[72] Three Dishes

As the sun gracefully descended beneath the horizon, the Busujima dojo bathed in a warm, golden glow. This was no ordinary day; Hachiman was determined to showcase his culinary prowess.

Draped in a pristine chef's uniform, Hachiman stood with unwavering confidence in the heart of the kitchen. Every detail had been meticulously planned, all in pursuit of leaving an indelible mark on the discerning palates of the Nakiri family.

First on the menu: Italian Minestrone Soup.

The kitchen brimmed with the delightful scent of simmering vegetables, herbs, and savory broth. With precision, he diced carrots, celery, and zucchini, ensuring each piece was a testament to culinary perfection. Fresh tomatoes and a symphony of herbs lent their flavors to the bubbling pot.

As Hachiman stirred the concoction, his thoughts wandered back to the journey that had led him from a culinary novice to the confident chef he had become. Hours upon hours had been invested in honing his skills, learning from both successes and failures. He firmly believed that, with his unique system, he could rise above Erina's underestimation.

Observing from a distance, Erina raised a delicate eyebrow as she scrutinized Hachiman's preparations. His unwavering dedication to his craft was undeniable, yet a hint of skepticism lingered. Could he truly impress her refined taste?

Next came the pièce de résistance: Lobster Thermidor.

For the main course, Hachiman had chosen a dish of sheer luxury—a Lobster Thermidor. With practiced finesse, he expertly extracted the succulent lobster meat, then merged it with a rich, velvety sauce infused with Dijon mustard, shallots, and a whisper of brandy. The resulting mixture was reverently spooned back into the lobster shells, adorned with a crispy breadcrumb topping, and kissed by the flames of broiling.

The alluring aroma of the lobster pervaded the kitchen, and Hachiman's heart raced as he meticulously added the finishing touches. He was acutely aware that this dish had to be nothing less than extraordinary.

Staple Food: Seafood Paella

Completing the trio of dishes was a magnificent Seafood Paella. Hachiman had chosen this Spanish classic as the staple food, with a vibrant array of ingredients. He had meticulously selected the finest saffron to infuse the dish with its signature golden hue and unique flavor.

In a paella pan, Hachiman sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers before adding Arborio rice, allowing it to absorb the flavors. He then added a selection of seafood, including shrimp, mussels, and squid, creating a colorful and aromatic masterpiece.

As he garnished the paella with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, Hachiman couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. His culinary skill had led him to this moment, and he was determined to leave a lasting impression.

After completing his own dishes, Hachiman washed his hands and then directed his gaze toward Erina's direction. He noticed that the young lady was also in the final stages of her preparations, pouring the carefully crafted sauce over the golden-fried shrimp.

Sensing Hachiman's attention, Erina responded with a disdainful huff. "I've finished my dishes as well. Now, let's see how you manage to lose."

"I'm also looking forward to tasting Miss Erina's cooking," Hachiman replied with a smile, undeterred by her provocation.

Seeing his smile, Erina couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated. Together with Saeko, they picked up their dishes and left the kitchen without looking back.

"Hmph, I hope you'll still be smiling when you lose later."

With her dish in hand, Erina turned and left the kitchen.

Seeing her departure, Hachiman didn't mind. He also picked up his dishes and headed towards the dining room.

In the dining room, Senzaemon Nakiri and Saeko Busujima had already taken their seats.

Seeing Erina and Hachiman enter with their dishes, Senzaemon nodded and asked, "Now that the dishes are ready, who will serve first?"

The two of them exchanged glances, and finally, Hachiman smiled and said, "Ladies first. Please, Miss Erina, go ahead."

Erina responded without hesitation, "Fine, I'll go first. Just don't regret it later."

"Very well, then Erina goes first," Senzaemon Nakiri nodded and turned to Saeko. "Saeko, join us as well."

Since it was a culinary showdown, they needed an odd number of judges.

As Saeko joined them, Erina presented her first dish.

"French Onion Soup."

Seeing the bowl of soup with bread slices soaking in it, Hachiman raised an eyebrow. It was a relatively common appetizer.

Indeed, after tasting Erina's meticulously crafted appetizer, all three of them found their appetites whetted, looking forward to the upcoming dishes.

The young lady continued to present her second dish.

"Fried Shrimp with a French Twist."

The golden-fried shrimp were garnished with her carefully crafted sauce.

The sweet and tangy sauce not only refreshed their palates but also tantalized their taste buds. Senzaemon and his two companions didn't leave a single shrimp tail behind.

Seeing this, Erina wore a confident smile on her face. She glanced at Hachiman and then presented her final dish.

As she uncovered the plate, a steaming bowl of soup with pasta appeared before them.

"Tomato and Clam Italian Soup with Pasta."

White pasta floated in the red tomato broth, accompanied by onions, clams, and a slightly tangy aroma that whetted the appetite.

Erina's dish seemed to be a success, evident from the sounds of enjoyment as the three of them savored the pasta.

There was a custom in Japan when eating pasta or noodles. The louder you slurped the pasta, the more it showed your appreciation for the chef's culinary skills.

After placing down their bowls, Senzaemon Nakiri was the first to speak, "Appetizer, main course, and staple food, all the essential elements of a full meal have been covered."

"You've done splendidly, Erina."

"Thank you for the praise, Grandpa."

Erina's face lit up with a happy smile upon hearing her grandfather's compliment.

"Erina's culinary skills have truly improved," Saeko Busujima added, not sparing any praise.

"Miss Erina is absolutely amazing," Hisako, her loyal secretary, chimed in.

Hearing the praises from everyone, Erina felt as if she had already won, looking smugly at Hachiman.

Hachiman remained composed in the face of Erina's taunts. With a calm smile, he responded, "I'm not so sure about that, Miss Erina."

Erina, maintaining her confident demeanor, retorted, "Hmph. Then I'll look forward to seeing your expression when you lose."

Senzaemon Nakiri, exuding confidence, turned his attention to Hachiman. "It's your turn now, young Hachiman."

Hachiman nodded confidently. "No problem, General Nakiri."