~ I've made a change to the Bonus Chapter schedule — instead of every 300 Power Stones, you'll now receive a Bonus Chapter every 100 Power Stones!
~ Thanks for the support :)
Hearing this, Sōe Nakiri frowned. A lack of ambition could be both a good and a bad thing.
The good part was not having to worry about being backstabbed or usurped after the other party grew stronger.
The bad part was that it made recruitment more troublesome. Such a person was destined not to be brought under one's wing like Gin Dojima but could only maintain a cooperative relationship, much like with Joichiro Yukihira.
Of course, Sōe Nakiri didn't find it exceedingly difficult.
After all, while Yuuki's personality might prevent complete recruitment, establishing a good relationship was certainly feasible.
"Let's conclude today's tests here. Regarding your Chef rank, I'll contact the WGO later to help you get it certified directly," Sōe Nakiri said.
"I don't need to take an exam?"
Hearing this, Yuuki was taken aback.
Chef rank certification required an examination at a WGO branch; only after passing could one obtain the certificate.
The certificate issued by the WGO was highly valued and internationally recognized in the culinary world. This wasn't comparable to the reputation of a Totsuki graduate.
The prestige of a Totsuki graduate was mostly limited to Japan.
But in the international culinary scene, a WGO certificate was necessary.
Yuuki truly hadn't expected Sōe Nakiri to bypass the examination process with just a word.
"We do have some connections at the WGO. Actually, it's not just us; many organizations' chefs don't need to go to a WGO branch for their certification exams. Alice and the others have never been."
"Of course, this doesn't apply to all chef ranks. First Class and Special Class Chefs must be certified at the WGO headquarters," Sōe Nakiri explained.
In this regard, they did have some privileges, not only because of the Nakiri family's influence but also because the WGO's sole Special Class officer was a Nakiri.
The WGO wasn't worried about these organizations acting recklessly.
After all, the WGO's status was well-established—no power would try to push themselves into opposition with the WGO by fabricating a bunch of easily exposed lies.
"Well, that's certainly convenient!"
Yuuki nodded, though internally he couldn't help but think that privileges were indeed quite useful. While he didn't particularly care for them, sometimes privileges could indeed save a lot of time.
Afterward, Sōe Nakiri explained the upcoming development plan for Yuuki's Evolving Touch. Simply put, it was similar to how Erina Nakiri had developed her sense of taste.
This was also why Yuuki had sought out Gin Dojima—to use Totsuki's resources to help him collect enough ingredients and various seasonings for his Evolving Touch to memorize.
Only in this way could the Evolving Touch be utilized to its fullest potential.
Both Yuuki's Evolving Touch and Erina Nakiri's God Tongue required substantial resources to support. Otherwise, developing these abilities would be extremely difficult.
Without sufficient influence and financial backing, it would be impossible to gather so many ingredients.
The Nakiri family was very proficient in this area. They frequently had members awaken the God Tongue, and although each generation with the God Tongue had a tough time, often ending tragically—
—the Nakiri family certainly knew how to nurture a God Tongue. Yuuki's Evolving Touch was similar to the God Tongue in some ways, so they could draw upon past experience in developing it.
"Then what do I need to give in return?" Yuuki asked.
Sōe Nakiri had already laid out the benefits; he naturally couldn't just receive them for free.
Although Yuuki was well aware that the subsequent price would likely be related to the God's Tongue, he still had to ask clearly.
"You don't need to give anything. A favor, a friendship—that's enough."
However, Sōe Nakiri's words surprised him somewhat.
Although debts of gratitude were the hardest to repay, he had a good idea what this particular debt would entail—it was definitely about the God's Tongue.
As for that "Friendship," it felt a bit vague. It could be said that the Nakiri family was essentially gifting these benefits to Yuuki this time.
For Yuuki, once he matured, solving the God's Tongue problem would be very easy, so this favor would be straightforward to repay.
"Let me be frank with you, Yuuki. Your future is destined to be bright. As long as there are no issues with your special ability, you are fated to stand at the pinnacle of the culinary world."
"At that time, even if you don't care about so-called power and influence, these things will inevitably gravitate towards you."
"My old friend—though he never deliberately pursued anything, he has many friends all over the world. If he wanted, power and money would come knocking on his door."
"Right now, Totsuki could indeed offer some bargaining chips while you haven't fully matured, but that wouldn't be a wise approach," Gin Dojima also spoke up.
The meaning was clear: The Nakiri family wasn't that shortsighted.
Investing in Yuuki now could yield some immediate benefits, but compared to the future, choosing the present would undoubtedly be the most foolish move.
After hearing Gin Dojima's words, Yuuki nodded.
Thinking about it, it made sense. With the talent he currently displayed, he was, in the culinary world, a complete unicorn.
As long as the Nakiri family members weren't shortsighted, they would know how to build a good relationship with Yuuki.
It had to be said, although Yuuki knew this approach was about currying favor for future gains, the other party had indeed successfully earned his goodwill.
Sometimes, human interaction truly didn't need to be full of schemes.
Stating things directly—"I know what you need, and I'll tell you what I need; an exchange of benefits while establishing friendship"—this was the best choice.
At this moment, Yuuki, Sōe Nakiri, and Gin Dojima all wore smiles. Undoubtedly, this outcome was highly satisfactory to all three.
"Mr. Dojima, Ryō-kun and I will also stay at the resort for this period."
At this moment, Alice Nakiri spoke up.
She also intended to build a good relationship with Yuuki here.
Sōe Nakiri didn't even need to emphasize it—she herself was interested in Yuuki, and she also knew the benefits of having a good relationship with him.
So, she didn't plan to return to the Nakiri estate or Totsuki Academy but intended to stay at the resort until school started.
"In that case, Alice and the others will be in your care!" Sōe Nakiri looked at Gin Dojima.
He couldn't stay here indefinitely on his trip back; he would return to Nakiri International after a few days at most. Since his daughter had made such a request, he could only entrust them to Gin Dojima.
"No problem, I'll take good care of them."
Gin Dojima nodded. He could also see Sōe Nakiri's intentions and didn't plan to interfere too much in this matter.
~# Keep the Chapters coming — Support with Power Stones!
~# Every 100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter