Night fell, and a cool breeze swept through.
In the courtyard, Senzaemon Nakiri sat on the veranda drinking tea. This was a villa in the back hills of the Nakiri estate; the road was difficult to traverse, so few people ever came here.
"Old man, were you looking for me?"
Casually sitting down beside Senzaemon Nakiri, Okabe's voice held a note of confusion. He clearly hadn't expected to be summoned to this place.
"Yes. There's a small matter I wanted to ask your opinion on, so I called you over."
Glancing at Okabe seated beside him, Senzaemon Nakiri nodded and then lifted the teapot to pour him a cup of tea.
"Something you need my opinion on? Is there something even you can't solve? In that case, even if you ask me, I probably won't have any ideas."
Okabe frowned in puzzlement, not understanding what the old man wanted to ask. As he spoke, he picked up the teacup and took a sip. The rich, invigorating aroma of the tea filled him; it was top-grade gyokuro.
"I want to ask about your feelings for Erina and Alice. Which one of them do you prefer?"
"Pfft!"
Tea sprayed from Okabe's mouth. He looked at Senzaemon Nakiri in disbelief, utterly shocked that he would ask such a question.
"Is it that surprising?"
Seeing Okabe's reaction, Senzaemon Nakiri spoke half-jokingly.
"It is a bit surprising. I didn't think you'd be the type to ask something like this."
Hearing Senzaemon Nakiri's words, Okabe scratched his head, unsure of what to say for a moment.
"It's quite concerning, you see.
Both Erina and Alice seem to have a favorable impression of you."
"For a boy and a girl who grew up together as childhood friends, the possibility of marrying in the future is actually quite high. My wife Shizuko and I were childhood friends."
As if recalling something, a hint of melancholy flickered in Senzaemon Nakiri's eyes as he spoke.
"To be honest, I don't know."
"Right now, I don't have romantic feelings for either of them."
Looking at Senzaemon Nakiri's nostalgic expression, Okabe answered truthfully with his current thoughts.
They hadn't been together for three years, and when they were, they were just kids, completely lacking in womanly charm, and their actions were relatively childish.
At his current mental age, it was unlikely he would develop romantic feelings for little kids. He saw them more as younger sisters; anything else would be a bit too perverse.
If he had to talk about feelings, his feelings in that regard for Miu Fūrinji were deeper than for the two sisters.
After all, she had already grown into a form that suited his aesthetic tastes. Her figure was already well-developed at such a young age, and sometimes he felt too embarrassed to look for too long.
Of course, embarrassment was one thing, but looking was another.
"When it comes to feelings, for someone with no experience, by the time they truly realize it, many years may have already passed."
"It's like this cup of tea. Some people will only find it bitter and hard to drink, while others can sense the sweetness in its aftertaste.
Different people feel differently at different times. The one who finds it bitter and hard to drink and the one who savors the sweet aftertaste could very well be the same person at different stages of life."
Senzaemon Nakiri gently swirled the teacup in his hand. The moonlight shimmered on the porcelain rim, reflecting his aged face.
"I hope you can take care of them in my stead. If not as a husband, then as a childhood friend."
After a moment of silence, he finally revealed his true purpose.
"Take care of them in your stead?"
Okabe immediately grasped the key point in Senzaemon Nakiri's words, and his once-blank expression instantly turned serious.
"That's right. The Dark Culinary World has begun to stir. If nothing unexpected happens, our Nakiri family will likely be their primary target."
Picking up his teacup and taking a sip, Senzaemon Nakiri explained the Nakiri family's precarious situation, then continued, "After all, the previous generation's Five Tiger Stars and their leader fell at the hands of the Nakiri family. If they want to launch an all-out assault on the Light Culinary World, they will start with us. This is what you'd call karmic destiny."
Senzaemon Nakiri sighed. A decade or so ago, the Dark Culinary World had attempted to seize the Nakiri family and turn its members into their lackeys, but they failed.
Now that they were making a comeback, the first they would make an example of would be the Nakiri family. It was inescapable; they were destined to become the bridgehead for the Light Culinary World.
