The strongest anime shop owner

At that moment, the same thought crossed the minds of the other examiners. After hesitating for a moment, they still picked up their spoons. After all, they had already experienced similar situations twice before, but the results were somewhat unexpected. So they all decided to taste it. Even if it wasn't very good, they wouldn't lose anything. If they found something interesting, they immediately scooped up a spoonful, smelled it, and then wrinkled their noses, clearly not satisfied: "That smell is gone. What happened?"

Generally speaking, if the food exudes a special aroma during its preparation, then you can say you've made a good deal.

However, the first to take a bite was Senpyo Orie, who had already taken a spoonful. When she first tasted it, she experienced the sweet and crispy carrot flavor, along with the slight tartness of the grapes. As she was experiencing this sensation, she was about to say something when suddenly the curry she was swirling in her mouth released an intense burst of flavor. An indescribable yet incredibly strong taste instantly assaulted her entire mouth and even her whole body. It was a feeling that defied description, as if her soul had been reborn, sweeping away all her fatigue. It was like being resurrected on the spot after exhaustion.

"Ah...it's like I've been reborn." After so many tastings and reviews, Chiyo was already quite tired, but after eating this dish, she felt completely rejuvenated. She looked incredibly energetic, as if she had consumed something like coffee or tea to boost her energy, but there was something different. While coffee and similar things can be stimulating, they don't change the fact that she was still visibly tired.

"What's going on now? They're stunned again?"

"It must be the same as before. It must be some very delicious dish. I knew this dish was not as simple as it looked."

Some people said the main characters had too little screen time in this competition, but I want to say that you can't really comment on other people's dishes. However, I'm only writing about a few people in the B arena; otherwise, writing only about the main characters would feel like a one-man show. Also, there are still a month or two left before the end of the semester, and I'll be busy with my graduation project and job interviews, so please forgive any breaks in updates. After all, compared to writing a novel, those are the more important things in life.

"If that's the case, then I'd really like to try it."

"It seems that the quality of this year's students is really good. Compared to the past, they are already among the best! It really was the era of jade."

"yes···"

After seeing this situation occur again, the discussion in the audience became heated once more. Leaving aside the students, some of the more important figures had been there since the start of the competition, so it was easy to make comparisons. It could be said that this year's competition was probably the best ever, with everyone showing their unique talents.

"Is it really that delicious?" After seeing this, Alice Nakiri muttered to herself before appearing over to the examiner. Generally, to avoid running out or other problems, every chef prepares a backup of the food, and Su Luo was no exception. However, Alice Nakiri ignored this and went straight to Chipyo Orie, casually scooping a spoonful from the plate and eating it.

"It's nothing... Hmm~ This taste..." After taking a bite, Alice Nakiri initially thought it was nothing special, but just as she was about to say that, a strange power suddenly filled her entire body and mind, as if her soul had been sublimated. Almost immediately after that power surged out, the fatigue of the day was swept away, and the comfortable feeling made her groan.

"What exactly does it feel like?"

Why isn't anyone saying anything?

"Seriously... I really don't know what they're doing..."

Seeing that Alice Nakiri paused after eating aroused the curiosity of many people, and some impatient people even shouted.

"Um... well... how should I put it! At least the previous dish had some discernible flavors, but this dish, apart from the fried carrot bits used as garnish, is basically made with spices and other auxiliary ingredients, without any other additives. If the previous dish was based on spices, then this dish is entirely based on spices. It looks like a kind of potion, with different spices combined, and there must be a reaction similar to that in making a potion, resulting in a very unique flavor. Um... I don't know how to describe it, I can only say... a kind of rebirth!" Anton Shingo rested his chin on his hands, and after thinking for a moment, he stammered.

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Chapter 180 Maca

"A new kind of life...? That's too high a praise."

"This can't be a joke... A freshman? How is that possible!?"

"If it's really that good, I'd love to try it."

Hearing that Shingo Anton had given such a high evaluation, the audience was abuzz with discussion, and their anticipation for the dish grew even stronger.

"Yes, just like what Professor Anton said, this dish is like a medicine, creating a new flavor. As for what spices were used, I can't guess either." Faced with such a dish, Kita Shuji was also helpless. After all, it was a completely new taste and feeling, and it was difficult to know what ingredients were used. Even if one could taste it, there could only be a few.

"Yes, that's right. I didn't use any ingredients. I mainly used some auxiliary ingredients. After mastering the amount, properties, and timing of the auxiliary ingredients, I melted them together to create a unique flavor. But, the most important thing is... this thing." At this moment, Su Luo took out a black plant from her hand. It looked like a small round radish and also resembled a plate of vegetables, except that its skin was black.

