You tugged on your puffy dress  while you dusted the fabric. You didn't remember the last time you got to wear casual clothes. Since you passed most of your daytime in the kitchens or running after ingredients, what could be considered normal to see you in would be your uniform at your workplace. But today was different. You finally earned yourself a few days off after the Gourmet Summit, and you decided to take them as an opportunity to buy new tools and clothes.

Doing a 360 in front of the mirror, you concluded that you looked good enough to enter the largest city in the Human World: Gourmet Town. There was many points of interest, with Gourmet Town Central Station and Gourmet Towers where most of them earned 10 stars.

"All ready" you smiled at yourself in the reflection.

Leaving your apartment that was situated in an isolated part of a small town northeast to Hotel Gourmet, you made your way to the train station. From there, you would reach Gourmet Town in under half an hour. To your luck, it wasn't too crowded inside so you were able to read in peace. When you reached your destination's station, you were still left in awe at the splendor of this town even though you visited this place a lot of times.

Most of your personal cooking tools came from there, but they all add a cheap price of them so they would break easily. You couldn't afford really the professional ones since the average price was around five million yen. And those were made by industries who only had 3 stars. Even the drinks and the food they served there was hard to afford too.

"Where should I go first?..." you wondered after you paid the fee to enter.

You checked down on your list of things to buy. Most of them you could find at the Gourmet Department Store who was on the other side of the town. As always, the place was crowded with people that came from all around the world. However, you were more than surprised to come across Bishokuyas. There were a lot more of them than usual, and you wondered if there was anything special happening.

Humming sounds left from your lips as you browsed through the shelves, stopping in front of kitchen utensils that took your interest. Your fingers trailed over each of them as you continued to sing under your breath.

"A song that most hummingbirds chirp, isn't that right?"

"Eh?"

You stared to your left, and found an old woman with pink knot-tied hair. She has a small and hunched body, wearing a pink sweater with orange pants. Her wide wrinkled face showed a content smile while she gazed at you with her tiny eyes.

Though, your mouth opened in astonishment when you finally recognized her as Setsuno, one of the Gourmet Living Legends and one of the top five chefs in the world. You would have bowed there and now in front of her if your legs weren't frozen on the spot.

"Y-Y-You are...Setsuno-sama! I can't believe I'm meeting such an important figure in all the history of the Gourmet Age!" you exclaimed, bowing your head in respect at her.

"No need to act so formal around me, young lady. You can call me 'Setsunon'..." she replied with a shake of her head.

"O-Okay, then. Wow, there's so much I want to ask you. I greatly admire you since I'm a chef too-"

"A chef, hm?" Setsuno cut you. "Do you often hum too while you are cooking?"

"Huh...I don't really know. If I do it, it's completely unconscious" you answered to Granny Setsu. "Why asking that?"

"Oh, small talk you know? I heard you earlier while you were surveying the cutting boards, and it reminded me of an old chef that used to cook while humming. But, here I am jabbering like an old lady when you certainly have more important things to do than listen to old me..." she mused.

"Oh, no! It's a pleasure to talk with you, Setsunon. I'm more worried about wasting your own time, you see?"

"If it was the case, I wouldn't be talking to you" Granny Setsu scoffed, earning a sweatdrop from you while you muttered a 'Right' under your breath. "To be honest, I'm supposed to meet someone but as usual, he is late..."

"While you are waiting for him, you don't mind if I keep you company?"

"Of course not!"

You chattered with Setsuno for a long time while you were waiting for the person to show up. The two of you exchanged many stories and Granny Setsu gladly gave you some cooking tips. Though, at some point, a ruckus escalated from all around you. A man wearing some ninja clothes with a large bag over his shoulders came charging in your direction. Your eyes widened when you caught sight of Komatsu inside.

"Komatsu?!" you croaked in surprise.

"Outta my way, old lady!" the thief spat venomously at Granny Setsu.

"Geez, how unruly..." she muttered before swinging her cane and sent the man flying and crashing on the ground.

The content inside the bag came out and dropped on the floor, leaving the unconscious thief sprawled on it. Komatsu crawled his way out while rubbing his head in pain, and you knelt beside him to help him out.

"Are you okay, Matsu?" you inquired worriedly.

"(y/n)-chan? You're also here?" he groaned, wincing a bit. "Ow..."

"Komatsu!" yelled the voice of Toriko who finally arrived on the scene.

The Gourmet Hunter blinked when he caught sight of you, offering a wave of his hand and a toothy smile:

"Yo, (y/n)! Glad to catch you here too!" he said.

