TV Studios – Ren Watanabe's room -
The very last 'Friend' on Samui's list of blackmailed Chef, that was the title Ren had mockingly given himself while watching the email Samui sent him, and the badly-covered veiled threats he filled the short missive with.
"Yes, yes. You definitely hold me by the balls, I clearly didn't already fix what I did wrong as a kid." He said, smirking.
"But let's see who I am supposed to use to ruin dear Midoriya…" Ren's smile though faded away into a frown when he saw who he was being threatened into asking to come as a Guest in MasterChef Japan's current season.
Hiroi Akihiko, of all people, of every Chef Samui could have asked… He choose that imbecile.
"The pompous primadonna of the culinary world... Two Michelin Stars for what? Overly-complicated, pretentious plates designed to fool the untrained eye and palate!" Ren spat in disgust.
That man could spend four hours boiling an egg, dressing it up with unnecessary flair, and call it "an avant-garde masterpiece".
"And the worst part? People buy into his nonsense! Critics keep elevating him to a pedestal he doesn't deserve! He's turned the art of cooking into a circus act, diminishing the true essence of culinary excellence!" Ren commented, looked at the screen with complete and genuine revulsion.
For many Chefs like Ren, every accolade Akihiko received felt like a mockery of their genuine, hard-earned recognition.
"Birds of a feather flock together, of course Samui choose Akihiko as his inside agent to humiliate Midoriya! He and Samui are practically a carbon-copy of each other! Same Ego and pretentious attitude as Chefs! FINE! I will let Akihiko step into my domain, and I'll play the gracious host. But only because watching him squirm when things don't go his way will be the real reward!" Ren's eyes momentarily flickered with a hint of malice before returning to their usual composed state.
So be it, hopefully Izuku won't mind being the stone used to catch those two birds; Ren grabbed his phone and rapidly punched in the phone number of Izuku.
"… Mister Midoriya? I just got an Email from Samui, are you ready? Because it's time..."
Three days Later – Streets -
Her name was Chihaya, 35 years old and single, aspiring dessert Chef and trapped as a helper in a Fancy and expensive Restaurant, where the most cooking-related thing she ever did in her two years there was peeling potatoes and cutting radishes. Once.
Her boss said she was still too young to take on the stress of proper cooking, clearly ignoring how she was the top of her class when she finished studying, and yet the teen boy washing the dishes was getting paid more than her, and that stoner barely knew from what side to grab a fork!
She wanted out! She wanted to cook! To make heavenly sweets and cupcakes and cute mignons! The guy that took her in promised "A great opportunity of growth and experience in a High Class environment, with plenty of chances to learn and experience real work in the kitchen!"
BULLSHIT! ALL OF IT! She only served at the tables, swept the floor and sometimes helped unloading Ingredients from the truck delivering them!
She couldn't even really leave, she had not a lot of qualifications, and desperately needed that pittance she was paid, or else even her ugly one room apartment would be too expensive to maintain.
Suffering in a similar situation was her best friend Horimori, a young man that helped in the kitchen like she did, and just like her, he too was just a glorified Intern that was only permitted to stir the pots whenever one of the Proper Chefs needed a break, so he basically got all the stress of cooking a PERFECT dish, with none of the recognition or gratitude.
If only she she had swallowed her pride and worked in a fastfood, by now she would have already been promoted to the french fries station, or even the ice-cream one, and the pay-check would have definitely been more satisfying too.
"Come on! Don't be that depressed! You'll see! Soon they will understand your skills, and mine, and they will give us a chance!" Horimori said, trying to cheer her up.
"I wish I was as positive as you are."
"It's only a matter of not losing hope! Come on! I'll take you to a new place I found, the beer and food is amazing! Bit on the expensive side for an Izakaya, but trust me, it's worth it!"
"Yeah, yeah… As long as the beer is good." She answered, uncaring.
She was far too deep in self-commiseration to really see where they were going, and so deep in thoughts of misery that her ears barely registered the faint jingle of a hanging bell above the door that marked their entrance.
"This place opened recently, I think a week ago or something, but already…" Her friend was speaking, something about this new Izakaya and its reputation, but the words dissolved into a soft, meaningless hum to her as she ignored the world around her just to focus on her own depression.
"Table for two, please!" She barely heard the far-away voice of her friend when they entered.
Lost in her thoughts, she followed him without focus with her boots dragging against the polished floorboards; she didn't glance at the hanging lanterns or the delicate brushstrokes of kanji adorning the walls, her world was shrouded in the gray haze of her own self-pity.
"Mom was right, I should have just took over her flower shop…" She muttered, lost in her mind's endless echo chamber of regrets.
"Two big ones, please, Miss! My friends needs it!"
"Sure!"
Clink!
"Uh?" She barely noticed when the server placed a beer in front of her.
"Try it! It's the damn best beer in the city!" Her friend said.
"Eh?" She muttered, dumbly.
It wasn't until her friend nudged her elbow again and gestured to the big glass mug that she blinked, the fog lifting just enough for her to glance down in front of her.
The beer shimmered.
It wasn't just golden, it was light in liquid form.
"What the…" She muttered, the reddish sunlight of the incoming sunset seemed to ripple within the glass, casting liquid reflections on the lacquered tabletop and turned the beer color into gorgeous amber.
"Awesome, isn't it? A friend of mine is obsessed with beers, and told me the one they serve here is the best she ever had! And let me tell you she is damn right," Her friend said, smirking and gulping down the cold beer in rapture.
The foam, a cloud of pearly white, was impossibly dense yet delicate, like the crest of a wave frozen in time, tiny bubbles spiralled upward in hypnotic patterns, their effervescence exuding a subtle hum as though the drink itself were alive.
No normal beer should have a carbonation that crisp.
Curious despite herself, she lifted the glass, and noticed how its chilled surface was smooth against her fingers, the scent that reached her before the rim even touched her lips was a perfume of fresh-baked bread, wildflowers and the faintest whisper of citrus.
"What the fuck is this…" The first sip was a revelation.
The liquid caressed her tongue with an unearthly smoothness and the flavors unfolded with divine precision; it began with a sweetness so delicate it was like tasting sunlight, followed by a surge of earthy, malty warmth that wrapped around her soul.
A crisp bitterness, neither harsh nor fleeting, lingered just long enough to cleanse the palate, she shivered.
"Are you insane… Did you pick some absurdly overpriced beer? We can't afford it…" She muttered in dread, she had felt her breath caught in her throat as she set the glass down, her fingers trembling slightly.
"Nope! They make their own beer!" Her friend answered, smirking.
"No damn way…" That wasn't beer, it was ambrosia. A drink not meant for mortals but stolen from the tables of gods, a cold one crafted from barley grown in heavenly fields and water drawn from celestial springs.
Her friend laughed, breaking the spell.
"Too much prose, girl!"
"Did I say that out loud?!"
"Yep! Sooo cringe!"
"S-Shut up!"
"I told you this place was special," He said, taking a long sip of his own glass.
The more she drank that beer, the more questions she had; for the first time in weeks, her mind was utterly still, the noise of her thoughts replaced by a singular, undeniable truth:
This beer was perfection, and that was not normal.
The moment she set the glass down, dread crept in. It started in her stomach, a twisting knot of unease that then slithered upward, coiling around her chest.
"No way…" Her gaze, now sharp and alert, began to take in the room she had so carelessly ignored upon entering.
The Izakaya was unmistakable.
It wasn't grand or ostentatious, that wasn't HIS style.
No, this was clearly his doing, a blend of tradition and novelty that made her chest tighten; the top half of the walls was a soft, earthy green, with a texture evoking the mossy soft ground of a forest after rain.
Intricate cloud motifs had been delicately etched into the wood covering the lower half of the walls, with their swirling patterns looking both whimsical and serene, lanterns hung low from the ceiling to wash the room in suffused light that made shadows play along the walls, dancing like spirits, giving the room a gentle dynamism that felt alive.
The tables themselves were unassuming, crafted from dark, polished wood that gleamed faintly under the lanterns light as if gold dust was part of the polish used.
Small vases of fresh sprigs, mint, shiso, and anise, sat in the middle of each table, with their subtle fragrances mingling with the savory aromas of grilling skewers and bubbling hot pots.
The floor was covered in tatami mats, their woven patterns interrupted here and there by simple rugs in soft shades of gray and beige.
"For the love of God. A Izakaya too?!" She hissed in disbelief and swallowed hard, her mouth dry despite the heavenly beer she'd just tasted.
