Lunamugetsu: I do not own Toriko. I managed to write two episodes into one chapter, so enjoy!
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Someone once said...there is corn that has the texture of bamboo shoots… Corncobamboo! There are trees with sweet leaves of mooncakes...Mooncake Trees!
This is the Gourmet Age
An age where people search for unknown culinary delights
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Hidden Truth! The First Melk Appears!
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Melk sat on a stool looking at the broken knife blade that Kimiko had brought with her.
"Beautiful," Melk said while looking at the blade that was practically illuminated in their hands," The knife is broken and yet still gives off such a presence. Chef Kimiko's soul dwells within this knife. It isn't dead yet."
"~Aaaaah~ That was a nice bath," Kimiko practically sang as she walked back into Melk's home.
"How was the ba-uh," Melk cut the sentence short as they looked at Kimiko. The chef's hair was tied up in a loose bun and she was sporting a robe that reached her knees with penguins on it. Kimiko blinked as she saw that Melk was looking at her robe.
"Oh!" Kimiko blushed as she patted the robe, "Yun picked this out for me. I don't usually bring a robe with me on food journeys. Yun must have put it into my bag when I wasn't looking. Who would have known that I would have needed it, lucky me I guess."
"Yeah," Melk paused, "So Yun's a friend of yours?"
"Yup!" Kimiko chirped before perking up with an idea, "I actually have a picture of us on my phone. Just wait a minute and I'll show you!" Before Melk could protest Kimiko was already walking over to her bag and digging out her phone. After a couple of seconds Kimiko pulled up the picture and leaned over to Melk in order to present it. The knife sharpener blinked as the photo showed the chef smiling at the camera while a pink penguin was holding an ice cream cone in their flippers.
"A penguin?" Melk said making Kimiko nod.
"He's been with me for awhile now, he wanders off sometimes, but he's really well-behaved."
"That's nic-" Melk blushed as they turned their head to see that Kimiko's robe had loosened letting the knife cutler see that part of the chef's chest was exposed, "AH! Chef Kimiko! You should probably cover up!" Melk flailed while backing away from the surprised chef.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" Kimiko exclaimed as she tightened her robe. "I guess that time in the hot spring really relaxed me." The chef tried to joke as she tied it shut.
"It's fine, j-just get dressed," Melk said with a flushed face
"Well since that bath was so good, I bet I'll sleep like a log," Kimiko said trying to defuse the mood, "You shouldn't work too hard either, Melk-san. Please get some rest." Melk looked at Kimiko and gave a small smile.
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Kimiko was lying in her futon that was set right next to Melk's bed, that was currently still vacant. The chef frowned as she started to remember her conversation with Toriko
FLASHBACK
Toriko stood at the edge of the cliff, stretching his muscles as he was preparing to jump into the Heavy Hole. He was brought out of his musings as he heard Kimiko walk out of Melk's house.
"That's weird," Kimiko muttered to herself before walking over to Toriko.
"Hey Kimi," Toriko told her making the chef smile at her partner.
"Are you all set Toriko-san?" she asked making the man grin and ruffle her hair.
"Yup, just getting a good stretch before heading down there."
"Um, Toriko-san," she said getting his attention, "Earlier when you said, 'division of labor' what did you mean by that?"
"You don't really have to do anything special," Toriko said, " Just staying with Melk would be fine. It's something I can't do, but it's an important job that you alone can do."
"Huh?" Toriko grinned at the confused look that the chef was sporting.
"Don't worry about it." He reassured her, he sighed before looking back towards the Heavy Hole.
"Are you worried?" Toriko looked at Kimiko. "Y'know you never really told me about what happened in the Gourmet World. I know that the Gourmet World is dangerous, but you never really went into detail. The thing is, I don't want to assume and think that you're completely fine. But I also don't want to force you to have to say anything when you don't want to. I jus-" Toriko pressed a finger against her lips making her stop. He had knelt down so that he was now eye level to her.
"Give me a kiss."
"...huh?!" Kimiko exclaimed making Toriko grin.
"For good luck," he said, pointing to his cheek, " since you're pretty lucky with finding ingredients whenever we go on a food adventure together. I could use some of that luck when I'm traveling alone."
"Oh," Kimiko blinked before walking closer to Toriko and giving him a small peck on his cheek.
