Okabe got up very early.
After his routine morning run, he busied himself in the fields for a while, watering and fertilizing, then took a shower and came to the dining table.
"How were everyone's classes today?"
While eating breakfast and enjoying the unique quiet of the morning, Megumi Tadokoro took small bites of her omelet and curiously started the conversation.
"Two classes on nutrition science in the morning, no classes in the afternoon, so I can come back early for a beauty nap."
Ryoko Sakaki picked up some pickles into her bowl, perfectly pairing them with the autumn mackerel and sending them into her mouth together.
"I have no classes in the morning, but two in the afternoon: fried foods class and Italian cuisine class. I don't know why there are two consecutive practical classes of different types."
Soma Yukihira took a sip of miso soup and said.
"Hisako and I have no classes today either. We're planning to go down the mountain with Ikaros to buy some daily necessities. If you need anything, send me a message, and I'll pick it up if I see it."
Erina Nakiri said while looking at the lazy Okabe, clearly directing this remark specifically at him rather than everyone.
"My daily necessities were all brought from Ryōzanpaku, and I'm not short on anything for now."
"I have a meat research class soon. The first two periods are theory, and then two hours will be allocated for meat dish preparation."
"What a coincidence. I also have meat research class this morning. From your description, it's probably the same one. Let's go together later; it'll be nice to have company."
Hearing Yuki Yoshino's words, Okabe stacked his clean bowl and chopsticks, turned his head to her, and said.
"Really?"
Yuki Yoshino, who had been somewhat listless, immediately slapped the table upon hearing his words, her face showing unconcealed excitement.
"It's true, no need for me to lie to you, but why are you so excited..."
Looking at the dramatically reacting Yuki Yoshino, the corner of Okabe's mouth twitched slightly.
"Mainly, going to class alone is really too boring, especially the morning theory class. Having someone next to chat with makes it much more relaxing."
Realizing she had been overly excited, Yuki Yoshino blushed and sat back down, then explained the reason, her voice laced with obvious anticipation.
For a talkative person like her, having no one to talk to during class was pure torment. After all, she didn't feel right interrupting strangers during lessons.
"I get it, I get it. Theory classes really make you super sleepy."
Soma Yukihira nodded in deep empathy.
"Last time in food science history, I almost face-planted into my textbook. I don't know why they even offer such meaningless, extra boring courses. They could just mention it briefly during practical cooking lessons."
"Exactly. I can't figure out why they don't integrate theory into practical classes. Wouldn't it be better to do them together? This education method is too outdated!"
Thinking of Tōtsuki Academy's current teaching format, Yuki Yoshino couldn't help but complain.
It had been a week since school started, and this was the first time she shared a class with her dorm mates.
"What you're saying makes sense. I'll mention it to Grandpa later and see if he can optimize the current curriculum structure."
Hearing Yuki Yoshino's grumbling, Erina Nakiri was silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"Really? That would be great!"
"Damn, why didn't you come earlier? We've already finished all the theory classes..."
As soon as Erina Nakiri spoke, the others immediately looked delighted, while Rindo Kobayashi, who had already completed all theory classes, showed a resentful expression.
"It's getting late. If we don't leave now, we'll be late. Yuki, let's go."
"Okay, give me a moment to tidy up my room!"
In the teaching building.
"Wow, everyone's looking at us—or more precisely, at you. It feels like you've become the academy's big star, Okabe-kun."
Yuki Yoshino's words carried a teasing tone.
She looked around and noticed that every passerby cast glances at them upon seeing them. There was admiration, curiosity, jealousy, hatred—various emotions mixed in. Though just looks, she could clearly sense them.
Okabe's voice was indifferent.
These guys didn't even have the courage to meet his eyes, only daring to sneak peeks from behind, which really didn't pique his interest much.
"You're the number one on the sequence list, Okabe?"
As they spoke, a crisp voice laced with a bit of fiery temper rang out from ahead in the corridor.
Okabe looked up.
He saw a golden-haired, green-eyed girl with Tōtsuki's school uniform jacket slung over her shoulders, exposing her healthy wheat-colored skin, standing before him.
Ikumi Mito.
A central figure in the meat cuisine family who received top evaluations in the fried foods class. In stark contrast to her father's bribery scandal with external authorities, she handles meat cuisine with exceptional finesse.
Born on May 4th.
Height: 168cm.
Weight: 52.5kg.
Hobbies: Reading "The Little Prince".
