Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

"Ah, you mean this broken kitchen knife?" Soma pointed at the knife with a confused expression, his tone uncertain, "Could it be... are you also a chef?"

Having suffered from a lack of peers to compete with for years and consistently losing to Joichiro, his attention was immediately piqued. His eyes nearly sparkled as he looked at Daiki, eager for an exhilarating competition to wash away years of humiliation.

"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. I haven't studied culinary arts."

Due to losing both parents, Daiki often cooked for himself. However, his skills were only average — far from comparable to this future Masterchef.

His interest in the knife stemmed purely from Joichiro's words. This knife, used by Soma since childhood, carried memories and held significant meaning.

It probably had some collectible value too.

"I see... Well, if you want it, you can have it. But we have perfectly good utensils here. Are you sure you want this broken knife?" Soma couldn't fathom his true intentions.

Joichiro carefully examined Daiki, noting no outward signs of culinary training, and concluded he might genuinely lack cooking skills.

"It's fine. I mainly like to collect things." Daiki said, taking the broken knife and pocketing it.

"Collecting? What collectible value does this have?"

To put it bluntly, it was just a broken knife with no practical use. If it had belonged to a renowned chef, it might have held some collectible value. However, this was merely the knife of an unknown novice like him.

Far from being a collectible, it seemed more like something that would take up space even if given away for free.

"Who knows? You might become famous in the future. I've never met such an impressive young chef before." Daiki said, offering casual praise.

Soma scratched his neck and laughed, sensing something was amiss.

Joichiro sighed and reminded him, "The customer hasn't even started eating yet."

The realization hit Soma like a bolt from the blue. How could Daiki know his cooking skills were good without tasting the food?

"Please wait a moment, customer. There's also an iron plate squid dish coming right up."

As Joichiro prepared the iron plate squid, Soma busied himself as well.

Daiki returned to the table with his fried rice, his mind wandering.

『You have collected a Broken Knife that carries memories of over a decade of hard practice!』

『Reward: W.G.O. Two-Star Culinary Skills!』

As expected! This knife held considerable value. Although Daiki didn't know the specific criteria for evaluating collectibles, items without value or recognition couldn't be stored in the collection space.

'W.G.O. Two-Star Culinary Skills — about the same level as Kojiro Shinomiya.'

W.G.O., short for World Gourmet Organization, rates restaurants worldwide using a Three-Star System. They publish their annual evaluations in book form, The Canon, making it a culinary organization revered by all chefs.

Even Kojiro Shinomiya, who served as the first seat of the 79th Totsuki Elite Ten and received the Pluspol medal, was only at a Two-Star level.

Daiki took a spoonful of the fried rice. The plump grains released an irresistible aroma when chewed, seemingly perfect. But when he integrated the W.G.O. Two-Star Culinary Skills and tasted the fried rice again, he realized that while the flavor was still good, it was far from perfect.

"Daiki-senpai! May I sit here?"

As he was tasting the food, a pretty, cute young girl suddenly appeared beside him.

Scanning the crowded restaurant, he noticed very few seats remained. The only option was to share a table with strangers.

"Sure, sit wherever you like. You know me?"

The newcomer was a first-year junior, Iroha Isshiki. Daiki recognized her, but was surprised she knew him.

"I'm Iroha Isshiki, a first-year student. I've seen you with Miku-senpai in the library before." Iroha's stomach growled as she spoke, her youthful charm undiminished.

"I see..." Daiki mused, realizing he hadn't noticed her before.

Likely because his attention had been entirely focused on Miku's stockings at the time.

"Oh my, fried rice? It smells delicious. I was planning to walk back slowly to lose weight, but I couldn't resist this aroma." Iroha giggled and ordered a portion of fried rice.

Soon after, the iron plate squid and fried rice arrived at their table.

"Well? Is my fried rice good? If it weren't for my old man interfering, it would taste even better." Soma said proudly, hands on his hips.

"It's amazing! I've never had such excellent fried rice before." Daiki praised sincerely.

He then noticed a small portion of fried rice on the plate with the iron plate squid.

"What's this?"

"Oh, it's the fried rice I made myself to make up for the earlier mistake."

After all, Joichiro had cooked Daiki's fried rice later.

"Quick, try it! Which is better — mine or my old man's?" Soma stared intently, awaiting his verdict.

Daiki chewed thoughtfully before concluding, "Your father's fried rice tastes better."

Soma: "..."

"Haha, Soma, looks like you've still got room for improvement." Joichiro chuckled as he served other tables.

Soma furrowed his brow, perplexed, "How? The process was exactly the same. Why would the taste be different?"

Iroha eyed Daiki's fried rice longingly but, restrained by her maidenly reserve, decided against asking for a taste.

"Any suggestions? Where's the difference exactly?" He asked Daiki hopefully.

Joichiro caught the customer's eye and shrugged helplessly. Tasting the difference was easy, but pinpointing specifics proved challenging.

"It might be the intensity and timing of the stir-frying." Daiki explained, "Your father took about fifteen seconds, perfectly balancing stir-frying intensity and heat control. You took twenty-five. Your foundation is solid, but your technique isn't as refined. Keep practicing."

Soma's eyes widened at his eloquent explanation. Even Joichiro turned to reassess the young man.

Was this innate talent? Or had he misjudged him earlier?

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