"I'll be sure to come back and give that luck back to you," he said as he cupped her cheek before standing back up. He looked over to see that Melk was walking out of the house as well. "Remember what I said about 'division of labor'"
"Yeah, stay by his side." Kimiko said
END FLASHBACK
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Kimiko gave a sigh at the memory and looked at Melk's empty bed.
"What could he mean by that? What does he mean that as long as I'm staying with Melk-san, it'll be fine?" Kimiko groaned into her pillow as she tried to figure everything out.
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Melk blushed while sharpening a knife across a whetstone. Their body bent over from both work and embarrassment.
"Just from seeing that," Melk blushed even more at remembering the chef. "How could I get so flustered just by seeing her in that state." Melk paused in their work, "What is this feeling?"
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"Shit!" Toriko's body plunged into the ground making small rocks breakaway from it. He grunted as he tried to lift his body upright.
The gravity has increased even more!, He slowly stood up and tried to bring his body out of a slouched position to stand upright, So this means I'm at the next stage? He looked over the ledge to see that there were rock formations that stretched to the other cliff making a bridge.
"Fighting off creatures are easier than conquering this gravity," He took a step forward causing the ground beneath it to crumble under his weight. "I'm not even sure if my body will hold out long enough to get to where the first Melk is" He took another step forward only for the ground break sending him plummeting towards the lower cliffs. "SHIT!" he shouted as a cloud of dust emerged from where he plummeted. "The gravity isn't just a burden on my body. It's also causing mental stress and having an effect on my autonomic nervous system!" His vision blurred as sweat dripped from his face. Toriko looked at the ground that was slowly starting to turn into a mess of color.
My heart's beating so fast, Toriko panted, I'm feeling dizzy. My head's pounding! He looked at his legs that were starting to buckle under the stress, the blood is accumulating in my legs. It's not reaching my brain.
"I'm in serious trouble," Toriko's knees gave out making the Gourmet Hunter hit the ground, he had just enough strength to lean his back against the cliff.
There's no way I can keep on going, Toriko took deep breaths as his head started to throb and his vision began to darken
"C'mon Toriko-san, you can do it!"
"Kimi!" Toriko snapped his eyes open to see his combo partner clad in their chef uniform standing in front of them.
"Hang in there, Toriko-san!" She said with a smile, "Complete your journey, and when you get back, I'll make a big feast!" Toriko gave a smile as he closed his eyes and opened them again to see that he was alone. He blinked as something was reflecting light at his eyes. Looking closer Toriko saw that it was Kimiko's knife on the ground that was reflecting light into his face.
"I can't believe I dropped this," Toriko muttered as he made sure to secure the knife in his shirt pocket. "Sorry Kimi," he patted the knife, "You're probably worrying about me, aren't you." He grinned with renewed energy and jumped off the cliff and onto another ledge.
If anything happens to me. Nobody would be around to protect, Kimiko's 'life', he lept off another ledge, Kimi's kitchen knife. This thing I have to protect definitely gives me strength! He landed in an area with rocks that glowed green.
"Shine Rock," Toriko commented and looked at the knife, "Their light must have reflected off of this. I have to get my body used to the gravity, or else I'll get another hallucination," He descended further towards his destination. "Slowly, little by little," he took a breath as he looked at the ground that had cracked when he landed on it "The gravity's more intense than ever! I must weigh nearly a ton now. Moving normally would be too much of a burden on my body." he moved his body causing one of the rocks to roll past him. "I've got to move in a way that deals with this powerful gravity." He looked at the rock that was rolling down the cliff. "That's it!"
Without opposing the gravity, he thought, like I'm falling, surrendering myself, he curled himself into a ball and sent himself rolling while giving the occasional grunt as he smacked into rock formations, by rotating around, the gravity won't force the blood to gather in my legs. Still the gravity is still difficult to deal with, and I haven't eaten anything for a while, Kimiko's knife jostled in his shirt pocket, so I don't think my physical strength will hold out all the way to the bottom. I've got to replenish myself with food from somewhere and recover my strength! That was when he caught sight of Kimiko's kitchen knife falling out of his pocket.
"CRAP!" he reached his hand out for the falling knife. In one swift movement he snatched the knife and turned to land on his back cracking the ground. The knife safely in his hands. "That was close." he breathed a sigh of relief as he saw that the knife was still in one piece. The knife reflected light into his eyes making him wince. He blinked before looking at his surroundings, his eyes widened as he saw a cast of crabs that looked like they were made of red gems.
