[93] Dining with Shizuka

"I'm back," Hachiman announced, stepping through the front door just past 5 PM. He anticipated the usual warm greeting from his sister Komachi, but there was an unsettling silence. Komachi, known for her enthusiastic welcomes, was conspicuously absent.

Hachiman proceeded to the entrance to exchange his shoes, and that's when he noticed a pair of unfamiliar women's high-heeled shoes. Could it be that his mother had returned?

His curiosity piqued, he continued the routine of changing his shoes. As he ventured further into the house, he discovered Komachi in the living room. However, she was not alone; she was engrossed in a video game with another person.

Approaching for a closer look, Hachiman couldn't believe his eyes. That long-haired figure, celebrating a victorious round, was none other than Shizuka.

"Why is she in my house?" Hachiman wondered silently.

"Haha, I won again!" Shizuka exclaimed, tossing her game controller aside with jubilation.

On the other hand, Komachi looked a bit disheartened as she stared at her character's defeat on the screen. However, when she spotted Hachiman entering the room, her face immediately lit up with a radiant smile.

"Onii-chan, you're back," Komachi's voice greeted Hachiman as he stepped through the doorway.

"Yeah, I'm back, Komachi," Hachiman replied, a warm smile crossing his face.

Shizuka, ever the sharp-witted one, chimed in with a playful tease, "Waited all day, and you've finally decided to come back, huh?"

Hachiman, unfazed by her remark, simply shrugged before taking a seat on a nearby couch. He couldn't resist his curiosity, though, and asked, "I wonder what brings Shizuka-sensei to my house?"

Shizuka sighed, a hint of exasperation coloring her tone. "What do you think?"

Komachi, attempting to clarify the situation, started, "Onii-chan, this Shizuka-nee..."

Hachiman's reaction was unexpected as he coughed abruptly, his surprise evident. "Cough, you call her 'nee'?"

"You call her 'nee,' you know? She's significantly older than you, practically old enough to be your unt-" Hachiman's thought was abruptly cut off.

"Hmm?! What's wrong with Komachi calling me 'nee'?" Shizuka retorted, her expression challenging Hachiman, as if daring him to voice his thoughts.

"Uh... Nothing," Hachiman mumbled, feeling a bit flustered under her stern gaze.

Komachi, seemingly unfazed by the tension, continued with her explanation, "Shizuka-nee said that Onii-chan took something very important from her."

*Cough, cough, cough.*

Hachiman couldn't control his coughing fit, and he shot an incredulous look at Shizuka, who appeared quite serious about her claim.

"What's with that statement? What does she mean by 'took something very important,' as if I did something incredibly intimate? All I did was take a car key," Hachiman pondered, his thoughts clearly reflecting his confusion.

Slightly embarrassed by Hachiman's intense gaze, Shizuka realized that her earlier words might have been misleading. She tried to clarify her point with determination.

"What are you staring at? You should know that the Aston Martin is my favorite car, and when you took the car key, you basically took something very important from me."

Alright, fine. She's older, so she gets to say whatever she wants.

"Well, Shizuka-sensei, just wait a moment. I'll go to my room and get the key to give it back to you." Hachiman was ready to return the key to her since she had made the effort to visit.

He stood up and headed to the second floor. In no time, he returned with the key in hand.

"Here you go, Shizuka-sensei," Hachiman said, extending the key with a warm smile.

Taking the key back, Shizuka nodded appreciatively. "But from now on, you really shouldn't drink and drive. If I catch you doing it again, I'll take your car keys."

"Understood, I won't need you to teach me that," Shizuka replied with a satisfied smile, her mission accomplished. She didn't linger any longer and began to take her leave.

"Then I'll take my leave," she said.

Not ready to let her go just yet, Hachiman insisted, "Why not stay and have dinner with us, Shizuka-sensei? Consider it my way of making up for keeping you waiting all afternoon."

Komachi, chiming in with enthusiasm, added, "Yeah, Shizuka-nee, you should stay for dinner. Onii-chan's cooking is delicious."

Hearing Hachiman's offer to cook, Shizuka raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, but she hesitated.