This wasn't just any Izakaya. It was HIS.
The young man whose name was spoken with a mix of reverence and fear in culinary circles, the Chef that appeared from nowhere and rocked the world of Japanese cuisine almost immediately, raising expectations to impossible heights among other Chefs.
She heard the rumors, his restaurants weren't just places to eat, they were a painful stab to every other Chef that tried emulating his dishes! How many challenged him only to fail? Even while saddling him with dozens of handicaps?!
And now, she sat within one of them, her own culinary aspirations suddenly feeling fragile and small, she had heard people gossiping about the kid wishing to expand, but she couldn't understand how he could open new Restaurants so quickly!
Her friend noticed her unease and frowned. "What's wrong?"
"This… This is one of his places." Her voice came out in a whisper, trembling with the weight of realization.
Her friend blinked, confused, then looked around, comprehension dawning on his face.
"Oh. You mean Midoriya?" He glanced at the glass of beer in her hand and chuckled nervously.
"Guess that explains why the beer tastes like something out of a dream."
But for her, the dream was already dissolving, replaced by the sinking reality that she had just tasted perfection, a perfection she might never reach, and that was just a damn mug of beer.
Her fingers tightened around the glass as the bitterness of reality clashed with the crisp finish of the beer.
Fine. She could admit Midoriya was talented! Who couldn't? That Kid practically oozed culinary genius, as if he'd struck some secret deal with the gods to bless his hands, his palate, his very existence.
His upscale restaurant in the tourist district? Green Cloud Restaurant? Sure, whatever! Every city needed a flagship for gourmands and Instagram-happy foodies to gush over! It was a beacon for people who wanted to feel like they were eating Japanese culture itself, even if his menu offered dishes from other countries too, so Fine. She could let that go!
And his second Restaurant in the high-class district, Green Gourmet Garden? Where the rich paraded their tailored suits and designer shoes to sip on truffle-infused miso? Well, fine again! Let the elites have their overhyped dining experiences, she wasn't about to wade into that world of velvet menus and golden chopsticks to begin with.
But this? This?!
Her knuckles whitened as she glared at the plate of grilled skewers that had just been set down by the woman with purple hair that worked there.
"Have a nice meal!" Nagant said with a happy smile before walking away.
"Thanks…" She muttered, bitterly.
The skewers aroma wafting upward was literally mocking her very soul, clearly!
Why did Midoriya have to take Izakaya too?! Izakaya! the food of the common people! the everyman's escape after a long day of work! Does he want to elevate it too into something that tasted like it had descended from the heavens on a cloud made of dashi as if he was the Chef cousin of Sun Wukong?! For Fuck's Sake!
"Fucking hate him." She picked up a skewer, biting into it with the determination of someone trying to find a flaw... But no. Of course, the meat was perfectly tender, with a smoky char that whispered of expertly tended coals treated better than royalty.
"Goddamnit…" The glaze, a simple tare sauce, it had to be, coated her tongue in a rich, umami embrace that made her want to scream.
Even the damn scallions were roasted to perfection, their edges caramelized just enough to balance their natural sharpness of flavor! HOW?!
"Why does it have to be this good?" She hissed, more to herself than to her friend, who was busy savoring his own dish.
She slammed the skewer back onto the plate, it was childish, but it was not like she could do anything else.
"What?" Her friend mumbled through a mouthful of tempura that looked as if it had been kissed by sunlight itself, it was almost-literally gold in color.
"Why does he have to ruin everything?!" she snapped, gesturing at the room, the food, the beer.
"It's an Izakaya! It's supposed to be casual, comforting! Something you can enjoy without feeling like your career is being crushed under the weight of his goddamn perfection!"
"Maybe he just likes Izakaya food?" Her friend blinked, then shrugged, entirely unbothered.
"Oh, come on!" She said, her voice rising slightly before she caught herself. She glanced around, embarrassed, but no one seemed to notice, or care.
"Why can't he just stick to his Michelin-star-worthy temple of gastronomy? Why does he have to come down here and prove that even the simplest dishes are better when he makes them? It's not fair!"
Her friend chuckled, clearly enjoying her meltdown as much as the food.
"Sounds like someone's jealous."
"I am not jealous!" she snapped, then immediately grimaced.
"Okay, maybe a little. But it's not just that!" She gestured wildly with her glass.
"It's the principle of it! Does he have to dominate every corner of the culinary world? Can't he leave something for the rest of us mere mortals?"
Her friend grinned, raising his own glass in a mock toast. "To us mere mortals!"
She groaned, sinking back into her chair, the beer in her hand once again taunting her with its divine perfection. She took another sip, scowling.
Gods, she hated how good it was.
"Midoriya is a filthy, egotistical bastard and-" Her rant was cut short by a shadow that fell over the table.
She froze mid-sip, her friend's eyes widening in alarm as he glanced upward in complete shame, as if wishing for the ground under him to open and swallow him whole.
Slowly, reluctantly, she looked up… And there he was.
… To be fair, Midoriya wasn't what she'd expected.
Based only on the rumors, she'd imagined a towering figure, perhaps someone with broad shoulders and a sharp, intimidating aura, the kind of person whose very presence screamed authority.
Or maybe, given his reputation, some insufferable, smirking elitist, his nose permanently turned up at lesser Chefs like herself.
"Hi… Nice to meet you… I am Izuku Midoriya… The filthy Bastard… I guess." He muttered with a very awkward smile.
But no. The kid who now stood by their table, holding a tray of dishes as if he were any other server, was neither of those things.
He was young, startlingly young, with a soft face that still carried the faint traces of boyishness.
His eyes, warm and green as pure emeralds, crinkled slightly at the corners as he smiled in a polite, almost shy expression.
He was of average height, if not slightly shorter, with a slight frame and a relaxed posture and unassuming, and the way he held the tray, balanced effortlessly in one hand, felt more casual than practiced.
He was, as her friend will later put it, "friend-shaped."
"I couldn't help but overhear," he said softly, his voice gentle and unthreatening, like the rustle of leaves in a quiet forest. "May I sit?"
Neither of them responded immediately, her friend too stunned, and ashamed, to speak and her too mortified to refuse.
"Thanks," Taking their silence as permission, he set the tray down with a practiced ease and slid into the seat across from them.
"I… I'm sorry," She stammered, heat rushing to her face. "I didn't mean-"
He raised a hand, palm out, stopping her apology mid-flow.
"No need. I've heard it before," Izuku said, his tone light, almost self-deprecating.
"I didn't mean to make anyone feel like that."
Her friend, still trying to reconcile the idea of this guy with the towering legend they'd imagined, blurted.
"Wait, you're the Chef? The Midoriya guy everyone's talking about?"
He nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I suppose so."
"That's… Not what I pictured," Her friend muttered, leaning back in his chair.
"I get that a lot." The Chef chuckled softly, the sound light and soft.
She stared at him, still struggling to process the situation.
"If you don't mind me asking," She said, her voice quieter now.
"Go ahead!"
"Why do you… Why do you do it? The restaurants, the perfection, the… Everything? Do you enjoy making the rest of us look bad?"
Her friend gasped, elbowing her in the ribs, but Izuku didn't seem offended, if anything, he looked a little sad.
"No," he said simply. He clasped his hands together on the table, his gaze dropping to the tray of food.
"I never set out to compete with anyone. I just… Love food. I love Ingredients. I love Cooking. That's it,"
Her brow furrowed, and he continued, his voice soft and sincere.
"I cook because it makes me happy. When I see an ingredient, perfect, fresh, alive, it feels like it's speaking to me, asking to be treated with respect. So I do. That's all. I don't aim for perfection; I just follow my heart." Izuku said as he glanced at her, his eyes kind but earnest.
"If the results make others feel inadequate, I'm truly sorry. That's never been my intention. The quality… It just happens. It's not something I aim for, it's something the Ingredients give back when I respect them and cook them like I believe they deserve." He explained, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
The room felt heavier somehow, his words were hanging in the air like the scent of the dishes on the tray, for a moment, she couldn't respond, her mind grappling with the simplicity and sincerity of his explanation.
"So… You're saying you're accidentally this good?" Her friend broke the silence.
"I suppose so." Izuku's lips twitching into a small, wry smile.
