Food Wars: Taste Reversal

"Damn... Is this it? Defeat to this transfer student?"

Seeing the three judges on the panel completely ignoring her, Ikumi Mito naturally realized that even if she served her own dish now, the result would likely remain unchanged.

However, losing this Shokugeki in such a humiliating way not only betrayed Eri-sama's trust but also emboldened this transfer student further...

Looking at the A5 beef hot pot in front of her, the blank expression in Ikumi's eyes said it all. Were her top-notch ingredients not enough?

All along, with her superb cooking skills and expertise in preparing meat dishes, Ikumi Mito had been undefeated throughout her junior years at Totsuki Culinary Academy. Whenever it came to meat-focused courses, she never scored below an A. She had assumed this time would be no different: just unleash her full potential, triumph over her opponent, and earn Erina's praise without issue.

But now… reality slapped her in the face. Her prideful meat dishes didn't even stand a chance. They weren't even presented before the judges, as the verdict had already been decided. It was the most humiliating defeat she'd ever experienced since the inception of the Shokugeki rules.

Strictly speaking, the judges had violated protocol by only tasting one contestant's dish before making a decision. It could even be argued that Shiraki might have manipulated the competition. However, Ikumi knew better. The three judges, esteemed figures in the culinary world, wouldn't risk their reputations for something as trivial as this. Besides, Ikumi herself knew the sheer quality of Shiraki's dish better than anyone.

It wasn't just a dish—it carried an undeniable force that even during its preparation seemed to overwhelm her. She had never encountered anything like it before, not even in the most renowned restaurants.

As the heiress of the Mito Group, Ikumi had been exposed to culinary experiences beyond the reach of ordinary people. Yet, even so, the dish Shiraki prepared today was something unprecedented in her life. It was as though… the ingredients themselves had a will of their own.

---

"Are you done?"

Just as Ikumi was lost in the despair of her defeat, a familiar voice snapped her back to reality.

She looked up to see Shiraki standing before her, staring intently at her A5 beef hot pot with genuine curiosity in his eyes.

Quickly wiping the tears forming at the corners of her eyes, Ikumi rose from the ground and scoffed, "Are you here to laugh at me?"

Despite losing to him, Ikumi refused to let him ridicule her food. Shiraki's expression, to her, looked like a direct insult to her A5 beef.

"Of course not. Why would I?" Shiraki waved a hand dismissively and pointed at the beef hot pot on the cooking table. "Can I taste your food?"

"Huh?"

Ikumi was stunned for a moment before her expression hardened again. "What, are you trying to mock my cooking now?"

"No, no. Why do you assume the worst of people?" Shiraki looked at her exasperatedly. "Do I look like someone who'd do that?"

Definitely, yes! Ikumi thought to herself but remained silent.

"If you're not saying anything, I'll take it as a yes." Seeing her quiet, Shiraki grabbed a small bowl and ladled some of the beef hot pot into it, ensuring he picked out the best cuts.

As someone who likes Sichuan cuisine, Shiraki's resistance to hot pot was non-existent. From the moment Ikumi had begun making the broth, he'd wanted to try it. He'd initially hoped the judges would finish tasting his dish, allowing Ikumi to serve hers. But seeing their preoccupation, he decided to seize the chance himself.

Shiraki's actions drew murmurs from the crowd. Why was this transfer student, after winning, taking interest in Ikumi's dish? Was he planning to insult her further? If so, wasn't that going too far?

Still, no one dared to intervene. Shiraki's overwhelming strength had cemented his status as a powerhouse, and no one at Totsuki wanted to provoke this "Great Demon King." Instead, they silently prayed for Ikumi.

On stage, Shiraki picked up a thin slice of beef with his chopsticks. To his surprise, the meat, perfectly cooked, broke apart easily, releasing its juices.

The first bite melted on his tongue. The beef's tender texture paired perfectly with the rich broth made from beef bones. Its savory, aromatic profile made him feel incredibly satisfied.

Ikumi, though outwardly defiant, watched Shiraki nervously. What would he say? Would he criticize her cooking? Was the beef's temperature right?

After finishing his bowl, Shiraki set down his chopsticks and opened his mouth to speak.

Ikumi's tension reached its peak.

"As I thought... Your 'beef hot pot' is excellent."

"Huh?" Ikumi blinked in disbelief. Judging by Shiraki's genuine tone, he wasn't mocking her. Her earlier nervousness began to ease, but then another thought struck her. Why was I so nervous?

"By the way, can I have another bowl?" Shiraki asked casually.

Ikumi, stunned by the request, stammered, "F-Fine. Do whatever you want. I admit defeat in this Shokugeki, but don't think winning means you can do as you please!"

Blushing furiously, she fled the stage. She still couldn't figure out why talking to this transfer student made her so flustered, but the heat in her cheeks was too embarrassing to endure any longer.

---

"Huh? Did Mito-san just concede defeat?"

Urara Kawashima, who had been on the phone with the administration to report the situation, paused in surprise. Quickly regaining her composure, she announced, "The winner of this Shokugeki is Shiraki-san! Let's all congratulate him!"

Finally, she thought, this ordeal was over.