When it comes to top-tier fish meat harvested from the depths of the sea, if one wishes to preserve the fish's original flavor to the greatest extent, the most common way to enjoy it is as sashimi.
Silas knew his own limits well. He had no intention of wasting a piece of fish meat worth ten thousand League Coins.
Sashimi was undoubtedly the most suitable choice for him.
The method of making sashimi could be said to be simple—or not. Once the surface moisture was wiped clean, one could even just hold it and gnaw on it directly.
But the true key to sashimi lay in knife work.
The slices could be neither too thick nor too thin; each piece had to be even and consistent.
A truly skilled chef would never have poor knife skills.
As the saying went, the moment an expert made a move, one would immediately know whether they were the real deal.
The person involved didn't feel anything special about it, but Siebold, watching from the side, noticed something unusual.
If he hadn't been worried about disturbing Silas, Siebold would have already burst into applause.
A sense of comparison quietly rose within him.
He quickly moved to the other side to process the remaining half of the fish meat, also choosing to prepare sashimi.
Silas, busy with his head lowered, noticed none of Siebold's change in demeanor. His mind was wholly focused on slicing the fish.
He didn't know whether it was innate talent or some other reason, but despite it being his first time handling such fish, he felt completely at ease, without the slightest hint of unfamiliarity.
"Whew!" Silas wiped away the nonexistent cold sweat on his forehead and sighed in relief. "Finally finished. That wasn't easy."
Inside a pure white ceramic bowl lay a bed of crushed ice, and atop it were neatly arranged slices of fish, each uniform in thickness.
The fish meat was crystal-clear, white as snow, stacked neatly as if quietly waiting to be enjoyed.
Eating fish slices alone would still be a bit monotonous, so the edges were garnished with shiso leaves, lemon slices, and fine strands of white radish.
Silas had even prepared the dipping sauce.
There was no need for anything complicated—just soy sauce with a small dab of wasabi.
He gently picked up a slice of fish, dipped it lightly into the sauce, and tasted it first.
"Mmm… perfect."
The fish melted in his mouth, requiring hardly any chewing, with no off-flavors whatsoever.
The taste of the ocean filled his palate.
Information about this Veluza sashimi slowly unfolded before his eyes.
[Veluza Sashimi (A): A special dish. Made from excess flesh shed by a rare Pokémon, prepared by a half-baked chef. It preserves the fish's original fresh fragrance and is a must-try delicacy for lovers of the sea.
Cooking Effect: Purity of Mind. A miraculous power born from the Veluza's countless acts of self-refinement. After consumption, one may temporarily obtain this effect. The duration depends on the eater—the purer the mind, the longer it lasts.]
"Silas… may I have a taste as well?" Siebold asked.
"Of course," Silas replied casually.
"T-this… this…" As the fish entered his mouth, Siebold murmured in shock.
The flavor was incredibly unique.
It was as if he himself had become a Veluza, drifting within ocean currents, shedding his body with the aid of nature, tempering his mind through such harsh means.
At this moment, Siebold truly felt as though he were there.
Despite using the same ingredients and the same steps, the final results were worlds apart.
The way Siebold looked at Silas had completely changed, a powerful thirst for understanding welling up in his heart.
He was utterly baffled—there was simply no comparison between them.
"Silas, with the same ingredients, why is what you made so completely different?" Siebold asked.
"Uh… well…" Silas was momentarily speechless. He couldn't exactly say it was because of a cheat ability.
Yet his hesitation conveyed an entirely different meaning to Siebold.
This must be Silas's personal secret technique—something that naturally couldn't be revealed so easily.
"Mr. Silas, please allow me to follow you and learn from you. Thank you," Siebold said earnestly, bowing deeply.
This relentless pursuit of top-tier culinary skill was precisely why Siebold had continued advancing without defeat.
For a moment, Silas panicked.
How did cooking suddenly turn into taking on a disciple?!
He knew exactly how capable he really was—if they spent too much time together, the truth would definitely come out.
There was no way he could just split his golden finger in half and share it.
His eyes spun rapidly as he came up with a countermeasure.
Stepping forward, he helped Siebold up.
"Mr. Siebold, I'm merely a beginner. Let's not talk about taking disciples."
"When I hesitated just now, it wasn't because I was refusing you. I was thinking about how you could best understand it."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Siebold nodded furiously like a pecking chick. "Please enlighten me, Master."
"Cook with your heart." Silas pointed at his chest. "Turn your emotions into an ingredient and blend them into the dish."
"So that's how it is…" Siebold wore a look of sudden enlightenment, utterly serious.
Instead, it left Silas feeling slightly at a loss.
Every word he had just spoken was empty talk—he was only trying to cover up his golden finger.
He possessed a special ability and used it in cooking.
That resulted in dishes gaining different effects, which was perfectly reasonable.
As for whether cooking with one's heart truly made a difference…
At most, being especially earnest while cooking might make the dish taste better. Beyond that, there shouldn't be any other effects.
Unless… glowing cuisine appeared.
Silas suddenly slapped his forehead, his expression turning anxious.
"Mr. Siebold, let's end things here for today. Minccino and the others are still waiting outside—I can't let them worry."
Holding the sashimi, Silas hurried away.
Still deep in thought, Siebold suddenly felt a flash of light pass through his mind—he vaguely grasped something.
His heart was free of all impurities, his thoughts clearer than ever before.
"I understand now," Siebold said suddenly, his eyes seemingly emitting golden light as he spoke with confidence and sincerity. "The love between humans and Pokémon is the finest ingredient in this world."
"When making that dish just now, Master Silas must have been thinking of Minccino and the others, wanting them to eat the most delicious food possible."
"Master Silas is truly unfathomable. His culinary skill should place him as the god of chefs in this era."
"Since Master prefers to remain low-key, it is only right that I, as his disciple, take it upon myself to spread his name."
If Silas had known about the storm raging inside Siebold's mind, he would have been utterly stunned—the man had completely self-brainwashed himself!
As expected, imagination was truly terrifying.
But Silas had no time to worry about that now. His attention was fixed on Minccino and Kangaskhan.
He was so nervous he felt like a student being called on in class, desperately hoping to hear the word "Sit."
"Min~"
"Kang~!"
Kangaskhan and Minccino nodded together, their eyes curving into crescent moons.
This was the most delicious fish meat they had ever eaten.
To them, as long as they could eat food made by their Trainer, they were happy.
Every dish carried with it a deep, lingering love meant just for them.
Kangaskhan and Minccino loved Silas the most!
"Heh… as long as it suits your taste. And don't waste any of it!" Silas said with an indulgent smile. There was no greater happiness than having Pokémon praise food he had made himself.
"Kang~"
"Min~"
The little ones urged Silas to eat as well. Kangaskhan pushed the sashimi toward him, along with freshly delivered seafood barbecue that was still sizzling with oil.
"Alright, alright."
Silas stopped their enthusiastic efforts and gently patted them. "Let's eat together."
"Let's celebrate the completion of our home. Cheers."
Three cups of fruit juice lightly clinked together, producing a crisp sound.
Carrying blessings for a beautiful future, Silas drank it all in one go.
(End of Chapter)