The strongest anime shop owner

When Su Luo heard these words, she felt like vomiting blood. What was this? A die-hard fan?

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Chapter 197 King of the Trackers

"Ryoko, you'd better let go of Su Luojun first, or he'll really die." Yoshino Yuuki, who rushed over from behind, twitched her eyes when she saw this scene, and then spoke up.

"Ah... Oh." After hearing this, Ryoko Sakaki finally released Su Luo.

"Yuuki...you came just in time..." Su Luo, who had been released, immediately ran to Yoshino Yu and said with tears in her eyes.

"Congratulations on your victory! That means both of us in our dorm have reached the highest level, so we might even win the championship!" Yoshino Yuuki said happily, thinking about how they had both reached the highest level.

After the competition ended, all the judges gathered together.

"...This generation of students...has gathered many outstanding geniuses..." The old man who looked like the dull teacher said, his hands tucked into his sleeves, clearly very satisfied with the performance of this generation of students in the universe.

"Yes, from the very first battle, they've been showcasing one delicious dish after another that gets the blood pumping! Especially the second battle, that competition was absolutely amazing. Speaking of which, the students in these two battles have cooking skills that are beyond what students in their current grade level would expect. It's truly incredible..." As the old man who looked like a simpleton expressed this sentiment, the middle-aged man wearing glasses and a suit standing next to him chimed in.

"Gentlemen judges... thank you for your hard work. The cars are all ready... this way, please." As the judges walked outside, Erina Nakiri came out to greet them. After all, she was one of the people in charge of this competition, and since these judges had been invited, some necessary things had to be done.

The next match was between Hisako and Hayama Akira, with the theme of hamburgers. Hayama Akira made pocket bread, while Hisako made turtle hamburgers. Hayama Akira used his rich spices and his nose, which was almost comparable to the tongue of God, to drive the aroma of his dishes and won the third round.

Takumi Aldini faced off against Mimasaka Subaru in a food battle, the theme being desserts. Everyone was shocked and speechless upon hearing this. The reason for the food battle was undoubtedly that Mimasaka Subaru used some underhanded tactics, wagering mezzaluna. He was notorious for taking pleasure in robbing chefs of their most important tools and trampling on others. However, the final result was unsurprising: Mimasaka Subaru won.

His title, "King of the Tracker," is no joke. Through continuous research on his opponents, he determines what kind of dishes they would make, then creates and improves upon them. So, this outcome was expected. This can be considered one of his abilities, somewhat like a weakened version of Su Luo's God's Imitation.

During the competition, the judges discovered that Mimasaka had been making the same dish as his opponent in every food battle. This surprised many people. Although such behavior is shameful, in a food battle, the dish served by the chef is everything... and no one has any reason to stop it or say anything.

Therefore, food battles are quite a cruel thing, even somewhat cold-blooded, but that's the rule, and no one can change it. After all, it's also his skill to be able to guess the opponent's dish and make changes, which is not something that ordinary people can do.

Although Takumi Aldini seemed to have noticed this during the process and later added a layer of olive oil, resulting in a dessert that was even better than before, the final result remained unchanged.

"Don't you think this is despicable, Mimasaka!"

"You scoundrel gorilla! You braided gorilla!"

"Muscle Stalker!"

Takumi Aldini's fan club was furious and kept saying such things; these fans must be hardcore fans.

"Silence! All matches of the first round of the Autumn Selection Tournament have concluded! The second round will begin in a week, and the pairings will be decided today... and all participants will be notified! That's all!" Just as the arena was in a state of chaos, a voice came from the stage, and the audience quickly quieted down. The speaker was none other than Eizan Etsuya, the person in charge of this match and the ninth seat of the Elite Ten.

"What an unusual match..."

"Yes... I come to watch the selection every autumn. But this is the first time I've seen such an atmosphere in the venue."

After seeing this, many people discussed it. Such a situation was obviously unexpected, even strange, as nothing like this had ever happened before.

"This is really hard to accept!" After leaving the venue, Yoshino Yuuki roared angrily, then grabbed someone at random and pulled them up. The unfortunate person was Ibuzaki Shun, who seemed to be the target of her anger. Then, with a face full of anger, she said angrily, "Ugh, who is that stalker?!"

"I understand... Don't take your anger out on me," Ibuzaki Shun said calmly when he was being lifted up.

"Takumi-kun... must be very sad..." Ryoko Sakaki said from the side, clearly not in a good mood either.

"Although I really want to encourage him... I don't know what to say to him..." Mito Ikumi said through gritted teeth, rubbing her fists.

