Shokugeki no Soma World.
Nakiri Family.
"Whooooa—"
As Hayashi released all the little treasures he brought back from the Pokémon world, the surrounding (former) and (current) Elite Ten members erupted in chaotic exclamations.
"What is this, what is this, what is this!?" Hinako Inui, an 80th-generation graduate of the Elite Ten, stared wide-eyed at the Sylveon resting its chin on Hayashi's thigh, blissfully enjoying his pets, and let out an uncontrollable squeal. "How can something this adorable exist! I'm in love!"
Though she had seen Sylveon's illustrations in the Pokédex before, no amount of cute artwork could compare to the real thing.
"Eevee—"
Sylveon, long accustomed to such reactions, didn't even bother responding. She merely yawned lazily and flicked her ribbon-like tail.
Yet even this simple motion was enough to make the girls around her clutch their chests, declaring their hearts had been stolen and their vitality drained.
'Speaking of which—'
Hayashi looked at the Sylveon nestled in his arms, his thoughts drifting back to when he had taken her—then still an Eevee—on a cruise and met that Eevee-loving older sister. Reflecting on it now, he realized he must have already been under Arceus's gaze at that time. And the fact that Eevee could develop such charm even in the wild was likely due to "divine favor."
"So you're actually the 'Perfect Eevee'?"
"Eevee?"
Sylveon tilted her head in confusion, but that didn't stop her from nuzzling her head against Hayashi's cheek.
"Pfft—"
The gesture instantly melted the hearts of the girls around them—fortunately, this wasn't a comedy manga, so there were no exaggerated scenes of nosebleeds or rivers of blood.
"While everyone here has probably read some of the materials Master Hayashi left behind—" Hisako took the initiative to introduce the Pokémon, "let me go into more detail about these Pokémon and their abilities!"
Hayashi had indeed left behind information about the Pokémon world, but these chefs had been too engrossed in Chef Abe's training regimen to spare it much attention—if Hayashi hadn't brought them back from the Cooking Master Boy world, they'd likely still be lost in their relentless training.
So, with only a vague understanding, everyone listened intently. And when Hisako's explanations shifted from battle-oriented Pokémon like Sylveon, Gengar, Ninetales, and Arcanine to support-types like Tropius, Alcremie, and Miltank, the chefs' eyes gleamed with newfound interest.
"The world's finest cream and fresh milk?" Momo Akanegakubo stared fervently at the Alcremie curiously looking around near Erina and the Miltank sitting idly in thought, murmuring, "Just how high-quality must they be to earn such a title? If I used ingredients like these to make desserts…"
The mere thought of creating a dessert that surpassed all others with her own hands filled Momo with an urge to transform into a Flame Haze on the spot and battle a Denizen of the Crimson Realm for three hundred rounds.
It wasn't just Momo—the other chefs also eyed Alcremie and Miltank with keen curiosity. No one could help but wonder after hearing Hisako describe the materials these two Pokémon produced as "the world's finest."
Just how extraordinary were they?
"Why don't we all try some?"
Erina stood up with a smile, gently patting Miltank's head. "Miltank, if you wouldn't mind?"
"Moo!"
Miltank cheerfully thumped her chest before following Hisako to the dining area to be milked.
...
...
"Aside from the Pokémon Hisako just introduced, I actually brought back quite a few others."
Noticing the atmosphere cooling, Hayashi spoke up again. "First—"
This time, Hayashi didn't release all the Pokémon at once, instead summoning just one of each species. As he explained the abilities of these Pokémon—whether they produced ingredients naturally or assisted in their cultivation—the chefs' expressions grew increasingly fervent.
"What a fascinating world—" Gin couldn't help but show a look of longing as he spoke. "I'd really love to travel through that world."
"Who wouldn't?" Jōichirō also wore an expression of yearning. "Traveling the world with Pokémon? Tsk tsk, that's just too cool!"
"Hey, old man—" Sōma couldn't resist teasing from the side. "You're already this old, and you still want to travel with these cute creatures?"
What is this, a tough guy's springtime? Or a pink tough guy?
No matter how you think about it, it's just weird.
"Stupid kid, Pokémon aren't just the cute type!" Jōichirō gave his son a light knock on the head in annoyance. "Couldn't I catch some stronger ones?"
Though he hadn't thoroughly browsed the Pokédex, Jōichirō had still seen Pokémon like Nidoking, Aggron, and Tyranitar—the so-called tough-guy types, right?
