Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine-Chapter 195 ⟴ Sonoka’s Guilty Conscience

"Ah, so it's actually Senior Sonoka Kikuchi? I heard this 89th batch senior established her own restaurant called 'Shunkatei' less than two years after graduation. As a graduate of the 89th class of Tōtsuki, she ranked second among the Elite Ten. Her culinary skills and other aspects were impeccable."

Upon hearing Nene's words, Hisako's mind immediately conjured up the image and relevant information about this Elite Ten graduate.

Then she asked with confusion, "But according to the information from Tōtsuki, Kikuchi-senpai isn't in Chiba, is she?"

"She wasn't in Chiba originally, but a while ago, for some unknown reason, Kikuchi-senpai decided to relocate Shunkatei. You should know that it had no foundation in Chiba at all. Her decision almost single-handedly buried the restaurant she established."

Since the customer base wasn't in Chiba, it caused the Western-style restaurant's sales to plummet, nearly becoming a laughingstock in the industry.

"I see, that certainly wasn't a wise choice." Erina brushed aside her smooth golden hair, feeling little emotion about it and casually agreeing with Nene.

"But from today's perspective, Kikuchi-senpai's decision to relocate Shunkatei has become somewhat wise." Nene gently contradicted, and explained under the puzzled gazes of Rindō and Erina, "She didn't rent the shop in Chiba, but pulled some strings and bought it outright."

Hisako was momentarily stunned before quickly recovering. She reported in a low voice, "Chiba's property prices have increased more than tenfold recently!"

Erina and Rindō widened their beautiful eyes. Being able to recoup losses this way was something the two culinary experts hadn't expected.

After all, it was the only place where you couldn't see Cursed Spirits at night, making it much safer than Tokyo, so naturally wealthy merchants were migrating there. Additionally, with the Jujutsu World's center shifting toward Chiba, the Three Great Families would send professional Jujutsu Sorcerers to be stationed in various places throughout Chiba.

The sense of security was maxed out!

"You're making me want to settle in Chiba too! Who knows, I might even have a chance encounter with the Dragon King himself one day." Rindō revealed her sharp fangs, her face full of playful expression, but her financial situation didn't support such a move.

The quiet Momo Akanegakubo showed slight interest, but her financial situation was also average, so she sighed resignedly and abandoned the idea.

Nene and Erina remained silent as everyone quietly rode in the car to Sonoka's newly established Shunkatei.

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"Why are you all coming so late? You scared me to death! Don't you know that accidents are likely to happen recently?" Sonoka angrily puffed up her cheeks.

She had clearly reminded them to come during the day, but Rindō and the others simply didn't listen.

"Haha, sorry. The others weren't slow, and to avoid falling behind, we came at night. Chiba is pretty safe anyway." Rindō scratched her head helplessly.

She didn't feel any danger; after all, Satoshi Isshiki and the others had gone to find Kōjirō Shinomiya overnight. Although he had returned to Japan, he was still quite far from Tokyo. If they were talking about danger, their situation was more precarious.

Just as her thoughts concluded, Hisako's phone rang.

"Eh? No way? I understand, I'll definitely be careful." After hanging up, she hurriedly said, "This is terrible! When Isshiki-senpai and the others went to find Shinomiya-senpai, they encountered a supernatural event. The rest managed to escape unharmed, but Isshiki-senpai was injured and has been sent to the hospital. He might not be able to participate in the selection."

Rindō gasped. She had just thought nothing was wrong, and then an accident occurred.

Indeed, the outside world is dangerous!

"Well, let's come in first. I think I already know what you want. You hope I can give you some advice for the culinary selection. Had I known so many of you would come, I should have invited Senpai Taki Tsunozaki and the others to join us; they might have some good suggestions."

As everyone entered Shunkatei, Sonoka was completely forthcoming, imparting all her culinary techniques without reservation.

It could be said that she held nothing back whatsoever.

This left Rindō and Nene silent. Even if they sought help from other seniors, they wouldn't be able to achieve this level of openness, would they?

Erina finally couldn't help but ask, "Kikuchi-senpai, won't sharing all your techniques with us cause some issues? I mean... like... the culinary selection... Shouldn't you keep some techniques to yourself?"

Rindō and Nene nodded, as they also didn't want to defeat her using the culinary experience Sonoka had accumulated over many years.

However, to their surprise, the bewildered woman looked confused before realizing, "Didn't I tell you? I'm not participating in the selection."

"!!!" Rindō and the others were shocked as they raised their heads.

This was a chance to change one's life destiny!

Not only could they meet top chefs from around the world, but there was also the Dragon King's appraisal. If they gained his approval, they would instantly become famous worldwide!

And Sonoka wasn't tempted at all?

Seeing the looks in Rindō and the others' eyes, she weakly said, "Actually, I don't have such grand ambitions. I just want to find someone like-minded to research cooking together."

Although they didn't fully understand her thinking, Nene and the others had to admit that this senior's culinary spirit was incredibly pure.

Even the silent Momo, sitting in the corner, felt ashamed and couldn't help but acknowledge this Tōtsuki senior from the bottom of her heart!

Her participation in the culinary selection wasn't for any other reason; she just wanted to prove that what she considered "cute" could move even the Dragon King's taste buds!

"Has senpai found that like-minded person yet?" Momo tugged at her doll and softly asked.

Sonoka's eyes flickered as Daiki's face involuntarily appeared in her mind. She quickly shook her head.

She somewhat guiltily changed the subject, "To be honest, I've met someone in Chiba who is very accomplished in cooking. My advice to you is limited, but his suggestions will definitely improve your culinary standards. Let me ask Haruno first."

With that, Sonoka hurriedly turned around to send a message.

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Upon hearing the name "Haruno", Nene instinctively frowned.

Hadn't she heard this name somewhere before? It seemed so familiar.

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Meanwhile, on the other side, Haruno also received the message.

"Well, it's time to meet Daiki-kun and report on the development of the Yukinoshita family."

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