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Shun studied the dishes before him, his expression unchanged.
Seeing this, Komatsu couldn't help offering a nervous explanation at his side. "Shun-san, this is char-grilled Thunder Yak heart… this is herb-slow-cooked yak loin, and this is a clear broth made from the bones. Please enjoy!"
"Good."
Without another word, Shun picked up his knife and fork and tasted the still-crackling heart first.
Sssht!
Tiny arcs skittered in his mouth, a prickle running along his nerves as he chewed.
The flesh was ultra-tender, juices bursting forth; the electrical energy added a bracing, exhilarating edge to the bite.
"Not bad. The sear's on point, and you locked in the stored energy," Shun judged after savoring it.
Relief lit Komatsu's face.
Next, Shun cut a small piece from the low-temp, slow-cooked loin.
The rosy meat separated under the gentlest pressure of the blade.
On the tongue, that ultimate tenderness and sweetness bloomed at once—like the finest cream—forming a perfect counterpoint to the heart's wildness. The house sauce, mildly tart and bright, balanced the richness of the fat.
"The loin's temperature is precise. Low-temp cooking preserved the meat's native flavor and moisture to the utmost. The sauce pairing is deft—doesn't steal the show."
Last, Shun turned to the clear soup.
The moment it touched his lips, pristine savor washed away the lingering heaviness of the meat. A gentle warmth flooded his stomach, carrying a faint, clean herbal fragrance that cleared the head.
"The broth is well-drawn—full yet limpid, with a long finish." Shun set down his utensils, looked at the two waiting tensely, and concluded, "Overall, better than I expected. You didn't waste this Thunder Yak."
Komatsu flushed scarlet with delight and bowed again and again. "That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Shun-san! I—I'm so grateful for your approval!"
Tenka-sensei allowed himself a quiet, satisfied smile—and silently exhaled.
But after the excitement, Komatsu wore a flicker of hesitation and hope. Rubbing his hands, mustering his courage, he spoke up: "U-um… Shun-san, since you're also a powerful Gourmet Hunter… could I… commission you for something?"
"Oh?"
Shun's interest stirred. "What kind of commission?"
"R-right!" Komatsu hurried on. "The hotel needs a batch of high-grade ingredients soon—specifically, Garara Gators from the Baron Archipelago! I know it's sudden, and dangerous. Its capture level isn't as high as your Thunder Yak, but it's still level 8! But… but I feel if it's you, Shun-san, there won't be a problem! The hotel will definitely make the reward worth your while!"
At that, a subtle shift crossed Shun's face.
Baron Archipelago? Garara Gator?
Something stirred in his mind.
Wasn't this the "starting arc" where Komatsu and Toriko first met?
To capture the Garara Gator, Komatsu had commissioned Toriko—and their gourmet journey began.
Now Komatsu stood before him making the same request.
It meant the world's plot line was finally starting to bend.
Only this time, the one standing beside Komatsu to accept the first formal commission… was Shun.
Looking at Komatsu's eyes—tense yet bright with expectation—Shun's lips drew into a faint, meaningful smile.
"Garara Gator, hm? Interesting." His tone was mild. "I'll take the commission."
On an ordinary day, that might've triggered a system quest—he still had one active and didn't want another to pop. But he'd already planned to track down those four known high-grade ingredients—the Baron Archipelago was a fine place to start. And witnessing—no, participating in—this landmark plot node was far more fun than watching from the sidelines.
Komatsu hadn't expected Shun to agree without hesitation. He blinked, then beamed. "R-really? Thank you! Thank you, Shun-san! I—I'll prepare the contract and the full briefing right away!"
As Komatsu turned to dash off, Shun spoke softly, stopping him. "No need for the trouble."
Komatsu paused, puzzled.
Shun rose, calm as ever. "A verbal agreement is enough. I trust the IGO's reputation. As for the payment…"
He let the words hang for a beat, as if discussing a triviality. "Whatever you think is appropriate. I don't mind."
He wasn't taking this job for the money.
Partly, he was curious how this origin point of the "original plot" would diverge with his involvement. Partly, the Baron Archipelago, as a first step, might yield clues or openings for those four high-grade ingredients—key to clearing his long-term quest.
Tenka-sensei, listening at the side, felt a glimmer of understanding and respect.
This was a true powerhouse's bearing. Clinging to papers and numbers would only cheapen it.
He bowed slightly. "Your straightforwardness commands admiration, Shun-san. Rest assured, the IGO and Hotel Gourmet will not disappoint you."
Komatsu understood as well now, and bowed deeply, voice brimming with gratitude. "Thank you—truly!"
…
A few days later, a swift IGO vessel delivered Shun to the destination—the Baron Archipelago.
The ship couldn't risk approaching the main island too closely and held to the outer waters.
Shun declined the crew's offer of further support. With a light step he sprang from the deck, skimming over a maze of knife-edged reefs.
This "Baron Barrier," a notorious deathtrap to most, was steady earth beneath Shun's feet.
Moments later, the engine's thrum faded behind him, and the air around erupted with alien birdsong and the roars of beasts.
Shun surveyed the surroundings.
The place earned its fearsome reputation: towering tropical flora he'd never seen, roots and trunks knotted into living walls; the ground wet and spongy, with unknown life lurking beneath; the air steeped in the musk of rot and a faint tang of blood.
According to IGO data, more than two hundred thousand beasts inhabit these islands. Most rate between capture levels 1 and 5—but to ordinary humans and low-tier Hunters, this is a killing field at every step.
For Shun as he was now, though… this felt almost peaceful.
…
(End of Chapter)
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