The Sharingan.
One of the three great eye techniques in the anime "Naruto," possessed by the Uchiha clan!
Its holders have extraordinary insight, able to see the flow of chakra, cast and see through illusions, and even copy others' physical and ninjutsu techniques.
Yes!
Unlike Subaru's copying ability, Asahi only needs to defeat an opponent or obtain their cooking tools to directly copy their skills and master their utensils.
Over the years, Asahi has been using provocation or coercion to make his opponents bet their utensils before a Shokugeki match. Once they lose, they must hand over their tools! Then, he integrates these new techniques, gaining even more culinary skills.
This ability is even more absurd than the God Tongue because Erina must at least taste the dish and understand its details and flaws before gaining insight!
But Asahi is different; he only needs to get his hands on the opponent's utensils to "steal" their skills for free.
...
In fact, throughout the entire plot of "Food Wars," Asahi truly fits the role of the "final boss"!
During the Totsuki rebellion, even the most talented Ten Elite members like Eishi, Rindo, Satoshi, Kuga, and others had to cook on the competition stage, showcasing their skills fairly.
The new generation, including Erina, Hayama, Alice, and others, also relied on their excellent techniques to create delicious dishes and win reasonably!
So why is it that Subaru, despite having a copying ability, is not as formidable as Asahi?
The reason lies in Subaru's meticulous nature, which doesn't match his bulky appearance. He observes each chef so closely that he can even know what kind of underwear they're wearing.
As a result, when his opponent cooks, every move and gesture is scrutinized and analyzed by Subaru!
However, his understanding and experience in cooking are limited, leading to his defeat by Soma in the Autumn Election, preventing him from reaching the finals!
What about Asahi?
He is different. Once he obtains someone else's utensils, all skills and experience are instantly copied.
For instance, his cloak hides dozens of chef knives, indicating that while it seems like Sonoka and Taki are teaming up against Asahi alone, they're actually facing a terrifying "monster" with the abilities of dozens of chefs.
...
"How is this possible?"
"These sun-dried tomatoes have a richer flavor under strong UV light."
"And the addition of basil and parsley makes this onion soup rich, smooth, and delicate, with a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It's just so..."
"No!"
"Impossible!"
"How can such ordinary ingredients create such an extraordinary moment?"
Taki, after tasting a bit, was stunned.
But soon, her face turned to fear because she knew that if they lost this cooking duel, Shunkatei would be finished!
"Taki."
"You noticed too, right?"
"The key to the onion soup is not just the caramelized onions but the broth."
"The broth he used seems clear and simple but is incredibly delicious once tasted!"
"Using uncooked meat and bones, directly put in cold water, blanched, and then washed to remove impurities before simmering with vegetables and herbs. The resulting broth is clear with a slight yellow hue."
"Sigh, we lost after all."
"This level of onion soup can be ranked among the best in French cuisine. How could we, even as Totsuki's Ten Elites, possibly compete?"
Sonoka sighed, then smiled wryly.
But soon, her smile faded.
She questioned herself.
Am I really that weak?
Maybe when striving for a two-star restaurant, she felt despair from Anne's disappointment and Mana's persuasion, leading her to thoughts of giving up.
And later, learning that Taki's restaurant was closed by the Midnight Chefs, she deeply realized:
Shunkatei would likely face the same fate!
Hate?
In her heart, she surely felt resentment.
But her resentment was not toward the Midnight Chefs who forced her restaurant to close, but toward herself... for being too incompetent.
...
"Cold water with pork."
"This allows the soluble proteins and flavor substances in the bones and meat to slowly release, keeping the broth clear and flavorful."
"If you use boiling water, the high temperature will cause the proteins to clump before they can extract, preventing them from blending into the broth. Also, the surface proteins and fat particles quickly release, making the broth cloudy."
"How much meat?"
"How many vegetables?"
"How much water?"
"How long to cook?"
"Even a simple onion soup faces numerous challenges."
"As chefs, all we can do is meticulously handle every detail and step during the cooking process."
After wiping his knife clean and returning it to his cloak, Asahi looked back at Sonoka and Taki. "Although your abilities disappointed me a bit, your dedication and seriousness to cooking earn my respect!"
"However, in constructing a new culinary era, sacrifices are inevitable. Many will be lost to history."
"Alright!"
"I'll be confiscating your utensils."
"From now on, Shunkatei is closed and cannot continue operating!"
...
World's best chef!
This title is something Asahi Saiba desires.
But more than standing at the top of the culinary world, what he truly wants is to use his cooking to conquer the God Tongue and break its curse.
This is easy to understand.
Before Zane appeared, the general consensus was that even the world's best chef might not be able to conquer the God Tongue.
And as someone who can copy others' abilities, he naturally wants Erina's cooking tools and the God Tongue's power.
Unlike Azami, who wanted to use Totsuki's resources and the Nakamura group to change the corrupt culinary world, Asahi hopes to lead a new era with his "Cross Knives," Joichiro's cooking skills, and Erina's God Tongue!