"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"

Hachiman reassured her, saying, "No trouble at all. It's just setting an extra pair of chopsticks. Recently, it's been just the two of us siblings having dinner together." He smiled warmly.

With their hospitality and warmth, Shizuka found it difficult to refuse their invitation. Eventually, she agreed, saying, "Alright then, I'll take you up on your offer."

"No trouble at all. Shizuka-sensei, you and Komachi can continue playing games. I'll take care of dinner," Hachiman reassured them before waving them off and heading into the kitchen.

Observing Hachiman as he busied himself in the kitchen, Shizuka scratched her head, feeling a bit embarrassed. Cooking was not her forte, and she feared that she might only make things worse if she entered the kitchen.

"Shizuka-nee, let's continue our game. This time, I'll definitely beat you," Komachi declared with determination, refusing to admit defeat.

"Haha, come at me. I won't go down so easily," Shizuka replied confidently. Though cooking wasn't her strong suit, she was quite skilled at video games. Seeing Komachi's determination to win, she couldn't help but chuckle.

The two of them settled back on the couch, quickly immersing themselves in their "fierce battle".

As Hachiman busied himself in the kitchen, he contemplated the intricate tapestry of Filipino cuisine. It was a culinary world woven with a rich blend of flavors and influences, a true testament to the nation's diverse history.

In his reflection, Hachiman understood that newcomers to Filipino food might detect echoes of Spanish cuisine in its sumptuous, saucy dishes. They might also sense the powerful Chinese undertones in Filipino staples like pancit and siopao. And then there were the intriguing local adaptations of American fast-food classics, such as Filipino-style burgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken.

It was the Philippines' colonial past that had sculpted this culinary mosaic, resulting in a captivating fusion of eastern and western tastes. Some had even likened it to "Asian fusion before Asian fusion even existed." As Hachiman meticulously prepared the ingredients for his Filipino dish, he couldn't help but marvel at the complexity and diversity of this cuisine.

Filipino gastronomy was distinguished by its harmonious trio of flavors – sweet, sour, and salty. Unlike its Southeast Asian counterparts, Filipino dishes didn't heavily rely on spices and heat. Instead, they favored ingredients like garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and black pepper. Spiciness was primarily a feature of just two regions – Bicol and Muslim Mindanao.

What truly made Filipino food captivating was its medley of influences. With its Austronesian roots, it shared similarities with Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines. Yet, centuries of migration and colonization had transformed it into the multifaceted culinary treasure it was today.

The Chinese diaspora, particularly from the Fujian and Cantonese regions, had left an indelible mark on Filipino cuisine. Moreover, the Philippines' history of colonization, including a lengthy Spanish rule spanning 333 years and nearly half a century under American governance, had profoundly shaped its culinary traditions. This was the captivating story of Filipino cuisine that Hachiman was about to savor and share.

To a somewhat lesser degree, Filipino cuisine also bore the marks of Japanese, Indian, and Mexican culinary influences. The Japanese occupation of the Philippines from 1942 to 1945 left its imprint on certain aspects of Filipino cooking. Meanwhile, Indian influences found their way into Filipino dishes through Indian sepoys brought by the British during a brief two-year occupation.

While these influences may not be as extensively documented, the impact of Mexican cuisine on Filipino food was a fascinating aspect. This influence stemmed from Mexico's historical ties to the Spanish empire. Through the bustling galleon trade routes, a variety of fruits, vegetables, and ingredients from Mexico found their way into Filipino kitchens. Notably, many of the early settlers in the Philippines were Spaniards who had already established themselves and were living in Mexico. This historical exchange contributed to the intriguing blend of flavors and ingredients that defined Filipino cuisine.

In addition to the foreign influences that left their mark on Filipino cuisine, it's crucial to recognize that traditional Filipino food is a mirror reflecting the nation's archipelagic nature. Much like Indonesian cuisine, Filipino culinary traditions are deeply rooted in their local and regional diversity.

