Maybe he noticed something on Hikigaya's face, but Dojima Gin only showed a faint smile before sinking his body into the water, wearing a look of enjoyment.
"Even if being fast doesn't mean everything, it still shows skill."
Hachiman didn't meet Dojima Gin's eyes. Maybe because he had mentioned Hayama's name earlier, he felt a bit awkward deep down. Of course, when it came to the "speed" Dojima Gin spoke of, Hachiman didn't think of himself at all. Instead, the first person who came to mind was Erina, who had just walked out of the hall with him. That girl definitely didn't rely on the kind of petty tricks he used.
Dojima Gin also spoke up:
"Nakiri Erina, even when she was just a baby, all the lecturers and directors at the academy tested her. After tasting their dishes, she gave out very few approvals. Even when she wasn't even two years old, she only ate top-grade baby food. By the time she was a child, she could taste different kinds of salt while blindfolded and use that to figure out the traits of foods from different regions. From then on, the academy raised her as the future successor of Totsuki."
Hearing all these impressive stories coming out of Dojima Gin's mouth, Hachiman once again felt just how overwhelming Nakiri's talent really was. No wonder that back during the entrance exam, someone his own age could already hold such a position.
Dojima Gin: "Ever since then, the rumors about the 'God Tongue' have only grown. The fact that she entered the Elite Ten while still in her first year proves her skill is beyond doubt. Maybe before long, after gaining more experience, she'll become the strongest monster Totsuki Academy has ever produced."
Hachiman: "She really is a monster..."
Dojima Gin leaned back, showing no pressure at all from the things he'd just said.
"But no matter what, right now she's just a seedling. And I don't think even the 'God Tongue' is someone who can rule the entire cooking world. Some people may look plain and average, but they still manage to show strange abilities. Hayama, you should understand what I mean, right?"
Hachiman stayed silent. First, because his name wasn't Hayama. Second, because he didn't want to act like a know-it-all. If he took those words as if they were meant for him, it would only backfire in the end.
But Dojima Gin wasn't someone who kept things to himself. To him, no matter how strong the 'God Tongue' was, there would always be people with unique cooking charm in this vast world of cuisine. So he turned his gaze back to Hachiman, speaking sincerely:
"Whether last year or this year, there are always dark horses that rise up. Just like the current seventh seat of the Elite Ten—after a year of hard training, he finally reached that spot."
"As for your year, I don't know too much, but I seem to know of someone named Yukinoshita Yukino. She seems to be steadily getting closer to Erina's level. And you, Hayama Hayato, will also step onto the stage in the future."
Hachiman gave a faint smile: "Rather than standing on a stage, I'd rather be a quiet, unnoticed chef. My goals aren't the same as theirs."
Dojima Gin: "From what I know, Yukinoshita Yukino came here only because of her sister, who happens to be an old acquaintance of mine. So, not everyone has grand ambitions. But in this academy, as long as you stay, you won't have the chance to hide your strength."
Hearing Dojima Gin's words, Hachiman once again stayed silent. He didn't want to think too much about Yukinoshita, and he had never really thought carefully about his own future either.
Maybe, for him, just taking things one step at a time was the only way to live.
Dojima Gin gave his shoulder a pat. Even with just that simple touch, Hachiman could feel the weight of countless battles. After all, climbing step by step to his current position in the cooking world must mean his dishes carried many stories.
"A place where talent gathers and people fight each other like demons—that's Totsuki. Train yourself well."
With that, he stood up to leave. Judging from the time, more students who passed the exam would soon be arriving here, which meant his bath time was over.
As he wiped himself with a towel, a loud booming voice suddenly came from the hallway:
"Hikigaya! How the hell did you finish so fast? Tell me right now!"
The voice came before the person. Hearing it, Hachiman immediately felt a bit uneasy.
Dojima Gin looked puzzled and turned his gaze toward Hikigaya.
Hachiman: "Uh, well... Chef Dojima Gin, it was actually just an accident."
As Takumi rushed in, the mood instantly shifted. The only ones left were a completely stunned Takumi, and Hikigaya, who had no idea how to explain himself.
'Lying really is a bad habit...'
But strangely enough, Dojima Gin wasn't angry at being deceived. Instead, he let out a relieved chuckle.
"This time, can you tell me your name?" He held out his big hand, with no sign of displeasure on his face. Hachiman could only feel his growing curiosity.
Looking at that large hand in front of him, Hachiman gave a helpless smile:
"Hikigaya Hachiman."
"Well then, Hikigaya Hachiman, survive in this academy. I have high hopes for you!"
After saying that, Dojima Gin didn't look back, leaving the two of them behind as he walked out.
Hachiman let out a small sigh of relief. He hadn't expected that the fake name he casually gave before would end up causing him so much trouble today. In a way... he was lucky.
But even though Dojima Gin was gone, a bigger problem remained. Takumi looked like he had just witnessed something unbelievable. His eyes were hollow, his body soulless, and he muttered again and again:
"I was beaten to it... I was beaten to it... I was beaten to it... I was beaten to it!"