"Isn't there any way to stop them? Even with a Shokugeki, if you don't accept, they can't possibly force a challenge, right?"
Okabe voiced the doubt in his mind.
Although Shokugeki and the Shokugeki Adjudication Bureau existed in this world, there was a crucial prerequisite to hold one: both parties had to agree to the match and be willing to stake something satisfactory to both sides. Only then could a Shokugeki be held and proceed.
In other words, as long as the Nakiri family withstood the pressure and refused to engage in a Shokugeki, wouldn't they be fine? At worst, they would just lose some face in the culinary world.
However, being able to survive under the oppression of the Dark Culinary World would likely earn them respect rather than contempt.
"What you said is indeed one solution, but it only applies to Shokugeki duels between ordinary chefs.
Even if an ordinary chef doesn't want to accept a Shokugeki, the other party can use various means to force them into one, let alone the Dark Culinary World."
Hearing Okabe's somewhat naive words, Senzaemon Nakiri looked up at the full moon.
"Are you aware? There is something in this world called a Shokugeki Contract."
The so-called Shokugeki Contract allows both parties to put forth conditions as stakes and conduct the Shokugeki under the witness of heaven and earth.
This contract, recognized by heaven and earth, can never be violated, or the violator will suffer an unspeakable punishment. It's said that this punishment is a hundred times more terrifying and cruel than death itself."
At this point, Senzaemon Nakiri paused, the catastrophe that had befallen the Nakiri family over a decade ago flashing through his mind. He then continued, "There was once someone who, unafraid of death, tried to break the rules after losing a match. As a result, unable to bear the punishment, he committed suicide with his own kitchen knife after just a few minutes."
Back then, two of the Dark Culinary World's Five Tiger Stars and their leader launched a surprise attack on the Nakiri family, intending to seize the entire family and enslave its members.
The price they staked was a quarter of the Dark Culinary World's fortune.
Everything was supposed to go smoothly. The two Five Tiger Stars and the leader had prepared in advance and acted together; logically, there was no Shokugeki they couldn't win.
But they never expected that they were already being watched by the Light Culinary World, who had sent Hakuji and Koyuki to wait at the Nakiri estate to compete in their place.
"And above the Shokugeki Contract, there is the even more terrifying Shokugeki Death Match Contract. This contract cannot be refused."
"The challenger only needs to fill in their name, what they desire, and what they are willing to stake on the contract.
If the value of what they are willing to stake is equivalent to what they desire, it will be directly recognized by heaven and earth. A copy of that contract will be delivered to the challenged party the instant it is established."
"However, as the price for a forced challenge.
The challenged party has the right to decide the time, place, theme, and other related details, using these to gain an advantage and avoid an easy loss.
The time they decide upon cannot exceed half a month, and they must announce it three days before the match begins. Otherwise, they will be judged to have lost by default and bear the consequences of defeat."
Senzaemon Nakiri briefly explained the difference between a Shokugeki Contract and a Shokugeki Death Match Contract to Okabe, his voice tinged with melancholy.
The biggest difference between the two is that one is voluntary while the other is compulsory; everything else is the same.
Compared to the equal Shokugeki Contract, the Shokugeki Death Match Contract gives more advantages to the challenged party. Back then, the Dark Culinary World used a Death Match Contract to challenge the Nakiri family, otherwise they wouldn't have lost so decisively.
"To think such a miraculous thing exists..."
Hearing Senzaemon Nakiri's explanation, Okabe fell into a rare silence.
It was a complete double-edged sword. If one was powerful enough, they could do whatever they wanted with a Shokugeki Death Match Contract, and no one could stop them.
Conversely, those with average culinary skills but who possessed treasures.
Could easily have their treasures taken by highly skilled chefs using a Shokugeki Death Match Contract.
"So, you're worried that..."
Thinking back to what Senzaemon Nakiri had said at the beginning, Okabe's voice grew heavy.
