Chapter 108: Alice Joins In
With a resounding 3:0 victory and Erina's undeniable defeat, it became unmistakably clear to Senzaemon, Soue Nakiri, and even Alice that Hachiman's culinary prowess surpassed Erina's. Despite Alice's fierce competitive spirit and her avowals of wanting to best Erina, she couldn't deny the lingering gap between herself and her cousin.
As the one she had always strived to surpass succumbed to another's talent, Alice's emotions swirled in complexity.
Meanwhile, Hisako observed Erina with evident concern.
"Erina-sama..."
Since the announcement of the results, Erina had kept her gaze lowered, her emotions concealed. For someone of her immense pride, consecutive losses to the same individual must have been a bitter pill to swallow.
Just as Hachiman contemplated offering words of solace, Erina lifted her head, her expression once more radiating that trademark pride.
"Hmph, count yourself fortunate this time. Don't assume that winning now means I'll concede defeat. I will unquestionably emerge victorious in our next encounter!"
Seeing Erina return to her proud demeanor, Hachiman couldn't help but grin.
That's the Erina he was acquainted with.
"No problem at all. If Miss Erina is up for it, I'm always prepared for another match."
It was a friendly culinary competition, and if time permitted, Hachiman was more than willing to challenge Erina once more.
"Haha, excellent! This is the spirit of the culinary world. No matter how many times you fall short, never shy away from formidable rivals. That's the only path to keeping your culinary skills on the rise."
Senzaemon Nakiri's laughter filled the air upon overhearing their exchange.
"But, young Hachiman, I never anticipated your culinary prowess to advance as well. You continue to astonish us," Senzaemon Nakiri remarked with a hint of admiration.
Erina, her irritation palpable, interjected, "Hey, when did your cooking skills get any better?"
Hachiman elaborated, "It appears my culinary skills improved right after I had an epiphany in kendo, about a week ago."
He wasn't fabricating this. His culinary epiphany had occurred while he slumbered. He had been at Level 3 before bedtime, but upon awakening the next morning, he had ascended to Level 4. It was an unexpected turn of events.
Erina, seemingly lost for words, responded with a customary tsundere-style cold snort. "..."hmph!"
"Haha, I never expected that not only is young Hachiman exceptional in kendo, but his culinary talent is also so formidable," chimed in Senzaemon Nakiri, taking the lead in the conversation.
"It makes me increasingly eager to extend an invitation to Totsuki."
Senzaemon Nakiri's words carried a genuine tone. Having sampled Hachiman's creation, he was convinced that Hachiman's culinary abilities now rivaled, if not surpassed, some of the top seats in the Elite Ten. With proper guidance and training, Hachiman's potential in the culinary world seemed boundless.
However, when Senzaemon Nakiri broached the idea of inviting Hachiman to Totsuki once more, Hachiman politely declined. "Thank you very much for your kind words, but cooking remains a hobby for me. I have no intention of making it my primary profession. Cooking for those dear to me is satisfaction enough."
"Haha, Hachiman, you are truly an intriguing individual. As I've mentioned previously, should you ever have a change of heart, Totsuki's doors will always remain open to you."
"But I heard that your novel's sales recently crossed the five million mark. Congratulations," Senzaemon Nakiri added.
Hachiman humbly played down his accomplishments. "Not at all, compared to you, General Nakiri, I still have a long road ahead. After all, you single-handedly transformed the Totsuki conglomerate into what it is today."
"Haha, I believe that Hachiman will achieve remarkable success in the future as well."
"Thank you for your kind words, General Nakiri."
As their conversation continued, the others in the room, particularly Soue Nakiri, were left somewhat mystified. He had never anticipated that his typically stern father would take such a liking to Hachiman.
The last individual to receive such favor from Grandfather was a man named Yukihira Joichiro, who later gained fame in the culinary world as "Shura."
The notion that the young man before him could be compared to the "Shura" left Soue feeling somewhat skeptical.
Observing the relaxed exchange between Hachiman and her grandfather, Erina couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. She had never experienced such an easygoing conversation with her Grandpa herself.
This feeling prompted an involuntary disdainful snort from her.
Upon hearing her snort, Hachiman turned his gaze toward Erina. Seeing the jealousy in her expression, he shook his head with a slightly amused smile.
However, he quickly had an idea and, with a smile, inquired, "By the way, in early August, I'll be going to the beach with some friends. I wonder if Miss Erina would have the time to join us?"