"There's no one else here, so could you please not shout like that?"
Takumi, looking like he had completely lost it, lunged at Hikigaya, as if trying to choke him. His face looked completely hopeless.
"Hikigaya! Why do you know Chef Dojima Gin? You even shook hands with him! What's your relationship with him? And how the hell did you cook so fast? This afternoon you weren't like this at all! Don't tell me you were holding back?!"
"Hey, are you even listening to me?!"
"Yeah, yeah... you keep talking, I'm heading back first."
"You bastard!"
...
Meanwhile, in the girls' bath, the four of them soaked in the hot water, letting out sighs of pure relief.
Mito: "Ahh, this feels amazing..."
Yoshino: "Mito, we're girls, can't you be a little more reserved? You're acting kind of like a pervert."
Mito just shook her head without caring, then smiled happily and said softly:
"Hikigaya said it himself, don't hold yourself back for pointless reasons. That's the only way to really enjoy life."
Yoshino felt like that actually made sense. She spread her arms and legs wide: "When you put it that way… yeah, this feels great."
Ryoko and Tadokoro could only give helpless smiles. They were all girls, but somehow these two felt like a completely different breed.
Ryoko: "Now that I think about it, Hikigaya really finished fast this time."
Tadokoro nodded obediently: "He really scared me. I had only made about five portions, but Hikigaya was already done."
Yoshino: "Well, I just don't get that guy at all. Could it be that he was pretending to be weaker in front of us?"
Mito: "Idiot. He's not the type to do that, and he'd have no reason to hide it from us."
Yoshino: "That's true… then what? Did he have some trick up his sleeve?"
Ryoko: "Even if he did, the taste still has to pass. If it were a big dish and he failed, he'd be expelled on the spot."
Tadokoro: "Exactly. If failing means expulsion, then trying something risky like a big stew… it just doesn't sound reliable."
The four of them kept talking, Hikigaya's name coming up again and again, but in the end they still couldn't figure anything out.
Yoshino: "Well, whatever. The important thing is that everyone passed safely. That's the best news."
Mito: "There are still four more days of this. I'm already tired."
Yoshino: "If even you're saying that, then Marui's state must be… I don't even want to imagine."
Ryoko: "That guy looked completely drained right after it ended. Pretty scary."
Tadokoro: "Anyway, we should get going. Staying in the bath too long isn't good either."
Following Tadokoro Megumi's advice, the four wiped off and left. Not far from where they had been bathing, Yukinoshita brushed her hair back gently.
Her face was as calm as ever. She had no companions with her, just came to relax on her own. Without anyone paying attention to her, she quietly left the place.
...
Day two of the training trip, 9 a.m.
Just like yesterday, the groupings were random again. With almost half of the students already expelled, the classroom looked empty. Yesterday there had been more than 100 students in one room, but today there were fewer than 40.
But that didn't mean the chefs would go easier. As soon as Hachiman stepped into the classroom, he felt the heavy atmosphere—it was even heavier than yesterday.
After reaching his station, Hachiman noticed once again that the person beside him was the sharp-tongued, sly Yukinoshita. Her face was completely blank, as if she didn't even know who he was. It was like yesterday's memories had vanished.
'Well, maybe that's for the best…'
Even with fewer people, the familiar whispers still reached Hachiman's ears.
"Hey, no way, it's Chef Shinomiya. We're doomed."
"I heard he's the strictest of all the chefs… and his judgment on cooking is absolute."
"That's not even the worst part. The real problem is we can only cook the dish he picks. That means we can't even rely on our own specialties."
As the murmurs grew louder, Hachiman was already used to it. Every time he walked into a classroom, it was always like this. Eventually, he just learned to tune it out.
At that moment, Chef Shinomiya, who had been standing at the front, finally showed a knowing smile. In his hand was a plain sheet of paper, but his expression was deadly serious.
"Good morning. I am Shinomiya, 79th generation graduate. Today's assignment is again a dish of my choosing. Here's the recipe."
Hachiman received the paper, and sure enough, just from the name, it was something he had never even touched before.
"Nine-Vegetable French Terrine." A colorful, luxurious-looking dish that relied on nine different vegetables, each requiring different preparation and cooking. If even one vegetable stood out too much or was too bland, the flavors would fall apart. But once you understood that, it wasn't actually complicated—the recipe clearly laid out every step. As long as you followed it, you'd end up with the exact same dish.
Chef Shinomiya's expression stayed flat as he waved the paper casually.
"This recipe is one of the simpler ones in my book. Or… would you all rather try something harder?"
Though he was a chef, he carried himself with such arrogance that many students' faces looked like they wanted nothing more than to punch him.
Of course, Yukinoshita didn't react at all. No matter what happened, her calm expression never wavered.
Chef Shinomiya went on:
"Also, none of my assignments will be done in groups. That means every single one of you has to hand in a dish that satisfies me, or you're out of Totsuki Academy."
