"What did you say?!"
The thick-cut eel skewer slowly slid from his glasses, Eizan Etsuya glared furiously at Hoshino Sora, and at the same time, there was a commotion at the door, followed by a dozen burly security guards bursting in.
"Suddenly barging into someone else's Food War and violently assaulting a Food War judge, this can't be settled by just expulsion now. I want you to never be able to raise your head in the Neon culinary world!"
His voice was unexpectedly calm, yet it revealed a bone-chilling coldness. From birth until now, no one had ever dared to speak to him like that!
Throwing the dish from his face aside, Eizan Etsuya waved his hand at the entering security guards, and the burly men who had just entered the room immediately surrounded Hoshino Sora.
At this moment, Eizan Etsuya had already thought about how he would humiliate Hoshino Sora after taking him down.
Since this guy liked to use his fists to speak, he would show him just how big his fists were!
"Serves him right!" The situation on site took a huge turn. The judge who had been thrown to the ground earlier also stood up, looking at Hoshino Sora, who was about to be taught a lesson, with a face full of disgust.
Solving everything with fists, a low-class commoner!
"You, hurry and leave! Don't let them catch you!"
Seeing this, the viewers in the live stream immediately broke out in a cold sweat for Hoshino Sora. Kabayama Tetsuji, seeing the situation, immediately stood in front of him. He was truly touched that the other party was willing to stand up for him!
Although resolving matters with force went against his original intention, in this situation, with the path to resolving things through cooking blocked, perhaps he could truly only rely on his fists to speak...
It had to be said, this was truly tragic.
In front of the live stream, seeing Kabayama Tetsuji waving his fists at the incoming thugs, everyone felt a sense of sorrow. They were chefs, not thugs. Why did the final method of resolving things have to be with fists?
"Leave the fist-waving to me. You just be a good chef."
Pulling Kabayama Tetsuji back from behind, Hoshino Sora lowered his body and charged forward. Then, to everyone's shocked gazes, he very easily knocked down Eizan Etsuya's dozen or so thugs.
The originally crowded room suddenly became spacious again, because all the incoming thugs were thrown into the corners of the room by Hoshino Sora. The judge who had been spouting mocking words earlier, upon seeing this, suddenly became like a mute who had eaten bitter herbs, unable to express his bitterness.
"What were you going to say just now? By the way, I'm not afraid of hundreds of such small fries. Of course, as a chef, it's wrong to speak with fists, and I apologize for that."
Wiping the blood from his fists with Eizan Etsuya's white shirt, Hoshino Sora's movements were light, yet they made Eizan Etsuya's body tremble. At this moment, Hoshino Sora only felt his heart racing intensely; this was his first fight, and the feeling of power was truly good.
"But your cooking is indeed trash, not as good as Senior Kabayama's. You have to admit this, after all, this is a Food War, and we still need to be fair and just."
Looking at the video recorder for the live stream, Hoshino Sora spoke with a gentle expression, then with a jump, he smashed the display screen above his head. The display screen immediately went black. After that, Hoshino Sora raised his hand and used a kitchen knife to draw a '1' under Kabayama Tetsuji's name.
"Food War concluded, Kabayama Tetsuji wins this Food War, and the Kushikatsu Research Association is preserved."
0:1
Kabayama Tetsuji won the Food War.
Eizan, who had intended to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys, had now become the chicken that was killed. At this moment, he was full of resentment, but due to Hoshino Sora's intimidating presence, he dared not voice any complaints.
Clearly, Hoshino Sora's strength in single-handedly taking down ten strong men had scared him quite a bit.
The audience in front of the live stream immediately cheered upon seeing this, but many also showed bitter expressions. In their eyes, this was just a farce, and Hoshino Sora's words held no enforceability.
Although a temporary victory was achieved, this victory was meaningless and would not change the ultimate fate of their research club being abolished.
"Phew..."
After finishing all this, Hoshino Sora let out a long sigh, then walked to the camera.
"This angle should be clear, right?"
