Chapter 462: The Sudden Appearance of Iroha Isshiki
After finishing the mapo curry noodles and pepper buns, Hachiman and Komachi left Soma's stall. Since the stall was so busy, they didn't want to occupy seats for too long.
Wandering around, the siblings continued to explore, buying and tasting anything that caught their interest. With plenty of meal tickets from Erina, they didn't need to worry about running out.
As they strolled, they arrived at a picturesque area surrounded by mountains and water. This place was technically still part of the Central Zone, but it was on the edge, bordering the Highland Zone. The environment was serene, with tall mountains, flowing streams, and quaint little bridges, making it an ideal spot for camping.
In this scenic area was a unique stall with low tables and long benches. Although the dining space was limited, the stall was immensely popular, with a long line of customers. Hachiman noticed that most of the people in line were middle-aged women.
The kitchen was set up under a large open-air tent, allowing patrons to watch the chefs at work up close. The area was crowded with women taking photos and videos with their phones, frequently expressing their amazement.
Hachiman looked up and saw a wooden sign hanging above the tent entrance:
"Polar Star Dormitory's Taro Stew Festival."
Yes, this stall was run by the members of the Polar Star Dormitory. Except for Soma and Megumi, all the other members were there, led by the current Seventh Seat of the Elite Ten, Isshiki Satoshi.
Being one of the Elite Ten, Isshiki's reputation was already well-known. However, it wasn't just his status that attracted people but also his handsome appearance. This explained the crowd of female customers.
What caught Hachiman's eye the most was a wooden board set up in front of the stall, displaying photos of the male members of the Polar Star Dormitory. Each photo had captions highlighting their features, such as "hidden sexiness in the sideburns," "dagger-like sharp gaze," "mystery and allure," and "knowledge is true masculinity," among others.
Beside these photos was a large slogan:
"Your chosen employee will come to serve you personally."
Seeing this, Hachiman couldn't help but smirk.
Hey, is this a restaurant or a host club?
No wonder the middle-aged women were so enthusiastic; it all made sense now.
This idea must have been conceived by Isshiki Satoshi. His thinking is always out of the ordinary.
Aside from the boys, Yuuki Yoshino and Ryoko Sakaki were also helping at the stall, both dressed in server uniforms.
Seeing the bustling business, Yuuki couldn't help but whisper nervously, "Are we really not running a host club here?"
Ryoko sighed beside her, "But this really caters to the customers' demands. At this rate, we might even make it into the top five today."
Hearing this, Yuuki felt a bit embarrassed. Making it to the top five because of this service...how would they even explain that?
However, thanks to that special service, Yuuki and Ryoko, dressed as servers, had a relatively easy time. Most of the customers were middle-aged women, and for the designated service, they naturally requested the boys, especially Isshiki Satoshi.
Feeling bored, Yuuki looked around and spotted Hachiman and Komachi standing across the small river. She tugged on her friend's sleeve, uncertain.
"Ryoko, isn't that Hikigaya-kun, the instructor from the training camp?"
"Eh? Where?"
Ryoko followed Yuuki's gaze and saw Hachiman and Komachi standing on the other side of the river.
"It really is Hikigaya-kun."
Both girls remembered him well as someone their age who could serve as an instructor. Moreover, Hachiman had invited them personally before.
Thinking it over, Ryoko decided to inform Isshiki Satoshi, who was acting as the "store manager." After listening to Ryoko, Isshiki's eyes finally opened a bit. He excused himself from the surrounding customers and temporarily left the kitchen.
Crossing the small river, Isshiki approached Hachiman with a friendly smile. "So it is you, Hikigaya-kun. Long time no see."
Hachiman smiled in return, "Ah, it's Isshiki-san. It has been a while."
Seeing them talk as if they knew each other well, Komachi was puzzled.
"Onii-chan, you know him?"
Her brother knowing a male friend was surprising to Komachi since most of Hachiman's friends, aside from Saika and Zaimokuza, were girls.
"This is Isshiki Satoshi. He was a home economics instructor at our school for a while." Hachiman smiled and patted Komachi's head. "Isshiki-san, this is my sister, Komachi."
Isshiki smiled and nodded at Komachi. "Hello, Komachi. Nice to meet you."
Komachi, never shy, flashed a cute smile. "Hi, Isshiki-nii."
Seeing Komachi's cheerful demeanor, Isshiki chuckled and turned his attention back to Hachiman.
"Before, I heard from Soma that Hikigaya-kun actually served as a guest lecturer during the residential training. Sure enough, my instincts were right. Your culinary skills are really impressive."
"Haha, Isshiki-san, you're too kind. I was just helping out back then because of Headmaster Senzaemon's request," Hachiman replied modestly with a smile.
On Isshiki Satoshi's side, he smiled as well, his eyes narrowing. However, he couldn't completely believe Hachiman's modest words.
It seemed that Hachiman's culinary skills surpassed more than just Miss Erina by a little. Perhaps they were even more formidable than Isshiki had imagined.