"The beach?" Erina was momentarily intrigued by the mention of the seaside, but her tsundere nature made her hesitate.
"Hmph, why should I go with you?"
"Consider it my way of making amends for this time," Hachiman responded with a gentle smile.
"Tch, I don't want to go. There are too many people at public beaches," Erina retorted, disdainfully pursing her lips.
"You can rest assured about that. I'll be renting a private beach, so there won't be anyone else there. Plus, Saeko will be coming too."
"Hmm... Well, in that case, I'll grant you a chance to make amends. Besides, it has been a while since I've seen Saeko-neesan."
In the end, Erina reluctantly agreed, though a hint of reluctance colored her acceptance.
"The beach? Count me in!"
As soon as Alice caught wind of the seaside excursion, her lively and sociable nature bubbled forth, and she immediately expressed her eagerness to join. Moreover, her curiosity about Hachiman had piqued.
She wanted to discern what made this seemingly unassuming guy so special in her grandfather's eyes.
"Why do you want to join? You don't even know anyone there," Erina countered, casting a dismissive glance in his direction.
"Who says I don't? Erina, you'll be there," Alice replied with a mischievous grin.
"..." Alice's persistence left Erina feeling somewhat powerless.
In that moment, Hachiman chuckled and interjected, "It's perfectly fine. Since Miss Alice wishes to join, I wholeheartedly welcome her."
Given that they had secured the location exclusively, accommodating one more person was inconsequential, and he couldn't deny the allure of swimsuit-watching either.
Upon hearing Hachiman's accommodating response, Alice shot him a look that silently conveyed, "You're quite reasonable," and then turned her attention to Erina.
"You see, even he doesn't mind. Erina, anything else to add?"
"Whatever."
With her family in agreement, Erina had no further objections. She waved her hand dismissively, choosing to let the matter rest.
Unnoticed by all, a cryptic smile formed on Soue's lips.
As lunchtime neared, Hachiman, Erina, and even Alice, Ryo, and Hisako joined forces to prepare the meal.
It appeared that the cooking competition was still ongoing with fervor...
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A/N:
I fell asleep
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Chapter 109: Setting Off for the Kendo Inter-High School Championship
As time sped by, the day of the long-awaited tournament had finally arrived. Hachiman, Saeko, Kotonoha, and their fellow Kendo club members boarded the school-arranged bus, destined for the competition venue in Fukuoka.
The tournament's rules were simple yet unforgiving—single-elimination matches. Each team comprised five key roles: the Vanguard, Second Vanguard, The Backbone, Vice-Captain, and Captain. The defeated would step aside, while the victors would stand their ground. If all five members of a team fell, they'd be disqualified from the competition.
Among the boys, Hachiman proudly held the mantle of Captain, with Fujita as his steadfast Vice-Captain. The remaining three male members had their positions determined by their skill levels, taking on the roles of Vanguard, Second Vanguard, and The Backbone.
For the girls, Saeko led the charge as Captain, with Kotonoha serving as her trusted Vice-Captain. The other three female members filled the positions of Vanguard, Second Vanguard, and The Backbone.
Ordinarily, first-year students like Hachiman and Kotonoha were limited to the roles of Vanguard or Second Vanguard. But their exceptional prowess set them apart.
Hachiman, despite his modesty, had risen to become the club's premier player after defeating Saeko.
Kotonoha, through arduous practice sessions with Hachiman, had made remarkable strides in Kendo. She now stood as one of the club's fiercest female members, and among the boys, only Hachiman and Fujita could rival her skills.
As they rode on the bus, enthusiasm brimmed among the students, especially the boys. The previous year, Saeko's presence had secured a championship in the girls' division, but the boys had faltered, reaching only the quarter-finals before elimination. That disappointment had cast a shadow over them.
However, this year was a different story. With Hachiman's addition and the already capable Fujita, victory in the boys' division seemed nearly assured.
The prospect of redemption had the boys buzzing with excitement. They couldn't help but anticipate their chance to make amends.
"Alright, tomorrow marks the official start of the Kendo Inter-High School Championship. The journey has been long, and we've already arranged accommodations for everyone. When we arrive in Fukuoka, take the time to rest, recharge your spirits, and prepare for the matches ahead," Saeko declared, addressing the Kendo club members.
"Yes, Captain!" came the enthusiastic response from the club members.
