Chapter 0754: Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma! Natsume-sensei VS Siebold（Three-in-One）

Serena and Jessie were both participating in this Pokémon Showcase, so there was no way Natsume would miss the event.

As a top coordinator serving as judge, he could guarantee absolute fairness, and also help the debuting Serena feel less pressure.

As for Jessie... Natsume was worried she’d get unfair treatment again.

After all, Jessie’s performances were always cutting-edge—she definitely had skill, but her brand of art was still ahead of the times for the general audience…

Out in the wilds near Lumiose City, the Team Rocket trio was taking a leisurely stroll.

“Jessie, are you really going to enter the Pokémon Showcase?” James asked uneasily. He still worried Jessie would be mocked by the audience and judges and get discouraged again.

“Of course!” Jessie clenched her fists, flames flickering in her eyes. “I’m going to prove myself—I’m sure I’ll win the ‘Kalos Queen’ title!”

Jessie had a fiercely competitive spirit. Even though her attempts at various careers—nurse, coordinator, and more—had all ended in failure, she still chased her dream.

This Kalos journey, Jessie had taken on two more aliases: the actress “Jessebella” and the Performer “Jessadia.”

“When Jessie becomes the Kalos Queen, we’ll have more prize money than we can count, meow!” Meowth laughed.

“Obviously!” Jessie lifted her chin with pride, but then sheepishly muttered, “Thing is... the Performer outfit needs to be custom tailored, so I may need...a little bit of funding...”

“How much?” James asked.

As Jessie named her number, James and Meowth’s fur bristled. “You’ve got to be kidding!!”

“Hehe, honestly, it’s really not much—not compared to the kind of clothes master coordinators like Wallace wear…”

Jessie rubbed her hands and forced a dry chuckle, then sagged her shoulders and sighed. “Of course, it’s not a must.”

No, my chances of winning are slim anyway—I just want to try my best, give it my all…

“Two days.”

Jessie blinked and looked up to see James holding up two fingers.

James grinned, “Give me two days. At this Lumiose City gourmet street, we’re going to earn enough to buy you the most gorgeous new costume!”

“Let’s make Jessie the most beautiful star, meow!” Meowth cheered, hands on hips.

“You guys…” Jessie’s eyes felt a little hot. Taking a deep breath, she announced, “Then you’d better get ready—gourmet street starts tomorrow!”

“Roger that!” James and Meowth saluted.

“Yosh~~ let’s go!”

“Wobbuffet!”

……

November 6th, Saturday, clear autumn skies.

The gourmet street, jointly held by the Lumiose City Business Association, opened on schedule.

The entire central plaza was set up around Prism Tower, ringed with shops big and small. The aromas of all manner of delicious cooking filled the air.

“Here, fresh Grepa pie, take one!”

“A set meal from Putong Restaurant? Sounds so plain…”

“Come and watch, there’s a Pokémon battle going on at Battle Café over there!”

Battle Café was a long-established venue on the north side, always attracting guests with its Pokémon battles—winners ate free.

Hearing the news, Natsume once thought about entering, but with his “recent Champion” status, that would be bullying, so he regretfully passed.

At the moment, a white chalk line was drawn in front of the Battle Café stand, marking off the battle arena.

In front of an eager crowd, Ash was commanding his Frogadier in a battle against a passerby’s Greninja.

“Frogadier, use Quick Attack!”

Frogadier’s narrowed eyes snapped wide, moving like lightning to the crowd’s amazement.

In the crowd, Siebold wore sunglasses, silently nodding.

As a Water-type Elite Four, he noticed Frogadier’s outstanding qualities. This Pokémon had a powerful emotional bond with its Trainer.

It was a bond Siebold had only glimpsed before with the famous Alain and his Charizard.

Still, he thought Ash’s command sense needed work—more bravado than artistry—leaving the perfectionist Siebold unsatisfied.

Siebold turned his eyes to the other food stands.

Each visitor had a voting card to support their favorite shop—most votes at the end would win the “Most Popular” award.

On the official mobile site’s live tally, both Natsume-sensei’s stand and Siebold’s were still “coming soon.”