"Those are Ruby Crabs!"
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Crab (Crustacean Beast) Ruby Capture Level 46
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"They're top-grade crabs!" he exclaimed, "these guys rarely appear on the market! What are the chances that I'd be able to stumble upon a feast like this." he paused before looking at the knife in his hand, the blade reflecting light through the bandages, "Kimiko? It's not by chance, Kimiko's soul resides in this knife. The knife possesses Kimiko's talent to attract ingredients and that's what found the Ruby Crabs." he gave a grin before standing up, "Thanks Kimi, you saved me. Once I fill my stomach, this gravity will be nothing!" he clapped his hands together, "I give thanks for all this world's bounty-"
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"Toriko-san! You're eating it all! Leave some for me!" Kimiko shouted in her sleep before waking up she got up from bed and frowned as she saw that Melk's bed was empty. That was when she heard water splashing around and looked out the window to see that Melk was lounging in the bath with their back to her.
"Oh, he's taking a bath." a thought struck Kimiko, "I could make Melk-san a snack to eat while he relaxes in the bath." she immediately went down into the kitchen and rustled up a quick soup. "Wait how am I going to give this to him without it all being weird," she paused, "It should be fine as long as he's not standing in the bath, I mean who stands up while taking a bath." She turned to walk outside, "Melk-san I brought you some sou-" she paused at seeing Melk standing in the bath as bare as the day they were born.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Those are boobs! Kimiko yelled in her mind as her body was frozen stiff.
"Chef Kimiko!" Melk screamed while trying to hide her private parts.
W-Why am I so flustered?! Melk straightened her posture and stood proudly
"Is something wrong, Chef Kimiko?"
"Uh, j-just a little confused," the chef paused, "So you're a woman?"
"Yup,"
"This is ...uh..awkward" Kimiko said while still staring at Melk
"Chef Kimiko," Melk sighed, "We need to talk."
"Yeah sure, let's just… wait until you're dressed,"
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The talk had to wait until the next morning due to that the awkwardness that hung around the two practically made it incapable for them to have a serious conversation. The two were currently sitting next to each other. Melk had wrapped her chest so she didn't need a shirt. Kimiko had prepared another bowl of stew so that Melk could eat while they sat at the tree stump table.
"Delicious!" Melk praised as Kimiko sat beside her. "As expected of a chef. It's really warming me up."
"Thanks," Kimiko said as she looked at Melk. "What you just told me earlier" she paused, "You said you weren't the second generation of Melk."
"To be honest,' Melk frowned, "I don't think he even considered me to be the second generation. My master found me in a secluded area deep in the mountains. I was only an infant, all alone. Nobody believed that my master, the man feared as 'Ogre Melk' took in and raised a baby But at least I felt it, the only one in the world to be loved by the one that people feared."
"So the first Melk is your adoptive parent?" Melk nodded
"By and by, I started to take interest in my master's work." Melk turned to look at the chef, "That's only natural, isn't it? For a child to be interested in her parent's job. Except the master never let me into his workshop." She smiled as the memory came to her, "That's why, I watched in secret." she remembered when she would be looking at his work through the window from outside, "And I was able to sneak in once, that's when the accident happened." the memory of a young girl reaching her hands towards one of the knives propped up on the shelves only for her to bump into the shelf causing two knives to simultaneously fall towards her and scar her face. The pain of the wound and the gentle comfort of her adoptive father trying to make sure that she was okay came to her mind. "When I look back on that accident now, I think of it as a good thing. At a young age, I learned how scary blades were" she remembered the young girl smiling through the pain as the beauty of the sharp blades shined in front of her, "but I also became aware of their beauty. That was when, little by little, the master would show me his work. The master sharpened with such force, such incredible force," She remembered when her father would give her a smile as she looked at his work, "I became more and more fascinated."
"So that's when you started on the path to becoming a cutler too, Melk-san." Kimiko smiled, "It sounds like a great relationship between master and apprentice."
"No," Melk interrupted, "The master never said a word and he never taught me anything. I could only learn by watching and copying his techniques. Every year, about 100 people visited the master, hoping to become his disciple. But no one lasted more than two days."
