Lossy's Journal

???

Finally, the time has come! Autumn―the season of athletics and delicious food.

???

As a wise person once said, "Cooking is a fiery sport"!

???

So, what would make the perfect festival for this season? A contest to determine―

Nitori & Aya

―the number one cook in all of Gensokyo!

Reimu

How do they even come up with these weird ideas? Ah well, I guess it's a sign of just how peaceful things are here.

They joined sports with cooking for autumn!

But... what's this about a "number one cook"?

Reimu

Beats me. I'm here only because that fake news factory and the chef forced me to come.

Aya

Ayayayaya? How rude! You seemed so eager to enter the competition earlier...

???

She's right. This is an essential battle for me. A fight I can't lose... ONE I AIN'T GONNA LOSE!

Nemuno

I'll become the number one cook an' make my Nemunoki a smashin' success!

Nitori

By "chef"... did you mean Nemuno Sakata―the human-eating youkai that parents use to frighten children?!

Nitori

A yamanba chef! This will be an intense cook-off indeed! So, why did you open a restaurant? To lure folks and eat them?

Nemuno

Not as such. It ain't nothin' to write home 'bout, but if you're so eager to hear the story, I dun mind tellin' ya.

Aya

Um, how long will it take? I'd like to go on to the details about the contest as soon as possible...

Reimu

The story can wait. Just hurry up and explain what this is all about.

Nemuno

Just do whatcha need to. I can tell you when we're done. So who's gonna give the splainin'?

We're at Moriya Shrine, so Sanae, I suppose?

???

Actually, we will take care of that!

Byakuren

To eat is to receive other lives to sustain your own. Through Amida's grace, we are vessels for other souls since birth.

Byakuren

Thus each bite taken in a Buddhist meal is an act of piety. And we must never waste even a single morsel. Namusan.

Minamitsu

I'll join you as a part of my training. I can't wait to see what you'll all cook.

Shou

I sent Nazrin on an errand, so I'm here in her stead. Please treat us to a full display of your skills.

Shou

The three of us shall be the judges for this cooking contest. We wish you good luck.

Reimu

Huh?! What're the dwellers of Myouren Temple doing here?! And as a panel of judges no less?!

Aya

Excellent question. The answer: they don't yield to their desires, so we can rely on their fair yet strict critiques!

Aya

You remember how the judges disrupted the event last time, don't you?

Byakuren

I appreciate your esteem for Myouren Temple. However, I was on the panel of judges at that event as well...

Byakuren

I am so sorry for everything that happened.

Minamitsu

What are you saying, Hijiri? You were enticed by the gap youkai!

Minamitsu

You mustn't blame yourself for that! I'm sure it would've been even worse if you hadn't been there!

Shou

I agree with Murasa. If it weren't for you, an unnecessary fight would have surely broken out.

Byakuren

Thank you. Your words are a comfort. I shall devote myself even further to my training.

Nitori

Ahem! If you're done, I'd like to get back to the matter at hand.

Aya

Uh oh! Sorry! Do pardon us for cutting in on your heart-warming chat!

Aya

But let's get back to business! I'll start with the rules!

Aya

They're simple! First, we announce the cooking theme, and then you'll have some time to plan your strategy.

Aya

After that, you can go ahead and procure the ingredients you need at the designated location.

Byakuren

I see. Since they are dealing with others' lives, they must show respect by doing everything themselves. Correct?

Nitori

Exactly! And once the ingredients are in hand, it will be time to cook. When that's done, our panel will rate your meal.

Sounds like fun!

Reimu

Does it? Sounds like a bunch of unnecessary busywork to me. What happened to having a simple cook-off?

Reimu

Why do WE have to gather all the ingredients? Sounds like negligence on the organizers' part if you ask me.

Nemuno

I disagree. The monk's got it right. We're dealin' with the lives of others. We must collect an' prepare 'em ourselves.

Nemuno

It's better to think that the competition starts with selectin' our ingredients!

Nemuno

Listen, it ain't only 'bout cookin'―the taste changes dependin' on what ya use. It's part of the battle!

Reimu

Yeah, sure. I get it. And I also get that you're obsessed with cooking!

Nemuno

Just so long as we understand each other. So where's this place ya mentioned?

Byakuren

Hehehe. Calm yourselves. All will be explained in due time. There's no need to rush.

Nemuno

Oh... My bad. I got too excited at the thought of demonstratin' me culinary skills.

Nitori

Neeheehee. So you think it's gonna be that easy, do you?

Reimu

Huh? What's that supposed to mean?

(I've got a bad feeling about this...)

Are there... any other conditions?

Aya

Oh, we just figured a plain old cooking competition would be no fun. So we spiced things up by adding a penalty.

Aya

If you lose, you will be obliged to forfeit the next request you receive to resolve an incident to your opponent.

Nitori

Contests over food should not be taken lightly.

Reimu

WHAAAT? Are you kidding me?! You can't just set a rule like that!

Reimu

You're crazy! A youkai can't resolve an incident! It would throw the human-youkai power balance out of whack!

Nitori

Oh? But we youkai are perfectly capable of resolving incidents. Anyway, it's too late to complain now.

Nitori

And there's nothing to worry about as long as you don't lose. Don't tell me... You're not getting cold feet, are you?

Reimu

No way! I'm confident in my cooking skills! We've also got Nemuno, the chef of Nemunoki, on our side!

Nemuno

Y-Ya flatter me... But I promise to do me best.

Nemuno

Today, I'll surpass Geidontei an' the lamprey stall by servin' me best dish spiced with the terror of the yamanba.

Aya

Oh! I should've told you earlier. Miyoi and Mystia aren't participating in this event.

Nemuno

Wh-What?! But they were s'posed to be here!

Aya

Yes, I know. But Mystia says it's lamprey breeding season soon, so she has to look after them.

Reimu

Yeah, lampreys breed from the end of autumn through winter. She must be pretty tied up now.

Nemuno

Then what about Geidontei? Why ain't Miyoi here?!

Byakuren

The villagers are in the midst of harvest. Their fields had rich yields this year, so they're preparing to celebrate.

Reimu

Oh, that's why Miyoi couldn't make it. Her cooking is heavenly, so it wouldn't be a proper celebration without her.

Nemuno

Ugh... So my main rivals ain't here! Guess I've no choice but to win then.

Nemuno

I gotta make my place more famous than the lampreys and Geidontei! Me customers are gonna line up for hours!

Reimu

But you hate trespassers. How do you plan on running a popular restaurant in your territory?

Nemuno

Err... That's irrelevant. If I'm gonna run a restaurant, I gotta make it count. Go big or go home!

I think I get it!

You need lots of customers to keep in business!

Nemuno

Exactly, PLAYER.

Reimu

Well, if I have to participate anyway, I'm not going to lose. I've no intention of passing my job on to someone else either.

Byakuren

Oh, if you're dissatisfied with yielding a request to your opponent, then I can take care of it instead.

Byakuren

I teach everyone equally, regardless of species.

Reimu

Huh? What are you talking about? Equality is all good and well, but you're a youkai yourself.

Byakuren

And yet... Myouren Temple has both more visitors and followers than Hakurei Shrine.

Byakuren

Isn't it odd that people seek the wisdom of a youkai monk rather than rely upon a human shrine maiden?

Reimu

Say whatever you want. There's no way I'm losing. You judges are going to stuff your faces on the feast we make!

Minamitsu

My, what confidence. Though I should warn you, we're all very picky eaters.

Shou

Yes. And Hijiri's cooking is second to none. This panel is used to supping on sublime meals.

Reimu

Hmph! We'll see! You better not forget to make some room in your stomachs!

Nemuno

...Oof, this is gettin' intense fast. I'd better get fired up, too.

Nemuno

Hm... What am I s'posed to do? I get everythin' ready every single day...

Nemuno

But now it's all gonna go to waste again. Is there really nothin' I can do?

???

Huh? A restaurant, here? "Nemunoki"... Never heard of it.

Nemuno

S-Someone's here! My very first customer!

Nemuno

Come on i―Huh?! It's YOU?! The shrine maiden who trespassed on my territory an' fought me?!

Reimu

No way! Don't tell me... This is your territory?!

Nemuno

It is. Did ya wander in here by accident again? *sigh* OK, I'll let it pass today.

Nemuno

You're me customers now. So come in, take a seat, and order somethin'.

Reimu

Order something? This restaurant's YOURS?! How can you run it if you're so keen on keeping others out of your land?

Nemuno

Well, I dun really wanna let anyone in. But this is actually very important for me!

Reimu

What? Important for you? What do you mean...?

Nemuno

I opened this restaurant to lure other youkai 'ere.

Nemuno

I s'pose ya already know this, but if humans ain't scared of youkai, youkai can't exist no more.

Nemuno

The same goes for yamanba. But humans from the village dun venture into the Youkai Mountain.

Nemuno

This'd be perfectly fine if it was their fear of me that was keepin' 'em away. But that ain't the case.

Nemuno

They're frightened of the Youkai Mountain in general. They ain't scared of me in the least!

Is that so?

Reimu

Hm... That is a problem.

Reimu

There are rumors that if people don't return from here, they must've been eaten by a yamanba.

Reimu

And there are tales of yamanba who offer travelers lodging for the night only to devour them in their sleep.

Reimu

But I also heard talk of one who raised a child lost in the mountains. There's also a story of a shrine maiden―

Reimu

―who worshipped a mountain god and turned into a youkai... Oh, so that's why you started this business?

Nemuno

Yeah. I like cookin', an' I also don't mind it when someone eats the food I make.

Nemuno

I was gonna threaten any humans that ate here to wisen 'em up on how scary yamanba are...

Nemuno

But I haven't seen even a single youkai, let alone a human! I'm in a deepenin' existential crisis 'ere!

Nemuno

If I got any youkai visitors, they'd spread enough word of me terrifyin' cuisine so that the humans would hear of it.

Reimu

Um... Sounds to me like your only options are to give up on your territory or perhaps change it.

Nemuno

I... don't wanna. I've been livin' here since forever, and I ain't gonna change that.

Reimu

*sigh* Why are all youkai so narrow-minded? But, well, I'm not going to force you if you don't want to do it.

Reimu

I couldn't care less if you suddenly disappeared. In fact, that might even be doing me a favor work-wise.

Reimu...

Nemuno

Nah, it's fine. Humans and youkai can only exist due to the delicate balance of power between us.

Nemuno

The Hakurei shrine maiden's obviously on the humans' side. One less youkai won't bother her in the least.

Reimu

But before you vanish, I want to try that cooking of yours to see if it's really as good as you claim.

Nemuno

Huh?

Reimu

Come on, where's the food? We're your customers, right?

Nemuno

Hold on a sec! I'll bring ya starters right out!

That was kind of you, Reimu.

Reimu

I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just hungry. And I want to know what yamanba cooking tastes like.

Nemuno

Sorry 'bout the wait. 'Ere you go.

Reimu

Already?! ...Wait, this is the starter?

Nemuno

Yeah. Today's appetizer is a Nemunoki special―cold tofu.

Nemuno

What's the problem? C'mon, dig in.

Reimu

It's just so... simple, I guess? Shouldn't you put more effort in if you're really going to start a restaurant?

Nemuno

Ya haven't even taken a bite, and you're already gripin'.

Reimu

I'm offering advice, not griping. You see, Geidontei's starters are a feast for both the eyes and the stomach.

Reimu

Even Mystia gives more thought to her food. She serves oden and lamprey liver soup...

Nemuno

But this is MY place! And I told ya already―try it before you complain!

Reimu

All right, fine...

Reimu

(Looks like normal tofu dressed with green onion, ginger, and soy sauce... I could make it myself.)

Reimu

Wait a sec... This is really good. It has a velvety texture and just melts in my mouth...

Reimu

The soy itself is sweet, the ginger is spicy, and the onion adds a pleasant texture... This isn't any ordinary cold tofu!

Reimu

Despite its simple appearance, there's so much more to the taste... What's your trick?!

Nemuno

Nothin' in particular. I just prepped it meself from scratch.

From... scratch?

Nemuno

Yeah. I just grew the soy in the field out back, then harvested, boiled, strained, an' compressed it to make some tofu.

Nemuno

Then I just drew water from the stream an' added some green onion an' ginger.

Nemuno

I also just made soy sauce as I usually do and poured a bit on the tofu.

(Her "just" doesn't have the same meaning as mine...)

Reimu

So you made this all by hand? Amazing. It's on par with anything from Geidontei or Mystia.

Reimu

You've got your own strengths. You can totally compete with them if you put your mind to it.

Aya

You're right. This tofu is delicious. It's so smooth, soft, and brings out the natural sweetness of soy.

Aya

But... the water is key. Is it really from the Genbu Ravine? I can't believe it's the same water I drink every day.

Reimu

Hey! That's mine! Give it back!

Aya

Ayayayaya, my apologies. It smelled so good that I couldn't help myself.

Nemuno

Tengu. What do you want?

Aya

Well, I saw Reimu and PLAYER heading into yamanba territory...

Aya

So, I was worried they were trespassing and followed. I just wanted to make sure everything was fine, I swear!

Reimu

Yeah, right. You were looking for a scoop, weren't you? And when you saw us stepping into yamanba territory―

Reimu

―you tailed us to see if something juicy was afoot.

Aya

Ayayayayaaaaa... You can see right through me, Reimu.

Nemuno

S'why I hate tengu. But I'll letcha go if ya promise not to mess up my territory.

Aya

Thank you! Phew... I'd already started cooking up an escape plan in case I had to fight you like before.

