"You want to be World Champion?"
"I want to be World Champion."
The question and answer hung between them.
Lokomoko and his sous-chef exchanged a look, their expressions entirely different.
The sous-chef thought Baimu's reason was absurd. If he wanted to refuse, he didn't need to say that. It wasn't as though they would force him.
Lokomoko said nothing. Looking into Baimu's open, steady eyes, he found himself remembering when he had been expelled from the academy.
Too proud to bow his head, he had sworn to become a trainer and chef as formidable as Elite Four Siebold, then set out to challenge the Pokémon League.
He had fought his way forward ever since.
"That takes me back."
A faint smile touched Lokomoko's lips. He couldn't help feeling the pocket that held his closest partner—Golduck.
"...Did you hone your cooking while traveling?"
He asked the question softly.
Baimu thought for a moment. Compared with his days in Pyrite Town, his cooking really had improved since he left.
At the very least, he had only gradually learned to make Shining Cuisine that wasn't stir-fried after setting out.
So he nodded.
Lokomoko smiled and asked, "Would you be willing to come back to Golduck's Smile someday and learn to cook from me?"
The sous-chef was startled. Hadn't Baimu just clearly refused?
"If you're still willing to teach me then," Baimu replied.
"Good!"
Lokomoko nodded. Ignoring the sous-chef's baffled stare, he went on. "But there's something I need to tell you. I'm sorry I agreed so hastily to let you work as a kitchen assistant. As this restaurant's head chef, I have a responsibility to our other guests and my partners.
"If you're still willing, you can stay in the kitchen and watch us prepare the food. I can answer any questions you