She looked down at the remnants of her beer, the foam clinging stubbornly to the sides of the glass drawing abstract patterns; her indignation felt childish now, her ranting petty in the face of his humility. This wasn't a man trying to crush his peers under the weight of his talent, this was someone who simply loved what he did.
"Great," Her friend muttered under his breath. "The guy's not just a genius, he's nice, too."
She couldn't help but let out a soft, rueful laugh.
"Hahahahaha!" It wasn't fair, but somehow, knowing his heart was in the right place made it all a little easier to swallow.
The thought hit her like a bolt out of the blue as the young chef sat there, humble and unassuming, explaining how he cooked from his heart, she'd tried his dishes before, hadn't she? Both at the bustling tourist hotspot with its vibrant, approachable menu and at the temple of culinary luxury in the high-class district when a more wealthy colleague offered her lunch to try wooing her.
She had been sceptical, sure, but the food had silenced her doubts each time, the flavour had been unforgettable, not just technically brilliant but alive, brimming with soul.
And now here she was, sitting in his Izakaya, realizing that even the simplest of dishes, crafted with his care, could reach heights she hadn't dreamed possible.
"This has to be a damn cosmic joke," Her gaze flicked to the skewers on the table, then back to the young chef, who was smiling politely as her friend grilled him with questions about how he made tempura that light or managed to source scallions so perfect.
"Yes?" Izuku asked, once seen the shift in her eyes.
The idea resurfaced from the most traitorous recesses of her mind again, louder this time: What if I worked here?
It was terrifying, almost ridiculous! She'd spent so much time resenting his talent, envying his success, but could she really swallow her pride and step into his world, not as an outsider, but as a student, maybe even a collaborator?
"I was wondering…" She muttered.
Her thoughts raced. The tourist restaurant might be her best shot; it was fast-paced, vibrant, and maybe less intimidating, the fine-dining establishment? God, that seemed like walking into the lion's den! Nothing but pressure and expectations. And this Izakaya? It felt… Right. Warm. Humble. A place where even the gods might take off their shoes and sit down for a drink.
"Yes?" Izuku asked, noticing how long it was taking her to finish her question.
But could she handle it? Could she work under someone who'd inadvertently made her question her entire career? Could she learn from him without constantly comparing herself to him?
"Are you okay?" her friend asked, breaking through her thoughts.
She blinked, realizing she'd been staring at the skewers.
"Yeah," she said quickly, then glanced at the chef. "I was just… Thinking."
"About what?" her friend pressed, smirking.
"Bet you were coming up with another rant about how unfairly good he is."
"Please don't…" Izuku begged shyly.
She hesitated, then took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the edge of the table.
"About… Sending you my CV," she admitted, her voice quieter than she'd intended.
"Oh…" Izuku muttered, surprised.
Her friend's jaw dropped instead.
"Really?" Izuku asked, his tone as soft as ever, but there was a spark of interest in his eyes.
She nodded, feeling both exposed and oddly liberated.
"I've tried your food before, at your other restaurants. I didn't want to admit it, but… You're incredible. And if there's even a chance I could learn something from you..." She stopped, her cheeks flushing.
"I don't know. Maybe it's crazy, but I think I want to try."
Izuku smiled, and it wasn't the polite smile he'd been wearing before, this one was genuine, a little shy but filled with kindness.
"It's not crazy," he said.
"If you love food, and you're willing to work hard, I'd be happy to have you in any of my kitchens."
Her friend let out a low whistle.
"Can he come too?" She asked, jabbing her thumb at her friend.
"UH?!"
"Sure! If he is ready to work hard!"
"Well, that was easy." The poor guy muttered, overwhelmed.
But for her, it didn't feel easy. It felt terrifying, exhilarating, and just maybe… Like the beginning of something great.
"I hope I can learn something new from you," She admitted.
"I'll do my best to teach you as I taught to the rest of my staff of my Restaurants!" Izuku promised.
The moment felt almost serene, the tension easing as the young chef smiled at her words. She felt lighter, as though making the leap and admitting her desire to work in one of his restaurants had peeled away a layer of self-doubt.
And then he said it.
"In fact, I was hoping to find two people."
"For what?"
"I've been thinking," he began, his voice as calm and soft, but with a note of excitement that made her stomach clench,
"About opening a patisserie."
The world stopped.
A patisserie. Her patisserie. Her sacred ground, her battlefield, her life's passion! FUCK!
It took a moment for the words to fully sink in, she heard her friend gasp, felt the tension ripple through the air, and yet all she could do was stare at him, frozen in place like a deer caught in the headlights of a giant semi-truck driven by culinary perfection itself.
"A patisserie?" she echoed weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Izuku nodded, oblivious to the bomb he'd just dropped on her world.
"Yes. I've always loved desserts. I think they're such an intimate expression of creativity! Small, precise, but capable of carrying so much meaning. I've been working on recipes, experimenting with techniques. I want it to feel like a place where people can come and experience something magical." Izuku was immediately rambling at high speed, excited like a kid.
The words "magical" and "desserts" swirled in her mind like a storm, she felt the old heat of jealousy rise, the flare of pettiness that had fuelled so many of her internal tirades about him burn again like an inferno.
He wasn't content with two restaurants and an Izakaya? He had to invade her world, too?!
"Wait…" But then, she stopped herself.
The pros and cons began lining up in her head before she could stop them.
Cons:
His perfection would drive her mad.
Every pastry, every tart, every macaron would be held to impossibly high standards.
The pressure might crush her.
She might lose what little shred of pride she had left.
But then came the Pros, and they hit harder than she'd expected.
She'd learn. Oh, god, would she learn!
She'd work with the best Ingredients, probably using techniques she'd only dreamed of.
She'd push herself farther than she ever had before.
She might, just might, find a way to surpass even her own expectations.
And, perhaps most importantly:
She'd have a chance to create something extraordinary, something that could carry her name alongside his.
Her hand tightened around her glass again, but this time it wasn't out of frustration. It was resolve.
"You're serious about this?" she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.
Izuku nodded, his expression brightening slightly.
"Absolutely. I think desserts are the purest form of joy in food. If I'm going to do it, I want to do it right."
Her lips parted, and for a moment, she thought about saying something petty, something biting, but instead, she found herself smiling! A small, tentative smile, but a smile nonetheless.
"Then maybe," she said slowly, "You'll be seeing my CV sooner than you think."
Her friend gawked at her, utterly speechless.
"MINE TOO!" He then hurriedly added, as if afraid of missing the chance.
Izuku's smile widened, and there was something so genuine, so quietly thrilled about it that it made her chest ache.
"I'd like that," Izuku said softly.
And Chihaya, for the first time in a long time, felt like she was standing at the edge of something not terrifying, but exhilarating. Something sweet. Pun intended!
Dling!
The bell rang again… And the Pro Hero Hawks entered while wearing a similar uniform as the woman behind the counter.
"Bewuw?!" Both Chihaya and her friend gurgled in surprise something that didn't resemble human language.
"You are late!" Nagant snapped angrily.
"Sorry, sorry! I was finishing moving my stuff in my new room in the flat above, Boss." Hawks answered, sheepish.
"It's okay, don't worry. I don't mind helping taking the dishes to the tables," Izuku answered, smiling.
"Well, then I'll take over! You are paying me to do that, and I won't lose that paycheck!" The Pro Hero answered, immediately moving back and forth to help Nagant cook and serve at the tables.
"Hawks… Works here? For you? As a Waiter?" Chihaya asked, dumbfounded.
"Even Pro Heroes pay the bills," Izuku answered, shrugging.
"Isn't… Isn't he like… In the Top 10?" Her friend asked.
"Yes?" Izuku answered, unsure.
She needed to work for the guy! Like, right now!
"I'll bring you my CV tomorrow!" She and her friend yelled at the same time.
"Okay!" Izuku, scared by the scream, squeaked in answer.
Later that day – Yavin Street – Green Cloud Restaurant -
Once sure everything in the new Izakaya was going according to schedule and plan, with Lady Nagant and Hawks showing how they had mastered their respective jobs as Chef and Waiter, Izuku had used the portal-door The System had connected his three Restaurants with to return to his main one.
"Congratulations to Host Izuku for finding two Chefs for the Patisserie! Now only two waiters are needed to complete the Mission! Time left: Two Weeks." The System declared in his head with a cheerful victory jingle.
"Damn, I barely returned from my Trip to the Gourmet World and you are already insisting for me to open a new Restaurant." He said.
"Host returned from his latest Sortie two weeks ago, plenty of time to recover and re-start Training and Missions."
