Face-to-Face with the Principal

Minami no Hanashi : Yume - Prelude

-(Kobanocchi) The principal is calling you to his office. And it's very serious.

-(Haru) It must be about the cooking club.

-(Taiya) Well, yes, Sanae is too well-behaved to be suddenly summoned by the principal.

-(Kobanocchi) Yes, it's about the cooking club! Weren't you originally interested in joining the literature club?

-(Sanae) No, I've decided the cooking club is more suitable for me after all!

-(Tsuka) But madam? Why doesn't it appear in the document?

-(Kobanocchi) I'll explain later. But you, Sanae, go to the principal's office. Don't delay.

-(Minami) I'll go with you.

-(Kobanocchi) No, you stay here. I have something to tell you later.

-(Minami) Huh?...

-(Haru) I can accompany her.

-(Kobanocchi) Yes, if you want.

After the girls left,

-(Minami) But why do I have to stay?

-(Kobanocchi) You'll see. So, the question was...

- Meanwhile, in the school corridors -

-(Sanae) Why doesn't it appear in the document?

-(Haru) Several things could be the cause...

- -

-(Kobanocchi) The first reason is that the cooking club must have held its elections before the end of last year's school term. So... not finding a suitable representative, the club had to decide to close and vacate the room.

- -

-(Haru) The second reason, and the most obvious I think, is that the principal might have decided to terminate the cooking club himself and make the room available for other new or expanding clubs. Like the chemistry club.

-(Sanae) Yes, that could be it, in my opinion...

-(Haru) But...

- -

-(Kobanocchi) This possibility is both the most obvious and the most surprising.

-(Minami) Hm?

-(Kobanocchi) Were you all here last year? You never saw the numerous awards our school won at the inter-school cooking competition?

-(Taiya) Yes!! We even had a whole day dedicated to that victory!

-(Kobanocchi) Exactly! So... suddenly closing the cooking club

-(Haru) Would mean that Unmei High School would give up its title as the best school in cooking.

-(Sanae) That doesn't seem like a decision the school would willingly make.

-(Haru) Yes. But anyway, Sanae, if you manage to take up the challenge

- -

-(Kobanocchi) It will be an achievement!

-(Tsuka, Taiya) She'll succeed!!

-(Kobanocchi) The principal is very strict in the field of cooking. You are aware that Unmei High School is very competitive, and in the field of cooking, it was at the top. The best high school.

-(Minami) The pressure Sanae will face... What have I done?

-(Tsuka) We'll be there for her!

-(Taiya) Yeah, don't worry, Minami!

-(Kobanocchi) That's the spirit, girls! she expressed, a smile on her lips.

A few minutes later, Sanae and Haru finally arrived in front of the principal's office door. The two girls looked at each other silently. And after a few seconds, Sanae gathered her courage and knocked on the door.

It swung open abruptly, startling both Sanae and Haru. It was Sashito who was leaving the principal's office with a shocked expression mixed with annoyance. But only Haru had noticed.

-(Haru) Something tells me you still have a chance to revive the cooking club.

-(Sanae) Oh really?

-(Haru) Yes, look at him.

As Sanae looked up to observe Sashito, he was irritated to have their gazes on him and raised his voice.

"What are you staring at, you idiots? Move aside!"

Without a word, they stepped aside to let him pass. He left, muttering contemptuous words.

The principal displayed a wide smile and invited the girls to enter. Once inside, Sanae felt intimidated. And the principal sensed it.

"Come on, Mizuno, you don't have to be intimidated. Don't worry, you won't leave in the same state as Noba," he said with a relativistic tone.

-(Sanae) Embarrassed Ah y-yes...

-(Principal) Well, I think you know why I summoned you, right?

-(Sanae) About the cooking club, I suppose.

-(Principal) Yes, that's exactly it, I-

-(Unknown) If I may, Mr. Principal, this is a meeting that concerns only you and Miss Mizuno. You never follow the procedure... It's becoming infuriating.

-(Sanae) Since when is he here? I hadn't even noticed him.

The man exuded an aura of nobility. He seemed like a respectable person, with very formal manners.

-(Unknown) Please excuse my impoliteness. My name is Tokugawa Fujimo, and I am the principal's advisor. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

-(Haru) Yes. If you don't mind, I have a question in rela-

-(Tokugawa) However, the meeting takes precedence above all. I will answer at the end of it. Or outside. Please follow me outside the office, Miss Emiko.

-(Haru) Okay...

Haru followed the gentleman, casting a meaningful glance at Sanae just before joining him. As soon as they left the room, silence dominated the room. An intense exchange of glances began.