Nemuno

What happened in the past stays in the past. Today, customers are what I want, so even you're welcome.

Reimu, maybe we could ask Aya to help?

Reimu

Oh, right. If she put an ad in the Bunbunmaru Newspaper, both youkai and humans would see it.

Reimu

PLAYER, that's genius! So how about it, newshound? Will you lend us a hand?

Aya

Well... I want to help. I really do. But I'm afraid it's not that easy.

Reimu

And why's that? I didn't take you for a wimp that gives up before even trying.

Aya

First, no human could ever make it this far into the mountains. Some youkai would attack them before they got here.

Aya

Second, this place is so secluded even I wouldn't have found it if I hadn't been following you.

Aya

I'm really impressed you came across it.

Reimu

Is it really that hard to find? All we did was walk here.

Aya

That's probably thanks to your divine protection. Anyway, humans are out of the question, and as for youkai...

Aya

...most of them, including those living on the Youkai Mountain, know that this is the yamanba's territory.

Aya

Still, this would be a terrible waste.

Reimu

A waste?

Aya

Yes. This tofu... and the rest of her cooking. It all suits this locale perfectly, from the ingredients to how it's made.

Aya

I dare say it's good enough to make the restaurant a cultural property!

Nemuno

Ain't that a bit of a stretch? I only be cookin' normal food ya can find pretty much everywhere.

Reimu

No, it definitely isn't normal. This is a flavor you can only find here!

Aya

Hehehe... I can't believe we agree on something, Reimu. I'd love to recommend this place to other people too.

But how?

Aya

Hmmm... Well, no youkai would ever knowingly set foot in yamanba territory.

Aya

And no human could make it here even if I put an ad in my paper. But maybe there's another way...

Aya

Ayayayaya! That's it! All we need to do is spread the word about how scrumptious the yamanba's food is!

Reimu

Yeah, that sounds about right.

Aya

In that case... I've got an idea. It'll be an ad for the eatery and a scoop for me. Two birds with one stone!

Really?!

Reimu

*sigh* We've come this far, so I'll help too. It'd be a shame if a place with food this good went under.

Reimu

And I know all too well what it's like to suffer from lack of patronage.

Aya

Hehehe. Just you wait, then. I've got an idea for an event that'll put a smile on all of our faces.

Nemuno

...And that's how me little eatery got its start.

Aya

Hmmm... So it's pretty much a matter of life and death to you? I see why you set it up now.

Nitori

Didn't ya know that when you came up with this plan? How reckless.

Aya

Oh, come on. At least this way, both the judges and contestants will be raring to go.

Reimu

Speaking of that... just who are we going up against?

Byakuren

No need to get testy. Your opponents are already here.

Byakuren

They are just as confident as you that they can outdo the lamprey cart and Geidontei―

Nemuno

Whoever they be, they better bring it, 'cause we ain't gonna lose!

Shou

That's the spirit! And now, let's introduce the opposing team!

Aya

Your foes in the first round of this fiery cook-off are a pair perfectly suited for this season―

Aya

Team Fall & Autumn! The god of harvests who presides over Gensokyo's autumn ... I give you Minoriko Akiiiiiii!

Nitori

Pray first for grain, then again for fruit! Pray once more, and maybe she'll bring you a good harvest next year too!

Minoriko

I do all my work by hand, so I can't promise anything, but I'll try to give my followers the best autumn has to offer!

Aya

Next up is another god that presides over Gensokyo's autumn... Shizuha Akiiiii!

Nitori

Gensokyo is decked out in red and orange by her hand and her whim!

Nitori

She's also famed for turning all the leaves of the Youkai Mountain into maple leaf tempura in just one hour!

Shizuha

I color the leaves and fry them up nice and crispy!

Minoriko

Autumn is our domain! I'll show you what a harvest god can do by filling your bellies with the flavors of fall!

Shizuha

Yamanba or no, we came here to win!

The autumn gods... They must be strong!

Reimu

Yeah... But this is a cooking contest! We've got the chef of Nemunoki on our side!

Nemuno

But... can we really win? I heard the Aki sisters know every plant there is to know on the Youkai Mountain.

Nemuno

They know what's where and how best to cook it. They can come up with a menu without even lookin' for ingredients.

Nemuno

They be callin' this ability their Autumn Clairvoyance!

Reimu

Autumn... Clairvoyance?!

(They named it themselves...)

Minoriko

Heehee... You must've heard of us if you know that name!

Minoriko

Yes. The Youkai Mountain is our garden, our living room, and our kitchen! No one's more at home here than us!

Minoriko

We'll leave you all entranced by the tastes of autumn!

Nemuno

Oh boy... It's only the first round, an' we're already facin' some tough opponents.

Minamitsu

Sorry to interrupt your pre-match cowering, but we need to explain one more rule of this contest.

And what might that be?

Shou

You'll cook not only Japanese but also Western and Chinese dishes, as well as sweets. The loser is eliminated.

Reimu

Wh-What?!

Reimu

Hey, can you cook anything besides Japanese cuisine?

Nemuno

Um... What's "Western cuisine"? As for sweets, the ice fairy sometimes makes this stuff called "shaved ice" for me.

Reimu

No... Proper sweets are more like mitarashi dango or warabimochi, or even pancakes and macarons!

Nemuno

I know mitarashi dango an' warabimochi, but I never heard of "pan-cakes" or "maca-whatsits."

Reimu

Of course, you haven't... I only tried them at Alice's tea party, myself.

Minamitsu

Hehe. A specialist in each field is participating, so you'd better keep that in mind.

Reimu

But isn't this a bit unfair for us? We can make Japanese food, sure, but other types of cuisine...

Minamitsu

The theme will be decided by drawing tickets from this box. We don't know which it will be, either.

Minamitsu

But that only makes it all the more exciting, don't you think?

Aya

No need to panic. I knew Western and Chinese dishes weren't in your repertoire.

Aya

So, while it may be a bit presumptuous of me, I took the liberty of procuring some help for you!

Reimu

You should've said so from the get-go. I was about to challenge the other team to a battle of bullets.

Byakuren

There shall be no meaningless fights. You must compete with calm and compassion in your hearts―

???

Sadly, I don't think your gentle words will reach Reimu. The Hakurei shrine maiden needs a stern lecture.

Reimu

That voice...

Aya

Allow me to introduce your two helpers, who agreed to join us on very short notice!

Aya

First up is a hermit, familiar with dishes from all over Gensokyo and the outside world―Kasen Ibaraki!

Kasen

You got roped into some weird business again, Reimu. But this time it's just a cook-off, so I'll let it slide.

Aya

Next is someone you'd want to find in the bamboo forest! Do a chemist's skills cross over into the kitchen? Here's Tewi Inaba!

Tewi

Hey there! If you're up to something fun, count me in!

Reimu

Kasen and Tewi?! What a weird combo.

Kasen

*sigh* I was waiting for you at Hakurei Shrine, but then the tengu caught me and brought me here.

Tewi

And I was in the middle of making a pitfall trap for Reisen when she approached me.

Reimu

Oh, that's a real shame... I guess?

Tewi

Well, Reisen did seem busy preparing for something, so I figured she might be involved in this contest too.

We're happy to have you with us!

Reimu

Couldn't you just have refused? Especially you, Tewi. You have nothing to do with the Youkai Mountain's affairs.

Tewi

Well, yeah... But if something's out of order here, it could spill over to the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.

Tewi

That would make the bamboo forest more dangerous!

Tewi

And my master and the princess won't be happy if anything happens to the humans who come to visit Eientei.

Reimu

I didn't expect you to think before you act. So you're not just a mischievous youkai rabbit, after all...

Tewi

Excuse you. Just who do you think I am?

Reimu

Uh, sorry...

Kasen

As for me, what happens here is one issue, but if a tengu or yamanba is up to something, I need to look into it.

Kasen

S-So, I'm certainly not here to eat good food! I'm not excited to participate in the slightest!

Kasen

That said, I was intrigued by what I heard of your yamanba cooking and wanted to try it.

Kasen

Since that tengu goes so far as to say it's a cultural property, it would be a shame if the restaurant was not successful.

Reimu

Good grief. Just how carefree can you be? You do realize this is a must-win situation for us, right?

Kasen

I do. If you lose, the winning team and Myouren Temple will be in charge of resolving the next incident.

Kasen

We can't let that happen. The balance of power between humans and youkai mustn't be disrupted.

Reimu

Yeah, I'm all too aware of that―no need to remind me.

Kasen

Good. But don't worry if you happen to lose... because I'll give you the mother of all workouts!

Reimu

(That sounds more like a reason to be worried to me...)

Nemuno

Thanks, y'all! We'll definitely win and make Nemunoki the most popular eatery around!

Aya

The contestants are assembled! Let's begin! Coverage and commentary will be provided by me, Aya Shameimaru―

Nitori

And me, Nitori Kawashiro! Well then, let's turn things over to our judges so they can announce the theme!

Byakuren

Allow me to do the honors. The theme of the first round is... Umami: The Gifts of Fresh Water!

Aya

All right, it's time to brainstorm. Think about what kind of dish you want to make and what you need to do it.

Reimu

I see... Er, wait, no I don't! You haven't told us where the designated location is!

Reimu

How are we supposed to discuss what to make without knowing that? This is ridiculous!

Tewi

What she said! Cooking is like pranks! Research and prep work are key!

Shizuha

We don't need to be told the location, but we also don't want to be accused of foul play. So, can you please announce it?

Minoriko

Oh how kind of you, Shizuha! I don't mind, either!

Kasen

They're so confident...

Nemuno

Nah, no need to tell us. A real master chef can adapt to any situation.

Aya

Oh, I almost forgot. Disrupting strategy time with bullet battles is strictly forbidden.

Aya

However, it's OK in the procurement and cooking phases. Just don't forget that this is a cook-off, first and foremost.

Nitori

All right! Are you ready?! Because strategy time starts... NOW!

Shizuha

Hehe, we won't lose as long as you're here, right, Minoriko?! We could even decide on tonight's dinner too.

Minoriko

Of course, Shizuha! I am the harvest god, after all! And it's even autumn now, so our victory is certain!

Reimu

Grr... They're awfully sure of themselves, whereas we've got pretty much nothing to base a plan on! What should we do?!

Tewi

Hey, why did you stop them from announcing the location? They were just about to tell us.

Tewi

It'd be way easier to come up with a dish if we knew.

Nemuno

It won't change nothin'. We'd still have a handicap. In fact, us knowin' the location is exactly what they be wantin'.

Kasen

Listen. They're gods of autumn and one's a god of crops. They must know all there is to know about what's in season now.

So... we don't stand a chance?

Nemuno

Don't ya worry. I know the Youkai Mountain from top to bottom. Tewi knows the Bamboo Forest of the Lost―

Nemuno

―and the shrine maiden knows the Human Village. If it's anywhere else... I reckon the hermit can figure somethin' out.

Reimu

...You're mighty confident. But you're right. No one can beat us!

Tewi

If we need any traps to get some animals, you can leave them to me. I'll catch both our ingredients and our opponents!

Kasen

Hehe. I never thought I'd get upbraided by a yamanba. It seems that I still have much to learn.

Kasen

We'll win, no matter what location they've set! We've nothing to fear as long as our passion and love for food is pure!

Reimu

But considering the theme... won't it be the Genbu Ravine? They did say "Umami: The Gifts of Fresh Water."

Kasen

Or perhaps Misty Lake. The river water flowing into it does come from the Youkai Mountain, after all.

Tewi

Hey, what's "umami"? Does it mean tasty?

Nemuno

There be five tastes in cookin'. Sweet, sour, salty, bitter...an' umami.

Nemuno

Simply put, umami brings out the flavor an' is mainly featured in soup stock.

Reimu

Soup stock... If we get the ingredients to make a good one, we may just have a chance against the autumn gods.

Kasen

Right. No matter the location, our first priority is to gather ingredients for soup stock.

It's already autumn here!

Kasen

Indeed. Part of the Youkai Mountain is already red and gold. Soon enough, the whole of Gensokyo will be like this.

Shizuha

It's so much work every year, I tell you. And now that I'm in this contest, I just don't have enough time on my hands.

Shizuha

But I heard that the defeated team has to help the winners.

Shizuha

So I have to make sure we win!

Reimu

Sorry, but that's the first I've heard of that rule!

Minoriko

What, really? But the crops are so abundant this year, I could really use some help meeting and greeting my believers...

Nitori

Ahem, sorry to interrupt your little chat, but we've arrived at the stage for the procurement phase.

Aya

Listen up, folks. You're going to be collecting your ingredients by―guess what―riding down this raging river!

Aya

You'll be braving the rapids aboard these cute little rowboats Nitori prepared for you.

Nitori

You'll have to row in sync with all your might! This is the perfect combination of food and sports!

Reimu

Of all the... Wait! Does this mean that the first team to reach the finish gets the ingredients?!

Nitori

No. You have to obtain them while on the boat.

Team Nemunoki

WHAAAAAT?!

Nemuno

And just how're we s'posed to pull that off? It'll leave us with some real slim pickin's!

Minoriko

Are we the reason that you need to limit how and where we obtain the ingredients?

Aya

Partly, but not entirely.

Aya

Minoriko, Nemuno, and the mountain hermit could gather as many ingredients as they want, even with a time limit.

Aya

But that wouldn't be any fun, right?

Tewi

Even so... Just look at this river. The current is ridiculously fast.

Nitori

Not to worry. Kappa will rescue you if you go overboard. But they will also take a part of your haul as a penalty.