"Talking or giving advice during cooking is forbidden. Ingredients can be taken freely from the pile in the back, but there's no such thing as equal portions. As long as there's still food and time, you can keep trying until you succeed. If not, then get lost."
"And one more tip—starting now, it'd be smarter to treat everyone around you as your enemy."
Just from hearing Chef Shinomiya's words, Hachiman already knew what he was trying to do. After all, in human nature, it's impossible to care about others in a moment of crisis.
When people are truly afraid, they won't think of others. Even if it means sacrificing someone else, they'll fight to save themselves. And clearly, Chef Shinomiya wanted to use this—make them turn on each other. If everyone only took the vegetables meant for them, then the amount would be enough. But once he said that line, people who were friends a second ago could easily turn into enemies the next.
That was human nature. That was fake. That was the thing Hachiman hated the most. But even so, he couldn't change anything. All he could do was try to save whatever played out in front of him.
Chef Shinomiya: "You have three hours. Now... begin!"
At his command, the entire class rushed like a mob, swarming the table full of ingredients.
"Hey, that's mine! I picked it first! Give it back!"
"Whoever grabs it first gets it! What's yours or mine?!"
"Stop pushing from the back!"
"People in the front, stop hogging! Just grab your share and leave already!"
"Argh, that hurts, move!"
"Cut the crap, I'll kill you!"
All it took was one sentence from Shinomiya. A classroom meant for cooking instantly turned into hell, and he stood above it all like a butcher, just watching it unfold.
Hachiman and Yukinoshita didn't move. They only watched the chaos in front of them, unable to say a word.
After a short silence, Yukinoshita spoke.
"Zombie-kun, you're still standing here. Did you give up?"
"Idiot. I thought you couldn't even see me. If I try to squeeze in now, I'll just get flattened like a pancake."
"Forgive my eyes for not noticing the existence of carbon-based lifeforms. Zombie-kun has so little presence that if the others weren't gone, I probably wouldn't know where you were until class ended. But anyway, those people would rather be turned into pancakes than give up the chance to avoid expulsion."
"Guess to them, we're the real outsiders here."
"Don't lump me in with you. I'm just waiting for the right timing."
"Yeah, yeah..."
Five minutes later...
The table was a mess. The ingredients that had been piled up were completely gone. With everyone's frantic scramble and the tense mood, the classroom went silent. Ironically, the only ones who hadn't picked anything—Hachiman and Yukinoshita—ended up standing out because of it.
Hachiman: "Think the timing's right now?"
Yukinoshita glanced at Hikigaya without a word, then walked to the ingredient table. Hachiman followed close behind.
As expected, almost every vegetable was ruined—crushed, damaged, or unusable for a dish like the "Nine-Style Vegetable French Terrine," where appearance mattered.
On the surface, that might not seem like a big deal—after all, taste mattered more in cooking—but...
The problem was the remaining vegetables weren't even that fresh anymore. The two of them slowly picked through what could still be used, tossing them into their bowls, until only the broccoli was left.
The moment Hachiman got close, he noticed that almost all of it was oxidized. Not only was the color off, but the flavor would also be affected.
Only one was still perfectly fresh...
And Yukinoshita noticed it too.
Their eyes met for the first time with real tension, but even so, it didn't solve anything.
'At this point, this is all I can do...'
Hachiman turned his gaze away like he hadn't seen anything, grabbed one of the oxidized broccoli, dropped it into his bowl, and walked back to his station without hesitation.
Yukinoshita remained frozen in place. She stared at her own outstretched hand, her thoughts suddenly blank.
She didn't look at Hikigaya. She only stared at the perfect broccoli in front of her, as if she'd lost her soul. Finally, with stiff movements, she returned to her station.
No one knew what she was really thinking. Maybe even she herself didn't understand why, at that moment, she reached out and picked up that oxidized broccoli.
But even then, she was still one step too late.
She didn't say another word to Hikigaya, who was right beside her. Everything seemed to go back to how it was in the beginning, as if the two of them had no connection at all. But in Yukinoshita's heart, his figure had already stayed there, becoming a question she couldn't explain.
Maybe what she couldn't understand was her own actions at that moment.
Because they weren't allowed to talk during the cooking process, and with Chef Shinomiya watching closely, even a single word would get them kicked out of the classroom. That made the already small class feel even heavier.
Whether it was Hachiman, who had already chosen his ingredients, or Yukinoshita, both had begun cooking. But at the back of the room, Hachiman noticed a figure appear.
Dojima Gin.
'I don't know why he's here, but I don't have time to worry about that now.'
'If every other vegetable can be used to make "Nine-Style Vegetable Terrine" by carefully cutting and choosing the right parts, then the problem is only with this oxidized broccoli...'
'Do I change the recipe? Or just force myself to use the oxidized broccoli as it is? If it were my dad...'
Hachiman gave a faint smile, almost like he was laughing at himself.
'No doubt, he would instantly change the direction of his cooking.'
'But since the recipe is already fixed, maybe the only thing I can change is the broccoli.'
---
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