The numbers on the timer continuously decreased, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Chinatsu and Shido began the final, and most crucial, step almost simultaneously—plating.
On Chinatsu's side, her movements remained calm and precise, as if she were conducting rigorous scientific research.
She took a large, broad, pure white deep plate—a canvas best suited to showcase the natural colors of the ingredients.
First, she piled the pristine, fluffy, ultra-fine shredded radish like a snow peak.
In the center of the plate, she constructed a perfect hemispherical base, its height and curvature calculated by eye.
Next, using her chopsticks—her movements as gentle as handling fragile jewelry—she placed the translucent, paper-thin sea bream sashimi slices one by one, slightly overlapping them.
She elegantly layered them atop the shredded radish "snow peak." The natural curve of the fish slices as they draped and the area they covered presented a delicate, geometric beauty.
Emerald green shredded cucumber and watercress sprouts were meticulously dotted around, like tenacious greenery growing on a snowy plain, instantly revitalizing the overall color palette.
Orange-red salmon roe, resembling scattered jewels, was precisely placed in several key spots, drawing the eye with its rich color and texture.
Finally, instead of directly drizzling the sauce, she used an extremely fine paintbrush, dipped in the lemon olive oil and wasabi sauce, to trace several elegant and expressive arcs on the empty space of the plate, like an abstract painting.
Finally, the herb oil powder and yogurt foam were scattered with extreme finesse, like celestial maidens scattering flowers, placed next to the sauce lines and on certain specific points of the ingredients.
Ultimately, her dish, ["Data-Level Perfection" Sea Bream Sashimi and Thin-Sliced Salad with Herb Lemon Foam], was complete.
It was cold, stunning, exquisite, and meticulous, resembling an installation artwork just removed from a modern art museum exhibit, allowing no hint of profanity, radiating a frigid, technological beauty that kept people at bay.
After a brief, almost suffocating silence in the audience,
"..."
"Is... is that food?"
"It's too beautiful... so beautiful that one wouldn't dare pick up chopsticks..."
"It feels like a sin just to take a bite..."
Yozakura Mai's voice was filled with awe:
"It's finished! The Phoenix Court Contestant's creation! This is no longer mere cooking; it is a food sculpture that integrates 'Precision,' 'Calculation,' and 'Aesthetics'! Every single detail has been subjected to the most rigorous calculation!"
Shido's plating, conversely, was full of life and the warmth of handmade effort.
The plate he chose had a faint beige texture, appearing more approachable.
He first skillfully rolled the diamond-cut cucumber into rings, placing them on the plate as a natural "fence" and base, adding dimension and playfulness.
He then interspersed the substantial shredded radish and the moderately thick sea bream sashimi slices within, arranging them richly and abundantly, giving the impression of generous ingredients and making one eager to taste it immediately.
Subsequently, small flowers rolled from young ginger shoots and golden toasted sesame seeds were sprinkled over the top, casually yet beautifully, introducing a warm color contrast and an enticing aroma.
Finally, he placed the specially prepared mandarin orange and ginger sauce, which emitted a warm citrus fragrance, into a small sauce dish, gently setting it beside the plate instead of pouring it directly onto the ingredients.
This thoughtful action preserved the diner's pleasure of dipping the food themselves and ensured the best texture for the fish sashimi. His ["Heartfelt" Sea Bream Sashimi and Crispy Salad with Mandarin Orange and Ginger Sauce] was complete.
It looked substantial, warm, and approachable, rich and harmonious in color, exuding an appetizing warmth (despite being a cold dish) and homey atmosphere, as if it were a meticulously prepared family dinner from an old friend, full of sincere invitation.
"Wow! That looks so delicious!"
"I feel even hungrier now!"
"That sauce looks so unique, I want to try it!"
"It's so friendly, like an upgraded version of something Mom would make!"
Yamabuki Ai exclaimed energetically: "The Itsuka Contestant is finished too! Wow! It looks incredibly delicious! It's full of handmade warmth and sincerity! It makes you instantly want to grab your chopsticks!"
"Time—up! Please stop working!" Fujibakama Mii's voice rang out through the microphone just as the timer hit zero.
The two stepped back almost simultaneously, scrutinized their creations, and then gently lifted their final dishes.
Chinatsu's movements remained graceful and steady; the plate was rock-solid in her hands, and the "artwork" atop it did not tremble in the slightest.
She walked with steady steps, placing her creation in the very center of the judges' table as if presenting a national treasure.
Shido, meanwhile, showed a relaxed sense of accomplishment and anticipation, his smile a little brighter, as he carefully placed his heartfelt creation next to Chinatsu's dish.
Ice and fire, extreme technology and warm craftsmanship—two dishes of vastly different styles, yet both masterpieces, were presented side-by-side before the judges.
The stark visual contrast delivered a massive impact.
"What completely different styles!"
"I want to eat both, what should I do?!"
"How are they going to judge this? They're practically two different things!"
The Final Trio Commentary Team (in unison): "And there we have it! In the first round, the 'Knife Skills and Freshness' showdown, both competitors gave their all and presented their ultimate masterpieces! The final outcome will be decided by the judges' palates! Will Phoenix-in Chinatsu, who prevailed with absolute technique, or Itsuka Shido, who countered with heartfelt warmth, take the first lead? Please look forward to—the Tasting Segment!"
All eyes were focused on the judges. Teacher Kozu looked at the two dishes, her face filled with the happiness of difficult choices; Tobiichi Origami's gaze moved between the two dishes like a scanner; Murasame Reine seemed more interested in the composition of the sauces; Tonomachi Hiroto was staring intently at Chinatsu's plate; and the Commentary Trio had already eagerly picked up their chopsticks.
The climax of the first round was about to begin.