"You flatter me. I just did what I was supposed to do." Hearing Senzaemon Nakiri's praise, Dylan looked indifferent. To him, this was indeed
"You flatter me. I just did what I was supposed to do."
Hearing Senzaemon Nakiri's praise, Dylan looked indifferent. To him, this was indeed a trivial matter.
If it weren't for the fact that these students were young, with weak stress tolerance and bodies not specially trained, which made him dare not truly ramp up the intensity. Otherwise, the strength of these little guys could probably have been enhanced even more. Of course, it was also possible that they would suddenly collapse before getting stronger, thus rendering all efforts futile. In severe cases, they might even develop psychological illnesses.
In his past life, within the Dark Cooking Society, such incidents were not uncommon.
"It's not flattery. To achieve what our predecessors could not is a skill in itself, naturally deserving of such praise."
Hearing Dylan's humble words, Senzaemon Nakiri shook his head, then looked up at the bright moon in the sky and shared his own perspective. He had heard about the training program Dylan was implementing a month ago.
At the time, he felt it was very conventional, just a standard elimination-based training program to make students nervous about the idea that 'slacking off will get you eliminated,' thereby stimulating their potential. This could cultivate a group of strong individuals, with the cost of more people becoming sacrifices. It was very much in line with Tōtsuki's competitive spirit, so he did not intervene.
But, upon learning that none of the students who remained had skills below that of a second-grade chef, Senzaemon Nakiri was greatly shocked.
In previous years, if ten middle school students became second-grade chefs upon entering the high school division, it was already considered a cohort of extremely high quality. If twenty students became second-grade chefs, it was a strong cohort seen only once in decades. A situation like the present, where fifty middle school students reached the level of a second-grade chef, was a first in the many years since Tōtsuki Academy was founded!
"It seems this method can be continued in the future. This fellow, Dylan, is not only a genius himself but also has a knack for training people."
Senzaemon Nakiri thought to himself. Dylan's method of cultivating talent was remarkably similar to the high school division's Stagiaire training.
Both involved gathering students for specialized, modular training, allowing them to integrate what they had learned over the years and take a step further. And this training method was equally terrifying. Anyone who failed to meet the instructor's requirements would be mercilessly eliminated, with the pass rate always hovering around 50%.
Dylan's training method took this a step further. After allowing the students to integrate what they had previously learned, he made them compete against each other.
They could also improve during the competition process. The immense pressure would stimulate the secretion of dopamine, causing them to perform beyond their usual level.
And remembering that feeling, and completely entering that state, was what was known as progress.
"Phew…"
"Although this is sudden, I would like to ask you a personal question."
Seeing Dylan remain somewhat silent, just running with his head down, Senzaemon Nakiri suddenly changed the subject, his expression turning serious.
"What question?"
Noticing the change in Senzaemon Nakiri's demeanor, Dylan also became more serious. He had a faint feeling that what the other was about to say was related to him, and the connection between the two of them.
Was likely only Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri.
"Do you like Alice?"
After a brief pause, Senzaemon Nakiri asked very seriously, slowing his pace and looking fixedly into Dylan's eyes.
"It would be impossible to say I don't. After all, we grew up together. Long before Tōtsuki, I had already promised my life to her."
Hearing Senzaemon Nakiri's inquiry, Dylan answered frankly.
"What about Erina? Your relationship with her isn't simple either, is it? I often see her running out of your house with a red face. That state is clearly not normal."
Senzaemon Nakiri pressed further, this being something he had been puzzled about for a long time. In the past, when he was running, he often saw Erina Nakiri run out of his house, and every time, her face was flushed red, which was clearly not normal.
"Erina? She is just my student. She currently comes to my home to ask about culinary matters. I can't say if there will be further developments in the future, but I don't dislike her."
Dylan grumbled inwardly, thinking that this day had finally come. After all, being involved with both of his granddaughters simultaneously would make anyone wary.
But, he was not good at lying. He thought for a moment and gave his answer. He also had feelings for Erina Nakiri. He had liked her since watching the anime, and after actually interacting with her, he liked her even more!
After all, in the original story, her attitude towards the protagonist wasn't very good; she had no merits other than being beautiful. But meeting her in reality, due to their respective statuses, she wasn't arrogant towards him, only sweet. It was hard for him not to like a girl like that.
Of course, her occasional tsundere remarks were also one of Erina Nakiri's cute points. At least Dylan didn't find it offensive; on the contrary, he thought it was great.
This was the charm of a tsundere character!
"I see, developing a relationship with Erina."
Meaning he had thoughts in that direction but hadn't acted on them yet. How unexpectedly frank.
Dylan's frankness made Senzaemon Nakiri see him in a new light. He was the grandfather of both girls; in some respects, there was pressure from an elder.
Although he had heard this news from Leonora Nakiri early on, hearing it from her and hearing it from Dylan were two different things.
Dylan said it himself.
This represented that Dylan acknowledged Alice Nakiri as his from the bottom of his heart and was willing to make it public, which was enough to prove his sense of responsibility.
As for being a womanizer?
