Chapter 18: Ordering Haru Around

Hearing this, Haru finally noticed the two fish in Urokodaki Sakonji's hands. He wasn't familiar with fish species, so he had no idea what kind they were.

Haru wasn't picky about food—as long as it wasn't some bizarre, unpalatable dish, he was fine with it.

So, he simply nodded.

Without hesitation, Urokodaki tossed the fish to Haru and said, "You take care of the fish! There's a cutting board and a fish knife outside."

Caught off guard, Haru caught the fish and glanced at Urokodaki, whose expression made it clear there was no room for negotiation.

Resigned, Haru stepped outside. He scanned his surroundings and quickly spotted the stove. It was simple but remarkably clean.

Although he had never cleaned a fish before, Haru was no ordinary person anymore. Thinking quickly, he decided to rely on Water Breathing to assist him.

Using Water Breathing significantly heightened his perception. With this enhanced awareness, he picked up the sharp fish knife and carefully sliced along the fish's bones.

In just a few swift cuts, the head and bones were neatly separated from the flesh.

At that moment, Urokodaki appeared beside Haru like a ghost, reaching out to take the fish bones Haru had just removed.

"You've trained your breathing to the point of complete control—not bad! But you're about the same age as Giyu, so you're still a bit lacking," Urokodaki commented.

Haru remained unbothered by the comparison to Tomioka Giyu or being told he was inferior.

He acknowledged that, for now, he wasn't as strong as the current Water Hashira. But that wouldn't be the case forever.

After all, he was a transmigrator—a man with the advantage of a system cheat.

"Good mindset. You didn't let my deliberate criticism shake you. You have potential," Urokodaki praised again.

This time, Haru gave him a faint smile.

"Make sure to slice the fish thinly," Urokodaki instructed before turning away. Knowing Haru wasn't one for conversation, he didn't expect any further response. With that, he took the fish bones and returned to the wooden house.

Inside, Urokodaki tossed the bones into a cast-iron pot simmering over the fire. The water had already been heated, and his reason for retrieving the bones was to make a rich fish bone broth as the base.

After dropping the bones into the pot, he pulled a special seasoning mix from his pocket and poured it in.

As the water boiled, an enticing aroma filled the air.

Outside, Haru, still slicing the fish, caught the scent. It immediately stirred his appetite, and he swallowed involuntarily.

A few minutes later, he finished preparing the fillets and carried the plate inside.

Urokodaki was kneeling on one side of the pot. Across from him, a cushion had been placed—clearly meant for Haru.

Bowls, chopsticks, and a dish of dipping sauce had already been set up. There was no doubt the sauce was meant for the fish.

"Take a seat," Urokodaki said calmly.

Haru responded with a quiet acknowledgment, placed the plates of fish fillets beside the pot, and then knelt on the opposite cushion, mirroring Urokodaki's posture.