Across the Philippine islands, there's a vast array of regional dishes, numbering in the hundreds, if not thousands. Alongside these regional specialties, there are also common dishes that span the entire country, albeit with variations in names and preparation methods from one region to another. This rich tapestry of local and national flavors adds yet another layer of complexity and intrigue to Filipino cuisine, making it a culinary journey filled with delightful discoveries.

...

**Bicol Express**

Hachiman started with Bicol Express, a fiery concoction from the Bicol region known for its spicy kick. He finely chopped red and green chilies, releasing their potent aroma into the air. The star of the dish, pork belly, was sliced into thin strips. In a hot pan, he sautéed garlic and onions until they turned translucent, then added the pork, allowing it to brown.

Next came the chilies, followed by shrimp paste and coconut milk. The kitchen filled with the rich, tropical scent of coconut as the sauce thickened. Hachiman stirred in some shrimp for good measure, their pink tails curling in the simmering sauce. He couldn't resist tasting it, and the heat from the chilies sent a delightful shiver down his spine.

**Shredded Cabbage**

As the Bicol Express simmered, Hachiman moved on to the Shredded Cabbage. This was a simple yet refreshing side dish. He sliced a cabbage into thin strips, then tossed it with a dressing of vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, and crushed garlic. The acidity of the vinegar cut through the richness of the Bicol Express, offering a palate-cleansing contrast.

**Asado**

For the Asado, Hachiman chose to prepare a succulent pork stew with a sweet and savory twist. He seared chunks of pork shoulder in a hot pot until they were golden brown, then set them aside. In the same pot, he sautéed onions, garlic, and a dash of soy sauce until they caramelized, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.

Returning the pork to the pot, Hachiman added star anise, bay leaves, and a blend of sauces—soy, oyster, and hoisin. He let the flavors meld as the stew simmered, infusing the pork with a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This dish promised to be a savory delight.

**Ensalada**

To balance the richness of the Asado and Bicol Express, Hachiman prepared a refreshing Ensalada. He combined ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and cucumber, creating a vibrant medley of colors. A squeeze of calamansi juice, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of fish sauce enhanced the salad's tangy, salty, and slightly sweet notes.

**Misua Patola Soup**

As the final touch, Hachiman crafted a Misua Patola Soup. He simmered chicken broth with ginger, garlic, and shallots until the aroma was irresistible. In went the misua noodles, delicate threads that absorbed the savory essence of the broth. Slices of patola, a mild squash, provided a hint of sweetness and tender texture.

Hachiman couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as he surveyed the feast he had prepared. The table was adorned with a symphony of colors and flavors, a reflection of the Philippines' culinary diversity. As he called Komachi and Shizuka to the table, he hoped they would savor this dishes as much as he had enjoyed preparing it.

The delicious dishes laid out on the table sent Shizuka and Komachi into a frenzy of excitement. Even Kamakura, their ever-watchful feline companion, seemed captivated by the alluring aroma, awaiting his share patiently beneath the table.

Hachiman couldn't help but chuckle at the sight and said, "Go wash your hands, and then we can eat."

Responding to his directive, Shizuka and Komachi hurriedly washed their hands, their eagerness unmistakable on their faces.

"Let's dig in!"

With that enthusiastic declaration, the two couldn't wait any longer and promptly picked up morsels of Asado to relish.

"Mmm, Onii-chan, it's so delicious!" Komachi exclaimed, a look of pure joy on her face as she savored the flavors.

"It's really amazing. I didn't expect your cooking skills to be this good. You can easily compete with the graduates from Totsuki," Shizuka praised, her own enthusiasm evident as she eagerly took another bite.

Hachiman, in response to their compliments, simply smiled, his modesty shining through.

His culinary skills, honed through dedication and practice, had reached an impressive level four, thanks in part to his recent enlightenment in Kendo. As he stood now, he held the utmost confidence in challenging even the top-ranked members of the Ten Elite and was prepared to go head-to-head with recent graduates.

Yet, he didn't boast about his abilities; instead, he continued his journey of self-improvement with unwavering determination, knowing that his skills would speak for themselves.

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A/N:

What culinary creation would you wish Hachiman to conjure? Perhaps in the forthcoming chapters, these delectable dishes shall make their appearance.