Senzaemon Nakiri didn't care about that. What man wasn't a womanizer? Especially those powerful men; having one wife and several concubines was the norm.
The important thing was not to forget one's roots, not to forget an old love for a new one. Such men were terrible and could not be entrusted with important responsibilities in any aspect.
"There's no hiding this kind of thing. Besides, Erina is a good girl too, quite likable."
Dylan expressed his thoughts.
Although the Erina Nakiri in the anime was very tsundere and acted quite polite.
But the anime was the anime, and reality was reality. The important thing was Erina Nakiri's attitude towards him, not her attitude towards others.
"She would probably be very happy if she heard you evaluate her like that."
Remembering his chat with Erina Nakiri some time ago, when Dylan was mentioned, the young woman's eyes sparkled. Senzaemon Nakiri couldn't help but sigh.
"Perhaps. Or perhaps she'd find it disgusting, being fancied by a man several years older than her."
Hearing Senzaemon Nakiri's words, Dylan couldn't help but tease.
"Age is not a problem. My wife was more than ten years older than me. You two are only a few years apart! As long as two people are truly in love, there are no problems, and even those can be smoothly overcome."
Senzaemon Nakiri shook his head, his gaze directed towards the distance.
"True love. I understand."
Dylan nodded, glanced at the incredibly bright moonlight, and then quickened his pace.
"I'll be going on ahead then, old man."
"I wonder how far those two little ones can go under his guidance."
Watching Dylan's gradually receding back, Senzaemon Nakiri muttered to himself.
A few months of peaceful days passed. Compared to the terrifying midterm assessment, the final assessment was child's play for those who remained, as Dylan was not involved.
After successfully passing the midterm assessment, the students happily embarked on their journey home.
When they returned next year, they would be bona fide high school division students, participating in the competition for the Tōtsuki Elite Ten.
"Dylan Sensei, are you really not planning to stay at Tōtsuki for the winter break?"
At the Tōtsuki school gate, Erina Nakiri looked at Dylan, who was about to travel far with the Seven-Star Knives on his back, her eyes filled with reluctance. Everyone had finally left. If Dylan could stay, then he would belong exclusively to her.
After all, her home was at Tōtsuki, and it was impossible for her to leave during the winter break. Then she could enjoy Dylan's one-on-one, personal guidance!
Even though she was currently idle, her grandfather had forcibly assigned her a series of tasks.
Mainly handling matters related to the third-year graduation, as well as the succession of the Elite Ten seats.
At present, her academic ranking was first. Although Alice Nakiri was stronger than her, she had enrolled too late, and her comprehensive assessment score was not as high.
Therefore, after the senior students graduated, she was automatically promoted to the tenth seat of the Tōtsuki Elite Ten. The public notice period was three days, during which she would accept challenges from anyone.
If someone could defeat her, they could replace her as the tenth seat of the Elite Ten. This had always been a tradition at Tōtsuki.
Coincidentally, her public notice period was shortly after Alice Nakiri flew to China to participate in the Special Grade Chef Examination.
Thus, she successfully became a member of the Tōtsuki Elite Ten while still in the middle school division.
"I still have some things to take care of here, but I should be back a week before school starts. You can come find me then."
Dylan naturally saw through Erina Nakiri's thoughts. He smiled and gently ruffled her hair, feeling the softness and coolness of her long golden locks, and spoke in a gentle voice.
"Okay! It's a promise!"
Hearing Dylan's promise, Erina Nakiri's dim eyes lit up again. She then took two steps forward, getting extremely close. And these two steps dazed Dylan. Firstly, their distance was too close, and secondly, Erina Nakiri's movements were really something to behold.
Especially this sudden approach; because of the high speed, the magnitude of the jiggle was quite large.
"Where are you looking! Dylan Sensei!"
Noticing Dylan's eyes automatically locking onto a certain area, Erina Nakiri's face visibly reddened, and she then took two steps back.
"I'm not talking to you anymore. I'm going back now. Be careful on your way."
After saying this, Erina Nakiri suppressed the fluttering in her heart, turned around with a slight smile on her lips, and then quickened her pace and left. Hisako Arato, who had been standing by the side all along, handed a box to Dylan as Erina Nakiri turned to leave.
"These are some herbal biscuits I baked last night. You can have them on your way, as a snack or something. If you don't need them, just throw them away."
After hastily saying this, Hisako Arato didn't wait for Dylan to say anything, also turned around with a slight blush, and trotted off in Erina Nakiri's direction. "Erina-sama, wait for me!"
"I will savor them well."
Watching the two of them leave, Dylan shook the biscuit box in his hand, a smile on his face, and then left the foot of the Tōtsuki mountain. He only had the Seven-Star Knives on his back and didn't take anything else. To be precise, there was nothing to take; whatever he needed, he could just buy.
And his purpose for leaving Tōtsuki this time was to travel around Japan, taste the local delicacies, and at the same time, absorb the strengths of their cuisine. Compared to China, Japan was not a large country. The two-month vacation was enough for him to travel from south to north. Hopefully, he would encounter some good food.
"Dylan Sensei! Over here, over here!"
Just as Dylan arrived at a nearby train station, planning to randomly pick a city as a starting point and then travel to various cities along the train line.
