"I see now! Combining the elements of fish and lamb... no wonder you called it the Molecular Umami Burger! The umami released in the mouth the instant you bite down is simply unbelievably intense!"
Feeling the umami spreading from within his tongue outwards – continuous, layered, distinct – Lansi's face wore an expression of clear approval.
He had seen Nakiri Alice get the lamb earlier, which was why he'd commented that she had interesting ideas.
Combining fish and lamb according to the golden ratio – this method was simple if you thought of it, but difficult if you didn't.
Cooking was like that. If you could conceive the idea, you could advance further; if you couldn't, you might remain stuck forever. It relied heavily on talent!
Sendawara Orie bit her lower lip lightly with her pearly teeth, the muscles in her legs tensing slightly, as if her entire body was exerting force.
If she could still endure Jiesis's fish burger earlier, Nakiri Alice's Molecular Umami Burger was truly unbearable!
Tasting carefully, besides the outstanding patty, the sauce in the burger was also unique, utilizing mushrooms and matsutake, elevating the overall umami of the burger yet another level!
Bang!
Meanwhile, Sendawara Natsume's fingers gripped the edge of the table tightly, her face flushed to the extreme, her breathing becoming incredibly heavy.
Her legs felt weak at this moment; the powerful impact of the dish had momentarily overwhelmed her! Fortunately, the table was there to block the view, preventing her unseemly state from being seen by the audience!
As for Lansi, although he was still savoring the flavor, he didn't show a significant reaction, merely closing his eyes and carefully appreciating the taste.
This was the true reason why Shokugeki duels between different levels required gourmets of corresponding levels to serve as judges.
Because only gourmets with sensitive palates and rich experience could discern the subtle differences in the details of both dishes and, through these differences, determine the winner between the two chefs.
Furthermore, exceptional gourmets were often Special Grade Chefs themselves, because only fellow chefs possessed sufficient theoretical knowledge to make the most precise judgments.
"It seems you both already have the answer regarding the outcome of this match in your hearts."
Exchanging glances, Sendawara Natsume and Sendawara Orie had recovered from the aftertaste of the dish. They were now taking small bites of the Molecular Umami Burger, faces showing expressions of enjoyment. At this intensity, they could still handle it.
Earlier, it was mainly because they took too large a bite. Coupled with the excellent taste, they couldn't stop once they started, and the impact struck directly deep within their bodies!
In that instant, knowing they might lose face in front of the audience, they had both subconsciously raised their hands to cover their faces, afraid their expressions were overly embarrassing.
Little did they know, this reaction was actually even more alluring – covering half their faces, revealing a hint of charm, possessing a certain allure of playful resistance.
"Mm, let's begin the judgment..."
Sendawara Natsume and Sendawara Orie nodded in agreement, clearly having reached their own conclusions.
Due to the microphones, their voices were also broadcast, reaching the audience's ears and simultaneously drawing the attention of both contestants.
The atmosphere in the venue fell silent at this moment, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone's gaze converged on the three judges: Lansi, Sendawara Natsume, and Sendawara Orie.
Who would be the victor?!
"After discussion among the three of us, the winner of this match is... Nakiri Alice!"
After a brief silence, Lansi announced the verdict they had reached. Sendawara Natsume and Sendawara Orie remained on either side with their eyes closed, seemingly resting, clearly endorsing this decision.
"Impossible! Why?! How is my fish burger inferior to her Molecular Umami Burger?!"
Hearing he had lost, Jiesis's face twisted for an instant. Then, in disbelief, he took two steps forward, looking towards the judges' table, his fists clenched so tightly they creaked. He cried out, utterly unconvinced.
"If we consider only the patties, the two of you were indeed evenly matched. Even if there was a difference, it was extremely slight. Normally, it might only be judged a draw."
"But the theme this time was the hamburger. It tested not only the deliciousness of the patty but also the overall harmony of the burger's flavors. When comparing the burger buns, your defeat was already sealed!"
Looking at Jiesis, whose face clearly screamed 'unconvinced', Sendawara Natsume wasn't particularly surprised. After all, these Special Grade Chefs all had immense pride; without convincing evidence, they would never accept defeat.
However, the outcome of this match was too obvious; there was almost no suspense regarding the winner.
"The burger bun? The overall flavor? Shouldn't the focus be the patty?! And her haphazard patty can actually compare to my newly developed Kaki no tane Fish Trio? That's impossible!"
Hearing Sendawara Natsume's explanation, Jiesis remained utterly unconvinced, suspecting some sort of foul play, especially since old Mr. Lansi seemed quite familiar with Dylan.
Since both dishes produced were non-glowing, it wasn't a case where the winner could be determined at a single glance.
"Nakiri Alice's burger bun contained dense, airy pockets."
"These pockets allow the patty's juices and flavors to permeate the bread, perfectly integrating the entire burger's taste from top to bottom, rather than having each component stand out as if it could be a separate dish."
"In that case, it's not truly a hamburger, but rather different dishes forcibly combined. Even if the taste isn't bad, its potential is inherently limited."
