Can you handle my Hikigaya's cooking?

It is precisely because of this that Hachiman has been learning since the moment he entered this academy. No matter his physical strength or speed, which he is not good at, or his familiarity with the cooking of each of his opponents, everything he does is to be able to have a more peaceful life.

If someone said he was a genius, he would definitely shake his head to deny it. After all, he was never like Nakiri. Maybe no one would care about his efforts, but if he was given the title of "genius", everything he had done would be ignored. This was the only thing he could not agree with.

So, from the very beginning, he was just an ordinary person, and even now, he just thought so simply.

Although he had been prepared to leave for a long time, he had already come this far for the sake of his sister, Komachi. Why should he continue to ignore the future?

If he understood all this, then perhaps everything Hikigaya Hachiman did would make sense.

Looking at the completely oxidized cauliflower in front of him, he already had his answer in his heart.

From a very young age, Hachiman has been in charge of purchasing goods for Hikigaya Hotel. He is responsible for everything the hotel needs, from chickens, ducks, cattle, and sheep to various seasonings, not to mention vegetables.

However, this does not mean that he has never made a wrong choice over the years. Even if he has that terrifying insight, inexperience is inexperience. There have been many times when he bought the ingredients and found that they were completely impossible to cook.

At that time, Shiroichiro would use his unique skills to simply process the ingredients that were not completely rotten, thus creating new flavors, and that included broccoli.

If I remember correctly...

'As long as you add red wine vinegar when cooking cauliflower, it can not only bleach the cauliflower's oxidized color and restore its bright color, but also... it can bring out the sweetness of the cauliflower through seasoning.'

"The sweetness of the cauliflower and the sourness of the vinegar create a wonderful flavor that can make this dish a simple improvement, or even make it special. Although I don't like this word, there is no other way now."

With this thought, Hachiman's actions have already begun, because everything in the past emerged from his mind, and he only needs to follow the method his father used and take the same actions to achieve the same effect.

As the cauliflower was boiling, Hachiman simply held the pot in one hand and the red wine in the other and poured it directly into the pot.

The aroma of red wine soon filled the entire classroom, and the students nearby looked over with some confusion.

“Is this step in the recipe??”

"This guy actually dared to change Chef Shigong's recipe. No need to think, he is dead."

"I don't believe that you can make a dish that will satisfy Chef Shinomiya just by using those damaged vegetables and oxidized broccoli."

"I think he will be kicked out soon."

Because he was completely immersed in the state, Hachiman did not listen to the discussions of the people around him. Instead, while Yukinoshita was cooking her own food, she glanced over from time to time, as if she wanted to confirm something.

Of course, Sigong, who had been sitting high up on the podium, had already noticed all of this, but no one could see what kind of expression was hidden under his glasses.

But even so, no one believed that Hikigaya Hachiman could pass this task. After all, Chef Shinomiya was famous for being strict with his recipes. Even if Dojima Gin came, he would not be able to shake his existence.

Time passed quickly. Although the stipulated time was three hours, after all, there were nine kinds of ingredients to be processed, so the final time was just enough to complete it.

In the last half hour, many people had submitted their dishes, but there were still unused ingredients on their tables.

Sure enough, from the very beginning they would not have a second chance. What Chef Shinomiya said was just to make the class more intense. For some reason, looking at all this in front of her, Yukinoshita's face, which had been expressionless until now, slowly frowned.

She just glanced at Hikigaya beside her. Because his cooking speed was almost the same as hers, Hikigaya seemed to be ready after she finished cooking.

At the same time, a long line had already formed at Chef Shinomiya's side. He was sitting on a chair with his legs crossed, facing more than forty identical dishes. He was like a ruthless machine, and he could control the students' stay or departure with just a gesture.

"Fired. Thank you for your hard work."

"Fired. Thank you for your hard work."

"Fired. Thank you for your hard work."

"Fired. Thank you for your hard work."

"How...how could this be! Let me do it again! I still have ingredients!" Faced with a student's retention, Shigong just showed a meaningful smile on his face.

"Oh? Do you still have time? If you can do this, you'll be a magician who surpasses me."

Under the helpless expression of that classmate, another promising student from Totsuki was ruthlessly fired by Chef Shinomiya.

Yukinoshita took one last look at Hikigaya and then served her food.

