novelraw Chapter 754: The Food Duel! Teacher Lu VS Siebold
Chapter 754: The Food Duel! Teacher Lu VS Siebold
Chapter 754: The Food Duel! Teacher Lu VS Siebold
Serena and Musashi were both competing in this Triple Princess satellite contest, so Teacher Lu had every reason to attend.
With this coordinator maestro serving as a judge, the contest would be absolutely fair, and it would help ease Serena’s pressure during her debut performance.
As for Musashi… Teacher Lu worried she might be picked on again by the judges.
After all, Musashi’s performances were too avant-garde — technically impressive, yes, but the public wasn’t ready to understand her art yet…
In a remote field near Miare City, the Team Rocket Trio were walking along at a leisurely pace.
“Musashi, are you really going to enter the Triple Princess contest?” James asked uneasily. He worried Musashi would be mocked by the audience and judges and suffer another blow.
“Of course!” Musashi clenched her fist, flames flickering in her eyes, “I’ll prove myself. I will win the title of ‘Kalos Queen’!”
Musashi was fiercely competitive. Even though her careers as a nurse and coordinator had ended in failure, she still held onto her dream.
On this trip to Kalos, Musashi even added two stage names: actress “Musashi Rino” and performer “Musashi V.”
“When Musashi becomes the Kalos Queen, there’ll be endless funding, meow~” Meowth said with a chuckle.
“That’s obvious!” Musashi raised her head proudly, then sheepishly added, “Speaking of which… a performer’s costume needs tailoring, so I might need to use, just a little bit of funds…”
“How much?” James asked, tilting his head.
When Musashi named the number, James and Meowth instantly freaked out: “You’re joking, right!!”
“Heh heh, it’s not that much, compared to a master like Wallace’s costumes…”
Musashi rubbed her hands and smiled awkwardly, then dropped her shoulders and sighed, “Of course, it’s not absolutely necessary.”
After all, the chance of winning is slim. I just want to try, do my best…
“Two days.”
Musashi paused, looked up to see James holding up two fingers.
James smiled, “Give me two days. During this Miare City Food Festival, we’ll earn enough funds to get you a beautiful new outfit!”
“Make Musashi a great beauty~ Meow!” Meowth struck a pose with hands on hips.
“You two…” Musashi’s eyes glistened. She took a deep breath and shouted, “Then hurry and prepare! The food festival starts tomorrow!”
“Ha ha, received!” James and Meowth saluted.
“Soro~~ nashi!”
* * *
November 6th, Saturday, a crisp autumn day.
The Food Festival hosted by the Miare City Chamber of Commerce opened on schedule.
Central Square, centered on Prism Tower, was ringed with stalls of all sizes. Delicious aromas from a variety of dishes wafted through the air.
“Freshly baked Gray Pie, please take one~”
“Parkton Restaurant’s buffet? Sounds so ordinary…”
“Come see, there’s a Pokémon battle over at the Battle Café!”
The Battle Café on the north street was a longtime establishment that attracted customers with battles; winners ate free.
When Teacher Lu first heard about this, he had thought about entering, but considering his identity as a former champion might intimidate others, he gave up with tears in his eyes.
At the Battle Café stall, chalk lines marked the battle area.
Under the crowd’s gaze, Ash commanded his Froakie against a passerby’s Greninja.
“Froakie, use Quick Attack!”
Froakie’s squinted eyes snapped open, moving as fast as lightning, drawing gasps from the viewers.
Siebold, wearing sunglasses, blended into the crowd and nodded lightly.
As a Water-type Elite Four member, he recognized Froakie’s exceptional quality. It possessed a strong emotional bond with its trainer.
Siebold had felt this kind of bond before — briefly when Alain and his Charizard challenged him and got humbled.
However, Ash’s command techniques still needed refining; his headstrong style lacked “art,” which made perfectionist Siebold a little uncomfortable.
Siebold turned his gaze to the other food stalls.
Each visitor had a ballot to vote for their favorite vendor, and the stall with the most votes would win the “Most Popular” award.
At that moment, the official app’s live tally showed both Teacher Lu’s stall and Siebold’s stall were not yet open.
The most popular vendor so far was “Brock’s Cooking” from Pewter City.
