Lunamugetsu: I do not own Toriko
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Someone once said… there is a fruit that looks just like a peach, and when fully ripened, swells up like mochi and changes to a springy texture like traditional sweets...Momochi! There are acorns that have the aroma of sweet vanilla and taste like custard… Custacorns!
This is the Gourmet Age
An age where people search for unknown culinary delights
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A Work Made with All Her Might! The Completed Melk Knife!
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"Wow!" Kimiko exclaimed as she looked at Melk's progress, "You've gotten so far, Melk-san."
"Still," Melk paused to wipe the sweat off her brow, "this Deros fang is something else. I didn't expect it to be this hard." The fang was now gaining the knife shape that she had in her mind, but still had a ways to go before actually getting there, "Even under thousands of degrees of heat, it doesn't become malleable. So I can't forge it, that ism change its shape by striking it with a hammer. I'll just have to shave it down with Melk Stardust, little by little."
"Like a sculptor having to chisel marble to make a statue," Kimiko said, "And you've already been shaving it for days now."
"WOOHOO! D-Delicious!" Melk and Kimiko turned to Toriko who was currently sitting in front of the pile of Melk Stardust that was situated upon a crate. The blue-haired man currently was drooling and looked like he had just tasted the yellow sparkling dust, "What is this?"
"H-Hey!" Kimiko jumped out of her seat and ran over and latched onto Toriko's arm "Toriko-san! Don't tell me you ate the Melk Stardust! Why did you eat it? You promised the three would eat it together when my knife was finished! You glutton!"
"I'm not eatin' it!" Kimiko raised an eyebrow in confusion, "See, it's taking forever to finish making that knife, so I was just practicing my reaction to eating Melk Stardust." He grinned as Kimiko glared at him, "C'mon the stuff smells wonderful!" he started drooling, " the spice hits me square in the appetite with tremendous force! It's a totally new kind of flavor component that I've never smelled before. It's gotta be delicious!" Kimiko gave a sigh at her partner's rant.
SHIIING
The room was illuminated in a yellow glow, Kimiko turned to see that Melk was back at work with forming the blade.
"Don't worry, I'm almost done." Melk smiled, "Just wait a bit longer." The combo partners both smiled and nodded in unison. It went on like that for days. Kimiko would dutifully sit by Melk's side and watch how the cutler worked. The chef would always make meals for the three of them to enjoy while also making some food for Pochiko who dutifully still perched atop of her tree. Kimiko make Melk take a break whenever the lady was coated in sweat and to make sure that Melk didn't overwork herself.
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It was nighttime, Kimiko had managed to convince Melk to put the knife making on hold and take a bath. The two ladies were both sitting in the hotspring relaxing after a work filled day.
"~Aaaaahhh~" the two ladies sang as they both relaxed in the bath. Kimiko and Melk had both let their hair down so that their ebony hair was hitting the warm water.
"How's your back, Melk-san? Working on the knife must be hard work."
"It's nothing I can't handle," Melk straightened her back and winced as she heard a couple of cracks from her spin.
"You sure you're okay?" Kimiko joked making Melk smirk.
"Honestly, I can't believe that you would leave Toriko alone with the Melk Stardust, you're not worried that he's not at least going to try to sneak a taste?"
"While I am a bit worried, I know that Toriko wouldn't break his word," Kimiko grinned, "That and I asked Pochiko if she could stand guard at the door and watch Toriko."
"That's why Pochiko's there," Melk laughed while taking a towel and wiping her neck.
"Y'know, I'm really happy that you're making my knife. And it's not only because you're a famous knife sharpener." Kimiko smiled before leaning against the tub, "it's because you put your entire heart and soul into your work. Just like how I put my entire being into making sure that the dishes I serve are delicious. Your knives are amazing, I can't wait to see your masterpiece."
"Chef Kimiko," Melk blushed before averting her gaze. "Could you tell me more about your food journeys?"
"I'd love to!" Kimiko smiled as she started to enthusiastically talk about all of the journeys that she and Toriko had gone on together, Melk smiled as she leaned against the tub while listening Kimiko talk about Vegetable Sky.