"Toriko-san!"

Wearing a plain white suit, the man looked cleaner than the last time you saw him. In fact, you could actually believe he was on some kind of date. But why would Komatsu be here too? Toriko's gaze traveled from you to Setsuno, who gaped at her in surprise:

"G-Granny Setsu!"

"You're late, Toriko" smiled the old woman, and you gaze between them back and forth. "I already finished all my preparations"

"You know each other?" you questioned.

"He's the man I was waiting for"

"Sorry. As you can see, we got wrapped up in a little mishap" the Gourmet Hunter rubbed the back of his head nervously.

Toriko made the introductions, and Komatsu couldn't help but quickly go into fanboy mode. All the while, Granny Setsu didn't stop glaring at Toriko as she scrutinized him.

"Toriko, you're really not proper" she hummed lowly with a disapproving look.

"Huh? But I'm dressed up in a suit and everything..." he argued, tugging on his yellow tie.

Toriko flinched and froze when Setsuno suddenly grabbed him and tugged the man down as if he weighted nothing. She brushed and replaced his hair so it looked like a pompadour. She smiled once she finished, blushing a bit:

"There we go"

"What the hell's this?!" he cried out.

"A proper appearance starts from the feet up" she told.

"But this is my head!"

"I really like it" the old woman sighed while a red tint appeared across her nose, bringing a hand upon her face. "I feel like I'm falling in love"

"Cut that out!" Toriko snapped, ruffling his hair until it was back the way it was.

"I have no intention of making food for people who don't know their manners. Today's reservation is canceled" Granny Setsu frowned, turning her back to Toriko.

"My apologies. Is this satisfactory?" he resumed, his hair now a more exaggerated version of the previous pompadour.

"You're quite a looker, Toriko" she giggled walking away with him in tow.

"So are you, Granny Setsu. You have quite the pretty face and have max attention to detail" Toriko complimented.

"What...is this?" Komatsu sweatdropped.

While you were waiting for Setsuno to finish buying things, Toriko told you that he actually waited four years to make a reservation with her. It was supposed that she only opened her shop once a month, only for the old woman to rectify this statement by saying it depended on the mood.

Once done, you were all on your way to Setsuno's shop through a subway transportation.

"So you're a chef, Komatsu-kun? Like (y/n)-chan right here?" Setsuno wondered.

"Yes. I work as the head chef at Hotel Gourmet. And (y/n) is my sous chef"

"IGO hotel, eh? Is Ichi-chan doing well?"

"I-Ichi-chan?"

"The IGO's president" Toriko told you. "Granny Setsu and that old man go back a long ways"

"We worked together when we were young" she explained.

"I've heard about Bishokuya looking for the best chefs, and chefs looking the strongest Bishokuya to form combos with. When he was young, the President used to be a famous Bishokuya" Komatsu continued, and Setsuno nodded once in awhile to confirm his statement. "Might it be that the chef that formed a combo with the President is..."

"Absolutely not" Granny Setsu interrupted him before he could finish his sentence.

"Okay, forget that" your friend facepalmed.

"I was with a man named Jiro"

"J-Jiro? You don't mean Knocking Master Jiro?..." you asked, and her face brightened at his name.

"Oh, you've heard of him?"

"Jiro saved both mine and Komatsu's lives"

"Is that right? Jiro would capture and I'd cook. We had a combo for quite a long time. We even went to Gourmet World together. We were even in love" Setsuno sighed happily as she recalled those precious memories.

"So romantic!" you blushed, entwining your hands together while both Toriko and Komatsu gave you weird looks.

"So that's why my hair's like this" Toriko groaned under his breath.

It was night when you came out of the air subway, following after Granny Setsu. Her restaurant was situated far from the center of the town, even though there are lots of chain restaurants owned by her. However, the statues of the famous chef they have all over them were embarrassing.

"We're here. This my shop" the old woman told when you arrived in front of a large building that could almost be considered as a castle.

"It's huge!" yelled Komatsu in amazement. "Isn't this a palace?!"

"Just what you'd expect for a Gourmet Human National Treasure's restaurant" you breathed.

"Guys, come on!" Toriko called, standing in front of a small, dilapidated restaurant.

"OVER THERE?!" you both cried in unison.

Though, you reminded to yourself to not judge a book by its cover. Granny Setsu flipped a wooden sign that spelled 'SHIIIN' to "WUAAH" before she entered the restaurant. You tilted your head at the odd sign, not really understanding its meaning.

