"Greetings, students. I am Azami Nakiri."
In the Yōbi Dormitory, looking at the large television screen in the hall, Hoshino Sora's eyes were cold.
Beside him stood Erina Nakiri and others. Several pairs of eyes stared intently at the large screen. It was worth noting that Kobayashi Rindo and Akikubo Momo had not returned to the dorm since the day Azami Nakiri took office, and their whereabouts were currently unknown.
"What I am about to speak of is the ideal world I yearn for, concerning the reform of Far Moon Academy.
Firstly, all existing cooking courses, research groups, research societies, and hobby clubs within the academy—these independently operated organizations are hereby dissolved, effective immediately!"
"What is this? This is too..."
"How can he be so overbearing? These things have existed for who knows how many years, can they just be abolished like that?!"
As Azami Nakiri declared the reforms with a ringing tone, most of the people present showed shock on their faces and began discussing with those around them.
However, a small portion of people were only slightly surprised, as they had already received the news yesterday.
"Abolish everything, and start from scratch."
Azami Nakiri's tone was resolute. At this, many research societies that hadn't received the news in advance began to panic.
"And secondly, a new organization will be established within the academy, with the headmaster and the Elite Ten Council at its apex. It will gather students personally selected by me, an elite team dedicated to exploring new gourmet cuisine, sharing a world of all deliciousness. I name it the 'Central Gourmet Organization'."
Listening to Azami Nakiri's words on the TV screen, Tadokoro Megumi and the others, who were cooking in the kitchen, showed no change in expression, only clenching their fists slightly.
Last night, Tadokoro Megumi had already mobilized the Polar Star Dormitory members once, informing them in advance about the reform and making many preparations to help Hoshino Sora.
"From now on, the dishes you prepare will all be decided by the Central Gourmet Organization. You no longer need to continue creating dishes. Unfortunately, anyone who defies these regulations will be asked to leave this school."
Looking at the agitated students below, Azami Nakiri paused slightly. The dissenting voices from below were within his expectations, but what could they do? Other than comply.
What pitiful people.
"Think carefully. The system until now has been illogical. Under the guise of 'meritocracy,' it completely abandoned those who fell behind, yet ignored the fact that everyone grows at a different pace as a chef. Don't you think this is too violent?
From today onwards, all cooking classes will become courses teaching the guidance of the Central Gourmet Organization. We will equally bestow this grace upon everyone.
In other words, Elite Ten-level techniques, ideas, and recipes—everyone here will be able to learn them."
As Azami Nakiri continued speaking, the sounds of argument and discussion below grew quieter and quieter, until eventually, everyone's attention was drawn to the Elite Ten-level cuisine.
"Elite Ten-level cuisine, he said we can learn Elite Ten-level cuisine..."
"Can we really do that? Learn Elite Ten-level cuisine..."
"No need to be expelled..."
It must be said that Azami Nakiri's speech immediately stirred the hearts of a large portion of the students present and watching the live broadcast.
"That is a world without conflicts of interest, unnecessary expulsions, unnecessary selections, unnecessary competition. You will be free from all of it.
Listen carefully, you are not pawns, but important forces that will build Far Moon's future. Let's work together to promote the development of this country's culinary culture."
With a brilliant smile, Azami Nakiri looked at the students below who had quieted down, even supporting him, and offered the final sweet bait: Elite Ten-level cuisine. This was an irresistible temptation for most ordinary students at Far Moon.
However, compared to these ordinary students, some talented and capable elite students, mainly those in their second and third years, were not impressed by Azami Nakiri's words.
They had all fought their way through trials and possessed their own pride!
"In short, that's what he said. It's estimated that someone will come soon to try and take our dormitory."
After listening to Azami Nakiri's words, Hoshino Sora turned around and spread his hands, his expression revealing playfulness.
Shiina Shinohiru and Shiina Mashiro stood behind Hoshino Sora, while Yumeko Jabami's expression beside them showed a hint of excitement: "So, can we win back our dormitory through a Food War?"
"That is certainly one method, but it would make us too constrained. It sounds as if our dormitory is already gone and we must rely on such means to win it back."
Hoshino Sora said slowly. The reason he did so much was to prevent this idea from spreading. Why should they have to pay the price of expulsion to protect their dormitory and research association?
Conversely, the Central Gourmet Organization didn't have to pay any price? This was too unreasonable. He didn't like such unequal bets.
If they wanted to disband someone else's hard work, they should offer an equivalent price, such as an Elite Ten seat. The idea of getting something for nothing, that kind of thing, should only happen to him.
Therefore, he was prepared to increase the difficulty for the Elite Ten by having his companions join every culinary research club.
Suddenly, a sound came from the doorway.
"Yōbi Dormitory, Polar Star Dormitory, the only two dormitories in the academy that have maintained independent property systems until today, are undoubtedly targets for purging. Demolish this unnecessary dormitory of Far Moon."