Hoshino Sora gestured twice at the screen, looking at the live stream on his phone. At this moment, he was also a bit nervous, as the words he was about to say might be difficult for people to accept.
To be precise, for some conservatives, his idea was too radical.
"Everyone at Far Moon, I am Hoshino Sora."
"I believe everyone knows me, that arrogant transfer student at the Far Moon Academy opening ceremony, the Autumn Elections champion, and the student with the highest total sales in all areas of the Moon Feast Festival."
Listing his honors wasn't to show off, but to add credibility to what he was about to say. Throughout history, the higher one's achievements, the more credible their words.
This was the rule of society.
"Next, I want to announce something to everyone, something very important. This matter concerns whether everyone's research club will be disbanded. Hmm, let me think about where to start...
"First, I have doubts about the current Elite Ten's strength. As you all have seen, someone like Eizan, who can't even properly handle a very basic ingredient like eel, can become a member of the Elite Ten. This current Totsuki Ten Elite is probably already corrupted from within.
Those with real skill cannot become Elite Ten, while those without skill sit high on the Elite Ten throne, ordering everyone around with arrogant tones. I think this cannot convince everyone.
The headmaster chosen by such half-baked Elite Ten members is even less convincing. Far Moon involves too many interests. Some people like to make grand promises to students and talk about reform, but in reality, it's to gain benefits from it.
You all must know Eizan Etsuya well, this man who does nothing without profit. Since he supports changing the headmaster, there must be benefits he wants to gain from it.
But has Far Moon, which has operated smoothly for so many years, truly had problems with its system? Admittedly, there might be some minor issues, but such radical reforms, discarding the original advantages, are undoubtedly wrong."
In front of the camera, Hoshino Sora spoke eloquently, his arguments well-reasoned and logical.
And Eizan Etsuya, who was being fiercely dissed and targeted, turned red and then pale. He never expected that a dish he casually made to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys would be talked about for a lifetime...
The key was that he had no way out; he couldn't fight back, so he could only let Hoshino Sora continue his verbal assault.
"Therefore, I propose that starting this year, the Elite Ten will be re-evaluated annually through an absolutely fair competition to select new Elite Ten members, preventing money-oriented chefs like Senior Ruisan from entering the Elite Ten and tarnishing its reputation.
At the same time, the new Elite Ten will re-vote on the matter of changing the Director, which will also be fairer.
The Far Moon Academy campus rules state that any proposal can be passed with the consent of over 50% of the students, and neither the Elite Ten nor the Director has the right to refuse.
This includes, but is not limited to, everyone using this rule to protect their research associations.
Therefore, food wars should not be proposed by us ordinary students, nor should they be used to threaten our expulsion; instead, they should be proposed based on what they stand to lose.
Currently, I have sent people to your classrooms to collect signatures for the initiative, let's collectively defend our research associations and this peaceful and harmonious Far Moon Academy!"
After an impassioned speech, Hoshino Sora looked at the camera with fervor, and his momentum moved everyone present, who all signed their names on the initiative.
The key was that there was no conflict of interest; simply signing their names would protect their research associations, their homes, so they had no reason to refuse.
As for the accompanying re-election of the Elite Ten, this had little to do with their interests, but Eizan's arrogant demeanor still annoyed many people.
Thus, one by one, the initiatives were collected from the students' hands and finally transported by Tadokoro Megumi and Alice to the Yōbi Dormitory for counting.
"You said I have no strength? Alright, in that case, let's have a food war. I'll bet my ninth Elite Ten seat! If you lose, you'll be expelled and get out of Far Moon!"
Eizan Etsuya stared venomously at Hoshino Sora; he hadn't expected the other party to play such a trick, inciting suppressed public sentiment. In this situation, only his expulsion could salvage the situation.
If the situation couldn't be salvaged, then everything would be over, at least for him. The network of interests he had painstakingly built over two years might crumble because of this incident.
And Azami Nakiri wouldn't let him off either...