"What does that mean?" you pointed at the sign.

" 'SHIIIN' means she's currently under preparations. 'WUAAH' means she's currently raking in money" Toriko explained.

"It has such an unpleasant meaning?!"

"Okay, you can come in, you three"

It was pitch black inside, but once she turned the lights on, you were taken aback by the normality of the room. It was a simple restaurant, looking like any cheap one you could find in your own village. The chairs, the tables...Even the cooking tools she used could easily be found anywhere.

"Welcome to the Setsuno Dining Hall. Now then, have a seat, guests" told Granny Setsu with a smile. "I've got a special menu for you today"

"Special menu?" you echoed as you entered the restaurant with Komatsu.

"Sit down, (y/n) and Komatsu. Whatever happens after this, we won't be able to leave these seats" said Toriko as he took a seat. "Even a meteorite falling on us won't be able to stop our meal"

"Well then, you're in for a treat" Setsuno chuckled. "The legendary soup, Century Soup!"

You almost fell backward by the way she said the name. Weirdly, it wasn't a rare occurrence for people to call out the name of the soup in such an extravagant way. While she prepared the meal, you decided to take a closer look of the place. On a wall were numerous sheets that showed up Setsuno's menu, all made up of high-class ingredients.

[ Hors d'oeuvre : Hundred Leaf Clover's Crispy Fried Sesame Tofu ]

[ Drink: Doham Spring Sake ]

[ Fish Dish : King Land Shark Grilled Sushi]

[ Main Dish : ET Rice Balls ]

[ Dessert : Oasis Melon Sherbert ]

[ Meat Dish : Ashurasaurus Roast ]

[ Salad : Grana Lettuce Caesar Salad ]

[ Soup : Magma Consomme Stew ]

They were all foods cooked with Knocking Master Jiro's Full Course. That explained why you felt a bit of déjà vu when you heard out her course.

"Supplying the ingredients for my Full Course is quite difficult. i don't usually serve it, not unless I request Jiro-chan to get it" Setsuno explained.

She finished to prepare bowls of Garlic Bird Oyakodon for you, and you saw by the corner of your eyes Toriko drooling a lot. The old lady only had the time to settle it down in front of him that it was already done. On your side, you decided to take your time to enjoy her dish, smiling at the taste of the Ten Yellow Egg she used in.

"There was a hint of Sesame Chestnut in it, right?" you asked, turning to Komatsu who confirmed your doubts.

"Yes. I could taste it in the oyakodon" he said.

"Hm? Quite an attention to detail you both got there. I added a tiny bit of crushed Sesame Chestnut in my soup stock" Setsuno turned to you two with a smile, showing in her hands the tiny ingredients.

"Well, I learned from the best" you giggled, earning a small blush on Komatsu's end.

"Nah, I'm simply learning a lot too! Besides, something like Seven Flavor Herb would go well with that, too, wouldn't it?" Komatsu offered to the old lady who hummed.

"That's an interesting notion...You've got a pretty good palate and good power of observation. Together with the qualities of a curious power of imagination and eroticism"

"No. Well...EROTICISM?!" your friend yelled out as he heard the last bit.

"She means you've got talent for erotic cooking, right?" Toriko asked sheepishly, the other sweatdropping at his words.

"What on earth is that kind of cooking?!"

"Okay, it's done. My special menu, Century Soup!"

Komatsu and Toriko stood up abruptly from their seats as Granny Setsu removed the lid of the pot. A strong and delicious smell came out of it, filling your nostrils and palate.

Though, you were taken aback when you caught sight of the inside of the pot and noticed that it was completely empty.

"Is its level of transparency so high that you can't see it? You can smell it, can't you?" Setsuno inquired.

"Uncountable ingredients suddenly leaped into my head!" Toriko exclaimed. "All those ingredients are condensed into the soup stock?!"

"Starting with many of this century's best ingredients cooked together for half a year...and removing all the harsh taste so only the savoriness of the stock remains...that is the Century Soup" the old woman continued, serving you the soup. "Now, here you are. Bon appetite"

"Itadakimasu!"

Tasting the first drops, your limbs froze in place as you favored the taste that exploded in your palate. Even though lots of different ingredients were packed into the stock, it didn't feel heavy at all. Instead, they came into your mind one after the other. A harmony of ingredients that could match the most emotional songs you could find in the world.

But that wasn't the sole reason it made you freeze completely. Because at the end of this delicious chain of savors, something was missing. It was faint, barely perceptible even for people like Toriko who has an inhuman sense of smell wouldn't perceive it. The Century Soup lacking an ingredient. Could you really fathom such an idea?

