"A Chinese dish everyone here knows?"
Everyone froze for a moment. That really narrowed it down—when most people thought of Chinese cuisine, only a handful of classic dishes came to mind.
"I'll keep it a secret for now. You'll find out tomorrow."
Kael's tone was calm as ever.
"Wait—Kael, you're not thinking of making that kind of dish again, are you?"
Shun Ibusaki suddenly exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention to him.
"Kael's specialty? Isn't that just Chinese cuisine?" Alice Nakiri asked, puzzled. She'd worked with Kael before—he'd said his specialty was Chinese cooking. But from Ibusaki's reaction… something didn't add up.
Her question made the others start to catch on too. In an instant, all eyes turned toward Kael.
"Kael-kun, you're not really going to use that kind of cuisine, right? Maybe pick something safer?" Megumi Tadokoro said anxiously.
Even she, who trusted Kael's judgment completely, couldn't help feeling nervous. Tomorrow's judge was none other than the Director himself—Senzaemon Nakiri. A single mistake could be disastrous.
"Relax. I know what I'm doing," Kael replied with a small smile.
But that only made Alice even more curious. It felt like everyone here was in on some secret she wasn't part of. Well—except Ryo Kurokiba, who looked just as confused as she did.
Alice's cheeks puffed slightly in frustration, and Yuki Yoshino—who got along well with her—leaned over to explain.
"'Poison Cuisine'? Inky Cap Mushroom Soup? Are you serious?"
Alice's eyes went wide as she listened to Yuki's explanation. Even Ryo, usually unflappable, looked genuinely shocked.
According to Yuki, Poison Cuisine used toxic ingredients—but through incredible skill, turned their poison into something flavorful, even nourishing.
It completely shattered Alice and Ryo's understanding of culinary logic.
"Of course I'm serious! We've actually tasted that soup before!" Yuki nodded quickly. "I nearly had a heart attack when I found out what was in it, but the result… it didn't just not poison us—it actually had restorative effects!"
"That's insane," Alice murmured. "I didn't think something like that could even exist. Still, Kael-kun… maybe be extra careful this time?"
She knew Kael wasn't reckless, but accidents could happen—and this time, the taster was her grandfather. If something went wrong… she didn't even want to imagine it.
Kael just smiled faintly and didn't answer. As long as no one actually got poisoned, everything would be fine. And whether he used toxins or not—that was entirely up to him.
The next evening arrived. The Shokugeki was set to take place at the Moon Banquet Hall, meaning the match would begin at night.
By seven o'clock, students were already pouring into the grand venue. Classes were over, and no one wanted to miss what was bound to be one of the most legendary duels in Totsuki history.
Fortunately, Totsuki's student body wasn't enormous—and the Moon Banquet Hall had been designed to accommodate the entire academy if needed. Its scale was breathtaking.
As Kael entered the arena, his gaze landed on the evening's MC—Urara Kawashima, the so-called "Sakura of Shokugeki." Her cute, cheerful energy was quite the contrast from her sharp professionalism on stage.
Moments later, his opponent, Terunori Kuga, made his entrance. Dressed in a crisp training uniform, Kuga looked fired up and ready… though his height was, well, noticeably "modest."
No wonder Rindo and the others called him "shorty." Next to Kael's tall six-foot frame, the contrast looked almost comical—like a grown man squaring off against a middle-schooler.
"Damn it, how is this guy so tall?! That wasn't in his file!" Kuga grumbled, glaring upward.
At fifteen or sixteen, most students were still growing—but Kael had already shot past one-eighty centimeters. It stung.
"Wow, look at that height difference. Looks like shorty's already lost one round before it even started," Rindo Kobayashi teased from the Elite Ten's seating area.
The other members didn't say anything—but their smirks made it clear they agreed.
Not everyone from the Elite Ten was present, though. Erina Nakiri sat with Hisako Arato, while Satoshi Isshiki relaxed among the Polar Star Dormitory group.
"Kael, have you decided what you'll be making?" Kuga asked directly.
"Of course," Kael replied with an easy smile. "I'm winning this Shokugeki, so you'd better start planning how you'll promote me afterward, senpai."
"Is that so? Then I'll be looking forward to it. But don't forget—you still owe me if you lose."
Kuga's eyes narrowed slightly. He couldn't tell whether Kael's confidence came from arrogance or strategy. After all, Kael was a certified Four-Star Chef now—just like him.
This was no longer a duel between senior and junior. It was a clash between equals.
Kuga took a deep breath and started setting up his station, pushing all distractions aside. Just as his preparations finished, Senzaemon Nakiri arrived and took his seat at the judges' table.
"Everyone, please quiet down. The Shokugeki will begin shortly!" Urara announced brightly.
The lights dimmed as the massive ceiling panels above slowly opened, revealing the glowing full moon.
According to the Moon Banquet Hall's tradition, the battle began when the moon appeared—and ended when it passed beyond sight.
As the first silver rays spilled across the stage, the polished tiles reflected a brilliant "path of moonlight" leading to the center. It was beautiful—almost ceremonial.
Kael glanced up, a faint smile curving his lips.
Under the light of the moon, the duel finally began.