After a day of resting, no matter what happened, Erina still lived in the Polar Star Dorm. But this didn't mean things were getting better. Like Hikigaya's restaurant now, today's customers were less than half of what it usually was.
Hachiman: "Let's call it a day, Yukinoshita..."
Yukinoshita: "I'm sorry, my sister's matter caused you trouble."
Hachiman: "That has nothing to do with that. Rather, it's because my cooking isn't attractive enough to bring in customers."
Even Komachi, who wasn't involved, could tell Hachiman was just saying this so Yukinoshita wouldn't worry too much. After all, the restaurant started with zero investment, so it could keep going even with fewer customers.
But this definitely wasn't a good way to continue.
Komachi: "Let's go back to the Polar Star Dorm! Komachi is tired!"
Hachiman: "Yeah, guess we have to."
Although there weren't any announcements today, many people were already resisting Nakiri Azami's Central system. And after returning to the Polar Star Dorm...
Yoshino: "You're back..."
Hachiman: "What's wrong? You don't look right."
Tadokoro Megumi: "Hikigaya, everyone, come watch TV."
In the hall, everyone in the Polar Star Dorm was sitting around the TV.
Hachiman: "Is that guy starting what he said he would..."
Yoshino: "Look, Nakiri Azami is coming on..."
Erina: "Father..."
It was like this scene had happened many times before. Every time Nakiri Azami appeared, Totsuki entered a scary atmosphere. Some chose to join, some chose to fight, and this time... what would happen?
Because it wasn't for people outside the school, Nakiri Azami was clearly more arrogant this time. He simply picked up the microphone and said calmly:
"Starting today, all clubs, research groups, and organizations will be shut down. The businesses that take up Totsuki's resources will also be gradually shut down, building a world only for Central cuisine."
As soon as he said this, not only the people sitting anxiously in front of the TV, but even the people in the crowd at the event stirred.
Nakiri Azami: "Also, starting today, all independent study topics are cancelled. I said I would help you all graduate from Totsuki smoothly."
"As long as you do as I ask from today, you will all be excellent cooks when you graduate. Each of you will master world-famous cooking!"
...
"Are you kidding me!"
"I don't agree, I want to start a Food War!"
"You want to shut down our club? Do you know how old our hot pot club is? Who do you think you are!"
"..."
Looking at the chaotic scene, Nakiri Azami didn't panic at all. He just said calmly:
"I will accept all Food Wars in the name of the Headmaster. If you can beat me, I will allow you to continue your activities. But if... you lose, then accept expulsion."
Hearing this, the crowd slowly calmed down. After all, this meant there was still a chance to save things. For many people, staying at Totsuki was because of their clubs, and if the clubs were shut down, it would be no different from being expelled. So, even for the future of their clubs, they would bet their last hope.
But...
Hachiman: "Something's not right..."
Yukinoshita: "What's not right?"
Everyone looked at him, not understanding what he meant.
Hachiman: "Erina, your work as one of the Ten Elite is usually very busy, right..."
Erina: "Yeah... Even on ordinary days, I hardly have any free time, unless I take a leave like last time."
Yukinoshita: "Last time? Leave?"
Hachiman suddenly took a breath, and slowly said:
"Right, even the Ten Elite used to be very busy, and recently there's been the change of Headmaster, plus Erina is here, and some of the Ten Elite are newly appointed, like Isshiki."
"In this situation, he should be busy. But he's pointlessly accepting all the Food Wars that are being started, and... with the power he has now, the Headmaster plus nine votes from the Ten Elite, he could completely ignore all of this. Why..."
Hearing Hikigaya's words, everyone suddenly thought something was scary. Of course, some people thought Hikigaya was overthinking, like Yoshino.
Yoshino: "I think that guy is just crazy, right... Ah.. Erina, I'm not speaking ill of your father..."
Erina: "Yeah, I don't understand him either. And... Hikigaya, what you said isn't unreasonable, but... I'm sorry, I can't help with anything right now."
