Since then, he became an indelible legend in the history of Totsuki Culinary Academy, representing the most outstanding chef of that era.
And yet, such a formidable figure was easily conquered by the True Sea Bream Continent Map at this moment!
...
"You try it too."
"This dish will give you a sense of profound enlightenment."
Finally, he swallowed, saying to Isshiki Satoshi with lingering fear.
"Senior, then I won't be polite."
Seeing Jōichirō's astonished expression earlier, Isshiki Satoshi knew the extraordinary nature of this dish.
So, he eagerly began to taste it.
"Hmm, this taste..."
With just one bite, he froze completely, sitting there motionless.
Perhaps he never even dreamed that such an astonishing and delicious dish could exist in this world?
And after the thoroughly chewed sea bream meat was swallowed, what kind of taste it truly was, Isshiki Satoshi found it difficult to describe in words.
He only knew that, based on his current strength,
Even if he trained for another 50 years, he might not be able to create a dish like Sosuke's!
...
Everyone needs to eat; only by eating can one maintain the daily necessities for survival.
But what is puzzling is that in ancient Celestial Dynasty, based on the hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, the social status of cooks, as "craftsmen," has always been very low.
Of course, let alone the Celestial Dynasty, which values eating, being in this situation.
In fact, in the West and in Japan, chefs who prepare delicious food and improve people's quality of life are often not as famous as politicians who bring wars or disasters to humanity!
In terms of status and power, they are even inferior to those food suppliers and food writers.
However, for this world where "cuisine is supreme,"
It is somewhat different; a highly skilled chef can possess a noble status and extraordinary influence.
Just like the group of Midnight Chefs who appeared in the later part of the story, they could secretly change the entire world with their superb culinary skills.
In Jōichirō Yukihira's eyes, this Sosuke before him was definitely a rare genius in the world.
From this True Sea Bream Continent Map dish, he could even foresee that the person who could lead the entire culinary era in the future would definitely not be the General, nor an executive of the WGO Gourmet Organization, nor himself, but...
Zhang's Restaurant's Shopkeeper, Sosuke!
...
"Shopkeeper, I have traveled to many places in the world and have also competed with many excellent chefs."
"Each of them is very strong, possesses extraordinary talent, has solid cooking skills and foundations, and unique insights into cuisine."
"And, most importantly,"
"They all love the profession of a chef and enjoy cooking."
"But in this secular world full of greed, they inevitably cannot escape the desire for money and power."
"Their efforts are merely to gain recognition from others, and they treat gourmet cooking as a means of making money."
"Some of them even sold their consciences for greater profit, manipulating the dishes they served to diners!"
"The current atmosphere of the entire culinary world can be said to be quite corrupt and depraved!"
"For this, I am filled with despair."
"Believing that the entire culinary era in the future will only become darker."
"But it wasn't until I came to your Izakaya tonight that I realized there are still pure people like you in this world."
"Despite having superb culinary skills, you are willing to content yourself with living here, using simple ingredients and low prices to offer the most delicious dishes to diners, allowing everyone to experience the true joy of enjoying food!"
At this moment, Jōichirō, who had stopped using his chopsticks, perhaps suddenly recalled past events, or perhaps saw a kind of hope in Sosuke.
He couldn't help but look up and sigh deeply.
...
"Is being a chef good or not?"
"I believe everyone asks themselves this question before entering this profession."
"But whether it's out of interest or a desire to make money, one cannot deny a fact: the path to becoming a qualified chef is truly long!"
"Take Chinese cuisine, for example; just the most basic knife skills practice takes at least 3 to 5 years to achieve even slight proficiency."
"Moreover, for different ingredients, one must learn to use different knife skills."
"What about cutting, slicing, carving, chopping, dicing, scoring, pushing, etc.—which one doesn't take ten days to half a month to master?"
"Not to mention wok tossing, heat control, seasoning modulation, various theoretical knowledge, the recognition and use of various ingredients, various frying, stir-frying, boiling, roasting, and other cooking techniques..."
"So, relying solely on a love for cooking is truly not enough."
"I am actually quite relieved that in this world, chefs can still have a high status and high income."
"Of course, the culinary world of this era still has many problems and drawbacks."
"However, what does that matter?"
"For me, currently, I just want to manage this Izakaya well and strive to do my best with every dish."
"Indeed, many people cannot understand my thoughts, but I think if I can add a tiny, faint light to this decaying world, I will be content!"
"I believe that precisely because the world is corrupt, sincere people like you and I become even more precious."
The words were finally spoken.
The atmosphere in the entire Izakaya, however, became utterly silent at this moment.
Everyone, including Jōichirō Yukihira, stared blankly at Sosuke, their hearts unable to calm down for a long time.
"I finally understand now why Nagiri Mana told me at Harukatei a few days ago that only one person in this world could completely change me!"
The assistant chef, Kuguchi Sonoka, also stared intently at Sosuke, finally murmuring as if enlightened.
"Shopkeeper Zhang, you are so young; I thought you would be arrogant."
"But it turns out you possess such a profound realization; it truly makes me feel ashamed and admire you!"
Jōichirō, increasingly admiring Sosuke in his heart, then sighed slightly and added, "If only I had such thoughts at your age."
"Perhaps then many things wouldn't have happened, and I wouldn't have chosen to drop out of school because of it..."
"For you, that was also an unforgettable experience, wasn't it?"
"Yes, indeed."
Jōichirō nodded involuntarily.
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