Being suddenly called out by Kyosuke Kashiwagi, Shiraishi found himself in an awkward spot.
He had just been reading about a hundred ways to prepare cheese—definitely not the knowledge he needed right now. Standing up, Shiraishi glanced at the blackboard, then back at Kashiwagi, as if trying to recall the question.
His reaction only made the buttons on Kashiwagi's blouse strain even tighter.
After taking a deep breath, Kashiwagi was about to speak when Shiraishi suddenly blurted out, "Ah—the Western Expansion? Personally, I think it was just another act of aggression against the indigenous people!"
"Alright, sit down," Kashiwagi said with a sigh. "The question was about how many Native Americans remained after the massacres during the Western Expansion, which reduced their population from 30 to 100 million."
"The answer is fewer than 800,000. Please pay attention next time, Shiraishi."
Shiraishi nodded in acknowledgment before sitting back down. He couldn't help but grumble to Kato Megumi, who sat in front of him, "So, Kato-san, you set me up on purpose, huh?"
"Not at all," Megumi replied, showing him the half-written note in her hand. "Shiraishi-kun was just too impatient. I hadn't even finished writing before you jumped in with your answer."
Looking at the incomplete note—"massacres during the Western Expansion"—he realized he had indeed answered prematurely.
"My bad."
"Mhm."
The classroom exchange was just a minor incident.
After that, Shiraishi made sure to split his attention between his book and Kashiwagi's lecture—though giving up his extracurricular reading was out of the question.
Another school day came to an end.
As the dismissal bell rang, Shiraishi bid farewell to Megumi and the others before vanishing in the blink of an eye.
It wasn't that he didn't want to chat with the two original heroines about life—it was because, during class, Senzaemon Nakiri had sent him an inspection report.
The samples he had provided that morning already had results by the afternoon. The efficiency of the Totsuki Academy and the Mizuhara Group was truly impressive.
So, Shiraishi hopped on his motorcycle and sped straight to Totsuki Resort Academy.
In the Headmaster's office, he finally got to review the full report.
The dense technical jargon and English terms made his head spin, but after going through it all, he grasped the significance.
Out of the seven samples he had submitted, four had been analyzed. The results showed that the meat contained energy, protein, fat, and mineral levels far surpassing ordinary meat.
Nothing in this world could compare. However, a unique active compound was detected in all the samples.
This compound appeared to have no adverse effects. Instead, when absorbed by the human body, it seemed to enhance vitality, stamina, and even overall strength and antioxidant capacity.
In simpler terms—it could improve physical condition and slow aging.
Thinking about it, that made sense.
In the world of Hunters, it wasn't uncommon for people in their seventies or eighties to still hunt dragons.
Most Hunters died in battle, so their average lifespan was likely extended significantly due to their lifelong diet of dragon meat.
That was probably why Senzaemon had summoned him so urgently.
After finishing the report, Shiraishi looked at the elderly man across from him and said, "So, Headmaster, you want a share of the ingredients, right?"
"Indeed. If possible, I'd like Totsuki to secure the exclusive distribution rights for these ingredients in Japan."
Senzaemon Nakiri, having been the headmaster of Totsuki for so many years, knew his limits.
Ingredients capable of slowing aging weren't something he could monopolize.
Even securing Japan's share would be a stretch—he'd likely need to bring in trusted allies to manage it.
As for markets beyond Japan? That was beyond his reach.
But Shiraishi only tapped his fingers against the desk, deep in thought.
After a long pause, he finally shook his head.
"Sorry, Headmaster. These ingredients are too rare. I can't guarantee a steady supply, so I can't agree to your request."
Just as Senzaemon was about to present his prepared bargaining chips, Shiraishi added, "However, out of respect for you and Grandpa Kobayashi, I can promise that Totsuki will have a place in the distribution."
A sigh of relief escaped Senzaemon as the tension in his clenched fists finally eased.
He knew that if Totsuki missed out on these ingredients, the culinary world would soon face a seismic shift.
But this outcome? It was acceptable.
"So, the full inspection report isn't complete yet. What about the tests for viruses or contaminants?"
"Rest assured, Shiraishi-kun. The researchers screened for pathogens and infection risks from the start. We even conducted three emergency clinical trials—no issues whatsoever."
Shiraishi didn't press for details about these "clinical trials."
Senzaemon Nakiri, known as the "God of Cooking" and the "Culinary Mafia Boss," wasn't just a kindly old man.
And this was Japan, after all.
Some things went without saying.
----------
T/N:
Access 30 chapters in advance on my Patreon:patreon.com/multiversalfeast [Images Included]
You'll also get 5 extra chapters just for being a free member!