A Shinobi's Take on this Wonderful World

Nuzloft Tournament Part Four

"Yup. I'm definitely not becoming a beast tamer."

Kazuma stated firmly.

"But you were so excited when we first left on this trip. What happened? Did your spineless nature finally kick in after witnessing all of the battles? This kind of brutality is common though, especially in the life of an adventurer."

Darkness asked with a slightly worried expression. She then took another bite of her cookie that was shaped like a Rookie Killer's paw.

How dare she call him spineless with such a concerned face. Was she actually concerned for him? But no matter, he would let it go.

The people around them had been giving them annoyed glances ever since the petrification event earlier.

"Yeah, you even dragged poor Chomusuke into your shenanigans. You better apologize to her by treating us to some more snacks when we get home."

Megumin added as she popped a deviled egg into her mouth that was themed after a Dragon egg.

The mage's solution didn't add up, but again, Kazuma opted to let it go in favor of preventing another scene. He was far too mature to let these girls get to him.

"This is so like Kazuma, if you ask me. Finding something in this world that relates to something you liked in your home country, then immediately calling it quits when the going gets tough. Typical hiki-NEET behavior."

Aqua commented while stifling her laughter. She was about to take a bite into her cupcake when a light flashed and the dessert disappeared from her hand.

"Ah! Give it back, you thief!"

"I was going to let go of the fact that you conveniently forgot your money at our seats and made me pay for our snacks, but now I change my mind! I'm confiscating this cupcake!"

Kazuma barked and held the pastry out of Aqua's reach when she tried to get it back.

"I'm sorry! I'll properly pay you back, I promise! That was the last Giant Toad cupcake and they won't be making anymore until next year! Please, Kazuma-saaan!"

Aqua begged, now on her hands and knees. The people around them began to stare at the boy with cold expressions, and the girl's teary eyes became hopeful when Kazuma seemed to be considering her apology.

Munch!

"AH! Kazuma, you jerk! How could you eat my cupcake!? I'll make you face divine punishment for this!"

The goddess wailed and lunged for his throat. But to her surprise, the boy swiftly ducked under her grapple and rolled a few feet away.

"Gulp! Heh... I knew the Escape skill would come in handy. Also, that cupcake was actually amazing for something that's themed after a smelly toad. Too bad they're not making anymore."

Kazuma snickered as he dusted his clothes off. Chris had taught him a few more Thief skills before they had departed from Axel, he just hadn't had the chance to use them yet.

"Fu...Fufufu... I thought something like this might happen. After all, those cupcakes were the top sellers at that vendor. Which is why I secretly went back and bought a second one!"

Aqua declared while presenting the secret pastry in her hand, her expression triumphant as if to say "I bested you, hiki-NEET!".

Kazuma stared at the girl with a flat expression before he simply raised his hand and activated Steal again.

Aqua blinked and looked up to see that the cupcake was no longer in her possession.

"WAAAAHHH! Kazuma, nooooo! Please! I'll buy you something from the vendor!"