Kasen

That certainly sounds like something a kappa would come up with. But it also makes for a nice handicap.

Nemuno

Yeah. Ain't no skin off our backs.

Reimu

OK, fine. We'll just have to catch fish, crabs, and whatever else we can as we go!

Tewi

Tsk. But we can't use traps in the river. Ah-ha! Can we crash into the opponents' boat?

Reimu

Absolutely not! That'd be dangerous for PLAYER!

Minoriko

Shizuha, we'd best not get ahead of Reimu's team. Let's take it slow and stay to their rear, OK?

Shizuha

Yeah, they could ram us from behind. Good thing PLAYER is with them...

Nitori

OK, are both teams ready? Remember, safety measures are in place in case you fall overboard.

Reimu

PLAYER, think you can handle this?

Sure, I'll be fine!

Aya

I wish you all a pleasant ride down the rapids. Well then... Bon voyage!

Kasen

PLAYER and I will row. You three focus on gathering the ingredients.

O-OK!

Minoriko & Shizuha

AAAAAAAAAH!

Minoriko & Shizuha

We're being swept awaaaay! We can't stooooop!

Nemuno

Would ya look at that. They sure are goin' down fast.

Tewi

My master told me to be careful 'cause there were some heavy rainfalls this year, making the rivers overflow.

Reimu

And yet our boat goes so slowly. The Aki sisters are clearly overreacting. So what're we on the lookout for?

R-Reimu... Everyone, I'm sorry...

Kasen

We... can't take it anymore...

Reimu, Tewi & Nemuno

Huh?

Reimu, Tewi & Nemuno

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH?!

Aya

Both teams are off to a blazing start! They've submitted to the river's whims and are crashing into rocks like crazy!

Nitori

Well, the current's particularly fast this year. Even some kappa have been swept away and gone missing out there.

Reimu

Then why'd you choose such a dangerous location?! Kasen, get this boat under control!

Kasen

I'm trying, but... Ugh! The river is too fast, and I don't have the strength to row against it!

Tewi

Hey, look! Team Fall & Autumn is picking fruit from trees while they ride the current!

Nemuno

Not a bad idea. The trees growin' along the river are in reach.

Tewi

So then what are WE going to do?!

Kasen

It will be almost impossible to bring the boat close to the riverbank while we're going this fast!

Nemuno

Just grabbin' the same stuff as 'em ain't gonna win it for us. If they're lookin' outside the river, we gotta look inside!

Nemuno

Everyone, snag anythin' ya can find in the river. We need ingredients for that soup stock!

Aya

Ayayayaya? Team Nemunoki seems to be leaning over the side of their boat and staring into the river.

Aya

Don't they know how dangerous that is?!

Nitori

They're almost at the halfway point. The current gets even faster from there. Neeheehee.

Nemuno

UGHAAAA! Caught one!

Eek! The boat's rocking!

I can't row effectively in this current!

Reimu

Whoa... You actually caught a fish with your bare hands.

Nemuno

Hm? This is how I get all me ingredients. It's faster and more reliable this way.

Reimu

Huh? The other team's boat slowed down all of a sudden.

Kasen

Oh no... It's the Devil's Turn! We're going to need some real skill to take it at this speed!

Reimu

We'll slam straight into the bank at this rate! What should we do?! Shoot some bullets?

Kasen

Heh... Time to show off my sailing skills―an art I learned directly from the shinigami! Turn the boat sideways!

Aya

Wh-What in the world?! Kasen hooked the bottom of their boat onto the riverbank and made it slide around the turn!

Nitori

And that's not all! The centrifugal force offset the gravity and allowed them to drift with the flow! Such divine skill...

Nitori

No―that's a hermit's technique! Incredible! You rock, mountain hermit!

Kasen

Phew... That's one obstacle behind us. Still, we can't let our guard down―Urk!

Minoriko

Oh dear! Phew, thank goodness we made it around that turn safely.

Reimu

No, you didn't! You totally crashed into our boat!

Reimu

Oh, wait. They did say it's OK to disrupt each other with bullets. All right, drop those ingredients!

Shizuha

Wait just a minute! It may be fine to DISRUPT the opponent, but not ROB them!

Reimu

Oh, don't get the wrong idea. We aren't going to steal anything from you.

Minoriko

What do you mean?

Reimu

We'll just make you fall into the river, so you'll forfeit your things to the kappa!

Minoriko & Shizuha

Th-That's even worse!

Minoriko

Oh dear! The battle of bullets churned the river even more! I'm losing my footing!

Shizuha

Minoriko! Take my hand―

Minoriko

Shizuhaaa! Hold onnnn―

Nitori

Uh oh! Team Fall & Autumn fell in! Kappa Rescue Rangers, you're up!

Reimu

Phew... We bought time to gather more ingredients and reduced our opponents' haul in one stroke.

Nemuno

We're almost at the Genbu Ravine. Grab as much food as ya can before we get there.

Reimu

Sure thing!

Aya

Look at that! Team Nemunoki is safely gathering ingredients! Meanwhile, Team Fall & Autumn―

Aya

―is scrambling to pick fruit to make up for the ones they forfeited to the kappa!

Nitori

I can't wait to see what they whip up for us! Cooking time can't come soon enough! Neeheehee!

Minoriko

Those kappa took the fruits of our labor! Isn't it awful of Reimu to shoot at us so suddenly?!

Minoriko

Oh, I've got an idea. How about you fight me in a battle of bullets?

Minoriko

If I win, you give me all of your ingredients!

Minoriko

Ugh... I should've stayed on track and just kept looking for food!

Shizuha

*sigh* What a day... First, we have to go down a raging river, then we get attacked by the Hakurei shrine maiden...

Shizuha

And to top it off, the kappa took our ingredients! Although I am glad that they rescued us!

Shizuha

All I can do now is vent my frustration in a battle of bullets!

Shizuha

A-Ahaha! Just kidding! That won't help anything. Well now, back to work coloring those leaves!

Byakuren

I see you all obtained some quality ingredients. I can't wait to see what kinds of dishes you will make.

Nemuno

It was a wild ride... We were lucky to get our hands on anythin' at all.

Minamitsu

That was an impressive display of sailing. I've never seen anyone tip the boat to drift on the water.

Kasen

Oh no, that was only a stroke of luck.

Kasen

I was only able to pull it off since the speed, balance, and turn were all perfect.

Minamitsu

How humble of you. Hehe. I'm so excited. Such a spirited boat is worth sinking all the more!

Shou

Hm... While Team Nemunoki chose the gifts of the river, Team Fall & Autumn drew their ingredients from the land.

Shou

I'm looking forward to the dishes they'll serve! Now then, let's reveal the supplementary ingredients.

Supplementary ingredients?

Aya

Oh, didn't I tell you? Aside from the ingredients you've obtained, there are some others that you can use freely.

Shizuha

Th-This is the first I've heard of that!

Aya

Ayayayaya... Well, at least you know now, so everything's A-OK!

Shizuha

Of all the irresponsible... *sigh* Well, we've come this far, so there's no point dwelling on it now.

Shizuha

So? What exactly are these supplementary ingredients?

Nitori

Neeheehee! Here they are!

Rice... and miso?

Nemuno

Oh... That's some high-end stuff. The rice's white an' glossy even though it ain't been cooked yet.

Nemuno

The miso has a rich color―proof it's been fermentin' for a spell. And this aroma... It's made from soy, ain't it?

Minoriko

Correct. I'm impressed you can tell by the smell alone! And the rice was only just harvested by my followers and me!

Shizuha

Minoriko... You knew?!

Minoriko

Huh? Yes, and I thought you did, too. Didn't I tell you?

Shizuha

No. You didn't! Do you even know what teamwork means?!

Minoriko

Oh, come on, Shizuha. Of course I do. The harvest went very smoothly.

Shizuha

I meant the teamwork with ME, not your followers!

Tewi

You should've told us about these extra ingredients earlier. That river ride was a big fat waste of time.

Byakuren

Not necessarily. We are only providing you with the most basic of supplies.

Byakuren

Both the ingredients you obtain and the ones provided are different each match. How you use them is entirely up to you.

Tewi

Hm... Seems being a cook is harder than I thought.

Reimu

That's not the point. If we knew about the additional stuff, we could've grabbed more suitable ingredients.

Minamitsu

I thought we told you that you can use these as you will. You can choose not to use them if you want.

Minamitsu

The things you picked out may be better. These extra supplies were only selected by us.

Minamitsu

They're all edible, of course, but we can't guarantee their quality. We are amateurs, after all.

Reimu

Oh, I get it... In other words, all these things were chosen impartially by Myouren Temple.

Reimu

Hm? What's wrong? Your eyes are almost popping out of your head.

Kasen

What did you expect? Of course I'm surprised to see you in different clothes all of a sudden!

Reimu

Really? I just thought I'd better wear an apron if we're going to cook. I went and got the one I usually use.

Tewi

I like it. It looks like you know what you're doing.

Reimu

I actually do. Go on, tell them, PLAYER.

Reimu's cooking is delicious!

I could eat it every day!

Reimu

Hm... Thanks for the compliment, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do the cooking every day.

That's not what I meant!

Reimu

Hehehe, I know.

Reimu

OK, enough talk. Looks like Nemuno's already started thinking about our menu.

Nitori

Ahem. So, is everyone ready? Cooking time starts... NOW!

Minoriko

Shizuha! You know what we can make with rice and miso, right?!

Shizuha

Oh yeah... Great idea! That suits our style and matches the season too!

Tewi

They look confident. Maybe they got hold of something really good...

Tewi

Tsk. I guess the kappa went easy on them when they confiscated part of their haul.

Kasen

There's no point in worrying about what the other team is up to. We have to win with what we've got.

Our ingredients are... THESE, right?

Nemuno

The sweetfish I caught and the algae ya picked. We're lucky there're extra ingredients.

Kasen

Yes, I'm very sorry about that...

Reimu

What do you mean? It's only thanks to your steering skills that we were able to get anything at all without going overboard.

Reimu

We're the ones who should be ashamed that all we could get were some gooey greens.

Tewi

So, what's the plan? They only gave us rice and miso. Our fish should cover the freshwater theme...

Tewi

But what about the umami?!

Nemuno

Gifts of fresh water... Umami... Rice... Miso... Algae...

Nemuno

Don't be givin' up just yet, team! There IS a dish we can win this round with!

Reimu

Hehe, sounds like you've come up with something. How can we help?

Nemuno

OK, shrine maiden, get a fire goin'.

Reimu

Sure thing!

Nemuno

Mountain hermit and youkai rabbit, I'll walk ya through the prep work!

Kasen & Tewi

All right! Okie dokie!

What about me?

Nemuno

PLAYER, you're gonna be my assistant!

All right!

Nemuno

OK, time to knock those judges' socks off!

Cirno

What's that? Something smells good... *sniff* I'M HUNGRY!

Cirno

HEY! What are you up to behind my back?!

Cirno

Lemme in on it, or I'll freeze ya solid!

Cirno

Whaaat? A cooking contest? Sorry for butting in, but hey, do ya think I can try a bite while I'm here?!

Nitori

TIME'S UP! Now, let's have a look at your dishes!

Shizuha

We'll go first! Behold―miso-flavored chestnut rice!

Byakuren

Oh my! You've really adhered to the seasonal theme!

Minamitsu

And you certainly picked the heartiest nuts available. I can barely lift them with my chopsticks.

Minamitsu

They look so glossy and juicy, too. You really live up to your name as the god of autumn and harvests.

Minoriko

Thank you! Not even the swaying of the boat kept us from picking only the freshest, most flavorful chestnuts!

Minoriko

Chestnuts can sometimes be bland or even tart. But we made sure to only use the sweetest ones!

Shou

The chestnuts are fantastic, and so is the rice. Every single grain looks so lovely and fluffy!

Shou

I know I won't be disappointed! Now then, let's have a taste.

Aya

How is it?

Shou

Wonderful! The sweet taste of chestnuts fills my mouth! And the miso is just ever so slightly salty!

Minamitsu

Indeed! It's so moreish! I love being able to eat chestnuts and rice, whether by themselves or together!

Minamitsu

I can't stop! The harmony of the sweet and salty flavors is irresistible! It's a one-two punch, over and over!

Byakuren

The saltiness of the miso brings out the sweetness of the chestnuts and the rice.

Byakuren

And this presentation, like a beautiful moon rising on a white canvas. It's a pleasure for both the eyes and the palate.

Minoriko

I thought the same when I tried it for the first time! It was the beginning of autumn, and I got sick...

Minoriko

*cough* *cough* I caught a cold at the worst possible time...

Minoriko

Summer has changed into autumn... Ugh... I wonder if Shizuha's finished coloring the trees already.

Minoriko

(If I don't get out there soon, she'll take all the followers for herself! I can't let that happen!)

Minoriko

(It was a huge harvest this year, too. There are lots of festivals I need to attend so as not to let my faithful down!)

Minoriko

That is the one thing I CANNOT do!

Shizuha

My, you seem pretty lively. Feeling any better?

Minoriko

Oh, Shizuha! Welcome back! Are you finished for today?

Shizuha

Yes. I colored aaaall the mountains over there! They're bright yellow and red. It will be a bright strip by tomorrow!

Minoriko

Hmph...

Shizuha

Why are you so sulky? Do you want to see my autumn leaves that badly?

Shizuha

Hehehe. You never change... Here.

Minoriko

It's not that... Hm? What's this?

Minoriko

Rice with golden chestnuts and maple leaf tempura! All the beauty of autumn in one bowl!