"So, how did you find the soup, guys?" Toriko asked, pulling the both of you out of your thoughts.

"It was earth-shattering delicious! Thank you so much Setsuno-san, for such wonderful soup!" Komatsu grinned.

"I will definitely have a refill" you said with a smile.

"I'm glad to hear that" chuckled Granny Setsu.

"The only ingredient in it I knew was Silk Bird remnants, though...Am I right?" your friend asked, causing the old woman to stare at him in surprise.

"And there are Mineral Coconuts in it, too, right?" Toriko added.

"Oh, that's it! I thought there was some taste I knew there. Just what I'd expect from you, Toriko-san!"

"Hm...Setsuno-san?" you gained the attention of the woman who turned to you inquisitively. "I don't want to sound rude. This Century Soup sure is delicious, but I feel like something's missing..."

The guys next to you blinked in surprise at your statement while something changed in Setsuno's demeanor. Her body stiffened for a second, and you thought you had offended her when she finally relaxed. In fact, the old woman looked glad that you pointed that out.

"Now that you mention it, I do feel like something should be added" Komatsu hummed as he took a closer look in the soup.

"You mean with its ingredients?" Toriko wondered.

"Toriko, Komatsu-kun, (y/n)-chan. Please, come with me. I'll show you around my preparation kitchen" Setsuno removed her chef hat and walked to the other end behind the counter.

She bent down and opened a trapdoor that was hidden, revealing a long staircase that led to deeper levels of the restaurant. Ones that you wouldn't never expect from a place like this, but you guessed it was how Granny Setsu liked to work. She explained to you all that the upstairs kitchen was just a place for the finishing touches on the cooking. Once reaching the bottom, Granny Setsu turned on the lights to reveal an enormous kitchen.

"Who would thought there'd be a place like this in the basement!" you breathed in awe, walking across the suspended bridge with Komatsu and Toriko.

"Is this where you do all the preparatory cooking?" your friend asked.

"You could say that the quality of cooking mostly depends on the preparation. This kitchen is underground, so customers can't see it, but it's the most important place supporting the shop. Normally, only staff are allowed in, though" the old woman stated.

"Thank you so much, Setsuno-san. For showing us such a precious..."

Komatsu couldn't finish his sentence that a giant gorilla banged the glass of a barrier. The beast was currently soaked inside a pot, looking a bit irked for an unknown reason. The young man let out a scream, backpedaling until he fell over the railing. To his luck, Toriko was able to catch him in time before he ended on the ground, flattened like a pancake.

"Come on, man. It's only normal that there'd be living ingredients here" the Gourmet Hunter shook his head at your scared friend.

"I didn't think there'd be wild beasts here!"

"A Spa Monkey?" you leaned over the railing to take a closer look at the beast. "It's soaked in hot water with yuzu...and preserved at exactly 42 degrees, creating the ultimate refreshing Japanese style soup stock"

SPA MONKEY (MAMMAL) CAPTURE LEVEL - 37

"Hm. The heat retaining mechanism isn't working right" Setsuno clicked her tongue, seeing that the thermos showed 20 degrees. "And the handle's been a little stuck lately"

A simple glance from her was enough to tell Toriko what he should do. Using his 2-Hit Nail Punch, the handle was pushed and warmth water flowed down from a faucet, raising the heat inside the Spa Monkey's tub. Granny Setsu then walked to a rope, swinging herself across the room to a lonely platform that led to another room. She hurried the three of you to come over:

"Is there any point to crossing like that?!" Komatsu said, looking bemused.

Toriko was next, and crossed the room while yelling like Tarzan. Then, he was followed after by Komatsu, who nearly fell twice on his way there. The rope was thrown back in your direction, and you gripped it hesitantly.

"You can do it, (y/n)!" Toriko encouraged with Matsu.

Exhaling, you jumped and swung yourself to the platform. However, you must have done it too hard that you almost reached the ceiling on the other side. Loosing your grip on the rope, your fall was luckily cushioned by Toriko catching you bridal style.

"Thank you, Toriko-san!" you smiled in relief as he put you back down on your feet.

"Setsuno-san, why is it you only open the shop once a month?" Komatsu inquired as he followed the chef and descended another long staircase.

"I told you, it's the mood. But when I say 'mood' I don't mean mine. It's the ingredients' mood" she answered. "Do you cook thinking that the chef chooses the ingredients? How presumptuous. If you think that, you're still only half a chef. It's the other way around. The ingredients choose the customers and the chef"

"The ingredients do?" you raised a brow.

