Japan.
7 PM.
Deep within a bustling food street.
A three-story tavern stood with a small garden in front. The rich and complex aroma of alcohol permeated the air, making passersby feel slightly intoxicated just by breathing it in.
As the moon shyly hid behind the clouds, the lanterns hanging in front of the tavern flickered to life, casting a warm yellow glow. A gentle breeze blew through, making the ceramic wind chimes clink rhythmically. Gradually, more and more customers arrived, filling the tavern with life.
"Owner!"
"A bottle of peach lychee wine, ten skewers of salty smoked meat, and a plate of iron plate tofu!"
A female office worker, just off from work, stepped inside. The familiar scent of alcohol and smoky meat instantly enveloped her. Without hesitation, she found a seat and placed her usual order.
"Got it. Just a moment."
Chef Zane nodded, turning to retrieve an elegant bottle of peach lychee wine from the wall-mounted cabinet. Placing it before the customer, he swiftly returned to his station.
By then, the charcoal under the iron grill had turned a deep red, radiating heat. The pre-marinated skewers of salty smoked meat warmed instantly when brought near the fire. As they sizzled, the air filled with a tantalizingly sweet and salty aroma.
Even without special sauce, this flavor alone was enough to make diners crave a bite. Just inhaling the scent made the office worker feel slightly tipsy.
The meat slowly firmed as its oils dripped onto the charcoal, causing small bursts of flame to flare up. A mesmerizing red glow reflected off the sizzling skewers, making them look irresistibly delicious.
The tavern hummed with the sounds of clinking glasses and cheerful chatter.
Once the skewers were cooked through, Zane quickly brushed on a special sauce before sprinkling on two key seasonings—cumin and chili powder. The aroma deepened, becoming even more mouthwatering. Paired with the rare peach lychee wine, the flavor was nothing short of divine.
As the food sizzled on the grill, Zane silently wiped down his sharp kitchen knife with a clean cloth. Its mirror-like blade reflected his face—handsome and sharp.
Memories surfaced.
Once, he had been a chef in the Tang Dynasty.
Years ago, he was just a junior cook in a five-star hotel. But through relentless effort and a few fortunate breaks, he eventually became a renowned head chef. Later, he resigned and started his own restaurant—an establishment spanning over 250 square meters across five floors.
Thanks to his rich culinary experience and the restaurant's "small profits, high turnover" business model, the dishes were affordable, the atmosphere welcoming, and the service impeccable. Naturally, business thrived.
But fate had other plans.
Somehow, Zane had crossed over into the world of Shokugeki no Soma.
This world was unlike his own. Here, whether noble or commoner, everyone was obsessed with food. The art of cooking reigned supreme. And at the pinnacle of culinary excellence stood Totsuki Culinary Academy, where only the most skilled could survive its ruthless competition.
If he wanted to thrive in this world, he had to rely on his cooking.
And so, he did.
Zane opened a tavern on this busy food street, operating from 7 PM to midnight—a hidden gem for those who sought comfort in good food and drink.
"Chef Zane, good evening!
A cheerful voice rang out
Zane looked up from his work.
A beautiful girl in a blue-and-white Totsuki Academy uniform stepped inside.
Rindō Kobayashi.
Bathed in the tavern's soft glow, her crystal-clear skin seemed to radiate a faint ivory light. Her delicate features were framed by fiery red hair, and when she smiled, a small, sharp fang peeked out, adding a mischievous charm to her otherwise mature aura.
"Chef Zane," she teased. "Is there something on my face?"
Realizing he had been staring, Zane smirked.
"No, I was just surprised to see our gluttonous monster here again."
"Hehe~ I missed… your cooking!"
She plopped down in her usual seat and rattled off her order without hesitation.
"Sake for me. Then an octopus with mustard, a plate of smoked beef, two servings of tamagoyaki, roasted chicken… oh, and that cold tofu from last time!"
A feast for one.
Zane was used to it.
If anything, he was a little surprised. She ordered less than usual.
For someone with such a delicate appearance, her appetite was monstrous. Every time she came, she devoured enough food for at least ten people before she was satisfied.
"Got it. Take a seat and wait a bit."
Taking a deep breath, Zane chuckled, shaking off his thoughts as he turned back to the kitchen.
Pop!
The cork of the sake bottle came loose with a satisfying sound.
The moment it was opened, a light, floral aroma drifted into the air.
Rindō's nose twitched. She inhaled deeply, letting the fragrance fill her senses.
A slow, pleased smile spread across her face.
"Mmm~ This is the scent of sake."
Closing her eyes, she savored the moment.
"What a wonderful aroma."