Roland lifted a slice of duck breast and eased it into his mouth.
With the first bite, his expression shifted. As he chewed, the stern mask on his face slowly melted into surprise—and the quiet satisfaction that comes from a truly fine dish.
"The skin is exquisitely crisp; the fattiness has been completely transformed into aroma. The doneness on the meat is flawless! A perfect medium, pink and juicy, with the juices fully contained. This degree of absolute control over heat—many professionals can't match it…"
From him, such praise was rare. After a few more slices, the chef known as "the man who never smiles" was, unmistakably, smiling from the heart.
"An excellent dish. Unfortunately, I lack the authority to award anything above an 'A'! Pass—grade A!" Roland announced.
As his words fell, a system prompt chimed in Shun's mind.
[Ding! Mission "First Collaboration with the God Tongue" complete. Reward granted: [Shokugeki Contract Template] ×1, and 200 Energy Points.]
Clean clear.
Impatient to see the prize, Shun opened the new item in his mind.
[Shokugeki Contract Template]
Type: Single-use Item / Mission Drop / Not available in the Shop
Description: Based on skills or knowledge the host possesses (subject to system validation), generate a temporary contract recognized under Tōtsuki Shokugeki rules. When initiating a Shokugeki, it may be offered as your stake, provided the opponent acknowledges its value and accepts. Only then does it take effect.
…
Just as expected—an item tailored for Shokugeki.
With this, he no longer had to worry about "unequal stakes" against Elite Ten members.
Shun's lips tilted upward.
"Done."
With the evaluation over, Shun had no desire to linger. He turned to the girl beside him. "Nakiri, nice working with you today. Thanks."
He headed straight out of the classroom.
"H-hey, you—!"
Watching him leave without a backward glance, Erina bristled again.
She returned to the station. Since they'd made a little extra, she couldn't help taking a small piece from the portion Shun had seared, dipped it in the sauce she'd made, and tasted it.
She needed to confirm what her heart already suspected.
With the first bite, her pupils widened.
Exquisite flavor detonated across her tongue.
Crisp, tender, fragrant, savory—dancing in harmony.
More importantly, beneath that perfect texture born from precise heat, she felt it clearly again—that familiar, soothing calm.
As if the dish didn't just satisfy the palate; it nourished the soul of a tongue worn out by perfectionism.
Erina sampled several more pieces. By the time she finished, all the irritability and unease had vanished.
"So Grandpa was right… This Shun—his cooking really does carry a peculiar power that pacifies the 'God Tongue'!"
She had the answer she wanted, yet somehow couldn't feel happy.
Was her fate going to be bound to this person from now on?
Her lofty pride bristled at the thought.
She was used to control, to the admiration and reliance of others—not… this, where her palate, even her inner composure, could be "held hostage" by another's cooking.
"No. Absolutely not." Erina clenched her teeth, determined to find another way.
But… was she truly resisting?
Even she wasn't sure.
…
Shun, unaware of Erina's turmoil, was in an excellent mood.
With the [Shokugeki Contract Template] in hand, the biggest obstacle on his path to the Elite Ten was gone.
All that remained was to pick a target and manufacture a reason for a Shokugeki no one could refuse.
"Yeah… best targets are still the Ninth and Eighth Seats. But which one first…"
Just then, a familiar silhouette appeared at the end of the corridor.
A tall, well-proportioned girl with sharp, short purple hair and keen eyes—the cool air around her felt different from ordinary students: the confidence and grit forged by years in real kitchens.
"Miyoko!" Shun called in surprise.
Yes—walking toward him was his childhood friend, Miyoko Hojo.
Miyoko looked up at the sound. When she saw Shun, a flicker of surprise crossed those bold eyes.
"Shun!"
Joy showed first—then she slipped into a mock-resentful tone. "Young Master, not even one phone call these past few days. Getting comfy at Polar Star, are we?"
He heard the vinegar in her voice and gave a wry smile. "Didn't think anything special was happening, so I didn't call…"
"Hmph. Nothing special—or you just forgot I exist? Or maybe the girls at Polar Star have your soul floating?" Miyoko stopped before him, arms folded.
Her words dripped with displeasure, but deep in her gaze hid a tiny, hard-to-catch spark of delight.
Running into Shun here—she was actually happy.
Looking at his childhood friend, Shun felt a rush of memories—those pre-Tōtsuki days when they sparred in their family kitchens.
He chuckled, softening his tone. "Alright, my bad. I'll call you every night from now on, okay? Or why not move into Polar Star too? Plenty of empty rooms."
He was only half-serious; he knew Miyoko's temperament—she wouldn't live under the same roof with people she didn't know well.
Sure enough, she refused without thinking.
After a bit of banter, Shun noticed a faint shadow on her face.
Miyoko was fiercely independent and rarely wore worries so visibly.
His smile receded. "Did something happen?"
Feeling his concern, Miyoko's heart warmed further.
…
(End of Chapter)
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