You were beyond excited. You learned a while ago that Puffer Whales had returned to the shore of the Cavern Lagoon. They appeared there to mate every 10 years, and you desperately wanted to accompany Komatsu and Toriko in their travel. Confident that you could handle this ingredient easily, and knowing your delicate way of taking care of aliments, your friend accepted. Toriko never minded, as long as you were aware of the possible danger that could happen by coming with him.

Your group was now taking a train to a small town near the coast of the continent named Gourmet Fortune. There was someone there that could make the task easier in capturing and preparing correctly the Puffer Whale. Toriko didn't mention anything more about this person, strangely.

You finished the final touch to your blueberry cake accompanied by a strawberry salad with pieces of cheese that came from a Rodent Cow. It was actually a mix between a mouse and a cattle, and when milking from the animal, it created a creamy white cheese that melted in the mouth upon contact. You could also solidify it to make almost anything else, but it was better in its natural state.

"Here you go, Toriko-san!" you smiled, pushing the tray to the other side of the table.

"Look yummy! Itadakimasu!" the Gourmet Hunter smiled, already digging in the cake.

"You make the best strawberry salad!" said Komatsu, his cheeks puffed as he ate down the cheese. "The flavors even mix well together between sweet, spicy, and sour"

"It was a special recipe of my grandmother. She's the first one to discover about the uses of the Rodent Cow...Though, people found her weird and were considerably questioning her behavior towards the cattle in the first place..." you sweated at the last part.

"In any case, it makes a good dessert for a long trip like this one!" Toriko enriched.

"ALREADY DONE?!" you shouted in unison with Komatsu.

"Aw, I didn't even have the time to taste the blueberry cake!" whined the latter. "And are you planning on drinking all they've got too?!"

"It's so good, I'm just happy!" laughed heartily the hunter. "I can't stop thinking about how we'll be meeting that legendary fish soon! How about you two?"

"Of course!" nodded with a smile Komatsu. "It's only once every 10 years that the Puffer Whale, the rarest of flavors in the deep seas, shows itself in shallow waters. It happens right around this time of the year. With its extremely delicate body, it has fatty meat similar to that of a large tuna"

"Adding to it an incredible flavor. I just can't wait!" you said.

"But even more so than your desire to eat it, you both are interested in the people that prepare it, right?" asked Toriko.

"Yeah. I want to be able to cook it too by checking out the cooking skills of the people who prepare its meat, since removing the poisonous parts is really difficult"

"Only a select portion of the meat is suitable for consumption" mumbled Komatsu.

"It is said that there are only about 10 people in the world who can handle it" the hunter pointed out, drinking down one of the bottles offered by the company.

"But won't the person that we're going to meet also be preparing the meat?"

"OI!" yelled a sudden voice next by your ear, making you flinch in pain.

You turned your head to face the man who just shouted, and froze in slight fear at his appearance. He looked like a caveman, to be honest. And wasn't this guy the one who spoke of his skills in terms of a RPG levels and statistics?

"I thought there was more sake in this place...but you guys have ordered it all!" the man spat. "Drinking up all of my stuff, just who do you think you're dealing with?! It is I, the Bishokuya Zongeh-sama!"

"Huh?" questioned Toriko totally clueless, taking a look at the bottle of sake he was holding.

"Hey, hey! Look upon it and be amazed! Zongeh-sama's Lifetime Full Course Menu!" said one of his men, showing the menu.

They were all everyday ingredients, you noted with a sweatdrop. Zongeh continued to threaten Toriko who simply stood up with a smile, looking down at the other Gourmet Hunter. Zongeh stopped talking, finally noticing the height comparison. He didn't even reach the middle of Toriko's chest.

The man looked terrified for an instance when the blue haired hunter put a hand on his shoulder, handing over the sake:

"Take as much sake as you'd like. My bad, Zombie-kun" he said.

"Oh, ok! You're lucky I'm in a forgiving mood today!" Zongeh huffed. "And it's 'Zongeh', by the way..."

They retreated after taking the boxes of sake, with Zongeh's men crooning about how their leader showed off to Toriko. The hunter took back his seat, opening another bottle.

"The rest of the people on the train are Bishokuya, all with their sights set on the Puffer Whale. There's a good chance that we'll all be competing with each other once we're on site, so inquiries into the motives of the other people have started already" explained Toriko. "If a situation arises here, everyone else will be intimidated"

"Then why did you give them the alcohol?" asked Komatsu.

"Even if people will be competing with one another, it is good to let them become acquainted and stir up some common empathy. We need to look out for each other. There are some things that we just can't do by ourselves"

"Even that guy...?" you thought with a deadpan, but blinked when an old man showed up at your table.

"Could I have some sake?" he asked with a pink tint line across his nose.

"Sure" shrugged Toriko.

