Village Life

Word count: 2378

<— >

A large rock, roughly the size of a man's lower body up to his abdomen, was tightly bound with ropes. The ends of the ropes were being pulled by someone.

With sweat dripping down his face and his teeth clenched, he strained against the weight, dragging the stone through the dirt. It scraped and scratched as it moved. The shirtless man, dressed only in loose-fitting white pants typical of martial arts attire, gripped the ropes firmly.

"Come on... just a little more!" he urged himself, pushing through the fatigue and the burning in his muscles. Despite his dwindling energy, he fought on until he completed a full circle and returned to his starting point. The ropes slipped from his hands as he collapsed against the rock, panting heavily from the effort.

[+2 STR]

[+1 DUR]

[1000 XP]

He smiled at the notification, then leaned back against the rock and checked his stats.

[Name: Fujino Yuki 

Level: 48 (7470/25,000) 

Race: human 

Health: 830/830 (+5.3/sec) 

Stamina: 56/890 (+5.9/sec) 

STR: 107 

DUR: 78 

END: 86 

AGI: 89 

INT: 31 

CHA: 44 

Attributes Points (AP): 17]

As he absentmindedly reviewed his stats, he reached for his waterskin from his Inventory, savoring the cool liquid as it refreshed him. Next, he pulled out some senbei to snack on, but these weren't your ordinary rice cakes.

[Cotton-Candy flavored Senbei 

Rarity: Uncommon 

A beloved type of rice cake made by baking stretched rice and seasoned with various flavors. This particular one is infused with cotton-candy flavor. Restores 15 HP]

Naturally, one might wonder how a man in the Taisho era could suddenly enjoy cotton-candy flavored treats. It seems puzzling, considering he had neither the ingredients nor the machinery to create such a delicacy, right?

For starters, it had been around 2 months since the incident at Mount Natagumo. After facing off against lower moon 5, Rui, Fujino realized just how outmatched he was and how narrowly he escaped death, thanks to Tanjiro and his sister coming to his bail him out.

Determined not to find himself in a similar predicament again, Fujino committed himself to rigorous training, focusing not only on combat skills but also on the other non-combat ones.

He initially considered creating gym-like equipment by hiring blacksmiths to forge iron dumbbells and other traditional gear. However, as he progressed, he recognized that such equipment would quickly become outdated, and the time required to construct new items was impractical.

Instead, he opted to utilize rocks. There was a rock formation near his home that served as an excellent substitute for the equipment he had envisioned.

His training regimen was designed to enhance all his physical attributes. For instance, dragging a large rock while walking helped boost his STR, while running uphill with a basket full of rocks improved his END. He also incorporated stretching exercises while wearing the basket to enhance his AGI.

As for his DUR, it naturally improved through his other training, although he didn't have a specific exercise for it. His regular attacks were more than sufficient to crack and even break rocks, making the idea of punching them pointless.

He contemplated purchasing tougher materials to see how that would work out.

Regarding his demon-slaying efforts, he acquired a different sword when he left Mount Natagumo, but this venture proved less fruitful than his training, as he rarely encountered any demons.

—> Prey to Hunter

In a world where demons prowl about, you're weak and pitiful, but you're determined to live your life to the fullest and show those who oppose you that you are not to be trifled with.

Main Objective: Kills 50 Demons (43/50)

Reward: ?]

He lacks any connections or information that would help him track down the demons' whereabouts, and he can't foresee where they might show up next. All he has are rumors of demon sightings, which he either looks into or he roams the streets alone at night, hoping not to get caught off guard.

It's not the most effective approach, but it's the best he can manage.

As for his skills, however.

[Cooking (Passive) (LV 100/100): Ever since the discovery of fire, Cooking has been a staple in human culture. Enhances the flavor of cooked items by 100% and decreases the time it takes to cook by 50%]

Sewing (passive) (LV 7/100): When you think of sewing, you might picture sweet grandmas in rocking chairs, crafting cozy socks for their beloved grandkids. Even if you're not a grandma, you have a knack for it! This skill boosts the durability and quality of your sewn garments by 3.5%.