Currently, the most popular shop was “Brock’s Cooking” from Pewter City, Kanto.

With dark skin, squinted eyes, and an apron tied on, Brock served a long, orderly queue.

“Hello, what would you like to eat?”

“One portion of Deep Gray rice snacks… some seaweed rice balls, and a special dish for my Pokémon too!”

“No problem.”

The queue moved along, and as Brock looked up, he found himself facing a man with a rather intimidating presence—two meters tall, red bare chest, thick with muscle and covered in battle scars.

Fighting-type Elite Four, Bruno!

“Rage Candy… do you have it?” Bruno asked in a deep voice.

“…We don’t serve Rage Candy in this region.”

“Oh…sorry to bother you.”

Bruno turned to leave, but suddenly heard someone nearby call out:

“Fresh Rage Candy here! Genuine Lake of Rage specialty, meow!”

Bruno’s eyes shone and he strode right over.

Brock: “…Next customer, please.”

Wearing casual clothes, Nessa glanced at the departing Bruno. “One milk pudding, please.”

Nessa was a world-famous model, in Lumiose City for Fashion Week—but today, she’d snuck away to sample the gourmet street.

Much like Bea, Nessa adored desserts but was strict about her figure.

This dark-skinned beauty had worldwide popularity.

No less so than “Shining Superstar” Elesa or “Film Star” Sabrina...

……

The first event of gourmet street was the Eating Champ contest.

“We're honored to present our top four contestants, including the ever-popular beauty, Jasmine!”

Jasmine wore a flowing white dress, orange twin braids, graceful and sweet. With a delicate hand on her skirt, she gave a shy wave.

“Miss Jasmine—!!”

Instantly, wild cheers exploded from her followers below the stage.

“Jasmine’s partner is her Steelix!”

Rumble!!

Steelix blotted out the sun, kicking up dust as it grinned at the viewers, leaving them wide-eyed for a moment before the crowd erupted in cheers.

“Our second contestant hails from Johto’s Goldenrod City, the self-professed beauty, Whitney, and her partner Miltank!”

Whitney bristled, baring her teeth. “I’m not self-professed, I’m the super popular beauty!!”

Natsume blinked in surprise.

I always thought Miltank was more recognizable than Whitney…

Or rather, mention Whitney, and you immediately think of Miltank...

The host continued:

“Our third contestant, Ash and his Snorlax—fourth, Paul and his Aggron!”

Ash’s eyes blazed. “Paul, let’s settle this!”

“Not interested.”

Paul, one hand in his pocket, replied coolly, “I was just passing through Lumiose City. Aggron felt like competing, that’s all.”

Aggron’s appetite was legendary, though still no match for Snorlax.

Normally, Paul would never have bothered with such a ‘pointless’ contest.

But as Natsume once said… all those daily moments are what nurture true bonds.

Natsume and Cynthia sat in the audience.

“Paul’s actually entering this kind of contest?” Natsume was astonished.

“Maybe it’s a change in attitude.” Cynthia smiled.

Natsume watched the stage.

Ash was devouring food, glancing guardedly at Paul from time to time.

Paul ate slowly and with much less intensity than in the past. He even allowed a faint smile when Aggron’s delight at finding a favorite flavor showed.

“Ash—good luck!” Bonnie cheered, Dedenne on her head.

“Yeah, go for it!” Serena joined in encouragement.

“We’re entering the climactic stage!” the host shouted. “Miltank and Aggron are struggling—it’s down to Steelix and Snorlax!”

“Steelix—!”

Jasmine dabbed her lips with a handkerchief; as she waited for more food, her gentle gaze sharpened.

“Steelix!”

“It’s here! Jasmine’s Steelix is going full throttle, devouring the giant pudding as fast as possible!”

The commentator and audience erupted in cheers.

“Snor...”

Ash’s Snorlax, starting to look sleepy, finished a bowl of Sitrus Berries and then let out a yawn.

Then, rubbing its belly, under the focus of a thousand eyes, it simply flopped down and fell asleep on the spot.

“Ash’s Snorlax has dozed off!” the host exclaimed.

“Snor~ zzz.” Snorlax slept deeply and soundly.