"I'm Yukinoshita Yukino."

"Oh? It's the Yukinoshita family?"

As if something had brought back memories, Yukinoshita's words became a little colder:

“My cooking only represents me, please don’t replace me with anyone else.”

"interesting."

After simply cutting it open, Chef Shinomiya put the food into his throat without any change in expression.

In just a few seconds...

"Congratulations, you have passed."

"Thank you."

Under the mixed gazes of surprise, envy and jealousy from her classmates, Yukinoshita stepped down from the podium with an expressionless face, and the dishes served by the students after that were only accepted by a few people.

Another ten minutes passed.

Hachiman, who had finally finished arranging the dishes, was also the last one to hand over the food. After looking around, he found that the classroom, which had more than 40 people just now, now had less than ten people. And those who left here, weren't they the ones who were ordered to drop out by Shinomiya in front of him?

Because he was the last person left, the eyes of the remaining students and Shinomiya, and even Dojima Gin who had been observing in the dark, were all focused on him.

"I'm Hikigaya Hachiman."

Without paying any attention, Chef Shinomiya just picked up his knife and fork like a machine, cut it simply, and put it down his throat.

Time seemed to have stopped. At this moment, only the chewing of Chef Shigong's throat could move. After he swallowed it completely, his movements and expressions remained unchanged. He just smiled suddenly.

"Hikigaya, expulsion."

As if he had expected such an outcome, Hachiman simply lowered his head slightly and revealed a relieved smile.

From the very beginning, I was not a powerful person, so it is normal that such a result would occur after making the choice.

His body seemed to take a few steps back uncontrollably, and then he slowly walked towards his stove. However, from beginning to end, he never believed in himself.

"Hehe, I knew this guy would modify Chef Shinomiya's dishes without permission. It's normal for him to end up like this."

"Who knows what he was thinking, wanting to season it with red wine."

"Eh, what a pity."

At this moment, Chef Shinomiya finally stood up and stretched his waist. After a quick look at the number of people, he said:

"That's it. The subject is over. Those who are qualified will be left to prepare for the afternoon subject."

Just as Shinomiya was about to leave, Yukinoshita, who had been standing next to Hikigaya, suddenly blocked his way.

"Chef Shinomiya, I have objections."

"Oh? Yukinoshita, do you have any questions?"

Yukinoshita picked up a piece of [Nine Vegetable French Jelly] from Hikigaya's plate, took a bite, and then spoke directly:

"I don't think there's anything wrong with Hikigaya-san's cooking. In other words, I think his cooking is better than any of us here."

This situation was not expected to happen, and the whole classroom fell silent in an instant. Hachiman, who had just lowered his head and accepted the result silently, suddenly looked at Yukinoshita at this moment.

Chef Shinomiya's expression finally changed, and he said with a little provocation:

"You are right, Yukinoshita. His cooking is better than any of you here. However, even so, my recipes don't say anything about 'reflecting sourness'. You are unqualified for rewriting my recipes and serving dishes that don't meet the requirements. Do you understand?"

"Forgive me for not being able to accept this. If the best dish in the whole venue is going to be eliminated, then I would rather be eliminated. After all, I still can't accept that the food made by this zombie is better than mine."

"Hey, hey, are you helping me or hurting me this time..." Hachiman looked at Yukinoshita helplessly, but Yukinoshita simply ignored him.

Yukinoshita: "Besides, this is something that we can't resist at all. After all, the ingredients are mixed with stale ingredients. If Chef Shinomiya wants to treat us as your kitchen staff, then I think... is this the condition for you to select employees to compete for the so-called ingredients?"

"I didn't expect this guy to be as sharp-tongued as ever when facing my senior... He's really a headache." Hachiman, who had never expected things to get this far, was in a dilemma for a moment.

Of course, the most unexpected thing was that Yukinoshita, who had always been insulting him, would actually stand up and help him.

Yukinoshita: "Chef Shinomiya, I have the obligation to believe that you have failed in your duties as a chef, and I am also qualified to appeal your authority to judge."

Her words became extremely firm, and she seemed like a completely different person at this moment. Even when facing Chef Shigong, who was almost ten years older than her, she did not give in at all.

At the same time, everyone started discussing again:

"Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing..."

"Is this still the Yukinoshita I know? She actually contradicted Chef Shinomiya for a guy who appeared out of nowhere."