"Here you go" Komastu offered, making the old man chuckle.

"Thank you very much, sir! And is that strawberry salad? You don't mind if I take it?"

"Of course not! There's more I can make, so you can take as much as you like" you smiled, handing him the bowl.

"Thank you, young lady. I will pay back the debt...someday..." the old man hiccuped.

Arriving at Gourmet Fortune, everyone exited the train. The hunters on board were already gone to the Cavern Lagoon, while your group remained in the town to search for the person Toriko spoke about.

"There's someone who can prepare the Puffer Whale in this city, right?" you questioned, walking behind Toriko.

"There aren't any people around" Komatsu noted the lack of life in this town.

"There should be beasts roaming around freely at the moment" Toriko showed a sign with the face of a monster engraved in it. "Fortune tellers have predicted that the city will be overrun with wild beasts. While that's happening, all the people hide in their homes"

"Speaking of which, the prophecies about the appearance of the Puffer Whale also originated in this village. So there are fortune tellers who are that talented..."

The ground suddenly shook with tremors, and you gasped at the shock. A gigantic beast with wings appeared at the corner of the street, roaring loudly. It was a Kuendon.

KUENDON (PTEROSAUR) - CAPTURE LEVEL 10

The beast was almost as tall at the buildings around it. Komatsu freaked out behind you, while Toriko remained calm. The Kuendon's eyes widened when a man appeared at the distance, wearing a long cloak. He was muscular and tall, wearing a black suit with green bands wrapped in specific parts of his body, with also a green turban around his head.

You gulped, a small blush rising to your cheeks as he got closer. You could see more clearly the features of his face, and he was handsome. Prominent sideburns that ran down the angles of his jaw, light brown eyes that made your heart skip a beat.

The man passed the Kuendon, not even paying one minute of attention to it. The beast opened its mouth, about to take a bite.

"Watch out!" the words escaped your lips quickly.

However, the moment the beast leaned closer to attack, it froze on the spot. The man continued to walk in your direction, while the Kuendon left the area quietly. It wasn't interested in him anymore, just like this.

"What...happened?" breathed in shock Komatsu.

"Just as I predicted...an unpleasant guest has arrived" the smooth voice of the man spoke as he stopped in front of Toriko. The two of them eyed each other, before they smirked in unison.

"I'm glad that we ran into you here. Nothing less could be expected from the Gentleman of the Four Heavenly Kings, Coco!" replied Toriko.

"The Heavenly Gluttonous King, Toriko! It has been a long time" said Coco.

"Four Heavenly Kings?!" shouted in shock Komatsu.

"You yell way too much, Komatsu!" nagged Toriko. "Everybody always knows what you're thinking, that's for sure. Curb your tweakouts"

"S-Sorry, it just slipped out..."

"Don't worry about it" said Coco, examining up and down your friend. "A man of too much integrity is shunned by others. People with quirks are more likable. Your social awkwardness and lack of of class make you quite endearing..."

"What a back-handed compliment!" whispered/shouted Komatsu.

"And I see that you brought a lady...?!"

Coco stood frigid on his spot when his gaze fell on you. The man blinked a couple of times, as if to diminish the shock effect of seeing you. You tilted your head to the side, wondering what he could be thinking at this right moment. A soft smile decorated his lips, and you swore that your heart stopped beating at this gesture.

"My apologies. I didn't really predict the encounter with a delicate flower whose presence is always shadowed by prettier women. Though, your cuteness reminds me of a small bunny" Coco smiled with his eyes closed.

"WHAT PART OF HIM IS A GENTLEMAN?!" you snarled as you stared at Toriko, pointing at the rude jerk accusingly. Coco couldn't help but chuckle.

"Just as I predicted. It's quite cute actually to see such a small cub trying to act like a lion"

"Never mind the Puffer Whale! Don't tell me we were waiting for this guy?!"

"Who was just hollering out here?" a voiced pipped out.

"They didn't have an ounce of class!"

"Is the monster gone?!"

"Uh-oh..." Coco sweated, his face paling.

One by one, the townsfolk exited the safety of their homes to see what the commotion was about. Not a second later, a mob of women perked up at the sight of the handsome jerk, and the others who weren't swayed by his attractiveness beamed brightly.

"Look! It's master Coco!"

"Coco!"

"You scared that big monster off for us, didn't you?!"

"EEKKK! MASTER COCO!! ♡ ♡ ♡ "

The reaction was immediate. The women of the town swarmed around the Heavenly King like flies attracted to shit a delicious fruit. Coco lifted his hands in surrender, pleading the ladies to not touch him.

"Oooh, you're always so amazing, Coco! ♡ "

"You're the best! ♡ "

"Coco, read my fortune! ♡ All about my future with you! ♡ "

"What are you talking about?! Coco and I have a date...to read my fortune! ♡ "

"What date?! You haven't gotten anywhere with him, you ugly hag!"

