Bab 33: Fou's Delight Bakery
The warm scent of freshly baked bread filled the cozy kitchen of **Fou's Delight**, Ritsuka Fujimaru's bakery. The clatter of bowls and the hum of an oven created a peaceful atmosphere as Ritsuka stood with his young daughter Karen, her small hand gripping his apron. Beside him stood Karna, ever the composed Lancer, and Phoenix, watching the scene with her usual air of superiority through bird form.
"Papa, it's time to do the summoning! I want to meet your friends." Karen said excitedly, looking up at him with wide, sparkling eyes.
Ritsuka smiled gently, patting her head. "Alright, Karen. Let's summon them."
He raised his hand, focusing on the familiar pull of magic within him. The command spells on his hand shimmered, and a soft glow began to spread across the kitchen floor. **Phoenix** narrowed her eyes, watching the magic circle form.
"I don't understand how this works. I can summon alternative versions but this summoning ritual is not make sense " she commented, though her tone was more intrigued than dismissive.
Karna, standing calmly, gave a slight nod. "Summoning is part of my master skills."
'this don't explain anything idiot' Phonix thought and karna Heard it too.
The air in the kitchen hummed with energy as the summoning ritual took shape, and with a sudden flash, the light intensified. From the circle, three figures emerged, each stepping forward into the kitchen.
The first to appear was **Tamamo Cat**, her fluffy ears perked up and her tail swishing excitedly. She bounded forward, her voice bubbling with joy as she spotted Ritsuka.
"Meow~! Tamamo Cat is back, Master!" shouted Tamamo Cat, her eyes sparkling with joy. Her animal ears perked up, and her tail swayed happily behind her as she bounded over to Ritsuka. Without hesitation, she leaped into his arms, her cheeks flushed with excitement."Nyaa, I missed you!"
Ritsuka caught her, laughing softly. "Welcome home, Tamamo Cat. It's good to have you back."
She purred, rubbing her cheek against his apron before quickly stepping back, her face flushed with excitement. "I've been waiting, nya! Master's been taking care of things without me? Don't worry now I'm here. I'm so happy you summoned me again, nya~!"
Before she could talk more about her love for baking, the second figure emerged—a familiar presence in a festive outfit. Martha appeared, clad in her Santa costume, her head held high as she gave a confident grin.
"Ho ho ho! Saint Martha, here to spread Christmas cheer all year round!" She gestured to **Tarasque**, who was beside her, wearing a tiny Santa hat. Her gaze fell on Karna, and her grin softened into a more relaxed smile. ""Well, if it isn't my fellow Santa. How have you been, Karna? Still spreading holiday cheer?"
Karna gave a slow nod, his expression as calm as ever. "Indeed, though my role as a 'Santa' was not quite what I expected. I have… a new partner now." He gestured toward Phoenix.
Phoenix, who had been quietly observing, flicked her gaze toward Martha, her feathers glowing faintly in the light. "Partner?" she scoffed. "Idiot, Let's be clear—I'm not his partner. He is my host. It's not what you think okay!!"
Martha raised an eyebrow but kept her smile. "I see. Well, Karna, it seems you've found an interesting arrangement."
Phoenix huffed, "Don't mistake my presence for compliance. I am no servant to be commanded." Her tsundere frustration was evident, and Karna glanced at her, a rare flicker of amusement in his eyes
Martha raised an eyebrow but didn't miss a beat. "Oh? Well, then I suppose it's a bit more complicated than I thought." She chuckled, her big sister energy shining through. "Good luck, Karna."
Karna said nothing, but the faintest glimmer of amusement could be seen in his eyes.
Just as the conversation quieted, the final pair stepped forward—a duo, as always. **Azumi no Isora**, composed of **Hibiki** and **Chikagi**, appeared, each wearing their usual outfits and bearing bright, confident expressions. Both girls bowed slightly to Ritsuka.
"Azumi no Isora reporting for duty, Manager!" they said in unison, their voices filled with professionalism.
Ritsuka smiled warmly at them. "Welcome back, Hibiki, Chikagi. It's good to see you again."
Hibiki grinned, resting her hands on her hips. "It's been a while, Manager! We're ready to assist with anything you need—just say the word!"