Holding the notice, Eizan Etsuya kicked open the door of Yōbi Dormitory, his face filled with triumphant distortion. His eyes, one large and one small, stared at Hoshino Sora, who was chatting idly inside the dormitory, his voice full of mockery.
"How could this be? What do you mean, 'unnecessary dormitory'...?" Looking at Eizan Etsuya at the door, Shiina Shinohiru said angrily. This was their home, not something unnecessary!
"You talk as if it's a big deal. Let me state beforehand, I haven't acknowledged Azami Nakiri as the academy's director, nor have I acknowledged your so-called notice."
Hoshino Sora's voice was calm as he looked at Eizan Etsuya, who had appeared at the Yōbi Dormitory's entrance.
"Whether you're willing to admit it or not, this is already a foregone conclusion. The buildings and land will be taken over by the Central Gourmet Organization, which means they are no longer yours. The same goes for Polar Star Dormitory. The school doesn't need such an eyesore of a building."
Looking at Hoshino Sora's struggling expression, Eizan Etsuya's face showed a mocking smile. This was not property that could be kept simply because an individual didn't want to give it up.
"You're quite talkative.
But, if it can't be forcibly demolished, then even if the order is given, it will just be a joke, won't it?"
Shrugging, Hoshino Sora spoke softly. Eizan Etsuya's methods were quite dirty, but unfortunately, even if the other party sent hundreds of people, he was confident he could make them stop. This was the strong confidence that strength brought him.
However, his ability to resist did not mean everyone could resist. Tadokoro Megumi's resistance was too weak.
So, he exchanged his long-accumulated reputation points for the extended skill of the "Gourmet Cell" talent, "Gourmet Cell Propagation."
Because it was a particularly powerful extended ability, this wave directly consumed 10,000 of Hoshino Sora's reputation points, and each split Gourmet Cell consumed 1,000 reputation points.
[Gourmet Cell Propagation]: Possesses the same effects as Gourmet Cells. The propagated cells are subject to the original body. As long as there is physical interaction, they can feed back to the original body, enhancing its strength.
A very good ability. Physical contact. Hoshino Sora had experimented with Tadokoro Megumi late last night and fed her a large amount of gourmet food, instantly raising the propagated cells in her body to Lv3.
This also gave Tadokoro Megumi unparalleled strength. The enhancement provided by Lv2 Gourmet Cells could already enable an ordinary person to contend with a world-class boxing champion.
At Lv3, one could poke stone without injury, and a sharp machete would struggle to cut the skin. It's likely no one would expect such immense power to be hidden within Tadokoro Megumi's small body.
"Huh? What are you saying? Do you really think that with just a few students, you can prevent this dormitory from being demolished?"
Many thoughts passed, but only a few seconds had actually gone by. Hearing Hoshino Sora's incomprehensible words, Eizan Etsuya frowned, his expression somewhat puzzled.
What was this guy saying? Did he really think that the strength of a few students could prevent Yōbi Dormitory from being demolished!?
He must have gone mad, right!?
Thinking of this, Eizan Etsuya's face showed an exaggerated and extremely distorted expression. He hadn't forgotten how Hoshino Sora had interfered with his business in Sanhe Street.
He had long wanted to find an opportunity to teach this guy a lesson, but unfortunately, he hadn't found a suitable time. The other party had even excelled in the academy due to his outstanding performance.
This made him very unhappy, extremely unhappy!
"If you don't believe me, you can try. Don't you have people behind you? If you want to force a demolition, do it now."
With a faint smile, Hoshino Sora looked completely relaxed. Hearing his words, the thugs behind Eizan Etsuya immediately frowned, looking as if they were about to act but were stopped.
"Meaningless struggles are useless, and just playing word games is even more ridiculous. The plan to demolish Yōbi Dormitory will be implemented in ten days. Hurry up and pack your things and get out."
Stopping the thugs behind him, now was not the time for conflict. Using violence against students could easily backfire. Eizan Etsuya looked at Hoshino Sora as if he were looking at a clown.
"By the way, if you dare to resist, you will definitely be expelled. At that time, the dormitory will still be demolished, but if you comply honestly, you can still be a student of this school."
Pushing up his glasses, Eizan Etsuya said contemptuously.
"Just in case, I'll ask, someone must have challenged you to a Food War by now, to protect their research association." Hoshino Sora asked casually.
"To be honest, we have no obligation to accept Food Wars. Nevertheless, to avoid dissolution, almost all teams are scrambling to request Food Wars.
Honestly, they're all like this. If left alone, they'll naturally perish. However, I understand their feelings and have decided to accept their challenges. Are you also preparing to challenge me?"