Preferred way to spend holidays: Meat cuisine (curry rice).
She held a cooking toolbox in her hand, her gaze sharp as a blade, unabashedly sizing up Okabe from top to bottom.
"That's me. What's up?"
Looking at Ikumi Mito, who was eyeing him with such straightforward scrutiny, Okabe also showed an interested expression, curious about what she would say.
"I thought you'd have three heads and six arms to top the sequence list, but now it seems you're just a bit taller than average and nothing special otherwise."
Seeing Okabe look at her, those calm eyes like autumn water made Ikumi Mito's face redden. She then placed one hand on her hip and continued.
"Can I take that as you provoking me?"
It was rare to encounter a familiar face. He thought she was about to throw some harsh words, but after all that buildup, it was just this? He couldn't help but laugh.
"What a narcissistic guy. Your whole body is only decent in terms of that handsome face. I really don't know how you got the sequence list number one title."
Okabe's retort made Ikumi Mito's face flush red. Realizing her words lacked impact and she was being mocked instead, she got even angrier.
She couldn't help but continue muttering, but her words didn't anger Okabe at all; instead, they secretly pleased him.
No helping it; whenever this girl belittled him, she always mentioned his looks.
It really made it hard to get mad.
"So, what are you here for? Want to challenge me for the sequence list number one spot? Bring enough stakes, and I don't mind playing with you."
Not getting angry didn't mean he would let her keep ranting.
In the next moment, his expression turned cold, eyes icily fixed on Ikumi Mito, his voice devoid of any warmth, like the most precise machine.
"Where would I get that many stakes? You know full well no one can offer that much at this stage, yet you bring it up to put on airs!"
"If you have no stakes, then what are you doing here?"
Okabe looked at Ikumi Mito strangely, not quite understanding her intent.
"Since you're here in this classroom, your morning class should be meat research, right?"
"So what?"
"Then how about we compete in class? Without stakes, just to see whose meat cuisine technique is superior."
She slightly stepped aside, revealing the classroom entrance behind her, and provocatively looked at Okabe.
"A match without stakes? Feels a bit boring..."
Hearing Ikumi Mito's words, Okabe showed a calm gaze.
This girl wanted to compete with the number one but wasn't willing to pay the corresponding price—what difference was that from freeloading fame off him?
"Are you scared?"
"Don't use that boring provocation tactic; it has no effect on me."
"What kind of stakes do you want?"
Hearing Okabe's words, Ikumi Mito's brow twitched slightly. She knew her earlier words had treated him like a fool, so she adjusted her mindset and continued asking.
A general match as stakes to witness the style of sequence list number one wasn't unacceptable.
"I want you."
Looking at the determined Ikumi Mito, who was set on competing with him today, Okabe suddenly had a bold idea.
"Wh-what?! Want me? What does that mean?!"
As soon as Okabe spoke, Ikumi Mito's voice trembled, her eyes filled with anger and shyness.
She had some respect for him as sequence list number one, but now it was all disdain.
"Literal meaning. After the showdown ends, I'll tell you what to do. If you win, I'll give you the sequence 1 spot, how about that?"
Seeing Ikumi Mito's flushed face, Okabe thought she was angry, so he stepped forward, looking down at her imposingly.
"You said it. The theme is 'pure meat cuisine'!"
Though a faint unease stirred in her heart, thinking of her specialty and the A5 beef in her toolbox, Ikumi Mito regained her confident expression.
Sequence 1 or not?
In her field of expertise, with ingredients far superior, she didn't believe Okabe could turn the tables!
"Of course. Since I proposed the showdown, the theme is naturally up to you."
A spark of fighting spirit ignited in Okabe's eyes. Objectively, Ikumi Mito wasn't weak. Raised in the Mito Group, her familiarity with beef was undoubtedly the best at Tōtsuki—probably even surpassing his own.
After all, she was sequence list 99's genius chef. Without a few signature skills, Tōtsuki wouldn't have let her on the list.
In the original story, Soma Yukihira only beat her by taking the curry rice theme and finding an alternative path. If it was pure 'wagyu beef cuisine,' even Soma wouldn't be her match.
And it was precisely such an opponent that he was willing to bet his sequence 1 status to gain her loyalty.
Unlike the relatively soft-tempered Megumi Tadokoro, Ikumi Mito had a fiery, aggressive personality, always acting like a hot-tempered little pepper toward anyone.
