"Perfect timing," Setsuno said with a smile. "Let's taste yours and see how it differs from mine."
Kael didn't refuse. Everyone present was someone he acknowledged. Sharing a bowl of Century Soup wasn't an issue. If he didn't approve of someone, however, they wouldn't get a single drop.
Soon, several small bowls were placed in front of them.
Kael had already tasted some earlier. His Gourmet Cells had activated again—this time with an even more terrifying surge.
With this level of enhancement, his upcoming journey into the Gourmet World felt far more secure. Paired with his overwhelming Food Luck, he honestly didn't believe the Gourmet World could pose much of a threat to him.
"It really is different…" Komatsu murmured after taking a sip. "Compared to what we just had, there are so many changes. Not just the ingredients—the cooking techniques too…"
He carefully explained everything he sensed.
Setsuno's eyes lit up.
"Your talent truly is remarkable. At this rate, you might even create a fourth Century Soup."
Earlier, she'd thought his odds of succeeding were less than one percent. Now? Still slim—but noticeably higher.
Kael pieced together the situation from their conversation.
Food Luck really was convenient.
Even though he had altered the original storyline, Komatsu still ended up here, tasted Century Soup, and received Setsuno's guidance—just like before.
After chatting a while longer, Kael shared some of his own experience. Komatsu listened intently, committing every word to memory.
Then Kael mentioned his next plan.
"I'll be heading to the Gourmet World soon. Just need to finish crafting a certain tool first."
"The Gourmet World?" Toriko's eyes immediately lit up. "If that's the case, why don't we go together? I've been wanting to enter the Gourmet World too."
Even though Komatsu was his partner now, Toriko knew how dangerous that place was. Bringing Komatsu along wouldn't be wise.
But if he teamed up with Kael? That would be different. A powerful chef at his side meant plenty of incredible meals.
Kael shook his head.
"No. I'm barely confident I can ensure my own survival there. I can't take anyone with me. And if I were to bring someone, it'd have to be a powerhouse."
He looked directly at Toriko.
"Let me give you a piece of advice. It's not time for you to enter the Gourmet World. With your current strength, even if you choose the safest entrance, it'll still be extremely dangerous. You might not survive the first day."
Toriko had always been a bit overconfident.
"You're right," Setsuno added firmly. "With your current strength, you wouldn't last until tomorrow."
While Toriko's cell level wasn't low, he completely lacked an understanding of Food Honor. In the Gourmet World, that reduced him to little more than bottom-tier prey.
Kael was different. Setsuno knew his capabilities. She also knew he had made preparations.
She had even contacted Ichiryu to arrange communication with the Bewitching Food World.
Kael's entry into the Gourmet World was carefully planned.
Toriko's?
It was like comparing two soldiers heading into battle: one fully armed, highly trained, and prepared; the other strolling in empty-handed, wearing casual clothes.
Preparation didn't guarantee survival.
But it greatly improved the odds.
Toriko, however, clearly wasn't listening.
Komatsu sighed. He knew Toriko's personality. Without taking a loss first, he wouldn't change.
To be fair, Toriko's rapid growth played a role.
During his years at IGO, he had endured brutal training, yet his cell level barely reached the twenties.
After meeting Komatsu, though, his strength skyrocketed in a short time.
Add limited understanding of the Gourmet World—only secondhand stories—and it was easy to see why he thought he could handle it.
Kael and Setsuno both realized they couldn't talk him out of it.
Setsuno decided she'd call Ichiryu later. Toriko was practically raised by him. A warning was the least she could do.
The meal ended soon after.
Toriko and Komatsu left.
Not long later, Komatsu returned alone.
He wanted Setsuno to contact Jiro.
After hearing his explanation, Setsuno nodded. Jiro would absolutely honor the request—it was a promise from the past.
And frankly, this was the perfect time to use it. Toriko entering the Gourmet World now would be disastrous.
She made the call.
"I understand," Jiro said on the other end. "That brat really doesn't know his limits. I'll bring him back—assuming he survives long enough for me to get there."
Komatsu finally relaxed.
Setsuno looked at him with new appreciation.
"You chose a good partner. Now let's see if he's worthy of you."