Shizuha

You worked so hard to make it all grow, so the rice and miso are also extra tasty.

Shizuha

Let's do our best next year, too. And now... you need to recover quickly so we can go to the festivals.

Minoriko

Th-Thank you!

Shizuha

Now, now! Eat up! You need to eat to recover!

Minoriko

Yeah... I will! It's so good! I love it! Thank you for making it for me!

Shizuha

Good grief. Are you crying, talking, or eating? Do one thing at a time.

Minoriko

The chestnut rice that Shizuha made felt like the entirety of autumn in a single dish.

Minoriko

The story of our season starts with eating this chestnut rice!

Byakuren

It's true. I can feel autumn in it. The flavor of the umami is incredibly rich, too. Namusan.

Minoriko & Shizuha

Yay! Thank you!

They infused autumn into their cooking!

And got such good reviews...

Reimu

Don't sweat it. Our dish is more than a match for theirs!

Aya

Well then, Team Nemunoki, it's your turn!

Nemuno

Here ya go.

Byakuren

Is this... rice and miso soup?

Minamitsu

This is, um... kind of ordinary? I don't mean it looks bad. It's just rather... plain, I guess.

Shou

I agree with Murasa. Plain isn't necessarily bad, but I feel like the dishes came out in the wrong order...

Nemuno

Whaddaya mean?

Kasen

...I see! Team Fall & Autumn outplayed us!

Tewi

What's that supposed to mean?! Clue me in here!

Kasen

In the rice dish they served, the color of the chestnuts was particularly vivid, remember?

Tewi

Yeah, the judges said it was pretty.

Kasen

That's it. Their cooking wasn't just about the taste, but also the luscious presentation.

Kasen

We have only served simple white rice, which pales in comparison to their dish.

Reimu

Oh, so that's what they meant by "it's not bad, but the order was wrong"...

Reimu

But if that's the criteria, we would've stood no chance either way. Plain is plain.

This looks bad for us!

Nemuno

Don't be givin' up so fast. At the end of the day, cooking's about taste! Let's see what the judges' bellies say first!

Byakuren

True. We shouldn't comment until we try. Excuse our indiscretion. Let us not delay, then.

Byakuren, Minamitsu & Shou

!!!

Aya

Ayayayaya?! The judges are frozen! What could've possibly happened?!

Byakuren

This deliciousness is on another level entirely. Such texture and softness... I cannot believe this is the same rice.

Minamitsu

I agree. Team Nemunoki's rice is more delicate and smooth. Like... a fluffy, freshly-made cushion!

Minamitsu

The chestnut rice was great, but compared to this, it's like... an old worn-out cushion!

Minoriko & Shizuha

OLD WORN-OUT CUSHION?!

Shou

Also, the sweet taste spreads inside my mouth with each bite I take. The smell is superb, too...

Byakuren

And the miso soup is incredibly aromatic. Tell me, what did you use for the stock?

Shou

Let me guess... Sweetfish?

Nemuno

Bingo. We didn't have much time, so I gave up on bake-dryin' the fish to extract the stock.

Nemuno

Instead, I got it from the bones an' head.

Kasen

Now I get it... All we saw was an out-of-season fish―a gift of fresh water.

Kasen

But Nemuno thought about it differently. She was solely focused on how we could use it to make a delicious dish!

Reimu

That stock contains the condensed umami of the sweetfish! It's a sublime way to prepare it.

The stock she extracted looked amazing!

Tewi

Hm? Like Reimu said, we didn't even use any sweetfish meat... Does that mean there's nothing in the miso soup?!

Minamitsu

No, there IS something. But, what is it? It's green, but it's not cabbage...

Byakuren

My word! It's kawanori! A kind of freshwater algae!

Nemuno

S'right. The shrine maiden 'ere went all out collectin' it.

Reimu

Oh, so that sticky thing was kawanori? Did you know it grew in that river?

Nemuno

No. I heard it grew upstream of the Genbu Ravine, but this is the first time I've actually seen it.

Minamitsu

Well, first time seeing it or no, what you made with it smells and tastes quite nice.

Minamitsu

In fact... it's incredible! This joining of miso and sweetfish stock is pure art. That takes some real knowledge!

Shou

The miso soup with its gifts of fresh water and condensed umami combine with the rice to create a sublime dish.

Byakuren

I can't believe it... *munch* *munch* Rice, miso soup, rice... miso soup! Oh my! I can't stop!

Byakuren, Minamitsu & Shou

It feels like... we've been trapped in an umami vortex from which there is no escape!

Byakuren, Minamitsu & Shou

Thank you for the wonderful meal!

Aya

What's this? The judges... have completely wolfed down Team Nemunoki's dish!

Nitori

The chestnut rice was in the lead in terms of looks, but the simple, solid meal also got raving reviews!

Nitori & Aya

Time to announce the results!

Byakuren

The winner of the first match is... TEAM NEMUNOKI!

Daiyousei

I was chasing Cirno when I smelled this wonderful aroma... It made me really hungry.

Daiyousei

Truth be told, we fairies don't have to eat.

Daiyousei

But one time, I saw humans eating and followed suit. It was so tasty. I've gained an appetite for food ever since.

Daiyousei

I'm sorry... I know it's unhealthy to snack, but your miso soup was so delicious!

Daiyousei

I-If I could cook, I'd love to serve it to Cirno... Ah, who am I kidding!

Minoriko

*sob* We lost! I thought we could win this time because it wasn't a battle of bullets!

Shizuha

I'm sorry, Minoriko! It's because I said that the chestnut rice would be great without thinking it over!

Minoriko

It's not your fault! Let's head home, eat some consolation chestnut rice, and sleep it off!

Reimu

Phew... You could say that was a hard chestnut to crack.

We won the first match!

Tewi

Still, I can't believe that goo was kawanori...

Tewi

I grabbed some so I could prank Reisen with it later, but it proved useful in a way I didn't expect!

Kasen

Now that you know it's edible, you shouldn't use it in your pranks. Food is not a toy to be played with.

Tewi

Fine, whatever.

Nemuno

Thanks, y'all! If you hadn't picked that kawanori, I'da had nothin' to put in the soup.

Nitori

My goodness, don't celebrate just yet. As the judges and PLAYER said...

Nitori

...this was only the first match.

Reimu

I know that! But, I also know we won't lose the others.

Reimu

Bring on the next contenders!

Aya

Before I do, I'd like to implement just one more rule.

Reimu

WHAAAT? NOW?!

Aya

Look... Our panel of judges may be fair, but they're picky eaters, and satisfying them is no joke.

Aya

I think the yamanba with the guts to open her own eatery has a bit of an advantage. That's why I have brought a guest!

Tewi

No fair! You said yourself at the outset that the contest is only for those confident in their skills!

Nemuno

I dun mind. No one can beat me anyway, and I wanna have some heated fights here!

???

That's the spirit! Set this contest on fire with your culinary fury, mortal maiden!

Mokou

I accepted the tengu and kappa's invitation to join the panel, and I'm looking forward to see what you'll all cook up!

Mokou

Now, without further ado, let's move to the next location, where a fresh set of foes await!

Kasen

Oh, are you going to judge us straight from the ingredient procurement phase?

Mokou

No, I'll simply keep an eye on you, so you don't get lost. The only thing you'll be judged on is the dishes you cook.

Get lost? Does that mean the next spot is...

Mokou

Correct! It's the Bamboo Forest of the Lost!

Mokou

We're here. Your opponents are... Good. They're here already.

Mokou

The theme is... Survival Cooking! Find suitable ingredients that make us feel the power of life!

Power of life?

Survival Cooking?

Tewi

I guess it's time I took the lead. Hehehe. We can use traps to catch things, right?

???

Do you think it'll be that easy?

Reisen

Now you face us, Team Moon Rabbits! No prey or judge's stomach can escape our sights!

Aya

That's right, your opponent is Reisen! She can draw out the umami of her ingredients with her hypnotizing gaze―

Is that even possible?!

Aya

―or can't she? Either way, her keen eyes can discern the best spices for a dish in a flash!

Aya

She's a true connoisseur of condiments!

Aya

Not only do her seasonings enhance flavor and whet the appetite, but they also promote recovery and good health!

Tewi

Wait, isn't she just using Master's meds? Nothing changes after just one or two doses of those.

Kasen

All she can do is manipulate waves with her eyes. Anyone can choose spices to go with food.

Nemuno

I wouldn't underestimate that rabbit if I were y'all! Her peepers're the real deal.

Nemuno

She once made my cold tofu even tastier. An' she only used the spices that I had at me place.

Reimu

No way... THAT cold tofu?! How could it possibly get any tastier?!

Nemuno

I know. It took me down a peg. I've been studyin' spices an' focusin' on pickin' better ingredients ever since.

Nemuno

But I ain't lyin'. She changed me tofu's taste with just a pinch of spice!

Reisen

Hehehe. Shooting has enhanced my insight, flash recognition, and endurance. That's how I know which spices to use.

Reisen

I haven't been training so hard for nothing.

Tewi

I thought she was up to something when I saw her sneaking out in those odd clothes. So it was to join this contest.

Tewi

But... she said "Team" Moon Rabbits, which means...

???, ??? & ???

We're here, too!

Seiran

A cook-off, huh?! I'm going to win this and spread the word about my food stall!

Ringo

This is the perfect chance to let everybody know that my dango are great for any occasion!

Ringo

They're perfect as a main meal, together with green tea, and as an afternoon snack!

Seiran

Hey, don't just start advertising out of nowhere!

Ringo

Why not? Who are you to tell me what to do?!

Reisen

I-I'm here, too! I just happened to be visiting the Earth!

Nitori

Looks like we've found you some fierce competition―Moon rabbits including two sweets specialists.

Nitori

Sweets may be just the dish depending on ingredients, and moon rabbits are known for being fussy about food.

Reisen

A-Are we?! Lady Toyohime and Lady Yorihime are certainly particular about their meals, which can be difficult.

Mokou

So you're in charge of catering to the moon princesses' palates? I can't wait to try what you whip up for us.

Reisen

Hehehe... Team Moon Rabbits is unbeatable! We can cook up the perfect dish no matter the ingredients!

Reisen

I'd like to learn more about Earth cuisine to expand my repertoire!

Reisen

And when I heard that Reisen and the dango girls were entering, I thought I could get in some shooting training, too.

Reisen

Oh! I'm definitely not just slacking off, OK?!

Tewi

Hmph... Oh really? Then you won't mind if I contact the moon princesses to check?

Reisen

Eek! Please don't... I beg you!

Reisen

Don't worry. She's just trying to throw us off our game.

Reisen

Still, we can't have her doing that. It may be better to teach Tewi a lesson right here and now.

Tewi

What? YOU teach ME? Hehehe. That'll be the day. And don't think I'll just sit here and let you try, either.

Reisen

Why, you cheeky little... Get ready, 'cause I'm going to wipe that smile off your face!

Seiran

I'll help. And it's not like I'm running away because I was about to lose the argument with Ringo, OK?!

Reisen

Nobody asked, but now we all know anyway...

Tewi

I'll take on as many of you as you want! With bullets, of course! Let's go, PLAYER!

Aya

An abrupt battle of bullets! And the winner is... Tewi of Team Nemunoki!

Tewi

Hehehe! How does it feel to lose?!

Reisen

Ugh... This isn't over yet! The real fight starts with the cook-off!

Nitori

Oh my. Luckily, strategy time hadn't started yet. Otherwise, you and both of your teams would be disqualified.

Nitori

So please be more careful from now on!

Reisen & Tewi

It's because of Tewi! It was Reisen's fault, not mine.

Mokou

Now, now, Reisen. Strategy time is about to start.

Nitori

Ready or not! BEGIN!

Reisen

We have to win no matter what! The theme is Survival Cooking, and that's our specialty!

Ringo

Well, yeah, it is. OK then, let's show 'em the power of the ex-Eagle Ravi!

Seiran

Hehe! Leave it to Seiran the Great! I'll shoot down anything that moves!

Reisen

I-I'll try my best to be of help too! I won't slow you down!

Reisen

Don't get too excited. And keep your eyes peeled. Yeah... maybe think of this as just another type of training.

Reisen

We'll use dummy ammo. I improved the paint guns from the last festival. It hurts, so it should do well enough for animals.

Ringo

Nice! Like a real survival game! This is gonna be wild!

Seiran

We can also use our bullets, so we'll be fine!

Wow, they're all fired up!

Tewi

Agh! We can't lose THIS fight! I don't care about the other rabbits, but I must defeat REISEN!

Kasen

It's great that you're raring to go, but what's the plan?

Kasen

It's Survival Cooking, and they're a team of professional shooters. We've got a trap master, a yamanba... and bullets.

Tewi

No prob. I've got an idea!

Nemuno

I like ya confidence! I dunno the Bamboo Forest of the Lost at all, so lead the way. But leave the ingredients pickin' to me!

Reimu

Now that we've divvied up the roles... let's get out there and stay sharp!

Kasen, Tewi & Nemuno

All right!

Koishi

Hey! What are you doing? I wanna play too!

Koishi

Oh, what's that smell? I'm a bit hungry...

Koishi

So let me try some!

Koishi

Ah! That was fun! Now I'm gonna go home and eat dinner with my sister.

Yorihime & Toyohime

*stare*

Yorihime

Um, Sister? Wouldn't it be better to observe Reisen's training from up close rather than spy on her from here?

Toyohime

Nonsense, Yorihime. She'll get nervous if she sees us.