Chikagi nodded in agreement, her tone calm but supportive. "We're here to help, no matter what. We missed working with you."
The two of them didn't show any romantic attachment to Ritsuka, but their friendship and loyalty were undeniable. They had always treated Ritsuka like a close companion—someone they respected deeply and followed without question.
As the summoned servants gathered around, **Tamamo Cat** bounced excitedly around the kitchen, sniffing the air. "Nyaa, what are we making today? Tamamo loves food!"
Ritsuka laughed softly. "Maybe later, Tamamo. Right now, I should explain everything that's happened while you were gone."
Martha stepped forward, her gaze now shifting to Ritsuka. "So, Ritsuka, it seems you've been busy. What's the story behind this place? And what happened while we were gone?"
**Martha** crossed her arms, her expression turning serious as she shifted into her reliable big sister mode. "Go ahead, Ritsuka. We're listening."
Ritsuka recounted the events that had transpired since their last summoning—the battles with the **Phoenix Force**, the alliances formed with Tony Stark and the X-Men, and the new life he had been building in this world. He explained the other servants he had summoned previously and how each of them had helped him through the challenges that came his way.
**Tamamo Cat**'s ears twitched as she listened, her face a mixture of concern and excitement. "Wow, Master! You've been through so much, nya… but I'm glad we're here now to help!"
**Martha** nodded, her expression softening as she placed a reassuring hand on Ritsuka's shoulder. "You've done well, Ritsuka. You've faced a lot of challenges, but you've always been strong. Now that we're here, you don't have to shoulder everything alone."
**Azumi no Isora**—both **Hibiki** and **Chikagi**—remained focused, nodding as they absorbed Ritsuka's story. Hibiki clenched her fist with determination. "We'll make sure to help however we can, Manager! You can count on us!"
Chikagi smiled, her voice calm and certain. "We've got your back, as always."
Ritsuka felt a surge of warmth at the camaraderie and loyalty surrounding him. These servants weren't just tools for battle—they were his companions, his friends, and in some cases, his family.
**Karen** tugged on his apron again, her wide eyes shining with curiosity. "Papa, can I play with the big dragon now?"
**Tarasque**, perched beside Martha, let out a small huff, as if acknowledging the little girl. Martha chuckled, ruffling Karen's hair. "Of course, Karen. Tarasque is always happy to play."
As the kitchen filled with warmth and laughter, **Phoenix**, watching the scene from her perch, with a huff. Despite her gruff demeanor, there was a faint flicker of interest in her eyes. **Karna**, sensing her inner thoughts, spoke softly.
"You can deny it all you want, Phoenix, but even you are drawn to this warmth."
Phoenix glanced at him, her feathers ruffling slightly. "Hmph. Don't misunderstand, Lancer. I simply observe."
'i want to understand more about idiots like All of you ' she thought
Karna didn't respond, but the small smile tugging at his lips said enough.
**Martha**, in her Santa outfit, was the first to approach him. Her smile was bright, and she immediately pulled Ritsuka into a huge, affectionate hug.
"Brother, I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed, squeezing him tightly. "You've built a beautiful life here. A daughter, a bakery, and so many good people around you—your servants,Tony, Bucky, Yinsen, and this Nick Fury! You've done well."
Ritsuka smiled, feeling her warmth. "Thanks, Martha. It's been a journey, but I'm glad you're here now too."
**Tamamo Cat**, standing nearby, shifted uncomfortably. Her ears flattened as she spoke softly, "Master… In this world, do you think people will see me as a monster? I mean, I don't exactly look normal…" She glanced down at her furry hands, sadness flickering in her eyes.
Ritsuka stepped closer and took her hands gently, looking her in the eyes. "Tamamo cat, you're not a monster. There are mutants here—people with all kinds of powers and appearances. No one will find you strange. Besides, you always look cute to me."
Tamamo's face turned bright red, her tail swishing excitedly. "M-Master, you're making me blush, nyaa! But... if that's how it is, then I'll work extra hard to make the best cakes with you!"