Now that he has defeated Joichiro and acquired the "strongest" cooking skills, his next target is naturally:
Erina!
...
Currently, Erina has grown to a level where she can defeat Rindo.
Technically, Asahi's ability has no limits. He can copy anyone and combine any two skills, meaning that any chef, no matter how powerful, can be surpassed by his combination of abilities.
Erina, however, is different.
Her God Tongue ability is primarily a tool, albeit a powerful one.
When cooking, she still needs immense skill, something many overlook. People assume she relies solely on the God Tongue, not realizing it's the result of years of hard work and training!
In short, Erina always combines her analysis and conclusions to improve her dishes, successfully crafting an independent "queen" image.
This is something Asahi cannot match.
Yes!
After all!
He is just a "patchwork monster" who copies others.
In the original plot, Mana concluded after tasting Asahi's dishes that his cooking, like Azami's, was empty, lacking any "personal thought."
Therefore, in Asahi's eyes, Erina is the last indispensable "piece" for leading the new era.
...
As the Midnight Chefs launched their collective attack.
Totsuki Academy, recently reformed, also ushered in new changes, preparing to enter a "new" era!
With the defeat of the Central Gourmet Organization, Azami voluntarily resigned, passing the role of Director to Erina. Consequently, the students' promotion exams were halted, and upon receiving the new Director's orders, everyone returned to Totsuki!
At this moment, in the spacious square.
People gathered like waves, the sunlight streaming through scattered clouds, casting various expressions on their faces:
Some smiled, moving easily through the crowd.
Others frowned, focused on finding something.
Some leisurely enjoyed this rare free time.
"Do I really have to speak?"
Behind the podium, Eishi's eyes showed unease and anxiety.
Hearing the noisy crowd, he nervously wiped his sweat and looked at Rindo for help.
"Of course, it has to be you."
Rindo shrugged and replied.
"But... isn't it inappropriate?"
"Given the procedures for changing Directors, it would be best for Azami, no, former Director Azami, to speak and pass the position to Erina in front of all Totsuki students!"
"Sigh, I'm just a useless person who can't even keep my Ten Elite seat, and I'm very shy. I've always avoided such lively scenes..."
Before he could finish complaining, Rindo interrupted, "Enough!"
"You haven't graduated yet. Even though the Central Gourmet Organization was abolished, you're still the first seat of the Ten Elites, and I'm the second seat."
"Besides."
"Azami left Totsuki long ago."
"So, you're the only suitable person for this ceremony."
"Rindo, why do I always have to clean up these messes?"
Eishi said helplessly.
"Because you're the first seat!" Rindo replied with a hint of annoyance.
...
Ultimately, with no other choice.
Like a deflated balloon, Eishi slouched and slowly walked out from behind.
He took the prepared speech and approached the microphone. Surveying the crowd, he noticed all the students staring at him, making him even more nervous, his legs trembling slightly.
"Ahem."
"Uh... um... ahem, good morning."
"Students, as you know, I'm Eishi, the current first seat of the Ten Elites, and you're all aware of the recent Totsuki reforms."
"In short, Director Azami voluntarily resigned during the promotion exams."
After these words, Eishi paused.
He silently watched the students. Despite the large number, it was very quiet at this moment. No one was excited, no one cheered, and no one clapped. They waited quietly for Eishi to continue.
"Yes!"
"According
to Azami's wishes."
"And after the Ten Elite council's decision."
"We've chosen Erina, with her Nakiri lineage and God Tongue talent, to be the next Director of Totsuki!"
"The Central Gourmet Organization created by Azami will be entirely abolished. The previous system of Ten Elites serving as instructors and changing the exam conditions will also be abolished! We'll restore the research societies, study groups, and club system."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone cheered, especially upon learning about the restoration of the research societies.
"Quiet."
"Next, let's welcome our new Director, Erina, to speak."
Realizing the atmosphere was off, Eishi wiped his sweat and signaled everyone to quiet down before announcing Erina's entrance and quickly stepping down.
...
Then, under everyone's gaze.
Erina, dressed in a suit, slowly walked to the microphone.
Standing there, she was like a noble queen, a dazzling jewel in a crown.
Her beauty was breathtaking, her gem-like eyes deep and bright, full of wisdom and strength, making people afraid to look directly.
Yes!
Her aura.
Exuded unparalleled elegance and authority.
Her golden hair was perfectly groomed, matching her suit, giving off a confident and capable vibe.
"I'll skip the formalities for this ceremony."
"Due to the Totsuki reforms, the Higher Education Department is severely lacking qualified instructors, so I will recruit skilled chefs to restore the original exam system!"
"Secondly, the halted promotion exams will continue."
"The previous exam results are nullified. Students who were expelled for failing can re-register."
"But."
"Don't get too excited."
"For this promotion exam, I'll control the pass rate at 100 students."
"In other words, only 100 students can advance to the second year!"
Erina's words were like waves crashing against the ears of every student, and they began to realize something:
Totsuki Academy!
Seemed to be returning to its original state!
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