At Totsuki Academy.
The venue for the Shokugeki, the battle was between Eizan, the ninth seat of the Elite Tens, and Shizuka Yazaki from the Sushi Research Society.
The theme for this competition: Pacific Saury Sushi!
"If I win, does that mean the Sushi Research Society can stay?"
Shizuka Yazaki clenched her fists tightly as she spoke.
No one had expected Azami Nakiri's reforms to come so quickly, and it was even more shocking that the Elite Tens themselves were spearheading the changes.
"Of course."
"But you won't see that day."
"If you lose, not only will the Sushi Research Society be disbanded, but you will also be expelled."
The light reflected off Eizan's glasses, giving him an intimidating aura that made Shizuka Yazaki feel a sense of dread.
"Okay... fine."
"I'll show you the cooking skills I've honed day after day."
Shizuka Yazaki took a step back and reluctantly agreed.
"Begin!"
With the announcer's cue, the highly anticipated Shokugeki began.
Unlike any previous matches, this one was being recorded with live cameras and broadcasted throughout Totsuki Academy to provide real-time updates.
The Elite Tens' goal was clear:
To abolish all research societies and clubs through Shokugeki.
While this method might not be as swift as a policy document, it ensured that any dissenters would be convinced by their loss.
...
Two hours passed.
Both chefs finished their dishes.
However, before the judges could announce the tasting phase, the results were already displayed:
5:0.
Eizan had won overwhelmingly!
The audience was stunned into silence.
"Hey, what's going on? Could the scoring system be malfunctioning?"
"The five judges didn't even taste the food, so how did Eizan win?"
"What?"
"The scores are already out?"
"At a Shokugeki, how could such a huge mistake happen..."
"No, this isn't a mistake!"
"The result is clear. From now on, the Sushi Research Society is disbanded, and Shizuka Yazaki is expelled!"
Eizan initially remained silent, but then he laughed loudly.
It was only at this moment that the crowd realized what had happened.
"You're despicable! Using such tactics to bribe the judges of the Shokugeki! I won't accept this result, I protest... I..."
Shizuka Yazaki, furious, yelled at Eizan.
"Protest?"
"Don't you get it yet?"
"Totsuki Academy is not what it used to be."
"What?"
In just one afternoon, nearly all of the research societies at Totsuki had been eliminated by the Elite Tens.
...
Noon, under the scorching sun.
Shadows turned blue, and the wild grass wilted in the heat.
After abolishing most of the culinary research societies, the Central Gourmet Institute suddenly announced that it would also abolish the only self-financed dormitory on campus, the Polar Star Dormitory.
This announcement caused another uproar at Totsuki Academy, and Satoshi, upon hearing the news, rushed back to the dormitory.
He quickly gathered the remaining students at the Polar Star Dormitory to discuss their next steps.
"Why?"
"Abolishing all the culinary research societies, clubs, and research teams wasn't enough?"
"Why are they targeting our Polar Star Dormitory now?"
Yuuki Yoshino looked exceptionally distressed.
"There's no helping it."
"Our Polar Star Dormitory has always been a unique entity within Totsuki Academy."
"And because I, as a member of the Elite Tens, have openly opposed Azami, it's only natural that we're being targeted!"
Satoshi smiled wryly.
He had not anticipated that even after losing his position as the seventh seat of the Elite Tens, Azami and his cohorts would still want to destroy the Polar Star Dormitory.
"What should we do now?"
"Should we obediently move out of the dormitory, or should we resist to the end?"
Ibusaki Shun, the quiet boy with curly hair, looked to Satoshi for guidance.
"Isn't it obvious?"
"We should surrender. They've already bought off the entire Shokugeki administration. Even if we resist, it's futile!"
Yuuki Yoshino cried out.
"No."
"I think we should fight back."
Soma Yukihira said firmly, his eyes resolute.
"Yeah, I think so too."
Satoshi nodded at Soma's words. "I've already lost my seat among the Elite Tens, and things have only gotten worse."
"I understand now that we can't just keep retreating and being weak. Otherwise, it will only encourage them to take more."
"And if I represent the Polar Star Dormitory and challenge Eizan to a Shokugeki."
"Then, by defending the dormitory, we can restore fairness to Shokugeki."
...
Some chefs make dishes according to the customer's preferences, aiming to satisfy them.
At this moment, Satoshi decided to personally take on the challenge, aiming to make a dish that would please everyone. Not based on their wishes, but by conquering the judges with his own cooking.
"I don't believe that those bribed judges will still rule against me after tasting my dish!"
Satoshi clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming with determination.
In fact, he had long been discontent with the practice of bribing judges. After all, the worst outcome would be expulsion. What was there to fear?
Moreover, his low-key behavior over the past two years had led Eizan to underestimate him, thinking he was an easy target.
So, he wanted to take this opportunity.
To show the students of Totsuki, the other Elite Tens, and the newly appointed Director his true abilities!
"Soma, leave the rest to me!"