"Wait," Melk made the chef, "You're telling me that Toriko actually thought of jumping down from Vegetable Sky."
"Oh he didn't just think it, he did it," Kimiko said as she shivered at the memory.
"You can't be serious! How are you even alive?" Melk exclaimed
"I don't know, I blacked out, my heart can barely take these journeys," Kimiko sighed before smiling, "but, I wouldn't change it for anything. There's no way I'd give up on going on food adventures."
"Hopefully, you won't forget about me, with all of the amazing journeys you always go on." Melk pondered
"There's no way I'd forget you," Kimiko smiled at Melk, "We're friends! It doesn't matter if you live all the way in the mountains, I'll make sure to keep in touch with you and Pochiko." she tapped her chin in thought, "You don't have a phone so calls aren't even an option, maybe email," she paused, "Wait you don't have a computer, not to mention I don't even think you can get internet all the way out here."
"How about we write to each other then," Melk supplied making Kimiko perk up
"Yeah, that sounds perfect." Kimiko said making Melk smile. Melk gave a look of confusion as the chef had a look of discomfort when moving her shoulder.
"Something wrong, Chef Kimiko?"
"Ah, it's nothing, my shoulder's just acting a bit stiff." the chef told her
"Here let me help, I know just the thing."
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Toriko sat drooling while looking at the pile of Melk Stardust he was situated in front of. While a regular person said he could have easily licked the dust since Kimiko and Melk weren't there the Vampire Kong standing in the doorway says otherwise.
"Looks so delicious," he continued to drool.
"~Aaaaaaaaahhhhhh!~" Toriko fell off his seat when he heard the voice.
"Kimiko?" he said in confusion at the sound
"~That feels good~"
What's happening?! Toriko thought himself as he stood up and walked over to the door only for Pochiko to stand in his way.
"C'mon, I just want to know what's happening!" Toriko exclaimed only to met with Pochiko's complete stoic face and unmoving position from the door.
"~Yes! Right there!~" Another moan could be heard making Toriko raise his eyebrow.
What's happening over there?! Toriko internally screamed as he fruitlessly tried to bypass Pochiko. After a couple of minutes it ended him trying to just move Pochiko out of the doorway altogether.
"~That felt so good~" Kimiko sang as she walked into the house wrapped in her penguin bathrobe. "Your hands are amazing Melk-san," she complimented as the cutler walked in covered in her own plain bathrobe. "Who knew that you were great at giving massages."
"Thanks Chef Kimiko," Melk said as she wrapped a towel around her neck.
"Toriko-san," Kimiko paused as she looked to see that her combo partner appeared to be attempting to push Pochiko out of the doorway, "What are you doing?"
"I'm," Toriko paused, "Just trying to see if I can beat Pochiko in a fight"
"Uh, she doesn't look that interested if you ask me."
"Yeah, so I'm going to go take a bath now." he said changing the subject before grabbing a towel and heading towards the bath.
"Remind me why you're with him again," Melk said as she sat down at her work station and tied up her hair
"Toriko-san has some eccentricities, but that's just how he is. It's the fact that he cares so much about food, is what made me want to be his combo partner." the chef turned to Pochiko, "Thanks for looking after the Melk Stardust Pochiko," Kimiko said earning a grunt from the Vampire Kong before leaving to go back to her perch.
"Well I can't argue about his obsession with food," Melk muttered before grabbing the Deros Fang, "I'm almost done with shaping this, I'll be able to work on using your kitchen knife by tomorrow."
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The next day, Kimiko was looking over Melk's shoulder as she was heating up Kimiko's broken kitchen blade before setting it down on her work surface. Melk took out her hammer and started to shape the knife.
"Since your knife's soft from coming out of the oven, I'll hit it with this hammer," she gestured to her hand, "While tempering the materials, I'm going to join it together with the fang of Deros." Kimiko nodded as she continued to watch Melk work. Both of them in complete silence while one worked and the other watching in fascination.