As for Toriko? In her eyes, he was reckless.
Still, it was Komatsu's decision to follow him. She wouldn't interfere further.
After Komatsu left again, Kael returned to finish crafting his equipment.
Several days later, everything was ready.
He bid Setsuno farewell.
"The Gourmet World is dangerous," she warned seriously. "You've prepared well, but one mistake there can cost your life. Back in my day, if not for Jiro's protection, I would have died countless times."
Kael nodded repeatedly.
He had many trump cards—but he wasn't arrogant enough to underestimate that place.
After another round of reminders, he departed.
Setsuno and Nono watched him go.
"Master… Is he really going to be okay?" Nono asked worriedly.
Kael might have been monstrously talented, but he was still her junior disciple. And he had always treated her kindly—bringing rare ingredients for her whenever he could.
"Relax," Setsuno said with a soft laugh. "You know his personality. He never acts without confidence. That boy's definitely holding more than a few hidden cards. As long as he's careful, survival won't be a problem."
—
Kael soon arrived at one of the three entrances to the Gourmet World—
Harbor of Evil Spirits.
Entering from here was ideal.
The other two routes weren't useful for his current goal. He intended to head to Area 8 in search of Ghost Shell. If possible, he also wanted to speak directly with the Horse King Heracles.
And he had leverage.
Air Tree cuisine.
The Horse King understood how vital Air Tree was to both himself and his herd. If Kael demonstrated his ability to cook Air Tree, the Horse King would undoubtedly be interested.
What Kael needed was permission to cook AIR.
Without qualification, there was no way he'd be allowed near it. The Horse King wouldn't tolerate anyone coveting his treasure.
In the canon, the Bewitching Food World had attempted to obtain that qualification by offering Mappy as a sacrifice. Toriko's interference had disrupted the ritual.
In the end, though, AIR was still successfully prepared.
And compared to Komatsu?
Kael's ability was far more terrifying.
Of course, AIR wasn't mature yet. It would need time to ripen.
If he secured cooking rights, the Bewitching Food World could handle the cultivation process.
Would they agree?
Without question.
Their entire existence revolved around cooking AIR. It was their long-cherished wish.
Yet over countless attempts, they had never succeeded.
Either they were sabotaged by the Blue Nitro, or they failed outright. As one of the Eight Kings' ingredients, AIR couldn't be prepared without the correct method.
Originally, the Bewitching Food World learned the method thanks to Ichiryu's connection with the Three Chefs, obtaining it from the Nitro.
Standing at Harbor of Evil Spirits, Kael could already see Gourmet World sea beasts lurking in the waters.
The area had long been abandoned due to its danger. Its decaying structures and eerie atmosphere earned it its name. Ghostly skeletal ships floated near the shore.
Of the three entrances, this was the most dangerous.
Though the Gourmet World didn't have clear biological level zones, this route undeniably hosted stronger beasts.
Kael traveled alone. He didn't have a camping monster.
The Bewitching Food World had agreed to send someone to meet him—but the Gourmet World was enormous. Even an "entrance" spanned vast territory.
If they couldn't find him within a day, they would leave.
They couldn't afford to wander too long outside their territory.
Their survival depended on raising the offspring of the Horse King's herd. In exchange, they were allowed to exist on Area 8.
The Horse King didn't actively protect them—but other creatures dared not approach their village.
Outside it, however, they were on their own.
Only a handful could roam freely—such as the former and current generations of the Three Beast Warriors.
Mappy in particular, with his Car Frog, was extremely fast and agile.
Thanks to his overwhelming Food Luck, Kael encountered no real danger.
Some beasts noticed him—but were distracted by larger disturbances.
As long as he concealed his presence, humans were too small to attract serious attention.
Even if eaten, they wouldn't fill a stomach.
The problem was aggression. Gourmet World creatures attacked first and asked questions never.
After crossing the sea, Kael reached Uto Island—a true gateway.
Half in the Human World. Half in the Gourmet World.
Beyond it lay the Golden Swamp.
And within that swamp labyrinth—
Ogre Shell.
Kael wasn't worried.
With his level of Food Luck, he didn't need a map.
He could wander at random.
Food Luck would guide him straight to the Golden Can.