"Two days!"
"No one could endure the harsh temperament of the master, the man who could handle everything himself, including procuring the materials." Melk paused, "That's why I thought, 'I have to get strong!' If I don't become strong I'll never be a first-rate cutler like him!"
"So that's why you were so sensitive about strength earlier," Kimiko realized receiving a nod from Melk
"It was more important to me than anything else. Strength would prove that I was the second generation! In order to banish my weakness." Melk paused, "I tried with all I could to become a strong man, like my master. But no matter how much effort I put in, I couldn't become powerful like the master. I couldn't be a strong cutler."she clenched her fist.
"Melk-san," Kimiko said getting the cutler's attention, "Do you want to be a male?"
Melk gave a smile before shaking her head no, she looked down at her hands. "In order to become stronger, I thought it'd be better if I throw away the idea of being a female. I guess the problem lies with me. I can't even make good kni-"
"That's not true!" Kimiko shouted and stood up in front of Melk, "Melk-san, you're doing an excellent job as the second generation! I mean, you're his apprentice after all."
"Not once has my master acknowledged me," Melk frowned, "I just call myself the second generation. I'm sorry, Chef Kimiko. Toriko was right. I'm a fake."
"BULLSHIT!" Kimiko shouted surprising the cutler. "You're the real thing, Melk-san!"
"Chef Kimiko."
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Meanwhile Toriko was currently having a bit of a dilemma. He had been able to reach the deepest part of Heavy Hole. Unfortunately he hit a bit of a snag when he encountered the first Melk. The first Melk was true to his rumors, being a large man covered in scars and a quiet demeanor. A bit too quiet Toriko would say. For Toriko couldn't hear what the man was saying. Even though that Toriko was standing right in front of the man, Melk's words only came out in quiet whispers making it practically impossible for the blue haired man to understand. Now if only he had a person that had the ability to hear and understand even the smallest of sounds. The two were currently standing in Melk's work area while Melk was currently saying something to Toriko and the blue haired man getting absolutely none of what the man was talking about
"This is a Scorpion Demon Bull" Melk said while holding a rock towards his mouth that amplified his voice making it loud enough for Toriko to hear. Toriko looked at the beast that was easily twice his size, and kind of reminded him of a minotaur. With the beast being bipedal and muscular while sporting horns. "He's still a youngin, but his strength is unrivaled here in Heavy Hole. If you had fought with him, he would've been more than you could manage, too."
"What in the world are you doing down here?" Toriko asked.
"I'm in the middle of some very important work," Melk said "You see, the Scorpion Demon Bull is highly intelligent. He stands guard to make sure no one interrupts me while I'm working."
"The work is that important?" He looked around the work area that had dozens upon dozens of large knives that were practically gigantic swords. "What could it possibly be?" he stared at Melk who remained quiet while looking at Toriko
"..." Melk was currently talking but Toriko couldn't pick up any of it.
"Use the rock, for crying out loud!" Toiko exclaimed. After a quick break from talking Toriko had wrapped the rock in a string and making Melk wear it as a necklace. "Great, now you can talk all you want Melk"
"You're just as Ryu-san described you, Toriko" Melk said
"I don't know what the old man said about me, but I'm surprised myself you weren't what I was expecting. I heard you were the shy, silent type, but you're actually quite the talker."
"I've always been talkative" Melk twiddled with his beard, "It's just my appearance, I suppose. For some reason, the people around me usually ignored me."
"Eh?" Toriko blinked, "people ignored you? Don't tell me. How long have you been using that rock." he pointed at the rock necklace
"I just found it recently." Melk touched the rock, "when I use it, the Scorpion Demon Bull obeys quickly."
"I knew it!" Toriko blanched, "He's not shy or quiet, I bet it's just that his voice is so soft, no one could hear him! No wonder the second generation was so insecure!"
"Second generation, you say?" Melk perked up, "Have you met my daughter? What do you think? How's her work?"
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"Melk-san you're a real knife sharpener, without a doubt!" Kimiko exclaimed
"Chef Kimiko."
"Don't go telling me that because you're a woman and that you're not as strong as the first generation, that it makes your work less valuable! The first generation was the first generation! You're Melk-san! Sure it's incredible that the first Melk went out and gathered all the materials for his knives by himself. But that doesn't mean you have to be exactly like him, Melk-san! What's important is the undeniable fact that you create beautiful first rate knives, Melk-san!" Kimiko ranted Melk stared at Kimiko for a minute before turning her head away and wiping her eyes.
