[A-Note: Where are all these power stones coming from? Did you cheat or something? I just uploaded 2 chapters earlier, and now we have 2 more?]
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At that moment, Dojima Gin felt a surge of power coursing through his body. It was as though the dish held a mysterious energy, akin to a volcanic eruption, filling him with warmth and an indescribable sense of comfort.
"The dumpling skin is tender yet elastic. With each bite, the juices from the four fillings explode, releasing a potent seafood flavor—like an underwater volcano erupting. The taste is incredible!"
Unable to contain himself any longer, Dojima Gin sprang from his seat, stripping off his clothes to reveal a muscular physique, reminiscent of a bodybuilder. "I feel overflowing with strength!"
The entire venue fell into stunned silence, shocked by Dojima Gin's unexpected outburst. Many of the girls covered their eyes in embarrassment.
"What's happening?"
"Is the food really so delicious that it makes you take your clothes off?"
For a moment, no one knew how to react.
Eizan's face turned pale as a creeping sense of dread began to settle in.
"The four distinct fillings—sea cucumber, egg, shrimp, and cabbage—combine beautifully. The sea cucumber brings a fresh, oceanic flavor, the egg is smooth, the shrimp firm and tender, and the cabbage sweet. When you bite into it, the flavors burst like the seeds of an impatiens plant, creating an explosion of taste!"
Chapelle's cheeks flushed as his eyes narrowed in pure delight, a dreamy smile spreading across his face.
Only Senzaemon remained outwardly composed, as still as a mountain, embodying the presence of a true leader. Yet inwardly, he felt a deep stir—his underwear had torn without anyone noticing, leaving him feeling oddly refreshed.
"This dish is flawless in every way," he declared in a deep voice, while continuing to devour dumpling after dumpling without pause.
Chapelle and Dojima Gin, too, seemed entranced by the dish, as if it possessed a magical pull that made them unable to stop eating.
It felt as though a fire had ignited within the judges, filling them with strength, making their bodies feel more powerful. Soon enough, the plates in front of them were wiped clean. Every dumpling had been consumed!
"Is the dish really that good?" Kuga asked, disbelief written across his face. As the leader of the Chinese Cuisine Research Society, he had experience with all kinds of cuisines, even beyond his mastery of Sichuan dishes. He could make Four Happy Dumplings himself, but never with such brilliance.
"Judging by their reactions, this first-year student's dish seems even better than Eizan's! But how is that possible? Could he really match the skills of the Elite Ten?"
Nene looked equally stunned. After all, in the first year, only Erina had earned a spot in the top ten.
"That guy…" Erina's eyes were fixed on Sui, lost in thought.
The entire venue was silent, everyone shocked by the judges' response to the dish.
Eizan's expression grew darker and more strained.
After what felt like an eternity, Kawashima Reiya, the host, snapped out of her daze. Her face flushed, she swallowed hard and, resisting her own hunger, finally announced, "Just now… Sui Mizushima's cooking has left a deep impression on everyone. Now, we ask the judges to declare the winner of this Shokugeki."
The entire audience held their breath, eyes glued to the three judges, anxiety rippling through the room. Even the Elite Ten members, like Eishi and Isshiki, appeared tense, sensing that something monumental was about to unfold.
"The winner of this Shokugeki is…" Senzaemon took a deep breath, his voice solemn, "Sui."
"I agree," Dojima Gin added, without hesitation.
"I concur," Chapelle confirmed.
The venue fell deathly silent. No one could have predicted that Eizan Etsuya, the ninth-ranked member of the Elite Ten, would lose 3-0 to a first-year student in a Shokugeki!
Kawashima Reiya, shaken, finally found her voice. "The winner of this Shokugeki is Sui Mizushima, with a 3-0 victory!" she announced, her voice trembling.
"Eizan-senpai actually lost!"
"And it was a crushing defeat!"
"This can't be happening!"
The students, previously frozen in disbelief, erupted in chaos.
What had been expected to be a one-sided battle had ended with Eizan Etsuya's total defeat!
Under normal circumstances, the audience might have questioned the judges' decision, but Senzaemon and Dojima Gin—Tōtsuki's commander-in-chief and its most accomplished graduate—were beyond reproach. There could be no mistake.
"No way… Did Eizan really lose?" Kuga stood in stunned silence.
"He lost because he underestimated his opponent," Eishi remarked calmly.
Meanwhile, Megumi, Yoshino, and others burst with joy.
"I told you! Sui wouldn't lose!" Yoshino cheered.
Erina let out a sigh of relief but quickly remembered something that caused her face to flush red.
"Damn brat!"
Eizan's face twisted with rage and humiliation. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to be humiliated by a first-year student. It was an unforgivable disgrace.
"The results are out, Eizan -senpai," Sui's voice cut through the air. He spoke calmly but firmly, "Now, kneel down and apologize to me."
Eizan's face turned ashen. He had momentarily forgotten about their wager, and now the weight of his defeat sank in, making his humiliation all the more unbearable.
Kneeling down and apologizing to Sui, in front of everyone, felt more humiliating than death.
"The terms of your bet were clear," Senzaemon reminded him, his tone neutral. "Though it may be difficult for you, as a chef, you must uphold the promises you make. If you fail to honor the bet, the Shokugeki Administration will have no choice but to expel you from school."
Chapelle and Dojima Gin shared the same expression of indifference.
Tōtsuki's philosophy was ruthless—99% of students were mere stepping stones to sharpen the 1% who would emerge as gems. Even if Eizan was one of the Elite Ten, his defeat left no room for sympathy.
Pale and trembling, Eizan struggled inwardly. In the end, faced with the threat of expulsion, he conceded. Kneeling to the ground, he gritted his teeth and muttered, "I was wrong."