[Skinning (Passive) (LV 43/100): Hunter gatherers have always relied on animal hide to stay warm during bad weather. Increases hide gained from an animal by 43%]

[Foraging (Passive) (LV 27/100): Why buy food when you can search and get it for free? Increases the amount of wild food by 27%]

[Unarmed Martial Arts (Active) (LV 37/100): A codified system and traditions of combat have existed for centuries, doesn't use weapons. Increase your proficiency and damage done to opponents by 9.25%]

[Swordsmanship (active) (LV 40/100): Whether it's a large sword or a small one, unique or ordinary, swords have long been humanity's weapon of choice for combat throughout history, right up to the modern age. This skill boosts your proficiency and increases the damage you deal to opponents by 10%.]

[Stealth (active) (LV 34/100): You've always dreamed of becoming a shinobi, and now the opportunity has finally arrived! Increases your ability to remain undetected by 17%]

Everything was going smoothly; in fact, he had even mastered the cooking skill, which allowed him to create senbei that tasted just right.

[Flavor Manipulation (Active): Have you ever thought about how chocolate-flavored fried chicken would taste? Or green tea-flavored carrots? Probably not, since who would want that? You now have the power to alter the flavor of any food item to whatever you desire.]

Fujino, being the mature 21-year-old he is, couldn't contain his excitement and started jumping around like a little kid when he received it.

Kami knows how much he missed the taste of the delicious treats from back home.

After checking his progress and running low on snacks, Fujino stood up, stretched, and began his walk back home, tucking the ropes into his inventory along the way.

After a brief stroll, he finally arrived at his home. What used to be a campsite had transformed into a half-finished house, with only the roof and flooring left to complete. The days of sleeping under the stars were behind him; soon, he would have a proper home.

His house was nothing extravagant—just a two-bedroom place with a kitchen, living room, storage room, and a small garden where he planned to grow some plants in the future. There were also plans for an outhouse since his location lacked a sewer system.

All of that cost him 15,000¥, which he felt was worth every single yen.

Off to the side, his eyes fell on a grave marked by a small stone. His cheerful mood dimmed at the sight. Beneath it lay the kimono of the mother spider he had encountered weeks ago.

Recalling the events that led to her passing, he felt a pang of guilt, even though she had died peacefully. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had somehow let her down; if only he had been stronger or quicker, perhaps he could have saved her.

Those feelings puzzled him. He had only known her for a few hours, yet it felt as if she had been a close friend rather than just an acquaintance.

"I guess Xeno was right. I really am a softie," he murmured to himself as he walked away, heading toward the nearby village.

<— >

In time, Fujino had developed a routine he had grown accustomed to: waking up early, having breakfast, training until noon, and then going to his Udon cart to start selling. He would work until dusk and, after that, would go out late into the night to hunt demons. Once he got home, he would sleep and then do it all over again. Occasionally, he would need to camp out or stay at an inn.

This kind of schedule would likely been a death sentence to an average person due to lack of sleep, but he wasn't just any average person, was he? If it weren't for his high END, he wouldn't have been able to manage it.

Lately, though, he was starting to feel the weight of exhaustion. He wasn't unhappy with his efforts; it's just that the relentless grind was beginning to wear him down.

The recent Spider Mother incident only really exacerbated the situation.

That's why he chose to shut down his shop for the day and instead decided to pay a visit to the village's unofficial leader, Nitta Azumi. This kind, elderly woman, often referred to as a "bucket of bones," has been guiding this small but thriving community for quite some time and is well-known for her signature tea.

"Hey, look! It's Fuji!"

What many might not realize is that early 20th century Japan faced a persistent issue that dated back to ancient times: bandits. This small farming village was no exception. Normally, having Fujino as a resident would mean safety from such trouble, as he would handle it. Unfortunately, these bandits were a unique case.

'Oh fuck.' Fujino suddenly found himself surrounded by a group of children.

That's right, the little troublemakers causing chaos in the village were a gang of five kids.

Nakanishi, Kanai, Kai, Kamei, and Yuki. These rascals, all between the ages of 10 and 12, were notorious for their playful mischief around the village, and today they had set their sights on him for some fun.