"It seems Senior Ruisan, you're not satisfied with my evaluation. To be honest, I have no obligation to accept a food war, but since this is your earnest plea, out of consideration for Senior, I will accept."
Hoshino Sora returned Eizan Etsuya's words to him verbatim, and Eizan naturally recognized them, which made his expression twist with anger.
"This Hoshino guy, he's really reckless. Eizan is also truly unlucky; of all people to provoke, he had to provoke him."
Watching Hoshino Sora through the screen, Kobayashi Rindo, who was temporarily staying at Akikubo Momo's house, couldn't help but burst into laughter and complain, which left Akikubo Momo speechless.
"Sora, he will win."
Akikubo Momo whispered. As a friend from the same dormitory, she understood Hoshino Sora's strength very well.
Eizan is very strong. If he hadn't been obsessed with making money, he might have been able to have an evenly matched contest with Hoshino Sora—such a thought appeared in her mind.
"But what a brilliant move! Azami Nakiri gained the support of six Elite Ten members to become Director, and Hoshino Sora countered with the support of over 50% of the students. It's too exciting, truly more and more interesting!"
Eating chips and drinking soda, Kobayashi Rindo, who had pushed all responsibilities onto Shino, looked incredibly relaxed and comfortable, her bare feet, having taken off her black mid-calf socks, swung back and forth on the sofa.
If Hoshino Sora had seen this, he would surely have been overjoyed and requested to give her a foot massage.
"The theme is to make a dish using the leftover ingredients from the last food war. The type of dish is unlimited, and the time limit is 2 hours. Can you accept?"
By the end, seriousness appeared in Hoshino Sora's eyes. Facing Eizan Etsuya, one of the Elite Ten, he didn't show the disdain he had outwardly expressed; on the contrary, he took it very seriously!
All those disparaging words were for outsiders. Eizan Etsuya wouldn't have been able to become an Elite Ten member without solid strength, so defeating a serious him wouldn't be easy.
However, Hoshino Sora had confidence, and he had to have confidence! He would do everything in his culinary power to carve out a path for the students of Far Moon and preserve the hard work left behind by previous seniors.
Culinary research associations, research groups, and clubs are absolutely not useless things as Azami Nakiri believes!
"I understand. I will defeat you and show you just how big the gap is between the Elite Ten and ordinary students! Once you get your answer, get out of Far Moon!"
Pushing up his glasses, the person who had disregarded the rules of food wars now wanted to turn things around by relying on a food war. It was, undeniably, a great irony.
"I think you might have overlooked something: the Elite Ten, before becoming Elite Ten, were also just insignificant ordinary students!"
A mocking smile appeared at the corner of Hoshino Sora's mouth. He was ridiculing Eizan Etsuya's self-importance, ridiculing his clown-like behavior.
"The gap between the Elite Ten and ordinary students isn't that big. They are merely chefs who are relatively outstanding in cooking, but being outstanding in cooking doesn't mean they are unbeatable.
On the contrary, the more this is the case, the more it should ignite the students' fighting spirit and their drive to challenge the strong! But in recent years, as the stakes of food wars have increased, challenging the Elite Ten has been accompanied by the penalty of expulsion.
They seem to be afraid, afraid of others challenging them, which is why they use food wars to exert expulsion pressure, allowing themselves to accept as few challenges as possible.
They give excuses like, 'busily researching new dishes,' 'if everyone were like you, I'd be dead from exhaustion,' and so on.
But how can there be progress without pressure? Even accepting challenges from only a few people a month is absolutely better than refusing all challenges with harsh consequences."
Standing in front of the live stream preparing for the dish, Hoshino Sora's voice was full of sarcasm. These were his true thoughts. He didn't understand why a small competition required so many sacrifices?
Encountering someone stronger than oneself and wanting to challenge them, isn't that natural? If it's too much trouble, accept one or two challenges a month, or set rules to avoid meaningless challenges.