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Toriko sat in the bath laying his body against the edge of the bath, he gave a frown at the divider that split the bath into two areas. Who knew that Melk had whipped up a divider for the bath. When Kimiko had asked about it Melk just laughed it off saying that it would be useful on the off chance that Toriko and Kimiko would want to take a bath at the same time. He gave a groan at his luck and looked behind him to see that Pochiko was standing guard making sure that the divider didn't fall down.
"How's the bath Kimi?" he looked at the divider
"It feels great," he heard her move around a little bit, "Um, Toriko-san. Did you know Melk-san was a female from the beginning?"
"Yeah," he answered, "I was suspicious that she was a fake right off the bat. But, you know the truth, right Kimi?"
"Yes, she's the first Melk-san's daughter. She inherited all of his cutlery techniques and is his rightful successor." she paused, "Y'know you could have just corrected me when I thought she was a guy. Finding out that I was wrong, was a bit of a shock."
"C'mon it couldn't have been that bad."
"Not really, it more likely cleared up some confusion I had before when I was exploring the house. "
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Well, when I had to use the bathroom, I found something that only women would need."
"Huh?" he said in confusion, "What do you mean by that?"
"Y'know a certain something that women need for a certain week of the month."
"Oh ...OH!" Toriko said in realization, "So that's what you found."
"Yup, and since I didn't want to assume anything, I just kept it to myself until I got answers. I didn't know if you knew anything, so I didn't ask you about it when you left."
"Yeah, and while I was away, she really did become the true second generation Melk, in other words, you fulfilled your role perfectly."
"My role?" she paused, "Wait, when you were saying 'division of labor' you meant that!"
"Yup, right now Melk's doubts are gone and she's filled with confidence as a first-rate cutler. Kimi… you've changed her."
"I just wanted to let Melk-san know how amazing her knives were, and when" she thought about when she made food for Melk that was only possible using the cutler's knives and how they both had cried when they were eating the food, "But if it was the food that gave Melk-san peace of mind and let her put her heart into her work then I'm happy to have done my part." Kimiko looked at her towel that she was letting float in the bath, " I wish that Melk-san can just be herself instead of forcing herself to act like a man in order to be strong."
"Yeah, people should act like who they are" Toriko said absentmindedly
"Plus, Melk-san is really beautiful." Kimiko giggled getting Toriko's attention.
"Hey Kimiko, When you play ball," he leaned against the divider, "Which team do you play for? The other team? Both? Does it even matter to you? Which way do you swing?"
"Huh?" Kimiko blinked at the question, "Well I don't play sports. Well, back in-"
That's not what I'm asking! Toriko yelled in his mind as Kimiko kept on talking.
"Yeah, so I was more of the person who brought snacks for the sports teams," she finished She blinked as she didn't hear Toriko respond.
"Toriko-san? You okay?" she asked
"Yeah...totally fine," Toriko leaned his head against the divider and was ready to smack his head against it only to stop because he heard Pochiko growl at him, "Sorry," he backs away from the divider.
"Toriko-sa-" Before Kimiko could finish the water in the bath spat up in the air along with divider. Looking past that she could see that there was a cut down the bath to the edge of the mountain. Kimiko watched in confusion as she watched the water torrenting out of the bath from the cuts in the front and back of the bath. Pochiko had dodged out of the way of the water. Kimiko looked back to the divider and her eyes widened as it had been cut cleanly into two, but not into front and back but into right and left, having been cut cleanly down the middle. Toriko looked over back to where the cut had originated from to see that it had come from the house.
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Melk was standing in complete shock as she was surveying the damage that she had just caused. The stone oven was cut completely in two as well as the stone wall behind it.
"Amazing, just how sharp is this" she looked at the knife, "I just swung it lightly and the mountain split. Is this what a knife made from a Deros fang and Melk Stardust is?" that was when she realized, "Wait that's where the bath is! Chef Kimiko! Toriko!"
"Melk! Is the knife finished?!" Toriko ran in being completely bare making Melk shout.
"It's finished, isn't it?!" Kimiko said as she ran in as well making Melk blush.
"Chef Kimiko!" Melk exclaimed and rushed to grab a towel and wrap it around Kimiko's naked form shielding her away from Toriko.
