Food Wars: Taste Reversal

"Good morning, everyone!"

As all the students gathered, the lights in the hall suddenly turned on, and Lecturer Chapelle appeared on the stage with a microphone. "Please listen carefully. I will now explain the outline of the training camp," he announced. "On the first day, 1,280 students will be divided into 25 groups, and each group will meet at a designated location after this explanation. Finally, let me emphasize: during the 'residential training,' if any instructor gives an evaluation below the standard, the student will be disqualified. They will be escorted to the school bus waiting in the park, forcibly returned to campus, and ultimately expelled."

With these words, Lecturer Chapelle revealed the true nature of this 'residential training'—not a 'friendship and exchange' dormitory activity but a harsh 'elimination and survival' event. The atmosphere in the hall grew tense. Some students, recalling past years when over 50% of participants were disqualified, began trembling nervously.

"For the evaluation process, we have invited special lecturers. Please welcome those who have taken time out of their busy schedules to join us—graduates of Totsuki Culinary Academy!"

Ignoring the murmurs spreading among the students, Lecturer Chapelle gestured to the staff to raise the curtain on stage. A series of graduates, led by Kojiro Shinomiya, stepped out from the backstage. Their presence sent the students into an uproar.

"Graduates? That means... all these people are geniuses who survived the single-digit graduation rate?"

"It's Chef Shinomiya! He's the first Japanese chef to receive the Order of Prussia!"

"And Chef Suwon from 'RISTORANTEF!'"

"Even the head chef of 'Ginza Hinakura' is here?!"

The sight of the graduates elicited gasps from the students. These individuals were no ordinary alumni—they were culinary icons featured in top food magazines and TV shows.

Is this the caliber of Totsuki graduates?

Amid the awe-struck whispers, Kojiro Shinomiya suddenly stopped at the front of the stage. Closing his eyes, he sniffed dramatically, exuding an air of supreme confidence. He extended a finger toward the audience. "The ninth row, student with the scar on their eyebrow," he declared.

Kohei Soma pointed to himself, confused.

"Ah, no, not you. The student next to you... Yes, you. You're expelled," Shinomiya stated flatly. His tone made it seem like a trivial decision rather than a life-changing verdict. "You can leave."

"Why?!" the student cried out in protest.

Shinomiya walked closer to the edge of the stage and pointed. "Your setting water has a citrus scent. That aroma will overpower the dish. Next time, use unscented water."

"Wait, what?! I'm being expelled for something so minor?!"

"Minor mistakes like this can cost you guests. Are you trying to ruin my restaurant?" Shinomiya snapped, his voice growing stern. The high-pressure aura radiating from him caused the entire hall to fall silent, while the unfortunate student collapsed to his knees.

"Thank you. You may leave now," Shinomiya concluded coldly, waving dismissively before striding back to his position.

This immediate display of authority left the hall in stunned silence. The students were clearly shaken—this truly felt like hell.

Shiraki squinted at Shinomiya on stage. Though he knew Shinomiya often expelled a student during the opening ceremony of the training camp, observing him up close revealed more. The man's intense demeanor resembled someone battling months of insomnia.

It was clear that, aside from intimidating the 'freshmen,' Shinomiya's outburst also served as a personal release. His stress seemed to stem from years of stagnant progress in his craft, leading to mounting pressure. A once-cheerful graduate had been reduced to this insomniac-like state. Shiraki couldn't help but think, "Is Shinomiya prematurely entering menopause?"

Unaware of this inner critique, Shinomiya maintained his commanding presence until Chef Dojima Gin, the head chef of Totsuki Resort, took over.

"Welcome to Totsuki Resort!" Dojima began. "The graduates gathered here today are not only restaurant owners but also head chefs. Over the next six days of intensive training, they will treat you as employees in their establishments. Do you understand what this means? Those who fail to meet expectations will be dismissed—eliminated, as you might say. I wish you all the best of luck. Now, proceed to your assigned assessment locations!"

With Dojima's closing words, the students, now assigned to different venues, began dispersing.

"I'll see you later!" Yuki Yoshino called out to Shiraki before running down the corridor with Ryoko Sakaki.

"Let's have a poker tournament in Marui's room tonight!" Kohei Soma suggested loudly as the group scattered.

"Why does it have to be my room?!" Marui's protests faded into the distance.

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