Natsume remarked, “Snorlax, yawn, nap, Sitrus Berry, leftovers!”

Cynthia blinked. “What?”

Natsume: “Pokémon haiku.”

I, Natsume, am none other than “haiku protégé” to Professor Oak! (Not really.)

In the end, Jasmine took the victory.

Paul recalled Aggron and walked away; Ash gazed after him, lost in thought.

That afternoon, the next event—delicious juice contest—began.

To everyone’s shock, Natsume’s stand was finally up!

The crowd swarmed, forming a wall around the booth.

Steenee and Alcremie, never having seen such a crowd, cowered behind Natsume.

“Just a small crowd,” Natsume said calmly as he sliced berries. “Let me make you a special Miracle Juice!”

Miracle Juice was the hallmark of the juice bar—in the games it could boost a Pokémon by five levels, stronger than any rare candy.

In reality, this drink was diluted to be just tasty—enjoyed by both humans and Pokémon.

Steenee let a drop of its juice fall into a dish and shyly handed it to Natsume while he watched.

A single drop of Steenee’s juice, even at a hundredfold dilution, could yield a supremely sweet drink—hugely popular in the Alola region.

Natsume couldn’t help but wonder.

Steenee and Alcremie could literally produce their own ingredients—truly a chef’s best helpers!

The base was a Roseli Berry and a rare Micle Berry, both prized ingredients.

With a bartender’s skill, Natsume grabbed a shaker and with practiced ease crafted the mixture.

Watching in the crowd, class-C Pokémon Connoisseur Burgundy was startled by his technique.

I’m nowhere near his level…

Natsume could easily qualify as a B-class, maybe even A-class bartender.

The Miracle Juice was done, shimmering in a cocktail glass and scented with berries.

Burgundy, swallowing nervously, found herself at the front of the line. “May I...try a cup?”

“Of course,” said Natsume.

Burgundy, hands trembling, raised the glass, sipped tentatively, and stared in shock.

A fruity bouquet, perfect sweet-and-sour balance, the ice blending perfectly...

Not even most A-class bartenders could match this masterpiece!

“Absolutely marvelous,” Burgundy sighed. She glanced at Natsume and the Gengar beside him.

“The bond between you and Gengar is like this perfectly blended juice—a true miracle!”

A Pokémon Connoisseur can gauge the bond between Trainer and partner. Ash and Pikachu were once called the “ideal partners” by bartender Cilan.

Natsume-sensei thanked her politely, and, hoping to fulfill Steenee’s dream, created more flavors of juice.

At sunset, the results came in for the “delicious juice” event.

Steenee trembled, clutching a phone and unable to look, and held it up to her shopkeeper: “Nee-foo~”

Shopkeeper, you… you see who won…

Natsume cleared his throat and checked the official site: “Second place: Meowth Stand, with Signature Orange Juice.”

The Rocket trio had a lot of experience selling berry juice and had their own recipes.

“And first place is…”

Steenee held her breath.

“…Who could it be?” Natsume teased. “Alcremie, what do you think?”

Alcremie: Ｏ(≧口≦)Ｏ

Stop drawing it out, shopkeeper!

“Ahem, first place: Rainbow Café, with Miracle Juice.”

Steenee stared for a moment, glanced at Alcremie, then spun around with joy as her leaves danced in the air.

“Alcremie~ (*≧▽≦)”

Yes! I won the championship with shopkeeper!

Alcremie was happy for Steenee, her jewel-like eyes sparkling with resolve.

“Ee-may…”

I want to make the world’s best cake—a cake everyone will love!

……

Night fell.

The main event of the day, the Cooking Duel, was held under the brilliant lights of Prism Tower.

Top chefs from every league duelled in pairs until the final ten took home the title of “Kalos Head Chef.”

Siebold already held that title, but to everyone’s shock, he was competing again!

And his rival was none other than the “Champion Head Chef” of the league—Natsume-sensei!

“Diantha’s main specialty is acting, Wallace’s is coordination, but Natsume-sensei’s is head chef… It all makes perfect sense!”

“The world runs on food! Taste the terror of Touran cooking supremacy!”

“Natsume-sensei is truly a god of food!”