"But the Izakaya has not been open for more than a week!"
"Ten Days."
"Already?" Izuku muttered, surprised.
"Host has been busy working, training and copulating with his Lovers. The System believes the Host just lost track of time."
"Did you need to mention the last part?" He asked with a red face.
"It still counts as Time spent, Host."
"Forget it. If I open the Patisserie I will get the last Fragment to unlock a new piece of Equipment?" Izuku asked.
"Yes, Host. If you complete the Mission, a new Piece of the God of Cooking Kitchen Set will be unlocked, and The System knows the Host will like it." The Entity answered.
"If you say so…"
Done with the pleasantries with his sponsor, Izuku rejoined the main room of his Restaurant to welcome the various Guests filling every table and waiting their turn by the door.
"Meow!" Zephyr came into the kitchen with a tray full of empty plates he recovered from the tables.
"Thanks you, Zephyr! Please put them in the dishwashing machine."
"Meow!" The small Pheline answered with a nod.
"How are things going?" He asked.
"All tables are full and more people are waiting for their turn. Everything is still under control, though. No troubles in sight." Himiko answered once she peeked inside the kitchen from the small window connecting it to the main room.
"Another day of hard work! Nice!" Izuku answered, smiling wide.
"Eri too wants to help bringing plates to the tables, can I teach her how to do it?" She asked.
"Huhuhu! You really like Eri,"
"And I am unashamedly proud of that!"
"Then okay, just small stuff, it's still too soon," Izuku answered.
"Okay!" Himiko answered, and Eri was heard cheer behind her.
"Finally some peace…" Izuku muttered, chuckling, at peace with himself and his life.
Spitting out a tiny ball of Obsidian Flame under the Turtle Wok, the young Chef set up to continue cooking for the Guests in his Restaurant.
"808?" He said.
"Yes, friend Izuku?" The tiny robot, covered in the holographic body making it look like Izuku's Secretary, asked.
"Remind me to watch the Episode of MasterChef Japan I went as a Guest to, and if possible, record it." He asked.
"Of course, Friend Izuku. Do you want me to make a post on the Restaurant's Social Media page about your partecipation? So both Friends and Enemies of the Restaurant can watch the episode."
"I don't really like to brag… But mom likes the show…" Izuku answered, unsure.
"I will organize the Post immediately, and present you five versions of it for you to chose from, Friend Izuku." 808 answered.
"Good, thank you."
Meanwhile – HPSC - Director's office -
"What do you mean that you failed?!" The woman yelled at her phone.
"Madame… Me and the guys tried forcing our way in… We couldn't even make the door of the Izakaya bulge!" A slurring male voice answered at the other side.
"Are you drunk?! How dare you?!" She shrieked.
"I just got out of surgery for my smashed arm and legs and broken jaw and-"
"I don't care! You are still alive! Drag your useless body there and melt that door! I want HAWKS back here for reconditioning! NOW!"
"I can't! I tried already!"
"You didn't try hard enough! I order you to-"
"FUCK YOU!" The call ended abruptly, as if the guy had thrown the phone against the wall to destroy it.
"HOW DARE YOU!" The woman roared in anger, immediately setting the guy up for Termination on her computer.
"Enough kiddy gloves… Send our retrieval team to get the Chef's daughter. He will either obey, or watch her become our new recruit. THEN she will become our new recruit all the same." She muttered with a cruel smirk while tapping rapidly on her computer.
"Threat Identified. I require permission to eradicate them all." BoB the Supreme AI asked, and on the surface of the Moon-Sized death station 'Bio-Obliterating Ballista' a giant cannon surfaced and a complex reticle locked onto the various HPSC offices all over Japan, and the illegal secret ones in various hidden locations in the rest of the planet.
"The System gives permission." The System answered.
"Can we use more covert attacks? Friend Izuku will be sad if we kill them all so openly." 808 said.
"… I accept the suggestion on the ground of not wanting to disappoint my friend. I will organize everything for a systematic destruction of the Threats' lives in a way that won't cause Innocent Casualties." BoB conceded.
"Thank you."
The cannon retreated under the Ballista's surface, and the two AIs hidden inside, the two most advanced in that Universe, set to plan Hacking attacks and general sabotaging attacks; and if that will not be enough, then precise Drone strikes will incinerate the problem once and for all.
Meanwhile – With Shiro -
The Ancestral Taotie was swimming through the shadows as if they were water, and resurfacing inside a dimly lit laboratory to observe the old man and the heavily-scarred Villain he was working on.
"So Shigaraki has not been found yet?" All for One demanded, unaware of the small fluffy creature spying on them.
"Unfortunately he is still avoiding Kurogiri, Sensei. We found the sub-cutaneous tracker I had put on him, though." Daruma answered, sighing.
"So he tore it off? I would be proud if not for the fact that this throws our plans down the drain." The Villain answered, snarling.
"We need to find him, we are running out of time." Daruma said.
"My body can't keep up?"
"Not for much longer. We either finish adjusting Shigaraki's body and proceed with the Procedure… Or we try my plan B and hope for the best…" The old man answered with an unsure tone.
"Plan B?"
"The kid of that Chef. She is the Kid with the Rewinding Quirk that escaped from Overhaul,"
"Aah! So that's her? And of course that boy has her behind that little fortress of his posing as a Restaurant…"
"Sensei?"
"Himiko is surprisingly healthy after what Dabi did to her… We saw the footage."
"Indeed. By my estimate Recovery Girl would have been unable to heal her from that insane amount of damage." Daruma confirmed.
"So the little girl may have healed her?"
"From what we could gather from our spies, Himiko and that Eri are very close, and Himiko is very protective of her."
"So it is probably thanks to Eri if Himiko is healthy again?"
"Very likely, Sensei."
"Very well. Organize Eri's recovery then, Himiko unknowingly acted as our Guines Pig to see if the kid's Quirk works. That kid can't stay in that Restaurant forever. I want her kidnapped as soon as she leaves that place for any reason." All for One ordered.
"As you wish, sensei. At least like that, if Shigaraki can't be found in time, we will already have her Quirk at ready to heal you."
"Good." All for One answered, pleased.
"Aah. The foolishness of Youngsters like him never cease to amuse me, they always believe they have it all figured out. Should I devour them both immediately?" Shiro thought while hidden inside All for One's shadow and already salivating at the prospect of eating.
"If I can give you a suggestion, you tiny fool, Your Lord Dog suggests to wait." Blackie's own telepathic message arrived.
"You are here too, you fat pig masquerading as dog…" Shiro thought in annoyance.
He felt Blackie's presence hidden inside Daruma's shadow.
"This little rock of a planet is still full of idiots that think they can bully the Kiddo. I say we make a show of these two fools, a message so clear about everybody else needing to lower their heads that even the greatest Moron will understand that we won't be bullied." Blackie said.
"Since when you are in possession of such insight?" Shiro asked in corrosive sarcasm.
"Since This Lord Dog knows how to send a message! You only think about eating, you cretin! If you just eat them, another will take their place! Then another and then another! Like that I will never get a proper nap! We need to crush them in front view of everybody! And parade their broken, defeated corpses for everybody to see before we devour them! Like that MAYBE only the most idiotic fool will come making a mess! The kiddo is too soft, that's why he has a laundry list of enemies!" Blackie declared.
"… Fair enough. This Esteemed Taotie shall hold its mouth and wait for them to be in plain view and at the apex of their glory before eating them." Shiro answered.
"Very well, sure the Kiddo may object against us killing these idiots, 'Justice and all that nonsense', but once seen the number of his enemies reduced to a one hundredth, he will come around." Blackie declared.
"Hopefully. Kids these days are so against killing their enemies… Back in the days it was easier." Shiro admitted, sighing.
"I know, but we have to be patient."
"Bah! I will eat those creepy monsters they made. I am here already, and I won't leave on an empty stomach."
"Your stomach is always empty." Blackie answered with a mocking tone, then he left to return to sleep in front of Green Cloud Restaurant.
"That mangy dog will never understand the pleasure of eating good." Shiro answered, sneering in distaste and returning to Izuku after eating the various Nomu in the Test Tubes in the lab.
"Uh?!" Daruma gasped in confusion once an alarm warned him that every test subject disappeared from the lab.
"What's wrong?" All for One asked, annoyed.
"My test subjects are gone, Sensei! ALL TWO HUNDRED OF THEM!"
