Chapter 62
While Haruto and Shun continued experimenting with ways to smoke Regal Mammoth meat, Soma was also preparing for his first Shokugeki since enrolling at Totsuki.
One day, Haruto suddenly came up with a new idea for smoking the meat and eagerly went looking for Shun so they could discuss it.
Before he could find him, however, Yuki stopped him in the hallway.
"What is it, Yuki?"
Haruto paused and looked at her in confusion.
Yuki blinked helplessly at him.
"Today is Soma’s Shokugeki against Mito Ikumi! We have to go cheer him on!"
"It is?"
Haruto froze, rubbed his forehead, and tried to remember.
Now that she mentioned it, the match really was today.
"I’ve been so focused on the smoked meat lately that I completely forgot."
The main reason, of course, was that Haruto already knew Soma would win, so he had never given the match much thought.
Still, if everyone else at Polar Star planned to support him, Haruto could hardly stay behind.
As they spoke, Ryoko, Maru and the others arrived.
Once everyone had gathered, the group headed toward the arena reserved for Food Wars.
On the way there, Yuki spoke with obvious concern.
"Think about it. Mito Ikumi is known as the Meat Master. When it comes to meat dishes, she’s one of the best first-years at Totsuki. I have no idea whether Soma can handle her."
Ryoko nodded in agreement, her expression equally serious.
"That’s right. The Mito family is one of the biggest names in the beef industry. She’ll almost certainly use the highest grade of A5 wagyu for this match."
Everyone else looked increasingly worried.
Haruto was the only one who’s remained calm.
"Relax. Soma is definitely going to win. Mito Ikumi—"
He suddenly stopped.
"Mito...?"
That family name sounded familiar.
A vague memory surfaced in his mind, and after a moment, his expression changed sharply.
He remembered now!
The man who had purchased Regal Mammoth meat from him was named Mito Kazuya.
And Mito Kazuya worked for Mito Meat Products.
"Oh, no. We need to hurry!"
A note of urgency entered Haruto’s voice.
If Mito Ikumi used ordinary A5 wagyu, Soma would still win.
But if she brought out Regal Mammoth meat, he could be in real trouble!
Ordinary meat could not begin to compare with it.
"What happened?" Yuki asked, bewildered by his sudden change in attitude. "Why are you panicking all of a sudden?"
Haruto scratched his head and explained somewhat awkwardly.
"It’s nothing too complicated. Mito Ikumi might use the same kind of meat that Shun and I have been smoking."
Yuki froze, and her expression immediately worsened.
"Then isn’t Soma guaranteed to lose?"
They had all tasted grilled Regal Mammoth meat before.
Even with nothing more than a simple sear, its extraordinary tenderness and overflowing juices had been enough to numb the tongue with pleasure.
It was a supreme ingredient that left even A5 wagyu far behind.
What could Soma possibly use to compete if Ikumi brought Regal Mammoth meat into the match?
Yuki was not the only one who grew more anxious.
Ryoko, Marui, and the others also quickened their pace.
"Haruto, how do you know Mito might use that meat?" Ryoko asked curiously as they hurried along.
Haruto touched his nose, embarrassment creeping into his voice.
"I sold some of it to Mito Meat Products before."
He quickly forced himself to sound calm.
"Of course, it’s only a guess. She might not use it."
His lack of confidence was obvious.
The group hurried the rest of the way and managed to reach the arena before the Food War began.
Many students were already seated inside, and waves of conversation filled the venue.
Relieved to see that the match had not started yet, Haruto immediately found Soma preparing backstage.
He pulled a seasoning bottle from his pocket and handed it over.
"Take this. Make sure you use it."
Soma accepted the bottle and opened the lid.
Fine orange-gold crystals released a fresh citrus fragrance, making his eyes brighten.
"This is Orange Salt, isn’t it? Then I’ll gladly take it."
Soma smiled and started to put the bottle away, though he did not truly intend to use it.
He had complete confidence in the dish he had already planned.
Then Haruto lowered his voice and told him that Ikumi might be using Regal Mammoth meat.
The smile instantly vanished from Soma’s face, replaced by an intensely serious expression.
Soma trusted his cooking.
But if his opponent brought out an ingredient as absurdly superior as Regal Mammoth meat, even he could not claim absolute confidence.
That meat was simply too delicious!
...
"Got it."
Soma studied the Orange Salt in his hand with a grave expression.
He had tasted dishes prepared with it before.
Its distinctive citrus fragrance and savory saltiness could draw out an ingredient’s flavor to an extraordinary degree.
Used correctly, it might give him a chance to win.
The problem was that adding Orange Salt meant completely revising his original plan on extremely short notice.
Less than ten minutes remained before the Food War began.
Time was running out.
While Soma considered how to alter his dish, Haruto took out a dark-red piece of Regal Mammoth meat with firm, clearly defined fibers and offered it to him.
"Do you want to use this in the match too?"
Soma looked at the meat, then raised the bottle of Orange Salt in his hand.
"This is enough."
His voice was firm, carrying the unmistakable pride of a chef.
Rather than feeling disappointed by the refusal, Haruto smiled knowingly.
If Soma had accepted the Regal Mammoth meat, the Food War would have lost most of its appeal.
Besides, Orange Salt was no less exceptional in quality.
As long as Soma used it properly, he should still be able to win.
"In that case, focus on the match."
Haruto turned and headed toward the audience seats.
Soma would need every remaining moment to redesign his dish, so Haruto had no reason to distract him further.
"Hey, Haruto!"
Soma called after him, his tone unusually sincere.
"Thanks!"
Whatever happened, the Orange Salt Haruto had given him had restored his chance of victory.
Haruto casually raised a hand without turning around.
"Don’t lose. Everyone at Polar Star will be miserable if you get expelled."