"K-Knock it off, ladies! Please stop touching me!" Coco tried to yell over the commotion.

"Who are you calling a hag?!"

"That's enough! I'm not reading any fortunes today! T-Toriko! Let's get outta here! We'll discuss things over a meal at my place! ACK! No grabby hands!"

You brought a hand over your mouth, chuckling at the Gentleman's misery. You felt a bit sorry for the poor man, but he was rude to you just a while ago. Though, the women there certainly had their reasons to be head over heels in love with him. You were interrupted by the sudden sound a cash register out of nowhere, and you looked at Toriko who had a serious expression on:

"Meal?" he repeated, a brow raised.

You cried out in unison with Komatsu when the hunter leaped like a tiger to save Coco, lifting him easily under his arm and shooing away the fangirls.

"NOW LOOK HERE!! 'Coco! Coco!' " the Gourmet Hunter imitated them exaggeratedly (well, it sounded like the real thing it was terrifying). "You sound like a bunch of hens! Git! You heard me?! GIT!!! He's got important business to take care of right now!!"

"Eeeek! Who's Mr. Muscles?!"

"Some lout!"

"A caveman! YUCK! STAY AWAY!"

"He's a barbarian!"

The women ran away with their tails between their legs, shrieking all the while. Toriko huffed as he put down Coco, who muttered a thank you that came out a bit muffled. You burst out of laughing again, your shoulders shaking.

The four of you left the town, taking a path that you would lead you to Coco's home. Komatsu was still thinking about how the women back there called Toriko a barbarian, and chuckled under his breath.

"They called you a caveman, even though you're famous!" your friend exclaimed, and Toriko simply rolled his eyes.

"Shut up. Why would I care if they call me a caveman? Why do you let those hens flock around you anyway, Coco?"

"They're my divination clients. Forgive them" Coco slightly shuddered at the memory, keeping his head low.

"Coco-san, you also tell fortunes?" you asked, walking beside the tall man.

"That's my main line of work in this town" he smiled down at you.

"Heh. Bet the old man is really disappointed" chuckled Toriko. "By the way, what's Zebra up to?"

"Arrested. Right now he's in Gourmet Prison"

"Ha! So he finally got caught? That delinquent!"

"The Bureau Chief was probably torn up about sentencing him like that. But it had to be done" sighed the Gentleman.

"This sure brings back old memories...The four of us living on the edge, back when we trained in the garden"

"Stories of days gone by...Look, there's my house"

You walked at the edge of the cliff, gazing forward to see indeed a small cottage and a tower perched on a column of rock amidst a thick forest. You thought it looked rather peaceful and beautiful.

However, how exactly would you reach the house? This question was quickly answered when Coco whistled and called the name of 'Kiss'. Not a second after, a dark shadow hovered your group, taking the form of a large crow that descended the heavens to greet its master.

EMPEROR CROW 'KISS' - CAPTURE LEVEL UNKNOWN

"C-Crow monster?!" cried out Komatsu.

"Kiss! Down, boy" Coco motioned to the beast, who settled down next to the tall man.

"Well, well. The bully of the skies--the Emperor Crow, eh? I thought they were extinct" said Toriko, clearly impressed by the sight of this majestic creature.

"Kiss is family. Say hello" Coco pat the black feathered coat of the bird who cawed in response.

"So...beautiful..." you breathed, approaching the crow who rose itself at the maximum of its height. "Can I...?"

You squeaked in surprise when the bird suddenly nudged its head against your cheek, rubbing the rough beak. You swore that it somewhat purred for a few seconds. Coco was taken aback by Kiss's sudden display of affection, but shook his head as he walked toward the Emperor Crow.

"Kiss, can you carry four people?"

A caw from the crow, and Coco hummed in understanding. He turned to face Toriko and Komastu, stating:

"We will have to make 2 trips. I will start with you both, and then I will return to get (y/n)-chan..."

"Eh?! How do you know my name?!" you cried out in surprise, and the fortune teller simply smirked. "Oh, right. I forgot that you could make fortunes. My bad..."

Both Toriko and Komatsu climbed on top of Kiss with Coco, and took off to his home. Just like he said, the Gentleman returned with the crow after the other two landed on the column. Coco extended his hand for yours to take, and you gulped uneasily.

Admiring the beast flying was a thing, but flying on top of it was completely another. Sensing your discomfort, Coco gave a small smile:

"You have nothing to worry. Kiss can hold us both"

"That's not what I'm concerned about!" you huffed, taking his hand. "I'm afraid of-HEIGHTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS"

You didn't even have the time to sit down that Kiss was already off, flying in the direction of Coco's house. Your arms automatically enrolled around the man, your limbs too short to even embrace him fully.