Hmm? Why "so-called" tough-guy types? Because the real tough-guy types are shiny Gardevoir, Sylveon, Primarina, and Diancie, ya know!
Any problem with that? No problem, none at all!
"Tch, old man, with those creaky bones of yours, don't collapse halfway."
"Don't joke around—I'd outlast you any day."
Watching this familiar father-son bickering, Hayashi couldn't help but stroke his chin thoughtfully before saying, "Hmm, if you guys really want to go to the Pokémon world, it's not impossible."
"!" xN
Hayashi's words were like a Beedrill nest being poked by an Ursaring—instantly, all eyes in the courtyard snapped toward him.
"Putting aside everything else, with your culinary skills, you'd have a huge advantage in the Pokémon world—" Hayashi blinked and added, "Erina here can attest to that."
"Hayashi's right," Erina nodded in agreement. "Pokémon are very simple-hearted. If you treat them kindly and offer them delicious food, it's easy to win their favor. You can even catch Pokémon without battling them."
"W-wait, no battling needed?" Tadokoro Megumi couldn't help but sigh in relief—not having to fight was a huge plus.
However, what Hayashi and Erina didn't expect was that the others seemed less focused on what Erina had just said and more on…
"Hmm hmm~" The troublemaking queen, Hinako Inui, covered her mouth with a teasing smirk. "Calling Erina by her first name now, huh~"
Beside her, Yūki Yoshino also giggled, "And the young mistress just called him 'Hayashi' too—"
Then, the two exchanged glances before turning in unison toward Hayashi and Erina, declaring in perfect sync, "Could it be—?"
Though only Hinako and Yūki were the ones asking, even the old man kneeling quietly on the tatami, pretending to sip tea calmly, had perked up his ears.
"Well…" Hayashi scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Yeah, it's just as you're thinking. Erina and I have started dating—"
"Ahhh—he said it—!" Erina immediately covered her face with both hands.
"Ooooh~~~~" Cheers erupted instantly.
The old man and Gin exchanged glances, both breaking into knowing smiles—of course, when a man and woman spend prolonged time alone together, sparks of romance are inevitable, aren't they?
Yes, absolutely right!
"Ahem—"
Hayashi coughed twice to ease his own embarrassment, putting on a stern face as he said, "What's with the 'ohhh's? Do you still want to hear about the Pokémon world or not?"
"Hehehe—" Seemingly picking up on Hayashi's discomfort, Hinako immediately leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Right now, we're more interested in hearing your love story than Pokémon world tales—"
"Mhm—" xN
'These guys—' Hayashi clenched his fists, then shot a glare at Gin, who was nodding along in the crowd—you're pushing forty, you old coot, and you're nodding too!?
Gin met his gaze unflinchingly—who was it that told me they couldn't stand Erina's spoiled young lady attitude? And now you're head over heels? Tsk, men!
Hayashi's lips twitched, his expression darkening as he said, "Do you still want to taste Miltank's milk or not? If not, keep asking."
"Tch—"
Watching the group finally quiet down, Hayashi rolled his eyes, thinking, 'I've got you by the reins now—you think you can defy me?'
...
...
Five minutes later, after everyone had sampled a small cup of Miltank's milk, they were all stunned by its rich, creamy flavor.
Momo was so excited she nearly turned Super Saiyan, ready to team up with Frieza to beat up Krillin: 'If Alcremie's cream is this quality too, then Little Momo's desserts will be even more delicious!!'
"Wow, this is amazing," Yūki licked her lips. "Even the highest-grade cow's milk can't compare! Pokémon are incredible!"
Hayashi thought Yūki's expression right now was perfect for starting a TikTok account in the Pokémon world—he'd even come up with a name for it: Yūki Loves. Just kidding.
"Miltank's milk isn't just about taste—the nutrients it contains are the real key," Hayashi said seriously. "If you drink a cup every morning for a few years, it could double or even triple your current physical fitness."
"This is practically a treasure," Hinako mused, before abruptly changing the subject. "Speaking of which, we've had the milk—so how about continuing with your love story?"
"Mhm!" xN
Everyone nodded in agreement once more.
Hayashi was sweating bullets internally, screaming in his mind, 'I can't take you guys anymore! You finish your milk and immediately start causing trouble, huh?'
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