"Day to day, I only ask how the ingredients moods are. Whether the shop is open or closed all depends on the ingredients"

You finally reached the area where the Century Soup was prepared. It was a simple room with a huge pot that boiled the legendary soup. Granny Setsu suddenly did a high jump, reaching the top in a matter of seconds. For someone old, she showed a lot of dexterity.

Toriko was already climbing by using a ladder, and you followed after him with Komatsu. It took some time, but you were able to make it. You were then greeted by the sight of various ingredients soaking inside the boiling water of the pot. You saw the Silk Bird remnants and the Mineral Coconuts both Toriko and Komatsu named before, and you also caught sight of Motor Onion in here, too. The two were too preoccupied to name the lineup of ingredients to hear Granny Setsu who was trying to get your attention:

"As you said (y/n)-chan, the soup is still incomplete" started the old woman. "Century Soup is something that originally comes from the natural world. A long time ago, Jiro-chan fetched some for me, and just that one mouthful was so delicious I could never forget it. This is the soup I made trying to imitate that"

"Really? Even though it's really delicious..." you murmured.

"It's not in me to reproduce it perfectly"

"Is it possible that the Century Soup in the natural world is even more delicious than this?" Komatsu wondered.

"It's hard to explain that taste, but both you and (y/n)-chan said it was missing something. The real deal needs another something, and I can't figure out no matter what I do. I brought you there because of any country's presidents, wealthy people and gourmets, not one of them has given an opinion on my cooking"

"I've been charmed by your sense of taste and sensitivity. I thought it might be possible to make this soup complete with the three of you"

"So...You brought us here to show us what the components of the soup stock were in detail" you concluded, earning a nod from Granny Setsu. "But..."

"Wouldn't you like to try it? The real Century Soup?"

"I wanna try it!" boasted Toriko. "How about it? You two wanna try the real soup, right?"

"Aye!" said Komatsu as you nodded.

"Then the time is right!" cried out Setsuno. "The Century Soup only appears once every hundred years. That's why it's called Century Soup. There's someone in town who knows about that information in detail. And Bishokuya are gathering from all over the world, wanting to get their hands on the soup. I'm sure you'd get hired in a heartbeat, Toriko. Take Komatsu-kun with you and go! Taste the real soup, and make a magnificent Century Soup with those hands!"

"And what about (y/n)?" Komatsu looked concerned about you. "You did say that she could complete it with us..."

"I was coming to that. Could I have a word alone with (y/n)-chan?" she demanded.

Toriko and Komatsu glanced at each other, before leaving and taking the ladder back down. Once she was sure they were away from a good distance, she turned to you with a smile:

"Tell me, (y/n)-chan. If you look at those ingredients, do you hear something?"

"Hear something?..." you breathed.

It all looked normal to you, but at some point you started to hear a buzzing noise. It sounded like multiple melodies colliding with each other, until your brain replaced them in order so it turned into a song. Unconsciously, you started to hum under your breath, digits fidgeting. Granny Setsu's grin widened at that, and returned in swiveling the legendary soup.

"How long have you been working under Komatsu-kun?"

"Around four years, I guess? I had my own little shop before I ended up at Hotel Gourmet. Unfortunately, it wasn't that popular and I was in dire need of money to at least keep myself well fed and a roof above my head. That's when Matsu found me. I first became his assistant, and slowly made my way up to become his sous chef..."

"I can see a bright future for you and that young man. However, both of you will choose different paths..." Setsuno mused. "Certainly you have noticed? About Toriko and Komatsu-kun..."

"Yes..." you gazed down. "I can't hide that I'm a bit...jealous. B-But not because Toriko-san seems to have more affinity with Komatsu or anything that sorts! It's just..."

"You also want that kind of thing with another person, right? You desire your own adventures and have your own merit?"

"I learned so much from Matsu...He is a genius, you know? Everything he has cooked...I couldn't help but be amazed. To see the people smiles after having one of his dishes...It reminded me of what I wanted to do in my life. I worked so hard to be where I am now, but sometimes I wish to do more. If only the manager and the director would give me this chance..." you murmured sadly.

"I understand perfectly" told Granny Setsu. "But as I said, you have a bright future ahead. You have special skills that aren't discovered yet, ones that will totally change the way the others see you. Not as an assistant or someone that do a side job, but as a true chef that leads its own creations from the ingredients' mood. It's useless for you to accompany them on their mission, since fate has decided to put those two together. You have another role in this story, and you have to find out by yourself"

"I...Thank you, Setsuno-san" you smiled, your mood having being lifted up a bit with her words.

