"Azami! No matter what you do, the future will not belong to you," Senzaemon said, looking up.
Azami's surprised expression quickly faded. He gathered his complicated emotions, got up, and left the tavern.
However, just before leaving, he couldn't help but glance back at Erina, many thoughts flashing through his mind. He knew he should take her away immediately, but...
Forget it!
With a sigh, Azami left.
Erina stood there alone, watching Azami's figure fade away, her bright eyes filled with determination.
...
Chop, chop, chop!
Zane finely chopped the ingredients and soaked saffron in hot water. He heated a pan with olive oil, sautéed garlic, tomatoes, orange peel, two types of chili powder, and then added white wine, reducing it by half. He added water, tomato paste, and herbs, brought it to a boil, and simmered it. Finally, he added fish and clams, cooking them until done.
A bouillabaisse was completed.
Everyone knows that top-tier cuisine doesn't come out of nowhere. It embodies the accumulated wisdom of humanity over thousands of years. Even seemingly simple fishermen can create world-famous delicacies.
The exact ingredients of bouillabaisse are often debated, but traditionalists insist it must include at least four types of Mediterranean fish:
- Rockfish
- Conger eel
- Red scorpionfish
- Mackerel
These must be cooked with fresh tomatoes, potatoes, and lots of fennel.
...
In one of Totsuki's molecular gastronomy labs, Alice was busy preparing for next week's promotion exam, working on bouillabaisse. Her version included onions, tomatoes, orange peel, oregano, parsley, thyme, basil, garlic, saffron, chili powder, chili flakes, olive oil, white wine, fish, clams, mussels, and shrimp.
For her, the key to good fish soup wasn't necessarily Mediterranean ingredients but fresh seafood. She avoided oily fish like sardines, salmon, tuna, and mackerel, which aren't suitable.
"Alice, you used so many ingredients in your bouillabaisse?" Her mother, Leonora, noticed the strong sea aroma and the many ingredients, making it hard to identify each one.
But Leonora knew Alice always liked adding saffron to fish soup, which not only enhanced the flavor but also gave the broth an enticing golden color, and adding potatoes made it heartier. Still, using too many ingredients might affect the flavor balance.
...
"Mom, the first test in the promotion exam is bouillabaisse!"
"I've been skipping classes, so I'm not sure how the others are doing. I'm just making it my way. Please, try it!" Alice said anxiously.
"Alright, I'll be the judge." Leonora couldn't refuse.
The black clams, red lobster, various fish, squid, black sea urchin, and white chunks of potatoes looked tempting. Tearing off a piece of bread and dipping it into the seafood broth, the taste was fresh and delicious. The potatoes mixed with seafood flavor resembled seafood paella. The broth was slightly spicy, highlighting the white fish.
"It's not disappointing, but not surprising either," Leonora said after tasting a bit.
"Can this dish pass the exam?" Alice asked, hopeful.
"Hard to say. In a normal exam, it might have a chance," Leonora replied honestly. Given the corruption in the current administration, anything could happen, including ingredient swaps, bribed judges, and unfair standards.
This promotion exam wasn't about testing skills but about students proving their loyalty to Central and Azami.
"We have to consider all the unfavorable factors. Otherwise, passing will be tough," Leonora said, patting Alice's shoulder.
Alice looked down at her bouillabaisse, lost in thought.
...
Night deepened, with stars twinkling brightly, decorating the dark sky.
In another Totsuki kitchen, first seat Eishi Tsukasa was preparing bonito. He gutted, scaled, and filleted the fish with precision, separating the skin and extracting the best parts.
"Was it a mistake to support Azami as the new Director?" Tsukasa wondered, wiping sweat from his brow, staring at the gleaming fish slices.
Initially, Azami felt dangerous, but after getting to know him, Tsukasa saw things differently. Azami was the only one who genuinely tasted and understood his dishes.
Was change as simple as Azami said? Could everyone truly appreciate fine cuisine?
Tsukasa was uncertain, but he wanted to participate in this transformation. His goal was to show the world the beauty of every ingredient. He realized his passion for cooking was unmatched, despite his self-doubt in other areas.
"If I've chosen this path, I should follow it without hesitation," Tsukasa said, resolute, picking up a Shokugeki application. He had written it himself to challenge Isshiki, who was seen as a primary enemy by Central.
"Isshiki, I'm sorry. Sacrifices are necessary for change."
...
Under the bright moon, both sides of the Elite Ten had gathered.
"Why pursue us so relentlessly? Do you really intend to destroy Polar Star Dormitory?" Isshiki asked, frowning at Tsukasa.
"I have no choice. Abolishing Polar Star is part of the reform," Tsukasa replied, looking deeply at Isshiki.
"Hmph! It seems we must defeat you completely!" Isshiki's eyes turned sharp, and he returned to his cooking station.
The Shokugeki began.
...
Two hours passed quickly. The result was out: 5-0.
Isshiki's face was grim. He had used the highest quality bluefin tuna sashimi, prepared with mirin and sake, but it still wasn't enough.
Bluefin tuna is the pinnacle of sashimi, known as the "king of tuna." Its fatty, marbled flesh melts in the mouth, providing a luxurious experience. Yet, even this was not enough to defeat Tsukasa.
"First seat? Is this the strength of Totsuki's best?" Isshiki wondered, disheartened, as he walked slowly to join Soma, Ibusaki, and Marui.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't save Polar Star," Isshiki said, patting Soma's shoulder.
"Don't blame yourself, senpai. We knew this might happen," Soma replied, forcing a smile. "You did your best."
"The gap between us and Central is huge," Ryoko said, distressed.
"Our dorm is gone. What do we do now?" Yuuki cried, unable to hide her pain.
"If they're so ruthless, we must fight back. We need to unite with other resistance groups and strike back during the promotion exam!" Isshiki said, fire in his eyes.
"Yes, let's make our stand during the exam!"
...
Shortly after Azami left, two familiar faces entered the tavern: Leonora and Alice.
"Ha! Looks like your whole family is visiting tonight," Zane said, bringing two steaming cups of tea to the mother and daughter.
"Zane, Alice has a favor to ask you," Leonora said, sipping her tea, which was fragrant and warm.
"What is it?" Zane asked, puzzled.
"Many lecturers at Totsuki are now Central members. Alice, who excels in molecular gastronomy, isn't interested in their classes."
"I was wondering if she could stay at the tavern like Erina," Leonora continued. "I want to keep learning from you."
Alice leaned closer, whispering in Zane's ear.
Zane had anticipated that some dissatisfied with Azami's regime might seek refuge at his tavern, but he hadn't expected it so soon.
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