Her excitement was contagious. **Martha** grinned and gave a thumbs-up. "Count me in! Baking is one of my specialties, after all. We'll make this bakery the best in New York!" Even **Tarasque**, perched beside her, gave a tiny cheer in agreement, its little Santa hat wobbling. "Yes, big sister! We can do it!"
**Azumi no Isora**, the dual alter ego of **Hibiki** and **Chikagi**, stood nearby, listening to the excitement. But **Chikagi** looked uncomfortable, her arms crossed. "I… I don't feel so good about this," she mumbled.
**Mr. Smartphone**, the AI assistant that accompanied them, immediately chimed in, its voice dry and matter-of-fact. "She's lying."
**Hibiki** smirked and patted her partner on the back. "Come on, Chikagi. We all know you're terrible at cooking. Making cakes is impossible for you, but you'll still be helpful in other ways."
**Chikagi** groaned, glaring at the AI. "Curse you, stupid smartphone!" But with a sigh, she eventually relented and joined the others, her usual sarcasm masking a bit of excitement.
Ritsuka clapped his hands together, rallying everyone's spirits. "Alright, everyone. Our mission is clear! 'The Call of Bakery Duty!' Let's create the best cakes and sweets in the world. With the teachings from Mama Emiya, we'll change the bakery scene here and make this New York's favorite bakery!" {insert imaginary emiya reactions}
**Karen** nodded enthusiastically, her small head bobbing up and down. "Yes, Papa! We'll make the best cakes!" Her innocent determination brought a smile to everyone's faces.
With that, everyone sprang into action, donning aprons with determination. **Martha** adjusted her Santa hat as she readied the kitchen, **Tamamo Cat**'s tail swished with excitement, and **Azumi no Isora**—both **Hibiki** and **Chikagi**—prepared their stations.
Meanwhile, off to the side, **Phoenix** return into karna mind, observing the scene with a raised eyebrow. "Did he just give a speech like we're about to go to war? What the hell…"
**Karna**, standing beside her, calmly picked up a stack of invitation cards that Ritsuka had prepared for the bakery's grand opening. "I have work to do," he said, glancing at the cards.
Phoenix said in his head. "Why are you taking those?"
Karna used telepathy and said with his usual serene expression. "Ritsuka asked me to hand these out to the local women. He believes it will attract attention to the bakery's opening."
Phoenix blinked, then slowly smirked in realization. "So, let me get this straight. He's using your handsome face to attract customers—specifically women of all ages—and you don't even realize it, do you?"
Karna simply shrugged, unfazed. "I do not concern myself with such matters. I am simply following my Master's orders."
Phoenix's smirk turned into a scowl, her feathers ruffling as a hint of jealousy crept into her voice. "Tch, that idiot… making you into his bakery's poster boy. How frustrating…" Her tsundere attitude shone through, clearly both irritated and flustered by the situation.
***
**The Bakery's Grand Opening**
The sun had barely risen when the doors of **Fou's Delight Bakery** opened for the first time, welcoming a bustling crowd. It was the weekend, and the special opening day prices had caught the attention of the neighborhood. A steady stream of families, children, and curious locals gathered around, eager to taste the bakery's goods.
The bakery itself was bright and welcoming, with the adorable mascot Fou displayed proudly on the sign outside. Most people had no idea what the cute creature was, but the image brought smiles to their faces, drawing them in with a sense of warmth and curiosity.
Inside, **Tamamo Cat** bounced around happily, taking orders from the first wave of customers. Her infectious energy spread to the staff and customers alike. Martha was at the counter, greeting people with her usual big-sister warmth, while Hibiki and Chikagi smoothly handled the introductions and explained the menu. Karna and Ritsuka worked together, bringing the beautifully prepared food out as the orders came in.
Just as the morning rush seemed to peak, a large black car pulled up in front of the bakery. The doors opened, and out stepped the **X-Men team**—Professor Xavier, Scott Summers, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Kitty Pryde, Rogue, and Ororo Munroe (Storm). They were dressed in casual clothing, blending in as much as possible. Yet, despite their normal outfits, everyone instantly recognized them.
Murmurs spread through the crowd, and the atmosphere shifted. Some people began staring, while others whispered under their breath. It didn't take long for the negative comments to surface—some people still had their own biases against mutants.