Brock’s face darkened by sun, eyes squinting, wearing an apron, he faced the long queue and said, “Hello, what would you like?”
“One Pewter Rice Snack… and a nori rice ball, and one special dish for my Pokémon!”
“No problem.”
The line moved orderly. Brock — trying to make ends meet — suddenly looked up, dazed for a moment.
Standing before him was a man exuding pressure, two meters tall, bare-chested, muscles and scars covering his body.
Fighting-type Elite Four member, Bruno!
“Do you have Angry Steamed Buns?” Bruno asked in a low voice.
“…Pewter’s specialties don’t include Angry Steamed Buns.”
“Oh… sorry to bother you.”
Bruno turned slowly and was about to leave when someone nearby shouted:
“Fresh Angry Steamed Buns! Authentic specialty from the Lake of Rage, meow!”
In an instant, light lit up Bruno’s eyes and he strode off quickly.
Brock: “…Next customer.”
Dressed in casual clothes, Nessa glanced at the departing Bruno and said, “One milk pudding, please.”
Nessa, the world-famous model invited to Miare City Fashion Week, had snuck over to the food festival. Like Bea, she loved desserts but strictly monitored her figure.
This dark-skinned beauty enjoyed massive popularity worldwide,
rivaling the likes of “shining beauty” Elesa and “screen star” Nassi…
* * *
The festival’s first event was the competitive eating contest.
“Honored to introduce the top four contestants, the incredibly popular young beauty, Ami!!”
Ami wore a flowing white dress, orange twin braids, hands resting on her skirt, shyly waving.
“AMIIIII!!”
The crowd in the stands erupted with fandom screams.
“Ami’s partner is her Steelix!”
Rumble!! Dust billowed as the enormous Steelix loomed, audience mouths agape before roaring approval.
“The second contestant, from Kanto’s Goldenrod City, claiming to be a beauty, Whitney, partnered with Miltank!”
Whitney’s hair trembled as she bared her teeth, “Not claiming — I’m a super-popular beauty!!”
Lu Ye blinked slightly.
He had always thought Miltank was more recognizable than Whitney…
Or rather, mentioning Whitney immediately conjures Miltank in people’s minds…
The host continued:
“Third contestant, Ash and his Snorlax — fourth contestant, Paul and his Aggron!”
Ash’s eyes blazed, “Paul, let’s settle this in one match!”
“I’m not interested.”
Paul put one hand in his pocket and said calmly, “I’m just in Miare City by chance, and Aggron wanted to compete.”
Aggron had an enormous appetite, though still far less than Snorlax.
In the past, Paul would never have been interested in such a “silly” event.
But as Teacher Lu had said… everyday moments are the key to building bonds.
Lu Ye and Cynthia sat in the audience.
“Paul’s actually entering this contest?” Lu Ye said in surprise.
“Perhaps his mindset has changed,” Cynthia said with a smile.
Lu Ye looked at the stage.
Ash ate massively, glancing warily now and then at Paul.
Paul chewed slowly, his desire to win not as intense as before. Seeing Aggron delight at a favorite dish, a faint smile tugged at his mouth.
“Ash — go for it!” Bonnie cheered, Dedenne perched on her head.
“Cheer up!” Serena shouted supportively too.
“The contest has reached a white-hot stage!” the host boomed. “Miltank and Aggron are struggling, and now it’s down to Steelix versus Snorlax!”
“Little Steel—”
Ami dabbed her mouth elegantly with a handkerchief, her gaze sharpening while waiting for the next dish.
“One hundred thousand horsepower!”
“It’s here! Ami’s Steelix is powering up, eliminating the giant pudding with full force!!”
The commentator and crowd erupted in cheers.
“Snor—”
Ash’s Snorlax grew drowsy after finishing a bowl of Pomelo Fruit and yawned.
Then Snorlax rubbed its belly and, under the focus of thousands of spectators, lay down and fell asleep.
“Ash’s Snorlax just fell asleep!” the host exclaimed.
“Snor~ Zzz.” Snorlax slept peacefully.
Lu Ye commented, “Chubby Snorlax, Pomelo Fruit induced yawn — leftovers!”
Cynthia blinked in surprise, “What.”
Lu Ye: “Pokémon senryu.”
I, Lu Ye, am of course the proud disciple of Professor Samuel Oak in the art of senryu! (Not really)
The contest was ultimately won by Ami.