"Can I see the knife?" Kimiko asked completely unfazed by her naked appearance.
"Yeah, show me!" Toriko said as he tried to look at what was in Melk's hand
"I'm not showing anything until everybody gets dressed!" Kimiko turned her head to try to see the knife that Melk was holding in her hand. Looking closer Kimiko could make out that there was something carved on the flat edge of the knife. Melk paused in her yelling as she saw that Kimiko was completely still.
"Kimiko...Melk the Second," Kimiko read out loud, making everyone pause. Melk held out the knife more so that everyone could see the engraving. The blade shined a blue-silver color in the light before turning to a dark black as it reached the back part of the blade that had two indents sticking out that was to be used for special parts in preparation.
"This is the first time I've carved in a seal" Melk said to her, "it's a mark of my gratitude and respect towards you, Chef Kimiko." Kimiko gave a sniffle before wiping away her tears.
"Thank you, Melk-san!"
"This is proof that she put everything of her true self into the work." He grinned at Melk who smiled in return before averting her gaze, "Well it's decided tonight we're dining on Melk Stardust!"
"Yay!
"Great! Now put on some clothes!"
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Kimiko was currently in the pantry picking out the ingredients that she was going to be using to create dinner with and using her new knife on. She paused as she recognized an ingredient that she knew all too well. She brought it out on the table to inspect, it was the size of her torso and round. She tapped on its shell hearing the durable shell.
"It is! Don Acorn, and it's king-sized," she muttered to herself
"Is something wrong, Chef Kimiko?" Melk asked as she walked down the stairs towards the chef.
"Would I be able to cut this with the knife you made for me, Melk-san?" she gestured towards the acorn. The cutler stood in silence for she herself didn't know the strength of the knife.
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The three of them were standing in the kitchen, Kimiko was standing in front of the chopping board with the Don Acorn being sat right in front of her while Toriko and Melk watched over her shoulder.
"Be careful with how much force you use," Melk advised
Kimiko looked at the Don Acorn and then back at her new knife. The memory of when she broke her most trusted tool in an act of reckless carelessness was still fresh in her mind. She looked back to her new knife shining under the light, she gripped it tight and brought the blade down onto the acorn. It was swift and clean. The Don Acorn was cut straight down the middle, the halves falling apart onto the counter.
"Amazing!" Kimiko exclaimed as Toriko and Melk watched in awe,"my knife split open the Don Acorn that's harder than rock. It cut right through it,Toriko-san!"
"That sure is a Melk knife."
"Then you should be able to cut through any Don Acorn like that, no matter what size," Melk said as Kimiko proceeded to thinly slice the Don Acorn. Melk and Toriko were sitting at the table watching as Kimiko proceeded to prep the ingredients.
"She really is amazing," Melk told him
"I know."
"And she makes such delicious food."
"Yeah."
"You're really lucky to have her."
"I am."
"And she's really cute."
"Yeah." Toriko blushed as he answered that statement without really thinking. He looked to Melk to see that she was looking at Kimiko with a soft smile. He blinked as he looked at Melk and then back at Kimiko.
Oh no, He thought to himself. Before he could say anything he heard Kimiko sniffle, looking back to his combo partner, she was wiping her face.
"This is my first trip since becoming partners with you, Toriko-san" she said as she turned to look at them, "and my idol, Melk-san, made me a knife! I'm completely motivated! Now I'll be able to make even more kinds of food for you, Toriko-san. Plus" she and Toriko looked at the pile of gold dust sitting on a plate.
"I was successful in getting the Melk Stardust!" Toriko finished, "This trip was good training to prepare for conquering the Gourmet World."
"Cured ham from a Plumed Pig," Toriko turned back to the chef, "The more transparently thin you slice it, the more exquisite the salty seasoning and rich flavor." Kimiko had sliced the ham paper thin. She picked up an ingredient that looked like a bunch of little bananas, "Onion Banana. It's said that if you don't cut it systematically, being careful not to damage the miniscule cells" she started to cut into the ingredient, "a strong enzyme is produced, that makes the chef cry their eyes out for 24 hours" in an instant she had sliced the Onion Banana into thin shreds, "Wow! Even precision cutting is a snap! I've never felt this sensation before now!"