"That's not right... What's the relationship between these two people..."

"This is a huge piece of news. And for some reason, Chef Shinomiya seems to be a little afraid to offend Yukinoshita..."

Chef Shigong's eyes had become numb, and his words also became cold at this moment:

"Yukinoshita, do you know who you are talking to? The reason I was able to explain to you so patiently just now was because of your sister. If you continue to be so stubborn..."

Before Shinomiya could finish, Yukinoshita spoke first:

"I only represent myself, Yukinoshita Yukino. I have nothing to do with my sister or mother."

"Chef Shinomiya, please make wise judgment."

As if being amused by Yukinoshita's words, Chef Shinomiya just sneered:

"To tell you the truth, I mixed the oxidized cauliflower in on purpose in order to further screen out those that failed the test."

"Cauliflower is easily oxidized, easily damaged, and difficult to cook. As for the fool who lost his composure and had reduced judgment, and the guy who was clumsy and at the mercy of others in the kitchen, it is no doubt that he is unqualified."

"Don't think I can't see it. This guy deliberately gave the perfect cauliflower to you, Yukinoshita. Otherwise, even you would have gotten an unqualified result."

Yukinoshita was not angered by Chef Shinomiya's words, but just continued to speak softly:

"So, even if you use other methods to make up for the original mistake, it will still be a mistake on top of a mistake? Forgive me for not understanding."

"I'm the head chef, and I can't tolerate an employee under me challenging my position! Very well, Yukinoshita, if you continue to provoke me, even if your sister is that guy, I will not hesitate to use the chef's authority to fire you. Have you thought about it? What kind of eyes will you get at home after you are fired?"

At this moment, Hachiman finally came to her, patted her shoulder gently, and shook his head.

"Thank you."

"In this case..."

Yukinoshita sighed helplessly, and the expression on her face had become different. She just glanced at Hikigaya, then shifted her gaze back to Shinomiya's face.

"Chef Shinomiya, I defer to your judgment."

"But... all this will have to wait until you defeat me."

"Shokugeki."

"If you lose, withdraw this zombie's expulsion judgment."

"Please don't call me a zombie at this time, but..."

It was something he had never expected that Yukinoshita would stand up and express his objection to his expulsion.

After hearing the word "Shokugeki", the whole classroom was completely blown up. After all, it was actually initiated by the genius girl 'Yukinoshita'. Even after nearly a year in Totsuki Academy, she had never initiated a shokugeki fight with anyone. And today, the other party was obviously a legendary Totsuki graduate, but she seemed to not care about the other party's identity at all and directly initiated a shokugeki fight.

"Hey, hey, the other party is a graduate, the first of the original ten outstanding students!"

"Not only that, the opponent is a monster who has been fighting on the forefront of the gourmet world!"

"Yukinoshita is crazy. She actually challenged the graduates to a food fight, and all for a guy whose name she didn't even know."

"What is his name? This is really a shocking news."

"What on earth is she thinking...!"

"Yukinoshita, um..." Hachiman didn't know what to say at this moment. He just looked at Yukinoshita in front of him, trying to make her give up.

However, Yukinoshita simply turned around and looked straight into his soul.

"I'm not doing this for you, zombie classmate. I just can't accept this fact. After all, Totsuki Academy is a place where cooking is paramount, and now the best cook is going to be eliminated directly."

"I can't accept this result. After all, this is who I am."

Fortunately, he didn't act too self-righteously, otherwise Hachiman would have been digging his toes into the ground out of embarrassment.

However, no matter what, the other party is indeed helping me. In the eyes of others and in my own eyes, he is walking in front for my sake.

Hearing the word "Shokugeki", even Chef Shinomiya's body trembled violently, but that was all. After all, as the former number one in Totsuki, he had been challenged in countless "Shokugeki" battles. However, he did not expect that today, many years later, he would be challenged by a junior.

But even so, Sigong just sneered.

"Yukinoshita Yukino, if it was your sister, she would be able to defeat me, but you are just a student now. You don't even have the qualifications to challenge me in a food battle, let alone defeat me."

"It's not uncommon to compete with non-students in shokugeki, but shokugeki requires the consent of both parties. In this case, as long as I refuse, I won't compete with you. No matter what you want to do, Hikigaya's expulsion is a foregone conclusion."