Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine-Chapter 203 ⟴ The Confident Kojirō Shinomiya

"Kinokuni, are you feeling unwell? I've noticed your hands shaking since earlier."

Sonoka stood still, her caring tone drawing glances from Erina, Rindō, Momo, and Hisako.

The usually calm and composed Nene was trembling slightly — could she have encountered a Cursed Spirit or Evil Spirit on her way here?

Meeting Sonoka and the others' concerned looks, Nene forced a smile and said, "No, I just remembered something important."

"Well, if you're not feeling well, don't push yourself. Getting sick would prevent you from participating in the upcoming food selection. A chef's health affects the ingredients they work with. You must report any issues promptly."

Though uncertain about Nene's situation, Sonoka couldn't press further since she claimed to be fine. She simply reminded her that a chef's well-being directly impacts the safety of both ingredients and customers.

As heir to the prestigious Kinokuni culinary family, Nene understood the implied meaning and nodded seriously.

Sonoka trusted her professionalism — perhaps she truly was just preoccupied with something.

"I heard that Hinako Inui-senpai will also participate in this food selection. Her cooking skills surpass all of yours."

This casual remark caught Erina's attention. She frowned and said, "Isn't that senpai a graduate from the 80th class?"

From an age perspective, Hinako was nearly twelve years their senior — how could she be considered a young chef?

"Ah, could it be The Mist Empress? She was once the Second Seat of the Elite Ten, and after graduating, she opened a restaurant called Kirinoya." Hisako was shocked.

Even with Sonoka participating, she should be competing against other senior chefs. Why would the former Mist Empress compete directly against them?

"Don't you know? The ritual cooking ceremony is divided into two parts. Your food selection has special approval from the Prime Minister."

"We know that, but Inui-senpai's age... We can accept you being from the 89th class, but the 80th class..."

Nine years of experience as a head chef was no small feat. Even Erina, revered as the "God's Tongue", wouldn't dare be presumptuous with such a senior.

Competing against her seemed like a guaranteed defeat.

As students who hadn't even graduated yet, how could their Elite Ten cooking skills possibly match these seasoned professionals?

Nene pushed up her glasses, unmoved by their words, and decided to give her all in tonight's cooking.

Pulling at her doll's arm, Momo gave Nene a suspicious look, sensing she was hiding something.

"Well... I'm not certain about the details. The Prime Minister sent emails to all Tōtsuki Elite Ten graduates, inviting us to participate in the food selection. Your situation might have different arrangements. Since they're encouraging you to participate, they must have plans to support you."

The Prime Minister's email suggested they wanted all young chefs to participate — there had to be a deeper reason.

After all, these young chefs could hardly compete equally with graduated Elite Ten members based on cooking ability alone.

"I hope so." Hisako's expression fell.

While Lady Erina might have a chance, her own prospects seemed dim.

The Prime Minister hadn't officially announced the food selection yet. Once public, even more chefs would join.

"Come now, there's no need to overthink this." Sonoka clapped her hands, redirecting everyone's attention to the kitchen, "A chef's duty is to let diners enjoy their food. Right now, we're not cooking for the selection judges."

Every diner deserved their full attention, especially one invited by Sonoka herself. Yet Erina seemed distracted.

Nene noticed but remained silent.

The Nakiri family stood as culinary nobility, leading the culinary world with far-reaching influence. They not only preserved traditional cuisine but also pioneered molecular gastronomy while maintaining firm control over Tōtsuki Academy.

Usually, surpassing the Nakiri family would be impossible, but now... recent changes had shaken their stable position.

If they could secure the Dragon Lord's support, the Kinokuni family could forge connections with the Jujutsu World and other supernatural forces — their potential would be limitless!

'Sorry, Erina!'

Nene immediately showcased her mastery, creating a soba dish that masterfully fused tradition with innovation, leaving Momo stunned once again.

This time, Momo was certain Nene was concealing something — and since her opponent was giving it her all, she would naturally have to match that intensity.

Rindō watched in confusion. Was such intensity necessary? This was meant to be a simple food tasting, yet these two were taking it incredibly seriously.

'Well, if you're both going all out, I will too!' Her fighting spirit ignited, her golden pupils gleaming brightly.

She had been saving this technique for the food selection, but now seemed as good a time as any.

Observing the culinary prowess of the three Elite Ten members, Sonoka silently praised them — this generation's Elite Ten truly surpassed expectations.

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In another part of Japan.

The remaining Elite Ten members had gathered at Kojirō Shinomiya's villa.

Though temporary lodging, the villa was decorated with extreme luxury. Its kitchen contained every imaginable ingredient, astonishing Eishi Tsukasa and his companions who had recently left the hospital.

"Let me be clear — I'm here only to guide you. Since we're competitors, don't expect any mercy when you lose to me in the food selection."

Kojirō made no effort to hide his intentions. While his abilities had reached a plateau, the food selection might provide the breakthrough he needed.

His real targets weren't these youngsters, but rather the graduated Elite Ten alumni and the world's hidden culinary masters.

"Perfect! I'll use my cooking prowess to show that Demon Lord who the true demon of the culinary world is!"

The short boy with brown and golden-streaked hair — clearly the current Eighth Seat of the Elite Ten — shouted while clenching his fist.

Watching Terunori Kuga's outburst, Sōmei Saitō maintained his stoic expression.

Years focused on business had taken their toll on his cooking skills. While he felt confident competing against someone like Terunori, Kojirō's participation in the food selection was another matter entirely.

'Really, what is the Japanese Cabinet thinking? How can Elite Ten graduates participate in the food selection? It clearly doesn't meet the requirements.' Sōmei thought, his expression darkening.

He would need to undergo hellish training. If he could satisfy the Demon Lord, building a financial empire would be child's play.

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"Hmph..." Kojirō snorted with a smirk.

With his abilities, participating in the food selection would be like challenging children or the elderly.

Victory was certain!

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