"Of course, young Okabe's dish has quite a few problems as well. The overall flavor profile of his cooking leans more towards a Southeast Asian style, rather than East Asian.
And while his dish is primarily savory and umami with sweet and sour notes as support, the two are not very well integrated. It's not bad, but it fails to reach a state of ultimate sublimation.
He could try using coconut milk and curry. Using ingredients with a Southeast Asian flair like these would make the sweetness in the sliced noodles more logical.
However, that would require a slight change in cooking technique, otherwise it would greatly affect the texture of the sliced noodles. As they say, pulling one hair moves the whole body—this is also part of cooking's charm.
But East Asians prefer savory flavors.
Compared to making it a Southeast Asian-style dish, it might be better to switch the natural pigments used in the dough to ingredients with relatively light flavors that blend better with savory umami, like beetroot, kale, and gardenia. The specific choice will require you to experiment. Cooking is about progressing through constant exploration."
After discussing Erina Nakiri's dish, Hayato Fūrinji turned his attention to Okabe, pointing out the shortcomings of his 'Midsummer Four-Color Fruit and Vegetable Stir-fried Sliced Noodles'.
"You two, the problems in your dishes are surprisingly complementary."
After listening to Hayato Fūrinji's extremely detailed analysis, Miu Fūrinji couldn't help but comment with a peculiar expression as she thought about their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Hearing Miu Fūrinji's words, Kensei Ma stroked his beard and said teasingly, "One lost its original essence in the process of fusion, while the other failed to fully integrate its innovation. In a way, they are indeed very complementary."
"Erina, you need to first determine your foundation before you start incorporating a hundred different styles.
And Okabe, your foundation is solid, but you need to be bolder in your flavor fusion. The two of you are like two sides of the same coin."
Akisame Koetsuji also spoke up. Because the two had grown up in different environments, they had mastered different things, which naturally resulted in different strengths and weaknesses in their dishes.
On their own, these issues might not seem like much, but in a Shokugeki, these weaknesses are infinitely magnified when tasting both dishes.
This was the original purpose of the Shokugeki.
However, as it developed to the present day, with the emergence of light and dark culinary worlds and the growing opposition between them, the Shokugeki became a weapon to resolve conflicts and seize everything from one's opponent.
A Shokugeki like Okabe and Erina Nakiri's, conducted with the pure intention of sparring, has become a great rarity in the world today.
"You two should spend more time together and learn from each other's strengths,"
Akisame Koetsuji said from the heart.
"Then, the verdict..."
Hayato Fūrinji glanced at the other masters of Ryōzanpaku and saw they shared the same thought.
He then surveyed the room, his voice steady.
"Wait!"
Seeing that Hayato Fūrinji was about to announce the result, Erina Nakiri, who had been silent, abruptly looked up, a flame of defiance burning in her violet eyes.
"I admit my dish has flaws. But shouldn't the outcome of a Shokugeki be decided entirely by taste?
Even if my dish lost some of its original essence, in terms of the richness of flavor layers and its impact, I don't believe I lost!"
She looked at Okabe, a hint of provocation deep in her eyes. "Your Midsummer Four-Color Fruit and Vegetable Stir-fried Sliced Noodles has a solid savory and umami base, and the fresh sweetness of the fruits and vegetables is clever, but don't you think the overall flavor structure is just too mundane? It lacks that 'wow' factor, that decisive high point!"
Her words were like a sharp sword, striking at the core problem of Okabe's dish.
Faced with this sudden challenge, Okabe remained unshaken. Instead, an expression of understanding appeared on his face.
He had long expected that Erina Nakiri wouldn't concede so easily. No one in the world knew the pride of this young lady better than he did.
To make her accept defeat, he had to present a more compelling argument, otherwise she would not accept the result. He had experienced this many times.
However, the process of debating each other was also a way to consolidate his own knowledge, so he enjoyed it. He cleared his throat and began, "The judgment of a dish isn't based on a single standard of stunning flavor.
