The Value of Peak Brain Activity on the Last Night Before an Exam

"Manager! Manager! This is bad! Another customer came to complain about our chicken burgers. Said he spent the whole day running to the bathroom after eating one."

Just as the manager was reminding Fugaku to keep the oil temperature under control, a small, slender figure in a cute uniform rushed into the kitchen.

"Nonō, what number is this today?"

The manager's face fell at the news. Hokage's Burger's newly established golden reputation was probably about to be ruined.

"Let me count... this makes eighteen."

Nonō, who worked part-time at Hokage's Burger, tapped her chin and reported the number of food-poisoning customers in a single second.

As she spoke, she glanced at the mountain of fried chicken piled up in the kitchen, a hint of regret flashing through her eyes.

It seemed she would not be able to secretly take any fried chicken back to the orphanage to share these next few days.

"I'm sorry, Manager. This is all my fault. I'll take responsibility for the losses I've caused the store during this period."

Fugaku lowered his head, looking deeply remorseful and dejected.

If he had been able to control Chidori's output properly, he would not have made so much fried chicken that upset people's stomachs.

"I'm responsible too. My quality inspection was not strict enough. Keep working. I'll go explain things to the customers."

The manager shook his head, gave Fugaku a reassuring look, then turned and left.

"Damn it! I'm useless!"

Yet Fugaku's heart was already full of self-blame. Looking down at the mirror-still oil in front of him, he clenched his fists, his face full of unwillingness.

"How am I supposed to beat that idiot Nawaki like this?"

"Don't worry. Little Nawaki isn't doing much better than you~"

"Huh?"

Hearing Nonō's teasing voice, Fugaku looked up in surprise.