Although everyone didn't spend much time with Takumi Aldini, it had nothing to do with friendship. After all, friendship is a mysterious thing. Sometimes, it's just a gesture or a glance that can make you good friends. So, even though everyone didn't spend much time with him, they all considered him a good friend.

"Soma-kun...?" Tadokoro looked at Soma without saying a word, then turned and went back, clearly somewhat worried.

"I'm going back," Soma said at that moment, though it was unclear what he was thinking.

"well!?"

"Hey! Soma! Wait a minute..."

"Aren't you going to talk to Takumi...? Are you really okay?" Soma's complete lack of action was clearly unexpected. Although Takumi had always seemed to be Soma's enemy, they were actually quite good friends. So, given their relationship, they would usually go and offer some comfort.

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Chapter 198 Semifinal Grouping

"You don't need to worry..." Su Luo spoke up at this moment. Seeing how concerned everyone was about whether Soma would comfort Takumi, as if the two of them were really in that kind of relationship, it was like the emperor wasn't worried but the eunuchs were. However, as someone who knows anime well, I think the protagonist would usually comfort you in a more touching way at this time. Isn't that exactly what the protagonist is good at?

"Huh!? Why is that?" After hearing Su Luo's words, everyone looked at Su Luo.

"It's very simple... Takumi is the one who lost 600 games to this man, so... you know what I mean." When Su Luo said this, she gave him a knowing look.

Everyone was speechless. "Seriously, Su Luo, is it really okay for you to badmouth your older brother like this? Aren't you afraid he'll chop you up and feed you to the dogs?"

"...Strange? The door lock..." As Soma was about to return to his room, he suddenly discovered that his door was open.

"Hi!" After opening the door, as everyone was about to go inside, they saw a person sitting on the bed in the room, greeting them. This person was none other than Mimasaka.

"Mimasaka? You... how did you end up in Soma's room...?" Everyone was clearly surprised that Mimasaka Subaru would be there.

"A spare key." At this moment, Mimasaka took out a key and said. Upon hearing this, everyone was terrified. Damn, this was simply omnipresent.

"Is something the matter?" Compared to the others, Soma and Su Luo remained calm and showed no surprise whatsoever. Soma's lack of surprise was simply because he didn't care about such things at all, while Su Luo had already anticipated this situation, so she wasn't surprised.

"Yes... I have something I want to tell you." Misaka Subaru answered calmly in response to Soma's question. His attitude showed that he did not care at all about his actions, which was obviously not the first time he had done this.

"Okay, wait for me a moment. I'll go make some tea." After hearing what Mimasaka said, Soma turned around and went back, seemingly to really make some tea.

"Why?" It was clearly incomprehensible for Soma to do such a thing.

"Hmm...a man who's lost 600 games is really hospitable." At this moment, Su Luo nodded and said.

"This isn't hospitality, is it? Why don't you stop Soma?" Looking at Su Luo's completely indifferent expression, and even nodding, what are you two brothers up to?

"Since we have guests, of course we should treat them well. It's basic courtesy," Su Luo said, looking at them with an idiotic expression.

"Ugh... This can't even be considered a guest anymore..." Hearing Su Luo's words, they were all about to go crazy. Why was it so difficult to talk to Su Luo and the others?

"Get that guy out of here right now!" Yoshino Yuuki and the others stopped Soma, saying angrily, clearly showing their strong dislike for Mimasaka Subaru.

“Oh dear—but he treated me to tea and snacks in the lounge. If I don’t treat him well, wouldn’t that be inappropriate? We need to talk privately.” The truth about the creation was utterly nonchalant to them.

"By the way, Mimasaka, have you had dinner yet? I have some red wine braised beef that I made beforehand. Would you like to try it if you don't mind?" At this moment, Soma had already poured tea and even brought out the dinner he had prepared beforehand, and then said to Mimasaka.

“Then I will gratefully enjoy it…” Mimasaka said.

The others didn't leave; instead, they were eavesdropping by the door. As for why Su Luo was allowed inside, Su Luo's answer was, "I'm a contestant, and Soshin-kun is my oni-san. Okay, you're powerful. We have nothing more to say."

The three sat at a square table eating the red wine stewed beef made by Soma. For a moment, no one spoke, and the atmosphere was somewhat quiet.

At that moment, Misaka said, "The pairings for the second round have just been decided."