**Scott Summers** clenched his fists but kept his calm, his voice low. "It's pointless to give attention to chitchat. Don't mind them," he said to the group, his tone firm but reassuring.
Despite his words, there was an uneasy silence as people began to hesitate coming into the shop. Even some of the kids tugged at their parents, looking uncertain. **Xavier** could feel the tension in the air, and **Jean**'s expression grew heavy with the thoughts of those around her. Both considered leaving, not wanting to make Ritsuka's opening day any more difficult.
But before they could decide, the bakery door swung open and **Karna** stepped out, his calm, radiant presence drawing everyone's eyes.
"Welcome," he greeted the X-Men with a polite bow. "Please, come inside."
With his serene confidence, he led them into the bakery, and just as they stepped through the door, something incredible happened.
The women in the neighborhood—those who had received the invitation cards from Karna earlier—started arriving in groups. Their eyes lit up when they saw him, and soon the bakery was filled with excited chatter.
Seeing this, Nightcrawler leaned toward Kitty Pryde with a grin. "Looks like the real attraction here is Karna."
Kitty smirked, whispering back, "Well, he is handsome. If it gets people here, it's a good tactic." She couldn't help but admire Ritsuka's clever plan to use Karna's natural charisma to offset any negative attention.
As the X-Men entered, they were pleasantly surprised by the bakery's interior. The design was both elegant and calming, with a distinct Japanese influence. The soft lighting, clean lines, and traditional touches gave the space a dignified feel, making it a comfortable place for everyone.
Professor Xavier took in the atmosphere with a smile. "Fou's Delight... a fitting name for such a charming establishment."
There was plenty of seating—over 60 people could sit comfortably inside the bakery. The tables were arranged neatly, allowing for both privacy and conversation. Even with the growing crowd, there was a sense of peace in the air.
They made their way to the counter, where Hibiki greeted them with a bright smile.
"Welcome! I'm Hibiki. Let me walk you through the menu!" She expertly explained the various items, pointing out the bakery's special offerings and the incredibly reasonable prices.
The X-Men were impressed, not just by the variety but by how affordable everything was.
Jean ordered a few pastries, and the rest of the group followed suit. Despite the earlier hesitation from the crowd, seeing the X-Men inside the bakery eating alongside them helped ease the tension. More and more people began to place their orders, and soon the shop was buzzing with activity.
As the X-Men settled at a table, Tamamo Cat delivered their orders with a cheerful grin. "Here you go! Nyaa, I hope you enjoy!"
They dug into their food, and the moment the pastries hit their taste buds, their eyes widened in surprise. The flavor was divine, far exceeding their expectations. Each bite was a burst of warmth and comfort, leaving them feeling completely satisfied.
"Sob .. sob.. so good" xavior started to cry because of how good the sweet is but he was not allowed to eat more than 4. Ororo is watching over him.
"This… this is incredible," said Rogue, her Southern drawl slipping into her voice as she took another bite.
Jean, who had been skeptical at first, was now looking at her plate in amazement. "It's like… something out of this world," she murmured, her mind swirling with pleasure.
It was as if they had been transported into one of those famous **Food Wars** scenes, where each bite felt like an explosion of flavor and emotion.
They quickly ordered more, and soon the other customers did the same. The bakery was bustling, and the success of the opening day was sealed.
Ritsuka, noticing the X-Men's satisfied expressions, made his way over to greet them. "Glad to see you all here. What do you think of the food?"
Scott, smiling for the first time that morning, nodded approvingly. "It's fantastic, Ritsuka. I'm not sure how you did it, but I think we'll be regulars here."
Nightcrawler laughed. "Ja, we'll have to come back for more to give our whole school."
The whole team was in good spirits, and even the initial tension with the crowd had dissipated. The bakery had won over not only the X-Men but the locals too.
As the day progressed, the buzz around **Fou's Delight Bakery** only grew stronger. The delicious aroma of freshly baked goods wafting from the shop attracted even more people, and soon the media took notice. News reporters started to arrive, their cameras capturing the bustling scene as they interviewed customers about the bakery's instant success.