"You should continue to practice in hearing the ingredients. They will put you on the right way"

Outside, the old woman waved goodbye to you three, and immediately the guys questioned on to why she wanted to see you alone. You avoided their questions, simply stopping to stand in front of them:

"I wish you good luck for the Century Soup, Toriko-san and Komatsu-kun" you said.

"You won't come with us?" asked your friend, looking sad.

"No. I have to stay at Hotel Gourmet" you shook your head. "While I'm supposed to be on a small vacation, there's nothing for me to do, so I feel a bit bored"

"Well, we won't force you into anything if you don't feel like it" shrugged Toriko, before he gave you a big smile. "We'll bring back the Century Soup with us, so don't worry"

"Sure you will" you giggled.

It has been days since the two left for Ice Hell. It was said that you could find the Gourmet Show Window, a frozen collection of rare ingredients preserved by Gourmet Nobles. Every century, geo-thermal vents melted the ice to produce the legendary Century Soup. It was a dangerous place, with extreme cold weathers and raging winds. Not forgetting the ferocious beasts, too.

You were a bit concerned for Komatsu, but you knew he was safe with the Gourmet Hunter. While they were gone, you practiced yourself to 'hear' the ingredients, even though you had no idea where to begin with.

"If only Setsuno-san didn't take reservations..." you sweatdropped, shoulders hanging low, before you shook yourself. "No, (y/n). There's no time to mop around! Get your butt inside the kitchen and-"

You stopped talking when you heard rapid footsteps coming down the hall. You let out a yell of surprise when you saw Komatsu bursting through the doors of the restaurant with Tina behind him.

"(y/n)!" your friend shouted, a determined expression on his face. "We have work to do!"

"M-Matsu!? You're already back?! Did you find the soup-"

"Aye! All we need is to remake it, and figure out the missing ingredient!" the young man took and hold your hands together, smiling brightly.

You blinked a few times, completely taken aback and mind going blank. Everything was happening so fast you couldn't possibly catch up. Your reverie was interrupted by a constant poking in your knee, and you looked down to see the cutest animal that you ever laid your eyes on: a baby Wall Penguin. It flailed its arms around, very energetic.

"Yun yun yun!" it squeaked cutely and cheerfully.

"Oh my god, you're so cute!!!" you almost screeched, gathering the little guy in your arms. "What are you doing here?"

"This is Yun, who is now under my care after Ice Hell" Komatsu said.

"Well, this cute baby must be hungry, hm?" you cooed with a blush, tickling the Wall Penguin's belly.

"Yun yun yunnn! Yun yun!" Yun nodded eagerly.

"My, he really has no sense of wariness. Already attached to you" your friend grinned.

The young man told you everything that happened: the people he met there like a man named Match and his subordinates, all working in the Gourmet Yakuza. There were searching the soup so they could give it to the orphans of Nerg City, a slum district in the Jidar Kingdom. There was also a Gourmet Knight that went by the name of Takimaru, who hoped to earn enough money to buy a medicine to cure a friend by finding the soup.

Then Komatsu explained the arrival of three Bishokukai, who were sent to Ice Hell to capture the Century Soup. However, only a small quantity was left before it was taken down by a Gourmet Reviver, none other than the grandchild of Knocking Master Jiro, Teppei. A very weird and talkative guy, from Komatsu's opinion, but very strong.

Injured in the fight against Gourmet Corp., they went to the country of Life along with Toriko, who lost an arm, to be healed. It was still unknown for how long it will take for it to heal, or even return to normal.

"Sounds like a lot happened...But if they left you the fate of the Century Soup in your hands, then we can't disappoint them!" you stated. "Let's make this soup- Why are making a face like that?"

"Century Soup...~"

Komatsu's face was contorted in a weird expression, one that you never saw before. He was smiling so big that it deformed his cheeks. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt him at all. The two of you didn't waste any time, and went on the preparation of the Century Soup. Komatsu made many tries, but the result was far from what he tasted in Ice Hell.

Long hours working in the kitchen turned into days, then into months. Your friend's fatigue and exhaustion had almost reached its peak, with no concluding results.

"I don't understand. I can't get it right. There's something else missing, but what?" he muttered under his breath.

"What about Setsuno-san? Did she say anything when you visited her?" you asked over your shoulder as you prepared some carrots.

