274 [274] Hachiman, the Temporary Boyfriend

Chapter 274: Hachiman, the Temporary Boyfriend

Saturday, around 7:30 in the morning.

Hachiman, synchronized with his internal clock, opened his slightly drowsy eyes. Getting up, he left the bed, drew the curtains, opened the window – a sequence of movements.

Standing by the window, Hachiman stretched lazily, gazing outside. The pale blue sky was immaculately pure, free from any impurities, its subtle hue stretching across the entire expanse.

Sunlight streamed in, accompanied by a gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass and a hint of flowers.

Often, weather could significantly impact one's mood. At this moment, Hachiman felt quite content. Soon, he discovered another reason to be pleased.

The [Kendo] module had reached its maximum level.

As one of the modules initially loaded, the [Kendo] module had finally achieved perfection today.

He wondered what the full-level Swordsmanship could accomplish.

Excitement welled up within him at the thought.

Approaching the bookshelf in his room, Hachiman retrieved a sword from the top shelf. Not a wooden practice sword, but a genuine katana.

This sword was crafted specifically for him by the master swordsmith Muramasa, after he achieved the rank of Sword Master and received certification from the Japan Swordsmanship Association.

When he first received this sword, Hachiman felt a sense of accomplishment. After all, it symbolized the pinnacle of the Kendo, representing the strongest few. Unfortunately, the novelty wore off quickly, and he forgot about this sword.

Today, with the [Kendo] module reaching its maximum level, Hachiman picked up the sword after a long time.

Holding Enma, he went to his backyard, a small open space perfect for testing if the Kendo reaching its maximum level brought any changes.

Gripping Enma, Hachiman took a deep breath. The sword moved with his will as he swung it towards the wall in the backyard, even though it didn't make contact, visible marks of the blade appeared on the wall.

Seeing this scene, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.

This is... Sword Aura!

Not bad. Is this the new ability at the Sword Saint level?

The Sword Master level allowed the attachment of faint Sword Aura to the blade for an effective iron-cutting ability. The Sword Saint level, on the other hand, could release Sword Aura to harm opponents from a distance.

Interesting...

Hachiman couldn't help but feel playful, swinging the sword a few more times and leaving more marks on the wall.

Through experimentation, he found that the attack range of this invisible Sword Aura was approximately five meters. It served as a decent ranged method. Moreover, he discovered that not only could Sword Aura be unleashed through the blade, but even a simple branch could produce the same effect.

This sensation was really good.

Unfortunately, this is just an everyday world. Even reaching the Sword Saint level doesn't have much practical use here. At most, it adds a bit more self-defense capability.

After testing the new ability, Hachiman returned to his room, placed Enma back on the shelf, and after freshening up, he headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Soon, Komachi also woke up.

"Good morning, Onii-chan." Yawning, Komachi descended from the second floor.

"Good morning, Komachi." Hachiman smiled.

"Freshen up first, breakfast will be ready soon."

"Okay." Komachi nodded and entered the bathroom.

"I'm starting—!"

The customary pre-meal announcement echoed, and Hachiman and Komachi began their breakfast.

Today, Hachiman prepared a traditional Japanese breakfast: rice, miso soup, thick tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), and some pickled vegetables.

"Onii-chan, do you have any plans for today?" Eating breakfast, Komachi looked up at Hachiman.

"Today, I'm going to help Sensei with something." Swallowing a mouthful of rice, Hachiman smiled as he spoke.

Today is the day when Shizuka's cousin gets married. According to the agreement, he naturally has to help Shizuka deal with her parents.

"Hmm? Shizuka-nee, does she need your help with something?" Hearing that Hachiman was going to help Shizuka, Komachi couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled.

"Just some personal matters." Hachiman smiled, but he didn't specify what it was.

"I might come back a bit late today, so I'll leave the house to you."

Hearing his words, Komachi assured him by patting her chest: "No problem, leave it to Komachi."

"As long as Onii-chan leaves me enough allowance."

At the end of her statement, Komachi's eyes seemed to turn into the shape of money.

Seeing her money-loving expression, Hachiman shook his head with some amusement.

However, since she was his own sister, he certainly wouldn't mistreat her.

After breakfast, Hachiman left behind ¥20,000 as spending money and walked out the door.

Just as he stepped out, he noticed a familiar sports car parked not far from his house.

It was Shizuka's Aston Martin.

"Hey, Shizu, I'm here." Approaching the car, Hachiman greeted Shizuka, who was sitting in the driver's seat.

Hearing his address, Shizuka rolled her eyes and didn't bother to argue.

"Get in, you brat."

Today, Shizuka wasn't wearing her usual white windbreaker. Instead, she had on a black long-sleeved dress. Her legs were clad in flesh-colored stockings, reflecting a delicate sheen in the sunlight. Perhaps because she was going to drive, she didn't wear high heels today but opted for a pair of flat loafers.

Her face adorned with subtle makeup, she didn't display the usual tomboyish demeanor. Instead, she exuded a hint of charming allure.

"Shall we set off?" Sitting in the passenger seat, Hachiman asked.

"Let's go buy some gifts first. After all, it's my cousin's wedding today, and I can't go empty-handed." Shizuka shook her head and then glanced at Hachiman's current attire.

"I also need to help you pick out some clothes. You know, today you're going to pretend to be my boyfriend, even if it's temporary. You can't look like this. My parents will see through it at a glance."

"Alright, I'll follow your lead." Hachiman nodded without objection.

As the engine roared to life, the seasoned driver Shizuka set off once again.

Not long after, the two arrived at a large shopping mall.

Exiting the car, Shizuka decided to buy a set of clothes for Hachiman first.

Entering a clothing store and guided by a salesperson's recommendations, Hachiman was soon dressed in a suit.

Observing Hachiman in his new attire, Shizuka rubbed her chin and then shook her head.

"Feels like something's missing... got it."

She picked up a pair of gold-rimmed glasses and placed them on Hachiman's face, nodding in approval.

"Yeah, that's it."