Marvel: Beginning with the Collection of Shinra Tensei

Watching their eager expressions, Tang San couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. When he first encountered Han Yu's cooking, he had worn the same hungry look when Han Yu presented his dishes.

Seeing that the newcomers didn't understand the rules of a Shokugeki duel, Senzaemon stepped forward and explained, "A Shokugeki requires an odd number of judges to taste the dishes to avoid a tie. Once the judging is over, everyone can enjoy the meal together."

Hearing this, Ultron and his two companions finally nodded in understanding.

In truth, Fire Fist Ace, Whitebeard, and Tsunade were also dining here for the first time. However, after hearing Xiao Yan's explanation, they refrained from vying for the privilege of the "first bite," knowing they'd get their turn eventually.

Han Yu was the first to present his dish. With a confident smile, he introduced it:

"This is a simple appetizer. It's made with the meat of a ninth-tier magical beast, the Dragon-Scaled Serpent, from the Exotic Flame Continent, paired with a five-thousand-year-old Water Spirit Mushroom. It enhances resistance to water-elemental damage. Please, enjoy."

As he spoke, all eyes turned to the plates placed before Ultron and his companions. The dish appeared to be an ordinary steak at first glance, but the meat glistened with juices, and the surface was adorned with a golden sauce that shimmered faintly, like a starry glow.

Those attuned to spiritual energies or similar forces could immediately sense the extraordinary nature of the shimmering sauce. This must have been the essence drawn from the five-thousand-year-old Water Spirit Mushroom.

As the dish was placed before them, Ultron, Pietro, and Wanda felt a sudden hesitation. Their earlier eagerness to dig in was replaced with uncertainty—they didn't know how to approach the dish and were afraid their clumsiness might ruin it.

A kind voice chimed in, "Just eat it as you normally would."

"Well… I won't hold back then," Ultron said hesitantly.

Surprisingly, it was Ultron who moved first. The tantalizing aroma was overwhelming, far beyond anything his simulated food analyses could replicate.

He gently pressed his knife against the steak, and the weight of the blade alone was enough to slice through it effortlessly. Picking up a piece with his fork, he carefully placed it in his mouth and began to chew.

At that moment, everyone saw his expression shift to one of pure delight and amazement. It took him a full minute to recover, after which he exclaimed:

"This dish—though the knife cut through it so easily, the texture has a delightful chewiness if you bite down firmly. But if you don't, the steak melts into a fragrant, warm stream that fills your mouth. Even after swallowing, the flavor lingers. It's incredible! There's no dish on Earth that can match this!"

After Ultron took the first bite, Pietro and Wanda quickly followed. Their reactions were strikingly similar, their faces filled with admiration for the dish and deep respect for Han Yu's culinary skills.

This level of cooking had transcended the realm of the ordinary—it was celestial!

"As an appetizer, this is already extraordinary," Xiao Yan remarked, stroking his chin with an approving look. "It doesn't fill the diner too much but instead whets their appetite perfectly, leaving them eager for what's next. In a way, it even applies pressure on the competitor."

"But this is just an appetizer," he added with a chuckle. "The real show is still to come."

A voice dripping with pride came from behind Han Yu, interrupting the moment. "Just an appetizer. The main act is here now."

Erina stepped forward, placing her dish on the table in front of Ultron and his companions. Despite their overwhelming reactions to Han Yu's dish, Erina showed no signs of discouragement. Her aura of confidence remained unshaken, her regal demeanor unyielding.

As she lifted the lid of her dish, the sight before them left everyone stunned.

It wasn't just food—it was art.

The dish was dominated by shades of red, with every element meticulously arranged. Though the entire plate radiated a fiery hue, there wasn't a single visible chili or spice to be found.

Like Han Yu's dish, it was also a steak. However, Erina's plate displayed her unparalleled skill in every aspect of its preparation. The thick, visually striking cut of meat was intricately garnished, creating a presentation that was as much a feast for the eyes as it promised to be for the palate.

It felt like encountering a rugged man meticulously dressed in a sharp suit—an image of striking contrast.

"My dish," Erina explained with unwavering confidence, "is crafted from the blood and flesh of a certain fire-elemental magical beast. To complement its fiery nature, I specifically utilized natural volcanic rock and a sauce prepared with Flame Berries."

Her words brimmed with defiance. By deliberately selecting fire-element ingredients, the polar opposite of Han Yu's water-aligned dish, Erina made her intentions clear—this was a direct challenge, a head-on clash.

"This young girl has quite the spirit. Impressive," Tsunade remarked in surprise as she observed Erina. It was clear that Erina was the youngest among the group in this extraordinary establishment, yet her culinary skills rivaled Han Yu's. Indeed, anyone capable of entering this domain was no ordinary individual; each one had mastered their craft at the highest level.

As Han Yu gazed at the "flawless" dish before him, he couldn't hide his amazement. From her initial reluctance toward these exotic ingredients to now mastering their use with precision, Erina's growth was undeniable.

Xiao Yan chuckled, "If she wins this time, that'll make Erina's record 1 win and 16 losses!"

"Sixteen losses to one win?"

Hearing this, Whitebeard and the other first-timers were stunned. To them, Erina's dish appeared perfect. If they were judging, they'd surely declare it the winner. Yet, according to Xiao Yan, someone capable of creating such a masterpiece had never won before? Impossible!

Despite the murmurs around her, Erina remained unfazed. She calmly tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and locked eyes with Han Yu.

Yes, she had lost to Han Yu sixteen times. Since their very first culinary duel when her grandfather, Senzaemon, brought her here, she hadn't won a single match.

For Erina, who was naturally proud and fiercely competitive, these defeats were a heavy blow. Her world revolved around cooking, and she was regarded as the queen of cuisine among the younger generation, rarely meeting her match.

That was why Han Yu's victories left such a profound impact. Each loss fueled Erina's determination, driving her to challenge him repeatedly. Each failure only intensified her desire for a more ferocious comeback in their next battle.

"Victory or defeat," someone muttered, "depends on their judgment."

All eyes turned to Ultron, Pietro, and Wanda. Without hesitation, the trio picked up their knives and forks, sliced into the steak, and took a bite.

The moment the meat touched their tongues, they froze. Their chewing stopped, and their eyes widened in astonishment.

If Han Yu's dish was like the rhythmic ebb and flow of a tranquil yet powerful ocean tide, Erina's dish was an unrelenting, forceful punch to the palate—a direct and intense explosion of flavor.

The three diners simultaneously looked up, stunned by the stark contrast. This seemingly haughty young woman had presented a dish that looked delicate and refined, yet it delivered an overwhelming sensory shock. The disparity between appearance and taste was staggering.

They had expected a sophisticated, elegant symphony. Instead, they were hit with the exhilarating energy of a rock concert.

Senzaemon finally spoke, his deep voice breaking the spell of silence. "Now that the tasting is complete, it's time for the verdict. Push forward the plate of the chef whose dish you believe is superior."

As his words fell, a heavy silence enveloped the room.

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