He saw a familiar figure at the station entrance. The figure was looking left and right, and upon seeing him, immediately came forward, a happy smile on her face.
"What are you doing here, going home? Congratulations on your successful graduation. Do you have any plans for the future? With the status of the first seat of the Tōtsuki Elite Ten, it shouldn't be hard to find a job anywhere."
Pointing towards the train station, the two of them walked inside while chatting.
"I'm planning to open my own 'Western-style eatery,' but before that, I need to understand the standard and taste of 'Western-style eateries' in this country. So, I need to embark on a journey to study and research all over the country."
Hearing Dylan's question, Kikuchi Sonoka spoke. However, compared to him who was traveling light, she had two extra suitcases in her hands.
"Your attitude is good. For us chefs, we should travel around instead of just staying in one place, guarding that little bit of knowledge we've learned. But I remember you graduated a week ago, right? Why are you still here."
The graduates left a week earlier than the current students. Logically, Kikuchi Sonoka should have left long ago, not still be here now.
"Didn't you say you were going to travel in Japan during the winter break? I think our goals are the same. Why don't we travel together? We can look out for each other."
Hearing Dylan's question, Kikuchi Sonoka's face turned red. She cursed this guy in her heart for being a block of wood, so unromantic. A girl standing at the station entrance, wasn't it obvious she was waiting for someone!
"I see. Then let's go together."
Dylan wasn't really oblivious to her thoughts. Hearing Kikuchi Sonoka say this, he agreed to her invitation without much hesitation. Traveling was lonely. Having a beautiful girl as a companion was also a happy thing.
Especially since this girl had already graduated, it would be difficult to see her at school in the future. Once she started working, she wouldn't have time either. This might be a so-called graduation trip.
"Give me the luggage. I'll help you carry it up."
Having decided to travel together, and seeing Kikuchi Sonoka holding two suitcases, Dylan very naturally took the handles and carried them onto the train.
"I must win over Dylan Sensei this time!"
Without refusing Dylan's consideration, Kikuchi Sonoka looked deeply at his back, her fists slightly clenched, having made up her mind. Although the two had expressed their feelings for each other and done many things that only boyfriends and girlfriends would do, they had never taken the final step.
This couldn't help but make her a little anxious.
Because her friends told her that if a girl wasn't attractive to a boy, such a relationship would definitely not last long.
Therefore, in the month before graduation, she tried every means to create opportunities for the two of them to be alone. But she didn't know if there was a problem with Dylan; she had already been so proactive, yet he remained unmoved.
The most outrageous time.
Was when she finally mustered the courage to wear what the world hailed as a "man-killer" dress and invited Dylan to her home for guidance.
In the end, this guy just glanced at her a few times and then threw himself into cooking. Nothing happened between them the entire afternoon!
"This scenery is really nice. Even without any specific purpose, just going out to have fun is quite nice."
Placing the luggage by his feet, because it wasn't rush hour, there were very few passengers around, and the two found empty seats. The seats were directly opposite a window, offering a view of the outside scenery.
"Indeed. I actually really like traveling. If I had known, I would have made up my mind to go with you back then. I thought too much, and now I'm just left with regret."
Following Dylan's gaze, Kikuchi Sonoka's eyes softened. The scenery outside was refreshing, and his words also reminded her of the past. She really wanted to go back a year and tell her past self that following Dylan was far more promising than staying at Tōtsuki, and that she could also find happiness!
If she had stayed by Dylan's side back then instead of choosing to return to Tōtsuki, she might have already become a Special Grade Chef by now. Compared to the title of Special Grade Chef, the first seat of the Tōtsuki Elite Ten was truly somewhat insignificant.
"Let's not talk about the past. What's important is the present. Aren't we doing just fine like this? Let's enjoy our graduation trip to the fullest."
As he spoke, Dylan reached out and wrapped his arm around Kikuchi Sonoka's waist. Since their relationship was already confirmed, his actions were very natural. And this was the most frustrating point. They acted like a loving couple in every aspect, yet they were unable to break through the final step.
Thinking of this.
"Dylan Sensei, am I very attractive?"
Suddenly, Kikuchi Sonoka turned her head to look at Dylan and asked such a question.
"Why are you suddenly asking this?"
"Because you don't touch me! I'm already 18 this year. In every sense, I'm a grown adult!"
When she said this, Kikuchi Sonoka's face was very red, but taking advantage of the atmosphere, she mustered her courage to voice the doubt in her heart.
"Or is it that... you're not capable in that department, Dylan Sensei? Do you need to get it checked out?"
Swallowing hard, Kikuchi Sonoka said the words that she would regret immensely a month later.
"Wait one month."
"In one month, you can beg for mercy all you want! Not even God himself will be able to save you!"
Hearing Kikuchi Sonoka's challenge, veins couldn't help but pop out on Dylan's forehead. The handle of the suitcase was even deformed from his grip.
"We'll be getting off at the next stop. I'm going to meet a very interesting person."
Looking at the name of the station, Dylan's expression flickered. A red-haired figure appeared in his mind, and a look of interest appeared on his face.
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