After all, being able to serve as a lecturer during a residential training program meant that Hachiman's culinary skills were at least at the level of an outstanding graduate. Otherwise, how could those senior graduates tolerate such an unknown rookie in the same role as them?
Although Isshiki Satoshi had confidence in his own culinary skills, there was still some gap when compared to those senior graduates.
Just then, a clear and pleasant voice rang out beside them.
"Cousin Satoshi, I'm here to help you."
Hachiman turned to the unexpected figure not far away.
With shoulder-length light brown hair and bright chestnut eyes, she wore a mischievous smile on her face.
It was none other than Isshiki Iroha, who also attended Sobu High School.
Wait, Cousin Satoshi?!
Huh? Isshiki Satoshi and Isshiki Iroha were cousins?!
This really surprised Hachiman. They both had the surname Isshiki, which seemed like more than just a coincidence.
He never expected that these two, who weren't originally characters in the same anime, would become cousins after the world's fusion.
Wow, this is the corrective power of the world's will.
Terrifying, indeed. Terrifying.
Seeing Iroha, Isshiki Satoshi smiled.
"Iroha, my cousin, you're here."
"Yeah, Cousin, I'm here to help you," Iroha nodded, then noticed Hachiman standing beside him. Her eyes lit up after a brief pause.
"You must be Hikigaya-senpai."
Given Hachiman's current reputation at school, it wasn't surprising that a girl like her knew his name. After all, Hachiman was now as popular as Hayama among the masses.
"That's right, it's me," Hachiman smiled faintly.
"You're probably the famous first-year Isshiki Iroha," Hachiman said.
Hearing Hachiman actually calling out her name, Iroha couldn't help but feel a little happy in her heart.
After all, in a girl's heart, she also hopes to be complimented by others. Otherwise, why would she compete for the student council president position in the original work?
But compared to Minami Sagami, Isshiki Iroha is much more impressive. She knows how to fully utilize her youth and cleverness to win others' favor, and she gains considerable popularity among boys with her cute appearance and role as a natural airhead.
Indeed, she lives up to being the little devil praised even by the author in the original work.
-------
If you want to read 20 advance chapters ahead.
Visit my patreon: patreon.com/Flaptzy
Chapter: 463 Selling Out Her Friend
"Really? Hikigaya-senpai knows my name too? I'm so happy," Iroha exclaimed in surprise.
"I've heard a bit about you, being the manager of the soccer club and all, and Isshiki-san is quite well-known among the guys at school," Hachiman smiled.
"No way, being well-known and all, compared to you, Senpai, I'm still far behind," Iroha said, showing a hint of shyness.
Upon hearing his cousin's words, Isshiki Satoshi narrowed his eyes and asked, "Iroha, is Hikigaya-kun very famous at your school?"
"Oh, you don't know, cousin. Hikigaya-senpai is a big celebrity at our school now," Iroha eagerly introduced.
"I first met Hikigaya-senpai at the cultural festival. He played two piano pieces and even sang a song, it was so amazing."
"And then, just recently at the sports festival, in the final match, Hikigaya-senpai almost single-handedly took on half of the opponent's team. He was incredible."
"Not only that, I heard from the seniors in the club that when he was just a first-year student, Hikigaya-senpai led the kendo club to win the Kendo Inter High School Championship Tournament. Moreover, he became the youngest swordmaster in that tournament!"
"Hikigaya-senpai, you're really amazing."
As she spoke, Iroha's eyes sparkled brightly.
She truly meant what she said, especially for a young girl like her, Hachiman's achievements were dazzling enough to leave her conflicted.
Hmm... Should I pursue Hayama-senpai, or should I pursue Hikigaya-senpai?
...
"Huh? Hikigaya-kun is actually that amazing?!"
Just as Iroha finished recounting Hachiman's exploits, surprised voices came from nearby.
It turned out that Yuuki and Ryoko had arrived at some point.
Seeing the two girls, Hachiman smiled and greeted them.
"Hello, Yoshino-san, Sakaki-san."
"Yeah, hello, Hikigaya-sensei," the two girls nodded.
"Well, I'm not a teacher anymore, and I was just filling in back then. Just call me Hikigaya," Hachiman shrugged upon hearing them still referring to him as a teacher, then introduced them to Komachi once again.
"This little one here is my sister, Komachi Hikigaya."
"Hello, both of you," Komachi greeted them first.
"Yeah, hello, Komachi," the two girls nodded in response. However, Yuuki spoke up again.
"Is what this student just said true? Hikigaya-kun is really that strong?"
Piano, culinary skills, and kendo—all mastered by one person. Is this guy a genius?
Upon hearing her words, Hachiman just smiled faintly.
"Well, what Isshiki-san said earlier is indeed true, but it's a bit exaggerated. Whether it's piano, kendo, or culinary skills, they're just my hobbies."
Seeing Hachiman's indifferent demeanor, everyone was left somewhat speechless.
Just hobbies and yet you're this proficient? If you were to specialize in one of them, you'd be unstoppable.
Even Isshiki Satoshi, usually composed, couldn't help but feel exasperated. "Hikigaya-kun, why don't you try our taro soup?"