"At first, I thought he'd be back soon." she recalled when she was a teenager waving her father goodbye as he was leaving, "As usual" the days passed by without him there, "But no matter how long I waited, he didn't come back. Even with him gone, the sharpening requests didn't stop coming. I began to worry about one thing. Had something happened to my father? But how could anything happen to someone as strong as him? Again, I had to lament about my lack of strength. I can't get near the place he went to. All I can do is preserve the name of 'Melk' until Master returns! I have to use all of the knowledge that I have gained to maintain the trust people have in Master's knives." Melk paused looking out the doorway to the bat that was standing on the tree, "But Pochiko has been like that ever since, waiting for Master to come back." she gave a pause," Animals are pretty honest. I'm not good enough. Maybe the chefs that send in their knives aren't actually satisfied either unless it's the master's sharpening."
"Melk-san" Kimiko clenched her fists and took a deep breath. "Can I borrow some of your knives?" Melk looked at Kimiko, "And I'm going to use some ingredients from your refrigerator too." the chef stood up and walked down the stairs to where the food was stored. She hummed to herself as she took various ingredients from the fridge and pantry before going back up to where Melk was. "I'm going to need a Kuroko Kitchen Knife and a Revival Butcher Knife and a Heavenly Rbe Thin Blade." she proceeded to take the knives off the shelves and head towards the sink.
She started with preparing the seafood. Kimiko grinned as the blade cut through the fish like butter. The chef marveled as she was able to chop the squid with breeze. As though in an instant Kimiko was already whipping up a feast while Melk was looking at the chef in amazement.
"Come on, Melk-san! Let's eat!"
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"My daughter is a prodigy." the first Melk boasted with pride, "Why, six years ago, when she was still just 15 she was already a good a cutler as I was!"
"First generation, what's the important work that you're doing" Toriko asked, "Did you let your daughter know what it was six years ago?"
"Of course. My important work is creating a new knife for Ryu-san. A knife for preparing a salad known as AIR from the Gourmet God Acacia's Full Course Menu."
"Acacia's Full Course… AIR?!" Toriko exclaimed
"The moment I accepted his request, I made up my mind to retire. Creating that knife requires using a great deal of 'Melk Stardust'," Melk paused, "I knew that it would take many years. In fact, it will probably be the last thing I ever create. I explained everything to my daughter in great detail. On top of that, I told her 'I entrust you to be the second generation!'"
"Yeah, I don't think she was able to hear a word that you said," Toriko said
"Why not?!" Melk shouted
"Your voice is too freaking quiet!"Toriko pointed out
"AH! What have I done!"
The second generation Melk seemed tense somehow, Toriko thought, Maybe this was the reason I didn't sense the spirit or composure that a first rate artisan gives off. Even if she does have the skills, she doesn't think she's been entrusted with being the 'second generation.' She doesn't have complete confidence in herself.
"What I thought was her getting used to me and then being playful from childhood on was actually her trying to hear what I was saying," Melk exclaimed
But I can't tell the first generation all that right now, Toriko thought to himself, Only one person can give the second generation confidence now. I'm counting on you, Kimi,
"Relax! Your daughter's doing excellent work!" Toriko reassured the man
"Really!"
"She's doing a fine job as the second generation Melk!"
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"Idtadakimasu!" Melk said before digging into a plate full of fried rice. "DELICIOUS!"
"I'm glad you like it. It's the Lily Oyster Fried Rice." Kimiko grinned
"Huh? Lily Oyster has this strong a flavor?"
"If you use the oyster while it's still closed and prepare it through the gap, the flavor is enhanced. Succinic acid is what gives this shellfish its flavor and if it's not exposed to air, it continues to enrich the oyster. Lily Oyster are Special Preparation Ingredients. But I couldn't have prepared it without your original Kuroko Kitchen Knife," the chef explained while Melk was eating the fried rice, "Please try some of this dish, too." she presented Melk with another dish.
"Incredible! This Smoked Jellyfish doesn't stink at all! Only the tastiness stands out!"
