Toriko: Gourmet Chat Group

"The barbershop Toriko mentioned must be this one."

Kenji and Atashino arrived in front of a salon that Toriko had recommended.

The Gourmet Beauty Salon. The shop was easy to find. In front of it stood a humanoid sculpture holding a knife and fork, likely made in the owner's likeness. The owner was a master beautician and also a master chef. Countless people came to this shop not only for a haircut but also to enjoy a gourmet meal. The dishes here were all related to beauty and hairdressing.

"Welcome. First-time customers, I see."

The owner adjusted his round glasses and observed the two of them carefully—or more accurately, he observed their hair.

"This young lady's hair has some surface damage. It seems you've been to a rather harsh environment," the owner said to Atashino. "The Gourmet World, perhaps?"

Kenji and Atashino were a little surprised. This short owner really knew his stuff, to be able to tell something like that just from the quality of their hair.

"Hehe, no need to be surprised. I've had Gourmet Hunters who have returned from the Gourmet World get their hair cut here, so I'm naturally familiar with it," the owner said with a smile. "Although there is some damage, the luster and resilience are excellent. As expected of the famous genius surgeon; your strength is impressive."

The owner had recognized Atashino and Kenji's identities. Neither of them were unknown figures.

"Owner, you've commented on Atashino's hair. What about mine?" Kenji asked with a smile.

"Strange... it's not like human hair," the owner said, rubbing his chin with a hint of wonder.

Kenji: "..."

The moment he said it, Kenji's face darkened at a speed visible to the naked eye. I strongly suspect you're implying I'm not human. He knew his own situation; the power of Aurelion Sol was constantly causing his life form to evolve.

Pfft.

Atashino couldn't help but let out a laugh. The owner also realized his slip of the tongue and quickly apologized, "Ahem, what I mean is, your hair quality is so good that it doesn't need any maintenance. Just a little trim will do."

Kenji didn't mind and sat directly in the chair. Although he could control the length and style of his own hair, he had never experienced the special hair artistry of this world.

The owner took a metal bowl, poured in some shampoo, and began to whip it with an egg beater. A dense, soft foam immediately expanded.

"Your technique is quite good, owner."

Kenji could feel that this hair-washing process wasn't random but involved a specific technique. It felt as if even the strands of his hair were relaxing. Still, combining culinary arts with hairdressing was quite creative and certainly fit the theme of this gourmet world.

"As long as the customer is satisfied. This is also the first time I've seen such good-quality hair."

The owner was using the rice-washing method for the special cooking ingredient, Dream Rice. Atashino was slightly surprised. She had never heard of this person. Was he usually this low-key?

"What kind of hairstyle would you like?" the owner asked.

"Something spirited," Kenji replied. He didn't need a complicated style.

"You mean like that trendy social media look?"

"Not that kind of alternative style."

Kenji broke into a cold sweat. Why don't you just dye my hair blonde? It would be more convenient when I go to visit my father-in-law.

The owner nodded and then brought over some food.

"Honey-flavored strawberries—Honeyberries. And apples with the flavor of milk pudding—Pudding Apples."

They were quite the appetizing dishes, and very refreshing to eat.

"Tastes great. Owner, you can use a little more force," Kenji said with a smile.

"Alright. It seems you've been through a lot of battles recently, little brother. Your muscles are a bit tense. Were you deep in the Gourmet World before?"

Through the massage, the owner could feel the muscle density in Kenji's shoulders and arms. It was superhumanly strong, like high-tensile metal.

"Yes, we just got back from the Gourmet World not long ago," Kenji said, his expression relaxing. This was the kind of force he was talking about.

So tiring, the owner thought helplessly. He rarely gave massages to powerhouses like this. He had to use all his strength. He would have to charge extra later.

"So, what do you think? Isn't this hairstyle cool?"

Kenji now had a neat short haircut, styled into the same pompadour as Jiro. He touched the springy hairstyle, strongly suspecting that the owner had done this on purpose because he knew he was Jiro's disciple.

"A normal hairstyle will be fine. Please change it back," Kenji said helplessly. And, Atashino, put down your phone. Don't think I don't know you're taking a picture. Who did you learn that from?

"Haha, I understand. But are you sure you don't want to consider it? This is the hairstyle of the strong," the owner said. He knew that the Knocking Master Jiro had this very hairstyle.

"I'll pass," Kenji shook his head. He didn't deny that it was the hairstyle of the strong—Jiro was indeed very strong, and people with pompadours in other worlds were not weak either—but he was still more used to his previous style. A pompadour was also a pain to maintain.

The owner nodded and began to give them their haircuts. When the final result was out, Kenji nodded with satisfaction. As expected of a professional.

"I have to say, my hair quality really has gotten much better," Atashino said, touching her own jet-black hair. The gloss and texture had improved so much compared to before.

"That's because you don't usually pay attention to your hair. The environment of the Gourmet World is exceptionally complex and varied, so it has a great impact on the hair. For a strong person, redirecting the body's nutrients to repair the hair is an easy matter, but many people don't care about hair quality," the owner explained.

"That's true." Atashino nodded. During a battle, most people wouldn't notice if their hair was damaged. After all, not everyone was like Sunny, who would grimace in pain if even a single strand of his hair was broken.

After paying, the two of them went home.

The Four Heavenly Kings were at the Gourmet Hotel. Komatsu had been to the Gourmet World, but he had come back after less than a year. His body was a little weaker, so he needed a proper rest. In the Gourmet World, one needed to be highly focused at all times.

"Komatsu, your cooking is still the most delicious," Sunny sighed. When he was alone, he couldn't cook, which highlighted the benefits of having a chef partner. It was a pity that Komatsu was Toriko's partner. Why hadn't he been the one to meet Komatsu first?

"The ingredients you all brought back are also very high-class. You can't find them in the Human World," Komatsu said, rubbing his head.

"Komatsu, have you arranged everything at the Gourmet Hotel for the past year?" Toriko asked. Besides resting, Komatsu also had to arrange the work at the hotel. As a famous head chef, many people came specifically for his reputation. And now, Komatsu would be entering the Gourmet World with them for a long time.

"The manager didn't stop me when he found out I was going to the Gourmet World. I gave some guidance to the other chefs, so their cooking shouldn't be too bad." Komatsu nodded. He couldn't wait to go and cook Acacia's Full Course Menu.

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