"Well, she told me that the voices of the ingredients will guide me to the correct answer...I'm supposed to be halfway there, she said"

"I can say she has a point. It taste almost the same as Setsunon..."

Komatsu decided to take a small pause, sitting down on the floor and exhaling a fatigued sigh. You could feel the distress from him as he fell deeply into his own thoughts. You started to hum to yourself as you cut a Mineral Coconut, your other hand fetching a few red peppers.

Unknown to you, your friend stared at your back and blinked owlishly. The truth is that Granny Setsu told him something else concerning you.

"That sous chef of yours...Start to see her as an equal"

"Huh? But I already do-" Komatsu stammered.

"I know that. But make it clear to everyone else. The ingredients and that girl with guide you to the answer you seek of the Century Soup. In fact, try to see a certain pattern of hers..." Granny Setsu smiled knowingly.

A pattern. The only one that came into his mind was when you were singing under your breath, or simply humming. Something that you were doing at that right moment. His eyes wandered to the ingredients, and concentrated with all his might on them.

That's when he heard it. Faint, but there. He stood up abruptly, eliciting a small cry of surprise from your part.

"(y/n)-chan, no matter what, don't stop!" he said with a newfound vigor as he grabbed some ingredients on the table.

"Huh? Stop what?" you said, blinking dumbly.

"That humming of yours!"

Puzzled, you did as told with a shrug. Not too long after, you were staring at your friend in amazement as he worked on the Century Soup. He was working fast and looked like he knew which ingredient to use, and in which order. It took a few hours before he was done, and took the tablespoon to have a taste.

A large smile formed on his face, turning to you with bright eyes:

"It's done! We have reached Setsuno-san's Century Soup"

"Really?!"

Taking a mouthful, you confirmed that it had indeed the flavor as Granny Setsu's legendary soup. Yet, you were now having the same problem as hers: the last ingredient. But at least Komatsu was one step away from completing the soup.

Around a week later, the young man was still struggling in finding out the last ingredient.

"I simply have no idea..." mumbled Komatsu, looking beaten up for not having a proper sleep for months.

"Take a break, Komatsu. You're going to faint if you continue like that..." you advised in worry.

The door of the kitchen batted open, and Yun's head popped out behind it. He was unsure if he was allowed to enter, and Komatsu sent a smile in his way.

"Sorry for always keeping you waiting" he said. "You must be hungry, right? It's not complete yet, but would you like to try some?"

He placed down a bowl filled with the soup, and the Wall Penguin waddled his way to it, chirping happily. Yun hovered the soup with a bit of drool at the corner of his beak. Time slowed down as a small drop of his saliva fell into the soup, and a beautiful aurora came out.

Both you and Komatsu stared in shock, completely bewildered. Tina, who was filming the whole making of the dish, appeared at the entrance of the kitchen. She, too, was shocked and stood mutely there.

Komatsu's hand trembled when he lifted the spoon, and lifted the liquid to his lips. Testing the savoriness, his shoulders shook and that strange face from before returned.

"(y/n)~...The soup is dooooone~" your friend cooed, and you gaped at him.

"What the hell with your face?! What's the matter in the end with this soup?!"

"Taste it and you will seeeeee~"

Using another spoon, you gathered some in it and brought it into your mouth. Flavors of all kind filled your mind, leaving you breathless. Your face moved on its on to replicate Komatsu's dumb and dopey smile, an ungracious noise leaving your lips.

"That's the best soup I ever tasted, Komatsu-kun~" you cooed. "So this is the Century Soup? My face is a mess now~"

"After feeding on the Century Soup for generations, its flavor must have soaked into their bodies" he spoke after his face reverted back to normal, facing the Wall Penguin. "It's a high-quality saliva like a swift's nest"

"Yun, yun yunn!" he sing-sang, the first notes sounding just like your humming. Komatsu crawled to Yun and hugged him close, tears gathering at his eyes.

"Thank you, for choosing me..." he breathed, and the Wall Penguin looked beyond content.

When the news were released about the completion of the Century Soup, the media swarmed in at Hotel Gourmet. Lots of reporters and TV shows wanted to speak with Komatsu, asking questions after questions. Even a member of the G-7 was sent to have a taste from the chief nations of the IGO.

However, tonight was reserved to friends and special guests. You were waiting patiently in the restaurant who was rented out for the night, a table and a few chairs gathered in the center of the room.

You smiled brightly as they finally arrived, Komatsu leading the way. He was followed by Toriko, who recovered his arm, with Coco, Tina and Rin. Setsuno was there too, and six men you never saw before.

