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Dojima Gin was still racking his brain over his team's dish, while the judges' panel endured a difficult wait.
In the culinary arts, a dish that excels in color, aroma, and taste is king. The aroma emanating from Renz and Erina's dishes was by no means ordinary. Could a dish that fails to tempt a guest's appetite even be called a dish?
To salivate upon smelling an aroma is the most basic requirement, but unfortunately, most gourmets are immune to mere scent.
However, Renz's cooking was not so simple; the fragrance diffusing into the air could unconsciously stimulate saliva secretion. Someone once described Renz's dishes as being like 'drugged' magic, irresistibly captivating.
This time, in collaboration with Erina, Renz was firing on all cylinders. Not for any particular reason, but simply to see that look of disbelief on Erina's father's face from the judges' seat. Moreover, Renz was certain that Erina, working with him on this dish, was also maximizing the advantages of her God's Tongue.
Just like Renz, Erina was in full throttle. She wanted to use her cooking to shatter her father's misguided notions.
However, she had no desire to see her father's expression.
Especially when she saw Azami Nakiri's somewhat 'disdainful' expression that 'contempt,' a genuine, internal 'contempt,' and a 'sense of superiority' as a self-proclaimed high-end culinary artist. It was utterly unpleasant.
Extremely unpleasant. Even from a blood relation perspective, the person in front of her was Erina's father, but this condescending attitude made Erina completely unwilling to give him any face. Why should such a person be allowed to criticize her and Renz's cooking?
Thinking about what her father had done in the past whether it was isolating her circle of friends, cutting her off from social interactions with others, or constantly stimulating her God's Tongue through dishes and ingredients Erina felt a deep sense of displeasure. And now, this person was openly commenting on their dishes from the judges' seat.
How 'ridiculous' and 'absurd' was that?
"The match is over," Erina said expressionlessly. "I'm a bit tired. Renz and I will head back first."
"Isn't the match not over yet?" Renz asked in surprise.
"There's no need to see the results of the match. We've already won," Erina said indifferently.In a Shokugeki, there was no rule stating that contestants couldn't leave before the judging concluded, because such a situation had almost never occurred. Renz was stunned for a moment. Actually, he wanted to say, 'Is that really okay?', but after seeing Erina's gaze, Renz chose to stick with Erina's decision.
He believed that Erina had a sufficient, reasonable reason for leaving, and it wasn't a choice made out of unreasonable fuss. Moreover, Renz also believed that this team dish would be very difficult to lose. This was a dish he and Erina had created during their peak performance.
As Renz adapted to his current knife skills, he could perceive his current level. Combined with profound knowledge and extremely high processing techniques, without holding back in the slightest, and with the God's Tongue tasting to compensate for any deficiencies, this was already the highest level of competitive attitude.
It was very difficult to lose. It was almost a team dish created by two people at the pinnacle of the culinary world. Even if Dojima Gin's team exploded with talent, it would be difficult to win.
Erina walked towards the onlookers, picking up Rina as she left. Her expression held an undeniable domineering aura, so much so that even Rina dared not move, letting Erina hold her like that.
Renz followed.
Erina's sudden outburst, almost like a 'temper tantrum,' caught Renz somewhat off guard. They moved through the crowd until they were in a quiet place, gradually distancing themselves from the sea of people. Only then did Renz choose to ask.
"Why did you suddenly decide not to watch the judging?"
Renz asked, completely bewildered. He had been quite looking forward to seeing his father-in-law's stunned expression, the look of being 'instantly defeated,' but Erina didn't give him the chance.
"He is not qualified to judge our cooking," Erina simply replied. "Besides, in such a sure-win situation, why bother with a few comments?""That's true, I suppose," Renz conceded. He didn't think their dish would lose either, but he was surprised that Erina would choose to
challenge her father in such a way.
"People like him, even if they know they're wrong, won't admit it," Erina pouted. "What's the use of seeing a surprised expression on his face? Just like me, he'll still be stubborn as a mule then."
"Besides, it'll take a long time for Dojima-senpai's team to finish their cooking; staying there stupidly would just be wasting my time. It'd be better to play a game with you than waste time like that," Erina said. "However, I still want to thank you." Erina took a deep breath.
"Thank me? So formal?" Renz shrugged.
"I wasn't calm enough," Erina seemed to recall some unpleasant memories. "Thinking that someone like my father would point fingers at my cooking, would be able to criticize my cooking, I couldn't help but get angry."
"As for thanking you, it's because of what I just said. If you hadn't walked out with me when I left, I would have been very embarrassed. You defended my position. Even if you realized that my actions might have been wrong, you still chose to stand with me in the end."
