The instant Shun set the cut of Crimson Dire Tiger—hunted days ago in the Sea of Trees—onto his station, an uproar rippled through the crowd.
"Huh? What meat is that? That color—so strange! What kind of beast is it?"
"Look at that grain—no ordinary creature!"
"I've never seen anything like it. Who is this guy? Where did he get that ingredient?"
Just producing an ingredient unknown to most spoke volumes about Shun's strength.
Even Setsuno-baasan on the judges' dais opened her eyes a touch wider, interest twinkling. "Oh? To capture that kind of beast… this young one has skill, hoho."
The IGO judges, worldly and well-traveled, recognized the meat at a glance. One judge—silver hair, gold-rimmed glasses—cleared his throat and addressed the curious audience through the mic.
"Everyone, quiet please. The ingredient this contestant is using… if I'm not mistaken, it's from a highly ferocious predator that inhabits a designated danger zone in the Human World—the depths of the Sea of Trees—namely, the Crimson Dire Tiger."
A chorus of sharp intakes of breath swept the plaza.
The Sea of Trees—that place? The one they say swallows all who enter?
Unhurried, the judge continued, "The Crimson Dire Tiger is Capture Level 38. Massive in stature; dark-red pelt; stores solar energy and, when enraged, releases destructive dark-red shockwaves. Extremely violent—one of the top apex predators in the Sea of Trees."
He paused, eyes falling to the slab on Shun's board—still giving off a faint energy shimmer. "Because of its strength and its deadly habitat, Crimson Dire Tiger meat is rarely seen on the market—practically priceless. Its flesh holds abundant life energy with a unique fire-attribute essence, excellent for fortifying the body and relieving fatigue. The heart is the essence of essences, famed as a 'Burning Gem.'"
"But the finer the ingredient, the harder it is to handle. The tiger's flesh is extremely tough and its energy savage; if mishandled it's not only hard to chew, it can even burden the diner's body."
"To have captured one proves this contestant's extraordinary prowess. To dare use it in competition shows absolute confidence in his culinary skill. Let us see what this young chef—Shun—will craft!"
The explanation lit the crowd on fire.
"C-Capture Level 38?! Even pro Gourmet Hunters might not manage that!"
"He went into the deep Sea of Trees… and bagged that?"
"No wonder the meat looks unreal!"
"He's halfway to victory just from the ingredient!"
When every gaze swung back to Shun, it was loaded with curiosity—and fierce expectation.
This was the first time the name "Shun" crashed into the Gourmet Metropolis's public view with such force and mystery—announcing the rise of a new star who united overwhelming strength with exceptional cuisine.
No one doubted him anymore; they were desperate to know how he would turn this symbol of power and peril into a dish that conquered palates.
Shun ignored the commotion and sank wholly into the work—unknowingly slipping into Shokugi state.
Others knew Dire Tiger meat was a nightmare to process—of course Shun knew.
He ran both palms lightly across the surface, feeling the surge of energy and the muscle fibers' lay. Then, with Shokugi, he gently soothed and guided the wild energy within, tempering it to become mild, more readily absorbed by the body, while maximizing the latent umami.
This was an advanced Shokugi technique he'd mastered only after Miyoko completed her foundational training and his task rewards boosted his control.
Shun set a brand-new Kuribo Pot on the flame and filled it with clear water.
Next, from one of his earlier rewards—the Universal Spice Caddy (Basic)—he took out a special seasoning: a spice from another world, unknown even in Toriko's realm, perfect for balancing the tiger's fire nature.
He called it Ice-Crystal Mint-Orchid.
Its leaves were thin as crystal slivers, cool to the touch, exuding the clean chill of top-grade mint, the elegant hush of an orchid, and a subtle, calming aroma that felt… cosmic.
It could harmonize and balance over-vigorous fire-attribute energy and life force, making them gentle and pleasant, while sealing in the ingredient's true flavor—and imparting a transcendent, refreshing bouquet.
A pinch was enough; anything more was unnecessary.
Time slipped by. The audition timer hit zero.
Tasting began.
The judges moved station to station, offering brief notes.
When Shun's dish arrived, every neck stretched.
In the center of a white plate lay several perfectly pink slices of Crimson Dire Tiger, their marbling like fine art. Around them glimmered translucent vegetable shavings; over the middle ran a small stream of concentrated, crystal-clear consommé.
One IGO judge lifted a slice—and tasted.
In an instant, his eyes flew wide.
The dreaded chewiness never came—the slice melted on the tongue like the finest snow-aged wagyū, but riding atop it was an ineffable surge of umami.
A gentle, steady warmth rose from his stomach and flowed through every limb, leaving him brimming with strength—yet perfectly comfortable, with no hint of overloading agitation.
The broth, seemingly light, in truth condensed all the essence of the tiger and the crystal leaves—its savor made his very soul tremble. The crisp vegetable slivers balanced the texture and lent a clean, airy finish.
The flavors were astonishingly harmonious—flawless, without a single snag.
"T-This flavor…!" the judge stammered, nearly speechless.
Each of the others reacted the same—shock melting into rapture.
Ordinarily, Setsuno-baasan would not judge the audition round—but Shun's dish had pricked her curiosity. After tasting, her eyes shone.
"Mm. A splendid flavor. Every step of the handling is just right—and there's a seasoning I've never tasted before…"
(End of Chapter)
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