"… Eh?"
Three days later – Izakaya -
Izuku was once again checking on the Izakaya, and Hawks and Nagant working there, when he got an urgent message from Adelia requiring his immediate intervention.
"I need to go. You two are sure you have everything under control?" Izuku asked.
"Just go, Boss! I am the world greatest Waiter! This place is in safe hands!" Hawks answered with a cheeky thumbs-up.
"I'll make sure this idiot won't burn the place down, Izuku. You just go." Nagant answered, slapping the back of Hawks' head hard.
"Okay. Just call me if you get overwhelmed, and I will get here in an instant." He answered.
"Just go, just go." Both Nagant and Hawks answered at the same time, and pushing him towards the door that just appeared on the wall of the kitchen.
"I am going, I am going!" He answered, disappearing through the door.
"He is a good kid." Hawks said, chuckling.
"Yes, but he worries too much. Now get back to work! More people are entering!" Nagant answered.
"I am going, I am going!" He answered, grumbling.
Green Gourmet Garden -
"I am here." Izuku said as soon as he surfaced from the teleportation door.
"Sorry for the short notice, but those two look like to be a step away from starting biting each other, and we were afraid to see plates start flying everywhere." Adelia said.
"That bad?" Izuku asked.
"They are doing the whole 'Married couple arguing at low voice to not make a scene in a public place' thing. But both Gentle and La Brava could still hear some snippets." Goro added.
"Ah,"
"Something about money and sophisticated society's expectations. They are getting very heated-up." Gentle said.
"I could intervene and ask them if everything was alright, but the situation seems to tense that I am afraid the question will be the spark that will blow-up the powder keg." Goro admitted, unsure.
"Want me to use a relaxing spell? Last thing we need is two Guests having a brawl in the middle of the Restaurant." Adelia offered.
"It's fine, it's fine. I'll go check the table personally. Which one is it?" Izuku asked.
"That table. Number 4, in the Memories Room." La Brava said while pointing at the couple.
"I'll take care of it, don't worry." Izuku answered, personally walking towards the table.
Memories Room -
The soft hum of distant conversations mingled with the gentle clinking of silverware and the delicate strains of classical music playing in that particular partition of the Restaurant; at a secluded corner table, a man and a woman sat across from each other, their postures were tense, and their voices low but firm.
"You must act the part, darling. We're not back in that tiny apartment anymore, we are not scrapping by and dreading the mailman to deliver the payment notice that will ruin us! We finally made it! We're someone now!"
"We are Someone? Who are we? What does that even mean? We're still us, no matter how much money we have now. I won't play pretend just to fit into a world that never mattered to us when we started!"
The wife's eyes flicked around the room, and her expression tightened, masking a simmering frustration and even fear.
"People are watching. We need to set the right example. You can't just-" She leaned in, lowering her voice further, and hissed her response hurriedly.
Before she could finish, an elegant young man in a perfectly tailored and pristine Chef Uniform approached their table with a warm smile, his presence exuded familiarity, but with a hint of youthful mischief in his eyes.
"Good evening. I am Midoriya Izuku, the owner of this establishment. It's a pleasure to have you here tonight. May I personally take your orders?" Izuku asked, politely.
"Oh! The famous Midoriya himself?" The husband asked with a strange glint in his eyes and a smirk.
"The very same!" The young Chef answered, chuckling.
The wife instead sat up straighter, her expression smoothing into a practiced, polite smile as fake as a politician's, and without glancing at the menu, she spoke with an air of forced excessive elegance.
"Honored to meet you. We'll have the most expensive dish you offer, add gold leaf to it too! Thank you." She said, haughtily and barely looking at him.
Izuku raised an eyebrow but said nothing, he then turned to the husband, he too refusing to even just read the menu and instead meeting his gaze with a small, rebellious smile, as if he was about to mock Izuku, the Restaurant and everybody eating there with his request.
"I'll have a cheeseburger." The husband said with a defiant tone and crossed arms, clearly waiting for any possible outburst.
The wife's smile faltered, and her eyes widened in a mix of horror, fury, and embarrassment.
"Oh, my God… What have you done!" Her hands grabbed the edge of the table until her knuckles whitened.
She opened her mouth to object, but Izuku chuckled softly, diffusing the tension.
"A cheeseburger, you say? Excellent choice. It's been a while since I've served one in this particular Restaurant. I must say, I admire your honesty and humility. Extra cheese? Some crunchy bacon? With onions?" Izuku asked.
"Oh yeah, make it swim in cheese! Add the bacon and the onions too! Do you have any special sauce?" The husband asked, excited at the unexpected response.
"Darling, he…" The wife asked, lips trembling in shame.
"I can add to it my home-made BBQ sauce, either classic or honey based, and a special spicy sauce I make with smoked cheese as a base."
"Uuuh! Both! The honey BBQ and the spicy cheese sauce! I want it greasy!" The guy answered in childish wonder.
"Of course!"
"He is mocking us-" The wife tried saying with a tone of defeat.
"Absolutely not." Izuku interrupted her, chuckling.
"Uh?!"
Izuku glanced between them with his eyes twinkling with understanding.
"It's not hard to guess what the discussion was about. You see, I too have humble origins, my mother still lives in the same small apartment in a complex in the more Middle Class area of the city, even. Me and my family cherish our origins, this restaurant, for example, it's a passion project, but my heart belongs to the little Restaurant I started in and built in the tourist district, and that will always be where my Heart belongs. Sometimes, it's easy to forget that wealth doesn't define who we are. It's what's inside that counts." Izuku said, gently.
"Good to know I am not the only one thinking like that," The husband said with a grateful tone.
The wife's cheeks flushed a deep red and her gaze dropped to the table, Izuku nodded respectfully and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving them in a thick silence.
After a few moments, the husband reached across the table and touched her hand lightly.
"We don't have to lose ourselves. Not for Societal Expectations or anyone else." The husband said with a soft voice.
"…"
"Honey, look at me… Please, give me back the amazing girl I fell helplessly in love with, do not become one of those insufferable snobs we both used to mock when we started working on our own." The man begged.
"But… We got money now…"
"Yes, we got money and prestige, but it should only be a means to an end, a way to have less stress in our life, not an obligation to be people we are not! We are not… This! We never were! We got to this point by working hard and honestly, not by being stuck-up spoiled brats!"
"Honey…"
Meanwhile – Kitchen -
In the gleaming kitchen of the prestigious restaurant, the Five Kings, Adelia, Goro and even Gentle and La Brava pauses in their tasks once heard Izuku declare what the couple ordered; their eyes were wide with disbelief as they watched Izuku, by now a renowned Chef, organize his workstation to prepare a simple cheeseburger.
Especially shocking for the Five Kings, they watched the same hands they knew could craft intricate, sculpture-like dishes being used to shape a patty with meticulous care.
"Is he really making a… cheeseburger? Him? … Isn't it, like, blasphemy?" Michiko whispered.
"An insult to his skills, that's what it is! He's the best chef in the city, and now he's wasting his time on a cheeseburger!" Mako answered, confused.
Izuku heard the murmurs, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips.
"A bit too extreme, guys." He said while glancing up from his station, where the rich, marbled beef sat in a bowl.
"I see your shock, and I guess I can understand where you come from. But let me remind you why we're here, I didn't open this Restaurant to showcase expensive ingredients or create dishes that look like art. I opened this place because I love to cook." Izuku said, chuckling.
"I mean, I get it… But still…" Gentle muttered, unsure.
Izuku winked and turned back to his work, selecting a prime cut of beef, rib-eye from one of the Ingredients he got from his many sorties big and small.
"I'll go for the rib-eye, for its balance of tenderness and flavor." Izuku said while expertly trimming the fat away from the meat and setting it aside for later use.
"Using that amazing rib-eye cut for a Hamburger… My Meat Lover Soul weeps…" The Meat King said with an excessive longing sigh.
"Huhuhu! Far too dramatic!" Izuku answered, amused.
He placed the meat into a grinder and gently and slowly turned the thing's crank to not stress the meat, filling the kitchen with the soft squishing sound of the blade cutting the meat as the beef emerged perfectly grounded.
"You know? The price of a dish, its appearance, these are just themes to me. In fact, today I feel like crafting something simple, but that doesn't mean it's any less deserving of care!"
He sprinkled a pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper into the ground beef, gently folded it several times with his hands, and with practiced precision, he shaped the meat into a patty that was thick and even, and ready to sear.
