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Erina Nakiri didn't like dishes like buns—or rather, she didn't appreciate so-called "Simple dishes." Having been brainwashed by Azami Nakiri, her views on cooking were, to put it lightly, skewed.
Dishes like Donburi, fried rice, and buns were, in her view, low-class cuisine. She valued dishes made with high-end ingredients and complex preparations.
However, knowing these buns contained something like "Culinary Heart," she would still eat them, even if she didn't like them.
And upon eating them, the Soul Soothing Esoterica quickly calmed her heart. With a tranquil heart, Erina naturally also spent time reflecting—
Actually, although Erina Nakiri looked down on so-called low-class cuisine both in her words and actions, her true inner feelings weren't like that.
It could be said that she was a very complicated person...
This could be seen from the fact that she remembered every single dish Soma Yukihira made. Even if, later on, she was moved by Soma and remembered his more refined dishes, what about before that? She had remembered those dishes from the very beginning.
So, this Young lady was a classic tsundere. Her views on cuisine were more like an obsession, an obsession with family.
Because her family was already broken, both her parents gone, she clung tightly to some things that reminded her of them.
Regarding Azami Nakiri, it was those ideas he had instilled in her—
But this time was different.
The Soul Soothing Esoterica freed her from the influence of her emotions, allowing her to see things more rationally, which made her start to question whether the way she had been acting was correct.
With this thought, Erina Nakiri's views on cuisine began to change.
While it wasn't possible for her to completely shift her perspective all at once, at least she had a good start.
A good beginning made everything easier afterwards...
....
Senzaemon Nakiri was also immersed in the Soul Soothing Esoterica, unaware that his granddaughter's warped views had already been partially corrected.
He, too, had a headache over Erina's ideas.
While Erina being influenced like this now wasn't a major issue, the problems would surface once Erina reached the First Class Chef level.
With such a distorted culinary philosophy, it would be impossible for Erina to find her own Culinary Heart. She would be stuck at First Class.
Having mental issues was a serious problem for Chefs in the world of Food Wars. It wasn't a big deal in the early stages, but the further they went, the more annoying it became.
Kojiro Shinomiya was a classic example.
It could be said that Yuuki had unwittingly helped Erina Nakiri greatly.
....
....
"So this is the Soul Soothing Esoterica. It really does calm the heart. Yuuki, have you already reached the Special Class level?"
Since Jōichirō's earlier words seemed so definitive, everyone now thought Yuuki had already become a Special Class Chef.
"I'm not a Special Class Chef yet. The Soul Soothing Esoterica is a very special type of Culinary Heart, passed down through a family. This Culinary Heart is quite unique, in that it can be learned." Yuuki said.
Although relying on the Soul Soothing Esoterica, he could indeed become a Special Class Chef, he still hoped to find his own unique Culinary Heart. Only something of your own was the most suitable—he was very clear on this.
Taking a shortcut, while it might not have problems now, maybe huge issues would arise in the future, so it was best not to take shortcuts.
He still had a lot of time—plenty of time to find a Culinary Heart that belonged to him alone.
"A learnable Culinary Heart? There's such a thing?!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked. Jōichirō's Culinary Heart had been self-discovered—and he had also mentioned that this was the obstacle that prevented countless First Class Chefs from progressing.
"Does that mean if Yuuki teaches the Soul Soothing Esoterica, those First Class Chefs who are stuck could all become Special Class?" Yoshino Yuki asked, stroking her chin.
"I'm not entirely sure. But I'm not going to try experimenting with that—" Yuuki replied.
He wasn't some kind of charity; while the Soul Soothing Esoterica could indeed be taught, why should he teach these people? Did these people have any real connection with him?
Yuuki's words also made everyone else nod in agreement. Indeed, Culinary Heart was incredibly important for a Chef, and a learnable one like the Soul Soothing Esoterica was even more precious.
Such a Culinary Heart couldn't be taught to others, even if they were willing to pay a price.
Although Yuuki had taught them many techniques, they also knew this wasn't because Yuuki was some saint, but because Yuuki was genuinely very good to his own people.
If it were anyone else, Yuuki wouldn't even bother with them.
....
At this time, everyone constantly reminded themselves not to reveal this secret; otherwise, the entire Culinary world would target Yuuki, which would be incredibly annoying for him.
Just like that, after everyone finished the buns, they went to rest.
For the final match, there was no need for a draw.
After all, there were only two people left, and the main ingredient to be used was also directly announced: "Pacific Saury."
After all, Pacific Saury was a very popular ingredient in Japan. Moreover, this season was when the Pacific Saury was at its fattiest and most delicious.
The finals were set for ten days later.
During this period, everyone needed to prepare their chosen dish and ingredients. The finals would still be held at the Chandra's Room, except this time, it would be in the evening.
Just like Yuuki's previous match, the moonlight would "purify" the dishes. The meaning behind this setting was quite good.
This match was between Yuuki and Megumi Tadokoro. Just like before, the outcome was already certain. However, Megumi was still giving it her all.
Since the fish market opened very early, the two made plans to head there first thing in the morning to pick out their desired ingredients.
"Are you really going to choose the Pacific Saury this early, Yuuki? We have TEN days!" Megumi Tadokoro looked at Yuuki, somewhat puzzled.
Yuuki had already chosen his Pacific Saury—and a live one at that, which made Megumi even more confused.
The reason why the school gave them ten days was for them to have enough time to choose the highest-quality ingredients and determine the dish they wanted to make.
The quality of Pacific Saury caught each day varied, so choosing it today, in her view, wasn't the wisest decision. Moreover, Yuuki even chose a live fish!
"I have my reasons—Ten days is enough for me to raise these guys to their optimal state," Yuuki said, looking at the Pacific Saury before him.
