Hachiman's Side
…Alright, I've finished serving my team and the teachers. Just by looking at their faces, I can tell it tasted good. Yeah, that's a relief. Now, the problem is what comes next… I'm sure those three will come after me. Look, they're staring at me right now, aren't they? Honestly, how did it come to this? I don't remember ever feeding those three—or four, rather—like pets.
Hachiman: "Alright, after I finish washing up, I need to get things ready over here too. Honestly, I pushed myself a bit too hard this time… But CB worked so hard overseas and won two crowns, so this much is fine."
Chef: "Trainer-san, we'll handle the washing up over here, so why don't you eat too? You must be tired from standing at the counter all this time."
Hachiman: "Huh? Oh, no, I was tasting as I cooked, so I'm not that hungry. Though I did only taste, so I'll still eat some."
Chef: "Then Trainer-san should just eat! Or would you like me to make you something?"
Hachiman: "Haha… Then I'll leave it to you. A normal, human-sized portion, please."
Chef: "Aye!"
What a nice person, the chef here.
—A Few Minutes Later—
Chef: "Here you go, Trainer-san! This is the chef's special. Eat this and get your energy back, Trainer-san!"
Hachiman: "It looks delicious, thank you."
As expected of a chef, this must be child's play for him. Well, I'll eat in a spot where I won't be in the way… By the way, those guys aren't saying anything for some reason, what's up with them? Oh, finally Oguri is coming over.
Oguri: "Trainer, um… I don't have any conditions to offer right now. So, if the same conditions as before are acceptable, could I perhaps have a little of your cooking?" Drools
Hachiman: "Ah~ I see, so that's why you guys didn't say anything this time, huh? Hmm, I see… But I made too much this time, so if you want some, I'll give it to you."
Oguri: "—! R-really?!" Ears perk up!
Hachiman: "Yeah, I'll share, but it'll be a somewhat smaller portion."
Oguri: "No, a normal amount is fine. Trainer's cooking is like the taste of my hometown, and it fills me up quickly."
Hachiman: "I don't know your hometown, though… But what will you do? Those two are currently fixated over there and haven't noticed our conversation."
Oguri: "Mmm, that won't do. I'll go tell them too. That the Trainer said we could eat because he made too much this time."
Hachiman: "Alright, I'm counting on you."
Afterward, the two who heard the news came over to thank me. I handed them their plates, and I, too, finally got to eat. The teachers, as expected, asked for seconds, but to my surprise, the side dishes and white rice were completely empty… Even I was a little surprised. But I had kept some dishes warm, so it was just a matter of plating.
It seems to be a success this year too. Now, there's one more, isn't there? The Mejiro sweet tooth, who's gradually getting restless and antsy, is currently standing by.
—Several Tens of Minutes Later—
Taliato: "Hmph… I didn't eat that much, yet eating a meal together like this always fills one up quickly. This holds true in Japan as it does in America."
Man o' War: "Indeed, I am satisfied too! Is Hachiman here!? Hachiman~!"
Hachiman: "Did you call, Professor?"
Man o' War: "Mhm! You've treated us well today! And I heard from Air Groove that dessert would be served after the meal? But with this quantity, surely you couldn't have made it, could you?"
Hachiman: "No, I have some, though?"
Air Groove: "W-what?! There is some!?"
Arrow: "I'm amazed… You made so much food, and you even prepared dessert?"
Hachiman: "Because Sensei and Professor are here, you know? It's only natural to put in a little extra effort. Even at home, I sometimes cook, but usually, they're the ones preparing things. So this time, I really went all out as a way to thank them."
Taliato: "So that was your intention. I have certainly received your sentiment."
Hachiman: "Then I'll prepare it, so please wait. I'll clear this revolving serving platter. And I'll slice it, so please wait a moment."
CB: "Slicing it… does that mean it's cake?"
Fuji: "That's a possibility, Hachiman-san is truly versatile ♪"
McQueen: "…" Stares intently
—A Few Minutes Later—
Hachiman: "Thank you for waiting, here's dessert."
Man o' War: "Hoh, this is…!"
Fuji: "Hachiman-san, this is!"
Hachiman: "Yeah, it's the same thing I gave you before."
What I made was roll cake. With the sheer quantity of side dishes I prepared, there wasn't time to make anything too elaborate. So I made something that wouldn't take too much time. There are three flavors: strawberry, matcha, and chocolate.
Rice: "Cute…"
Bakushin O: "Indeed, it's so exquisite it feels a shame to eat!"
Taliato: "That's true. However, since Hachiman went to the trouble of making it, it is our courtesy to gratefully partake."
Hachiman: "Alright, please enjoy."
So, how about it, Mejiro McQueen? With such ordinary sweets, surely even you wouldn't go for it, right? Well, even if she asked, I couldn't give her any.
McQueen: "Trainer-san!!"
Hachiman: "I figured you'd come, Pack Queen, what's up?"
McQueen: "Are there no leftovers!!?"
Hachiman: "…Nope, none this time."
McQueen: "Y-you're joking, right? It's just your usual joke, isn't it!?"
Hachiman: "…"
McQueen: "S-such a thing…" Slumps
Hachiman: "Just so you know, those roll cakes use normal ingredients, so their calorie count isn't any different from regular ones."
McQueen: "Trainer-san's… sweets… there are none… " Slumps dramatically
Listen here? Last year, you made me cook at your mansion, didn't you? You ate your fill then, didn't you? I'm grateful for letting me stay for so long, but please, can you stop asking for sweets? Sometimes the head of the Mejiro family even pressures me, like, "How about serving as our family's chef after you retire as a trainer?"
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