Food Wars: Taste Reversal

"Wait, wait... How can this be? You're Shiraki-san, right? You can't pass my assessment with just this 'salt-baked grilled fish'!"

Seeing Shiraki casually take the dish from the table without hesitation, Hinako pointed at the 'Dead Eye Tuna Head' in Megumi's hands, her tone tinged with urgency. While the 'salt-baked grilled fish' was undoubtedly a qualified dish in terms of color and aroma, it paled in comparison to the masterpiece Shiraki seemed to be hiding. Naturally, Hinako couldn't let it slide without a fight.

"Is that so? Chef, there seem to be students over there who've finished cooking."

Shiraki gave the fish dish a thoughtful glance before his gaze shifted to Takumi and Isami approaching him. With his Eye of Insight, he quickly assessed their dishes. A smile broke across his face as he gave them a thumbs-up. "It's fine if we go last. Please ask the chef to taste their dishes first."

"Hmph, excellent idea," Takumi chimed in with confidence. "Why not take this chance to compare my dish to yours and settle which one's superior?"

Unaware of the events that had just unfolded, Takumi locked his focus on Shiraki's 'salt-baked grilled fish' with a confident smirk.

Hinako, however, was still fixated on Megumi as she meticulously packaged the so-called 'copycat version' into a box. Internally, Hinako sighed at what she deemed a waste of potential. But as the appointed lecturer, she couldn't ignore her duties. Turning to Takumi, who was itching for a competition, she remarked, "I'm open to reviewing dishes, but judging them isn't my job."

Her expression suddenly shifted as a thought crossed her mind. Her eyes sharpened as she turned to Shiraki. "However, if Shiraki-san is willing to submit the dish you're hiding behind you, I could make an exception and judge."

"What?" Takumi's curiosity was piqued. Glancing behind Shiraki, he finally noticed Megumi loading a strange, dark-colored dish into a box. It was an unusual creation—purple and black with four fish heads ominously arranged on the plate.

Strangely enough, instead of feeling repulsed, Takumi found the dish oddly captivating, as though staring at an artwork in a gallery. There was a bizarre, almost magical allure to it.

"That dish..." he began, but Shiraki interrupted.

"There's no need for special judging. The chef can review our dishes as usual," Shiraki declared, waving his hand dismissively with a faintly exasperated look.

"Are you sure you won't reconsider? This is the perfect chance to compete with your peers," Hinako teased, trying to stir the pot between the students.

But to her surprise, Shiraki casually remarked, "This dish is for my roommates, but if you're willing to exchange it for one of your own dishes, I'll let you try it."

Hinako blinked in astonishment. "You mean... me? Cook a dish?"

She hesitated, visibly torn. "But I'm the chief examiner for this assessment…"

"Well, that settles it," Shiraki said with a shrug, holding up his 'salt-baked grilled fish' as if to signal his decision. "In that case, I'll submit this for the assessment. Let Takumi go first."

"You're mocking me, aren't you?" Takumi exclaimed, his voice rising in indignation. It dawned on him that Shiraki wasn't taking the competition seriously. Using the relatively simple 'salt-baked grilled fish' seemed like a deliberate provocation. Glaring at the dish, Takumi clenched his fists and let out a sharp laugh.

"Fine! Since you're so confident, don't come crying when I humiliate you. I'll show you how foolish it is to underestimate me!"

Shiraki, however, looked puzzled. "What are you talking about? I never said I wanted to compete with you."

Unfazed by Takumi's fiery resolve, Shiraki remained calm. His decision to let Takumi go first was entirely strategic. With his Eye of Insight, he had determined Takumi's 'fragrant roasted duck' to be an A-grade dish. If Hinako approved Takumi's dish, she would likely have no grounds to reject his 'salt-baked grilled fish.' This plan had nothing to do with provoking Takumi.

"In that case, let's have the chef taste our dishes," Takumi declared, presenting his dish to Hinako with flourish.

The roasted duck, meticulously arranged in a fan-like shape, gleamed under the kitchen lights, its aroma wafting through the air. Even Hinako, who had been teasing moments earlier, now seemed focused. She took a pair of chopsticks and sampled a slice.

The moment the tender duck melted in her mouth, the rich flavors of Japanese-inspired sauce blended with the texture of the meat. Hinako savored every bite before smiling.

"Well, well. The sauce isn't made with salted anchovy roe but rather pickled sweetfish 'Itameshi.' A beautiful fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine. Takumi and Isami, you've passed."

"Grazie!" Takumi cheered, high-fiving Isami.

Hinako then turned to Shiraki. "Next up is the Shiraki group. I'm looking forward to tasting your cooking," she said, emphasizing the word 'expectation.'

With deliberate slowness, she picked up her chopsticks and broke through the crispy skin of the 'salt-baked grilled fish,' revealing its snow-white, flaky interior. She took a small piece, her expression casual at first.

As the fish touched her tongue, Hinako's demeanor changed. Her eyes widened, and an electric shock of flavor danced across her senses.

The salt-baked fish was simple yet masterfully executed. The balance between the lightly salted skin and the perfectly tender fish within was exceptional. Its unassuming appearance had been deceptive, a testament to Shiraki's culinary skill.

After a moment of chewing, Hinako swallowed and lowered her chopsticks with a contemplative look.

Shiraki stood silently, arms crossed, while Megumi fidgeted nervously beside him. Takumi, on the other hand, leaned forward, eager to hear the result.

Hinako finally spoke, her tone measured yet tinged with curiosity. "Shiraki-kun, you said earlier that I could trade my dish for the one you're keeping hidden, correct?"

Her gaze shifted briefly to the dish Megumi had packed away earlier. There was no mistaking the intrigue in her voice.

Takumi blinked in surprise. "Wait a second! You're interested in that dish?"

Hinako gave a faint smile, turning back to Takumi. "Why wouldn't I be? A chef should never let appearances deceive them. There's something extraordinary about it, wouldn't you agree?"

Her words hung in the air as everyone turned toward Shiraki, who gave a slight smirk but said nothing.

For the first time, it wasn't just about passing an assessment. The room was brimmed with curiosity, competition, and a growing sense of suspense.