On the winner's stage, the crowd buzzed with excitement, waving glowsticks and cheering for the victor.
"Where is she? Where's Oguri Cap?"
Tamamo Cross, fresh from the restroom and eager to see Oguri Cap's celebratory dance, froze mid-step.
"Oh no! Oguri! Where are you? Even President Rudolf is here today!"
She dashed out of the venue, her face twisted in panic.
Rudolf Symboli stood tall on the final step of the stage, arms crossed, her expression dark.
"Air Groove. Care to explain why the center of the stage is empty?"
Air Groove chuckled nervously.
"Ahaha… Oguri Cap might have… went somewhere?"
"Sending someone to search for her mid-ceremony is a disgrace to the fans and the race. It's disrespectful."
"Yes, ma'am."
Beside them, Mejiro Dober was mid-bite into a fragrant box of grilled cold noodles when she was dragged away.
"Wait! I haven't finished eating!"
Chiaki, wearing her signature maroon bob and white-green top hat, smiled.
"Maybe Oguri Cap had an emergency. Like… food poisoning?"
Rudolf's glare sharpened.
"She'd better have. Otherwise, I'll—"
She paused, her tone faltering. Even she couldn't stay stern when it came to Oguri Cap.
"You're not going to fire her, are you?"
"A rule is a rule. Punishment must be served."
Rudolf sighed and gave Chiaki a light chop on the head.
Meanwhile, in a quiet corner backstage, Peach Waves and Oguri Cap were still chatting when Tamamo Cross burst in.
"Oguri! Why aren't you on stage? Rudolf's looking for you!"
Clatter.
Oguri Cap dropped her water bottle. Her face paled, and sweat beaded on her forehead.
"I forgot! I was so hungry… What do I do? Tamamo, Peach Waves, save me!"
The thought of facing Rudolf's piercing gaze and Air Groove's quiet disappointment made her tremble.
Peach Waves placed a hand on her shoulder with solemn resolve.
"Face her with a smile. Go."
Then she turned and ran away.
Tamamo Cross blinked.
"She's right, Oguri. You'd better surrender."
The next day.
In Tracen Academy's high school division, Class B.
The teacher glanced at the empty seat by the window.
"Tamamo Cross-san, where is Oguri Cap-san?"
Tamamo Cross adjusted her glasses, trying not to laugh as giggles spread through the room.
"Teacher… Oguri Cap skipped the winner's stage yesterday to eat. President Rudolf… assigned her to dishwashing duty in the cafeteria."
The teacher's mouth twitched.
"Very well. It's self-study time. Keep quiet."
Back in the cafeteria kitchen, Peach Waves returned from shopping and spotted Oguri Cap among the assistants.
"Oguri, why are you here? It's not even dinner time."
Oguri Cap placed a clean plate on the rack and turned around, looking pitiful.
"I'm here to serve my punishment…"
Peach Waves raised a brow but didn't press further.
"Alright, you lot—go unload the ingredients from the truck."
She changed into her uniform and took command.
"You, slice the tomatoes. You, prep the pork. You, handle the seasonings."
The kitchen came alive with sizzling pans and clattering utensils. The aroma of freshly cooked dishes wafted through the air, tormenting Oguri Cap as she scrubbed pots nearby.
Her eyes locked onto a steaming pan of scrambled eggs with tomatoes.
"Prep the buffet. Today's special: 300 yen lunch boxes, all-you-can-eat—except Oguri Cap. Got it?"
"Got it, Boss!"
Oguri Cap flinched.
"Peach… you're excluding me right in front of me?"
Peach Waves poured the eggs into a tray and passed by.
"You can't blame me. If I let you eat freely, I'll go bankrupt."
"Then… can I eat at all?"
Oguri Cap stared at the dishes, drooling.
Peach Waves smirked.
"You're a special case. Different price."
"I'll give you all my prize money! Just feed me!"
After a month of tasting Peach Waves' cooking, Oguri Cap's stomach trusted her more than any trainer.
"Then you'll have to work. No work, no food."
"Okay…"
Her ears drooped.
Peach Waves chuckled.
"Don't worry. There'll be leftovers. They're all yours."
Oguri Cap's ears perked up instantly.
"Really?! You're an angel, Peach!"
"Just scrub the pots. I've got more dishes to prep."
"Right away!"
She glanced at the window trays, swallowed hard, and scrubbed with renewed vigor.
11:30 a.m.
Students poured into the cafeteria after class—and froze.
"Condor, why aren't you going in?"
Grass wonder bumped into her.
"Look inside… is this a hotel?"
Condor's voice trembled.
Grass wonder peeked in.
"Twenty dishes… three soups… This isn't the usual set meal."
She covered her mouth in shock.
"The old chef's meals were nutritious but bland. This? This is gourmet."
"Oh my gosh! Nishino, look! All-you-can-eat for just 300 yen!"
Urara waved her arms, eyes wide.