[382] Returning to the Nakiri Residence

Chapter 382: Returning to the Nakiri Residence

After an hour-long journey, the trio reached the Nakiri family's main residence.

Komachi's eyes widened in amazement as she took in the vast mansion complex before her, backed by endless mountains.

"It's...huge," she stammered, clearly overwhelmed by the Nakiri family's estate.

"Alright, quit staring. I'll buy you a house this big someday," Hachiman joked, patting Komachi's head.

But Komachi couldn't help but roll her eyes. "You're just boasting, aren't you?"

In her eyes, her brother was impressive, but owning such a grand estate seemed far-fetched.

"Enough boasting. Let's go," Erina interrupted, rolling her eyes at Hachiman's remark.

If obtaining a property like the Nakiri estate were easy, the status of the Four Elite Families wouldn't be so coveted.

Seeing their skepticism, Hachiman didn't bother arguing and simply shrugged it off.

Indeed, marrying Erina would grant him access to the Nakiri family's wealth. But he had no intention of taking that path. Why depend on someone else when he could rely on himself?

After passing through security, they got into a car parked in the courtyard and headed towards the main villa.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by a crowd of people.

There was Senzaemon Nakiri, the head of the Nakiri family and Totsuki's commander in chief.

Alongside him were Alice, Soue, and Leonora, the Nakiri family trio.

Then there was Roland Chapelle, head of Totsuki's French Cuisine Department, Hisanao Kageura, President of the Shokugeki Administration Bureau, as well as Gin Dojima and Joichiro Yukihira, whom Hachiman hadn't seen in a while.

These individuals were all part of the Senzaemon faction in the original work.

Lastly, there was Hisako Arato, whom Hachiman had mentioned not seeing with Erina earlier.

Seeing Hachiman enter, Senzaemon laughed heartily. "Hahaha, Hachiman, you're finally here."

"Long time no see, Senzaemon-sama," Hachiman smiled, then gestured to Komachi. "Allow me to introduce my little sister, Komachi Hikigaya."

"Hello, Senzaemon Grandpa," Komachi greeted sweetly.

"Ahaha, hello there, Komachi," Senzaemon laughed warmly, resembling a doting grandfather seeing his own granddaughter.

At that moment, Alice peeked out from behind Senzaemon. "Good morning, Hachiman-kun. Good morning, Komachi-chan."

"Good morning, Alice," Hachiman nodded.

"Um, good morning, Alice-neesan," Komachi greeted back.

"Mm-hmm." Alice came over to Komachi and grabbed her hand. "No need to be nervous, Komachi-chan. Just think of it as being at your own home."

Since the girl had already made physical contact with Hachiman, Komachi was now her sister-in-law. And considering how much Hachiman cared for this sister, it was necessary to build a good relationship.

However, seeing Alice's behavior, Erina couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled.

While Komachi was indeed likable, Alice seemed overly enthusiastic.

Even Soue and Leonora found it strange.

When it came to Hachiman, he was also surrounded by people. Gin Dojima approached him and patted his shoulder.

"Hachiman, long time no see."

"Yeah, it's been a while, Dojima-senpai," Hachiman nodded. After the training at the Totsuki Resort, they hadn't seen each other.

"What's up, Gin? Do you know this guy, Hachiman?" Joichiro, who was nearby, asked.

"Yeah, Hachiman-kun was a guest lecturer during the freshman orientation." Gin answered his friend's question.

"Oh, it's that guy."

Joichiro knew about the hellish freshman boot camp.

But then, Hachiman greeted him, "Mr. Joichiro, it's been a while."

"Have we met before?" Joichiro looked puzzled.

"Perhaps you don't remember, Mr. Joichiro. I've had dinner at your restaurant with my editor, Sonoko, before," Hachiman explained with a smile.

"Oh, you're Sonoko's friend," Joichiro realized, knowing that Sonoko was a regular at his restaurant.

"Yeah, we've been there a few times together," Hachiman smiled and nodded.

"Haha, my apologies, my apologies. With so many customers, I may not have remembered," Joichiro chuckled.

Soue and Leonora also greeted Hachiman.

Among the people present, Roland Chapelle and Hisanao Kageura were meeting Hachiman for the first time. But before they could speak, Senzaemon, as the host, spoke up.

"The purpose of gathering everyone here this time, I believe you all know, right?"

"Yeah, I heard that Hachiman-kun is going to pull out all the stops to prepare a meal. I'm quite interested," Joichiro laughed heartily, his demeanor reminiscent of Gin's.

"Indeed, it's something to look forward to," Gin chimed in with a hearty laugh.

Having once competed against Hachiman and lost, he was particularly interested in what Hachiman's so-called full effort would entail.

"Since both the Commander and you, Gin, speak so highly of him, I believe Hachiman-kun's culinary skills must be impressive," Roland Chapelle expressed his anticipation, echoed by Hisanao Kageura.

Gin chuckled as he explained, "Haha, rest assured, Chapelle-sensei. You see, Hachiman's culinary skills are even stronger than mine."

"Oh? Stronger than you, Gin? That's..." Roland Chapelle was surprised.

As the strongest graduate in Totsuki's history, Gin's culinary skills were undeniable, ranking among the top in the world.

To be stronger than him, Hachiman's culinary skills must be quite remarkable indeed.

"Alright, enough talk. Let's head to the kitchen together."

With that, Senzaemon clapped his hands, interrupting the conversation.

Under his lead, the group made their way to a spacious kitchen.

Inside, all the ingredients were prepared, including those specifically gathered by Hachiman.

Seeing this scene, Hachiman nodded.

Next, it was time for him to showcase his skills.