Ron didn't grasp the situation immediately, but after a brief look, he understood. Given his memories from a previous life—where the internet was brimming with "study materials"—he was familiar with such things.
"...I'm not sure," he said, shaking his head.
Then he started the car. Its engine roared to life, and the other car jolted as if startled. Ron turned the wheel, heading for the exit. Ponzu glanced back curiously.
"Captain, are they going to be okay?"
"Ponzu, what do you think they were doing?"
"Then do you know what a man and a woman do after they get married?"
Ponzu stared blankly for a moment, then suddenly flushed red—cheeks, ears, everything. It was as though steam were rising from her head.
"How boring," Ron muttered quietly. "They're actually doing that in a parking garage?"
Ponzu mumbled her agreement, wanting to drop the subject as quickly as possible.
Ron stopped the car in front of a breakfast place. Both of them got out.
"Welcome! We have a couple's deal today—half-price for the second set!" The server greeted them warmly when they stepped inside. It was a fairly upscale breakfast spot that Ron had chosen on purpose.
Ever since he fused Toriko with his second shadow ability, Ron's base attributes had shot up. In addition, he'd gained considerable boosts from conceptualising and materializing Toriko as a nen beast. Now, Ron's physical body fully qualified as a bonified A-rank, and as he'd hoped, he had inherited Gourmet Cells from Toriko. By eating, he could enhance his attributes further, with the effect depending on flavor and nutritional value.
Today, he wanted to test that out.
"Are you two a couple?" the server asked.
Ron neither confirmed nor denied it, but Ponzu—already a bit flustered—bowed her head in embarrassment, cheeks reddening even more.
Sensing the mood, the server led them to a table. "Right this way."
After they sat down, Ron asked, "Ponzu, do you have anything you feel like eating?"
"Ah…whatever is fine with me."
"Then bring us two orders of your house specialty," Ron said to the server.
While waiting for the food, Ron reflected on his current condition.
"I'm a lot stronger now compared to when I took the Hunter Exam. The main difference is that my physical body's weaknesses are gone. Starting from now on, my real body isn't a liability; it can be a trump card. Outwardly, I can pretend my body is still not that strong, letting enemies think they can break through to reach me. Then, once they do, they'll be caught off guard when I reveal my true strength. It'll be a huge psychological blow as well"
He mentally listed off his Nen beasts:
• Natsu, overall A-rank. Main abilities: Dragon Slayer Magic, Position Swap, Gravity Game.
• Sasuke, overall A-rank. Main abilities: Fire Release, Lightning Release, Susanoo of the Rōshōmon, Gravity Game.
• Akame, overall B-rank. Main ability: Murasame for one-hit kills.
• Killer Queen, overall B-rank. Main abilities: First Bomb, and Second bombe.
• Lampent, overall B-rank. Main abilities: Smog, Pain Split.
• Chii, a support Nen beast specialized in advanced computing/network skills.
His own body was A-rank as well, with assassination combat arts supplemented with Baki's fighting technique, Nen bullets, the Second Shadow, Observer's Intent, and Gourmet Cells.
"My assassination martial arts come from combining the Zoldyck techniques, Hanma Baki's fighting style, plus training in Heaven's Arena. Nen bullets are a basic skill for Emission users. Second Shadow and Observer's Intent are both auxiliary powers. Gourmet Cells came from Toriko.
"And my physical body's A-rank isn't just the lowest tier of A. Before, I was already near the barrier between B and A. Now, I've had two big power boosts—one from a Nen beast's feedback, another from fusing that Nen beast. That's a massive leap.
"On top of that, I still have the Rotten Life Blade, Nen needles, and Sumass. Because of my aura level and the nature of my abilities, I can handle multiple Nen beasts at once for a short time without trouble—three A-ranks and three B-ranks, plus Chii to assist me. I doubt the entire KUTE gang of thieves can stand against me now. I've grown so strong without realizing it.
"At one time, I couldn't even fight them directly—my only option was to run. Now the four members of KUTE together wouldn't pose a threat. And I'm only sixteen and a half…not even seventeen yet. There aren't many Nen users in this world who could match this pace of advancement."
Their breakfasts arrived. Both Ron and Ponzu were momentarily lost in thought, though for different reasons. Ron was evaluating his power, while Ponzu's mind lingered on what had happened in the parking lot, the server's "couple's discount," and even the memory of how she'd barged into Ron's room last night to show him her newly awakened ability—clutching his hand with excitement.
"Does he really only want me because of my Bee Queen?" she wondered. "Or is there more to it…?"
Noticing Ponzu still daydreaming, Ron spoke up. "Ponzu?"
"Oh! Right…" She ducked her head and hurriedly started eating. Ron, too, began his meal, quietly sensing how his Gourmet Cells absorbed nourishment.