Renz was silent for a few seconds. When Erina said those words, Renz hesitated for a few seconds. His hesitation wasn't about the situation itself, but about trying to understand the deeper meaning behind Erina's actions. As for defending Erina's position, the reason couldn't be simpler: isn't it normal to protect your own?
Erina was his wife, after all. If he didn't side with his wife, would he side with outsiders instead?
"Was it wrong?" Renz feigned a 'bewildered' expression.
"Actually, I think the same thing. Your dad's professional level isn't good enough to evaluate our cooking; it's really a stretch. Only the old man is unlucky."
Erina was quite disrespectful in the end, not only to the judges but also to Dojima Gin and his team. This was her wilfulness pushed to the extreme, and an arrogant, wilful personality is indeed incurable.
"I'll apologize to Grandpa later," Erina said. "And we really are tired. The 'Sukiyaki' you made took too long, over four hours, and after that, we had a team Shokugeki.
It's only natural to leave and rest.
"Renz pondered, "You're right. I'll mention it to the old man. How about this: I'll have Hisako take you back. As a main competitor in this Shokugeki, my leaving now would be somewhat disrespectful to the other contestants."
"I'll go back for a bit." Erina nodded. "Mm, alright. My stance has already been conveyed. Whether you leave or not isn't an issue. It's good to save some face for Dojima-senpai and the others by going back."
"Then I'll take Rina back to rest."
"I'll be waiting for your good news, hubby! I'm looking forward to our grand victory and soaring worth." Erina closed her mouth on the unpleasant topics, trying her best to smile as she spoke.
And indeed, back at the competition site, a storm, neither too big nor too small, had erupted after Erina's departure. Who could they even complain to?
A Shokugeki midway, and one side decides to leave before the judging segment wasn't this clearly meant to stir up trouble? And the trouble was specifically aimed at the judges.
She didn't leave early, nor did she leave late. She specifically left during the judging segment. Wasn't this a classic case of not getting along with the judges? It felt like she couldn't be bothered to listen to the judges' evaluations.
She was very dissatisfied with a certain person among the judges. As a member of the judging panel, how could Azami Nakiri not sense Erina's disdain for him?
Weren't all these actions Erina expressing her dissatisfaction with him? However, he actually didn't care about Erina's attitude at all. How many years had it been?
Was Erina's attitude important? He never took it to heart. He only wanted to prove that his philosophy and theories were sound.
"We're also done!" Dojima Gin raised his hand to signal.
Once Dojima Gin confirmed, the team dishes from both sides were ready for tasting. And Renz finally returned to the field. As soon as he came back, he said helplessly,
"Erina said she was tired and went back to rest. I walked her part of the way back, and now I've specifically returned to hear what the judges think of my cooking." To be honest, Renz didn't really care about their opinions; his strength was evident. Renz only came back to prevent the judges and Dojima Gin from being too awkward.
Senzaemon Nakiri could only show an 'embarrassed' smile at his granddaughter's wilfulness. There was truly nothing he could do. She had been like this since childhood; if she was unhappy, Erina would show it herself. The only person who could make Erina so unhappy was Azami Nakiri. Senzaemon Nakiri felt a little regretful. He shouldn't have let Azami Nakiri judge this Shokugeki.
"Alright, let's start with the dishes prepared," Senzaemon Nakiri said, pointing. Senzaemon Nakiri knew the types of dishes, but the audience didn't, so an explanation was needed. Using this conversational approach as an introduction, Renz found it convenient to introduce the origins of his and Erina's dishes to the audience.
"For this Shokugeki, I chose Kaiseki cuisine," Renz said, pointing. "Just a few refined traditional dishes. The only one worth mentioning is this plate of 'Chawanmushi with Uni and Truffle' (Steamed Egg Custard)."
Senzaemon Nakiri coughed slightly. "The one 'worth mentioning' you refer to is truly worth mentioning... For a dignified dish representing the pinnacle of traditional Japanese culinary art to be reduced to merely 'worth mentioning,' I wonder if you're being modest, or trying to mess with others' minds."
Among the people who came specifically to watch the Shokugeki, besides some curious onlookers, there were also those with a certain level of culinary knowledge.
Chawanmushi was still a very famous Japanese dish in the culinary world. Few people could truly master this dish, especially with such premium additions.
And the highest realm of Chawanmushi is its silken texture yet not bland taste, fresh yet not overpowering. Very few chefs can achieve this.
"I remember that for Chawanmushi, in spring, delicate bamboo shoots are used for freshness, enhancing the taste with seasonal seafood; in summer, chilled preparations with clear dashi are favored, making the dish refreshing; in autumn, matsutake mushrooms are used, with their distinct aroma and earthy umami; in winter, rich ingredients like crab meat and truffles are suitable, adding depth and warmth," Senzaemon Nakiri said, delivering a highly insightful comment. Without a certain understanding of this dish, it would be difficult to express such insights. Chawanmushi, in different seasons, can be prepared with different ingredients.
