[70] I Know a Thing or Two About Cooking

"Hmph, don't think that being a genius gives you an excuse to slack off in training. There have been plenty of geniuses in this world who fell by the wayside due to laziness," Erina remarked with a disdainful tone, clearly unimpressed with Hachiman's lack of ambition.

Though her tone was a bit sour, it was all in good fun, and Hachiman understood her tsundere attitude. Erina simply didn't want him to squander his talent in kendo.

"Haha, thanks for your concern, Miss Erina."

"Who's concerned about you, you goof? Don't flatter yourself," Erina retorted instinctively upon hearing his words. But then, something clicked in her mind. "Wait a minute, how do you even know my name?"

Hachiman had never mentioned her name in their conversations, so how could he possibly know it?

"Of course, the renowned 'God's Tongue,' Nakiri Erina, I've heard of you."

When Hachiman had been researching the Totsuki Group, Erina's information naturally came up before him.

"Hmph, since you know who I am, you should consider it an honor to converse with me," Erina added, her tone now carrying a hint of pride.

"Erina!" Her grandfather, Senzaemon, chided her in a low voice.

How can we call ourselves guests when speaking like this in front of our host?

"Umm..."

Hearing her grandfather's voice, Erina couldn't help but shrink her neck.

She held great respect for her imposing grandfather.

After scolding his granddaughter, Senzaemon turned his gaze towards Hachiman.

"Young man, don't mind this old man's meddling. Since you have such remarkable talent in kendo, you should practice more."

"Just as Erina said, there are too many geniuses who end up achieving nothing due to their laziness."

Compared to Erina, Senzaemon's tone was much more heartfelt.

As a kendo enthusiast himself, he naturally didn't want someone like Hachiman, a kendo prodigy, to end up as an ordinary person.

"Haha, thanks for your concern, General Nakiri. But to be honest, it's a bit embarrassing to say this, but kendo is just an interest for me. I don't plan to pursue it as a serious path in the future."

"Are you a fool? With such talent, do you plan to simply go to college and then find an ordinary job?"

Upon hearing this, Erina couldn't help but speak up again, and even Saeko, who was standing nearby, looked surprised.

She couldn't imagine that Hachiman, a kendo prodigy, didn't plan to follow the path of kendo in the future.

This prompted her to voice her objections as well.

"Hachiman, your talent in kendo is absolutely exceptional. With dedication, becoming a kendo master is well within your grasp. You might even have a chance to attain the level of sword saint that no one has reached in centuries."

"Don't worry, Saeko-senpai. Even if I don't plan to pursue the path of kendo in the future, I won't neglect the daily kendo club practices," Hachiman reassured, noticing the concern on her face.

However, his reassurance only deepened Saeko's worry. In her perspective, practicing for just one hour a day was insufficient.

"Hey, you really don't know what's best for you. You possess such remarkable potential in kendo, and you want to become a hardworking ordinary office worker?" Erina chimed in, her tone seemingly mocking but also offering advice.

"You can rest assured about this matter. Even if I don't pursue the path of kendo, I have a way to earn money."

"What method?" Erina asked curiously, and even Saeko showed an intrigued expression.

"To be honest, I'm a somewhat well-known light novelist," Hachiman began. "The first volume of my novel has already sold over 150,000 copies, and the second volume is about to be published."

Upon hearing his words, Erina and Saeko fell into a moment of silence. Even Hisako, who had been quiet all along, cast an astonished gaze at him.

Selling over 150,000 copies for the first volume meant that this young man had already earned over a ten million. For a high school student, this was undoubtedly not an easily achievable feat.

"Furthermore, I'm confident that the sales of my novel can easily surpass ten million copies," Hachiman stated with unwavering confidence, as if it were a matter of course.

Hearing his confident tone, Senzaemon felt a certain fondness for him. He appreciated the enthusiasm of this young individual.

However, reaching the ten-million mark was no easy feat. It involved not only the sales of the novels but also adaptations into manga, anime, and profits from related merchandise. This amounted to potentially tens of billions or even hundreds of billions.

As the head of the Totsuki Group, Senzaemon had a clear understanding of these financial matters.

Moreover, this was just the profit from one work. If the young man's talent in writing remained as terrifying as it appeared, he might very well build a colossal business empire with his own abilities.

"Haha, well, since this young man is so confident, I believe in your ability," Senzaemon laughed heartily.

"If you ever need assistance in the future and don't mind an old man's help, you can contact me."

"In Japan, this old man's words still hold some weight."

"Eh, Grandpa?!"

This time it was Erina's turn to be surprised. She couldn't believe that her grandfather had such confidence in this young man.

Not only her, but even Hachiman himself was somewhat astonished.

Had he inadvertently gained the favor of this high-ranking executive of the Totsuki Group? To receive an olive branch from him was quite unexpected.

Although surprised, one should still show respect to someone of his stature. Hachiman quickly expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm truly thankful for General Nakiri's support."

"Haha, young man, give it your all. I look forward to seeing what kind of brilliant achievements you can create."

Unbeknownst to them, it was already noon.

Seeing the clock on the wall and realizing it was lunchtime, Senzaemon turned his attention to his granddaughter.

"Erina, could you prepare today's lunch?"

"Of course, Grandpa." Erina naturally wouldn't refuse her grandfather's request.

"Thank you for your help, Erina," Saeko expressed her gratitude with a smile, knowing that the young girl was skilled in cooking.

"You're welcome, Saeko nee-san," Erina replied with a slight smile.

Hearing their conversation, Hachiman also stood up.

"I actually know a thing or two about cooking as well. If Miss Erina doesn't mind, I can help too."