"I used your Revival Butcher Knife. If you slice it at a certain speed, the stink doesn't come out," Kimiko showed another dish to Melk, "This squid is as soft as jelly, but without your Heavenly Robe Thin Blade, it would've been impossible to cleanly slice off the skin." It went on like that, Kimiko would present Melk with a delicious dish and then tell the cutler about how it was only possible thanks to the wonderful knives that Melk had made. It was only a few dishes in when Melk started to tear up.
"All of this food is only made possible thanks to the knives you created," Kimiko's eyes started to water, "you can search anywhere in the world, but the only things that can cut like this are your knives, Melk-san." Melk had tears streaming down her face as she tried to control herself, "you're absolutely maintaining the trust in the first generation's knives! Chefs from all over the world have always felt that way,,,even now! Melk-san, you're doing a great job preserving the 'Melk' name!" Kimiko explained as the two were both crying from the sheer emotion that they were experiencing.
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"So, about why I came here," Toriko said, "The second generation wants it too. But the old man asked me to come get some.
"A request from Ryu-san, eh" Melk chuckled, "Follow me! I'll take you to the place where Melk Stardust is." the cutler led Toriko to another area that was filled with shining gold rocks, all ranging from different sizes and were piled on top of each other all the way to the top. "This is the Melk Stardust, you can take as much as you like!"
"I'll take you up on that!" Toriko exclaimed before holding up his fist, "JYUU-REN KUGI PUNCH!" he broke down the gigantic rock formation that was the size of a building.
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Melk was currently looking over Kimiko's shoulder. Melk had now let her hair down while Kimiko had currently tied up her hair to make sure that it wouldn't get in her face. Kimiko was currently sitting on a box slightly hunched over as she was holding a knife against a whetstone. They both held their breath as Kimiko was able to slide the knife against the whetstone causing the blade to shine from the sharpening.
"Right! Just like that!" Melk complimented, "I knew you could, Chef Kimiko! You catch on quick! In a matter of days, you learned a sharpening technique that's said to take a couple of years."
"It's all thanks to you teaching me Melk-san," Kimiko said," By the way, how long did it take for you to learn this kind of sharpening style?"
"Oh, I was able to do it the first time I tried," she said making Kimiko blanch.
"Wow, you really are a prodigy," Kimiko sighed.
"Hey! I'm back!" a familiar voice yelled from the doorway. The two turned to see the blue haired Gourmet Hunter who was carrying a gigantic sack.
"Sorry, I took so long!" he said with a grin.
"Toriko-san!" Kimiko shouted before running over to him and giving him a big hug, "I was so worried! But I'm so happy you're back safely!" Toriko grinned as he patted her head.
"Welcome back, Toriko," Melk said walking over to him.
The doubt is gone, Toriko thought, she's overflowing with the confidence of a first-rate artisan. It looks like you fulfilled your role perfectly, Kimiko.
"What should I start with. I have a ton of things to tell you. But first," Toriko knelt down and kissed Kimiko on the cheek, "Thanks for the luck, Kimi." the chef gave him a big smile in return.
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"You can't be serious. He just has a quiet voice?" Melk sighed as they were all sat at the table. Toriko was currently munching on some food that Kimiko had prepared for him, "Is that even possible? Certainly, he always seemed to be muttering to himself. But that aside for the moment. I'm just really happy that he is safe and sound."
"Anyway," Toriko finished his food before picking up the sack that he had brought with him, "Look at this! He poured out large golden rocks onto the table.
"W-What are these pretty rocks?!" Kimiko exclaimed as she looked at the rocks that were shining as bright as the sun.
"Could this be," Melk said
"Yep, Melk Stardust!"
"The almost mythical sharpening stone that can sharpen anything in the world!" Melk praised, "So this is Melk Stardust. It's so beautiful."
"Remember your promise! Use this to make Kimi a knife," Toriko said as he picked up one of the golden stones.
"Of course! Leave it to me! I know just the thing to use!" Melk went down the stairs before picking up a knife. She knelt down to the ground and in an instant she cut a square into the ground revealing that there was a box underneath it. She opened the box and grabbed the item that was sitting in it before going back up the stairs to meet Kimiko and Toriko. Kimiko raised an eyebrow as Melk unwrapped the item in front of them. It was long and jagged yet it shiny like a jewel.