Yorihime

Right... But couldn't we just watch the match from the audience? I even brought a banner to show our support...

Toyohime

Reisen is very weak to pressure, so I'm no longer sure if we should really display that or not...

Yorihime

It is a little late to be worrying about that now! Come on, let us cheer her on with our bullets!

Toyohime

Reisen, did you see that?! Even we fail sometimes! Don't let fear of losing slow you down!

Yorihime & Toyohime

Go, go, go! Show 'em, Reisen! You can do it! REI-SEN! REI-SEN!

Nitori

All righty, strategy time's up! Starting now, you'll be hunting for ingredients in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.

Aya

We wouldn't want anything to happen to you, so Miss Mokou will accompany you as a guide, just in case.

Aya

I'm sorry about this. We only meant to invite you as a guest judge, not as a guide too...

Mokou

No sweat. I don't want anyone to get lost and miss out on the contest either.

Mokou

Especially so with PLAYER being a normal human. Which tends to get forgotten since she's always with Reimu...

Thank you, Mokou!

Mokou

No biggie. You should be fine anyway. There are a couple of living lucky charms on your team, after all.

Kasen

And don't forget me. I won't let anything bad happen to you either.

Nitori

During this ingredient hunt in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost, your rivals are, of course, rabbits!

Aya

Gather what you can within the time limit. But do note that you'll be disqualified if you step outside the bamboo forest.

Aya

Crow tengu will be watching from above. And both bullets and dummy ammo are A-OK!

Nitori

The dummy rounds and model guns are kappa-certified safe, so give us some good PR out there!

Nitori

Are you ready? The hunt starts... NOW!

Reisen

We've got to get an early edge! Illusion Bomb: Myopic Fireworks (Mind Starmine)!

Reimu

Gah! THAT was sudden! PLAYER, over here!

Reisen

Hehe, don't blame me. Just sit tight while we go look for ingredients, OK―?!

Seiran, Ringo & Reisen

Reisen... disappeared?!

Seiran

Huh? No, she fell into a pitfall trap! Hey, are you all right?!

Reisen

TEEEEWIIIIIII!

Reisen

I knew there was a trap here! I fell on purpose, not because I let my guard down.

Tewi

*cough* *cough* YOU'RE the one who suddenly started shooting bullets! Someone might've gotten hurt!

Thanks, Reimu, Kasen.

Kasen

Not at all. I'm glad you're OK. We owe it to Tewi's pitfall trap.

Aya

Ayayaya! This round is off to a sizzling start! Bullets vs. traps―How will it end?!

Nitori

Hey, fights to obstruct the other team are allowed, yes, but don't forget your goal, OK?

Ringo

Reisen, you know this bamboo forest best, so stay out of the action and go look for food. We can handle this!

Reisen

A-All right... I'll leave it up to you three.

Reimu

Hey! Where do you think you're going?!

Reisen

Right back at you!

Aya

Oho! Team Moon Rabbits has split up! And now Reisen's attacking Team Nemunoki with dummy ammo!

Kasen

Nemuno, PLAYER! Take Tewi and go find our ingredients. She knows this forest well!

Nemuno

What're you and the shrine maiden gonna do?

Kasen

We'll hold the moon rabbits off. Don't worry about us. We'll catch up with you later.

Reimu

Looks like there's no other way. Leave it to us. Hurry up and go!

Nemuno & Tewi

Gotcha. All right.

Be careful, you two.

Aya

What an exciting turn of events! Both teams have split up, sending a few members off to look for ingredients!

Aya

Meanwhile, the ex-Eagle Ravi are fighting the hermit and the shrine maiden! A battle for the ages!

Seiran & Ringo

Not so fast! Bullet Sign: The Eagle Has Shot Its Target! Going somewhere?! Rabbit Sign: Dango Influence!

Reimu

Fantasy Seal!

Tewi

Hm... Foodstuffs from the forest... Since Mokou's on the panel, maybe bamboo shoots are a safe bet?

Tewi

She does seem to love them.

Nemuno

Yeah... And I bet there're some quality ones here. We could make tempura, a soup, or stir fry 'em.

Tewi

Hehehe... Just thinking about it all is making me drool.

But where are these famed shoots?

Tewi

Hehehe... I know just the place. I found plenty the other day!

Nemuno

Huh?! Watch out!

Reisen

Dang, how did you notice me?!

Tewi

ANOTHER sneak shot?! Oh, you're limping. Did you fall for one of my traps again?

Reisen

I can't believe you! There were bamboo spikes at the bottom! And after I got trapped in a bamboo cage―

Reisen

―more bamboo spikes dropped down on me! Anyone else would've been seriously injured!

Tewi

Not to worry. I only make traps that are treacherous for you!

Reisen

Re-Really...? Wait, that doesn't make it any better!

Tewi

Tsk. I was THAT close...

Nemuno

Leave 'er to me and go get 'em bamboo shoots.

Tewi

But how are we supposed to know which ones are good to pick without you?

We don't have any room for error...

???

Have no fear!

Kasen

I made it in time! Leave these two to me and go find the ingredients!

Tewi

Huh? These two?

Reisen

Hehe, so you saw me? The mountain hermit truly lives up to her name.

Kasen

It's only because I didn't see you in the battle earlier. Now, come on! I can take you both on at once!

Kasen

Though that might be pushing it, actually. PLAYER, care to lend a hand?

Sure!

Reisen

We're up against the mountain hermit and PLAYER... This'll be rough. Think you got this?

Reisen

Y-Yes! I'm fine! It'll be yet another step in my training!

Kasen

Your will to train is very commendable. PLAYER, brace yourself!

Reisen

Ugh! The hermit is so strong... Even though she's fighting while protecting PLAYER!

Reisen

Wh-What should we do, Reisen?! They'll overpower us at this rate!

Reisen

Yeah... Change to Strategy I! Keep attacking Team Nemunoki while retreating!

Reisen

Roger that!

Kasen

They're real soldiers. They considered various patterns of attack and prepared a strategy in advance.

Kasen

PLAYER, let's withdraw for now. We'll wait for Tewi and the rest to come back.

OK!

Reimu

Agh, come on! The way they're using the bamboo forest to take cover and fire on us... it really ticks me off!

Kasen

Yeah. They have mobility, agility, and shooting skills to boot. I hate to admit it, but they're better all around.

Reimu

Finally, you're back... Wait, what happened?! You look terrible!

Tewi

Both Reisens set traps and pelted us with projectiles, so we couldn't even make it to the bamboo shoots!

Nemuno

An' that ain't all. Anywhere else we went was already picked clean of bamboo shoots.

Reimu

No way... Does that mean you didn't get any at all?! Even though we're in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost!

Reimu

And Mokou is on the panel! We know what one of the judges likes and can't even take advantage of it!

Kasen

Pull yourself together!

Kasen

The lucky Reimu and the lucky rabbit Tewi giving up... What a pathetic sight.

Kasen

Do you know how absurd this is?! Especially you, Reimu! I didn't train you to be such a crybaby!

Reimu

Yeah... You're right! We can't just give up! If we can't get bamboo, we have to find something else!

But what else is there in a bamboo forest?

Nemuno

You'd be surprised at what you can find. We might get extra points if we scrounge up some rare stuff.

Nemuno

But they won't be easy to find with conventional methods. We'll need some luck.

Tewi

Luck? Hehehe, Reimu, and I are here. That super rare stuff will be ours in no time at all!

Kasen

The question is, what are we looking for? Do you have anything in mind?

Nemuno

Hm... Super rare stuff in a bamboo forest... Not bamboo shoots...

Nemuno

OK... I know! Shrine maiden, youkai rabbit! I want ya to find somethin' for me!

Reimu & Tewi

All right! Sure thing!

Kasen

Good. Everyone's pepped up again. Acting all upset doesn't suit you two at all.

Kasen

And if someone beats you... you have to return the favor!

Reisen

I don't think I'll be of much help in hunting for ingredients, so I'll just show the results of my shooting practice!

Ringo

With that posture, you'll need lots of luck. Relax your shoulders and take a deep breath.

Reisen

S-Sorry! *inhale* *exhale* Yes, I feel more relaxed now!

Ringo

Good! Guys, I won't be of much help with the ingredients either. I'll stay and keep an eye on Reisen!

Reisen

Uh... I relaxed too much! My shoulders are drooping!

Ringo

Ahaha... Well, that happens. But we successfully slowed them down, at least. Shall we head back?

Byakuren

I'm glad you all made it back safely. I'm excited to see what ingredients you got!

Mokou

You all had a big old scrap back there. I'm glad no harm was done to the bamboo forest, though.

Reisen

You know how it is. Once the fight starts, it's hard to not go all-in. Especially considering our opponent.

Ringo

Sadly, it also scared all the animals away. We didn't see any...

Reisen

B-But we did gather some very survival-y ingredients, so no complaints there!

Mokou

Oh! That does sound like something worth looking forward to, Reisen!

Minamitsu

OK. Let's announce the supplementary ingredients. Here they are―pickled plums and pine nuts!

I get the plums, but why pine nuts?

Shou

The humans say that if you eat pine nuts regularly, you'll become a hermit.

Shou

They're used in healthy food and sweets. We add them to our meals at the temple since they're rich in nutrients.

Nemuno

Those plums... They even look sour! But I'm sure they'll wet the taste buds.

Nitori

All righty then, now that both teams have their extra ingredients and spices―cooking time starts... NOW!

Nemuno

Pickled plums and pine nuts... Spices... Healthy food... Nutrients... The strength of life!

Kasen

Looks like you're already on to something. So what are we making this time?

Nemuno

We'll use what our lucky two found an' those extra fixin's to slap together a nice, autumn-y meal!

Reimu

I can't wait to see what you whip up from so little. So, how can we help?

Tewi

Are you sure you can make survival food with just this? I know it's some rare stuff, but still...

Tewi

Can we really compete with all those bamboo shoots they snagged?

Reisen

Hehe. Make puppy eyes at me all you want. I'm not sharing anything with you. There's no mercy in war!

Reisen

Um, so boil these shoots... Stew these...

Ringo

I can't really make anything but dango. But I'll do what I can.

Seiran

*snort* Look at that! They must be desperate if they're trying to use a bamboo stem!

Reisen

Oh, dear. Are they planning to serve it? I know the judges aren't humans, but isn't that too much?

Nemuno

Oh, but we are. This bamboo is essential for me piece de resistance!

Mokou

Come on... I know bamboo is important, but there's no way THAT is edible.

Mokou

Can't you just use shoots?

Byakuren

I have heard that bamboo removes odors and keeps illnesses away... but I am fairly sure that you cannot eat it.

Minamitsu

Yeah, it's a tiger that we have in Myouren Temple, not a panda. Oh, and a mouse too.

Shou

She's a yamanba, so I'm sure she knows what she's doing... But seriously, what can they use bamboo for?

Aya

The panel is full of controversy and anxiety over what Team Nemunoki will do with those bamboo stems!

Aya

Will it influence the outcome of the taste-testing?!

Tewi

Hey... Will this bamboo be edible once you cook it?

Nemuno

What're ya talkin' about? Bamboo is only edible when young.

But you said it will be in the main dish.

Nemuno

You thought I was goin' to cook it? Ahaha! You guys crack me up!

Nemuno

I meant that we can use it as-is if we keep the water and heat levels just right.

Nemuno

First, put some water in this 'ere hole. Then, put it over the fire.

Nemuno

In the meantime, get the nuts ready to go. Crumble 'em up.

Kasen

Sure, leave it to me!

Nitori

Whoa! Look at those incredible knife skills! And... she's not simply crumbling them!

Nitori

She's removing the inedible black parts at the same time! What dexterity!

Reimu

Only Kasen could pull off this kind of divine technique... I mean, hermit technique.

Reimu

OK, Tewi is tied up helping Nemuno, so that leaves us on guard duty.

Reimu

Hey, you may as well show yourselves. You call that spying? You stick out like a sore thumb.

Seiran

Aww, looks like the jig is up. And here I thought I was a pretty decent scout...

Ringo

You're sharper than we thought... So? What're you gonna do with that bamboo stem?

Reimu

Hah, fat chance. That's for us to know and you to find out.

Ringo

Why not tell us? It's not gonna change anything. You have no chance of winning without bamboo shoots, anyway.

Reimu

You're awfully confident. But let me tell you something. There's more to be found in that forest than bamboo shoots.

Seiran

Oh? And you're saying that you found it? Now I'm curious...

Reimu

That reminds me. We have a bit of unfinished business since someone ran away like a scared little rabbit.

Seiran

Couldn't help it. That was a part of the plan. We can settle the score now if you want.

Ringo

We're employing Strategy R, not I, so we can battle as much as we want. I want to douse that fire in your eyes.

Reimu

As if! It's payback time for you hogging all the bamboo shoots! Let's do this, PLAYER!

Aya

Both teams have started plating their dishes, heedless of the flying bullets!

Nitori

It's amazing. The combatants are actually aiming their shots so that they don't hit the cooks.

Reisen

This is the last one! I'm a bit worried that we don't know what the other team is serving, though.

Reisen

Our dish looks tasty and has bamboo shoots cooked in so many different ways! It'll be fine! Probably! I hope so!

Kasen

Don't count us out just yet.

Tewi

We're about to finish too! Hehehe, I can't wait to see Reisen bawl her eyes out!

Nemuno

It may not be anythin' fancy, but y'all are 'bout to learn what exceptional luck tastes like!

Mokou

Time's up! Okay, teams, bring forth your dishes!

