To preserve the original flavor of top-tier fish meat from the deep sea, the most common way to eat it is sashimi.
Natsuki had enough self-awareness to know he didn't want to waste a piece of fish worth 10,000 Poké Dollars. Sashimi was undoubtedly the best choice for him.
The preparation of sashimi is simple yet nuanced.
You dry the surface moisture, and while you could technically just bite into it, the key lies in the knife work. The slices shouldn't be too thick or too thin, every piece must be uniform.
A great chef always has excellent knife skills.
As the saying goes, "A true master reveals their skill the moment they strike." Natsuki didn't think much of his own movements, but Siebold, watching from the side, noticed the subtle expertise.
Had he not been worried about interrupting, Siebold surely would have burst into applause.
A competitive spark ignited within Siebold. He quickly moved to the other side to process the other half of the fish.
He, too, chose sashimi.
Busy with his head down, Natsuki paid no attention to Siebold's change in demeanor. He was entirely focused on slicing the fish.
Whether it was natural talent or some other reason, he found the task surprisingly intuitive for a first-timer, with no hint of awkwardness.
"Phew!" Natsuki wiped away non-existent cold sweat and sighed. "Finally finished. That wasn't easy."
A ceramic white bowl was lined with a layer of crushed ice, topped with slices of fish of perfectly uniform thickness.
The translucent, snow-white meat was neatly arranged, quietly waiting to be enjoyed.
Since eating plain fish slices would be too monotonous, the edges were garnished with perilla leaves, lemon slices, and fine strands of white radish.
Natsuki even prepared the dipping sauce, which was a simple blend of soy sauce and a touch of wasabi.
He gently picked up a slice, dipped it in the sauce, and took the first bite.
"Mmm, perfect."
The fish meat melted on his tongue, requiring almost no chewing and carrying no fishy odor. The taste of the ocean filled his taste buds.
Before his eyes, the details of this Veluza Sashimi slowly unfolded.
[Veluza Sashimi (Rank A): A special dish made from the discarded flesh of a rare Pokémon. Prepared by a half-baked chef, it retains the original fragrance of the fish. It is a must-taste delicacy for ocean lovers.]
[Cooking Effect: Pure Heart. A mysterious power derived from Veluza's countless sessions of self-refinement. Eating this grants a temporary effect, the duration of which is based on the consumer (the purer the heart, the longer it lasts).]
"Natsuki, may I have a taste?"
"Of course," Natsuki replied casually.
"This... this is..." As the fish hit his tongue, Siebold murmured in shock.
The flavor was incredibly unique. It felt as if he had become a Veluza himself, drifting through ocean currents, using the power of nature to shed his own body and honing his spirit through this harsh method.
Siebold felt a profound sense of immersion.
Clearly, they had used the same ingredients and the same steps, yet the final result was worlds apart.
The way Siebold looked at Natsuki changed instantly, and a deep thirst for knowledge rose in his heart.
He couldn't understand it, there was simply no comparison.
"Natsuki, with the same ingredients, why is yours so different?"
"This... well..." Natsuki was at a loss for words. He couldn't exactly say it was a Golden Finger.
However, Natsuki's hesitation conveyed a different meaning to Siebold.
'This must be Natsuki's private technique, such a secret cannot be easily disclosed.'
"Mr. Natsuki, please allow me to stay by your side and learn. Arigato!"
Siebold spoke with utter sincerity, bowing deeply.
This relentless pursuit of top-tier culinary skill was the reason Siebold remained undefeated in his progress.
For a moment, Natsuki was flustered.
'How did making a meal turn into taking an apprentice?!'
He knew his own limits, and if they spent a long time together, his secret would surely be exposed. He couldn't exactly chop his Golden Finger in half and share it.
His eyes darted around as he thought of a strategy.
He stepped forward and helped Siebold up.
"Mr. Siebold, I am but a beginner. Please do not speak of apprenticeships again. My silence just now wasn't a rejection, I was merely thinking of how to explain it so you could understand."
"Yes, yes!" Siebold nodded like a Pidgey pecking at grain. "Please, Teacher, tell me."
"Cook with your heart." Natsuki pointed to his chest. "Turn your emotions into an ingredient and melt them into the dish."
"So that's it!" Siebold had a look of sudden enlightenment, his expression dead serious.
This actually made Natsuki feel a bit guilty.
His words were entirely empty— he just wanted a cover story for his system. If he possessed a special ability and applied it to cooking, it was only logical that the food would have special effects.
As for whether "cooking with heart" actually made a difference... well, being focused might make the food tastier, but it shouldn't produce magical effects.
Unless, of course, the food started glowing.
Natsuki suddenly slapped his forehead, appearing anxious.
"Mr. Siebold, let's leave it at that for today. Minccino and the others are waiting for me outside. I can't let them worry."
Natsuki picked up the sashimi and hurried away.
Siebold, still lost in thought, suddenly saw a flash of insight.
He felt he had grasped something. His heart was devoid of distractions, and his mind was clearer than ever before.
"I understand now," Siebold said suddenly, his eyes seemingly flashing with light.
He spoke with confidence and conviction: "The love between humans and Pokémon is the best ingredient in the world! When he was cooking just now, Teacher Natsuki must have been thinking of Minccino and the others, wanting them to eat the most delicious food possible."
"Teacher Natsuki is truly unfathomable. Such masterful skill... he must be a God of Cookery. The Teacher is humble, but as his disciple, I must take the initiative to spread his name!"
If Natsuki knew about Siebold's internal monologue, he would have been horrified.
The man had completely over-interpreted the situation!
Overthinking really is the most terrifying thing.
But Natsuki had no time to worry about that now. He was focused on Minccino and Kangaskhan.
He felt as nervous as a student called on to answer a question in class, hoping for a passing grade.
"Li-li~"
"Kangask-han!"
Kangaskhan and Minccino nodded together, their eyes squinted into crescent moons. This was the most delicious fish they had ever eaten.
For them, they were happy as long as they could eat the food their Trainer made. Every dish contained his deep, lingering love.
Kangaskhan and Minccino loved Natsuki the most!
"Heh... I'm glad it's to your taste. We can't let this go to waste!" Natsuki wore a doting smile. Nothing was more rewarding than having his Pokémon praise his cooking.
"Khan~"
"Li~"
The little ones urged Natsuki to eat as well. Kangaskhan pushed the sashimi toward him, along with the sizzling, oily seafood BBQ that had just been delivered.
"Alright, alright." Natsuki stopped them and gently patted them. "Let's eat together. Let's celebrate the completion of our home. Cheers!"
Three cups of juice clinked together with a crisp sound.
With a blessing for a beautiful future, Natsuki drank his in one gulp.