Paul recalled Aggron and left with his head held high; Ash watched his retreating back, lost in thought.
In the afternoon, the second event, the Best Fruit Juice contest, officially began.
Visitors were shocked to find Teacher Lu’s stall set up!
Instantly, a dense crowd pressed around the stall.
Steenee and Alcremie, seeing this turnout for the first time, cowered behind Lu Ye.
“It’s just a small scene.”
Lu Ye calmly peeled a tree fruit, “I’ll make you a Miracle Fruit Juice!”
Miracle Fruit Juice was the café’s signature drink; in the game it boosted a Pokémon by five levels, stronger than a Rare Candy in effect.
In reality, this juice was diluted, preserving only flavor, safe for both humans and Pokémon to drink.
A drop of Steenee’s juice, even diluted a hundredfold, still made a sweet beverage beloved in Alola.
Steenee’s leaflets dripped juice as it held out a small dish to Lu Ye, who made the drink. Under his gaze, Steenee looked a little shy.
Using a Rosefruit and a Mysterious Berry, both somewhat precious tree fruits, and employing cocktail techniques, Lu Ye picked up a shaker and swirled it with practiced steadiness.
In the crowd, C-rank Pokémon Sommelier Cabernet stared at Lu Ye’s movements and was slightly taken aback.
My technique can’t compare to his…
Teacher Lu could easily be a B-rank or even an A-rank sommelier.
Miracle Fruit Juice finished, shimmering in a cocktail glass and releasing a clear tree-fruit aroma.
Cabernet, standing near the front, approached nervously and said, “May I… try a glass?”
“Of course.” Lu Ye replied.
Cabernet trembled as he lifted the glass, licked his dry lips, and took a sip.
Suddenly his eyes widened.
The fruit aroma was rich, sweet-and-sour perfectly balanced, and the ice added delightful texture…
Even the work of an A-rank sommelier could not compare to this masterpiece!
“This is wonderful.”
Cabernet exhaled and praised Lu Ye and his Haunter, “The bond between you and Haunter is like this perfectly matched juice — a miracle!”
Pokémon sommeliers could appraise the relationship between trainer and partner. Ash and Pikachu had once been declared by sommelier Tian Tong as “the most excellent and compatible” pair.
Teacher Lu thanked him politely, and to help Steenee fulfill its wish, he made several variations of the juice…
Dusk.
The official results for the Best Fruit Juice event were announced.
Steenee trembled as it handed its phone to the café manager, unable to look: “Nifu~”
Manager, you, you check it for me…
Lu Ye theatrically cleared his throat, opened the official site, and said, “Second place, Meowth’s stall, signature: Orange Orange Juice.”
The Trio often sold juice and had experience making tree fruit drinks.
“And first place is—”
Steenee held its breath.
“…who could it be?” Lu Ye asked, “Alcremie, who do you think it is?”
Alcremie: ﾉ)ﾟДﾟ(！
Don’t keep us in suspense, manager!
“Ahem, first place is Colorful Café, with their Miracle Fruit Juice.”
Steenee was stunned, then exchanged a glance with Alcremie before spinning happily in place, leaflets fluttering.
“Nifu~(*≧▽≦)”
Great, the manager and I won first place together!
Alcremie rejoiced, red eyes sparkling, making a quiet vow.
“Eema…”
I want to make a cake that everyone recognizes as the best someday!
…
Night fell.
The day’s grandest event, the Culinary Duel, unfolded under the bright lights of Prism Tower.
Chefs from various leagues faced off in pairs to compete, with ten contestants to be selected and the title “Kalos Head Chef” up for grabs.
Siebold had already earned that title, but shockingly, he was competing again this year!
Facing him was the champion head chef, Teacher Lu!
“Karine’s main career is as a film queen, Wallace’s is as a coordinator, and Teacher Lu’s main job is head chef… very reasonable!”
“Food is life — taste the terror of being ruled by Donghua cuisine!”
“Teacher Lu is the true Food God!!”
Lu Ye’s first-round opponent was a Galar celebrity chef named Pinot, who specialized in curry and mushroom soups.
Spectators focused on the center of the arena where the ingredient selection area stood; cooking stations lined both sides.