Mokou

Let's see if your handiwork has what it takes to dazzle our hearts, minds, and palates!

Reisen

You'll know that soon enough―once you taste our bamboo shoot feast!

Byakuren

This is incredible! Soup, bamboo slices, salad, tempura... A true bamboo paradise!

Reisen

For the slices, we used fresh shoots and cut the softest part at the tip.

Reisen

The salad is made from edible plants from the bamboo forest and topped with thin slivers of lightly boiled shoots.

Ringo

Try the slices after dipping them in wasabi and soy sauce, then pour the rest onto the salad.

Mokou

I eat them every year, but nothing's better than fresh bamboo slices! So crisp and aromatic... with a tang of sweetness!

Byakuren

Yes. And not sour in the slightest. Truly delicious!

Shou

The salad is great! I love the fusion of the slightly bitter taste of the plants with the bold accents of wasabi and soy sauce.

Shou

Ah, it's simply breathtaking! The aroma, the sharp wasabi... No one could pass a bite of this up!

Minamitsu

The soup is sublime, too. It's a bowl filled with an ocean of the sweet, crisp goodness of bamboo shoots.

Mokou

And the tempura... It's crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just as it should be!

Mokou

I can't stop! It feels like eating this feast will make me grow like bamboo!

Nitori

Ah... This smell! Seeing such a smorgasbord really whets my appetite!

Seiran

Try the stewed bamboo too. There's plenty to go around, so eat to your heart's content!

Shou

This is... the pinnacle of cuisine!

Reisen

And that's not all! If you sprinkle a pinch of this spice onto the tempura...

Mokou

Th-This is... spicy grated daikon! It's perfect for the season, with just the right amount of kick!

Byakuren

Typically, you would use chili pepper... But this is something else.

Reisen

Yes, this is my special blend. It has veggies, prickly ash, ginger, and more.

Reisen

I also added just a tiny bit of my master's fabled medicine, so it's healthy, as well.

Reisen

I first took an interest in spices when... Yeah, it was after I helped my master out with an experiment...

Reisen

Urgh... My stomach... *groan*

Eirin

Oh, Udonge. Are you still feeling under the weather? Did you eat something that didn't agree with you?

Reisen

U-Um... It must've been one of Tewi's pranks. But I'm fine. I just don't have any appetite.

Reisen

(I can't tell Master it's because of her experiment...)

Eirin

But how can you work if you don't eat? I need you to go make some sales in the village tomorrow.

Eirin

Oh! I know just the thing. Wait a minute.

Reisen

What?! No, it's just heartburn or indigestion because of some herbs. Nothing serious!

Reisen

Wh-What should I do? At this rate, she's going to feed me some other untested concoction!

Eirin

Here. Eat this.

Reisen

Are these... baked bamboo shoots?

Eirin

Yes. They're good for upset stomachs since they contain a lot of fiber. I'll add some of this, too.

Reisen

Wh-What is that?!

Eirin

It's a spice I invented. The main ingredient is... a secret!

Reisen

(Is it safe to eat?)

Eirin

Spices stimulate taste buds and promote the appetite. It depends on what's used―

Eirin

―but the key benefits you can get are encouraging appetite, detoxification, antisepsis, and digestive support.

Eirin

You know that there are five flavors, right, Udonge? Sweet, bitter, sour, spicy, and salty.

Eirin

Each flavor exhibits different effects on the body, so it's important to balance them to suit one's constitution.

Eirin

These five flavors are often brought out by spices in cooking.

Eirin

The most potent effects come from onions, ginger, grated radish, and chili.

Reisen

I see. So they're not just for decoration, but have effects of their own, just like medicine.

Eirin

Correct. Food is a resource for the body, and spices supplement it. Balance is essential in all of this.

Reisen

Which means... there's no need to rely solely on medicine. Oh, this is good! It's really good, Master!

Reisen

That's when I learned how amazing spices are! You can keep yourself healthy with them. And that's great!

Reisen

They're nature's medicine―life itself! This is survival cuisine!

Ringo

You sure this isn't just you trying to get out of doing more medical trials?

Seiran

I'm not sure whether to call you hard-working or crazed if that's what made you study spices to such an extent...

Mokou

But she has a point. Spices are natural medicine and promote life, which may make this the ultimate survival cuisine!

Aya

The judges can't stop eating!

Aya

Has anyone ever eaten so many bamboo shoots in one go?! I can't believe my eyes!

Reisen

So? Think you can top that?!

Nemuno

Of course. I'll show ya that shoots ain't the only tasty things to be found in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost!

Tewi

Make way for Team Nemunoki's entry! Bon appetit!

Mokou

Roasted bamboo tubes? You expect me to eat this? I don't think it'll go down at all...

Reimu

No, no, no. You've got it wrong. That's just the serving dish. Take a look inside.

Byakuren

The dish? Oh, you're right. And inside is... the pickled plums, pine nuts and... rice porridge?!

Minamitsu

What?! How did you find RICE?! Did you use what you had leftover from the first round?

Reimu

Of course not. We're no cheaters. We found it in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.

Mokou

Don't lie! There're no paddies in the forest! And this rice has a strong sweet smell to boot!

Actually, there is rice in the forest!

Reimu

Have you heard of Suzume-zake?

Byakuren

Oh, Mystia mentioned it once or twice. Is that the sake made by sparrows?

Reimu

Yeah. I also heard about it from Mystia. They say that sparrows collect rice offerings from graves―

Reimu

―and hide it in cut bamboo stalks. They then forget about it, the rice ferments, and thus... Suzume-zake.

Reimu

To be precise, this rice hasn't fermented yet. That's why we could make porridge with it.

Reimu

Sparrows are terrible at remembering things. Just like Mystia.

Reimu

But thanks to this, we could find some rice before it fermented and turned into sake.

Mokou

I see. So this isn't just the rice I smell. The fragrance of bamboo has soaked into the porridge too.

Byakuren

Shall we try it, then?

Byakuren

The sourness of the plums compliments the sweetness of the rice. It's so simple... but so incredibly delicious.

Byakuren

The finely cut pine nuts add an interesting texture as well.

Mokou

Hm? There're some other grains as well. There's a flavor that harmonizes with the rice, sour plums, and bamboo scent...

Mokou

This texture is interesting... and somewhat nostalgic. Is this... bamboo fruit?

Kasen

Oh, good of you to notice.

Shou & Minamitsu

Bamboo fruit?

Mokou

Bamboo fruit is hard to get since it only appears once every 60 to 120 years, after which the entire forest dies.

Mokou

But the Bamboo Forest of the Lost is just fine, so this fruit must've been brought in by birds from another grove.

Nemuno

I see... I'd heard of bamboo fruit, but this is the first time I've actually seen or eaten one.

Mokou

Keine let me try bamboo fruit once, but I got mad that she made me eat something so tasteless.

Mokou

Still, it really takes me back since I've only had it a few times in the whole of my long life...

Byakuren

It is indeed an acquired taste. I can see how some might dislike it. But everything in this porridge is cooked superbly.

Byakuren

The skills of the chef are outstanding.

Kasen

Word also has it that phoenixes eat bamboo fruit.

Kasen

Producing fruit spells the end of the bamboo forest, whereas the phoenix is an immortal firebird.

Tewi

Just like Mokou! It's only thanks to our killer luck that we were able to get hold of some!

Tewi

Fortune is always on your side if Reimu and I are with you! And the many little blessings show that it was meant to be!

Tewi

That's precisely why we were able to find the rice before it became Suzume-zake!

Mokou

Yes, a lucky shrine maiden and a lucky rabbit... To survive, it is sometimes essential to have luck on your side.

Mokou

Your story about the end of the forest and the phoenix eating its fruit says so much about the significance of life.

Reisen

N-No way!

Mokou

I eat way too many bamboo shoots every autumn. They're usually roasted, stewed, boiled, or deep-fried.

Mokou

If you want to make crispy slices, you have to use bamboo shoots fresh out of the ground.

Byakuren

Eating too many of them can cause indigestion or even heartburn.

Byakuren

I was worried that we would not be able to eat another meal right after that feast...

Tewi

Ah-ha! That's why you insisted on serving your dish first! So they wouldn't be able to eat ours!

Reisen

Hmph. It's called tactics. Specifically... Strategy H, Heartburn Keeps You From Eating!

Tewi

That's cheating! Playing dirty!

Reisen

Look who's talking!

Nemuno

Ya tried, but ya failed 'cause our porridge's actually good for the stomach.

Nemuno

The summer heat dulls the appetite. But in autumn, ya wanna eat a whole lot.

Mokou

Ahaha... You've hit the nail on the head.

Mokou

It's true. This porridge is perfect for an upset stomach. Add in the sour plums and... I just can't stop eating!

Mokou

I love the texture, too. I almost forgot it's porridge! I've never eaten anything like this!

Mokou

It works its magic straight away. My stomach already feels much lighter despite overeating earlier.

Mokou

In fact, I feel like I could eat another round of that bamboo shoot course!

Byakuren

Do not acquiesce to your base desires. Eat only as much as you need to live.

Byakuren

However, I understand how you feel. The bud of hunger sprouting in your heart...

Shou

I feel my deepest, most primal instincts awakening. My blood rushing through my veins, my muscles rejuvenated...

Minamitsu

That's not all! Even though I'm a phantom, I feel like I'm growing!

The Judges

Just like bamboo!

Byakuren

Phew... I eat porridge a lot, but this was a new experience for me. You gifted me with something valuable. Namusan.

Minamitsu

This porridge exuberates life. It made me ponder the existence of bamboo forests and longevity.

Shou

Bishamonten teaches that there is happiness in longevity. But this meal gave me cause to reconsider this.

Shou

My heart is clean. I feel light. I want to share these lessons with the petitioners at Myouren Temple.

Sounds like slow times ahead for Hakurei Shrine.

Reimu

That's no good! Oh! What if I let the remaining rice ferment and sell it as sacred sake?!

Kasen

Do you even know what sacred sake is?

Aya

Sorry to interrupt, but it's time we heard the results of the second round!

Mokou

Oh, right, sorry. Hands down, the winner is―

Mokou

The team who taught us not only about life and survival tactics, but also about luck―Team Nemunoki!

Reisen

N-No way!

Team Nemunoki

YEAH!

Ran

(I heard about a cook-off at Moriya Shrine and hoped to enter and popularize fried tofu here...)

Ran

(But I got embarrassed and withdrew at the last second... How can I look Lady Yukari in the face now?)

Chen

(Lady Ran's frowning... What's she thinking? She didn't notice that I ate all the fried tofu, did she?!)

Chen

Um... Sorry, Lady Ran. I kept thinking about the fried snacks and lost!

Ran

Wh-What?! You needn't worry about that. Now then, let's go shopping for dinner.

Chen

Meow? You're not mad?

Ran

*sigh* What are you talking about? Why would I be mad? Let's have inarizushi for dinner tonight.

Chen

*purr* I love Lady Ran's inari!

Aya

Hm, not even our special guest judge could keep PLAYER's team from winning.

Reimu

Huh? What's that supposed to mean? Do you want us to lose that badly?

Nitori

Not at all. It's just more interesting if there are some thrills and chills along the way, right?

Reimu

That's easy for you to say! Both the first and second matches were grueling.

Aya

Oh, come on. You miraculously found rice and bamboo fruit at the last moment. Talk about a coincidence!

Tewi

Huh? Where's Reisen? I don't see her anywhere.

Ringo

She didn't take the loss well. She quickly got changed and just headed home.

Seiran

*sigh* If only the theme had been sweets or dango. We'd have won, and I'd have some PR for my business...

Reisen

I think now might be a good time to make our exit.

Nemuno

So? What's next? Not like it matters, though, since we ain't gonna lose no matter what ya throw at us!

Kasen

Right. We'll win regardless of theme... or opponent!

Aya

Oh, how bold of you! We might as well just announce it right away then, no?

Yuyuko

Allow me to do the honors.

Nitori

Neeheehee! But before we do, let's introduce our next guest, who just happened to be passing by.

Nitori

She had nothing else to do, so she volunteered to be a judge! The head of Hakugyokurou―Yuyuko Saigyouji!

Yuyuko

Who would pass up the chance for a free meal? I just hope the food lives up to my standards!

Yuyuko

The timing couldn't be any better. Youmu's been bending my ear about eating healthy lately.

Byakuren

Well then, shall we move to the next location before disclosing the theme? Your next opponent awaits us there.

If Miss Yuyuko is here...

Then the next location is...

Yuyuko

My, how clever of you. I'm impressed. The next location is Hakugyokurou in the Netherworld, just as you guessed!

Cherry blossoms?

Reimu

Hehe, I know. It's surprising that they're in full bloom even though it's autumn.

Reimu

I'm not entirely sure why, but cherry trees also bloom in summer and fall here. It snows in winter, though.

Nemuno

Hm? Not gonna change your getup this time?

Reimu

Oh, this? I've already had some battles in it earlier, so I thought it'd be fine as long as it doesn't get dirty.

Nemuno

Yeah, I guess YOU probably could have a scuffle without dirtyin' yer apron.

Reimu

Thanks. Well, I'm mainly still wearing it to keep myself focused on the cook-off.

???

The rest of us must stay focused, too!

Kasen

We didn't acquire the ingredients we wanted in the earlier rounds, so we need to get with it this time!

Tewi

Hehehe! Just leave everything to us! Your jaws will drop at the amazing spread we cook up!

Nemuno

Y'all sure are fired up. The shrine maiden said she brought her apron from her home. How 'bout you two?