There are many methods, but absolutely not by threatening with harsh punishments, forcing others not to initiate challenges, even if they possess the corresponding strength, they will perform poorly due to timidity.
A large portion of the current Elite Ten handle things this way.
Hoshino Sora had looked into it, so he said this was a bad trend.
Azami Nakiri was right about one thing: Far Moon is too cruel. Throughout history, there must have been many students like Tadokoro Megumi, who had talent but hadn't yet emerged, who were expelled.
There were also those who truly loved cooking but were expelled because they lacked talent. To be honest, he also wanted to reform Far Moon, but absolutely not in such an extreme way.
Even competition can have a relatively gentle form.
Hearing these words, Eizan Etsuya said no more. He was ready to use his strength to slap Hoshino Sora in the face. He wanted this guy to know why Far Moon's Elite Ten could decide anything at Far Moon.
"Then let's begin. The three lying over there, I know you're not dead. Get over here and be judges. Remember, I only want fairness; everything else doesn't matter. If my skills are inferior, I'll accept it."
Hoshino Sora's words conveyed strong confidence, and his eyes, looking at the three judges feigning death in the corner of the room, were full of seriousness.
Win the food war, protect everyone's research associations, question the authority of the Elite Ten, and gain the support of half the students.
This was the only thing he could do now.
To overthrow the Elite Ten Council at the top of Far Moon and re-elect the Director, they could only rely on the unity of these lower-level students.
"Yes, okay…"
Because they had been hit twice in a row, the judges no longer had their initial arrogant expressions. They looked timid and cowering. They hadn't expected to be beaten even after reaching high positions.
This student could not be judged by common sense. As the saying goes, circumstances are stronger than people. In this situation, it was better to be obedient to avoid physical pain.
Anyway, it was a fair and just duel. Eizan, defeat him head-on!
Their gazes turned to Eizan Etsuya, who stood with a cold expression in front of the cooking station. As they sat back in the judges' seats, their eyes gleamed. In their view, with Eizan's strength, he could easily defeat Hoshino Sora.
"Food war, begin!"
Seeing the situation on the scene improve, the bodyguard who was initially knocked down stood up and resumed his duties as the emcee.
"You need to be careful. Although Eizan acts despicably, as a member of the Elite Ten, he still possesses considerable strength."
Kabayama Tetsuji stood beside Hoshino Sora, a worried look in his eyes. He dared to challenge Eizan mostly out of indignation, but he didn't think his own strength could defeat the opponent.
Although he was very unwilling, this was the gap between ordinary students and the Elite Ten.
The higher the grade, the more people knew that the Elite Ten were not as bad as Hoshino Sora claimed; they were the elites among elites. Therefore, if Hoshino Sora wanted them to take his side, he had to demonstrate his strength in this match!
"Duck, chicken, fish, pork, soybeans... got it."
Although Eizan Etsuya and Kabayama Tetsuji were competing with eel, there was a lot of ingredients on site. Chicken, duck, fish, pork, lamb, and beef—all kinds of ingredients were available in the nearby warehouse.
After getting the ingredients, Hoshino Sora turned his gaze to Eizan Etsuya, who was still motionless, holding his phone and making a call, seemingly waiting for something.
After a long while, he left the kitchen and went to the nearby warehouse, returning a few minutes later with a plastic box.
"Ah! That's Red Demon Shrimp! It looks lively and jumping, clearly just air-shipped. How could the warehouse possibly have prepared such high-grade ingredients in advance without knowing we'd be using Red Demon Shrimp?!"
In the live broadcast room, watching the Red Demon Shrimp that Eizan Etsuya took out, Mito Ikumi, who was in the Donburi Research Society, immediately noticed something was wrong. She then pointed at the Red Demon Shrimp on the screen and shouted. Kurokiba Ryo also noticed the anomaly.
He was also following the match, and his brows furrowed slightly as he watched Eizan Etsuya take out the Red Demon Shrimp.
"Despicable, shameless! He really didn't prepare to play fair!"
