While Kael cooked, everyone stayed glued to him. His knife skills combined with the Hundred-Hole Knife were pure art — none of them could look away.
They watched as Kael effortlessly broke down every ingredient with the blade in his hand, making the Hundred-Hole Knife dance in ways they didn't think were possible.
He even sliced through bones with ease — something that should've destroyed such a fragile knife. But with Divine Touch, Divine Sight, and precise control, he made it look effortless.
Meanwhile, during the Polar Star Dorm's group meal, at the WGO headquarters, Mana Nakiri received word about Kael's Special Ability — a power rumored to rival the God's Tongue.
As the current holder of the God's Tongue, she naturally paid attention the moment such news spread.
"Divine Hearing? A Special Ability comparable to the God's Tongue… and appearing at Totsuki of all places."
Mana knew plenty about the Jewel Generation. After all, Senzaemon had been aggressively gathering talented young chefs, even sending Erina to Totsuki. The motive was obvious — they were desperate to solve the God's Tongue's fatal flaw.
She'd never stopped searching for a solution herself. But the more she searched, the more hopeless it felt.
She was so desperate that she'd even started looking toward the Midnight Chefs — the culinary equivalent of the Bright Cooking World relying on talent from the Dark Cooking Society.
That alone showed how far she was willing to go to overcome the curse of the God's Tongue.
"Lady Mana, it's all just rumors for now," said Ann, her First-Class Officer and secretary. "We still don't know if Divine Hearing truly rivals the God's Tongue."
It was true. The God's Tongue had earned its reputation through countless tests and proofs — its holders could distinguish salt from different regions by taste alone.
"I understand. Ann, prepare some supplies to be sent to Totsuki. I'll handle communication with them myself…"
Mana didn't specify what she planned to send, but Ann understood instantly. After following Mana this long, she could read her intentions with ease. She didn't question the order — she simply went to carry it out.
Once Ann left, Mana called her father.
Though she'd cut ties with Azami and Erina, she still stayed in contact with Senzaemon and her brother Soe. One was her father, the other her sibling — she had no reason to sever those bonds.
As a Special Executive Officer of the WGO, she wasn't going to ignore the Nakiri family or Nakiri International.
She helped whenever it was appropriate — one of the reasons Nakiri International developed so rapidly. Senzaemon's wealth and Soe's talent played a role, but Mana had opened many doors for them as well.
She also knew her father and brother never stopped worrying about her. Their countless efforts to cure the God's Tongue proved that much. Even if those methods were useless, they had tried sincerely.
In her position, Mana had seen far too many people who'd sacrifice anything for family profit. Her own family still caring about her felt… precious.
"It's been a while since you called," Senzaemon said with a chuckle. "You must need something."
"I've arranged for a shipment of ingredients and seasonings to be sent to Totsuki. Make sure to receive them."
Senzaemon understood immediately.
"So you've heard. Though you found out a bit late this time."
"That's only natural. Divine Hearing isn't verified yet. Even if rumors spread quickly, information only reaches me once it's been confirmed."
As the WGO's sole Special Executive Officer, the intel she received was always accurate. Since Divine Hearing hadn't been properly tested yet, the WGO needed to verify it before sending anything her way — they couldn't risk presenting false information to Mana.
"That's true," Senzaemon said. "I'll handle it. If Divine Hearing really can match the God's Tongue, I'll let you know right away."
He had already been planning to test Kael. And he was confident Kael would agree — Special Abilities tied to the Divine Senses needed resources and support to grow. Kael didn't have access to high-end ingredients on his own, which made this the perfect opportunity to invest in him.
The same went for Alice, though he wasn't rushing that. He knew his granddaughter's personality well — if there was even the slightest chance of solving the flaw of the God's Tongue, she would chase it.
Besides, in terms of influence, the WGO far surpassed the Nakiri family. The Nakiris ruled Japan, but their impact outside the country was limited. That was why Nakiri International existed in the first place — and why they leaned on Mana's power to expand globally.
Family mattered to Senzaemon, but he'd never neglected the growth of the Nakiri International either.
"I'll leave it to you then," Mana said softly. "I just hope this time brings good news."
After years of chasing dead ends, she'd nearly lost hope — but this time, something felt different.
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Every 60 Powerstones = 1 bonus chapter