Tewi

I bought mine at Kourindou. He said the design is based on clothes from the outside world.

Tewi

And it supposedly helps one make better sweets. I was hoping to play some new pranks on Reisen with it.

Tewi

If I come at her looking all cute and armed with yummy cookies, she's sure to let her guard down!

Kasen

As for me, I received mine from the master I was studying Chinese cuisine under.

Reimu

Your master?

???

It was only just the other day that you became my apprentice... Yet look at you―You've grown so much.

Meiling

But it's still too early for you to beat me at cooking! I'll give you a taste of defeat firsthand!

Sakuya

It's unusual to see you so engaged, Meiling. If only you had this much energy every day.

Meiling

What are you implying, Miss Sakuya? I'm always hard-working and enthusiastic!

Sakuya

Oh? Then why does it appear that the only thing you are enthusiastic about is dozing off? Care to enlighten me?

Kasen

I knew you would come, Master Meiling. And Sakuya, too...

What's going on?

Reimu

I'm not sure, either. Kasen, care to explain?

Kasen

Until recently, I've been learning about Chinese cuisine from Master Meiling. And Sakuya was her pupil before me.

Kasen

That's how I got these clothes. I'm wearing them now because they're perfect for a cooking contest.

Sakuya

I never thought we'd face each other in the kitchen so soon. But you'll get no mercy from me! Show us what you learned!

Kasen

Oh don't you worry, I will!

Meiling

And I'll see just how much progress you've both made with my own eyes!

Nemuno

Wow! This's gonna be one heated cook-off! Can ya feel those spirits blazin'?!

Aya

Splendid! A face-off between two apprentices of the same master! All right, let's introduce the contestants!

Aya

A master of Tai Chi Chuan and hot cuisine! A dragon girl and the gatekeeper of the Scarlet Devil Mansion!

Aya

With her ability to use qi, she can apparently read the bodily condition of others and know what they want to eat!

Aya

She'll show you that Chinese cuisine is the real deal! Welcome the sleepy scarlet dragon―Hong Meiling!

Meiling

Oh, you got me blushing! Here's to hoping the theme will be Chinese cuisine.

Aya

Next, the stylish and perfect head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion! She crafts meals loved by children and adults alike!

Aya

She can manipulate time at will to prepare feasts in an instant! The kitchen chronomancer―Sakuya Izayoi!

Sakuya

Heehee. Shall I bring you under the spell of my cooking as well?

Meiling & Sakuya

Together we mind the kitchen AND the gate of the Scarlet Devil Mansion! We're Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen!

Meiling AND Sakuya? This will be tough!

Reimu

Yeah. And troublesome. Sakuya can even turn apple juice into apple liquor with her ability...

Nemuno

No kiddin'?! Ya think she'd make some drinks for me restaurant?

Kasen

For a yamanba, you're pretty quick on the uptake.

Kasen

Sakuya will be trouble... but if the theme is Chinese cuisine, we stand no chance against Master Meiling.

Tewi

Are you serious?! So we're done for unless it's Japanese, Western, or sweets!

Reimu

Unfortunately, Sakuya is good at all of those, too. She makes tons of desserts for Remilia and Flan.

What an unstoppable duo!

They make up for each other's weaknesses!

Nemuno

We're outmatched, I know. But I gotta say... this really gets me fired up!

Nemuno

It's all thanks to the shrine maiden and PLAYER helpin' me advertise my restaurant!

Nemuno

I get to have a gourmet rumble against some amazingly skilled folk! This is so excitin'!

Nitori

Just look at that vigor... So full of life!

Yuyuko

Great! It looks like we can expect quite some exquisite meals. Now then, let me disclose the theme.

Yuyuko

The theme of the third match is... Fermented Dessert Made in Hakugyokurou!

Team Nemunoki

WHAAAAAT?!

Sakuya

This... will not be easy.

Is something the matter?

Nemuno

Fermented foods. I mean, s'fine to use 'em an' all, but this place ain't good for it...

Reimu

Fermentation occurs due to the workings of tiny lifeforms. These don't exist in the Netherworld.

Tewi

Then why choose such a place to begin with?! Why can't we just use Moriya Shrine again?!

Byakuren

Oh, well you see, we've been deciding by drawing lots this entire time!

Tewi

Eek! Didn't see you there!

Minamitsu

We told you at the start that we'll be choosing the themes through a draw. The same goes for the locations.

Shou

It was something of a miracle that Moriya Shrine was drawn two times in a row.

Kasen

So that's why when we gathered ingredients in the bamboo forest, we returned all the way back to the shrine to cook.

Byakuren

Yes. And we judges were able to enjoy a nice cup of tea while awaiting your return.

Byakuren

But things are different this time! That's why we've all come to the Netherworld.

Yuyuko

By the way, don't forget that I did offer to let you use the Hakugyokurou gardens when you drew the Netherworld.

Meiling

Anyway, is it possible to change the place or the theme? We can't compete in these conditions.

Aya

Don't be silly! Things are just getting interesting! Giving up now will only diminish your character!

Reimu

Yeah, sure, but what about the ingredients? This place is way different from any river or forest!

Byakuren

It just so happens that we've already prepared for this. The Kappa Delivery Service was very accomodating.

Minamitsu

Remember, I helped too, Hijiri.

Shou

And I as well!

Byakuren

Of course, I remember. Thanks to the two of you, everything was ready much earlier.

Byakuren

I'm truly grateful! You're such good kids!

Nemuno

There's no tellin' what's gonna happen now. Not until we hear the rules for the ingredient hunt.

Nemuno

Ah, whatever! No rules are gonna keep me from doin' my best! C'mon, PLAYER, let's give it our all!

Sure!

Mokou

Hey! Thanks for the porridge. It was fantastic!

Mokou

Keine also said the bamboo fruit was delish!

Mokou

And while we're at it, I've got a favor to ask you. I ate so many bamboo shoots that I need to exercise a bit.

Mokou

Ah! That was a great workout! Thanks!

Mokou

I heard your next cook-off is at Hakugyokurou. And the theme's fermented dessert, right?

Mokou

It won't be easy, but I believe in you. If you give it your all, you'll surely be able to pull it off!

Koishi

Your next match is in the Netherworld? You must be tired, wandering here and there...

Koishi

Huh? That means you're the same as me! Yay! Let's play together!

Koishi

Uh... If we're the same, why did I lose? What could be different about us?

Koishi

Oh, I know. It's because I'm hungry. You can't fight on an empty stomach.

Koishi

I'll have my sis make a meal for me. Bye-bye! Next time, make something yummy for me too!

Youmu

*sigh* I really have my hands full with Lady Yuyuko. Inviting guests out of the blue, throwing a cook-off in the garden...

Youmu

I've told her so many times to let me know about these things in advance!

Youmu

Anyway, it looks like everything's ready. Phew... My role as an intermediary is over.

Youmu

I don't mind if you use the garden. Just please don't get carried away and destroy anything!

Nemuno

Wow! Now, these're some high-end products. Milk, fruit, rice, and malt! What a haul!

Sakuya

Meat, fish... All of the finest quality.

Meiling

Sadly, I won't be of much use when it comes to sweets. I was hoping to make some Chinese cuisine...

Kasen

We got lucky with the theme this round. All right, Sakuya, time to see which of us is the better cook!

Sakuya

Heh, I can't wait. We were neck and neck during training. It's well past time we find out who's best!

Tewi

It's my time to shine now that we're doing desserts! Have you decided what we're going to make yet?

Nemuno

Lemme think... We oughta get milk if we're doin' fermentin'. And I think I also saw some azuki beans.

Reimu

Hm... Uirou steamed cakes, ohagi rice cakes, dorayaki, and custard come to mind, but none of those are fermented...

Nemuno

I guess we could make fermented azuki bean paste. Amazake's also an option. And yogurt's pretty popular, too.

Kasen

How about steamed azuki bean bao? I know how to make the bun part.

Sounds delicious!

Nitori

You sure you want to be standing around talking like this?

Kasen

What do you mean? I'm pretty sure it's still strategy time.

Nitori

Well, yeah. But while starting battles to slow your rivals down is forbidden, listening in isn't―

Reimu

Huh? Stop beating around the bush and just spit it out.

Nitori

Now they know what ingredients you need and what you want to make. Maybe that doesn't bug you, though.

Aya

Nitori, it's rude to push the issue. Strategy time is almost over, too.

Nitori

Oh, right. Well, you'll see what I mean soon enough.

Nemuno

What the heck? I really don't get those two. Anyway, go grab us some milk, flour, and azuki beans.

Kasen & Reimu

OK!

Yuyuko

Now then, is everyone ready? Then let me explain the rules of the ingredient procurement phase.

Yuyuko

This time, the ingredients are simply sitting here for you to take. Except, you can't steal anything your foes have claimed.

Yuyuko

You also need to use up everything you take, as it would be such a waste to throw any of it away.

Reimu

Wh-What?! So we have to decide, move, and choose things fast... As in, first come, first served?

So this is what Nitori meant...

Kasen

Oh, no! OK, just do whatever it takes to get the items we talked about!

Nitori

OK then, let the procurement phase of the third match, aka the Ingredient Scramble, begin!

Nitori

Find what you need and snag it before your foes do! What's yours is mine, and what's mine is my team's!

Tewi

Now wait just a minute! This is WAY different from before!

Aya

And just why did you think it'd be the same? Life is all about change.

Aya

You'll fall behind the times with that attitude! Reporters must have a nose for current trends to stay on top of the game!

Tewi

Yeah, but I'm no reporter!

Nitori

Now, now. Save that energy for the contest. Ready or not―Start!

Nemuno

That was too sudden! Hop to it! We gotta get 'em ingredients―

Sakuya

Did you happen to want... this milk?

Nemuno

Yeah― Uh, WHAT?!

Sakuya

Sorry, but it's already been claimed. You weren't planning on using it, were you?

She's fast! And moves so gracefully!

Reimu

This is no time to be awestruck! What are we going to do now?! We've lost the milk!

Meiling

Way to go, Miss Sakuya! You stopped time, right? I'm glad you're on my side and not theirs!

Meiling

Next, we'll need flour... Huh? Where'd it go?

Kasen

The bao you cook are delicious, Master Meiling... and that's why I can't let you have this flour.

Sakuya

How did you get that past us?!

Byakuren

Now, THIS is interesting―a time-stopping maid versus a mountain hermit with a teleporting arm.

Shou

Things look good for the hermit now, but the fact of the matter is that she's still helpless when time is stopped.

Minamitsu

It's almost cheating... But it is the maid's ability, and there are no rules against it.

Aya

Ayayayaya... Commentary from Myouren Temple! I'll be out of a job at this rate!

Byakuren

Oh, our apologies. The action was so intriguing that we couldn't help ourselves.

Nitori

Hey, I get it. After all, this time, they're outright fighting for the ingredients instead of just finding them.

Nitori

Team Nemunoki doesn't stand a chance with time frozen. But it would also be no fun if we forbade that.

Reimu

You gotta be kidding me! What happened to fair play?! This fight is clearly uneven!

Aya

She's gathering things at speeds too fast to follow! Or rather, she is stopping time, so we can't see her at all.

Aya

However! The mountain hermit is putting up a good fight! She's grabbed all the fruit!

Aya

Neither are holding back! It's a scramble for key ingredients, such as fruit and baking goods!

Reimu

Did you hear a word I said?! Well, since it's come down to this... Kasen! Show them who's boss!

Meiling

Hm... Looks like I'm not really needed here. Maybe I'll just take a little break...

Sakuya

Huh? Master Meiling... Don't tell me you're napping while your students are battling it out?

Meiling

I'm doing nothing of the sort! Don't get the wrong idea... I was just resting my eyes!

Tewi

NOW!

Sakuya & Meiling

Eek! Agh!

Tewi

Hehehe. If dirty is how you wanna play, then I'm right there with ya!

Nitori

Whoa! When did she set a pitfall trap there?! And a button-activated one at that.

Nitori

You can make your enemies fall anytime you want, but it's extremely difficult to pull it off without them noticing.

Nitori

I would expect no less from the Lucky Trapper of the Bamboo Forest.

Tewi

Where did that name come from? It's kind of lame.

Yuyuko

Uh oh... That's a big pit you've dug there. Youmu will have a heart attack when she sees it.

Yuyuko

Oh well. Guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Meiling

Not bad! But we're just getting warmed up!

Kasen

This is going nowhere... PLAYER, can you give me a helping hand?!

Sure!

Aya

Oho, this looks like a prelude to a battle of bullets! Let's see who gets the few remaining items!

Kasen

Sakuya has taken almost all of the fermentable ingredients...

Kasen

But we haven't lost yet! I just need to grab the ones that remain!

Meiling

They still haven't given up... They must have something up their sleeve. Miss Sakuya, we have to get those ingredients!

Sakuya

Indeed. Never let your guard down or be overly confident. Not until the enemy is utterly crushed to a pulp!

Kasen

It's not going to be that easy! Let's go, PLAYER!

Sakuya

You're pretty good... But our ingredients are on the line here!

Sakuya

Illusion World: The World!

Reimu

Not so fast! Fantasy Seal!

Meiling

Phew, what a fight. Now, time to take those ingredients and―

Tewi

Where do you think you're going?

Meiling

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Nemuno

Gotcha! These ingredients are ours!

Nitori

And... STOP! The Ingredient Scramble is over!

Yuyuko

Heehee. Now, they can finally whip up something delicious. I can't wait.