Both started to smile. The principal first, then Sanae. And after a moment, the principal smiled while closing his eyes. Unsure how to react, Sanae did the same, looking serene.

-(Sanae) Um... Help? Minami?

Panic ensued in Sanae's mind as she internally stressed out. Understandable is her reaction, intriguing is the principal's behavior.

-(Sanae) I knew I shouldn't have gotten involved in this...

Sanae panics, yes, but her facial expression is unwavering. It almost seems like she's on the same page as the principal. Suddenly, he started applauding, so Sanae followed suit.

-(Sanae) Huh? But what am I doing? Why am I applauding?

Yes, Sanae is a girl who doesn't like stressful situations and pressure in general; she needs to understand or how to say... Make sense of a situation to handle it properly. But contrary to what she thinks, she just acted in the best way possible.

The principal abruptly stopped applauding and was astonished.

-(Principal) You have exceeded all my expectations, Mizuno.

-(Sanae) But I haven't done anything yet...

-(Principal) I can already announce that you have the mental capabilities to bear the weight of the cooking club on your frail shoulders.

-(Principal) I am sincerely in awe of your steely mindset.

Sanae, looking perplexed, addressed the principal:

"Please excuse me, Mr. Principal, but I don't understand... What did I do that was so special?"

The principal looked at her with wide-open eyes filled with admiration.

Suddenly panicked, Sanae wondered, "Why is he looking at me like that?"

The principal, sporting a confident smile, replied,

"I see that we have a rare gem here." He continued zealously: "An innate talent! A young diamond who doesn't realize her talent because it's so natural!"

Sanae expressed her confusion: "Sir, I really don't understand..."

The principal regained his composure and apologized: "Excuse me, Mizuno, I got carried away. Let me explain what just happened."

With obvious pride, he announced: "You have just passed the first test to become the head of Unmei High School's cooking club!"

-(Sanae) Sorry?

-(Principal) Do you know why Noba left my office in that state?

-(Sanae) Because you gave him the test and he failed it narrowly?

-(Principal) Wrong. He failed miserably. He replied seriously.

-(Sanae) But he's not even part of the cooking club, why did you give him this test?

-(Principal) That's correct; however, his intention was to acquire the former cooking club room for his own club. It's not just any room; the cooking club is the oldest at Unmei High School. Wanting to acquire this room is not an ordinary endeavor. There are 20 years of history in that room; will he be capable of carrying those triumphant years to revive them from their ashes? This test was the least of it.

-(Sanae) I see... However, I still haven't understood what it consisted of.

-(Principal) You managed to keep your cool in a completely unpredictable and stressful situation. It must be admitted that being summoned to the principal's office is stressful enough.

-(Principal) With dramatic flair And what if the principal started smiling without saying a word? And if he kept on smiling, over and over? That's the difficulty of this test. About 80% failed.

Before continuing, he wore a benevolent smile.

-(Principal) But you, Mizuno, you have exceeded my expectations. Indeed, the people who passed this test mimicked my facial expressions without saying a word. But you went further; at the very moment I applauded to congratulate you... You applauded too.

This last sentence echoed in the air. Sanae remained silent.

-(Principal) You're the only one who went so far, and that's why you passed the first test with flying colors.

-(Sanae) N-No, sir... You're mistaken about me... In reality, I didn't keep my cool as you say; I was completely panicked and didn't know what to do. I mimicked you reflexively because I'm not good at handling stressful situations.

After admitting her weaknesses, Sanae lowered her gaze. And concluded her speech: "It was... just luck..."

Unexpectedly, the principal had a smile on his lips.

-(Principal) Well, believe it or not, I'm even more impressed.

-(Sanae) H-How so? She replied, intrigued.

-(Principal) It turns out you have another remarkable talent... Even though you were in a state of general panic, you showed no signs of weakness in your expressions. And that's exactly what's needed for the head of the cooking club!

-(Principal) Imagine yourself in the inter-school cooking competition at the end of the year, your teammates are affected by unimaginable stress, so much so that they can't even slice an onion anymore. Your role as team leader is to motivate your squad to win the competition.

-(Principal) But you're also in a panic. However, with this talent for hiding emotions, you can appear to others as relaxed as a sloth. Just seeing your face, your teammates will already feel safer; all that's missing is an uplifting speech to get the Unmei machine running again.

-(Principal) So, what do you think?

-(Sanae) I-I don't know what to say... I'm relieved. I can rely on you.