"Good for you, Kimi!" Toriko grinned making Kimiko turn around
"Yeah!" she said with a smile making the two blush. "I'll be done in a jiff, please be patient. I'll have the food ready before you know it!"
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Kimiko looked into the stone oven that was currently cooking the pizza that she had prepared. After a quick peak she deemed that it was ready and she grabbed the pizza peel and took it out of the oven.
"It's done! Cured ham from a Plumed Pig pizza, Melk Special!" she set the pizza down on the table in front of them.
"It smells like you used a sweet and spicy sauce!" Toriko said while drooling
"I put on plenty of Don Acorns too!" Kimiko took out a pizza cutter and started to slice the pizza, "Please help yourselves!"
"Alright! I'm gonna eat it, Kimi!" he wiped his face, "I give thanks for all this world's bounty. Idtadakimasu!"
"Idtadakimasu!" Melk and Kimiko said in unison as they all picked up a slice of pizza. The cheese being from right out of the oven was still stretchy and gooey. The variety of toppings creating contrast in color while the caramelization of the cheese from areas of the pizza. Kimiko smiled as they all bit into their pizza slice.
"DELICIOUS!" Toriko said, "I can't get enough of the balance between the superb salty flavor of the ham and the condensed sweetness of the onion. That and the Don Acorn's texture and aroma." he picked up another slice and swallowed it in one bite, "This could become a habit!" Kimiko smiled at her friend's antics before standing up.
"And now, the long-awaited main event!" she picked up the plate of Melk Stardust.
"I thought it'd never come!" Toriko said as Kimiko picked up a spoonful of the stardust and sprinkled it on the pizza. The entire place lit up from the radiance of the gold dust.
"Amazing! Let's do this again. I give thanks for all this world's bounty!"
"Idtadakimasu!" they all said as they enjoyed their dinner
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The next morning Kimiko and Toriko were getting ready to leave. They had already eaten breakfast and they were now gathering their belongings into their bags. Melk gave a sad smile as she saw Kimiko dutifully wrap up her new knife and placed it into her bag. When the two were all ready to leave, Melk was bidding them goodbye outside the house, Melk handed Kimiko a slip of paper.
"This is the PO box that Pochiko picks up my mail from," Kimiko smiled as she looked at the address before putting it into her shirt pocket.
"I'll be sure to write to you as soon as I can," she said making Melk smile.
"I'll miss having you around, Pochiko will too," Kimiko looked to the Vampire Kong who then gently patted her head before flying back to her stoop. Melk looked back to Kimiko before pushing a strand of the chef's hair behind her ear. "Good luck getting back home," Melk leaned down to plant a kiss on the chef's forehead.
"Melk-san," Kimiko blushed
"Good luck with the Gourmet Pyramid as well. I'll be looking forward to your letters."
Kimiko smiled as she looked at the cutler before giving her a hug.
"Hey Kimi! We gotta go!" they looked back at Toriko who was currently getting a bit impatient.
"Bye Melk-san," she said waving goodbye to the cutler before walking over to Toriko and started their journey down the mountain.
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"Hey, Toriko-san" she said getting her partner's attention
"Yeah."
"I know that you said that we need to hurry to get the next ingredient, but I was wondering if we could make a quick detour to get another ingredient." Kimiko said
"Well I guess, but what ingredient are you thinking about?"
"Spring Shark." she answered making Toriko perk up.
"Ah, because the spring season is almost done, you want to get the last batch of them before they migrate again.."
"Yup." she confirmed, "So what do ya think?"
"I'd say that sounds perfect!"
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Lunamugetsu: So the Melk arc is done and the next chapter is going to be the Toriko and One Piece crossover episode, the one where Chopper got sick. I'm going to write the chapter in the same format that I did for the 4 year anniversary special chapter so anyone that has any questions for Toriko With a Slight Difference that you would like any answers or to see how the characters would react to certain questions feel free to write it in a review or pm me.