"Fuji, can you make us some Udon?" one boy tugged at the hem of his shirt.

"Fuji, can I have some money? I promise I'll be good from now on!" another one climbed onto his arm.

"Fuji, you smell! Go take a shower!" the youngest exclaimed, pinching his nose as if he caught a whiff of something unpleasant.

And this was a regular occurrence. They didn't even show him any respect! Fuji?! What kind of name is that?! He and Mount Fuji had nothing in common! And they didn't use any honorifics—those little brats.

'At least they're cute,' which was his only consolation.

"Alright, alright, get off me, you little rascals," he said, his voice laced with a mix of amusement and mock annoyance as he shook them off.

"So, what do you guys want? I'm a bit busy right now."

Fujino-kun, we were planning to play tag and really wanted you to join us! Yuki, the only girl in the group, said with a cheerful grin.

To be honest, she was his favorite among the bunch because she was the calmest and treated him with respect. In fact, she even used his name for once!

"Ahh, I'm really sorry, guys, but I can't. I'm on my way to my grandma's house right now, so maybe next time?" he replied, noticing the disappointment on the kids' faces.

He chuckled; this was exactly why he put up with them—they were just so adorable!

"Oh, and Yuki-chan, here you go." He pulled something from his inventory and handed it to her. In her hands was a doll, a handmade bear that he had crafted himself.

"I made this just for you. I hope you like it," he said, and the bright smile she gave in return was absolutely worth it to him.

"I love it! Thank you so much," she exclaimed, a cute blush spreading across her cheeks.

With a nod, Fujino turned to leave, while Yuki fawned her new toy and the boys shot him jealous glares from behind, How dare he charm their Rika-Chan!

<— >

Fujino took a hearty sip of the steaming tea, relishing the flavor despite its intense heat. After a moment, he swallowed and let out a satisfied sigh. This drink is simply outstanding.

He missed the disbelief on the elderly woman beside him.

"Hey Granny, when are you going to share your secret recipe with me? I mean, you're old and practically a sack-of-bones, so you can't have much—" He was cut off by a playful smack on the head.

"Who raised you, young man? This lady may be old, but she's got some serious muscle. You really don't want to find out what I can do, 'Fuji.'"

"Ugh, I told you not to call me that. It's bad enough the kids do it, and now some adults have joined in!"

"Hmph, this 'sack-of-bones' can call you whatever she pleases." Fujino shot her a glare.

They soon settled into a comfortable silence, the only sound being the gentle clinking of their cups. This tranquility was soon broken by Nitta's question.

"Are you going to tell me why you haven't opened your shop lately?" she asked.

Fujino sighed, realizing he should have avoided this conversation today. It was naive to think she wouldn't notice. "Well... I just haven't been feeling it lately..."

"Why? Is something wrong? You can tell me, you know I'll always help you." she patted him on the back.

"No, no, it's just... I've been feeling really worn out with all the work and training. Honestly, I just don't have much motivation for anything." It was only a partial truth. He wasn't ready to share his feelings with her.

Nitta nodded, considering his words. "Sounds like burnout. I think you should take a few days off. How about a trip to Tokyo? I remember you mentioning wanting to go, but it seems you haven't had the opportunity."

Fujino looked at her for a moment before glancing at the cup of tea in her hand. She had a valid point; he had been so caught up in his responsibilities that he forgot to take care of himself.

He finished his tea and stood up. "Yeah, you're right. Since when did you become so wise, Granny?"

"I'll have you know I've seen enough stuff that will make you tremble in your boots, young man!"

"Seen enough? You just sit around sipping tea all day; you don't do shit!"

Fujino sprang from his chair, skillfully avoiding her cane, and took off running.

"Hah?! Is that how you talk to your elder? Come back here, young man! This woman will give you an earful if you don't!" she shouted at his retreating figure.

<— >

Taisho-era secrets!

Aogashima village, a quaint little place, was beginning to experience a significant economic uplift, largely due to the renowned Fujino Udon cart. This popular attraction was drawing many visitors to the village, inspiring more people to move in and start their own businesses.

<— >

(12/1/2025) Added a whole part before Fujino talks with Nitta and rewrote that entire scene.