Chapter 101: Erina's Culinary Challenge Invitation
"Miss Erina wishes to have another cooking duel with Mister Hikigaya," Hisako declared her purpose for the visit.
"Huh? Erina-san, isn't that..." Kotonoha, standing beside Hachiman, was the first to exclaim upon hearing Erina's name.
As the renowned "God Tongue," Erina Nakiri's name frequently graced television reports. What made it even more significant was that Kotonoha's mother's company was in the food industry and had substantial collaborations with Totsuki.
"Is this Miss Katsura? I am Erina Nakiri's exclusive secretary, Hisako Arato," Hisako introduced herself with a smile, unperturbed by Kotonoha's surprise.
"Hello, Miss Arato. I'm Kotonoha Katsura. It's a pleasure to meet you," Kotonoha, the epitome of grace, offered her own introduction.
Hachiman wasn't surprised that Hisako knew the girl's name. After all, being part of one of Japan's Most Influential Groups, Totsuki, made it effortless for them to investigate him and those around him.
However, what intrigued him was Erina's renewed challenge. When they had previously engaged in a cooking duel, there had been a noticeable gap in their culinary skills. Her willingness to challenge him again hinted at significant improvement on her part.
She had probably ascended to the ranks of the Ten Elites.
Yet, she likely didn't anticipate that not only had her culinary skills improved, but Hachiman's had as well.
Seeing the Level 4 Culinary Skill on his panel, Hachiman couldn't help but smile.
"Sure, but when? I might not have time at the end of the month."
Upon hearing his agreement, Hisako also smiled.
"It's wonderful that Mister Hikigaya agreed. How about we schedule it for the third day after the summer break? I'll arrange for a driver to pick you up."
"The third day after the break? That works perfectly on my end."
With no time conflicts, Hachiman had no reason to refuse.
"In that case, I won't disturb you any longer. Goodbye," Hisako said, having achieved her goal. As Erina's secretary, she had other matters to attend to.
"Well then, goodbye, Miss Arato," Hachiman nodded.
"Goodbye, Mister Hikigaya, Miss Katsura," Hisako gave a slight bow, then turned and walked toward the car.
Watching the black sedan drive away, Hachiman turned to Kotonoha, who was beside him.
"Let's go, Kotonoha. We'll head back home."
"Sure." Kotonoha nodded and followed his lead.
"By the way, Hachiman-kun, how do you know Miss Erina?" Walking along the road, Kotonoha couldn't help but ask.
"Oh, that... it's like this..."
Hachiman shrugged upon hearing her question, then proceeded to recount how he coincidentally met General Nakiri when practicing kendo at Saeko's house. He also mentioned the fortunate victory over Erina in a cooking duel.
"So that's how it happened."
"Hachiman-kun, your culinary skills are so impressive that you managed to defeat Miss Erina," Kotonoha remarked in surprise.
"But, does Hachiman-kun really need to go to Busujima-senpai's dojo every week?"
Hearing that his culinary skills could surpass Erina's, Kotonoha looked at him with admiration.
While she understood cooking to some extent, her skills were only at an average level. At most, she could compare herself to ordinary students at Totsuki, far from being considered an outstanding student, let alone someone like Erina, who was now part of the Elite Ten.
However, when she heard that he visited Saeko's dojo every week, Kotonoha couldn't help but feel a bit suspicious.
"You can also talk to Saeko-senpai about it, Kotonoha. I believe she'd agree to have you join."
Both of them had the kind of refined and ladylike personalities that made it seem like they got along well. If Kotonoha expressed her interest, Saeko might agree.
Or at least, that's how it seemed...
Although, I can't shake this feeling of danger. It's probably just my imagination. After all, my kendo and physical module are now at Level 4. Even if both Saeko and Kotonoha teamed up, they couldn't beat me.
Kotonoha didn't say anything, leaving Hachiman unsure of what was on her mind.
The two of them walked back home together in silence, the atmosphere as calm as usual.
.....
In a women's clothing store, Yui, Yumiko, and Hina embarked on their mission to select swimsuits as planned.
The arrival of peak summer meant the store had just unveiled its fresh collection of swimsuits. There was a rainbow of colors to choose from: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, spanning the entire spectrum. These swimsuits catered to all sizes, from A to G cups.
Exquisite swimsuits and swim trunks adorned every corner - hung on walls, displayed on shelves, and even showcased on mannequins. The selection included classic two-piece bikinis, modest one-piece swimsuits, stylish two-piece tankinis, and even bold V-shaped swimsuits. The diversity of styles left the three friends mesmerized.
What added to the unique experience was the choice of attire by the saleswomen themselves. They, too, sported stylish and enticing bikinis, seemingly serving as living mannequins to enhance the display.
For men, it was akin to a paradise of sorts. However, as they glanced around, they realized that not a single man was in sight.
But that was for the best. This store exclusively catered to women's lingerie and swimsuits. If a man dared to enter, his intentions would be crystal clear, making the situation quite awkward. Therefore, despite the captivating scene inside, no man in his right mind would willingly step foot in there. It was a matter of preserving their social dignity.
"Ehehe, I think this swimsuit would look lovely on you, Yui," Hina said playfully as she picked up a red V-shaped swimsuit.
Despite Yui's usual wild appearance, she had a genuinely innocent heart.
Seeing the V-shaped swimsuit in Hina's hands, Yui's face turned red in an instant.
"W-What are you saying, Hicchan? Who would wear such a swimsuit?"
"Well, I think with Yui's great figure, she would look sexy in it." Hina continued while using her hands to stretch the two thin strips of fabric that constituted the swimsuit.
"And if you wear this swimsuit, Hikigaya-kun will definitely fall for you."
"Really? Would Hachiman really like this kind of swimsuit..."
Surprisingly, Yui was starting to waver at her words.
If it's for Hachiman, maybe...
Just then, Yumiko Miura, who had been quietly observing, interrupted Yui's thoughts.
"Alright, Hicchan, stop teasing Yui." Yumiko gave Hina a somewhat exasperated look and returned the V-shaped swimsuit to its display.
Compared to the mischievous Hina, Yumiko seemed to be the more sensible one at this moment.
"If you keep going, Yui, this silly girl might really buy this swimsuit."