"Fried... chicken?"
As someone devoted to Japanese cuisine, Yakushi Nonō was unfamiliar with the name of the food Nara Kaikei had mentioned.
But when he actually placed the so-called "fried chicken" before her, Yakushi Nonō finally understood why Nara Kaikei had spoken of it with such confidence.
A golden coating wrapped around the steaming chicken drumettes. The surface was covered in raised bumps like cracked fish scales, and tapping it with a fingertip produced a crisp, pleasant sound.
And once that crisp golden shell was torn open, white steam, the aroma of chicken, and the pungent fragrance of multiple spices spilled out alongside glistening juices, making one's mouth water uncontrollably.
Yakushi Nonō was not sure whether the big eaters of the Akimichi Clan could resist the temptation of fried chicken.
But she could at least be certain of one thing... her stomach's almost frantic appetite was becoming nearly impossible to restrain.
"Try it while it's hot, Sister Nonou."
Nara Kaikei pushed the plate toward her. The scent of fried chicken charged forward, unstoppable.
"Let's eat."
Yakushi Nonō only remembered pressing her palms together, then lightly picking up a golden drumette.
But by the time her mind cleared again, all that remained in her hand was a bare chicken bone.
"Subarashii—! Wonderful!"
Yakushi Nonō placed the chicken bone onto the plate, reuniting it with its fellow sufferers.
"Kaikei! I never knew you were such an amazing cook!"
"It's just that the food is novel, and it happens to suit your tastes."
Nara Kaikei shook his head, not accepting Yakushi Nonō's praise.
"Sister Nonou, what do you think of fast food like fried chicken?"
"It's incredible!"
Yakushi Nonō raised both thumbs, displaying a rare burst of youthful energy.
"A novel delicacy so good it makes you want to lick your fingers!"
"Then