In the first round, Natsume faced a Galar master chef, Pino, known for curries and mushroom soups.

All eyes were fixed on the arena. At the front was the ingredient selection zone, and left and right were the cooking counters.

Three judges sat at the sideline: Malva in fiery red sunglasses, the esteemed Ramos, and Clemont, Leader of Lumiose City.

Natsume: “…”

Even all the judges are friends… Is this actually fair?

“Let’s begin,” announced Elite Four Malva, hands folded.

Like every top Kalos trainer, Malva had her own main specialty—hers was news broadcasting…

For ingredients, the Galar chef Pino selected Bahamut Gold canned goods, coarse grind sausage, and super spice.

He made a spicy, flavorful curry rice worthy of a “Charizard” grade!

Siebold, already through to the next round, eyed the curry on the central table and narrowed his eyes.

Charizard-grade was the highest level of curry rice—managing it even once was a feat.

Even Siebold couldn’t guarantee that level of success every time.

Then he looked toward Natsume’s cooking station, making a small sound of surprise.

“Strange… is he making curry too…”

The three judges sampled Pino’s curry with care, soon nodding appreciatively.

Ramos grinned, “Top-quality ingredients, paired with just the right spicy curry sauce—a golden combo!”

Pino looked at Natsume with pride.

Natsume, you may be a Champion-level trainer, but cooking should be left to the professionals.

“Natsume-sensei’s cooking is ready,” announced the host. “He’s also gone for Pino’s specialty—curry!”

Pino stared, eyes riveted by the golden curry rice on Natsume’s station, the spicy aroma making the whole crowd’s mouths water.

A droplet of cold sweat slid down Pino’s forehead.

For a split second, the rising steam looked like a flying Moltres—the golden scent was as if bathed in flaming wings!

As they crossed paths, Pino heard a calm whisper.

“I haven’t been Charizard-grade for years.”

Complex layers of spicy berries made for an astonishing flavor.

Natsume named it—Moltres-grade!

The three judges stared at the shining curry, stretching out trembling spoons.

Clemont’s vision filled with a volcano, spiced curry erupting from the peak, a Moltres bursting out with a cry!

Beep—

The big screen revealed the judges’ vote.

“Three to zero! By overwhelming majority, Natsume-sensei advances to the next round!” The host was visibly shocked.

The crowd exploded in excitement.

Many came just as spectators, but never dreamed Natsume-sensei would shine as a real chef.

He even defeated a Galar master, and now had a shot at the title of Kalos Head Chef!

After a short intermission, everyone stared at the screen in disbelief.

It would be Natsume versus Siebold, Elite Four, in a showdown.

The winner would earn a place in the top ten—and the honor of the title!

The world watched.

Siebold and Natsume approached center stage and shook hands.

“Natsume-sensei…”

Siebold’s eyes flashed. “I’ve been waiting for this day, for a long time.”

“So have I,” Natsume replied, steel in his gaze.

Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma—a true duel with Elite Chef Siebold!

“Begin!” Ramos announced.

Some ingredients were self-supplied, some chosen on the spot.

“Looking at the choices, Siebold is going with his specialty—seafood!” the host announced.

“Natsume-sensei…is starting with tofu. Is he going for Touran-style cooking?”

Judging by his technique, Siebold quickly deduced Natsume’s intent.

Siebold’s gaze sharpened.

He wants to blend Touran style and spice to challenge a Kalos seafood dish!

How absurd. Spicy heat may excite the palate, but what lingers on the tongue… that is the magic of umami!

At his side, partner Octillery silently cleaned the catch.

Siebold revealed his trump ingredient: Octillery ink.

A strong, unique flavor, too much is overwhelming—but in small amounts, the ink could lift any seafood dish’s natural umami.

Siebold, confident in victory, raised his eyes to Natsume.

Natsume and his Sirfetch’d partner calmly worked with their ingredients.

“He’s flavoring with leek leaves?” Siebold frowned a little.

Farfetch’d’s leek was a prized delicacy; its pairing with tofu could yield fantastic chemistry…

He caught a whiff of spicy notes and arched an eyebrow.

But even “Moltres-grade” heat can’t stand against Siebold’s seafood!