Hearing about Food Wars, a strange look appeared in Eizan Etsuya's eyes, and then he spoke with a half-smile, putting on a magnanimous appearance.
"It's a Food War that could have been refused, yet it's surprisingly being handled with such a grand display." Hearing Eizan's words, Hoshino Sora said rather sarcastically. Given this guy's personality, it was absolutely impossible for him to conduct a Food War honestly; he would probably play some dirty tricks.
"The other party also has to bear the corresponding risks, so it's a good opportunity to kill a chicken to scare the monkeys. There's a Food War scheduled for today. After this Food War, I expect everyone will immediately withdraw their Food War applications.
But no matter what, in ten days, this dormitory will cease to exist!"
"Of course, everyone will withdraw their Food War applications."
Hoshino Sora repeated Eizan Etsuya's words, a faint cold smile on his face. The other party also turned around at this moment and headed towards Polar Star Dormitory.
It's just that it won't be because of a Food War defeat...
Hoshino Sora added in his heart.
——————
"Eizan, I won't let you disband the Kushikatsu Research Association. The theme is eel."
Looking at Eizan Etsuya in front of him, Kabayama Tetsuji said in a deep voice, his narrowed eyes filled with anger.
"I know, the cooking process must include a skewering step, right? If you lose, you'll be expelled. No objections, right?"
Eizan Etsuya responded carelessly, pushing up his glasses as he looked at the cameras around him, which were live-streaming the entire process.
"Hmph, I'll show you the result of the skills I practice every day..."
"Your incessant chatter is truly annoying. I will crush your best dish. Just give it your all."
Listening to Kabayama Tetsuji's words, Eizan Etsuya felt only impatience, rubbing his ears with icy eyes. In his opinion, the other party had not the slightest chance of winning.
"Then, Food War, commence!"
As the horn for the Food War sounded, the Far Moon students watching the live broadcast on their televisions cheered for the Kushikatsu Research Association. They still had Food Wars, their only weapon!
Time passed minute by minute. Hoshino Sora also arrived at the entrance of the competition venue, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, watching the live broadcast on his phone.
"Then, let the judging begin!"
Finally, as time drew to a close, both contestants presented their dishes to the judges' table. Outside the room, Hoshino Sora's brows furrowed slightly as he looked at the 0:3 score displayed high above.
Kabayama Tetsuji versus Eizan Etsuya.
The judges hadn't even begun tasting yet, but the scores were already displayed. Looking at such an unfair competition, Kabayama Tetsuji opened his eyes, which had been half-closed.
"The machine seems to be malfunctioning. It hasn't even started eating, but the result is already shown."
Kabayama Tetsuji said anxiously. A result being shown before tasting was something he absolutely could not accept!
His gaze swept around, but no one at the scene paid him any mind, all wearing mocking, half-smiling expressions.
"Eizan, did you... did you influence the judges...?"
"Very regrettable!"
Looking at Kabayama Tetsuji, who was full of shock and disbelief, Eizan Etsuya displayed an extremely expressive face, then made a thumbs-down gesture, his face full of mockery.
"I don't think it's regrettable at all. The one who should feel regrettable is you, Senior Eizan."
Kicking open the door, Hoshino Sora entered with an extremely arrogant posture, hands in his pockets. Upon entering, he immediately went to the center of the venue, his gaze coldly fixed on everyone present.
"Hoshino."
Upon seeing Hoshino Sora, Kabayama Tetsuji's face showed an expression as if he had seen a savior. Although Hoshino Sora's arrival might not change anything, the other party simply gave him a sense of reassurance.
"Hoshino, what are you doing here? This is not where you should be!"
Pushing up his glasses, Eizan Etsuya's voice deepened as he looked at Hoshino Sora, who had appeared at the entrance and made a high-profile entry. He then signaled to the subordinates waiting on both sides, wanting them to throw Hoshino Sora out.
"Eh..."
A sense of weightlessness.
As soon as the subordinates on both sides stepped forward, a feeling of weightlessness came over them. Hoshino Sora, with lightning speed, knocked down the two bodyguards, then kicked each of them in the stomach. They likely wouldn't be getting up anytime soon.
"Let me also taste this dish. I want to see if your victory, Senior Eizan, is truly deserved."
Hoshino Sora's actions confused everyone present, especially Eizan. His brows were now furrowed into a knot. He looked at the young man walking towards the judges' table, momentarily unsure of what to say.
"This is a crucial area for a Food War! If you don't want to be expelled, then get out now!"
Looking at Hoshino Sora walking towards them, the few people serving as judges for this Food War panicked. They no longer had their arrogant expressions from before. The man sitting in the center said with a brave facade but inner fear.
"Hoshino-kun..."
Looking at Hoshino Sora appearing on the TV screen, Shiina Shinohiru's face was filled with worry. Her hands had unknowingly formed fists pressed against her chest, her attention highly focused.
