Chapter 72: The Newbies’ First Day
Diego's Pov
Last night's tournament ended with a passionate match, and Kagura ended up taking the crown. It was pretty late, so the 4 of us who lost in the first round are gonna pay for dinner tonight. I already know they plan to wring us dry.
I can't tell what Nova's thinking. She's the cool and nonchalant type. She's definitely the unattainable type. If someone approached her at a party, I'm sure they wouldn't be given the time of day. Yet here I am, even if she says it's not a date, it's something. I've been here in District 4 for a couple years, so I know some nice spots.
"Sorry I don't have a ride to drive you in. I had a bike but I gave it away."
"A bike, was it a two-seater?"
"Oh, haha. It was a motorcycle."
"I see. So why'd you give it away?"
"Well… reasons." 'I can't tell her I stole it, plus I don't even have a license. I'll buy one with my own cash.'
"Hm.. Before we eat, take me to a place of your choosing."
"Anywhere in mind?"
"No, we're spending time together so I wish to get to know you. Anywhere you want to go is fine with me."
"Alright. In that case…"
Keeping Nova on her toes, I don't tell her where we're going. It's good to surprise ladies here and there, though I have no idea if she'll care for our destination.
"What's this called again?"
"It's a batting cage. I used to play baseball."
"Is there a reason you stopped?"
"Yeah. I wanted to get away from where I was, quitting baseball was a side result of that. I was pretty good at it."
"Did you enjoy it?"
"I loved it. Chifuyu and I have known each other since we were kids. When I got into baseball, I tried convincing him to also start playing it. But he was more of a basketball guy, and we even fought over not playing the same sport."
"Well, that's silly."
"Yeah, but it was undoubtedly the best time of my life."
"Hm.. Well, let's respark that joy. Shall we?"
We stayed at the cage for over an hour. I set a record for home runs and Nova was killing it for her first time. Afterwards, I decided on a place for us to eat. The restaurant is about 50 minutes away so we sure as hell weren't walking there. I called a cab and we were on our merry way. Naturally, I chose a 5-star classy restaurant. We weren't necessarily dressed up for the occasion but it didn't matter. Being the gentleman that I am, I escorted her into the building and all the way up to the 26th floor where we'll be eating. Arriving at our table, I suavely pull her chair out. Sitting down, I unfold my napkin placing it on my lap and ask the waiter for 2 waters.
"You have surprisingly good etiquette."
"That's your first compliment, that makes this day so worth it."
"Don't get ahead of yourself."
***
Meanwhile, Chifuyu started training Nicholas and Caesar so they can be ready for their first shift. Not even a few minutes in, they've run into a problem. Caesar has made a mess of his area with broken glasses, spilled milk, and cups all over the floor topped with whipped cream on his head. The other two watch in stupefaction.
'This guy is a total klutz,' Chifuyu and Nicholas think to themselves.
"Ha.. Sorry guys, this happens every time I'm let near a kitchen, although this isn't a kitchen. Haha."
"Why the hell did you take this job?!"
"I want to learn! I'm sure the reason Ms. Nailah hired me is because of my determination!"
'He 100% left out the part of him destroying what he touches.' "Well, you said it yourself. Your heart's in the right place."
"Don't let this guy behind a stove."
"Oh for sure."
An hour passes and they seem to be making some sort of progress. At the very least, Nicholas is a fast learner.
"How am I doing?"
"It's been approximately 39 minutes since you broke another glass, so we're getting somewhere."
"Haha. I'll take it."
"Hey, you two. Mind if I ask why you became Hunters?" Nicholas poses a question.
"Um… I just gosh darn admire them so much," Chifuyu gives a false answer, "What about you, Caesar?" He also quickly deflects.
"Me? Well shucks." He follows Chifuyu's current disposition, "To take care of my family, that's all. I have 5 younger siblings who I need to make sure have a bright future."
"Wow, 5!?"
"I'm so sorry for you."
"Oh, good afternoon."
Iris overheared him as she was walking into the cafe.
"Haha. It's not as bad as you think."
"I-I don't know. It's pretty bad for me, and I only have one."
"I take that back, must be different for everybody."
"Totally."
'Iris is making conversation with someone she just met. She's growing..' Chifuyu's so happy he could shed a tear. "What about you, Nicholas?"
"Same as you. They inspire me. I wanna help make the world a better place by getting rid of all the evil."
'So pure.,' The other 3 think.
"By the way, is it cool if I make some sandwiches to sell myself?"
"Of course dude. We wanna start doing that instead of selling the premade stuff we're given, though they are good. Do you enjoy making food?"
"Heh. Not to brag or anything, but I consider myself a damn good cook."
"Yeah? You and Shinatsu should have a cook-off."
"Oh, is she a fellow cook? That's good to hear. I'd also love to bake some pastries and croissants if you guys have the equipment."
"Hell yeah, you're awesome. The stuff in our cafe kitchen has been collecting dust, put it to good use."
"I will."
"Can you make macarons?"
"Sure can. They are hard to make though."
Iris leaps with joy in her mind.
"Good morning."
"It's past noon Ariel." 'She got way too used to sleeping in my shadow, I should tell her to start using alarms.'
For the next few hours, Chifuyu continued to train the two new guys in the art of being a barista.
"I think you're already set, Nicholas. Caesar, you still need some work."
"Thank you!"
"Understood. Hey, Chifuyu. Would you.. Would you be willing to train me in swordsmanship?"
"Eh? But you graduated from the Academy. What would you have to learn from me?"
"Plenty. You may not realize it, but you're a role model for young and aspiring Hunters. I'd love to learn from you."
"Thanks, I appreciate that." Chifuyu takes a moment to reply, "How can I turn you down? All praise goes to Shoyo though, he's one of the main reasons I am where I am right now."
"From student to sensei," Iris mutters.
"Look at you, you're already a teacher." Ariel pats him on the back.
"Does Mr. Shoyo come here often?"
"When he can."
"This job really does have a lot of great perks. I can't wait to meet him. Do any other Special Rank Hunters visit?"
"No, come to think of it I only know a few."
"Seriously?! You're a Hunter and you don't know all of the Special Ranks?"
"Heh.. Are you like a big fan of them?"
"Am I?!"
"Looks like you also admire them."
Caesar proceeds to tell Chifuyu all about the Special Rank Hunters as if they're collectible cards. Shortly after, Diego and Beatrice return from their outing.
Kagura runs over to the new girl ready for some gossip, "Hey Beatrice, how was it?"
"It was nice."
"Good on you, Diego."
"What, not what you were expecting?" Diego rubs his chin with a cocky grin.
"Yep, I thought it was gonna be a shitshow."
"Hey…"
"Hahahaha."
"I'm gonna punch you, Chifuyu."