"As expected..." After hearing these words, Su Luo was almost certain that Mimasaka Subaru was Eizan Etsuya's person. Just from this point of view, it seems that he hadn't received any notification. How did he know? And almost immediately. It's impossible for him to have any background, because it can be seen from the manga that he ran away from home and was involved in some gangster organizations. From all the signs, it can be seen that Eizan Etsuya has traces behind him. So it can be directly judged that in this competition, he will definitely face off against Soma or Su Luo. After all, as the person in charge of the Autumn Selection, he is capable of doing so.

"Oh-" Soma continued eating his dinner without much change in expression.

The matches are between Akira Hayama and Soma Mimasaka, and between Soma Sakuragi and Subaru Mimasaka.

Su Luo had initially thought someone would get a bye, but it seemed she was being too naive. Given such a condition, how could Eizan Etsu possibly let it go? Whether it was Mimasaka Subaru fighting against the two of them, or Soma fighting against Su Luo, it all seemed to be to his advantage. And this three-person format, with these same people, must have been arranged by him. However, if that's the case, do you think Mimasaka Subaru can handle it? Thinking of this, Su Luo couldn't help but think sarcastically to herself.

"Oh...did you come all this way just to tell me?" Soma said casually, calling out for food.

"You probably guessed it, right? Let's have a...food war!" Since Mimasaka Subaru came, he obviously had a specific purpose. Otherwise, who would come here for no reason, especially someone like Mimasaka Subaru? "That sharp kitchen knife you always use... if I win, it's mine. I think it's incredibly sharp, a high-end product. It's unbelievable that the second-generation owner of a small restaurant can own such a high-end knife!"

“On the contrary, the wager I’m proposing is—” At this moment, Mimasaka took out a box, and after opening the box, he revealed what was inside: a double-handled crescent-shaped scimitar, the mezzaluna, the knife that Takumi lost to him during the Food Wars.

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Chapter 199 The Bet

"Actually, the truly tragic one is you, Mimasaka." Soma listened to Mimasaka's words, which were meant to provoke Soma's anger, but Soma remained calm. As for what he was thinking, no one knew.

"What did you say?" Misaku Subaru clearly didn't understand what Soma was talking about.

“I accept the challenge of the Food War, but I want more than just one tool from Mezzaluna.” Soma, who had been eating quietly, suddenly changed his expression and said, “You also want to bring out all the other 99 tools that you have taken so far.”

"I knew it!" After hearing this, Su Shi was speechless. Is this how every protagonist acts? If he weren't the protagonist, he'd probably be back home farming by now. Every time, he gambles with his identity as a chef. How confident is he?

"What are you talking about? This bet is completely unequal! You have to be able to pay an equal stake of 100 tools!" After hearing Soma's words, Mimasaka Subaru stood up immediately, clearly disagreeing with this arrangement. Then, as if remembering something, he looked towards Su Luo and said, "If we could add everything Su Luo-kun has won in the Food Wars, then I wouldn't have..."

"No." Before Mimasaka could finish speaking, Su Luo, who had been ignored by them, directly refused and then asked, "Do you know what I've won in the Food Wars?"

“Five percent of the shares of South Korea’s Kim Sung Group and five percent of the shares of Toyota Group.” Misaka said it very naturally, without the slightest hesitation.

"Hehehehehe" Su Luo couldn't help but laugh when she saw this situation. Mimasaka Subaru had only mentioned the biggest benefits of the food battle, and there were some smaller benefits he hadn't mentioned. It seemed that he came with a purpose. Even if she refused, he would definitely try his best to have a food battle with her. That's the kind of person he is. He will do anything to achieve his goal. After he said this, Su Luo was 100% sure that Mimasaka Subaru was Eizan Etsuya's man, because very few people knew about Toyota's food battle.

"What are you laughing at?" Seeing Su Luo laughing inexplicably, Mei Zuo Ao asked, feeling puzzled.

"It's nothing. I just think you're too naive. You said before that this man who lost 600 games didn't have enough bets, but now, I'd like to ask you, do you think your worthless bets are equal to mine?" Su Luo said calmly as she ate, speaking in a tone as if she were chatting with family.

“My shares are worth tens of millions. Do you think your capital is enough?” Before Mei Zuoang could speak, Su Luo put down her spoon. Her originally lazy and calm demeanor suddenly became sharp. As a chef, once you reach a certain level, you will have your own kind of aura.

After hearing Su Luo's words, Mei Zuo's body visibly trembled. It seemed that he had no idea of ​​the value involved and only realized it after Su Luo told him. When they learned this, the people who were listening by the door all showed surprised expressions. They obviously did not expect that Su Luo had such a wealth. She was truly a hidden talent.