Chiba lay a thousand kilometers distant from Fukuoka, and the bus journey would stretch over nine hours to reach their destination.
Moreover, given the Kendo club's triumphant win in the girls' division championship the previous year, the school had placed lofty expectations on their shoulders. Naturally, for major tournaments like the Kendo Inter-High School Championship, the school generously funded their efforts.
It was safe to say that these Kendo club members were not only competitors but also recipients of an all-expenses-paid journey.
...
Following a lengthy journey, the Kendo club members at last arrived in Fukuoka.
They disembarked from the bus and made their way to the hotel they had pre-booked.
During this time of year in Fukuoka, not only were Kendo competitions in full swing, but there were also contests in Karate and Judo. Beyond the participants, many spectators flocked to witness these events live. To avoid any accommodation mishaps, countless people had secured their hotel reservations well in advance.
The chosen hotel was renowned for its soothing hot springs. Even in the summertime, the allure of a relaxing soak in these natural baths remained irresistible.
After obtaining their room keys at the front desk, Hachiman made his way to his own single room with a generously sized bed, courtesy of the ample funding they had received.
Once comfortably settled in, it was time for dinner. Hachiman planned to indulge in the meal before heading for a bath. Although his room had a private bathroom, given the hotel's reputation for its hot springs, it seemed only fitting to experience them.
Hachiman eventually found himself at the entrance to the hotel's hot spring bath, where he was met by fellow Kendo club members already immersed in the warm waters. Without hesitation, he eased himself into the inviting embrace of the spring water.
"Ah..."
A contented sigh escaped his lips as the soothing warmth enveloped his entire body. It was an incredibly relaxing sensation.
It was no surprise that hot springs held a special place in the hearts of the Japanese. Aside from frequent appearances in anime, hot spring scenes were a staple in many romantic action movies.
The truth was, the Japanese cherished hot springs for several reasons. Japan's geographical setting as an island nation surrounded by the sea and dotted with volcanoes made hot springs abundant. Furthermore, the health benefits and stress relief offered by these natural wonders were highly valued, particularly in a society where individuals often faced significant life stressors. Soaking in hot springs had naturally become a cherished form of relaxation for the Japanese.
Relishing the warmth of the bath, Hachiman let the soothing waters melt away the tension in his body, leaving him feeling entirely rejuvenated.
As he leisurely sipped his coffee, his gaze was drawn to Saeko and Kotonoha, who had just emerged from the women's bath. Their camaraderie was evident as they chatted and laughed while strolling together.
"Hey, Saeko, Kotonoha, good evening," Hachiman greeted them cheerfully.
"Good evening, Hachiman-kun," they responded with smiles.
Observing the two women in their yukatas, Hachiman's eyes sparkled with appreciation. With their hair tied up after the bath, their graceful napes were exposed. Their skin bore a rosy hue from the hot spring, adding to their allure. Moreover, their yukatas draped over their well-proportioned figures, revealing a hint of enticing cleavage.
Glancing at the alluring sight, Hachiman found himself a bit parched and lifted his coffee cup for another sip.
"Saeko, Kotonoha, what can I get you to drink? It's my treat."
"Thank you, Hachiman. I'll have a coffee milk," Saeko replied with gratitude.
"Thanks, Hachiman-kun. I'll have oolong tea," Kotonoha chimed in with her choice.
Handing them their selected beverages, Hachiman suddenly remembered that he hadn't invited them to the beach trip yet. So, he broached the topic.
"By the way, Saeko, Kotonoha, how about joining me for a beach trip after the tournament?"
In his initial plans, Saeko and Kotonoha were the only ones he hadn't extended an invitation to.
"Beach trip? Absolutely, count me in," Saeko enthusiastically accepted the offer.
"Will there be others joining us?" Kotonoha inquired.
"They'll be some of my friends, and, oh, I've also invited Miss Erina," Hachiman added with a grin.
"Erina?"
This puzzled Saeko, as her impression was that aside from the chance encounter at her home, Erina and Hachiman didn't interact much.
Sensing the girl's confusion, Hachiman elaborated.
"Yeah, a while back when I was at your place, I won a cooking competition against Miss Erina, remember?"
"Later, she wasn't satisfied and challenged me to another competition a couple of days ago. But, by some stroke of luck, I won again."
"So, to make amends, I invited Miss Erina to join us at the beach, and she agreed."
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