World's worst negotiator

As Rika arrived at the restaurant the next day, she noticed Himawari confronting Masaru. "Ugh, why is she so persistent?" Rika grumbled as she strolled up to the two.

"Why have you shown your face again?" Masaru glared.

"I think your employees are suspicious, but I actually have come for a different reason today. I wish to have one of your chefs help me bust an underworld syndicate and its members," Himawari stated.

"One order of butter chicken pot pie with naan crust, actually make it two orders," Rika hollered.

"Don't traumatize me again! I'm being serious!"

"Yeah, and that's why I'm gonna make those chicken pot pies, we're chefs not cops. Maybe eating two or three more will send you packing for good."

"I need the help of a chef in order to infiltrate a banquet. Well, more accurately I need someone willing to be a food platter."

"Yeah, that's a no; now you just sound crazy."

"Ugh, I'll explain, but this is CLASSIFIED information! Do not let it leak or I will press charges! As chefs, I'm sure you've heard of the grand underground cooking syndicate known as Nouveau Neo. These are chefs that work in the criminal underworld and are tasked with cooking for the world's shadowy elites. The head of the syndicate, Monsieur Mondeau, is a dangerous man that seeks to use his taboo cooking to take over the world. Our intelligence indicates he is going to be hosting a large banquet featuring many big names from the underworld. I'm proposing we infiltrate and bust all the attendees."

Masaru and Rika both shot Himawari unamused glares. "Don't look at me like I'm some conspiracy theorist! You two attended Tabemono Gakuin, so you should at least know of Mondeau's infamy!" Himawari glared.

"True, that man needs to be purged from the world for the atrocities he has committed against the art of cooking. I can effortlessly put that fiend in his place in a sanctioned and FAIR cook-off, but I will not partake in an infiltration," Masaru stated.

"Yeah, what makes you even think we could sneak in anyway?" Rika glared.

"Well, a little disguise can easily fix that. It's how I plan to get in. The problem is that I'm currently the only member on the infiltration team. The higher-ups won't let me go in alone, nor does anyone want to pair up with me to be the dish." Himawari sighed.

"Again, what do you mean "dish"?" Masaru asked.

"It's common for N.N. to serve some of their dishes on a living nude woman."

"Hoh, so I'M the intended recruit then?" Rika glared.

"Yes. Chefs are being asked to bring one female woman either to serve the meal on or to turn into a meal."

Rika's face immediately darkened after hearing those words. "So, there's more to it than just a gathering," she glared.

"Seems you're starting to understand the weight of the situation. I want to stop these insane criminals and save the innocents they've harmed. Plus, if the rumors are true, me busting them would net me a massive promotion which I could then rub in Father's face- ahem, but saving innocents is my main priority. We need to stop them; we've lost too many good officers to their clutches. So, will you assist me Rika Komachi?"

"Hmm, so you want me to be a nude model and have creepy shadowy pervs eat gourmet meat and sushi off me, right?"

"Y-yes, though why are you phrasing it like that?"

"Yeah, I say have you be the platter, and have me be the chef."

"Out of the question. I can't wear a disguise if I'm posing as a dish."

"Why not?"

"Because they'd see through a latex mask disguise. My face is far too recognizable too."

"Don't you think I'd be more recognizable than you?"

"We can just shave off all your hair and eyebrows. That way no one would recognize you."

"You're only further making the case of why you should be branded the world's worst negotiator," Rika glared.

"Please! No one else is willing to help me," Himawari cried.

"Then how about this, we both infiltrate as chefs. I can at least hold my ground against the chefs, plus it'd be better to have more than one chef."

"Your logic is sound. Though we'd need to find two women willing to be our dishes. Preferably two women that could easily escape on their own, be able to hold their own in a fight, and would not arouse suspicion. Hmm, come to think of it aren't there some girls here-"

"No. I'm not putting any of my employees in danger for your promotion."

"Then we're at an impasse. Though we still have some time before the event. I will attempt to convince my subordinates once more, but once again, do not carelessly ramble off the information I have told you. Only recruit someone trustworthy. And should I fail to partake in this mission, I will have all the time in the world to work on the Takeda case. The banquet will take place tomorrow night, so make sure to be at the station with your recruits by 3 P.M. tomorrow if you wish to aid me in the mission," Himawari warned as she left.

"Rika, are you seriously going to entertain that disgrace's fantasies?" Masaru groaned.

"I feel there's some truth to it, the problem is that she's just terrible at explaining things. How'd she even become a superintendent anyway?" Rika grumbled.

"Very well."

As Masaru headed back to the kitchen, Mimi nervously approached Rika. "I um, overhead," she sighed.

"I was afraid you would," Rika groaned.

"Why can't I help? I'm a capable spy- er, ex-spy."

"I don't want you to end up frozen again ever or worse. Besides, Stitch would say no too."

"But I can't turn my back on people in need."

"Then help out in a different way. In fact, I still think that woman's up to something, so it’s probably a bad idea for me to accept her proposal and bring you and Waki along."

"Oh, that is a good point, this could all just be a trap."

"Yeah, it's weird for her to suddenly change topics so quickly from last night. I'm capable on my own though."

"But she said you needed two-"

"I've got an idea for one. May not fit most of her criteria, but I know someone that owes me. You just stay out of danger. Only fight back if danger comes to you. Oh, and tell Masaru I might be a little late to work today. I'm going to go recruit the second person I had my eye on," Rika said as she walked out and made a phone call.

...

Helga scowled as Rika entered her restaurant. "Why are YOU here!?" she glared.

"Hey Helga, I'm here for a cook-off," Rika smirked.