"If he wants these, then he'll have to put up some capital. However, I don't think he'd pay such a price for your culinary skills. It's completely worthless, because compared to these things, you're bound to lose. It's pathetic how people are always so blindly and excessively confident in themselves. Also, if a chef loses their own creativity, then they can't be considered a good chef, which is undeniably a tragedy." Before they could react, Su Luo continued. Although these shares were nothing to Su Luo, since they weren't originally his, and he wouldn't feel bad if he lost, it was still a considerable sum. Presumably, Ruishan Zhijin wouldn't have the courage to place such a big bet on someone like Mimasaka Takashi, even though he was his subordinate.

Hearing Su Luo's words, Misaka Ang was at a loss for words, as if everything was within Su Luo's expectations.

"Alright, that's enough. If you want to have a food battle with me, then bring out your best." Su Luo waved her hand to interrupt him when she saw that he was about to say something. Then she continued eating her dinner. Judging from her expression, it was as if nothing had happened. After finishing her meal, she patted her slightly protruding belly and said with great satisfaction, "Phew, I'm so full."

"Although the previous bet was indeed insufficient, if I lose to you, I will quit being a chef. If I lose to you in a food battle, I promise I will never carry the Yukihira Restaurant's signboard again, and I will never step into a professional kitchen for the rest of my life. Is that fair?" After listening to Su Luo and Mimasaka's conversation, Soma didn't react much. He continued eating calmly, even while speaking. In his heart, this matter belonged to him. That's why Su Luo wouldn't agree to such conditions. If he wanted, Su Luo would give it without hesitation. Compared to brotherhood, what was this little bit of money?

"Soma! What nonsense are you spouting?!" Just as Soma uttered those words, the group of people who had been listening at the door rushed in, shouting aggressively. Mito Ikumi and Yoshino Yuuki were the first to confront them.

"Ugh, you guys!" Soma was clearly taken aback when they stormed in, then grinned sheepishly and said, "What?! You guys were eavesdropping!"

"What are you grinning about?!" Seeing Soma's indifferent attitude, Yoshino Yuuki and Mito Ikumi roared.

After saying that, Mito Ikumi turned her gaze to Su Luo and said with great dissatisfaction, "And also, Su Luo-kun, why didn't you stop him from doing whatever he wanted? He's your older brother!"

Facing Mito Ikumi, whose forehead was covered in smug marks and who was fuming with anger, Su Luo's expression remained unchanged. She still looked lazy and gave off an outsider vibe. After hearing this, Su Luo looked at Mito Ikumi with a teasing expression and said, "You haven't even married into my family yet, and you're already worrying about this man who lost 600 games. Hmm, I suppose you'll be a very virtuous wife in the future."

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What are you worried about in Chapter 200?

"What...what are you saying...I...I would never be...a wife or anything like that..." After hearing Su Luo's teasing words, Mito Yumi, who had been so assertive, suddenly became shy and timid. Her eyes darted around in a daze as she rubbed a strand of hair on her right side with her index finger and thumb. A blush rose on her face, and she spoke in a soft voice, like a mosquito. She looked like a shy young girl, which completely overturned her fiery and strong image.

“That’s what they say, but since it’s his decision, I think you should try to trust him, shouldn’t you?” After saying this, Su Luo seemed to realize something was wrong and exclaimed in her heart, “Oh dear, how did I accidentally become a matchmaker?”

After hearing Su Luo's words, Mito Ikumi fell silent, as did the others.

“In that case, I will pass on your message. If…” Mimasaka Ang closed his eyes briefly and said to Su Luo.

"If he really has that kind of guts, then I'll play along to the end." Before Mimasaka could finish speaking, Su Luo waved her hand and interrupted.

"Then let's leave it at that, Soma... The rules of the Food Wars are absolute, you should understand that this isn't something to joke about, right...?" Mimasaka looked at Soma seriously and said. Whether it was a sudden pang of conscience or something else, he actually said such a thing, but considering his status, it was truly laughable that he would say something like that.

Although that's what he said, Su Luo didn't think he had a change of heart. If he did, he wouldn't have taken someone else's most precious knife. Maybe it was just to satisfy his desire, but it hurt many people. For a chef, his personal knife might be seen as a tool by some, but it might also be a source of inspiration, a partner in moving forward... Whatever the reason, it represents a belief.

"Of course, if you accept the conditions just now, then let's fight." Seeing Mimasaka's serious question, Su Luo looked at him with a serious gaze and replied without the slightest hesitation.