Satisfaction, aftertaste, and the most important element in cooking—the heart, what one can feel when eating it—are also crucial dimensions."
"Simply put, after the first bite, your dish has no more possibilities. Its flavor development has been completely sealed off by you.
My dish is different. With each bite, depending on the combination of ingredients, you can have a completely new experience!"
Due to her pursuit of exquisite plating, the flavor of Erina Nakiri's dish was fixed; the first bite tasted the same as every subsequent one.
Okabe's Midsummer Four-Color Fruit and Vegetable Stir-fried Sliced Noodles, however, had its ingredients scattered and clustered, so each time the chopsticks picked something up, it was different, and every mouthful had a different taste.
"Of course, the most important thing is that your cooking is very hollow, devoid of any emotion. You noticed that long ago, didn't you? Your face is redder than usual."
As he spoke, Okabe took two steps forward, his gaze quietly fixed on Erina Nakiri's face, observing her slight blush, his voice tinged with a bit of teasing.
"The Heart of a Chef is such a cheat!"
Looking at Okabe's smiling face, a myriad of emotions welled up, and Erina Nakiri couldn't help but curse. She understood that she had lost, completely and utterly.
The moment she tasted the passion Okabe had poured into his dish, she already knew she had no chance of winning this match.
But she still wanted to fight for it...
It didn't bring any flavor bonus, yet it just made the food taste better.
The passionate feeling she got from eating the dish was as if she were really on a beach in Hawaii, being hosted by the locals and dancing at a bonfire party.
"Yeah, the Heart of a Chef is a real cheat. But it's very hard to trigger. I actually haven't made a dish that resonated with the Heart of a Chef for a while now.
I probably only made this dish because you came, and after tasting the fruits of your three years of work, I got excited and felt I had to show you what I've learned."
Okabe placed a hand on his chest, describing his feelings at that moment.
Before tasting Erina Nakiri's dish, his heart had been calm, with no significant emotional fluctuations due to her arrival.
It wasn't until he tasted Erina Nakiri's cooking that he felt her three years of progress and wanted to respond with a dish of the same caliber.
The passion that ignited in his heart at that moment was the very foundation upon which he created this dish.
"So because you tasted my dish, your passion was ignited, and that passion was answered by the Heart of a Chef, manifested in your cooking, and ultimately defeated me..."
Erina Nakiri quickly sorted through the logic, a helpless smile appearing on her face.
She realized that if she hadn't made that unnecessary move—letting Okabe taste her dish before he finished his—the outcome of this match would have been much harder to predict.
"You could put it that way. After all, you've always been like a rival in my mind. It's impossible for me to remain unmoved after tasting such an amazing dish from you."
Hearing Erina Nakiri's words, Okabe shrugged.
"It feels like I pushed myself into the abyss..."
The girl's voice was filled with exasperation.
Although she didn't want to admit it, it seemed that if she had been a bit more cautious, her chances of winning would have greatly increased.
"It is precisely because of your flamboyant personality, your disregard for everything in the world, that you can create such a distinctive and powerful dish.
If your personality was timid and hesitant, I don't think your dish would have moved me enough to trigger the passion of the Heart of a Chef."
Hearing Erina Nakiri's complaint, Okabe shook his head slightly.
In a way, cooking can reflect a chef's personality, and that is the nascent form of the Heart of a Chef.
If Erina Nakiri were truly as timid and hesitant as she described, considering every move before acting, she would never be able to create a dish with such a powerful impact.
In that case, he would have been even less likely to lose.
"That's true."
Erina Nakiri sighed softly. The loss felt both unfair and not unfair. Had her three years of hard work not brought her a beautiful victory after all...?
At this thought, an unwilling expression appeared on her face.
"Don't worry about it so much. You've improved, and I've improved too. Isn't that normal? Even though you're not as good as me, you're already miles ahead of other peers your age. That's something to be proud of."
"I know you mean well, but what you're saying is really infuriating!"