Amid the growing excitement, a couple of police cars pulled up, including one familiar face: **Captain George Stacy**, Gwen Stacy's father. The strict and serious police captain, ever on duty, stepped out, taking in the lively atmosphere with a watchful gaze. Despite the media frenzy, he remained focused on ensuring everything was under control. But even his stoic demeanor softened when he spotted the bakery's cheerful interior and its charming **Fou** mascot.
Then, in true Tony Stark fashion, a sleek, luxurious car screeched to a stop right in front of the bakery. The door swung open, and out stepped Tony Stark, with Pepper Potts, Da Vinci and Bucky Barnes following behind. Tony, smiling, waved at the onlookers, clearly amused by being the chauffeur for the day.
"Stark always has to make an entrance," Bucky chuckled, earning a playful elbow from Da Vinci.
The cameras flashed, and the crowd murmured with excitement. The reporters immediately rushed over, eager to capture footage of the billionaire and his entourage at the now-famous Fou's Delight Bakery.
Inside, Da Vinci's eyes lit up as she noticed the **Fou** logo on the bakery's sign. Her smile was tinged with a hint of nostalgia, though she said nothing, her thoughts drifting momentarily to **Mashu**. Still, she was thrilled to be there, proud of how Ritsuka's bakery had become a hit.
Tony, meanwhile, marched straight up to the counter, catching sight of Ritsuka and giving him a casual wave. "Hey Mr. Ritsuka, heard you make cakes as good as hamburgers. I'm here to test that theory." Tony acted as he doesn't know Ritsuka is.
Ritsuka smirked and nodded. "For you, Tony, I've got just the thing."
As Ritsuka served up his special cake, Tony's eyes widened in anticipation. The moment the cake touched his lips, Tony's expression changed dramatically. His eyes shot open, and it was as if the flavors exploded in his mind. His reaction was straight out of an episode of Food Wars—he couldn't get enough.
"This is... incredible," Tony muttered through mouthfuls, already asking for another piece. He turned to Captain Stacy and the other security personnel standing by. "You've got to try this. It's not just cake, it's... art."
Captain Stacy raised a brow, hesitating for only a moment before giving in. He glanced over at **Hibiki** and **Chikagi**, who were busy helping other customers. Both young women reminded him of Gwen—bright, responsible, and around the same age. He couldn't help but feel a sense of approval toward them and Ritsuka for running such an impressive establishment.
Taking Tony's recommendation, Captain Stacy took a bite of the cake. His normally stern expression softened, and his mind was immediately transported into a euphoric mental image, much like those exaggerated **Food Wars** reactions. It was as if all the stress of his work melted away in that one sweet moment.
Meanwhile, outside the bakery, a small group of teenagers stood in awe at the growing crowd.
Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, and Ned Leeds had been drawn to the bakery after hearing all the buzz. They exchanged curious looks, surprised at how packed the place was.
"Whoa, I didn't know a bakery could get *this* popular," Peter muttered, his eyes widening.
"It's all over social media. People are saying the cakes are to die for," Gwen replied, already heading toward the entrance.
"Hey Gwen, your father left now. Let's go" ned said
When the three walked inside, Ritsuka spotted them instantly. Recognizing them as younger visitors, he smiled warmly and made his way over, personally taking their order.
"Hey there! You guys are late?" Ritsuka greeted them with his usual charm.
Peter nodded, somewhat starstruck. "Yeah Ritsuka, we saw Gwen father on our way, so it took some time to reach."
Gwen says "Hey Ritsuka, i mean my father is very strict" "yep" ned said
"Well, i understood, you're in for a treat." Ritsuka took their orders, and they all felt immediately welcome, their nerves settling.
As they waited for their food, Santa Martha came over, acting like the big sister she naturally was to young people. "Eat up! Make sure you get plenty so you all grow strong," she teased, ruffling Peter's hair before walking away with a bright laugh. It left them all chuckling, and they couldn't help but feel at home in the bakery.
At that moment, Nick Fury and Maria Hill entered the bakery, both dressed casually, blending in with the crowd. They weren't there for business today, just to keep their promise to Ritsuka to visit.
"I told you I'd check this place out," Fury muttered, nodding approvingly as he scanned the bakery. "Nice setup."