Soma had hoped Satoshi would agree, but he hadn't expected him to do so so readily. Overjoyed, he expressed his gratitude.
...
Meanwhile, upon hearing that Satoshi intended to defend the Polar Star Dormitory, Eizan became uneasy.
"I refuse. Why should I have to face Satoshi?"
"I've already bought off the entire Shokugeki administration, so there's no need for a match. Besides, if I have to accept Satoshi's Shokugeki challenge, someone else should go, not me!"
Eizan spoke coldly in the Director's office.
New Director Azami Nakiri, seeing Eizan's strong objections, tried to reason with him: "Right now, Satoshi is the biggest threat in Totsuki among all the Elite Tens!"
"I've reviewed a lot of information on Satoshi. He's always kept a low profile during his time at Totsuki, almost spotless!"
"So, to avoid any surprises."
"I want you to challenge him in a Shokugeki and restrict him through this match, ensuring he can't oppose us in the future."
...
"Let me be blunt."
Eizan said directly, "I can't beat him. Find someone else."
"The judges will be the same as last time. You can rest assured and give it a try, just like against the Sushi Research Society." Azami Nakiri stood up and patted Eizan on the shoulder, signaling him to relax.
At this point, did Eizan have any other choice?
He could only shrug and reply, "Fine, if you insist, I'll do it."
In the end, Eizan reluctantly agreed to Azami's request.
...
At dusk.
The closed roof of the Moon Banquet Festival Hall slowly opened, forming a narrow open path as time passed.
Rays of weak sunlight streamed down through this path, illuminating the entire Moon Banquet Hall.
"Are both parties ready?"
Urara Kawashima, in her cute girl persona, spoke sweetly into the microphone, her voice echoing throughout the venue.
"Let's just start."
Satoshi, standing at his cooking station, took out some kitchen tools and replied calmly.
"I'm ready too!"
Eizan nodded.
"Great, then I hereby announce the official start of this Shokugeki!"
With Urara's announcement, the drummers began beating the drums, their thunderous sound shaking the sky, signaling the beginning of this match between two Elite Tens.
...
This match, possibly influenced by the previous bribery scandal, led many to doubt Satoshi's chances.
Unlike the previous match with the Sushi Research Society, this match attracted very little attention. Only the students from the Polar Star Dormitory were present in full force.
They held banners high, cheering for Satoshi with all their might.
The dish to be prepared was:
A flavorful snack!
At his cooking station, Satoshi used his expertise to create a dish he had always wanted to make.
The ingredients were all brought by him.
Perhaps driven by a sense of inevitable victory, the Shokugeki administration did not restrict Satoshi's culinary direction.
"These ingredients can be used to make some Chawanmushi."
With that, Satoshi got to work.
...
Eventually, time flew by.
In a rush, Eizan presented his dish.
Like last time, the judges did not taste it. Shortly after the time limit ended, Satoshi finally presented his Chawanmushi.
Chawanmushi, a Japanese steamed egg dish, is a type of savory snack.
In Japanese, "Chawan" means teacup, so the name suggests it's a steamed dish served in a teacup.
It's a simple dish known for its elegance and is
especially popular among women and children in Japan.
...
Upon closer inspection.
The Chawanmushi contained whole shrimp.
The whole shrimp in the small teacup looked especially exquisite and eye-catching!
Shrimp was the main ingredient and the soul of the dish. The vibrant colors gave the shrimp a unique flavor, bursting with aroma, and returning to its original taste. The added spices enhanced the shrimp's flavor even more.
The enticing aroma immediately piqued the judges' interest.
"This dish looks so tempting!"
"We should at least take a symbolic bite, right?"
"Yes, such a good dish, not tasting it would be a great regret."
Unable to resist, the five judges finally gave in to their greed and began tasting the Chawanmushi.
...
A single bite, seemingly bland, yet containing a profound taste, spread across their tongues.
This unexpected flavor stimulation left the judges astonished. They widened their eyes in disbelief at the teacup!
It's known that traditional Chawanmushi uses nine ingredients:
White fish, chicken, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, ginkgo nuts, fish cakes, gluten, and grilled conger eel.
Despite many years of variations and changes, the Chawanmushi found in streets and alleys today comes in various kinds.
However, Satoshi's Chawanmushi used traditional ingredients and added shrimp.
Such a simple dish reached new heights in Satoshi's hands.
"Impressive!"
"Seemingly bland, yet containing profound taste. It's amazing!"
"The broth is perfect, and the shrimp, meticulously prepared, is exceptionally smooth and elastic. This natural texture elevates the Chawanmushi's flavor to the extreme!"
"Dried shiitake mushrooms soaked in water, with the soaking liquid seasoned with salt, soy sauce, sugar, and sake, boiled and cooled. All ingredients harmonize perfectly."
"This small teacup holds such an interesting combination of ingredients."
"As expected of a Elite Ten, his skills are indeed strong!"
In awe, the five judges devoured every bit of the Chawanmushi.
The lingering aroma continued to stimulate their taste buds, leaving them wanting more!
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