Not to mention that if she showed her face, Nakiri Azami would take her back. Plus, her power as one of the Ten Elite had already been taken away. Even if she went back to the Ten Elite, what information could she get?
Tadokoro Megumi: "It's okay, Erina, just rest well."
Isshiki: "Now that you say it, I should have secretly become a spy."
Ayase: "That sounds inappropriate..."
Komachi: "Big brother, do you have any ideas?"
Everyone looked at Hikigaya again, and after a moment of thinking...
He seemed to think of something...
He was accepting all of the Food Wars so easily. If it was Nakiri Azami, he wouldn't do something so stupid without being one hundred percent sure he would win. After all, if there was even one chance of losing, his Central cuisine would be destroyed someday. But...
Even if someone is strong, can they guarantee that they will beat someone else for sure? No... that's impossible. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many cases of the weak defeating the strong, or the small defeating the big. If all of this was true...
Hachiman: "That guy wants to make an example of someone..."
Ayase: "What you're saying is hard to understand... It's confusing."
Komachi: "Hehe, get used to it. Komachi grew up in this kind of environment!"
Ayase: "Wow... Amazing!"
Hachiman: "What's with this sudden change of topic..."
Erina: "Hikigaya, what do you mean by making an example of someone?"
Hachiman: "If I'm not wrong, there are only two possibilities."
"First, he wants to make an example using absolute strength. But even then, there will still be people who aren't afraid of power, so the chance of this is small."
Yukinoshita: "To be honest, hearing what you just said, I wondered if my sister might represent us."
Hachiman shook his head, and calmly asked:
"Yukinoshita, what makes you lose all motivation?"
Yukinoshita: "Lose all motivation? When I'm sick?"
Hachiman looked a little helpless, and turned to ask Tadokoro Megumi:
"What about you, Megumi?"
"Megumi? For me... it would be when the competition isn't fair..."
Megumi's face turned slightly red. It was the first time Hikigaya had called her like that, so she was a little shy. But...
Hachiman: "Right, when the competition is completely unfair. In fact, it's impossible for a cooking competition to be completely fair from the start. If the result is already decided from the beginning..."
Erina: "How could he do this! Father, he's completely reversing the true meaning of cooking! This isn't what cooking is supposed to convey."
Hachiman: "That's right, but this is the only way to guarantee that Nakiri Azami can win."
Isshiki: "Does it have to be this bad..."
Mito: "Look at the TV, this Food War is starting so soon... It's like they're rushing into battle at light speed."
Mito's voice made everyone focus on the TV again. As expected, one of the Ten Elite, Etsuya Eizan, was the one fighting.
Erina: "It's him..."
At the same time, Hisako and others came to the door of the Polar Star Dorm and knocked on the door like crazy:
"Erina! Food War, the Food War has started!"
Not only Hisako, but even the Takumi brothers and Alice had all come.
Yoshino: "It feels like the Polar Star Dorm has become a gathering place for some kind of resistance."
Hisako: "Are you watching?! I didn't expect Nakiri Azami to start a Food War directly. But, if they win this one, there might still be a chance. And the opponent is that ninth seat, so it's not like there's no chance at all!"
Hachiman: "Who's the club that started the Food War..."
Mito: "It's a rice bowl club. I recognize that guy, his hair is too ugly..."
Takumi: "I didn't think Nakiri Azami would do so much in just one day. But... if they win this one."
Hachiman: "Now we'll see if it's like I imagine it. If it is... then no one will be able to resist him in the end."
Alice: "It won't be easy to beat the ninth seat, but if it's a fair fight..."
As the drum started, Etsuya made the first move. Because the dish was chosen by a wheel, it was absolutely fair to both of them, but... for Isshiki, who was in the same year as Etsuya, it was different.
Isshiki:
The school and high-ups have known the reason Etsuya's read this school for a long time."
"He never wanted food. He only chose the school because he wanted outright money, because food can make money. Despite that, he still used his skills to work his way up to the ninth elite seat! He has another nickname…"
"The mad scientist of food."