"(y/n)-chan! I want to introduce you to our new guests: this is Match-san and his subordinates Ram, Shin, and Louie" Komatsu told, mentioning to the blonde man with the scars on his face, and three men standing behind him in black suits.

"Nice to meet you, ma'am. I've heard a lot from you by chef Komatsu" Match bowed his head.

"Nice to meet you too. I've learned about the condition of the children from Nerg, and I personally made Gourmet Cases filled with the Century Soup to deliver to them once you get back" you said. "And I might have added a few desserts and sweets here and there, too..."

"(y/n)'s cupcakes are the best around here, you'll end up jealous of the kids" Toriko barked a laugh, earning a blush from you by his praise.

"How kind of you and chef Komatsu to do that for us" he smiled gratefully.

"And finally, this is Teppei and Takimaru" Komatsu finished, pointing to the two last men, one with bright green hair and another with a blue stripe painting down his right eye.

The two greeted you with a smile and a nod, before everyone was led to seat down on the chairs. You served the soup to the guests, and stood at the side with Komatsu for them to savor the dish:

"Now then, everyone. Please enjoy the Century Soup" Komatsu bowed with a smile.

"I give thanks to all of the ingredients in this world...Itadakimasu!" said Toriko as he placed his hands in a praying manner.

They all lifted the lid of their plates at the same time, and the aurora came out, bathing them with its warmth and gentleness. One after the other, they tasted the Century Soup. Your eyes widened when the same dumb smile appeared on their faces, laughing at each other from making such an expression.

Coco, to preserve his dignity, had slammed his head between his arms, hiding it in the tablecloth. But you knew it was hard even for him to keep himself from smiling that way.

"Everybody's making bawdy faces!!" shouted Komatsu.

"What's with this?" Match laughed at his subordinates.

"You're doing it too, Match-san"

"You're making a pretty entertaining face, aren't you, Coco?" Setsuno inquired, elbowing teasingly the Gentleman.

"I'm embarrassed" came the muffled reply of the Heavenly King.

"I'll give an actual tasting report, too!" said Tina, turning off her camera. As you expected, she too made the same face with Kruppoh.

"Komatsu!" stated Toriko, earning the attention of the chef. "Is it okay for me to put it in my Full Course?"

"T-The soup that someone like me made?!" your friend started to cry.

"What're you crying about? I'm the one asking, Komatsu"

"It'd be an honor!" he sniffed.

"You're crying too much, man. Eat some soup"

Yun came out from his hiding spot behind a column, waddling his way to you and Komatsu. You lifted the little guy in your arms, giggling as he started to poke your face with his beak.

"A Wall Penguin? So as I thought, it was you?" Setsuno mused when she caught sight of the cute animal. "The key to completing the soup, that it"

"How'd you know about that?" asked Komatsu.

"When you've been a chef for as long as I have, you know. When an ingredient is meeting you halfway, at least"

"Part of this little one was the final component of the soup. But more importantly, (y/n) also put me on the right track" Komatsu grinned as he turned to you.

"Me?" you pointed at yourself in disbelief.

"I don't know why, but simply with your presence it helped me to choose carefully the ingredients. Not only that, but I could hear them better with your humming"

"H-Humming? Me? Really?"

"I did say you would have a role in this, didn't I? While you haven't realized it by yourself yet, I can tell you have grown a lot" said Granny Setsu.

"So, are you going to apply for a patent on the soup? Special forms of cooking can have special recipe rights recognized for them" said Teppei.

"No, I don't think I will" answered Komatsu, petting Yun's head. "If I get a patent, I'll have to reveal the recipe to the public. The Wall Penguin is an endangered species, so I'd be worried they would be over-hunted. Also, it's an item on Toriko-san's Full Course. I'll protect it dearly!"

"That's just like you, Komatsu-kun" you smiled.

"All right, then!" Toriko declared. "I can gather the components for it any time, so leave that to me, Komatsu! With the BB Corn as an hors d'oeuvre to get the tension up and get the stomach excited, it will suddenly be answered...with the Century Soup! So thank you to the both of you, Komatsu and (y/n)"

"Toriko-san..." sniffed your friend, crying his eyes out.

Everyone cheered for the soup and the new added dish to Toriko's Full Course. In the following days, Hotel Gourmet had a flood of reservations and climbed up the ranks by one star. Komatsu's and your name became known across the world, surprising you that you would even be mentioned in the making of the legendary soup.