Hearing Okabe's consolation, Erina Nakiri couldn't help but retort.
However, she didn't feel too dejected. After all, having lost to Okabe so many times since childhood, she wasn't entirely unprepared for defeat.
Except for her heart pounding as the verdict neared, she actually felt much more relaxed after confirming her loss.
"You won this time, but I definitely won't let you win the next one! If you let your guard down just because you beat me once, you'll lose badly next time!"
Looking up at Okabe, who was half a head taller than her, Erina Nakiri tilted her head to look at him.
Only now did she realize, when had he gotten so tall? She was about 145 cm now, so he must be at least 160 cm!
Why did this guy grow so tall in just three years? Not even growth hormones work that fast!
"Don't worry. As long as my opponent is you, I won't relax for a single second."
Okabe voluntarily leaned down a bit, looking at the petite, figurine-like Erina Nakiri, and spoke with a serious expression.
Daring to slack off against the God's Tongue? His culinary skills hadn't reached that terrifying level yet.
"Are you two done talking? Little Okabe, the masters are hungry. Hurry up and prepare dinner."
Hearing Shio Sakaki's voice, Okabe refocused his attention, agreed, and went to open the rice cooker that had been steaming since the afternoon. He started making fried rice with the remaining ingredients.
It was the fastest dish he could get on the table.
"The masters have put up with our nonsense for so long. I'll help too."
Watching Okabe bustling in front of the stove, Erina Nakiri tied up her hair, which she had just let down, looking refreshed and capable.
"Okabe-kun, do you know why Master Ma called us over...?"
Night fell.
Hisako Arato walked beside Okabe, and looking at the silent surroundings, she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. People have a unique fear of the unknown.
"I don't know, but it should be something good."
Okabe shook his head slightly and continued, "You don't need to be so nervous. Master Ma is a very easygoing person. Sometimes he's a bit unconventional, but he's very reliable when it comes to important matters.
Besides, he is also an incredible master of medicinal cuisine. I remember your specialty is also medicinal cuisine, right? Perhaps you'll have a great opportunity tonight."
"A master of medicinal cuisine?"
"Yes, Master Ma's medicinal cuisine is excellent in both taste and effect. The effects are comparable to prescriptions from many hospitals, and the taste is even more addictive than many dishes that focus on fragrance, crispiness, and spiciness."
Seeing Hisako Arato's puzzled expression, Okabe explained softly.
Kensei Ma's skill in making medicinal cuisine was formidable.
Over the past three years, he had been injured quite a lot due to Akisame Koetsuji's intense training methods, and he was only able to persevere thanks to the medicinal cuisine or medicinal baths that Kensei Ma prepared for him.
But perhaps that was also why Akisame Koetsuji trained him so hard...
After all, with a living miracle doctor around who can cure any injury, no matter how severe, with medicinal cuisine, you'd unconsciously ramp up the intensity.
"He's that amazing?!"
Hearing Okabe's words, Hisako Arato straightened her neck slightly.
Dishes that focus on fragrance, crispiness, and spiciness can easily become addictive to the consumer. The difficulty of making medicinal cuisine more addictive than such dishes was self-evident, as was the skill of the person who could do it.
In an instant, her anticipation surpassed her fear.
Before long, the two arrived at the door of Kensei Ma's room.
"Come in."
Okabe raised his hand, about to knock, when Kensei Ma's voice came from within.
After exchanging a glance with Hisako Arato, they silently pushed open the door and walked in. They saw Kensei Ma sitting cross-legged, writing something at a table.
"You're here. Find a place to sit."
Looking up at the two who entered, Kensei Ma greeted them casually and then continued to bury his head in his writing.
Time slowly passed, and just as the two sitting there began to feel a bit awkward, he finally put down his brush.
"This contains some of my insights from making medicinal cuisine over the years. If you're interested, take it back and have a look. Consider it a little favor for the descendant of an old friend."
"As for you, young Okabe, you'll start learning how to make soups with me tomorrow. Go back, take a shower, prepare a bit, and come back here in two hours."