Looking at the Red Demon Shrimp in Eizan Etsuya's hand, Alice Nakiri waved her small fists and said with dissatisfaction, clearly disgusted by his vile methods.
"There shouldn't be any problem with the ingredients I took from the warehouse, right? Or do you want me to give way? If you beg me, it's not impossible for me to switch to a different ingredient."
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was de-feathering the duck, Eizan Etsuya said with a mocking tone. This was originally something he had prepared to entertain guests that evening, but he never expected it to be used here.
This was also to ensure foolproof success. After all, it was a Food War that wagered an Elite Ten seat, and he dared not be careless in the slightest.
"No need. If you think that only high-grade ingredients can make delicious dishes, then that's too shallow. Go ahead and present the dish you're best at; it won't change anything anyway."
Hoshino Sora also retorted sarcastically, then focused his attention on his own cooking station. The atmosphere on the scene instantly became extremely tense.
"The Red Demon Shrimp meat is tender and smooth, with a delicious and rich shrimp flavor! I wonder how Eizan will prepare it, but today, to be able to eat a dish Eizan made seriously, it seems worth taking a beating."
On the judges' panel, the young judge on the right side spoke with drool, his face full of eagerness. This was the most expensive and delicious shrimp in the world. Top-grade ingredients paired with a top-grade chef—the collision that would result was incredibly anticipated just thinking about it!
"It looks like it's raw marinated. Yes, only this method can do justice to this top-grade Red Demon Shrimp!"
Watching Eizan Etsuya's sharp movements and techniques, the judges, who were gourmands in the culinary field, immediately guessed his method, then praised him with admiration.
For fresh Red Demon Shrimp, the raw marinating cooking method is undoubtedly the most suitable, as it can preserve the freshness of the Red Demon Shrimp to the greatest extent. Oh no, the anticipation is maxed out!
Looking at Hoshino Sora, that guy was pouring hot oil over the duck, which had been de-feathered and coated in dark soy sauce. After being doused with hot oil, the duck looked golden and shiny, which was quite appealing.
"What is he doing? Peking Duck? No, it should be an original dish. Creating a roasted duck dish in such a sudden Food War, he truly is fearless in his ignorance."
Seeing Hoshino Sora's inexplicable actions, the faces of several judges on the scene immediately showed mocking smiles. Such a crude production method, in the end, would only result in a B-grade dish.
It was probably just a cheap roasted duck available everywhere on the street.
"Soy milk? Why make soy milk at a time like this?"
In front of the live broadcast, everyone was puzzled by Hoshino Sora's inexplicable operation. Roasted duck with soy milk—what kind of strange combination was this? They had never seen such a method before...
"Hoshino-kun..."
At Polar Star Dormitory, Tadokoro Megumi looked at the screen with a hint of worry in her eyes. Yukihira Soma sat cross-legged on the floor, watching intently, while putting himself in the situation and thinking about Hoshino Sora's next steps.
Pouring hot oil over the roasted duck can make the skin heat evenly and result in a better color, but this soy milk is a bit perplexing. Is he preparing a savory soy milk pairing?
"Soy milk, soybeans, Sichuan Cuisine related to duck..."
Lei Yuxing mumbled softly while watching the live broadcast. Sichuan Cuisine has always used soybeans masterfully, such as in Mapo Tofu, Douhua, Douchi, and the soybean powder on Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake.
"What is it exactly? Don't keep us in suspense."
Sitting on the sofa, Feng Xuanya asked curiously. Yan Ba and Huoguo Guo also looked over, their eyes filled with confusion. As experts in Fujian Cuisine, they weren't particularly familiar with other cuisines.
"This dish is relatively niche, a Sichuan Cuisine, Dregs Duck Breast. I can't believe he knows how to make it, it's truly surprising!" At the end, Lei Yuxing was also a bit surprised. Hoshino Sora, being Japanese, could even make such a niche Sichuan dish. Which master did he learn from?
Even he only had a fleeting memory of this dish from an ancient cookbook.
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