Teriyaki.
A cooking method in Japanese cuisine.
It's simple to make, using a soy sauce-based, sweet sauce.
The sugar in the sauce gives the food a glossy finish, hence the name "teriyaki" because it shines.
The teriyaki mushrooms in front of me seemed to have absorbed the essence of nature. Just a small bite and you can taste the fragrance of the fields.
That wild flavor enters your mouth, leaving a wonderful, unforgettable taste.
Especially with one bite, the juice from the mushrooms bursts in your mouth, absolutely delicious!
Although the ingredients are just cheap mushrooms, carrots, and onions, the rich mushroom flavor mixed with the teriyaki sauce powerfully stimulates the taste buds and nose, making Hinako find each bite incredibly tasty.
"Just using mushrooms, paired with carrots, onions, and soy sauce to make teriyaki sauce."
"With simple stir-frying, you can create such a delicious rustic dish. You're really something!"
Finally, after finishing, Hinako sighed with admiration.
**...**
This dish is rather plain.
But daring to present such a dish at such an important training camp to prove her skills, for that alone, Hinako admired Megumi's courage.
"Interested?"
"Kirinoya needs a gentle Totsuki student like you."
Hinako, snapping back to reality, grabbed Megumi's hands tightly, seeing a hint of desire in her eyes.
"Huh?"
"What... do you mean?"
Megumi was stunned and flustered, not knowing what to do.
"I know about what happened with Shinomiya."
"He deliberately used spoiled ingredients to further eliminate students."
"Anyone would be scared in that situation, but you made a sincere dish with a strong spirit and won him over."
"And today, you showed me that true cooking should have kindness."
"So, I have high hopes for you and want to invite you to Kirinoya."
Hinako explained, seeing Megumi's panicked expression.
The residential training camp aims to hone students' practical skills, but outstanding performance can also attract the examiners' attention.
These Totsuki graduates have achieved considerable success in the culinary world, but many have hit a bottleneck.
Serving as examiners, they want to stay connected with Totsuki and also discover talented students to recruit.
**...**
"No, no, Hinako-senpai."
"I'm just a poor student with bad grades. How... how can I deserve such recognition?"
Megumi couldn't believe that someone like her could attract an examiner's favor and was a bit overwhelmed.
But she quickly regained her composure and refused repeatedly.
"What? Do you not think highly of Kirinoya?"
Seeing Megumi's refusal, Hinako didn't seem too disappointed, as if she had expected this outcome.
She let go of Megumi's hands and asked playfully.
"Not at all."
"Senpai, it would be my greatest honor to work at Kirinoya!"
"But in my heart, there is a place I want to go even more."
Megumi clenched her fists, thinking of the person who always helped her during her most lost and helpless times, Zane!
"Oh?"
"Now I'm curious."
"What kind of place is worth your dedication?"
Hinako squinted her eyes and asked with a smile.
"Senpai, the place I want to go most is the tavern."
"Although my current abilities might not be enough to help much there, I believe my ultimate destination is that tavern!"
Megumi's eyes were filled with determination as she responded.
"The tavern?"
"A tavern?"
Hearing this, Hinako showed a surprised expression.
**...**
Night quietly calms the Totsuki Resort.
A faint light reflects in the deepest part, gradually dispersing the misty clouds.
With the final exam over, the remaining 428 students gathered again in the grand hall of Totsuki Palace.
Five days and six nights of training had worn out their bodies and minds.
"I'm about to die!"
"When will this training end?"
In the crowd, a weary Zenji Marui, with dark circles under his eyes, spoke weakly.
"They've gathered us here again. Probably to announce the dinner test topic, like on the first day?"
Ryoko, equally exhausted, muttered.
"Who knows? Anyway, I never want to participate in this training again."
Yuuki shivered in fear as she recalled the events of the past few days, her face turning pale.
As panic began to spread, the General Manager, Gin Dojima, appeared on stage as he had several times before.
His expression was unusually serious. His sharp eyes scanned the room, noting that about 400 students were present, and he seemed satisfied.
"Congratulations."
"You've once again passed the training course."
"Becoming a top chef ultimately depends on yourselves."
"Totsuki Academy and we graduates are just here to validate your talents."
"A chef should always be confident, charming, and passionate. Only through meticulously prepared and creative dishes can they reflect their elegance and worth, showing greater respect for their diners!"
"Those who half-heartedly approach any task don't deserve to be chefs, let alone top chefs."
"This is the truth that this residential training aims to teach you!"
"Your future will be long, with many hurdles and setbacks, but tonight, you are the best students!"
"So, I announce the final phase of the residential training."