"What is that? Is it a small round radish or something?"

"Don't joke around, your radishes are black?"

"Could this be... maca?" Chiyo Orie said hesitantly as everyone speculated after seeing the item.

Maca typically grows in the Andes Mountains of Peru in South America. In China, suitable growing areas for maca include Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Jiuzhaigou. Therefore, this ingredient is rarely seen in Japan, so many people are unfamiliar with it, although some prominent figures may have seen it.

"That's right, this is maca. In 1994, Italian scientist DiniA first systematically determined the chemical composition of dried maca root: protein content of over 10% (the protein content of maca varieties from Lake Junin exceeds 14%), 59% carbohydrates, 8.5% fiber, rich in minerals such as zinc, calcium, iron, titanium, rubidium, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese, magnesium, strontium, phosphorus, and iodine, and contains vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, A, E, B12, and B5. The fat content is not high, but it is mostly unsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic acid and linolenic acid content reaching over 53%. Natural active ingredients include alkaloids, glucosinolates and their decomposition products benzyl isothiocyanate, sterols, polyphenols, etc."

In 1999, American scientists discovered two new types of plant active ingredients in maca: macamides and macaenes. They determined that these two substances have a significant effect on balancing human hormone secretion, so maca is also known as a natural hormone engine.

In targeted research on maca products, several special maca alkaloids were discovered. As research deepens, more new active substances in maca will be isolated and identified. Black maca, in particular, is considered a symbol of strength and energy. Therefore, this is a very good ingredient. Whether processed like a fruit or dried, it has a great flavor. The maca I added was maca that I processed into powder myself.” At this point, Su Luo gave a brief explanation.

After hearing Su Luo's explanation, many people understood and recognized this excellent ingredient.

"Alright... Now, please give your scores, judges." Just as we reached this point, Kawashima Rei's voice came from the side at the perfect moment.

The total score quickly appeared on the monitor, and after Su Luo saw it, she immediately understood: "Just as I thought."

"95 points!! Another high score! This is amazing! Two 95s at once! It seems like they'll have no problem advancing to the knockout stage." Kawashima Rei's voice rang out again after seeing the score on the screen.

"Hmph! Not bad, you got the same score as me, but I'll definitely beat you next time." After seeing the score, the matter was settled, and Alice Nakiri said this to Su Luo. After speaking, she turned and left, but her heart was different from what she showed on the surface. Although she knew it was a tie, she knew very well that she had lost. As for why this score would occur, many people knew in their hearts, and she was no exception.

"I'll be waiting." Su Luo didn't care at all about what Alice Nakiri said, and just said it in a leisurely tone. However, she didn't think so in her heart. After all, her goal was not just to stay in such a small academy. So, it was uncertain when she would leave, and it was impossible for her to really study here for three years.

"In that case, to successfully popularize it, you'd need at least 91 points. That seems like a really difficult thing..." After seeing that the lowest score among the top four was 90, many people didn't know what to say. After all, such scores were just too high, and they also marveled at the strength of this year's students.

"Oh my... no matter what, this trip was definitely worthwhile. I actually witnessed such a wonderful scene, especially the last two dishes that were the grand finale."

"That's right. I didn't expect to see such a wonderful match. It was so much more exciting than the last one. I really look forward to seeing what kind of amazing performance they will have in the knockout stage."

By this point, the competition was almost over, but after seeing such amazing dishes, the audience erupted in cheers. Instead of boredom or impatience, they were filled with excitement. This kind of competition was truly spectacular.

Just then, Tadokoro raised his hand and spoke up: "Um... my curry... hasn't been reviewed yet..."

After Tadokoro spoke up, he quickly attracted attention, since his technique for handling anglerfish had previously garnered a lot of interest.

Tadokoro quickly served his dishes, feeling nervous because he had failed too many times before and was afraid of failing again.

"Phew!" Upon seeing this, Su Luo looked at Tadokoro with a conflicted expression, then let out a soft sigh. After all, no matter what, it was because of his appearance that Tadokoro's opportunity to become popular was blocked. He knew that Tadokoro's final score was only 88 points, which was still far from fourth place. So he was a little conflicted. Although Tadokoro was eliminated in the first round after becoming popular, it was still a remarkable achievement.

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Chapter 181 The Final Result

At the same time, I was also a little worried when I thought about this. After all, Tadokoro had failed too many times, and I really didn't know if she could withstand the blow.

Soon, thanks to Tadokoro's unique flavor, it received praise from all the judges, but the result was somewhat disappointing, scoring only 88 points.

"Only 88 points? Another failure?" Upon seeing the score, Tadokoro was clearly stunned. Returning home with tears in his eyes, he bowed deeply apologetically to his fellow villagers, saying, "Everyone... I'm so sorry... I..."