You ditched your head forward, nose digging into his back so you wouldn't have to look down. If you did, you would let go and probably fall to your death. You didn't notice the way Coco flinched when your body came in contact with his, or how his cheeks took a reddish color before it faded down as quickly as it came.

He relaxed his muscles, careful to control his powers so the male wouldn't hurt you in any way. You braced yourself when Kiss landed right next to Coco's house, Toriko and Komatsu who were probably already inside by now.

"Are...we there....?" you asked, voice muffled through Coco's suit who chuckled.

"Yes, we are" he answered, staring down at you.

You slowly removed your face from its hiding place, taking a small look at your surroundings to confirm it was safe. Your eyes wandered back to meet Coco's, and that's when you remembered a certain detail that you witnessed earlier.

You blushed in embarrassment, pushing yourself abruptly from the Heavenly King who blinked in confusion and his expression became slightly panicked when you tumbled off the Emperor Crow with a yelp.

"I'm s-s-so sorry! I know you don't like to be touched! I d-didn't mean to get you uncomfortable, Coco-san!!" you squeaked, gesturing wildly.

The Gentleman watched you for a while, until a snicker escaped his lips. It turned into a full blown laughter which caused to become even more embarrassed on your part. He sighed after he calmed down, and gave you a small smile that made your heart throb a little bit. He looked...so sad, for a moment.

"It's alright. Let's go in before Toriko decide to eat everything I have" Coco mused, descending the crow.

After waving goodbye to the majestic beast who returned to the heavens, you followed after Coco in his humble home.

"I think the Rainbow Fruit is a good choice for the dessert. It's just as I saw it in my premonition" said Coco as he served tea. He glowered then at the glutton who didn't stop eating since he arrived. "Do you think you could be a little more refined?"

"How are things with you?" Toriko changed the subject. "Did you finish your Lifetime Full Course Menu?"

"Ah, my menu..." nodded the man with a smile.

Coco started to enumerate his list on his menu, which was as classy as you thought it would be. The soup was made from the tears of a Lee Dragon. Then there was the Breo Swordfish Steak for the seafood dish. As for the meat, it was a G2 Phoenix. The salad and the dessert were respectively Neotomato and Domrom Fruit.

A menu with a fine balance of nutrition.

"I haven't yet decided upon the hors d'oeuvre, the main course, or the drinks" continued Coco, sipping his tea.

"Every ingredient has a high capture level. You can't even put a price on them" breathed in amazement Komatsu.

"But that's not what you came here to discuss with me, is it? Actually, you came here with a request...for me to help you capture the Puffer Whale. Right?" he turned to look straight at Toriko.

"As could be expected, getting right down to business, huh?" chuckled the blue-haired male.

"It's quite a difficult task. The Puffer Whale's poison is so deadly that if you took in as little as .2 milligrams, you would die"

"Yes. If you puncture a poisonous gland, the meat will be exposed to the toxins, and you won't be able to eat any of it" added your friend. "That's why it's so difficult to prepare. The meat has become poisoned oftentimes in the past and been acquired on the black market"

"Anyway, the fact that people eat it despite knowing that it might kill them means that it must be good!" dismissed the Gourmet Hunter.

"My chances of successfully capturing one and then being able to remove the poison glands are only 10%" warned Coco. "Basically, a 1 in 10 chance"

"Those odds are good enough for me! If I were the one doing it, we wouldn't succeed even once"

"And there's some more bad news" That made pause Toriko in his eating as he gazed at Coco. "The Puffer Whale lays its eggs at a depth of 800 meters. They are concealed deep within a labyrinthine, beasts filled cave. But the most dangerous among them is that demonic beast, straight out of hell, the Devil Snake"

"Devil Snake?!" you echoed, planting your hands on the table..

"Yes. The Battle Wolf, praised as the strongest creature since ancient times, is on par with its ferocity"

"Ha! Yeah, I can see why it might be dangerous" Toriko chuckled. "Have you had any premonitions about us? Have you seen our imminent deaths? Can you see the shadow of death?"

Coco's eyes widened for an instance, until he scrutinized each of you. There was only silence between you, and that's when the Gentleman suddenly smiled.

"How long has it been since I have done the work of Bishokuya?"

"Does that mean...?" trailed Komatsu, overjoyed.

"I guess I'll join you"

"I expected no less, Coco!" Toriko fist-pumped.

Now more eager for the trip, both Komastu and Toriko went on a long discussion about how they would celebrate once they get back. However, you noticed the uneasy gaze of Coco lingering on your friend with a frown. And not only him. You too.

"Is there something wrong, Coco-san?" you wondered, pulling the man out of his trance.

"Oh. No! I was just deep in thoughts" he answered, the smile on his lips not reaching his eyes.

You decided to leave it there, unknown to you that the Heavenly King could actually see the shadow of death above your head.