"Our Totsuki graduates will cook for a grand celebration. Enjoy yourselves!"
The hall fell silent, and the exhausted students held their breath.
Finally, they came to their senses and cheered.
**...**
"Wah, wah, wah..."
"Megumi, we finally made it!"
Yuuki hugged Megumi tightly, crying uncontrollably.
"Yes, it seems to be over."
Megumi's eyes were also filled with tears.
When she learned that the training had a 50% elimination rate, she was so scared she couldn't sleep, finding solace at the tavern with Zane.
Facing Shinomiya, she thought she was doomed.
But thanks to Zane's salt vinegar soaking method, she revived spoiled vegetables and passed the test with her improved Rainbow Vegetable Terrine!
Reflecting on this period, she had felt fear, confusion, helplessness, and despair...
But now, she could face her life with a smile!
"Megumi, do you think we'll get to taste the dishes of these seniors?"
Yuuki, wiping her tears, left Megumi's embrace, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Huh?"
"Well... maybe."
Megumi scratched her head.
"Wow, dishes from Totsuki graduates! I never thought I'd have the chance to see and taste them."
Yuuki rubbed her hands, even more excited and expectant.
"Ha, and we, the Polar Star dorm residents, all passed the training without anyone failing."
Ryoko smiled.
Seeing all her dorm mates safe made her the happiest.
"Yes, we all passed."
Yuuki nodded excitedly.
Led by staff, the students entered a larger hall.
Here, all they could see were various exquisite dishes.
Squid ink pasta, gunkan sushi, ark shell sushi, lasagna, braised veal shank, seared foie gras, stew noodles, charcoal-grilled salmon, pizza, lamb soup...
This feast of countless dishes made everyone lose control.
They quickly found seats and eagerly started tasting.
**...**
Making colorful handmade fresh pasta is as simple as making ordinary fresh pasta.
The only difference is whether you add "coloring," such as:
Green pasta uses spinach juice or cabbage juice as a natural dye.
Red pasta uses beets or tomatoes.
Black pasta is made with squid ink, hence:
Squid ink pasta.
For Yuuki, the first experience was the unique elasticity.
The pasta, carefully cooked, retained the perfect chewiness, neither too soft nor too firm.
This elasticity allowed the pasta to mix fully with saliva, releasing more flavor.
Then, the squid's umami spread in her mouth.
It was the soul of this dish, as if the sea's taste was condensed into the pasta.
With a slurp, the mild, long-lasting umami, like a gentle sea breeze, captivated her.
"Wow, is this really the food of Totsuki graduates?"
Yuuki was amazed.
**...**
"Megumi, hurry and eat."
"These dishes are indeed beyond our level!"
She gently pulled the dazed Megumi, revealing a mouth stained black with squid ink, reminding her.
"Mm, I... I know."
Megumi nodded, feeling hungry.
She scanned the area and was drawn to a plate of ark shell sushi.
But it seemed a bit far, so she stood up slightly, reached for a sushi piece, and examined it closely.
The ark shell's pinkish sheen contrasted sharply with the translucent rice.
The rice also had some vibrant fish roe, adding a touch of freshness and liveliness, like a piece of art.
The first bite revealed the ark shell's tender, smooth texture. As her teeth gently bit down, the ark shell melted in her mouth, leaving a rich ocean flavor.
This umami was different from other seafood, mild and long-lasting, unforgettable.
Then, the rice's softness and delicacy.
Expertly cooked, it retained some chewiness and a slight sweetness.
This simple technique, without excessive seasoning, brought out the ingredients' natural flavor, which Megumi admired.
"Amazing, this ark shell sushi tastes incredible!"
Megumi's eyes lit up.
She licked her lips and reached for another ark shell sushi, savoring it.
**...**
"How's the sushi I made?"
Hinako suddenly sat beside her, smiling.
"What? These sushi..."
Megumi, engrossed in eating, turned to Hinako, stunned.
She hadn't expected the examiner to seek her out and reveal that the sushi she was eating was made by her.
"Hin
ako-senpai, your ark shell sushi, from the rice's stickiness and chewiness, to the ark shell's tenderness, even the shaping technique and control of temperature, shape, and gaps, all reached an awe-inspiring level!"
Megumi expressed her genuine thoughts.
"How does my cooking compare to the tavern you mentioned yesterday?" Hinako asked curiously.
"Well... I think Zane's cooking is tastier, better. You can't compare to him."
Without hesitation, Megumi replied.
"Sigh, looks like I lost again. You really love that tavern!"
Hinako sighed deeply at the unexpected answer.