"It's okay, didn't you do a great job? At least you performed exceptionally well..."

"Yes...yes...I believe Xiaohui will be even more amazing in the future..."

"Yes... Xiaohui has already tried her best..."

Seeing everyone's concern and encouragement, Tadokoro wiped away her tears, her heart filled with emotion and tenderness, and said, "Everyone, thank you for your encouragement and support. I will work even harder in the future."

At this moment, Hojo Miyoko looked at Tadokoro, a strange feeling rising in her heart. Tadokoro's displayed strength was completely different from what she had previously described, and she inwardly lamented that she had misjudged him. Clearly, she hadn't expected Tadokoro to possess such strength, even if it seemed like only a single point difference. But that was enough to change a person's mindset. After all, matches of this level were extremely rigorous, demonstrating the immense power and energy contained within that single point.

As the competition at venue B concluded, the competition at venue A also came to an end. Thus, all eight chefs who participated in the Autumn Selection [Official Competition] were present. These eight chefs were Hayama Akira, Yukihira Soma, Kurokiba Ryo, and Mimasaka Subaru from venue A, and Nakiri Alice, Su Luo, Shinto Hisako, and Takumi Aldini from venue B.

"So—now, to commemorate the end of the Autumn Selection Tournament preliminary rounds… let's start a celebration party!" After the competition, everyone gathered at the Polaris Dormitory to celebrate. In addition to the original members of the Polaris Dormitory, there were also the Takumi Aldini brothers and Mito Ikumi.

As for the location and time, it was naturally chosen to be Marui's room.

"This plate of duck meat is quite high-end!" Mito Ikumi said after glancing at the duck meat that Yoshino Yuuki had brought over.

"Oh? You truly are a meat expert; you recognized it at a glance." Yoshino Yuuki, recalling Mito Ikumi's nickname, couldn't help but praise her. After all, not just anyone could tell the quality of a dish at a glance; it required considerable skill. Therefore, she sincerely admired her.

"Speaking of which, Marui's cheerleading squad is really amazing."

“Yes, I’ve really changed my opinion of him.” Aoki Daigo and Sato Shoji remarked to each other as they recalled Marui’s cheerleading squad. After all, Marui was the ace of the “Miyasato Seminar,” so it wasn’t surprising that he received such treatment.

"Oh... I didn't know koji had such uses... How intriguing!" Takumi Aldini was talking to Ryoko Sakaki while holding a cup of tea. After listening to Ryoko Sakaki's words, he gained a deeper understanding of koji and couldn't help but say.

"Hey Ryoko, you two can talk, but could you please let me go first?" Indeed, Su Luo was currently being held in Ryoko Sakaki's arms, replacing the teddy bear. This made Su Luo feel strange, and it was the first time she had been treated like this by a girl, especially with such close contact. For someone like Su Luo, with no romantic history and no experience with women, it was a truly unsettling feeling. A blush lingered on her face, making her look adorable. However, Su Luo was currently saying this with a helpless expression.

"No way, my little brother is so cute." However, Ryoko Sakaki clearly didn't realize that, and instead hugged Su Luo and said with a grin.

Well, facing Ryoko Sakaki, Su Shi was speechless and didn't know what to say.

"Here, please eat! You should eat more too." At this moment, Isshiki walked in wearing an apron and carrying dishes, and said to the Takumi Aldini brothers.

"Okay...okay, Isshiki-senpai, thank you for your invitation." Faced with Isshiki's enthusiasm, Takumi Aldini was clearly a little overwhelmed, after all, Isshiki was one of the Elite Ten, and also his senior.

"We were intimidated by this person's aura. Are we the odd ones out...?" Takumi Aldini thought to himself as he watched Isshiki walk away with a smile on his face after receiving the dishes from him.

Mito Ikumi wasn't intimidated, but rather stunned by the uniform attire. She wondered to herself, "Why isn't anyone questioning the naked man wearing an apron walking around like that...?"

"But speaking of which... at the very last moment of the preliminaries, an unexpected ambush appeared." Sakaki Ryoko held her tea, recalling the person who appeared in the arena. That person almost easily obtained the last spot in the knockout stage. That person was Mimasaka Subaru.

"Is that big guy an unexpected guy?" Obviously, Soma knew who Sakaki Ryoko was talking about, but only Soma could say something like that. It seems he hadn't been paying much attention to the events, and he clearly didn't care at all.

“Because…that person is shrouded in mystery, and we often hear negative rumors about him…My friend said that he seems to be connected to a dangerous organization, and I also heard that he destroyed a violent group…And my friend’s friend said that he once punched a bear.” After listening to Soma’s words, Yoshino Yuuki obviously knew something, and she held up a finger and explained in a serious tone.