"In other words, you were constantly doing addition, while Alice was doing multiplication. Which approach is superior... I shouldn't need to elaborate further, should I?"
Facing the furiously questioning Jiesis, Sendawara Natsume didn't feel annoyed, simply analyzing rationally. This kind of debate wasn't won by whoever shouted loudest; it required presenting facts and evidence.
This was the role high-level gourmets like them played. Only with extensive experience could they use their formidable theoretical knowledge to convince Special Grade Chefs.
Otherwise, if it was just 'he said, she said', Shokugeki would lose the point of comparison; you might as well see who hired the better debater.
"And due to the vacuum baking," Sendawara Orie chimed in opportunely, "the bun's crust didn't lose its essential crispness despite absorbing the deep meat juices. It's unquestionably a very impressive burger bun!"
Sendawara Orie added her support with a faint smile. After all, the person she had backed had won, which made her happy too.
"Try it yourself. I knew you wouldn't be convinced, so I made a few extra..."
Nakiri Alice had been packing up the burgers from her station, planning to give them to Nakiri Leonora and Dylan after the match. Seeing Jiesis refuse to concede defeat, she simply took one out from the packed containers.
Although she was a little reluctant to part with it, she made a generous gesture to convince Jiesis. After handing over the burger, she stood aside, watching with a cool expression as Jiesis unwrapped it.
At this moment, Jiesis stared blankly at the burger in his hand. Such a soft texture – even when pressed firmly, it sprang back the next moment.
According to Nakiri Alice's explanation, some kind of special leavening agent was used? Anyway, after using it, the bread became this fluffy and soft.
Is this... so-called molecular gastronomy...?
Clutching the burger's wrapper, he opened his mouth and took a bite.
Infinite umami blossomed from the tip of his tongue, bringing an incomparably wonderful taste.
Furthermore, this umami wasn't released all at once, but in multiple layers, distinct stages – wave after wave, like the ocean tide.
Closing his eyes, he heard the sound of waves, saw sheep strolling on grasslands, welcoming a crisp breeze.
In this instant, even his soul felt free.
"Jenny..."
In a daze, on a quiet harbor at night, Jiesis saw a slender, frail figure. He couldn't help but take two steps forward, calling out softly.
Hearing his voice, the figure turned. Seeing it was him, she immediately waved her arms enthusiastically, looking very excited.
That was their first meeting. At the harbor docks late at night, the girl was seeing her father off. Having run away after arguing with her family, she happened to bump into him and his friend.
After that, the three of them became good friends.
"Why did you marry Naiteli?! He's so arrogant and domineering, even bullies the weak! Didn't you used to say you hated people like that the most? Why marry him?! I've become the kind of person you like now... can't you spare me just one glance?"
Hearing his voice, the figure's lips moved, but he couldn't tell what she was saying. Finally, realizing she couldn't speak, she could only smile at Jiesis.
And then... vanished without a trace.
"You'll definitely become the world's best Fish Cuisine chef."
"You have to cook for me every day then~ I love eating Jiesis's Fish Dishes the most!"
"Whoever marries Jiesis in the future will have endless Fish Dishes to eat! Just thinking about it makes me feel so happy!"
"Jiesis, you'll wish us well, right?"
Scene after scene flashed through his mind. They met at the harbor, parted on the plains. He remembered every word Jenny had said to him during that time.
"Wish you well..."
"Wish you well, my ass!"
"Flirting with me every day, but in the end, choosing someone else! Turning into this pathetic mess, neither human nor ghost, all for you! What a disgraceful fool!"
When he came back to his senses, the burger in his hand was gone, entirely consumed. Jiesis suddenly dropped to his knees, muttering softly like a madman.
"I used to be Britain's brightest rookie chef. For you, I left my homeland, came to Denmark, opened a Fish Cuisine restaurant, using it to remember you."
"But fifteen years ago, what I was originally best at was vegetable cuisine! For you, I changed my passion, became someone unlike myself..."
"No... actually, it was for myself. I have no right to blame anyone!"
As if realizing something, Jiesis shook his head seriously. It seemed Jenny had never actually asked him to do anything. It was just him, driven by his love for her, constantly giving...
"Since the past is broken, then let's start anew! I am Jiesis! Once Britain's most dazzling rookie chef! Denmark's Special Grade Chef most skilled in Fish Cuisine! Now... just Jiesis. A chef."
As the words fell, one by one, Jiesis's eyes grew clearer and clearer.
He then took out a razor from his coat. There, in front of the audience, the judges, and Nakiri Alice, he shaved off the slicked-back hairstyle he had kept for ten years, which had become his trademark.
•
"Congratulations. You won this match."
"It was a truly spectacular Shokugeki. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly. If there's a chance, I hope we can compete again someday."
Having shaved his head into a bumpy buzz cut, Jiesis rubbed it with a wry smile, then turned to Nakiri Alice and spoke seriously.
"I await your challenge anytime."
Nakiri Alice responded politely. For some reason, she felt this guy before her seemed somewhat different now.
He just shaved his head; why such a big change?
Could it be... going bald makes you stronger?
How weird.