"The Taro Soup? It's a popular hotpot dish in the Northeast Japan and Kanto regions," Hachiman nodded. "Sure, I'll have a serving. I trust Isshiki-san's culinary skills."
"Haha, Hikigaya-kun, you're overestimating me. I'm far behind compared to you," Isshiki Satoshi chuckled, leading Hachiman and Komachi to a low table.
"Oh, by the way, Hikigaya-kun, our shop offers personalized services. Is there anyone you'd like to serve you?" Isshiki Satoshi asked with a mischievous smile.
Upon hearing this, Hachiman couldn't help but think of the shop's unique services and couldn't hide a smirk.
Come on, who would want male servers to attend to me while eating?
After a moment's thought, Hachiman turned his gaze to Sakaki Ryouko beside him.
"Then, let Sakaki-san do it."
Unexpectedly, Hachiman actually chose her.
Ryoko exclaimed in surprise. "Huh? Hikigaya-kun, you're choosing me?"
"Well, I felt Sakaki's voice sounded like a friend of mine, so I chose you," Hachiman chuckled helplessly. "I can't exactly choose another guy, right?"
That's true. Hachiman indeed thought Sakaki's voice resembled Utaha's. They probably have the same voice actress. Besides, he's a straight guy; is it wrong to choose a cute girl to serve him?
Upon hearing his words, Ryoko realized.
After all, Hachiman is a guy. It would indeed be strange for a guy to choose another guy to serve him.
"Okay, but just to be clear, I'm not going to serve anyone," Ryoko replied, unable to refuse being singled out by Hachiman.
"That's fine. I'm not asking you to actually serve me. Just to help bring the food over," Hachiman smiled slightly.
After all, they've only met a few times, and he hadn't actually intended for a girl to serve him food or anything.
So it's that simple.
Ryoko also breathed a sigh of relief. If it's just bringing food, she has no problem with that.
"Okay then, leave it to me!"
But at that moment, Yuuki chimed in with a teasing remark.
"Hikigaya-kun, are you choosing Ryoko because she has a big chest?"
Upon hearing this, Hachiman instinctively glanced at Ryoko's chest.
Due to the close-fitting waitress uniform, it fully highlighted the girl's well-endowed figure.
Hmm, indeed quite large...
Seeing this, he couldn't help but think.
Now it's not just the voice that's similar, but their figures too.
But noticing Hachiman's gaze, Ryoko shyly crossed her arms over her chest.
She felt as if she were standing there completely exposed, baring her body in front of Hachiman.
"Hikigaya-kun... Please don't stare!" Her voice carried a hint of embarrassment.
Upon hearing this, Hachiman quickly turned his head away.
"Cough, sorry, sorry."
Seeing Hachiman turn away, Ryoko breathed a sigh of relief and gave Yuuki, who was enjoying the scene, a slight glare.
Meanwhile, Isshiki finished making the taro soup, so she quickly left to bring the food.
But when Ryoko returned, she saw her unreliable friend instigating something next to Hachiman.
"Hikigaya-kun, doesn't Ryoko have a large chest? Let me tell you, it feels really comfortable to touch."
Upon hearing this, a blush spread across Ryoko's face.
You see, she and Yuuki occasionally bathed together, and whenever they did, Yuuki always seemed to focus on her ample chest.
She never expected her unreliable friend to say such things out loud.
But before she could respond, her friend spoke again.
"So, Hikigaya-kun, do you want to touch?"
Huh?
Ryoko widened her eyes, and then Yuuki continued with her proposition.
"If you can help me prepare three... no, five dishes, I'll help convince Ryoko to let you touch her."
Upon hearing this, Ryoko was left dumbfounded. She never imagined her friend would bargain her away for just a few dishes.
Sure, Hikigaya's cooking is indeed delicious, but why should you benefit from it while I pay with my body?
Even if you offer me all five dishes...
No, even if you gave me all five dishes, it's still not acceptable!
I must be out of my mind to entertain such thoughts because of Yuuki's teasing.
Feeling the warmth flushing her face, the girl walked towards the low table with a dark expression.
On the other side, upon hearing Yuuki's words, Hachiman also felt exasperated.
Do I really appear that desperate?
And even if I did want to touch, should I really need to barter with cooking?
There's a Utaha who sounds the same and has the same figure, whom I could indulge with.
Forget touching, he could engage in deeper conversations if he wanted.
And is it really okay to sell out a friend like this?
Just as Hachiman was about to refuse, a faint voice echoed softly in his ears.
"Yuu...ki!!"
---------
If you want to read 20 advance chapters ahead.
Visit my patreon: patreon.com/Flaptzy
Kommentar absatzweise anzeigen
Die Absatzkommentarfunktion ist jetzt im Web! Bewegen Sie den Mauszeiger über einen beliebigen Absatz und klicken Sie auf das Symbol, um Ihren Kommentar hinzuzufügen.
Außerdem können Sie es jederzeit in den Einstellungen aus- und einschalten.
ICH HAB ES