"As I taught you already, Ingredients have personalities, much like people. Some want to be dressed up in finery, while others are happy if left in their simplest form."
Izuku heated-up the Turtle Wok in cast-iron skillet form, added a touch of the trimmed fat to it to give a rich, flavorful base and then added the patty.
"And this beef? Its very happy to become a cheeseburger, believe it or not." Izuku explained as the patty sizzled, filling the air with the scent of searing beef.
"Pass me the cheese, please, Mako."
"But… But… This is your homemade cheese! Your own creation, aged in the restaurant's private cellar! We usually use it for the Fondue and…"
"Mako, please." Izuku asked again with a gentle tone.
"… Okay..."
Having received the cheese, Izuku sliced it carefully, and even just cutting it revealed a heavenly creamy texture and a rich aroma hinting at the absurd quality within.
"Yes, this cheese isn't from a store, but one I made it myself, nurturing it like I do with any complex dish. Today, it will melt over this patty, creating something humble, yet exquisite."
"But that thing is expensive…" Mako said with a whine.
"AND, more importantly, very delicious!" Izuku answered, smiling and flipping the patty to show its crust of perfect golden brown, then gently laid the cheese slice on top, allowing it to soften and ooze slightly as the heat worked its magic.
While the patty rested, Izuku toasted a fresh lightly buttered brioche bun, that too not bought but made by him and the others, until golden and crisp at the edges.
"The final assembly…"
"Please make it fancy." The Fish King begged.
"Nope! simple but deliberate, I am not making a stuck-up cheeseburger!" Izuku answered with a cheeky smile.
To assemble the cheeseburger, Izuku smeared the buns with a thin layer of home-made aioli (aioli refers very specifically to a sauce made from olive oil that has been emulsified into mashed garlic, usually with a mortar and pestle), the cheeseburger glistening and fragrant, crisp lettuce, thinly sliced onion, a slice of vine-ripened tomato, the crunchy bacon, and finally two dollops of the requested sauces.
While looking at his Staff still looking at him in disbelief, Izuku smirked and used the same pliers he used to assemble his more fancy dishes to place the top bun, completing the masterpiece with some sarcastic flourish.
"Ha-Ha-Ha… Watch out, we have a Comedian here…" Adelia commented, huffing.
"There you have it. A cheeseburger, yes, but made with the same love and care I put into any dish. Remember, it's not the complexity or the cost that makes a dish special, it's the heart of the chef who prepares it." Izuku said, holding the place with the cheeseburger up with great care.
"The Foie Gras is ready too." Mako answered, sighing.
"Well done! I will deliver them both to that table myself." Izuku answered, grabbing the other plate from the girl's hands.
Before leaving though, he turned around and looked at his Staff with his eyes gleaming with humor.
"Oh, and just so we're clear, even at gunpoint, I refuse to use edible gold leaf. That tasteless nothing has no place on my beloved food." He said.
The kitchen burst into laughter, with the tension melting away as they all nodded in agreement, by now aware of Izuku's playful disdain for that culinary trend.
A little detail about the Foie Gras Izuku used, the source of it was the animal known in the Gourmet World of Zaus as the Gourmet Duck, or Greedy Duck, depending on who you asked; that giant duck was the size of an elephant and had a penchant for overeating to unhealthy levels, any farm dealing with them would constantly monitor the Duck's liver health and program the harvest of it through safe and non-invasive surgery that would remove the overly-stuffed liver to preserve the animal's health.
Thanks to its advanced healing properties, the Duck would then only need three to four days at most to regrow a new and completely healthy liver, once done the duck would then be permitted to return to wander freely in the farm to eat when and what it wanted.
Izuku had three of those ducks and had programmed the harvest of their livers on rotation so to not force-feed the Gourmet Ducks like its was sadly common with common ducks in Izuku's original world, and to him, using the Gourmet Ducks was a far more ethical way to get foie gras.
Memories Room – Table of the married couple -
"Honey, please," The husband begged, closing whatever plea he was making while Izuku cooked.
The wife's eyes lifted to meet her husband's, filled with a mixture of shame and regret, but before she could respond, Izuku arrived, carrying the tray with the artfully plated dish of Foie Gras adorned by small flecks of scallions, and a humble cheeseburger.
"Here, Foie Gras with aromatic herbs and truffle reduction, and a Cheeseburger with maxi burgers and extra cheese. My apologies for the lack of edible gold flecks, but we do not use it in this Restaurant, it's against our policies." He said while setting down the plates in front of them.
"Oh, it's fine. It's not like it has a taste, it's just that we are used to see those flecks cover every inch of the food we order in other restaurants we visit." The Husband answered, nonplussed.
"Thank you, sir."
"You really made a cheeseburger…" The wife muttered, surprised.
"We pride ourselves of always doing our best for our Guests," Izuku answered.
"Thank you."
"It's my pleasure. Bon appétit. I hope you enjoy both your Past and your Present, both important and tasty." Izuku answered with a gentle smile, and with a respectful bow, he left them to their food.
The wife watched the cheeseburger with an expression of reluctant curiosity, because when the scent drifted up, it filled the air among her and her husband with a thick sense of nostalgia.
"Daaamn, I haven't eaten a Cheeseburger in years! I missed the taste!" The husband said after a giant bite, and savoring it with a contented sigh.
After a moment, the wife, without a word, reached over and broke off half the cheeseburger and took a small, tentative bite.
"Hey!" The husband said in mock anger.
"Just share like we used to!" Her voice lacked the forced haughtiness, and even her dialect slipped through, and with her eyes closed she left the taste wash over her, and a soft, almost involuntary smile started tugging at her lips.
"It's… Nostalgic. Reminds me of when we couldn't afford anything else." The wife admitted, quietly and begrudgingly.
The husband chuckled, taking another bite of his half.
"It tastes like home." He said, chuckling.
As they kept eating in companionable silence, sharing both the cheeseburger and the Foie Gras, Izuku watched from afar with a knowing smile on his face.
In that moment, to both Husband and Wife, the expensive dish and the simple cheeseburger both tasted like heaven, not because of their price, but because of the memories they evoked and the connection they reignited, representing the start of their journey and their current life.
In the Kitchen -
Goro gave a long exhale of relief as soon as he saw Izuku return inside the kitchen.
"You defused the situation perfectly, Master." He said.
"I was about to evict them myself, I feared they would have started brawling," Adelia added.
"Oh! I did nothing! I just cooked what they asked, the husband did all the work!" Izuku answered, smiling.
"Still, you clearly went above and beyond to make that cheeseburger, not many Famous Chefs would have done it," Mako said.
"Thank Goodness I am not a normal Chef!" Izuku answered, chuckling.
"You are way beyond that, Boss!" La Brava answered.
A soft jingle came from behind a closed door.
"What's that?" Goro asked.
"Ah, yes! I set a new TV in the staff room, and put it the channel airing MasterChef Japan, it's about time they air the new episode." Izuku answered.
"It's true! It's starting!" Mako said while pointing at the small TV in their Staff room.
"Holy crap! Did you really go as a Guest to MasterChef, Boss?" Toshio asked, unsure.
"Yes, I was one of the Special Guests."
"He is not the kind of person to lie or say bullcrap, so I do think he was saying the truth." Adelia answered.
"Woooow… Thank you for the trust," Izuku muttered, dejected.
"They probably recorded the episode not too long ago," Goro added.
"Yes, it was less scary or traumatic than what I feared..."
– TV Studio – The day the Episode was recorded -
The camera swept across a grand studio in Japan, revealing gleaming cooking stations lined up in perfect symmetry, each adorned with top-of-the-line kitchen equipment. The studio was abuzz with anticipation, the air thick with the scent of spices and ambition. The vibrant logo "MasterChef" dominated the backdrop, shimmering under the bright studio lights.
Immediately the voiceover of the show's Narrator started talking and introducing the show.
Welcome to MasterChef Japan! The ultimate culinary battleground where 20 aspiring chefs from across Japan converge with one dream: to become the next culinary superstar. Each week, they will face intense challenges that will test their skills, creativity, and resilience in the heat of the kitchen!
The camera moved to the judges' table, where three distinct figures sat, observing the room with varying degrees of interest.
Guiding their journey are three culinary titans, each bringing their unique flavor to the table. First, we have Chef Tanaka Hiroshi, tall and jolly, with a heart as big as his laughter, known for his gentle approach and quick wit.