"What did you use for this Chawanmushi?" Senzaemon Nakiri asked.
"Please taste it," Renz merely said, believing that words alone were not enough; cooking was primarily about eating.
"Hahahaha, this is your main dish, it must be saved for last to be appreciated," Senzaemon Nakiri gave Renz a very high compliment. Few dishes truly deserve the word 'appreciated.'
"I want to try the taste of this Agedashi Tofu with Seasonal Vegetables first," Senzaemon Nakiri pointed.
It must be said that the old man's judgment remained as sharp as ever. Among the dishes on Renz and Erina's table, there were two that could be eaten first: an appetizer and the Agedashi Tofu. Senzaemon Nakiri picked it up and saw that the surface of the tofu was a beautiful golden brown, delicately crisp, and exquisitely tender inside.
Interestingly, Agedashi Tofu was once also a staple in refined Japanese inns and formal meals. However, later, as culinary trends evolved and new techniques emerged, while still beloved, it became more of a classic staple rather than a showpiece of modern Kaiseki. But this doesn't mean that Agedashi Tofu is not good; rather, there are simply too many excellent dishes in Japanese cuisine.
He took out a spoon and scooped out a mouthful. As Senzaemon Nakiri placed it into his mouth, it was as if he had arrived at a place of ultimate comfort and delicate flavor, washing over the sensitive parts of his tongue. The aroma that had permeated the air had also originated from this Agedashi Tofu. This was the Agedashi Tofu that, when perfectly executed, could be praised as 'a simple dish perfected.' Even though Senzaemon Nakiri had eaten countless dishes, some had
still slipped through his net.
He had heard of Agedashi Tofu but had never tasted it at this level. Or rather, he had never tasted the most authentically refined Agedashi Tofu. When Senzaemon Nakiri traveled through Japan tasting various delicacies, many humble establishments that served it perfectly had long since faded.
The Agedashi Tofu that Senzaemon Nakiri later tasted was never as good as he had imagined; he always felt it lacked something. But Renz's Agedashi Tofu seemed to revive that praise of 'a simple dish perfected.'
The main dish hadn't been fully tasted yet. But this side dish had stolen the show right from the start. It was truly beyond Senzaemon Nakiri's expectations. This level of deliciousness perfectly suited Senzaemon Nakiri's palate, as the tongues of older people tend to be somewhat dulled and prefer dishes with stronger flavors.
This Agedashi Tofu, with its exquisite texture and umami dashi, completely stimulated Senzaemon Nakiri's tongue, touching his very soul. He had originally used a spoon, slowly scooping and putting it into his mouth. But later, the generous Senzaemon Nakiri felt it wasn't satisfying enough, so he simply picked up the bowl and gulped down the dashi broth as if drinking water, chasing it with more tofu.
"How incredibly delicious!"
"Satisfying!" Senzaemon Nakiri's eyes gleamed. Such a
display naturally piqued Azami Nakiri's curiosity.
Looking at the full bowl of warm, steaming Agedashi Tofu in front of him, Azami Nakiri scooped up a mouthful of tofu and put it into his mouth. The moment
it entered his mouth, his pupils sharply contracted.
This... this... was this level of deliciousness truly something a young person of this age could achieve?
No! Even a master chef would find it difficult to stimulate Azami Nakiri's appetite with a simple ingredient like tofu. He simply didn't usually favor such traditional Japanese dishes. But.
The smooth texture of this Agedashi Tofu, that fresh and tender flavor, was unforgettable once it entered his mouth. Azami Nakiri tried to calm himself down. He secretly told himself not to get lost in this dish. But the spoon he had just put down, shamelessly, scooped up another mouthful. He, as if possessed, ate the second mouthful. Stop... Can't stop!
So fragrant! So incredibly fragrant! The aroma was simply irresistible! One mouthful after another, the second after the first, the third after the second, the fourth after the third. His mental warnings felt like empty calls, unable to control his unruly right hand.
And this Agedashi Tofu was not even the core dish here.
It was merely a secondary side dish. Azami Nakiri swallowed. He couldn't lose his composure any longer; he had to remain steady.
The thought had barely fallen when his right hand, against his will, raised another spoonful. The last bite!
Really, just this one bite and no more! Azami Nakiri ate that bite, only to find that his just-cleaned spoon was somehow full again.
He frowned.
He ate it again, without a sound. Anyway, no one could hear his internal thoughts, so there was no harm in sneaking another bite. But, this kid's Agedashi Tofu was just too good. Azami Nakiri finally understood why Senzaemon Nakiri couldn't stop eating.
He himself couldn't put it down for a while either. While no one was looking, he'd sneak another bite.
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