-(Principal) Don't be too relieved, Mizuno; this is just the beginning, and a long and tough road awaits you to become the head of the cooking club. Confident smile Because after all, you'll first have to convince me of your cooking skills... Won't you?

-(Sanae) Yes, I haven't lost sight of my goal. She replied confidently.

-(Principal) Hmm... Perfect. Tokugawa?

-(Tokugawa) Mr. Principal? He said as he entered.

-(Principal) It's done, it's over.

-(Tokugawa) After watching you, I'd say the meeting went rather well, didn't it?

-(Principal) That's right! he said with a smile.

-(Haru) So?

-(Sanae) I suppose it went well, and you?

-(Haru) And me?

-(Sanae) Well, I thought you took the opportunity to ask him your question.

-(Haru) Oh, that, I asked him what happened with Noba Sashito, but he just told me he failed the principal's test. And he didn't seem willing to tell me more. Sanae confirmed with a radiant smile, "Oh yes, he failed."

-(Haru) Hm??

-(Principal) Well, I think my break is over; I have to go back.

-(Tokugawa) I'll stay here.

The principal left the room and went away.

-(Sanae) Shall we join the girls?

Before Haru could respond, Mr. Tokugawa interjected.

-(Tokugawa) Miss Emiko, could you leave us for a moment?

Taken aback, Haru nodded and then left, closing the door behind her. After a few moments, Sanae exited the room.

-(Haru) So? What was it for?

Sanae smiled at her and replied, "It wasn't important at all."

In the school corridors on the way to the classroom, Haru and Sanae reminisced about the events.

-(Sanae) I was so scared!

-(Haru) It's normal. He does it intentionally.

-(Sanae) Have you ever been summoned?

-(Haru) Twice, yes.

-(Sanae) Did you manage the pressure??

-(Haru) It was okay. My parents are sometimes much worse.

-(Sanae) Oh...

-(Unknown) Fortunately, I found you. I forgot to tell you.

-(Sanae) M-Mr. Principal?

-(Principal) You have one week to prepare. You'll have ingredients at your disposal, and you'll have to cook according to the theme given by the jury. Your dish will be judged by the former president of the cooking club and another chef. Your parents will receive a summons by mail.

-(Sanae) Okay.

The principal gave her a threatening look.

-(Principal) I sincerely hope you don't waste my time, Miss Mizuno.

-(Haru) He's scary...

-(Sanae) I won't disappoint you.

Then he smiled while bidding her farewell and left.

A few moments later

-(Haru) The principal is really intimidating when he wants to be...

-(Sanae) Yes, I noticed that. Anyway, when it comes to cooking, I have unwavering confidence!

-(Haru) I thought you didn't want to join the club at first. How did this change of heart come about?

-(Sanae) Smiling It's my surroundings! Especially Minami. I thought about it while she was talking to me, but she's the strictest person when it comes to food. Oh, well... Minami's mom is just as strict when she becomes a critic. Anyway! I trust in my abilities!

-(Haru) That's perfect then.

-(Sanae) But I'd be lying if I said he didn't scare me...

-(Haru) Let's hurry and join the others. She said with a smile.

In the classroom

-(Tsuka, Taiya) Sanae!! Haru!!

-(Minami) So, how was it??

Bell rings

-(Kobanocchi) Ah, we're almost at the end of the day. You have the usual break, but at the end of the break, for those who are still not registered, except Sanae, you are obligated to visit the clubs and the activities they offer! You may go out!

In the courtyard

-(Minami) Sorry Sanae, I didn't realize how big the cooking club would become!

-(Sanae) It's okay, Minami.

-(Tsuka, Taiya) Tell us everything!

Sanae then recounted everything that happened in the principal's office, as well as about the test scheduled for one week later.

-(Tsuka, Taiya) Wow...

-(Minami) Oh dear... how are we going to manage...

-(Sanae) It'll be okay!

-(Ayemi) Even if you're good at cooking, you could fail miserably in the test.

-(Sanae) What are you doing here? Aren't you with your friends?

-(Minami) I'll explain later.

-(Haru) Ayemi is right. That's why you need to prepare for all possible scenarios.

-(Tsuka, Taiya) You'll make it!

-(Sanae) Girls, I'll give it my all to have no regrets!

-(Haru, Tsuka, Taiya) Yes!!

Facing this cliché scene, embarrassment was evident on Ayemi and Minami's faces. Their eyes met, and they realized they had the same reaction. But meeting Minami's gaze irritates Ayemi to the highest degree.

-(Ayemi) What?

-(Sanae) So? she asked, interrupting the budding conflict

-(Minami) So, actually...

END OF CHAPTER