[211] Ordered 'Training'

Chapter 211: Ordered 'Training'

"In fact, I have a favor to ask of you, Young Hachiman."

Upon hearing Senzaemon's words, Hachiman promptly adjusted his posture.

"If there's anything, just tell me. If there's a way I can help, I'll definitely do my best."

"From your perspective, what do you think of Erina?"

Senzaemon didn't directly mention the matter at hand; instead, he started by asking Hachiman a question.

Do influential figures always talk like this?

Hachiman felt a bit helpless, but he rubbed his chin and began to contemplate.

"Well, how should I put it? My impression of Miss Erina is that she's somewhat arrogant, always wearing a stern expression with no sign of a smile."

"These are quite negative evaluations." Senzaemon fell silent for a moment.

"Haha, General Nakiri, please listen to me first." Hachiman laughed and shook his head.

"I understand that these are just the surface impressions of Miss Erina. In reality, she's kind-hearted; it's just that she struggles with expressing herself. If a man acted this way, it would probably be perceived as unpleasant, but in the case of a girl, it can be considered a charming trait."

"This is what they call 'tsundere' in the world of anime."

Finishing his statement, Hachiman shrugged with a smile.

He had encountered girls with a tsundere personality, such as Yukino. Although she might appear cold and distant on the surface, her heart was genuinely kind, evident from her involvement in the Service Club, a club dedicated to helping others.

"Haha, your way of putting it is quite fitting."

Upon hearing Hachiman's words, Senzaemon laughed heartily.

"But in reality, Erina used to be a child who loved to smile!"

Saying this, he retrieved a photo album from his drawer and opened it to a particular picture, then handed it to Hachiman.

Taking the album, Hachiman saw a photo of a younger Senzaemon, robust in stature. On his knee sat a young girl with golden hair—little Erina. From her facial features, it was undoubtedly a younger version of Erina.

In the photo, the young Erina held her hands in a scissor gesture, her face adorned with a radiant smile, displaying a remarkably happy expression.

Observing this harmonious grandfather-granddaughter picture, Hachiman nodded.

He had seen many similar photos in his previous life—little girls doing the scissor pose, but their smiles were different.

Ahem...

Getting back to the point, judging from the photos, young Erina was indeed a child who loved to smile. Not just in this picture, but in many others, Erina consistently showcased bright, joyful expressions.

"Young Erina from back then, she was a child who enjoyed teasing others. After a successful prank, she would reveal an adorable smile. Even when she made mistakes, she would apologize..."

At this moment, Senzaemon also got lost in his memories.

Upon hearing his words, Hachiman shrugged. "From the photos, young Erina indeed looks much cuter than she does now."

"Yeah, young Erina was undeniably adorable. However, it's all because of that man!" Senzaemon's tone became cold.

"That man?"

Recalling the original story, Hachiman guessed that Senzaemon referred to Erina's father, Azami Nakiri. Still, he went along with the conversation and asked.

"It's Erina's father. But I'm not at liberty to discuss the specifics with you. In any case, that was the biggest mistake of my life." Senzaemon shook his head, choosing not to delve further into that topic.

"Let's talk about the favor I want to ask you."

"Go ahead."

"As you know, Erina doesn't have many friends, and she usually only has Hisako by her side. However, from what I've observed in your interactions with Erina, she doesn't seem to reject you."

Upon hearing this, Hachiman felt a bit strange.

The old man was right in his observation. While Erina would exchange a few arguments with him, she didn't seem to reject him entirely. After all, the girl had given him her first kiss, and they had made a few agreements.

Moreover, it wasn't just Erina's first kiss; he was also the first kiss for Alice.

However, such matters certainly couldn't be discussed in front of someone's grandfather, so Hachiman made a show of listening attentively.

"So, what I want to ask of you, Young Hachiman, is to change Erina. Make her return to the smiling child she was in her younger days. Please!"

Saying this, Senzaemon stood up and bowed ninety degrees to Hachiman.

"General Nakiri, what are you doing? Please, get up."

Surprised by Senzaemon suddenly bowing to him, Hachiman quickly helped him to his feet.

After all, Senzaemon was his elder, and facing a grandfather making a request for the well-being of his granddaughter, Hachiman had no reason to refuse.

Seeing Senzaemon stand again, Hachiman immediately smiled.

"Don't worry, General Nakiri. Anyway, I'm Erina's friend. I won't just leave her alone."

Did he just accept the task of "training" by decree?

"Haha, good. I'll trust you with this then." Seeing Hachiman agree, Senzaemon laughed heartily. However, as if recalling something, he continued.

"By the way, in a few days, there will be a first-year student residential training at the Totsuki Resort. I hope you can attend."

"Residential training?"

Hachiman recalled the trial referred to as the "Initial Hell" in the original work, where one wrong move could lead to expulsion.

"That's right. Although it's just a trial, it's an excellent place to select talents. The graduates leave their own restaurants to act as temporary mentors for that purpose," Senzaemon explained.

"Since we're planning to collaborate on opening a restaurant, having a reserve of talent is essential. So, I hope you can serve as a mentor and help recruit talents for your own restaurant."

"I see." Hachiman nodded in understanding.

"But I'm not a graduate of Totsuki. Is it really okay?"

"No problem. I'll inform the management at Totsuki Resort, and with your culinary skills, being a mentor is completely feasible."

"Alright, I'm in. Can I know the specific dates?"

"From next Tuesday to Sunday, a total of six days and five nights. As for school, don't worry—I'll have someone take care of your leave," Senzaemon said as if he had everything planned.

"Sure, I'll follow your arrangement, General Nakiri." Since he had everything arranged, Hachiman agreed with a nod. At this point, attending classes or not didn't matter much to him.

"Hahaha, good! During that time, Young Hachiman, pick the 'diamond' you want!"