But that was in front of outsiders. Toward those close to her, she craved their protection, which was the main reason she admired the strong.
So, to truly conquer her from the root, he had to demonstrate absolute strength, let her see his prowess, and be convinced by his culinary skills.
Only then could he truly win her over and pull her into his faction.
Before leaving, Master Ma had reminded him.
The culinary world ahead wouldn't be peaceful. Relying solely on his own power would eventually leave him isolated. Okabe never considered himself a genius, so building a faction was imminent.
Coming to Tōtsuki was also for this important reason.
In the genius-gathering Tōtsuki, he could recruit many talented chefs. When they grew up, they would surely carve out a place in the gourmet world.
"Hope you can keep smiling later!"
Ikumi Mito naturally didn't know Okabe's thoughts. Her mind was full of his earlier words.
[I want you.]
What was that? A confession? But they were meeting for the first time today, right? If not a confession, then what? Such straightforward words truly made her heart race.
Could this be his real reason? What a despicable man—possessing strength beyond ordinary people, yet resorting to such petty tricks!!
"Don't worry, I'll be the one laughing last."
Looking at Ikumi Mito entering the classroom first, Okabe said softly.
"What kind of situation is this? You're really going to compete with that guy in meat cuisine?! And betting sequence 1? Do you know who she is?!"
Things happened too fast. As Ikumi Mito entered the classroom, Yuki Yoshino finally reacted, stepping forward anxiously to speak to Okabe.
"Of course I know. Ikumi Mito, whose family's 'Mito Beef' is the leader in Japan's beef industry. Her other cuisines are average, but her control over meat cuisine is astonishing."
Looking at Ikumi Mito's retreating figure entering the classroom, Okabe slowly stated what he knew.
"You know and still challenge her in 'meat cuisine'? That's her absolute domain!
I heard shortly after school started, someone mocked her revealing outfit, saying she wasn't a proper woman. That person was carried out and expelled that same day with a 3:0 Shokugeki record...
"You're amazing in cooking, but facing her years of specialization in 'meat cuisine,' plus her top-tier ingredients...
Right now, you can only use the relatively ordinary ingredients in the classroom. In this situation, it'll be somewhat difficult to handle, right?!"
Yuki Yoshino said anxiously. She had gone to watch that match out of curiosity—after all, guys making lewd comments about girls were annoying—and it was a one-sided crushing defeat.
Absolutely terrifying strength in 'meat cuisine,' plus top-grade beef hard for ordinary people to buy. In her hands, it was commonplace.
Combined, no same-year Tōtsuki student could beat Ikumi Mito in 'meat cuisine.'
"Precisely because of that, we must challenge her, right?"
Hearing Yuki Yoshino's account, Okabe's fighting spirit burned even brighter.
"Eh?"
"Challenging experts in certain fields allows progress in that domain. Stakes are just to make oneself serious—after all, matches without stakes really make it hard to bring out full strength."
"Time's not early; let's not stand at the door. Hurry inside."
Looking at the surprised Yuki Yoshino, Okabe simply explained his understanding of so-called Shokugeki, then stepped into the classroom.
"He's a weirdo who doesn't play by the rules!"
Looking at Okabe's back, Yuki Yoshino annoyedly stomped her foot before following.
"Did you hear?"
"Heard! Sequence 99 Ikumi Mito challenged sequence 1 Okabe. Heard the stakes are herself, and Okabe accepted."
"That works? What does 'stakes are herself' mean? Ikumi Mito sounds like a girl's name."
"Not clear, just heard it."
"Probably she challenged Okabe using herself as stakes. Girls nowadays are so bold; must have strong confidence to dare that!"
"What does she look like?"
"A beauty with exotic charm, blonde hair, green eyes, spicy dressing, seems open-minded. Young but good figure!"
"Hot girl, huh? No wonder Okabe agreed."
"When does the Shokugeki start? Let's go watch later. It's a sequence battle—huge gap, but still a sequence battle!"
"Indeed, probably the first sequence battle since the list came out. Starting on day one, and it's the top spot fight—must see!"
"Wait, seems not a Shokugeki. The showdown is in the meat research classroom..."
"Not Shokugeki? Then a private agreement?"
"Feels a bit hasty. Without a notary, the loser could renege. Let's go see what's up later."
"Everyone's watching; reneging loses more than face."