At the side sat three judges: Malva wearing flame-red sunglasses, Master Fu respected and wise, and Miare’s curator Clemont.
Lu Ye: “…”
Even the judges are acquaintances… is this really okay?
“Begin.”
Fire-type Elite Four Malva crossed her arms.
Like Kalos trainers, Malva also had a primary occupation.
Her main occupation was that of a news anchor…
For ingredients, Pinot as a Galar chef selected high-grade Bahamut canned food, coarse ground meat sausage, and super flour.
He produced a spicy, delicious curry rice, worthy of “Charizard” level!
Siebold had already defeated his opponent and watched the curry served on camera, his eyes flickering.
Charizard level… the top tier of curry.
Even Siebold didn’t have absolute confidence of perfect execution.
He glanced at Lu Ye’s station and made a small, curious sound.
“Strange… also a curry…”
The three judges scooped Pinot’s curry, tasted carefully, and showed approval.
Master Fu smiled, “Delicious ingredients paired with spicy curry sauce — rightly a golden combination!”
Pinot proudly looked at Lu Ye.
Teacher Lu, though you are a champion trainer, in cooking you should leave it to professionals.
“The Teacher Lu’s dish is finished,” the host announced. “He also chose Pinot’s specialty, curry.”
Pinot was startled and looked at the gleaming golden curry on Lu Ye’s station; its enticing spice scent filled the air and made the audience swallow.
A cold drop of sweat slid down Pinot’s forehead.
He vaguely saw steam forming into a soaring flaming bird; the aroma seemed like a firebird bathed in golden flames, rushing his nose!
Passing by, he heard a calm voice say:
“Charizard level… I am no longer at that level.”
Spicy tree fruits constructed layered, complex flavors.
Lu Ye named his creation — Phoenix Level!
The three judges gazed at the golden curry and tremulously extended their spoons.
Clemont imagined a volcano erupting with thick curry broth from the summit and a phoenix flapping its wings, crying out as it flew!
Beep —
The big screen displayed the judges’ votes.
“Three to zero! Overwhelming advantage, Teacher Lu advances to the next round!” the host exclaimed.
The crowd erupted.
Many people had come expecting spectacle.
They never expected Teacher Lu really to be a head chef.
He had even defeated a Galar celebrity chef and now had a shot at the “Kalos Head Chef” title!
After a short intermission,
people craned their necks to view the bracket on the big screen, stunned.
Teacher Lu would face Siebold the Elite Four — the winner would enter the top ten and receive the honorary title!
Under the entire world’s gaze,
Siebold and Lu Ye walked to the center of the arena and shook hands.
“Teacher Lu.”
Siebold’s gaze sharpened, “I have waited for this day for a long time.”
“Same here.” Lu Ye’s eyes hardened.
A culinary duel against the chef king, Siebold!
“Begin!” Master Fu announced.
Ingredients were chosen partly from one’s own supplies and partly from the on-site selection.
“Judging by ingredient choice, Siebold has chosen his specialty — seafood!” the host said.
“Teacher Lu on the other side… he picked a block of tofu. Is he going to make Donghua-style cuisine?”
From Lu Ye’s technique, Siebold quickly assessed his plan.
Lu Ye intended to combine Donghua style with spicy flavors to challenge Kalos-style seafood!
Nonsense… Rich spiciness might bring pain and stimulation, but the taste that leaves people wanting more is freshness!
Beside him, Siebold’s partner Octillery silently cleaned ingredients.
Siebold prepared a unique ingredient: Octillery’s ink.
This distinctive taste turned many diners off, but in small doses the ink could better bring out seafood’s umami!
Siebold grew more confident about winning and glanced at Lu Ye.
Lu Ye and Sirfetch’d methodically processed ingredients.
“Is he going to use leek leaves for flavor?” Siebold frowned slightly.
The big leek from Farfetch’d was a favorite food among diners and could create a marvelous chemical reaction with tofu…
Smelling the spicy scent in the air, Siebold raised an eyebrow.
However, even “Phoenix Level” spiciness would have no chance against Siebold’s seafood mastery!
The big-screen timer ticked down by the second.
Nessa watched from the audience, lips pursed.
She was intrigued by Siebold’s seafood but also adored Donghua-style dishes.
She eagerly awaited the masterpieces each would present.
Beep —
Time expired.