Shaking her head, Nakiri Alice didn't dwell on it. After bowing to the judges and the audience, she ran towards where Dylan was standing.
Jiesis watched her retreating back, then looked at Dylan in the waiting area, whose expression remained calm, showing no particular joy over Nakiri Alice's victory. Jiesis gave a slight bow.
Dylan saw this and nodded slightly in acknowledgement.
It seems this continent will soon have another formidable Special Grade Chef.
"Forgotten her?"
Watching Jiesis slowly walk towards him, a relieved smile appeared on Toth's face.
"No. She's still deeply etched in my mind. Let's just treat it as a fond memory."
"However, that memory can no longer affect me. What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger."
"It's good that you've moved on. I've waited ten years for this day. Are you coming back to Britain with me now? Everyone misses you."
Patting Jiesis's shoulder, Toth's eyes held complex emotions. This kid's talent wasn't bad; if he could escape the shadow of his youth, he could definitely reach greater heights.
"Not going back. Next, I'm going to travel the world, experience cuisines from everywhere, and enrich my own cooking."
Jiesis shook his head, bluntly refusing Toth. After today's match, he thoroughly understood his own shortcomings.
His current understanding of cooking was still stuck ten years in the past. That wouldn't do.
He had to travel far and wide, learn from famous chefs around the world. Working in isolation would only lead to stagnation.
"I respect your decision. But other countries aren't like Denmark. You absolutely cannot be as arrogant as before. Otherwise, even I won't be able to clean up your messes every time."
"Don't worry! I've turned over a new leaf!"
"Congratulations on defeating a Special Grade Chef head-on. But don't get arrogant because of it. You're still some distance away from the Special Grade level yourself."
Watching Nakiri Alice run towards him, her face clearly written with 'Praise me!', Dylan reached out and patted her head, speaking thus.
Normally, he would definitely shower her with praise without hesitation.
But not now. Because he was leaving soon. Without someone to supervise her, excessive praise might lead to arrogance and potentially slacking off in her studies. Therefore, a little reminder was necessary.
"I beat a Special Grade Chef, doesn't that mean I can pass the Special Grade Chef exam?"
Nakiri Alice tilted her head up, looking slightly puzzled. She had defeated a chef who had passed the exam; there was no reason she shouldn't pass it herself, right?
"Under normal circumstances, there shouldn't be a problem. But that guy's condition during the match was clearly off. He probably only exerted seventy or eighty percent of his full strength."
"If he had performed normally, the outcome between you two would have been uncertain. But a win is a win; you don't need to overthink it."
"Finally, becoming a Special Grade Chef isn't just about being good at one type of dish. It requires assessment of comprehensive abilities, something you should have experienced."
Dylan said this. However, with Nakiri Alice's current skill level, if she took the Special Grade Chef exam, she would have at least a sixty percent chance of passing.
Specifics depended on the local Gourmet Research Association. Some places had difficult Special Grade Chef exams, while others were easier.
Among them, the internationally recognized most difficult exam was...
China, Guangzhou.
Therefore, even among newly promoted Special Grade Chefs, there were clear disparities in skill level. A Special Grade Chef who emerged from Guangzhou was considered to possess the fighting strength equivalent to a Starred Special Grade Chef right after passing the exam.
"Regardless! To celebrate Alice winning the Shokugeki, let's have a simple celebration party tonight!"
Seeing the conversation inevitably drift back to cooking, Nakiri Leonora pouted, suddenly clapped her hands, and pulled the topic back to everyday life.
"Good idea. I was thinking the same thing. It's a good chance to relax a bit."
Dylan nodded in agreement. Since he was leaving soon, he didn't plan to continue training Alice intensely anyway. Relaxing for a few days and leaving her with some pleasant memories...
"Why don't we have a barbecue party? Let's go to the market together later to buy ingredients, then barbecue in the villa's courtyard!"
Nakiri Alice clapped her hands, suggesting excitedly. Speaking of which, they hadn't had a bonfire party in a long time. The last one was on a summer night two years ago.
At that time, she had drunk a little alcohol and seemed to recall clinging to Dylan's leg whining cutely? She ended up sleeping in his room that night!
There was no helping it; after getting drunk, she refused to leave him alone. Dylan had no choice but to give her half the bed.
But he would never guess that she hadn't actually been drunk then, just shamelessly finding an excuse to stay. Though, she had indeed felt dizzy at the time and fell asleep before she could do anything...
"I feel like having some beer! Little brother Dylan, will you drink a little with me tonight~?"
"Sure. We'll buy some later."
Hearing Nakiri Alice's suggestion, Nakiri Leonora also looked excited, then grabbed Dylan's hand and chirped happily.
There was no one at home now who could drink with her; honestly, it felt a bit lonely.
Being busy all year round, she occasionally wanted to unwind too.
This bonfire party was an excellent opportunity to eat skewers, drink beer, and experience the feeling of being thoroughly drunk!
As they talked, Nakiri Leonora stood up and ran over to join the two. The three then left the Shokugeki Dueling Arena together.
However, just as they reached the entrance, a tall, imposing figure blocked their path.
________
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