The camera focused on Chef Tanaka Hiroshi, who flashed a warm, encouraging smile at the camera as he leaned back in his chair.
Then, there's Chef Satoshi Kenji, small in stature but formidable in presence, the brutally honest critic whose sharp tongue can slice through any dish with precision.
The camera cut to Chef Satoshi Kenji, with his eyes scanning the room with a discerning gaze, arms crossed, and exuding a no-nonsense aura.
And finally, the leader of our culinary triumvirate, Chef Watanabe Ren, the steady hand and 'straight guy' of the trio, whose calm demeanor and expert palate make him a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen.
Chef Ren nodded slightly, with his posture suggesting a subtle but commanding presence, as the camera lingered on his composed expression, he broke character and playfully winked at the camera.
These chefs are here to transform raw talent into culinary artistry. Over the next several weeks, our contestants will face a series of gruelling challenges— from Mystery Box tests to complex Pressure Tests— pushing their skills to the limit. Their journey will be peppered with triumphs, heartbreaks, and intense competition.
The camera shifted to the eager faces of the 20 contestants, each standing at their stations with their aprons crisp and their eyes filled with determination.
They've come from all walks of life, united by their love of cooking and a shared dream to earn the title of Master Chef. In this kitchen, only one will rise to the top, proving they have what it takes to withstand the heat.
The camera zoomed out, capturing the full grandeur of the studio as the excitement builds.
Let the culinary battle begin. This is MasterChef Japan!
"Finally! It's time." Samui, watching the show live from behind the scenes, said with a malevolent smirk.
"It's time." In the Studio, Ren reminded himself the plan and stepped forward, ready to welcome audience at home and the Contestants in the studio like he always did with the other two Judges.
"It's time, Host." The System warned Izuku.
"Yes, last hurdle to deal with another of Samui's friends, I am honestly tired of this…" Izuku admitted, sighing and sitting in a small room waiting for his turn to enter.
End of the chapter!
Two small extras!
Small flash forward – Opening day of Izuku's Patisserie '(Your) Green corner of Paradise' -
The patisserie was a dream made real, a confection of charm and elegance that seemed plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale.
"Chihaya…"
"Hush!" The girl hissed, still sporting a dreamy smile while turning the sign on the door on the 'Open!' side.
The patisserie's name, "(Your) Green Corner of Paradise," was playful yet impossibly accurate, earning chuckles before customers even stepped inside and when the first Guests arrived, the first thing anyone noticed was the mint-green façade, soft and inviting, with playful swirls of white that mimicked the shapes of clouds drifting lazily across a spring sky.
Four gargantuan windows dominated the front of the store, framed by delicate floral arrangements in an explosion of cheerful colors: yellows, pinks, purples, and reds.
More flowers spilled from hanging baskets and planters at the ceiling and at the corners of the room, their lively hues had been mixed to set a cheerful tone before anyone even stepped inside.
And inside, it was as if the sun had decided to take up residence, the space was flooded with natural light thanks to the enormous windows allowing sunshine to pour in and illuminate every corner; that extra brightness made the mint-green and cloud-white theme pop, creating a space that felt fresh, airy, and almost otherworldly.
The tables, scattered throughout, were thin and elegant, with their small frames made of delicate white metal with subtle curls and flourishes.
Each table was topped with a tiny vase holding a single flower, a simple touch that added to the charm without being overwhelming, while the chairs, equally petite, had soft pastel cushions that invited visitors to linger.
The walls were adorned with subtle cloud motifs, giving the impression of floating through a clear sky, strings of fairy lights were woven artfully along the edges of shelves and displays with their gentle glow adding a touch of whimsy even during the day.
"Welcome! Welcome! Please come in!" Chihaya said, beaming with joy.
Then there was the main counter, a masterpiece in its own right, stretching across the center of the shop; it was a pristine expanse of gleaming white, its surface had been polished to a mirror finish.
"Chihaya?! You work here?! Why?!" One of the Guests was a group of the woman's old colleagues, and they all looked shocked at seeing her there, working for Izuku.
"Told you I found a better job! See? I made all of these!" She answered, pointing at the tiny windows that lined the front of the counter.
The small openings were showcasing rows upon rows of tiny sweets: cupcakes, and biscuits arranged like precious jewels, each treat was a work of art with their vibrant colors and delicate details practically begging to be admired before they were devoured.
"You made those?!" One of Chihaya's old co-workers said in surprise.
"These, the cakes behind the counter, all of it!" She answered.
Behind the counter stood shelves lined with cakes of all sizes and shapes, towering confections adorned with flowers, fruits, and intricate piping, then Macarons in every shade imaginable were stacked in pyramids so that their glossy shells could catch the light.
A small corner displayed an array of chocolates, each one glossy and perfectly shaped, nestled in tiny boxes tied with ribbons.
"My new Boss gave me plenty of lessons while explaining to me what he expected of me to work here. I have to say that I finally got the recognition I deserve! And even the skill I always dreamed to have when cooking!" Chihaya said.
Soft, cheerful music floated through the air, blending seamlessly with the occasional laughter and the quiet clink of plates and cups, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and serene.
The scent of sugar, butter, and fresh flowers hung in the air, so intoxicating it was almost enough to make anyone forget their troubles.
"But… Midoriya…" One of them said.
"Just sit at a table, and I'll show you why I think I had a great idea coming to work here!" She answered, winking.
Watching them sit at a table, the woman gave a chuckle of satisfaction, it wasn't just a patisserie! It was a sanctuary of sweetness and light, a place that felt like stepping into a cloud and tasting heaven! A-
"Too much Prose!"
"Goddamnit I said it aloud again!" Chihaya swore in anger.
She neared the table of her former colleagues to take their orders.
"I can't believe you betrayed us and came working for Him!" One of the guys said in distaste-
"Differently from many other people, I decided to swallow my pride and ask him how he could cook the way he did. And guess what? He taught me! It was hard, it was grueling, it made me feel like I didn't even know how to boil water, but once done, I became much, much better. Not as good as him… He is still at a level that I think it shouldn't be possible, but Goddamnit I got much better! And in exchange I decided to work for him! And you know what? I should have asked him sooner instead of wasting time peeling potatoes for you others! HERE I have the occasion to shine!" She answered, harrumphing.
"You are still a traitor. You didn't work in the kitchen because you lack talent, just like Mister Benimaru said!" One of the girls said.
"The only talent you have Haruka is that you are fast to get on your knees. But it's okay, I can show you easily why you and Benimaru are full of shit…" Chihaya answered, walking away and ignoring the girl's shrieks of anger.
"That's not how you treat a Guest…" Her friend said.
"I walked on her and Benimaru having fun. That horrid image still plagues my nightmares and she pretty much bullied me the entire time I worked there. I deserve some payback!"
"Still not convinced that was proper manners…"
"I'll apologize to Boss Izuku later, now help me prepare their orders, I want to shut them up once and for all."
"Yeah, yeah..."
When she brought them what they ordered, she answered to their sneers with a wide smile.
"Here, taste the fruit of my working under Midoriya, and you will understand why I did it." She said.
"You are just fooling yourself, Chihaya, you decided to work for a Bastard and got yourself tricked. You are not..." One of the guys started saying, but once they all tasted the sweets, their anger turned into shock.
A single bite of the heavenly chocolate tart melted like silk on their tongues, rich and velvety, with a depth of cocoa that made their eyes close in pure bliss, the dreamy custard eclairs were a revelation, an airy choux filled with a cream so light and luscious it felt like eating a cloud.
"How…"
"Told you! I took my lessons with Midoriya to heart!" Chihaya answered, proud.
Cupcakes, cookies, and macarons alike were explosions of flavor, delicate yet vibrant, each one a testament to the skills and care behind them.
"No way…" One of the girls muttered, shocked.
"Ah-ha! Who's laughing now?! I got to work for a Genius and become a Genius myself! Not you, Mikoto!" The woman answered in triumph, and walking back to stand behind the counter with a swag she never thought she would have been able to possess just a few months ago.
For many, eating in that Patisserie was a spiritual experience! The kind of sweetness that made their hearts ache, their minds quiet, and their souls sigh in gratitude. It was paradise, wrapped in pastry and icing! The-
"Chihaya,"
"Let me enjoy the moment, fuck! I got a Major in Literature and Philosophy and I am going to use it!" She barked in answer.
"Yeah, yeah."