Erina Nakiri stood beside her. Although she didn't speak, worry showed in her eyes.
"You guys know this is a Food War, you trash!"
Hearing the words of the three people in front of him, Hoshino Sora's voice was cold. Then, without ceremony, he raised his hand and severely dealt with the few of them, then took it upon himself to sit at the judges' table.
Looking at the two different dishes placed before him, Hoshino Sora's expression was calm. He first picked up Eizan Etsuya's dish and brought it to his mouth to taste.
[Analyze Dish]: Thick-Cut Eel Skewers
[Quality]: Silver (Lower Grade)
[Analysis 60%]: Dish ingredients include eel, soy sauce...
"Hoshino Sora, what exactly do you want?!"
His voice filled with strong anger, Eizan Etsuya questioned Hoshino Sora, who had come out to disrupt things without explanation.
"What am I doing here? I'm here to give this Food War a fair judgment.
And compared to these pieces of trash in front of me, as the Autumn Elections champion and the Moon Feast Festival sales champion, I should be more qualified to be the judge of this Food War."
Hoshino Sora said indifferently, talking eloquently in front of the cameras. On the ground, the three judges, who had previously been arrogant, were now clutching their stomachs and wailing. They had never imagined that a student would dare to lay hands on them.
They weren't the only ones who hadn't expected it; the viewers watching the live broadcast were also stunned, their faces filled with disbelief.
Although they also wanted to beat up these annoying judges, as students, they knew they couldn't make a move.
Once they made a move, it would mean expulsion, as assaulting judges was a very serious matter at Far Moon.
Moreover, these judges were powerful and influential figures. Daring to touch them, being expelled from Far Moon would likely only be the beginning; social death would be the ultimate outcome...
Therefore, the moment Hoshino Sora acted and declared that he would give the Food War justice, his popularity among the student body truly reached its peak.
At this moment, everyone watched him on the screen, holding their breath. Some emotionally agitated individuals even cheered for him through the screen, startling those around them.
This included, but was not limited to, those who had received the news yesterday. They saw Hoshino Sora's determination at this moment, and a faint touch of emotion appeared on their faces.
Everyone knew that after doing this, Hoshino Sora would very likely be immediately expelled.
However, was Hoshino Sora afraid of being expelled? The answer was no.
Far Moon was just a stepping stone for him. Everything he was doing now was for the mission, or more accurately, for the generous rewards given upon completing the mission.
Furthermore, it was to create a good living environment for his wives.
Azami Nakiri's method might be fine for ordinary people, but for talented geniuses, such an approach would only stifle their potential.
Admittedly, Azami Nakiri would invite the talented and outstanding chefs he admired to the Central Gourmet Organization, but joining such an organization would inevitably require them to do many things they disliked.
They might even be dictated cooking steps.
He didn't like that.
What he wanted to see was students thinking innovatively, allowing various erroneous ideas to collide, ultimately forming dishes that surpassed the correct answers. Cooking was never about just one method!
So...
"The eel's surface mucus wasn't cleaned properly; it's all fishy in the mouth. This should be the most basic thing, right?
Useless trash! If all the Totsuki Ten Elite are as garbage as you, won't the value be too low?!
No wonder you hid and dared not participate in the Moon Feast Festival, you must have been terrified, afraid that if you ran a shop, your shameful sales would be looked down upon by everyone? What a coward.
In contrast, Kabayama Tetsuji's eel skewers have delicate meat without any off-flavor, and the seasoning under grilling conditions is even better. You're completely useless, Eizan Etsuya."
After just one bite, Hoshino Sora threw the thick-cut eel skewer onto Eizan Etsuya's face, his voice filled with mockery and playfulness, ridiculing him in front of everyone in the live stream.
He spoke these words without any subjective emotion, at least concerning the evaluation of the taste, because it was a very carelessly made dish; this skewer was done very poorly.
"Indeed, if the eel's mucus isn't thoroughly cleaned, it will become very fishy," Mito Ikumi said, looking at the screen in the Kushikatsu Research Association.
"If it's really as Hoshino Sora said, then this Eizan doesn't deserve to be in the Elite Ten at all. Did he really get there by bribing the judges with money?" an unknown first-year student said, watching the live stream.
"It seems so. If he really had the skill, he wouldn't be hiding like a rat," a second-year student who had been targeted before said.
It was the most basic common sense, yet as a member of the Elite Ten, he didn't even know this.
Although only a tiny bit of mucus remained, it would still be considered a top-grade delicacy to ordinary people, but for Hoshino Sora, it was unacceptable. With his Gourmet Cell at level 4, his taste buds had become exceptionally sensitive.
Although not as good as God Tongue, it wasn't far off, was it? For any flaws in a dish, he could feel them very clearly with just a slight aftertaste.
Disgusting.
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