"The fang of the Dragon King, Deros!" Melk clarified, "The legendary dragon that's said to have lived 10,000 years ago. With the only fang it had ever grown. Deros became the king of this world. This is a piece of that dragon king's fang. A long time ago, my master discovered the fossilized remains of Deros and recovered its fang. But because of its strength, it was too difficult to work with, so he left i down there for many years. With the Melk Stardust, though, it's possible to shave and sharpen this!"
"D-Don't tell me," Kimiko paused, "you're going to make my knife out of that precious material?"
There's no way I could have such a glamorous knife, Kimiko thought
"Hey, are you sure about this?," Toriko said, "If we put in an order for that, not even several billion would be enough! No offense Kimi, but you don't exactly have that kind of money."
"You're not wrong," Kimiko sighed, "I'd have to live in a cardboard box for the rest of my life to pay for that kind of knife."
"I don't need money," Melk said getting their attention, "All this time, I've been doubting my own ability. Not even once did I create a knife with real confidence. The courage and confidence that Chef Kimiko gave me swept away the uncertainty that had been clinging to my heart." Melk looked at Kimiko, "I'm truly grateful to you. I don't need any money, but I'll make the knife with all my heart and soul. This is my first job as the true 'second generation'!"
"Th-Thank you!" Kimiko said
"There's one more material that I'm going to use," Melk picked up a familiar blade from the table, "That's if it's alright with you."
"That's my-"
"Kimi's broken knife" Toriko finished
"This knife is telling me, 'I can still work' It says 'I don't want to die.' it's practically screaming 'I don't want to be separated from her!' I've seen all kinds of knives over the years, but never one like this. It's because you instilled your knife with so much love, that I can choose this material without hesitation," Melk explained, "and because I know you would take good care of this fang of Deros . Besides, I figured this way I'd be able to take into consideration this broken knife's feelings."
"M-Melk-san," The chef was on the verge of tears
"You're okay with it, right, Chef Kimiko?"
"Of course," Kimiko started to sniffle, "Of course I am!" Tears started to stream down her face. "Thank you!" she let out a full blown sob of happiness.
"Come to think of it," Toriko said, "the first Melk praised your other knife, Kimi."
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FLASHBACK
"What's that knife?"
"Oh, this knife belongs to my partner, a chef." Toriko said as Melk looked at the wrapped up item, "To be honest, without that, I wouldn't have been able to make this far."
"Let me see," Melk unwrapped the knife to see the blade underneath, "This is...Hmm...I see… It's a fine knife," Melk gave a smile, "How long has it been since I looked at a knife and became interested in its owner? Toriko...you've found a wonderful partner."
"Yeah," Toriko grinned, "I know."
END FLASHBACK
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"I thought my master only focused on knives," Melk smiled at Kimiko, "But that's because it's Chef Kimiko!"
"Nah," Kimiko blushed at the praise, "all I did was use a knife normally. But it's still an honor! For some reason, having my knife complimented makes me happier than getting complimented myself!"
"So how long's it gonna take you to finish the knife?" Toriko asked
"I'd like to take a little time with it. I want to be satisfied with it." Melk answered
"I see," Toriko frowned
"Is something wrong?" Kimiko asked
"Actually… there's this ingredient, that I'm kind of in a hurry to get."
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FLASHBACK
"Show me Ryu-an's list of demands," Melk held out his hand for the list, "I see. All of them are quite difficult to get" he paused, "I think you'd better hurry with this 'Mellow Cola'."
"Why?"
"Right now is the season when the cola is at its most delicious. As I recall, you'll be able to find it, in the Gourmet Pyramid!"
END FLASHBACK
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"G-Gourmet Pyramid!" Kimiko exclaimed
"I've heard of it!" Melk yelled, "A gigantic labyrinth in the middle of a vast desert! The Gourmet Pyramid! No one's ever returned from it, so it's known as the Gourmet Hunter's Graveyard!"
"I'll need Zebra's power for this," Toriko frowned
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Lunamugetsu: whew! I didn't know if I would be able to finish this so soon. So the last part of the Melk Stardust will be the next chapter. Be prepared for a lot of cute and funny moments since Toriko's going to be there now. Now I know that a lot of you are ready for a certain someone to be in this story. But after this arc is done, I'm going to write the other Toriko and One Piece crossover episode since I feel like that's a perfect place to put it in the story. So please be patient and enjoy the fluffy moments.