Extra 2
– Omake -
Interdimensional Ingredient Hunt:
The Dish that turned Friendly Fire ON!
Other Dimension - Super Futuristic City – Somewhere near Nigeria -
The city was a marvel of advanced technology, a scientific utopia where peace and harmony reigned and Human and Robots coexisted, surprising Izuku greatly as soon as he arrived.
"Okay! This is nice!" He admitted, whistling.
"Nature and technology blending together so perfectly! It's amazing!" Momo added, watching in awe the many gardens big and small everywhere in the city.
"Good Unity Day!" one of the citizens said with a happy smile while passing by them.
"Oh! To you too!" She answered.
"This place is nice! Way more peaceful than my last few Sorties." Izuku admitted.
"I can imagine. So? What are we looking for?" Momo asked.
"Uziza Leaves, Kuli-Kuli and Uda. Spices and herbs that can only be found in the territories near Nigeria, and the ones in this Dimension are apparently an evolved form of the original plants, a superior version, all thanks to the plants being irradiated by something called Omnic Energy." Izuku answered.
"I see, where should we start looking?" She asked.
"Some market or even Restaurants, hopefully they really are friendly enough to share information." He answered.
Several Hours Later – Plaza -
Hana didn't mind making PR appearances, really! She knew that they were helping keeping up Peace and stuff! She and the guys could not be there officially, as a military force… But nothing said they could not just visit the place!
Sigh!
"Not one for celebrations?" Angela asked, chuckling.
"Celebrations? I like those! I even like Game Cons! Smell of sweat and all! I don't like sneaking in like a thief," Hana answered.
"Hahaha! We didn't sneak in, we just could not make a grand entrance," Angela answered, amused.
"To me it's the same thing! I am a celebrity, you know? I am an internet sensation!"
"Ladies, please! We are here both to celebrate, and to keep things in check! We got information that Talon is becoming restless far too close to the city." A voice said from their communicators.
"Sorry, Winston." Both girls answered, making him chuckle.
"I will look the other way if you get yourself something to eat, I am not that cruel."
"How very gracious of you!" Angela answered with a chuckle, while Hana rolled her eyes.
"You heard the genius gorilla! I say we check if there is some smoothie place not too crowded," Hana suggested, sighing.
"That sounds like a good place to start or investigation, yes," Angela answered.
Once checked the location of the others that just like them were covertly patrolling the streets with the excuse of celebrating the city's Unity Day, the two women made their way through the city, enjoying the sights. Until a peculiar sight caught their attention, along the amazing scent accompanying it.
"Oh! Somebody is getting popular!" Angela said.
"What the… Is it a special event or something?" Hana muttered, surprised.
They could see a small restaurant owned by an old lady being swarmed by people clamouring to eat, with an absurdly-long line of people pushing as if hoping to force the line to move faster.
"Incredible! The kid can really make everything you ask!" One of the people walking out was heard saying with a happy smile.
"Oh! Now I am intrigued. Should we visit it?" Angela suggested.
"I don't know… I am on a diet…" Hana answered, unsure.
"I am sure I can help you lose any extra weight you will get from a single Cheat Day."
"Aren't you a doctor or something?" Hana asked.
"Yes, but I am not a monster," She answered.
Not dwelling too much into it, the two girls quietly stood in line, Angela keeping her eyes on the situation while Hana looking at some gaming videos on her phone; until finally they got to sit at a table and the old woman came to take their order.
"What can I bring you, ladies? My temporary Chef seems able to make everything," The owner asked.
"Temporary?" Hana asked.
"Unfortunately! I tried having him to stay here forever, but nothing I promised worked… He promised me one day of work in exchange of the plants he needed and that's it." The old lady answered, sighing.
"Curious deal. What do you suggest?" Angela asked.
"I usually offer Nigerian style dishes, but that boy knows plenty of dishes."
"Like?" Hana asked, curious.
"What about some Rösti with a side of Züri Gschnätzlets… And some nice Bibimbap?" From the kitchen, Izuku suggested with a gentle smile.
"Bibimbap?" Hana asked with her eyebrows rising all the way up.
"Rösti with Züri Gschnätzlets? Why, I haven't had that in a while!" Angela answered, equally impressed.
"So it's a yes?" Izuku asked.
"If you think you can make it good, go ahead!" Hana answered.
"I'll do my best, I promise." The Young Chef answered, giving them a proper bow and leaving for the kitchen.
"I wonder how he recognized we are from Korea and Switzerland," Angela wondered, amused.
"Maybe he recognized us?" Hana answered.
"If he did, at least he didn't make a scene about it," She said.
"Oh! I'll make a scene if he gets our food wrong!" Hana answered, smirking.
One Hour Later -
"I am here, thank you for waiting!" Izuku answered, smiling.
He and Momo were holding two plates each, each with part of the women's order.
"Considering the dishes you suggested, you were actually fast in making them," Angela answered, gladly receiving the plates in Momo's hands.
"You better have made it right! I'm gonna shame you online if you did a poor job!" Hana siad, getting the dishes in Izuku's hand and winking at him.
"I'll keep my fingers crossed then!" Izuku answered, chuckling and returning with Momo to the kitchen.
"Oh my! It does look delicious," Angela admitted.
Bibimbap. A South Korean traditional Dish.
Rosti
Züri Gschnätzlets
"이거는 대박 야! (This is awesome!) 잘 먹겠습니다! (Thank you for the food, I will eat well!) ." Hana exclaimed at the first bite.
"It is delicious, indeed!" Angela answered, very pleased with her food too.
"The gochujang taste so good! It's like… Like the one I used to eat as a kid! It's warm, like, Inside! In my stomach!"
"My Rosti too is surprising, he added some herbs in the grated potatoes… And the flavour now is so aromatic and slightly nutty and floral. Reminds me of home." Angela answered.
"It's thanks to the Uda pepper and the Uziza Leaves I used to make them." Izuku answered.
"Very well done! GG!" Hana said, smiling.
"Thank you, I am glad you liked it." Izuku answered.
"Oooh, I liked it a lot, pretty guy!" Hana answered, smirking.
"…" Izuku and Momo's muscles tensed instantly.
"Hana dear, please do not jump to conclusions." Angela said.
"Hey! I saw him first!"
"That's not what I meant! I-"
"RUN!" Izuku didn't wait, he grabbed Momo's hand and ran away.
"WAAAAIT! You scared him!" Hana yelled.
"No, Hana… I believe you scared him…" Angela said, slowly.
"I didn't scare him! I am ! I don't scare boys! I make them swoon!"
"… Riiiiight." She answered.
"This is Talon! We are here to break this foolish stagnant Peace of your-"
"Troublemakers will be stripped as an example to others!"
"KYAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"… What was that?" Hana asked, unnerved by the various screams.
" ! Mercy! Talon is attacking!… Ah. We also got informations about a robot wrecking the Talon attack squad. I already contacted the others, converge in the area and assist that robot and the guy fighting alongside him." Winston's voice immediately came from their communicators.
"Roger!" Angela answered.
When the two girls reached the area where the fight was taking place, with Hana piloting a big mech with rabbit-ears-like protrusions on its head, the fight was already over, with every member of Talon stripped down to their unmentionables and unconscious, probably slapped into unconsciousness looking at their red and bruised faces.
"Aaw! Over already? A girl can't even get some fun around here!" A young woman with short hair said with a childish frown.
"Sorry about it, Whitey is very protective of me." Izuku answered.
"I notice, boy! But at least your robot buddy was fast enough to not hurt civilians!" She answered.
"Oh hey! It's you!" Hana said with a happy smile.
"He is not interested!" Momo growled, moving in front of Izuku to shield him from Hana.
"What? Feeling the pressure, girl?" Hana answered, smirking and jumping out of her mech.
"No! Because even if you wear a skin-tight suit, I know he will still choose me!"
"That sounds like self-gaslighting! I think you are not ready to face the truth!"
"Bring it!" Momo roared.
"PvP, baby! Do not disappoint me!"
"Hana! Down!" Angela ordered.
"I am not a dog!" She answered, offended.
"But you still act like a bitch!" Momo snapped.
"How dare you! I-"
"SYSTEM!" Izuku yelled, and thankfully the portal opened under him and Momo and let them fall through to return home.
"Get back here! First I will kick your ass, then I will get your EX-boyfriend on a nice date in an Arcade!" Hana yelled, furious.
"This day started so well…" Angela muttered, groaning.
End of the Chapter.