Various discussions echoed in hallways, classrooms, corridors, and grounds. Boys and girls gathered in groups, all talking about the incident at the meat research classroom entrance that morning.
And at this moment.
Inside the meat research classroom.
On the podium, the instructor in a white chef's uniform was lecturing on the relationship between meat fibers and doneness. The classroom buzzed with suppressed restlessness.
Everyone knew that after this seemingly ordinary theory class, an unusual showdown would occur.
Ikumi Mito sat in the front row, her cooking toolbox at her feet.
She wasn't listening; this content was long mastered for her. She was repeatedly wiping her brought knife with a velvet cloth.
It was the Mito family heirloom Nakiri knife, said to date back to the Meiji era, passed down over two hundred years, specialized for top-grade beef.
The purple sandalwood handle was smooth and comfortable, the pure silver snowflake-patterned guard inlaid with wind jewels, the matte blade bearing fine forging marks, its curved edge glinting coldly in the sunlight.
Its features: silent unsheathing, smooth cutting, perfectly separating tendons and membranes without squeezing juices. It had passed through eleven generations to her.
Her gaze alertly toward the back of the classroom at Okabe, who was taking notes, as if their all-or-nothing bet was just casual talk.
Ikumi Mito muttered lowly, her fingers unconsciously caressing the blade.
After two hours of sitting quietly, she had fully calmed. If he wanted her flustered to create an opening, she wouldn't give him the chance.
As long as she beat him in 'meat cuisine,' she could become sequence 1, bringing huge benefits to the entire Mito Group.
"Okabe, what exactly are you thinking? If you set these stakes because you underestimate me, you'll absolutely regret it!"
She lightly sheathed the wiped Frost Cut knife and closed her eyes to rest.
Two hours later, the theory class finally ended.
The instructor for this class, Kozo Ukita, announced the shift to practical segment.
"Today's practical is pan-fried meat cutlets. Chicken, duck, fish, pork, beef, lamb—all fine. You can even use crocodile if conditions allow, but the classroom has none; bring your own. Practical time is two hours. I'll grade your final dishes."
Kozo Ukita looked at the lax students below, with less than 1/3 paying attention, showing a helpless expression.
Knowing theory was boring, he said nothing, just clapped at the end to signal its close.
"Now, follow me to the adjacent practical classroom."
The applause was like a signal, perking up the sleepy students.
Countless gazes fell on Okabe and Ikumi Mito, everyone anticipating the upcoming match.
"Not a bad class."
Okabe also stood from his seat. Through the earlier lesson, he further understood meat properties, having a prototype for the upcoming showdown dish in mind.
"You don't seem nervous at all, even though your opponent is a meat master..."
Seeing Okabe relaxed from start to finish, Yuki Yoshino beside him couldn't help but comment, gaining a vague sense of his strength.
No matter what, actual ability determines confidence.
Okabe had been relaxed the whole time in class, proving he didn't take Ikumi Mito seriously at all—especially knowing her prowess.
Facing a meat master so casually showed his strength.
"Nothing to be nervous about. Just do your best."
Exchanging a distant glance with Ikumi Mito at the classroom door, Okabe turned to Yuki Yoshino, who was packing her textbook.
Struggling to stuff her thermos into her bag, Yuki Yoshino stood and followed.
Soon, they arrived at the adjacent classroom.
The teacher was already at the podium, writing notes on handling various meats on the blackboard.
At the back was a fridge with ingredients for the class: common animal cutlets.
Yet despite reaching the practical room, no one moved.
Everyone stood watching Okabe and Ikumi Mito. On stage, Kozo Ukita noticed the subtle atmosphere, curiosity on his face.
"Instructor Orihito, I want to have a cooking showdown with this classmate Okabe. The theme is 'pure meat cuisine.' May I ask you to serve as referee?"
The entire classroom instantly quieted.
Kozo Ukita adjusted his glasses, gaze shifting between them. "I recall you didn't apply for Shokugeki. Even if you did, the conditions here..."
"Not a Shokugeki, just in-class sparring."
Ikumi Mito interrupted Kozo Ukita, tone firm.
"If both agree, I can specially judge for you. But restrictions you settle privately. I only evaluate taste, and my judgment is reference only, bearing no responsibility."
Kozo Ukita was silent a moment, knowing he couldn't decline, and finally nodded to the two.
Ikumi Mito's lips curved confidently. "Okabe-kun, no objections?"
In an instant, all gazes gathered on Okabe, awaiting his response.
____
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