At Totsuki Academy, food wars reign supreme.
As long as both participants agree, the academy is obligated to ensure the war is conducted properly, including providing a place and judges.
In fact, if someone managed to convince an Elite Ten Council member to engage in a food war and bet their spot, they could replace the member if they won.
Much like medieval duels to the death in the colosseums.
In this era, especially in their world, disagreements are settled with cooking.
This is the foundational principle that Totsuki Academy has abided by.
Since Mimasaka challenged Tsuna to a food war, it meant that their upcoming quarter-final match would automatically turn into a food war, as both had agreed to it.
The judges, who previously had to decide collectively who won the round, would now have individual voting power according to the rules of a food war.
The one with the most votes would not only win the round but also whatever stakes were set for the battle!
"..."
Mimasaka watched Tsuna leave in silence, barely containing his chuckle at the unexpected success in challenging him to a food war.
"Mimasaka-kun, isn't it?"
"Hmm?"
Mimasaka turned to see Marui, who had regained his composure and was adjusting his glasses, "I'm sure you've heard about Tsuna's accomplishments so far, so I hope you'll at least pose a challenge in the next couple of days..."
"Oh? This is a surprise..."
Mimasaka's expression remained neutral, but a sneer lurked in his eyes, barely concealed.
He had assumed Tsuna wasn't close with the rest of the team, but Marui's apparent hostility made him realize he had miscalculated.
Noticing the other two members, who usually bickered among themselves, now looking composed and glancing at him warily, Mimasaka nodded, understanding that the whole team was backing Tsuna.
"Well, since you're about to have a food war, I'll exempt you from practicing full-time with us. Feel free to prepare yourself," Sakamoto's voice interjected, and Mimasaka nodded.
"..."
Mimasaka looked at Sakamoto's carefree expression, which spoke volumes about the captain's confidence in Tsuna prevailing.
It amused him as Sakamoto continued, "As for what you have to bet on..."
"I want you to---"
"I'll do anything you want," Mimasaka interrupted.
Sakamoto adjusted his glasses, narrowing his eyes.
He gave a long glance at the burly figure in front of him and asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"Ito bet everything on this, so I'll do the same. No matter what request you have, even if it's for me to stop cooking, I'll do it," Mimasaka shrugged, seemingly confident as he silently thought, "Because I won't lose anyway..."
"Alright, say less..."
Sakamoto chuckled as the others narrowed their eyes at Mimasaka, roughly guessing what he was thinking.
"Alright then, since I don't have to train until the food war, I'm gonna leave early... Captain."
Mimasaka bid his farewell, waving his hand while walking away. He murmured to himself, "I remember I have to greet my new neighbor today..."
"...Neighbor?"
Though he wasn't too loud, everyone could hear what he said.
They all looked at each other confusedly before shaking off their confusion and continuing to train.
However...
Things took an odd turn for Tsuna the next day.
As he went outside to stretch, he saw Mimasaka walking out of the neighboring house, right beside his own which had been empty for quite some time as Tsuna's lips twitched at the sight.
"Good morning, neighbor. I just moved today, it's great to meet you haha..."
"..."
Mimasaka greeted Tsuna warmly with a cheeky grin while Tsuna chose to ignore him.
The guy was now genuinely creeping him out.
Since then, whenever Tsuna went out for his morning run, the shadow of a burly figure mirrored his movements right beside him, like a doppelganger.
Mimasaka mirrored Tsuna's routine and habits almost perfectly, freaking out most people who saw the two doing practically identical things.
Whether he was eating outside, training at the park, or running around the neighborhood before his restaurant's opening hours, Mimasaka was there, imitating him down to the smallest detail.
Even his clothing choices were duplicated!
One day, upon returning to his restaurant, Tsuna was stunned to see an almost identical establishment standing right next to his.
Mimasaka had even copied his restaurant, causing Tsuna's lips to twitch furiously.
"...I know my restaurant is kind of cheap-looking, but to think this guy is actually this committed," he muttered to himself.
He didn't know whether to commend Mimasaka for his dedication or to slap him for being such a creep.
Tsuna now understood why Mimasaka hadn't offered him money to agree to the Food War.
It seemed he had saved his funds for this instead.
During the opening hours, Tsuna's regular customers, including newer ones like the Sendawara sisters, were confused by the two identical restaurants side by side. It took them a moment to realize that the other establishment was run by someone else.
However...
Tsuna noticed that the other restaurant was far more crowded compared to his own, which usually only had four to five patrons at a time, despite always selling out by the end of the day.
Curious, he stepped outside to check.
Everything was identical except for the price—700 Yen compared to his 5,000 Yen.
This made him realize why it was so crowded.
"Is he trying to play a mental game? With me?"
Tsuna found it amusing and chuckled before closing his restaurant as usual after selling out. He cleaned up and went to bed right away.
That night, both houses, side by side, turned off their lights simultaneously, plunging the quiet alleyway into darkness as night fell.
After a couple of days of having someone mimic his every move, Tsuna found himself getting used to Mimasaka's presence.
He was currently running toward Totsuki Academy, having been summoned by the Elite Ten Council to discuss the theme of their upcoming match in person.
As usual, a figure wearing the same clothes was running beside him.
Subaru Mimasaka!
"Hmm?"
Tsuna glanced at Mimasaka, a bit surprised.
In fact, Tsuna respected the guy for his tenacity in following his routine, which would put most people out of commission halfway through.
He chuckled, "You're pretty resilient..."
"..."
Unbeknownst to Tsuna, Mimasaka was holding on for dear life trying to keep up with his routine.
Silently, the burly guy motivated himself, "Just one more day, one more..."
Slowly, as they continued running side by side, the academy came into sight, and Mimasaka nearly broke character with a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, he managed to maintain his composure as they made their way toward the building where the Elite Ten Council convened.
As they arrived, they were guided by students under the council as they walked through the corridor.
"Hmph, look at your shabby appearance..."
A loud scoff echoed through the hallway, prompting them both to turn and see Erina. Seeing her made both Tsuna and Mimasaka roll their eyes simultaneously.
This made Erina feel dissatisfied at how rude they were at her as she sneered at them, "You know who we are, yet you don't even try to be presentable. How disgusting!"
"Could you sh—"
"Shut your mouth, bitch!"
"...!"
Both Tsuna and Erina blinked in shock at Mimasaka's outburst.
The manner in which Mimasaka spoke mimicked Tsuna so precisely that it made Erina even more irritated.
Veins bulged on her forehead as she pointed accusingly at Tsuna, who had nothing to do with Mimasaka, and pouted, "Ito, you imbecile, why are you bringing this gorilla here? Get him out!"
"Why are you shouting, shut up..."
Tsuna shook his head while scratching his head awkwardly.
He then rolled his eyes at Mimasaka for this as he silently thought, "Bro's my intrusive thoughts..."
---
I saw the comments about the bet being boring, but chill out lol
It was for a good reason that'll be revealed on the next couple of chapters!