That's right. For these ten days, Yuuki didn't plan to directly purchase those fished from the sea. Instead, he would raise them for a while himself.
Using this time to nurture the Pacific Saury to the state he needed.
"Nurture them yourself?!"
Hearing this, Megumi was astonished. Even the others who had come to the market with them were utterly baffled.
"Is this REALLY okay, Yuuki? You've never raised them before, have you?!" Yoshino Yuki couldn't help but ask.
As Polar Star's resident livestock expert, she naturally knew how much effort it took to raise these kinds of ingredients.
She was fully focused on trying to create the Polar Star chicken, but so far, she hadn't completely succeeded.
"I have my ways. You'll see." Yuuki said with a smile.
He had already used his Vision to examine the physical condition of these fish. Although he hadn't really raised fish before, for him, even cramming last minute wasn't a problem.
His abilities, when applied to any field, could allow him to quickly become among the best, even surpass everyone else, in an extremely short time.
Ten days was more than enough for him.
....
Hearing Yuuki's words, the others didn't say anything more. After all, since Yuuki said so, they could only follow his lead.
Others might have the possibility of failing, but Yuuki absolutely wouldn't. Even if Yuuki didn't choose the best Pacific Saury and used an ordinary one, he could still easily win with his Culinary skills.
As for Megumi, since this was a competition, she naturally wouldn't use Yuuki's fish. So, she planned to visit the market every morning—
She bought some now to go back and experiment with her own dish.
....
The other Polar Star students returned to their normal school life. After all, there wouldn't be any more competitions for a while.
And the finals would also be held in the evening. That way, the students didn't need to worry about having classes; everyone could come and watch.
Just like that, time flew by. The first day, Yuuki browsed through various materials, forcibly stuffing this knowledge into his mind.
The second day, Yuuki started to look for the food Pacific Saury liked and added something to it. After being eaten, these added things could naturally adjust the condition of the Pacific Saury.
Yuuki wasn't worried about accidentally killing the fish. If he could kill the fish in his care, THAT would be strange.
Starting from the third day, slight changes began to appear in the Pacific Saury's bodies. And the speed of these changes continuously accelerated, increasing every day.
Until the tenth day, the Pacific Saury that Yuuki had been raising had all grown larger in size. Of course, the key wasn't the size, but the meat quality.
The meat quality of these Pacific Saury, Yuuki guaranteed that absolutely nothing comparable could be found on the market.
....
"YUUKI!!!"
Seeing Yuuki's masterpiece, Yoshino Yuki immediately lunged forward, tackling and hugging one of his legs.
The animal husbandry skills Yuuki demonstrated made her realize that if she wanted to create her Polar Star Chicken, it seemed she would need his help.
Yuuki was simply too all-rounded, easily able to cross the threshold of different industries and quickly reach an unattainable level.
"Let go first. When I have time later, I'll help you with your Polar Star Chickens."
Yuuki was also somewhat amused.
Yoshino Yuki was practically a pendant now. Moreover, raising this Pacific Saury during this period did make Yuuki develop some interest in this aspect.
So he agreed to Yoshino Yuki's request. He just happened to have ready-made experimental subjects here.
....
With Yuuki's preparations complete, Megumi Tadokoro's side naturally also went very smoothly.
Time quickly reached the evening. At 7:10 PM, everyone gathered at the Chandra's Room.
"The judge isn't just the Director alone this time?"
After arriving at the venue, everyone was a bit curious upon seeing the three chairs at the judge's table. They could be certain of one thing:
Senzaemon Nakiri would definitely be present.
But this time, there were actually three chairs...
They were also very curious. After the previous incidents, who could be invited to be partners with Senzaemon as judges?
Just as everyone was curious, the host, Satoshi Isshiki, appeared. Because the finals were very important, even the host was changed to Satoshi Isshiki, an Elite Ten member.
Isshiki had also changed into a formal suit. It had to be said, this guy was indeed quite handsome. Just standing there, he attracted the attention of many girls.
And as Isshiki introduced the judges, everyone finally knew who the judges were.
First, undoubtedly, was Senzaemon Nakiri. After all, Senzaemon Nakiri now seemed to be bound to Yuuki.
But the students and professors weren't surprised by this. If they were the Director, they would also do the same. Yuuki had given them too many surprises.
So, if they could eat Yuuki's cooking, using their authority a bit was also understandable.
As for the second judge, it was also someone everyone was familiar with:
Gin Dojima.
He had been called back from the Tōtsuki Resort by Senzaemon Nakiri.
Gin Dojima was also very happy to come.
Keep in mind, the competitors in this match were all from Polar Star, his own people.
Plus, Yuuki, this junior of his, was also here; he naturally couldn't not come.
Recently, he had also been paying attention to the Autumn Elections and knew about Yuuki's series of otherworldly moves during the competition.
He was now also very curious about just how far Yuuki could go.
As for the last judge, everyone was stunned when she appeared.
"Huh? That's Mom! She's actually here as a judge for the final round of the Autumn Elections!"
Upon seeing the last person to appear, Alice Nakiri, without another word, directly left the audience seats and headed toward the judges' table.
Although it was the finals now, with her own mother there, she didn't care about anything else and just went straight over.
"That's Alice's mom?! Alice's mom is SO BEAUTIFUL!" Everyone couldn't help but exclaim upon seeing Alice's mother, Leonora Nakiri.
Yuuki also found her rather stunning. Although Alice's appearance was already a sight to behold, her mother was clearly also not lacking.
Leonora Nakiri had a very elegant demeanor. But as soon as she spoke, this elegance vanished completely. Her behavior and manners were very similar to Alice's.
Even though Alice didn't often stay with her mother, her behavior was much the same as Leonora's.
Both could be considered rather unreserved types.
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