Three days later, at Polar Star Dorm.
Hachiman was still practicing in the kitchen. Everyone in the dorm had pinned their hopes on him, and he didn't want it to end here.
During these days, some people from the dorm had tried to help Hikigaya or give him advice, but…
No matter if it was the table, the stove, or even the trash can, there wasn't a single trace of leftover food. This confused everyone quite a bit.
Marui: "Hey, Hikigaya, what have you been doing in the kitchen these past few days? I heard that besides Tadokoro tasting your meat jelly dish, no one else has eaten your cooking."
Everyone had been wanting to ask this question for a while. Hachiman didn't try to hide anything and answered directly:
"Oh… actually, I decided on my dish on the very first day. Most of the time after that, I've just been polishing my basics. After all, Marui, you said it yourself—Food Wars only gives you two hours."
Hearing this, everyone was stunned for a moment. After all, this was about whether he would get expelled or not. Most people would practice non-stop before a Shokugeki, aiming for the absolute best dish. But this guy…
"Polishing… basics…?"
"Hikigaya, you're way too relaxed. But maybe that's a good thing. In a match like this, your mindset is what matters most."
"Hahaha! If Mito found out how laid-back you are, she'd probably blow a fuse."
No one blamed Hachiman for being so relaxed. That was the irreplaceable atmosphere of Polar Star Dorm. Even though they had only known each other for a few days, it already felt like they were old friends, joking around with each other.
For some reason, Hachiman truly felt more and more that it was a blessing he had joined this place.
At that moment, Grandma Fumio came out of her room, holding a box full of cooking supplies. From seasonings to knives to the ingredients Hachiman needed, everything was neatly prepared.
"These are the tools and ingredients you'll need for the match. Kid, everything you asked for is here. Remember… you have to win." As she said this, a trace of emotion that couldn't be hidden appeared on Grandma Fumio's face.
Of course. So many generations had once shone brightly here, and she had witnessed it all. For her to say she had no feelings about it would be impossible.
Just like Hachiman had his family's diner, Grandma Fumio had Polar Star Dorm. He understood that much.
Ryoko quickly noticed the change in Grandma Fumio's expression. She held her arm and said:
"Don't worry, Grandma Fumio. We'll win! After this, no one will ever dare mess with this place again. Right, Hikigaya?"
"…I'll do everything I can."
Hachiman had always been walking the path of searching for something genuine. He used to believe that meant the most sincere bond between people. But after seeing this unforgettable scene before his eyes…
The bridge that connects people's emotions doesn't always have to be some great relationship. It could be a home, an object, or even just a single word.
And the one who tried to deny all of this from the very start was Nakiri Erina…
No matter what, he couldn't agree with her way.
This battle was only the beginning.
…
After everyone finished giving their last words of encouragement, Hachiman picked up the tools and ingredients required for the Food War and slowly headed to the preparation room.
Crossing through that dark hallway, the dazzling stage waited on the other side.
But compared to being under everyone's gaze, Hachiman found he actually preferred that shadowy hallway.
The spotlight stage was never his place. Walking out through the dim exit, the empty path that stretched ahead was his real battlefield.
Hachiman had always known this.
He never longed for the big screen, nor did he ever want everyone's attention. But everyone has their own code of action that they can't ignore. Once that feeling of resonance hits, even if he knows this isn't where he belongs, there's no turning back.
Alright then, time for the first Shokugeki.
"Thank you for waiting, everyone! The Shokugeki Administration has approved this match as official! I'm your host today, first-year high schooler Kawashima Urara!"
"Woooah! So cute, Urara!"
Sitting in the audience, Tadokoro Megumi was clearly nervous. Even though she wasn't the one standing on stage, it was her first time seeing a Shokugeki with this many people.
"Isn't this... way too many people?"
Marui: "Seriously, this was supposed to just be a dorm dispute, how did it turn into this..."
Ryoko: "This crowd is terrifying..."
Ibusaki: "Well, Mito is pretty well-known in the high school division. As one of Erina's top people, a lot of them are excited to see what new dish she'll bring out in this Shokugeki."
Isshiki: "Heh, this is getting more and more interesting."
Urara kept up her hosting, raising the mic high with full energy:
"First up, our meat master, Mito Ikumi!"
"Woooah! Her chest is huge!"
"Next, our transfer student, Hikigaya Hachiman!"
"Who's that...?"
"No idea..."
"Hey, I heard this guy got praised by Chef Chapelle on his first day."
"Tch, so what? His opponent's Mito. She's never scored below an A on any meat dish. That guy's done for, haha..."
The chatter around them quickly reached the ears of the Polar Star dorm members. Marui was already fidgeting in his seat.
"Hey, hey, this atmosphere feels really bad... Hachiman won't be shaken, right?"
Isshiki still wore his calm smile.
"Relax. Once Hikigaya starts cooking... no one will be able to bother him. Tadokoro knows that well too, right?"
Reminded by Isshiki's words, Megumi recalled Hachiman's terrifying focus.
She quickly nodded, her eyes filled with determination.
Rei: "Alright, let's confirm again. Three judges. The theme is vegetable dishes, with meat as the main ingredient."
"If Mito wins, not only will Hikigaya be expelled, but Polar Star Dorm will also be demolished and turned into a new storage building."
"And if Hikigaya wins, Polar Star Dorm will remain untouched, and Mito will have to join the dorm and contribute as workforce."
In short, this fight was no longer just about themselves.
Mito: "Come on, let me see what you've got."
Hachiman: "Uh... okay."
Audience: "....Wow, he really doesn't have any fire in him."
As the Shokugeki began, Nakiri Erina appeared in her private VIP room.
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