**Morgan** and **Ereshkigal**, who had been watching the scene from the upper levels of the bakery, decided to come down, curious about the commotion. They arrived just in time to see the shop filled to the brim with people—news reporters, police, Stark and his friends, and local teenagers. They couldn't help but feel proud of how well the business was doing.
But as Morgan looked closer, she noticed something that immediately caught her attention: Ritsuka, smiling and chatting with a couple of girls who were clearly enjoying his attention.
The girls laughed softly at Ritsuka's polite compliments, but Ritsuka soon felt a chill down his spine. Slowly, he turned around and saw Morgan and Ereshkigal staring at him with death glares, their eyes narrowed and their arms crossed.
"Ah... I might have overdone it," Ritsuka thought, already knowing he was in trouble.
One of the girls playfully nudged Ritsuka, but he quickly shifted away, sensing the increasing tension from behind. "Uh, enjoy your food!" he said quickly, excusing himself before the situation could escalate.
Morgan and Ereshkigal exchanged knowing glances, their jealousy palpable but not malicious. They simply wanted to remind Ritsuka who *really* had his attention.
The girls, unaware of the brewing storm, continued laughing softly, but one look from Morgan and Ereshkigal was enough to send a clear message: **Ritsuka was off-limits.**
.
*****
In the dimly lit office atop a skyscraper overlooking New York City, **Kingpin** stood by the window, observing the city with a cold gaze. His office was a fortress, one where only the truly powerful dared to enter. The news from the streets was troubling, and Kingpin's sources had been feeding him non-stop updates about the growing influence of a certain bakery in the heart of the city—**Fou's Delight Bakery**, owned by Ritsuka Fujimaru
His right-hand man, **Bullseye**, stood nearby, finishing a report on Ritsuka's meteoric rise. "Boss, this Ritsuka, he's not just a baker. He's got connections to Tony Stark—he's the one who bought up a chunk of Stark Industries' stocks. That bakery's raking in attention, and they're growing fast. Maybe it's time we send a message, remind them that all business in New York runs through us. You know, share some of those profits."
Before Bullseye could finish his sentence, Kingpin turned toward him, his expression darkening. In an instant, his hand shot out, and a loud *crack* echoed through the room. The force of the slap sent Bullseye crashing to the floor, a couple of his teeth flying across the room.
Bullseye groaned, clutching his jaw in pain. "What the hell, boss...?"
Kingpin loomed over him, his massive frame casting a shadow over the now-bloodied assassin. His voice was low, but filled with fury. "You fool. Do you think I'm an idiot? You don't touch anyone connected to Stark." His fists clenched as he spoke, his eyes narrowing with rage. "Ritsuka Fujimaru is connected to Iron Man—the man who destroyed Hydra, humiliated AIM, and crushed anyone in his path. You so much as *breathe* near his bakery, and Tony Stark will come down on us like a hammer. And when Stark gets involved, it's not just money—he'll dig into *everything*. Our operations, our secrets, our entire empire."
Kingpin took a step closer, towering over Bullseye. "You want to risk Stark tearing everything apart? You want him to come after me, expose us to the world?" He leaned down, his voice dripping with menace. "No one touches that bakery. Not you, not anyone. Do I make myself clear?"
Bullseye, still wincing from the slap, nodded frantically. "Y-yeah, boss. I got it. No one's touching them."
Satisfied with the response, Kingpin straightened up and adjusted his suit. He turned back to the window, his anger barely concealed. "You keep an eye on Ritsuka, but no interference. We'll watch and wait."
Just then, the door to the office opened, and one of Kingpin's underlings stepped in cautiously. "Boss, Madame Gao is here. She wants to speak with you, says it's important."
Kingpin's eyes flicked toward the door. He already knew Madame Gao rarely requested meetings unless it was something significant. Her interest in his affairs was always strategic and often dangerous.
He nodded. "Send her in."
As the underling left to fetch Madame Gao, Kingpin took a deep breath, already preparing for the conversation ahead. He had no intention of underestimating Ritsuka or his connections. If Madame Gao wanted something from him, he'd listen—but Ritsuka and his bakery were now off-limits.
And that meant anyone thinking otherwise would soon find themselves regretting it.
****
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