"Like an alchemist, his food is endlessly changing. In this extraction war, he will quickly adapt. Even the topic… is kelp…"
Mito: "Although he's up against a wall if there are no other ingredients, rice bowls can be paired with everything in some way in the first place. Is that even fair?"
As time passed bit by bit The final results of this food war will be announced, But these countless students were gathered in on this school television.
Eysuya: "Kelp turtle soup, finished!"
"I've made mine. Kelp and rice!"
If it keeps going like this, even god will fail eventually, but..
The five judges who participated in this Food War almost seemed to have a preconceived notion, and they showed a dark smile.
Komachi: "Something about this is scary too… those guys…"
After simply tasting of only the kelp turtle soup, they all quickly turned in their five votes to Etsuya's place. The leader of the rice bowl club had yet to even prepare his dish, and yet he was already confused.
"You guys haven't given my dish a taste yet."
"Of course I know, haha, you don't believe that we were going to taste your dish!"
"Are you kidding me! This isn't up to the rules. I refuse."
"Oh? Is that so? Then I would suggest you check the recent rules that were shown."
After hearing those words from the judges, Ryoko instantly took out her phone and quickly opened up Nakiri Azami's announcements from the day before.
There it was. Though much of it was made up of small confusing text, much of it was changed among the different announcements. There was one change that stuck out more than the rest:
'After the multiple considerations of the Ten Elite, they have decided to make dishes that are selected for the Food War only to be tasted, and that it is not mandatory."
Ryoko: "How could…"
Tadokoro Megumi: "This is way too unfair…"
Ayase: "That's too enraging! This is definitely a black curtain, but we can't do anything about it.
Erina: "If this happens, all recent food wars will start to revert backward… This can't even be calculated as a fair duel."
Takumi: "Really, this is definitely going to be a big headache later."
What Yukinishita saw now was a pair of glossy eyes, filled with a sense of helplessness she couldn't stop. She didn't even know what to do anymore.
"Hikigaya…"
Not only Yukinoshita, but even Erina had now seemed to have completely lost all hope and will to rebel again.
She knew what would happen if she continued to act freely. Her father Nakiri Azami would just begin to start more trouble. She really didn't like that…
Erina: "Hisako, just take me back…"
Hisako: "Erina…"
Alice: "Even if you go back, what could you possibly change? The bond you and your father share is way too superficial."
Erina: "I can't turn a blind eye to everything that is happening no matter the cost. This is everything I have ever known. Tsukuki is where I grew up. I can't let it continue on the wrong path… I really can't!"
Marui: "Hikigaya, do you have any other methods up your sleeve?"
Hikigaya could only shake his head, faced with everyone who yet again turned to seek help fromhim.
Now, up to this point, the group of recent rebels had no way to run, and regardless of everything, if they couldn't make it due to physical strength or having enough say so, then they were fully aware that they were unable to win against Nakiri Azami. What has become of them at this moment is they will only and obediently follow him.
Yukinoshita: "… Hikigaya, I…"
Hachiman: "You don't have to say anything. For now, we can only take things one step at a time. Everyone, rest well as for these things tonight We'll make sure to prepare for everything that is set to happen for tomorrow."
Now, Grandma Fumio came walking down. Even with her age, she didn't seem to be agitated by any of this, but gave clear, calm words:
"No matter what, the day will always come. As long as the opposite side doesn't expose a single opening, then the most important thing is to make sure to refine yourself to your best potential."
Yushino: "Grandma Fumio is right! Let's see, Erina, continue to let me cook a dish with your God Tongue and let me know of all the problems you have!"
Tadokoro Megumi: "Me too..."
Isibaki: "If this is the case, everyone, let me join in!"
Just at the moment when the crowd regained their hope, Isshuki silently approached his ears and secretly muttered.
"Hikigaya, there's something I need to speak to you. If you have the time, are you able to come by my room soon?"
Hikigaya showed a face of confusion, but quickly hides it.
Now was the night. It was late. As promised, Hachiman made it to Isshuki's room and gently knocked.
"It's me…"
Isshiki "No lock placed, come in."