Handing the freshly written, still ink-scented manual to Hisako Arato, Kensei Ma instructed Okabe.
"Yes, Master Ma."
Hearing his words, Okabe immediately understood.
He realized that tonight was for medicinal cuisine, so he nodded solemnly.
"Your name is Hisako Arato, right?"
"Now that you have it, study this manual well. I will come to check on your progress from time to time, and you can ask me about anything you don't understand in it."
Turning to look at Hisako Arato's face and seeing the eyebrows and eyes that bore some resemblance to his old friend, a touch of nostalgia appeared on Kensei Ma's face.
"Thank you, Master Ma."
Hearing Kensei Ma's words, Hisako Arato kowtowed in gratitude. Holding the booklet, which was still warm in her hands, she felt exceptionally thrilled.
According to Okabe, this Master Ma's skill in medicinal cuisine was extremely high.
A booklet written from his experience would undoubtedly be very precious. This time, she might really be about to soar to new heights!
"Alright, I've given you the item. You two can go back and rest for now. I still have some things to attend to."
After giving his two instructions, Kensei Ma waved his hand to dismiss them.
He had done what he could. How far the young girl could go depended on her own efforts.
Cooking is a very fair endeavor.
The amount of effort you put in will be reflected in the dishes you create. Conversely, if you slack off, that laziness will also be reflected in your dishes.
To reach the end of the endless road of gastronomy, talent is merely the basic entry ticket; perseverance is the most important thing.
"Excuse us."
Hisako Arato stood up and bowed again, then left Kensei Ma's room with Okabe.
"Okabe-kun, I'll make a copy of this booklet for you later."
Back in the hallway, Hisako Arato's nervous heart gradually calmed down. She then looked at Okabe beside her, holding up the booklet with a smile.
"Master Ma gave this to you. Are you just going to give it to me so easily?"
Hearing Hisako Arato's words, Okabe had a strange expression.
In his view, shouldn't something like a secret technique be kept hidden? Hisako Arato was quite generous, sharing it directly.
"You are Master Ma's disciple, so you will surely learn these things in the future. Studying in advance will only benefit you, with no downside."
"Master Ma has helped me so much and given me something so precious. I also want to do what I can."
"Besides, once you learn it, we can verify our learning with each other. Two people are more efficient than one, aren't they?"
When she said this, Hisako Arato's smile was particularly bright.
She actually had her own little plan. Okabe was Master Ma's disciple, so their relationship was certainly much closer than hers.
By building a good relationship with him, she would surely have more opportunities to see Master Ma in the future, at which time she could ask about some medicinal cuisine problems that had troubled her for a long time.
As the eldest sister of the younger generation of the Arato family, she had the responsibility and duty to develop the Arato family.
And to develop a family, the most important thing is to have a formidable expert who can stand on the big stage.
Becoming a Special-Grade Chef is imperative!
As long as she could become a Special-Grade Chef in the future, the Arato Group could firmly establish its roots in Japan.
Even a century later when she is gone, it would no longer be as precarious as it is now, besieged from all sides. If not for the Nakiri family's intervention, it would have ceased to exist long ago.
"Alright then, just give it to me when you're done."
Hearing Hisako Arato's words, Okabe didn't think too much about it.
Kensei Ma handed the manual to Hisako Arato in front of him, so he couldn't have been worried about him secretly learning it; he might even be encouraging it.
Otherwise, he could have just given the manual to Hisako Arato in private.
As for why...
Okabe guessed that Kensei Ma probably found it too troublesome to teach from scratch, so he wanted him to self-study for a while to make teaching less strenuous later on.
Based on Kensei Ma's usual behavior at Ryōzanpaku, Okabe felt this was a very high possibility.
After all, the more rebellious a child is, the more you try to teach them, the less they might want to learn. Conversely, the more you forbid them from something, the more eagerly they might learn it.
In psychology, this is known as:
Psychological Reactance Theory
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