, he insisted he had no idea.

"Um... Manager, what is this book?"

"...It's a new book that will be released soon. Please read it carefully first."

"Read it thoroughly? Do you want me to write an introduction?"

Hajime tilted his head in doubt, looking at the light novel in his hand, his attention immediately drawn to the cover.

"...Manager, the girl on the cover is probably the heroine... Don't you think she looks a lot like you, manager?"

"...Yeah, and I think the protagonist looks a lot like Hajime."

"...Why are you licking your lips?"

A chill ran down Hajime's back for some reason. He felt uneasy, unable to meet the shop manager's eyes. He turned his gaze towards the book. It seemed to be about a gentle boy who, though transformed by the cruel world, encounters a vampire princess, and together they embark on an adventure. It was a perfectly ordinary story, something you'd find anywhere.

Even a casual glance at the illustrations reveals that the heroine is unusually exposed. When the hero and heroine meet, the heroine is naked, and after a fierce fight, she takes off her clothes, and finally pushes the hero down in the bathhouse.

Taking the nude illustration of a heroine who looked very similar to herself from Yue's hand, and looking at it right in front of Yue's eyes, Hajime couldn't help but think to himself, "What the hell is going on!?"

"...You should read it carefully. In other words, you should treat this book like a bible. I highly recommend this heroine."

"Yes, yes, Manager."

Being recommended a book so closely by Yue, Shiji couldn't help but respond stiffly. The light novel that Yue strongly recommended was titled: "The World's Strongest from an Ordinary Job."

Volume 3: Ordinary Magic Academy

"Well, there are eighty-six broken desks and chairs. One hundred and thirty-seven shattered windows, eight classrooms completely exposed to the clear sky, and seven classrooms with collapsed walls or floors. Adding in other damaged items, the total is one hundred and ninety-nine... Alright, do you want to say anything?"

In a room bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, a figure leaned on a heavy wooden desk, his elbows propped up against his face, his clasped hands covering his mouth, his golden eyes narrowed sternly. This figure was the head of this magic academy—Chairman Tio Kularus.

In the chairman's office, Chairman Tio glared at the academy's most problematic students and teachers—Tsuki-sensei, Shia, Kaori, and Hajime. Four or five times a week, they would vandalize the school building to the point of vying for Hajime's affections, and this time, they were summoned by the chairman for the same reason.

If you ask whether this summons has made them change their ways, unfortunately, I can only say that it is completely ineffective. In fact, they now show no intention of reflecting on themselves.

"...It's really sad. I think this is a serious case of cutting corners. The school should protest to the company."

"This is all Yue-sensei and Kaori-san's fault. I only destroyed the items that Hajime-san could repair."

"Rather than a trivial matter like that, please ask the chairman to first dismiss Teacher Yue and investigate her. She is a problematic teacher who assaults students!"

Teacher Yue insisted that there was something wrong with the school building's structure, acting like a tough customer; Shia betrayed the other two, believing that she had acted with discretion and was therefore not wrong; Kaori even referred to their vandalism as "such a small matter."

Veins bulged on Chairman Tio’s forehead.

"You idiots!! You have no intention of repenting! Especially Teacher Yue, you are a teacher! You are supposed to guide your students, but how can you be the first to destroy the school?!"

"...I didn't put any effort into it. The school building was too fragile. I chased away the pests around my Hajime, and then the building broke down. That's all."

"What do you mean by 'that's all'?! What's more—"

"Who's the pest?! The one getting in the way is Yue-sensei!"