It has been about a year now, and ever since I joined the dorm, it was my first time ever joining the room of student Isshuki.
Compared to everyt
And they each held different opinions about it. Room of the relied student Isshuki was messy!
Isshiki felt abit out of place. He simply pushed back the back of his head and spoke embarrassingly
Im very sorry. ive been avoiding to keep it organized."
"I'm not worried about it, that's been on you after all. To call me here in secret, what might it be that I need to hide it from them?"
Isshiki approached the window, slowly pulling the curtain, as a ray of white moonlight began to slowly shine, his own emotions were slowly revealed at this moment. That emotion? Is something he is able to trust.
"Hikigaya, I know you are almost always calml. So sharing the known info directly would be for the best."
"Even when you were alive amongst the central cooking system, it's not like I would ever force anyone to get kicked out of Tsukuki,"
"If I was able to choose, i would very much prefer it this wa,
"so for that I am selfish."
Hikigaya shaked his head and replied. "That's very reliable of you to say Senpai Isshiki."
Issiki gave a light smile and quietly said
"So shall we start at the very beginning..."
"Ever since after the Autumn Elective, I have noticed that the Ten Elite committee were having their strength be taken. And with me being able to react over all of the events that have happened, Kuga and Nanakishima had seemed to have lost all power, and it was finally in then I had come to the realization that the Ten elite nature has begun to change."
"Nakiri Azami hasn't gotten rid of me yet. Because he's not able to fully calculate if I hold value or not. Since my family is also very small, it could not have any major affect. But for the Japanese cuisine and culture it continues to have a positive affect With Nakirigashima and Kuga. In order to not have them lose any chance, I thought I could have them join."
"In that realization. It was that if I was unable to join, then the only problem that could occur could just be time. So to prepare both the other to join what I was doing and for the ones I was reacting to. And as of now they are all hiding under nakiras rule to wait."
"I can't say for sure, because at the time. Many of the teachers were going with more neural decisions But what had occurred to Hikikaya at this time was the teachers might be on a different path. One where It may turn out useless.. so to go in hiding during the situation might of even been the best conclusion instead."
"But"hikigay. What's ever happened with those times, and as long as I'm here, that will never take place. It's just on the off chance they do, but on whether they do, or give us a good, enough meal…."
Hachiman: "Senpai Isshiki, Are you saying that, as long as they are able to give you a good meal… things might not turn that way."
Isshiki: "Yes, it's just a matter a probabilities after that. Since you still have to make the meal. Eventually all the results will be the same"
Hachiman took a deep breath:
"That's enough…!"
"At least in that way they still would have a chance"
"We're all still going to have a chance."
Isshiki: "Hikigaya what you wano do..."
Hachiman: "My bad, Senpai Isshiki Your very realiable, though... I aint really someone who is always calm anyways. After all it's better to suppress me than to do stuff the hard way anyway."
"Early tomorrow I'm going to challenge Etsuya."
"Don't tell anyone. otherwise the last chance to do so will be erased from existence."
"One chance, that if the judges saw that another person was able and williing to challenge someone then that is the only way we will be able to win that one chance again."
Isshiki: "Hikigaya, Are you sure you want to do this."
Hachiman: "From the start and at the end, I reall don't wanna see Kikikaya's resturant go down for the 87,748th time That ain't gonna do It plus that's not really going to stop anything."
Isshiki gave a light smile, with some unavoidable and and short feelings, finally in full compromise. HIka," Thank you!"
Hachiman: "You should be the one whose being thanked instead..."
"No, definitely no!"
Just at that moment, Erina, who was eavesdropping outside the entire time, comes walking in, full of regret:
"You can get kicked out You should try with yourself!."
Her voice becomes much weaker, but even so she can only look down to her self.
What happens with her knowing about the discussion, things are the opportunity to reach to break through.
Only a breakhtought to this moment, what can be established with the next war?
No matter what, he must commit to it.
He gently touched Erina with his shoulder and gently says.
"But I won't, I promise I will, I won't lose her."
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