Zed offered no warning. Jirou and Granny Setsuno, seasoned by centuries, were beyond such concerns. Zed, however, harbored a flicker of curiosity regarding the others' impending expressions. It promised to be… enlightening.
The first sip of Century Soup swirled through Zed's mind as a cascade of ingredients, a vibrant tableau of Granny Setsuno's meticulous preparation. Each element coalesced into the intricate pattern of the legendary broth.
A wave of profound deliciousness washed over him, relaxing body and mind. The corners of his mouth began to lift involuntarily. But Zed, forewarned, wrestled himself back, suppressing the encroaching euphoria. A fleeting pang of regret accompanied the withdrawal, preferable to the vacant grin he'd witnessed before.
As expressions around the table contorted comically, Zed, Erina, Hisako, Mirajane, and Nono experienced a simultaneous surge – their Gourmet Cells were activating.
Zed's muscles rippled and expanded, condensing with newfound power. The girls seemed to undergo a full-body enhancement, their features sharpening, their beauty intensifying.
Nono appeared somewhat self-conscious. Erina and Mirajane, already paragons, were elevated further. Nono's petite frame was simply refined, lacking the dramatic height increase.
These nuances were fleeting. Zed's eyes snapped shut. The unfolding expressions were jarring. Several girls, belatedly realizing their slack-jawed states, buried their faces.
The altered states receded after several minutes. Heads rose, tinged with embarrassment.
"Mr. Zed," Mirajane ventured, her gaze questioning, "why didn't your expression change?" Several other pairs of eyes mirrored her curiosity.
Granny Setsuno chuckled knowingly. "That boy knew what to expect. With prior knowledge and a strong will, one can resist being completely swept away."
"Known in advance?!" A chorus of slightly resentful voices rose. Zed's omission stung.
"Ahem, my apologies," Zed offered sheepishly. "I'll definitely give you a heads-up next time!" He wisely refrained from mentioning his initial curiosity.
"Anyway," he interjected, steering the conversation sharply, "let's check our Gourmet Cell levels!"
Zed's level had climbed from 51 to 53. The activation propelled it to an impressive 65.
Mirajane's initial level of 6 had soared to 21. The activation pushed her further to 39.
Erina and Hisako, starting at 15, had reached 26, now standing at 42. Their levels were closing the gap with Mirajane's due to the logarithmic progression and Mirajane's combat focus stimulating her cells more. Zed suspected Sani's level would soon surpass the two chefs.
Nono's cell level, being a non-partner, remained unmeasured.
"Level 65," Jirou mused, "few could challenge you in the human world's wilds." Those exceeding level 100 typically sought the Gourmet World.
Despite Zed's level, Jirou recognized his exceptional combat prowess, estimating his capabilities to rival creatures with Capture Levels approaching 100, based on his Food Honor, unique Gourmet Cells, and dormant Gourmet Demon. Victory against the Four Beasts' sub-bodies, however, was distant.
"After dinner, come with me to the wilds," Jirou announced suddenly. "I want to see your current capabilities firsthand."
Nono and the girls exchanged surprised glances.
"Of course!" Zed replied promptly. He was here to learn. He resolved to showcase his skills without his most potent abilities.
Soon, their meal concluded, and they made their way to Granny Setsuno's Jellyfish Camping Monster.
"Though Zed has described these before, this is my first time seeing a Camping Monster!" Mirajane exclaimed, gazing around the gelatinous interior. Such creatures were exceedingly rare in the human world.
"Camping Monsters are wondrous, but their presence is fleeting," Granny Setsuno explained. "There's no reliable method for capturing one. However, with this boy's Food Luck, encountering one shouldn't have been too difficult!" Food Luck, she knew, could subtly guide individuals towards their desires.
This sparked a realization in Zed. He could consciously direct his Food Luck to aid his search for the elusive Camping monster, a detail he'd overlooked. Like Komatsu's journey to the Shokurin Forest, a focused desire could be subtly guided.
With the Camping Monster's effortless travel, they soon arrived at a desolate island.
Granny Setsuno and the others remained within as Zed and Jirou stepped onto the shore.
Once alone, Jirou produced a Point-Pressing Gun and swiftly applied it to key points. His hunched posture straightened, his frame expanding. This was the release of his body's natural restraints.
His true form was a powerful middle-aged man, a state he rarely maintained, as his strength bordered on uncontrollable. In his prime, his Fist of Ginesh could have shattered the human world without Granny Setsuno's Air Pressure Dome.
"Alright," Jirou declared, a grin spreading across his revitalized face. "This is more suitable for a proper spar. Come at me!"
Zed couldn't help but feel a touch of absurdity. Even in his seemingly frail form, Jirou possessed power that dwarfed his own. Nevertheless, he wouldn't hold back. His opening move was deadly.
A vortex of pure blackness erupted from his fist, tearing through the air.
The Black Peeler, a signature technique, possessed terrifying cutting power. Unleashed fully, it could have ripped the island asunder. Yet, a section of the swirling darkness was abruptly halted by a casual slap from Jirou.
"Powerful," he commented, "and remarkably efficient. Your Food Honor surpasses even those who have mastered it. You've learned to 'eat' well!"
As Jirou's grip tightened, the Black Peeler imploded. The resulting shockwave generated visible ripples and sent waves crashing.
"Just how strong is Jirou?" Mirajane breathed, awestruck.
"Still as dashing as ever, little Jirou!" Granny Setsuno called out.
"Even knowing the outcome," Zed muttered, "it's still… disheartening to witness." He briefly recalled Toriko's encounters with Ichiryu.
"Come on, continue!" Jirou urged.
Taking a deep breath, Zed summoned two Calorie Chopsticks, one pair sharpening to lethal points. "Black Peeler!"
His hands blurred, unleashing a barrage of black slashes.
"Impressive power, but a significant flaw remains," Jirou observed calmly. With a flick of his fingers, several slashes veered off course, colliding with others, dissipating harmlessly.
Before Zed could react, Jirou materialized, his finger tapping lightly on Zed's forehead. Zed was sent hurtling backward. However, Jirou's touch was light, allowing Zed to manipulate his energy.
Reacting swiftly, Zed condensed a spoon behind him, using it as an anchor. Simultaneously, he formed another chopstick and plunged it into his body, releasing the pressure points.
"Your energy manipulation is quite refined," Jirou acknowledged. "And your adaptability is commendable. Most wouldn't think to use that method. Your foundational knowledge is solid."
He paused. "I have a good understanding of your current level. We will begin your training tomorrow. Three months. The extent of your progress will depend entirely on you."
Having assessed Zed, Jirou was satisfied. While Zed's rapid Food Honor advancement was a mystery, his fundamental understanding was undeniable.
"Thank you immensely, Master Jirou!" Zed exclaimed, bowing.
Back on the jellyfish, Zed noticed the curious expressions. "What's wrong?"
Mirajane shook her head. "Nothing much. I just… didn't expect Mr. Zed to be defeated so easily."