Chapter 29: Even the Zodiacs Need to Make a Living
Taking a route far from slaughterhouses and markets, Haru and Menchi walked back together.
Even in this short time, the green-seasoned stir-fried pork Haru had eaten had already restored his energy almost entirely. Menchi's Rainbow Seasoning, paired with her exceptional culinary skills, was truly an unmatched combination.
As they passed through East Town, Menchi patted Haru on the shoulder.
"Yeah, I see them too," Haru said, glancing briefly at a group of people questioning the locals.
Kakin's men.
About ten days earlier, Haru had stopped keeping tabs on Barbimina and his team, so he wasn't sure what progress they had made. However, over the past four days, Kakin personnel had been popping up around the eastern coast towns, quietly asking questions—likely about the missing infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Judging by their current behavior, they seemed to have made little headway. That, at least, was good news for Haru.
Meanwhile, Oichem's search had also hit a standstill. Over the past few days, aside from Kakin's people, Oichem had its hired amateur hunters combing through the towns. Their focus seemed to be uncovering any traces of the original Kakin inhabitants from over two decades ago when this mysterious "ghost island" had first appeared here. Even vague rumors from the locals might offer clues.
For Haru, it was a minor relief. He had spent the last couple of weeks discreetly monitoring Shizuku via the two crows he had stationed nearby. While he avoided tailing her back to West Town or her hotel, he occasionally provided subtle assistance during her missions in exchange for food. Through this, Haru had gleaned that Oichem's goal was likely to find an ancient royal Kakin tomb rumored to be on this island.
But what would they even do if they found it? Turn it into a tourist attraction? Build a museum with ancient relics?
As Haru pondered, he and Menchi soon met up with Ginta, and the three of them made their way to meet the Oichem official stationed in East Town, the balding Sloane.
On the way, Haru asked, "Ginta, aren't you going to participate?"
Ginta replied, "I've already completed my assignment—dealing with the poachers. If Oichem wants to hire me for something else, they'll need to submit a request through the Hunter Association, get it approved by the review board, and then notify me. Too much of a hassle."
Menchi pointed to herself and Haru. "What about us? Aren't we professional hunters too? Don't we have to go through the same process?"
"My rates are high," Ginta explained. "But you two should be fine accepting the civilian hunter rate. If you're okay with it, you won't need to go through the Association."
"Oh, I see!" Menchi nodded in understanding. "It might not be as much, but this is more about gaining experience than the money, right?"
Haru smirked. "Official government contracts pay well because of allocated budgets. Spending less doesn't benefit them—it's all about how much they can claim and distribute."
Ginta gave Haru an appraising look. "The compensation isn't just about the money."
Menchi tilted her head. "What else is there?"
Haru patted her shoulder with mock seriousness. "Connections, of course. Getting to showcase your skills to official representatives is invaluable. You never know when some king or president might take a liking to you and appoint you as their 'Royal Chef' or advisor for life. Think about it—getting a steady paycheck without lifting a finger."
Menchi lit up. "Oh, I hadn't thought of that!"
Ginta added, "These temporary recruitments are likely meant to attract professional hunters. I suspect Oichem is specifically targeting people like Menchi, given her skills…"
"Don't forget me, old man." Haru pulled out his Hunter License with a sly grin. "I'm a Hunter too, you know."
"Here we are." Ginta led them into a modest building.
---
When Sloane learned that Ginta would not be participating, he didn't seem surprised. Due to budget restrictions, Sloane could only offer civilian hunter rates for Ginta's help. It was no shock that the experienced Zodiac turned him down.
"Now, then… Menchi, Haru, is it?" Sloane asked with a polite smile. "The contract is for five days. If nothing is found, the base compensation is 2 million Jenny. If there are discoveries, it doubles. For conclusive results, the reward is 10 million Jenny each. Here are the contracts; if there are no issues, please sign."
"No issues on my end," Menchi said nonchalantly, signing her name with practiced flair. As a former child prodigy who won a world cooking championship at 12, her signature was bold and elegant.
The five amateur hunters who had been hired alongside Shizuku watched with growing frustration. Even Dago, the most seasoned of them, could only grit his teeth at the sight of Menchi effortlessly securing the same base pay they had worked weeks for.
We've been at this for over half a month! Why do they get the same deal as us?
Because of that little Hunter License, apparently.
Patience!
Dago glanced at Shizuku. Over the past two weeks, he and the others had begrudgingly accepted that this seemingly scatterbrained girl was likely the second-strongest person in their group—after Kanzai, of course.
Shizuku, however, remained unfazed by the perceived unfairness. True to form, her expression betrayed no annoyance or concern.
Is she really this oblivious?
Oblivious or not, there wasn't much the others could do. If they complained, they risked becoming punching bags for her ridiculous strength.
"Can you help me with something?" Haru's voice broke through the tension as he approached Shizuku, holding out his contract.
"What is it?" Kanzai, nearby, came over to investigate.
Haru pointed to the dense legal text. "I can't really make sense of all this. Could you help me read it?"
"That's easy!" Kanzai scoffed. "Why bother? Just sign it."
Haru gave Kanzai a pointed look. "You're Kanzai of the Zodiacs, right?" He glanced at Ginta. "What's going on? Did the Association start handing out Zodiac positions like candy? You guys seem awfully busy."
Ginta sighed, realizing he'd been roped into Haru's banter once again.
"Even Zodiacs need to eat!" Kanzai snapped. "What, you think we're just sitting on fancy chairs all day? You looking for a fight, kid?!"
His frustration exploded into a surge of aura, sending shivers through the room. To the untrained, it felt like an oppressive pressure. For those who knew Nen, it was a chilling reminder of Kanzai's strength.
Shizuku, oblivious as always, continued examining Haru's contract. "This seems… familiar? Did I sign something like this before?"
"You should have," Haru replied, eyeing her curiously. "Didn't you?"
Her vague response only left him more puzzled. Does she really not remember?
"Are you done yet?" Kanzai growled, his aura flaring once more. But Haru remained unfazed, his focus entirely on Shizuku.
What is going on in her head? Haru wondered, resisting the urge to knock and find out for himself.
(Chapter end)