He had noticed that strange smell earlier, but to kick out someone who might surpass you in the future for such a simple reason—so this is what a training camp is like?
The whole hall was filled with unease and sympathy as the student walked away unwillingly. After all, nearly half the students here would end up leaving. But… if you got expelled for a reason like this, anyone would feel bitter.
But Marui behind him looked even more impressed now. Hey, weren't you just scared of getting expelled a moment ago?
"This is Chef Shinomiya!
The first Japanese person to earn the French Prix de Prosper Montagné medal. And not only him… there's also Chef Mizuhara, Chef Sekimori, Chef Hinako, and… Chef Gotoda."
Tadokoro Megumi: "Almost all of them are people you only ever see in magazines…"
Marui: "Of course! But the most amazing one is the man on the stage. He graduated top of his class, broke the highest score in history, turned down more than 800 job offers from top restaurants around the world, and chose this position instead—head chef of Totsuki Resort and a board member, Dojima Gin."
Marui spoke with tears in his eyes, like he could die happy after witnessing this scene.
'Ah, so that's how it is. I really got tricked, huh.'
Hachiman still didn't know why Dojima Gin showed up back then, but it was clear his act at that time was fake. Still, since he could buy seafood at a low price, why not play along?
That's why, in the end, he dropped Hayama's name.
Now, Dojima Gin on the stage looked at him with that faint smile. Because of the little commotion Chef Inuiomiya caused earlier, Gin spotted him right away in the crowd.
Still, Hachiman had a plan. As long as he acted like they didn't know each other, it should be fine.
You know Hayama Hayato, not me—Hikigaya Hachiman.
While thinking that, his eyes drifted toward Hayama, who seemed to notice his glance and returned a calm smile.
After the small incident ended, Dojima Gin picked up the mic, looked at the students in the hall, and spoke naturally:
"Welcome, everyone, to my Totsuki Resort. All the graduates gathered here today are people who run their own places. During the six days of this camp, you'll be treated the same as the staff in their restaurants. I'm sure you understand what that means."
'So basically, starting now, we're not students—we're subordinates. Great, just what I wanted. I swore I'd never be a corporate slave…'
As Hachiman grumbled in his head, Dojima Gin continued:
"If you can't meet the standards of the job, you're fired. And for you, that means expulsion. Based on your instructor's judgment, you could be expelled with a single word, just like what you saw earlier. With that said, I wish you all the best."
With just one sentence, everyone tensed up. Even with his friendly smile, he could turn into the scariest boss at any moment. But to Hachiman, he had seen this plenty of times before.
If Komachi and Dad were like rivals pushing each other forward, then Hachiman, as the waiter and dishwasher at home, was basically in the lowest rank—the family's lowest rank.
Even though his family wasn't that strict, whenever guests came, Hachiman would naturally take on his role without being told.
And now was no different.
Marui: "Looks like we're splitting up. Everyone, do your best."
Ryoko: "Hikigaya, all this training was for this moment. Don't let me down."
Tadokoro Megumi: "Do your best, everyone, and you too, Hikigaya."
Mito: "Let's talk tonight. For now, we can't be late."
Ibusaki: "Alright, let's go."
Hachiman: "Ohhh!"
...
Each class was split into different groups, which also gave more room for mistakes. This time, Hachiman was placed in Group F. As expected, not a single Polar Star Dorm mate was assigned with him.
But for someone used to being alone, bonds weren't something he needed anyway. Even if he had no one, it didn't matter—at least as long as there wasn't some weird rule about pairing up...
"Is everyone here? My class will be done in pairs. Of course, I know you were randomly assigned into groups, and that's the point—it tests your social skills. A chef needs good relationships in the kitchen too. You have ten minutes to find a partner."
"Oh, and this assignment cannot be done alone. If you don't find a partner, it'll be treated as an expulsion."
Such cruel words, spoken with such a cute face.
The one giving this task was Chef Inui. Smiling brightly, she delivered the rule, then casually sat down to enjoy her tea cookies like nothing had happened.
Hikigaya felt as if lightning had struck him out of nowhere. Even though he was mentally prepared, he hadn't expected something like this.
He froze for just a moment, but in that time, almost everyone around him had already paired up. In this huge classroom of a hundred people, not a single option was left for him.
For someone like him, starting a conversation with strangers...
It was just too hard.
Five minutes passed, and almost ninety percent of the students had already formed pairs. The few left began rushing into random partnerships, completely ignoring compatibility. If they didn't, they would be expelled on the spot.
As Hachiman scanned the room, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure also looking around.
In fact, he had noticed her from the beginning, but...
Now there was no way out. He had to succeed or fail trying. Only two minutes remained.
"Um, want to team up?"
"I refuse."
"This isn't the time for tantrums."
"I know. Unless you promise to stay fifty meters away from me. And when you stare at me with those shady eyes, it makes me feel unsafe!"
'I wasn't staring! And your chest is practically flat anyway. Isn't this just you throwing a tantrum?'
On stage, Chef Inui had already started the countdown:
"One minute left."
Seeing no choice, Hachiman could only sigh and nod.
"Fine, fine."
"Well, I guess I'll reluctantly team up with you. By the way, what was your name again... Hiki... Hiki-toad?"
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