Lu Ye and Siebold simultaneously completed their final plating!
Siebold, wearing his white chef’s coat, looked to Lu Ye with a questioning look.
Lu Ye smiled faintly and made a “please, after you” gesture.
Siebold nodded slightly, straightened his back, and carried a bowl to the judges.
Octillery used two tentacles to support the bowl while the rest crawled along.
At the moment of unveiling, the entire audience held their breath.
“Waterside Herb Seafood Chowder.”
Siebold said calmly, “Please judge.”
Malva had tasted Siebold’s cooking many times before. She inhaled the aroma and smiled, “You seem to feel a sense of crisis, Siebold.”
“Both Pokémon battles and culinary art require the level of art,” Siebold said mildly. “This is merely my personal canon.”
Malva shrugged, picked up a silver spoon, and scooped rich broth to her lips. After savoring, she sighed, “It’s hard to imagine… how desperate it would be to never taste your food.”
“Beyond the Waterside Herb flavor, I seem to taste something else…” Master Fu said softly.
Siebold’s mouth curled as he replied, “It’s my partner Octillery’s ink.”
Audience members murmured.
“Ink better stimulates the seafood’s umami — very creative.”
Clemont nodded seriously, “I think it’s very tasty!”
All three judges offered high praise.
The crowd looked toward Teacher Lu with regretful expressions.
No matter how excellent his dish, confronting the legendary chef Siebold seemed hopeless.
Meanwhile,
Lu Ye and Sirfetch’d carried three plates to the judging table.
They slowly removed the lids, and every spectator’s eyes widened.
Fragrant steam swept judges and audience alike, and the visible heat formed golden radiance.
This dish — it glowed!!
Under Siebold’s incredulous stare,
Lu Ye spoke:
“My strongest field is not spiciness…”
Lu Ye’s eyes narrowed, “but tree fruits!”
Siebold froze.
Tree fruits… all-encompassing — no chef would call tree fruits their specialty lightly.
Yet Siebold looked at Teacher Lu’s dish and swallowed.
That glow had been produced by three golden tree fruits, including a Golden Razz Berry!
“Magical Mapo Tofu.”
Lu Ye said, “Please enjoy.”
Malva, Master Fu, and Clemont exchanged glances.
Resolute, Malva’s forehead beaded with cold sweat as she shakily scooped a spoonful of tofu soaked in red broth.
Bringing it to her lips, the spicy broth filled her chest with warmth.
Although spicy, there was no sting upon entry, and no distress in the stomach.
The texture contained the numbing, spicy, fragrant, hot elements of mapo tofu, blended with a crisp, tingling sensation.
A Thunderfruit!
Malva suddenly awoke to sensation.
As Lu Ye had said, he used tree fruits to give the spice dimension while simultaneously enhancing mapo tofu’s umami.
She felt as if she were falling onto a soft block of tofu, bounced up by its bouncy texture, with spices and tree fruits flying at her from all sides. A great silhouette — Lu Ye holding a wok handle — cooked the tofu, the tree fruits, and himself together!
“Ah…” Malva exhaled, eyes misting beneath red glasses, cheeks flushing, then found her voice, “Worthy of its magical name!”
“Then… cast your votes.” Master Fu said with admiration.
“Yes!” Clemont, lips stained red, nodded emphatically.
To the crowd’s surprise, applause erupted.
Siebold’s pupils constricted.
The big screen showed [2:1]. He had lost!
The legendary head chef had been defeated by the champion head chef!
By tradition, Lu Ye handed Siebold a spoon to taste his own dish.
“No need… I must go back to study my dishes and strive to reach your level as soon as possible.” Siebold declined.
Lu Ye: ?
Why aren’t you playing by the usual script!
Half an hour later,
Lu Ye, James, and Brock all advanced to the top ten and received the “Kalos Head Chef” honorary title.
“I didn’t expect that insanely strong Siebold would be eliminated by you.”
James sighed with relief, “Good thing I didn’t run into him!”
“Phew… winning an award makes it easier to explain things to you, Jiro,” Brock said.
Lu Ye glanced at Ducklett, who held the trophy, and rubbed its head, smiling:
“Poor hospitality!”
“Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ” Sirfetch’d dared not move at all.
This place is full of cooks — it’s too dangerous, quack~