"What I'm worried about is that the Dark Culinary World will find some way to force me into signing a Shokugeki Contract. After all, a Shokugeki Death Match Contract isn't very secure for them.
And once I am defeated, the Nakiri family will cease to exist. At that time, Erina and Alice..."
Senzaemon Nakiri said slowly, his gaze becoming more solemn, with occasional flashes of affection for Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri.
The Nakiri family appeared to be a massive, indestructible conglomerate, but in reality, due to the lack of a truly top-tier expert at its helm, it was seen as a prime piece of meat in the eyes of the powerful from various factions.
After hearing his story, Okabe's fists clenched unconsciously. He finally understood why Senzaemon had been so uncharacteristically frank with him tonight.
This wasn't asking about the romantic affairs of the younger generation; it was more like... entrusting his last wishes.
Entrusting his last wishes to a nine-year-old child.
Such a preposterous thing was now happening for real.
"Old man, you..."
Okabe hesitated, wanting to say more but stopping.
He knew in his heart that the old man's trust wasn't in him, but in the power behind him. He himself was likely just a bridge in all this.
"These things won't happen in the short term.
Even the Dark Culinary World can't just swallow our Nakiri family without any preparation, or they will only fail as they did back then."
"In other words, once they begin to execute their plan, it will be an unprecedentedly powerful strike, giving us no chance to react. The possibility of us saving ourselves is minuscule."
Glancing at Okabe, who seemed to want to say something and wore a complicated expression, Senzaemon Nakiri continued to speak.
"Okabe-kun, as the head of the Nakiri family, I must live or die with the family, no matter what. That is my duty."
"But Erina and Alice are different. They are still young and have yet to truly experience the wonders of the world. They haven't finished growing up yet and shouldn't be enslaved along with the Nakiri family. They deserve a wider sky to soar in.
Staring intently at the boy before him, Senzaemon Nakiri's words grew impassioned: "Therefore, I hope that you can become their hero!"
"I think I understand what you mean. You want me to protect Erina and Alice after the Nakiri family falls? But I'm just a kid myself, so I probably don't have that much power, but I will do my best."
Understanding the old man's true meaning, and thinking of the powerful backing he had and his future potential, Okabe spoke solemnly to Senzaemon Nakiri.
"I believe in your potential. Sooner or later, you will grow to a level that no one can ignore."
Hearing Okabe's words, Senzaemon Nakiri revealed a genuine smile. The great weight that had been hanging over his heart was finally lifted.
The boy had gone to Ryōzanpaku to study for three years, mainly focusing on martial arts to strengthen his body, yet upon his return, he could still defeat the God's Tongue in cooking. Plus, he possessed the Heart of a Chef; it was a certainty that he would become a Special-Grade Chef.
It would be best if he could become his grandson-in-law, but if not, they must still do their utmost to maintain good relations with him. There was no doubt about this; the strong should be treated with corresponding courtesy.
The fundamental reason the Nakiri family had survived to this day was by maintaining good relations with major powers and young geniuses.
Back when the Nakiri ancestors founded Totsuki Academy, they had similar intentions, hoping those geniuses would feel a sense of gratitude and obligation.
"That day will come."
The evening breeze blew, rustling Okabe's hair.
He raised his teacup and took a sip, the images of Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri appearing in his mind.
If the Nakiri family truly met with disaster one day, he would definitely protect the two sisters. After all, they were childhood friends who had grown up together.
As for saving the Nakiri family, while he had the intention, he had to act within his capabilities.
"In the end... I'm still not strong enough!"
His mood was slightly complicated, and a sense of urgency quietly crept in.
He had thought his strength was already quite impressive, but as he came into contact with more things, Okabe clearly felt his own insignificance.
He had never been one of the strong.
He was an ant struggling at the very bottom of the food chain, needing to fight with all his might just to find a glimmer of hope. For that, he had to work even harder!
"If the Dark Culinary World doesn't act too quickly, I'll have at least a few years to prepare."
"Now that I've digested all the medicinal power from the Medicinal King Bath, my Martial Power has risen to 51.32.