“Isn’t it a cow?” Sakaki Ryoko said at this moment. Obviously, Sakaki Ryoko also knew some things about that person, but those things were obviously rumors, but the version seemed to be a bit off.

"The result is that we don't even understand what is what, the Hand of God?" After listening to the conversation between the two, Soma was obviously confused. He really couldn't understand such words, after all, rumors are just rumors.

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Chapter 182 King of the Trackers

"He's just Eizan Etsuya's subordinate, please don't make it sound so mysterious, okay? You're acting like he's some kind of powerful figure." After listening to the conversation between Sakaki Ryoko and Yoshino Yuuki, Su Shi was at a loss for words.

While it's true that Subaru Mimasaka is quite strong, there's no need to exaggerate his abilities to such an extent, creating so many rumors. Anyone who doesn't know him would think he's some kind of formidable character. Subaru Mimasaka is known as the King of the Trackers, possessing a delicate mind that belies his massive size. He has no respect for food or knives, only an interest in winning.

When competing in a food battle, they will thoroughly investigate their opponent and use any means necessary to drag them into the competition. The food they prepare is basically the same as their opponent's, but they win by making slight improvements. It can be said to be a very despicable tactic.

But even so, what can you do? After all, there's no rule against making the same thing in a food war. They're judging whose food is more delicious and giving their own scores. That's their job, nothing more.

“Eizan Etsuya…? Oh…! So that arrogant and conceited person!” After hearing Su Luo’s words, Soma had obviously remembered.

"What? You know him?" Yoshino Yuuki asked curiously. Although Eizan Etsu is one of the Ten Heroes, he rarely appears in front of people. It's not surprising that some people don't know him. However, there are very few people who don't know him, after all, he is one of the Ten Heroes.

"I don't know him, but he asked me to come before, and he was very arrogant and wanted me to be his subordinate." For someone like Soma, he doesn't really care about this kind of thing, but it is a fact. Then, thinking of something, he said, "Oh, right, Xiao Su Luo was there too."

"Hey, hey, hey! Just call me whatever you want, please don't put a little in front of my name, okay? You're a man who's lost 600 games." Su Luo said to Soma with dissatisfaction.

"It's not 600 matches, it's 490 matches. And also, you still don't call me Onii-san, do you?" Soma said casually, holding up one finger.

"Que'er~" Su Luo extended a middle finger and said disdainfully.

"Hey, wait a minute, Soshin-kun, you said he came to see you?" Sakaki Ryoko obviously knew Eizan Etsuya's identity, so she asked curiously.

"Well, it's because when I went home before, some things happened. It seems like they stole the business and reputation of the White Tongue Bird House. He was the one who planned the brand design for the White Tongue Bird House's expansion into Tokyo, so they wanted me to join them. However, I've decided to wait until I graduate and then inherit my family's shop." Soma shrugged and said casually.

"Uh~" After hearing Soma's explanation, everyone realized what had happened. Someone with Soma's personality would definitely speak casually and directly. So, it was certain that he was a sinner, let alone someone like Eizan Etsuya. Although the others might only know what Eizan Etsuya did on the surface, even so, he was still one of the Elite Ten. To answer so directly was such a loss of face.

"Then you wouldn't happen to be one of them either..." At this moment, Yoshino Yuuki looked at Su Luo and said.

"Well, his situation is basically the same as this man who lost 600 games, but even if I politely declined, it wouldn't have made a difference." Since she had been asked, Su Luo was too lazy to explain and simply brushed it off, speaking casually.

"Why?" Sakaki Ryoko and the others asked in confusion, genuinely not understanding Su Luo's words.

"It's nothing," Su Luo said.

Seeing that Su Luo was reluctant to talk about it, I didn't ask her anything. Actually, Su Luo just didn't want to talk about it. After all, it was too troublesome to explain such a thing. Who told her to have such a big background? How much power could she have? Even the commander-in-chief of Totsuki probably didn't know the situation. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been removed from the position of commander-in-chief later on.

"Oh dear? So, where's Ibuzaki-kun?" At this moment, Sakaki Ryoko obviously noticed that Ibuzaki Jun hadn't come and asked curiously.

"Ah! That guy locked himself in his house!" Hearing Ryoko Sakaki's question, Yuuki Yoshino crossed her arms and explained seriously, as if she understood Shun Ibusaki very well: "Although it didn't show on his face... he seemed to regret not being able to promote the finals."

When Yoshino Yuuki uttered her last words, those who hadn't been selected clearly showed a flicker of emotion, though they kept it well hidden. After all, who would willingly accept being left out in something like this?