Seconds ticked down on the big screen.

In the audience, Nessa pursed her lips.

She loved Siebold’s seafood—but also adored Touran-style cuisine.

What masterpieces would these two present?

Beep—

Time was up.

Natsume and Siebold finished their final touches at the same instant!

Siebold, in his white chef’s coat, glanced at Natsume inquiringly.

Natsume smiled, gestured “After you.”

Siebold nodded, spine straight, as he presented a covered dish to the judges.

Octillery balanced the dish with two tentacles, the rest crawling in support.

As the lid was lifted, the whole audience held their breath.

“Pungent Root seafood bisque.”

Siebold spoke calmly. “Please taste.”

Malva, who’d enjoyed Siebold’s food many times, inhaled and smiled. “I see you’re feeling challenged, Siebold.”

“In both battles and cooking, art is everything.”

Siebold answered placidly. “That’s simply my way.”

Malva shrugged, picked up her silver spoon, and tasted the creamy soup.

She savored it, eyes closed, then sighed. “Unimaginable… to go without your cooking would be true despair.”

“There’s something else behind the pungent root…” Ramos murmured.

Siebold’s lips curled. “That would be my partner Octillery’s ink.”

The crowd stirred.

“The ink brings out the umami—such creativity,” someone said.

Clemont nodded firmly. “It’s fantastic!”

All three judges scored it highly.

The crowd eyed Natsume-sensei nervously.

No matter how good, would he really outperform Siebold, the legendary chef?

At that moment—

Natsume and Sirfetch’d carried three covered bowls to the front.

With a slow flourish, the lids came off—and the audience gaped.

A glowing aroma enveloped the judges—a shining dish!

From Siebold’s stunned look, it was clear he hadn’t expected this.

Natsume spoke:

“My true specialty is not spice…”

His eyes gleamed. “It is berries.”

Siebold gasped.

Berries… The world of berries is endless—no chef could ever master them all.

Yet, when Siebold peered at Natsume-sensei’s dish, he could only gulp.

That shimmer of light was from a blend of Golden Razz Berry and two other golden berries!

“Miraculous Mapo Tofu.”

Natsume said, “Please enjoy.”

The judges exchanged glances.

At last, Malva, sweating nervously, brought a berry-laden tofu cube to her lips.

As the soup touched her mouth and trickled down, warmth flooded her chest.

It was spicy, but without bite—it didn’t shock stomach or palate.

It delivered all the classic sensations: heat, fragrance, tingling, silkiness—with one more note.

The dazzling tingle of Lightning Berry!

Malva snapped to attention.

As Natsume had claimed—he fused berry notes into the spicy base, unlocking all the secrets of Mapo Tofu.

It was as though she’d tumbled onto a soft, quivering cube, springing back as a cascade of spices and berries swirled around her. A giant figure—Natsume—swirled tofu and berries and even her, together, in his wok!

“Ahh…” Malva breathed, red sunglasses glimmering with tears, cheeks flushed. “No… No wonder it’s called miraculous!”

“Let’s vote,” Ramos declared.

“Yes!” Clemont nodded earnestly, lips stained red.

Buzz—

The crowd was stunned, then erupted in thunderous applause.

Siebold’s eyes went wide.

On the big screen: [2:1]—he’d lost!

The legendary head chef, defeated by the Champion chef!

By tradition, Natsume handed Siebold a spoon, inviting him to taste for himself.

“No need… I’ll go back and study harder, and hope to reach your level soon.” Siebold declined.

Natsume: ?

You’re not playing by the strategy script at all!

Half an hour later—

Natsume, James, and Brock all advanced to the top ten, winning the honor of “Kalos Head Chef.”

“I never thought the unbeatable Siebold would lose to you,” James sighed in relief. “Lucky I didn’t face him myself!”

“Phew… At least I got the title, I can report back to Forrest,” Brock said.

Natsume patted the trophy-holding Sirfetch’d and smiled.

“Sorry for the lack of hospitality!”

“Sirfetch’d! (′︿‵)” Sirfetch’d didn’t dare move at all.

There are so many chefs here—it’s too dangerous for a duck!

Let me go home, please~!