Although I haven't specifically tested it, I should be much stronger than the average grunt. I'll go spar with Miu later, and also learn some self-defense moves from the masters to gain the ability to protect myself."
After completely digesting the subsequent medicinal power of the Medicinal King Bath, Okabe's Martial Power had increased by another 1.32, reaching 51.32.
Except for those martial artists who had systematically learned fighting styles, ordinary people would be no match for him; they wouldn't even be qualified to spar with him.
And according to what Senzaemon Nakiri had just said, although the Dark Culinary World was stirring, they were far from launching a full-scale invasion.
Even if they did, few would dare to go to Ryōzanpaku.
After all, Ryōzanpaku represented the ceiling of the Japanese culinary world's combat power. Provoking him would mean provoking six Special-Grade Chefs and martial arts masters.
As long as he didn't deliberately court death, no one should want to target him. As for his peers, he only needed to learn a few moves to be fearless.
Given the despicable nature of the Dark Culinary World, if he didn't increase his Martial Power, even with superb culinary skills, he could easily fall victim to an underhanded attack outside the kitchen, rendering him unable to cook.
Okabe was a conspiracy theorist.
He didn't believe that in a world centered around food, the villains from the Dark Culinary World would have any integrity. There were far too many unscrupulous characters among them.
"Practice fighting moves, improve culinary skills, learn cooking techniques—these are my core goals from now on."
Okabe set his plan in his mind. After today's chat with Senzaemon Nakiri, a sense of urgency had grown within him.
He could no longer train and improve at a leisurely pace as before. He had to increase his training intensity himself. Only then could he avoid being swept away by the coming tide!
"I'm here..."
After walking down the mountain path for half an hour, Okabe returned to his room at the Nakiri estate.
However, before he could even enter, he noticed the light in his room was on, and he could hear the two Nakiri sisters arguing inside. It was quite a commotion.
"Erina, what are you doing here!"
Seeing Erina Nakiri appear in Okabe's room holding a pillow, Alice Nakiri—who was already in position, wearing pajamas and crossing her legs—launched a preemptive strike.
"Huh? I should be the one asking you that. What are you doing here in your pajamas?"
Looking at the accusatory Alice Nakiri, Erina Nakiri's face turned slightly red as she retorted, not willing to back down.
"Isn't it obvious? After such a long separation, of course we have to sleep together to deepen our bond. By the way, didn't you go to Ryōzanpaku before? Don't tell me you didn't sleep with Okabe then?! Now it's my turn!"
"How could we possibly have slept together? Our rooms were separate! Besides, there are so many people at Ryōzanpaku, the houses are so close, and they're all martial arts experts. How would I have had the chance to go to his room?!"
Listening to the sounds coming from inside the room, Okabe froze on the spot.
He suddenly understood why Senzaemon Nakiri had asked him which of the two sisters he preferred. Their affections were just too obvious!
"So what do we do?"
Suddenly, the arguing in the room died down. After a moment of silence, Erina Nakiri was the first to ask.
"How should I know? We can just have one person sleep on each side. We slept like that when we were kids, anyway."
Alice Nakiri shrugged and said.
"This bed doesn't look like it can fit three people..."
Erina walked over to the bed that Alice had just made up. If three people were to sleep together, two of them would inevitably have to be pressed tightly against each other.
She had come here more to discuss cooking with Okabe and talk about future developments. She was still rather clueless about 'that' aspect, but she would still feel shy.
"Then you should go back. There's no way I'm backing down!"
Alice Nakiri shrugged. She didn't have as many complicated thoughts. As long as she could stay here and be close to Okabe, she felt anything was fine.
Having lived in Denmark for three years and absorbed the more progressive ideas there, coupled with her own Nordic genes, Alice Nakiri was more open than Erina Nakiri. At the very least, she wouldn't be so embarrassed by sleeping pressed up against someone that she couldn't fall asleep.
Of course, her heart would still race and she'd feel shy, but that feeling was enjoyable for her.
____
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