Food Wars: Taste Reversal

At the end of the afternoon's 'Halberd,' Shiraki decisively defeated Mito Ikumi with a score of 3:0, cementing his place as a shadow looming over the entire first-year student body.

It wasn't that everyone felt completely convinced by his victory—it was more like an oppressive hand pressing down on their heads, leaving them unable to breathe freely.

The mood was particularly heavy for the members of the Sumo Hot Pot Research Society. They trudged back to their activity building in silence, weighed down by defeat. However, as they approached their headquarters, they noticed something unusual. A group of workers surrounded the building, measuring and making gestures—an all-too-familiar sight from a few days ago.

Their leader, Kiyoshi Gōdabayashi, immediately became furious. He stormed toward what appeared to be the foreman of the workers and demanded, "What are you doing here?"

Unexpectedly, the reply didn't come from the foreman. Instead, Kuga Terunori stepped out of a nearby car, his expression brimming with smug satisfaction. "Oh, it's already underway, huh?" he said, flashing a malicious smile. "No need to look so surprised. Let's face it—our Chinese Cuisine Research Association is bound to win. The higher-ups are just letting me reap the benefits a bit early."

"You arrogant bastard!" Gōdabayashi roared, his face flushed. "Don't think just because you're a master that you can treat us like pushovers! Our Sumo Hot Pot Research Society is not a weak group you can manipulate!"

"Is that so?" Kuga replied nonchalantly, waving his hand dismissively. "Fine, I'll give you a chance to prove it. Let's settle this with a 'Halberd.'"

Gōdabayashi's eyes gleamed with defiance. "You're going to regret this! If you lose, you'll have to give up your eighth seat in the Elite Ten!"

At this, Kuga's grin faltered slightly. He stepped closer, his presence suddenly intimidating. "Listen, Brother Chubby," he said, his voice dangerously low. "Do you even know what it means to be part of the Elite Ten? If nobodies like you dare to provoke me, you'll only make me lose patience. Have you gotten too comfortable during your time at Tōtsuki Academy?"

Those words sent a shiver down Gōdabayashi's spine. His initial fury had clouded his judgment, but now he was acutely aware of who he was challenging. Kuga Terunori wasn't just anyone—he was one of the most skilled chefs in the second year and a member of the Elite Ten. With the current state of their Sumo Hot Pot Research Society, competing for an Elite Ten seat was nothing short of a pipe dream.

"Relax," Kuga continued with a mocking smile. "Since I'm in a good mood today, I'll entertain your little challenge. Workers, you can call it a day. Prepare the new design for the Chinese Cuisine Research Association's Su Cuisine Restaurant tonight. Looks like we'll be knocking this building down soon."

Gōdabayashi stood frozen, drenched in cold sweat. Kuga's confidence left no room for doubt about the outcome of their upcoming battle. As the workers retreated, the members of the Chinese Cuisine Research Association stayed behind, preparing for the cooking trial after submitting the 'Halberd' notice.

---

The Next Day

"The results of the review are in: 3:0. Kuga wins!"

The announcement echoed through the brightly lit Halberd stage. Gōdabayashi collapsed to his knees, utterly defeated. On the judges' table in front of him, only a small portion of the hot pot dishes from the Sumo Hot Pot Research Society had been touched. In contrast, the Sichuan-style hot pot served by Kuga and his team was practically devoured—a clear and decisive victory.

It was another crushing defeat, one without suspense or hope of redemption.

Standing on the stage, Kuga casually took out his phone and made a quick call. "Hey, it's me. Yes, proceed as planned. Start work now."

After confirming the start of construction with the renovation team, Kuga didn't even spare a glance at the defeated Sumo Hot Pot Research Society members. He left the venue with the same air of confidence he had walked in with.

With the Halberd settled, the next phase of Kuga's expansion began. The Chinese Cuisine Research Association moved swiftly to merge with and absorb several smaller research societies, forcing them to fall under Kuga's banner.

Meanwhile, Shiraki continued working tirelessly on his own plans. By consolidating control over five or six research societies, he had amassed a total of 4,800 points—a respectable amount, though still short of the 6,000 he needed for something truly worthwhile. Shiraki knew that at this rate, it was only a matter of time before he reached his goal.

---

A New Day

The morning after the Halberd, Shiraki woke up to find an envelope waiting for him. The seal of Tōtsuki Academy adorned the front, indicating it was an official administrative notice. Opening it, Shiraki surmised that it was likely related to the upcoming residential training program.

As he pondered the implications of the letter, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Ah, Shiraki, you're already up?" Isshiki Satoshi greeted him with his usual bright smile. "I was just about to call you. Can you do me a favor?"

"What do you need?" Shiraki asked.

Isshiki pointed toward the vegetable tunnel outside the dormitory. "The vegetables I've been growing in the field are finally ripe. I need someone to help taste them. Care to join me?"

Shiraki chuckled at the request. "Sure, no problem."

As the two walked toward the vegetable tunnel, Shiraki couldn't help but feel a sense of calm amidst the chaos of Tōtsuki. For now, he'd put aside his ambitions and enjoy the simple pleasures of Isshiki's hospitality.