International Year of Pulses
"CCP! Kasen!" Tokinaka called for them.
"What is it?" Shokudaikiri (aka CCP) asked. Kasen gave a questioning look.
"The both of you might want to have this to create new dishes!" Tokinaka took out a book. Both the official chefs of Honmaru looked at it.
"...Pulses?"
"It means seeds. This receipe book focuses on how to make use of seeds to create unique dishes."
Kasen flipped a few pages of the book. "Wow, I never knew we could do that."
"Thanks for the remedy Master!" Shokudaikiri smiled. "I've been running out of ideas on what to cook because some of the guys were complaining about eating the same old dishes."
"Ask them to cook for themselves then!" Tokinaka laughed. "Seriously..."
"Nah, I'm more afraid they would burn down the building instead."
Kasen nodded in agreement. He'd rather he himself or CCP have the kitchen to themselves (or at least they are there to monitor anyone cooking).
"By the way, have you guys got your gifts?"
"You mean this?" CCP held up an object.
"Yep! Did you like it?"
"Uh. I'm planning to give it an eye-patch later."
Kasen held something in his hand as well. "I should give mine a flower then."
Year of Camelids
"Come to think of it, Tokinaka..." Tsurumaru asked as he saw his master approaching.
"Hn?"
"It's still winter, so why is tonight's party theme like a desert? I mean, the decorations filled with camels and alpacas?"
"Well," Tokinaka smiled at him albeit too amusingly. "Although it's unofficial, this year is known as the year of Camelids."
"Ah I see," Tsurumaru smirked. "I thought it's just another one of your surprises."
"It is indeed," Tokinaka frowned. "Didn't you get yours?"
"What mine?"
"Tsurumaru-san~" Midare called. "Here's your alpaca plush!"
"Eh!?" Tsurumaru flinched as a plush was thrown towards him and nearly got his face smacked. "Oh... it's quite cute!"
"Not as cute as your surprised face though~" Tokinaka teased.
Tsurumaru only sighed as he fondled the alpaca plush. "Thanks, my master."
"Welcome~"
"But why are there two extras?"
"They're meant for Higekiri and Hizamaru... actually I bought quite a few extras since we'll be having more comrades from now on."
"That's our Master, no doubt!"