Benben

We came here for a concert with the Prismriver Sisters, but then we saw you cooking something tasty.

Yatsuhashi

Yahoo! Sis, how about we hold a celebration party when we win this battle?

Benben

That's a great idea, Yatsuhashi! Let's play a song to get some free food for the party to come!

Benben & Yatsuhashi

There's nothing to fear when we're together!

Yatsuhashi

Whoa, they got us. Maybe we should go do an intensive training camp instead?

Benben

Yeah, good idea. We've got gigs scheduled too. We'll learn from this failure and be better for it.

Benben

We'll win next time!

Yatsuhashi

Woohoo! I can't wait!

Yuyuko

Have you gathered everything you need? Then... it's time to start cooking!

Reimu

Huh? Aren't there any supplementary ingredients this time?

Nitori

Hey, we already gave you all those ingredients. And you're saying you want more? How greedy are you?

Reimu

That's not what I meant... I'm just asking if there's anything in addition to what we got!

Nitori

I know what you meant. But if I were you, I'd be talking less and putting some thought into what I was going to cook!

Reimu

Grr... What's even more infuriating is I can't argue with that logic!

Tewi

Now, now. Stop throwing a tantrum and help us prep.

Reimu

Just you wait! Our food is gonna blow you away!

Kasen

Reimu's got a point, though. How are we supposed to cook in THIS place with THESE ingredients?

Nemuno

We managed to get some rice, malt... and loads of fruit.

Nemuno

If we're doin' somethin' sweet, then we gotta use those fruit. But what can we make with them alone?

Reimu

We've got flour, so how about dango? We could extract juice from the fruit to sweeten it.

Sounds delicious!

So we're doing fermented dango?

Nemuno

We ain't got the time nor ingredients. I really wanted to get some dairy products, given the theme and all.

Reimu

Is it even possible to make something ferment in the Netherworld, to begin with?

Reimu

As I said earlier, the process is caused by the actions of tiny organisms.

Reimu

So, fermentation just isn't possible in the Netherworld. Though we did try to get that milk anyway.

Nemuno

I bet they know all that, too. That's why they took it.

I'm not sure I follow...

Kasen

They said we have to use a fermented ingredient. But that doesn't mean we have to CAUSE it to ferment.

Kasen

We could use something AS a fermented product and see where it gets us.

Tewi

*sigh* If only we had milk. We could've made cheese or yogurt!

Tewi

Dang! If not for her time manipulation, I would've dashed in there and snagged it!

Kasen

Time and speed, huh? We were also supplied with cooking sake as a condiment...

Kasen

Nemuno, may I have a word? I've got an idea... Think you can do this?

Nemuno

I see... It ain't impossible. But ya do know what it takes to make it, right?

Kasen

I sure do. But it's the only way we can win!

Aya

Are both teams ready? Well then, cooking time starts... NOW!

Sakuya

Now then, what to do with these ingredients... It's unfortunate that we didn't manage to get the flour.

Meiling

Miss Sakuya, we've got milk, so how about cream or cheese? They provided us with all we'd need.

Sakuya

Yes, cheese might work.

Tewi

Hey, what are you going to make using your ability?

Sakuya

Why would I tell you? Besides, who's to say that I'm even going to use my ability?

Tewi

But you will, won't you? You did when grabbing ingredients. This gives us some room to negotiate, though.

Sakuya

Negotiate?

Tewi

We want to make use of your ability. Not for free, of course. In return, we'll give you an ingredient of your choice.

Tewi

Oh, except for the flour. You being able to make bao would be... problematic.

Sakuya

Oh, so it's not really of our choosing, is it? This deal seems awfully weighted in your favor.

Tewi

You really think so? With your ability, you could ignore the time limit and take as much time as you want.

Tewi

You could even go to a place where things actually ferment.

Sakuya

I'd never stoop to such trickery. Furthermore, I fail to see how two servants of the mistress could ever lose.

Sakuya

That's why I don't think I'll even need to extend the time limit. We will defeat you fair and square!

Sakuya

Meiling and I can cook Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine! We can handle any theme!

Sakuya

Meiling guards the gates outside, and I mind the inside! We are Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen! Cooks without equal!

Meiling

That's right! We fight to bring victory for the Scarlet Devil Mansion!

They're so confident!

Tewi

I wonder, though, even if you don't use time manipulation, how can you prove that you didn't?

Meiling

I'm guessing our word won't be enough, huh?

Meiling

Miss Sakuya, maybe we should accept their offer? It seems like they have also realized the trick to this theme.

Sakuya

*sigh* I guess we don't have much choice. For Meiling's sake, I'll let you use my ability―HOWEVER!

Sakuya

First, you have to beat me in a battle of bullets!

Aya

A battle of bullets has broken out! Both teams are gunning for a chance at new cooking options!

Nitori

They've started making up new rules for the contest. But it's fun, so I don't mind.

Nitori

It's like a warm-up before the real showdown in the kitchen!

Sakuya

It would appear that they're having a little too much fun with this. Oh, well. Beat me, and I'll help you out.

Sakuya

Lose, and all your ingredients are ours!

Aya

Team Nemunoki can't lose this fight! Win, and they get help. Lose, and they forfeit their foodstuffs and the match!

Meiling

You're so cutthroat, Miss Sakuya. At any rate, PLAYER...

Meiling

Don't expect me to hold back!

Tewi

Wow, this escalated quickly. But it'll be OK, I guess? It's me and PLAYER, after all.

Tewi

Still, high-stake fights like these really get me fired up!

Aya

H-How can this be?! Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen is losing?!

Nitori

The youkai rabbit had a strategy. Provoke them, and then strike when they're too mad to focus.

Byakuren

They fell for her trap when they engaged her in conversation and started the battle. Namusan.

Byakuren

Had they undergone proper training, they would be immune to such tricks.

Minamitsu

Settle down, Hijiri. Preaching is important, true, but we should just sit tight and wait for the food for now.

Shou

Excuse us. Please continue.

Aya

Ayayayaya, we had a little announcing blunder there, but please proceed with your cooking.

Tewi

Ahem... Anyway, it's time to keep your end of the deal.

Sakuya

Of course. A promise is a promise. I'll use my ability on your ingredients as well.

Sakuya

But before that, I need to get my ingredient from you. And I choose... lemons!

Yuyuko

Oh? Why lemons? Apples are more autumn-y and sweeter.

Meiling

You'll see when we're done. Now, since Miss Sakuya has to help Team Nemunoki...

Meiling

...I'll forgo napping to start the preparations. The power of the dragon carried on the flow of qi... HIYAAA!

Sh-She's so fast!

Aya

This is Meiling's Qi Sign: Earth Sky Dragon Kick. She shakes the bowl and makes the milk hang in midair!

Aya

But that's not all. She's adding vinegar at the same time while stirring rapidly to smoothen the texture!

Nitori

Wow! And what's more, the milk appears to be curdling, as if she's applying heat.

Nemuno

She's stirrin' faster an' faster! The milk vortex is turnin' into a tornado!

Kasen

Don't count us out just yet! Tewi! You know what to do!

Tewi

Sure! Aghyaaa!

Tewi is just as fast!

Nitori

Oho! Her movements are so precise. Only one who sets traps on a daily basis could pull off such a feat!

Aya

It's as if the ingredients swirling in the bowl are springing about like white rabbits! What is THAT?!

Yuyuko

The more she stirs, the more translucent it becomes. *sniff* *sniff* And it has a very sweet smell.

Tewi

Hehehe, you'll find out once it's done!

Aya

Just what is Team Nemunoki going to make using Sakuya's power?!

Aya

The only sweet foods they have are fruit! How are they going to ferment them and bring that sugary taste out?!

Aya

I'm hanging on the edge of my seat here!

Byakuren

The same goes for Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen. The gatekeeper is stirring and heating the milk at the same time.

Minamitsu

Ah! Look, Hijiri! She just poured all the lemon juice into the milk!

Sakuya

Now then... Let's fast-forward!

Shou

They prepared two kinds of milk? One with lemon juice, and another with nothing added to it...

Shou

I have absolutely no idea what they could be making!

Minamitsu

I would expect no less from the elegant head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion! Her attention to detail is superb!

Sakuya

Cooking is a means for a maid to please her mistress, mesmerize her, and put her mind at ease!

Sakuya

This is a maid trick―Heart and Soul Service!

Nemuno

Now that's somethin' else. She ain't wastin' a single movement.

Nemuno

But I want people to enjoy my meals too. I wanna put a smile on the face of everyone who eats my cookin'!

Nemuno

And that's why... I AIN'T GONNA LOSE!

Aya

Team Nemunoki is holding up an apple! What in the world are they planning to make?!

Aya

The only ingredients they have are malt, rice, fruit... and the cooking sake that both teams can use.

Yuyuko

What could it be? I can't wait to see the finished results!

Nitori

Hm... None of those items seems tied to fermentation. I haven't the faintest clue what they're doing.

Tewi

Don't you worry, my graceful technique will have you swooning soon enough! OK, let's wrap this up!

Yuyuko

Time's up! Please present your dishes!

Yuyuko

I'm excited to see which one will taste the best.

Meiling

Then, please start with ours. Enjoy the combo of Western and Chinese cuisine by Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen!

Byakuren

A combo of Western and Chinese cuisine, you say?! I can't wait to try it.

Meiling

First, this is what we made by mixing milk with lemon juice―a type of cheese called "so"!

Nitori

Oh, I see. You fermented the milk!

Meiling

Not quite...

Nitori

Oh? What do you mean?

Meiling

This is cheese, but it's not fermented! I'm glad I remembered it exists because―

Meiling

―it's impossible to ferment things in the Netherworld. I'm sure our opponents know this too.

Meiling

As the panel, what you wanted to do was test us, right? To see how we'd deal with this theme.

Meiling

That's why we decided to make cheese. Because it's a classic fermented product!

Byakuren

Indeed. Enabling customers to enjoy their meal in any setting is what defines a professional chef.

Byakuren

Still, to be able to accomplish this much within the time limit... The servants of the Scarlet Devil Mansion are very skilled.

Nitori

Oh, I see what you did there! I was focused only on fermenting, but you out-thought me!

Yuyuko

Heehee, truly clever. To think I'd be eating cheese made in the Netherworld. I'm thrilled to taste it!

Byakuren

It's incredibly smooth! I can feel it melt on my tongue!

Byakuren

It's so very soft and tastes ever so slightly of lemon. How should I put it? Its texture resembles that of tofu curds.

Yuyuko

And it has crumbly grains that roll on my tongue. It's not only delicious but also fun to eat.

Nitori

To make cheese in such a short time, you must've used Sakuya's skills. The power of Western cuisine, right?

Meiling

No, this is Chinese cuisine!

Nitori

Whoa?! Really?! Explain!

Meiling

So cheese has existed since ancient times in the outside world. It's made by condensing milk with heat.

Meiling

Well, we really just boiled the milk down. I stirred it constantly so as to apply the heat equally.

Minamitsu

So you weren't simply mixing milk and air, but also distributing the heat at the same time!

Minamitsu

Only you could master such a technique. This cheese is incredibly fluffy and has an irresistible, milky taste.

Meiling

Thank you! But this isn't all we have for you. Prepare to enjoy... a flavor from the West!

Reimu

As if that wasn't amazing enough! You still have something else up your sleeve?!

Sakuya

Behold... our cheese paradise milk cake.

Cheese paradise...

...milk cake?!

Tewi

H-How did you make that?! We kept the flour, and you didn't have any fruit except for lemons!

Sakuya

Isn't it obvious? It's cheese paradise milk cake, just as I said.

Shou

But how... W-Wait, don't tell me―

Shou

It has two layers of cheese... No, of so cheese, to be exact! But the textures are different!

Shou

The cheese inside has hints of lemon, like before. But on the outside, it's more condensed!

Yuyuko

Oh, you're right. The outer layer feels almost like a tart crust. It's firmer and more crumbly.

Yuyuko

But unlike tart crust, it slowly begins to melt the moment you put it in your mouth.

Minamitsu

This is a top-notch dish, simply sublime. It's like... taking a nap in a futon warmed by the gentle light of the sun.

Minamitsu

No, it's more than that... It's like sleeping in a soft bed in the guest rooms of the Scarlet Devil Mansion!

Sakuya

Behold the spirit of hospitality of the Scarlet Devil Mansion's head maid!

Aya

Impressive. They made cheese in a place where food can't be fermented and whipped up both Chinese and Western dishes!

Aya

But what surprised me most is that they made two varieties of this very same cheese!

Nitori

A smooth, creamy inside and a sweet, moist exterior with the consistency of a tart's crust!

Nitori

Like a tower adorned with white gems! A dessert tailor-made for Hakugyokurou―the Tower of White Jade!

Nitori

I can tell it's delicious just from the smell alone. My mouth won't stop watering!

Byakuren

Ah... The first bite is the tale's beginning. With the second bite, time starts moving again!

Yuyuko

But there's more... The perfectly balanced sour taste keeps inviting you to take another bite. I can't stop!

Yuyuko

The lemony notes compound with each bite, and it feels like the flavor's about to explode! I'll be swept away if I don't stop!

The Judges

Like falling cherry petals―this is a milky cheese blizzard! And the burst of lemon within is a lemon bomb!

Minamitsu

Urgh... Alas, I was unable to escape its allure...

Aya

They got top scores all around! How will Team Nemunoki respond?!

Nemuno

Usin' lemon an' vinegar to adjust the cheese's firmness... Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen knows their stuff.

Nemuno

An' bein' able to do both Western and Chinese cuisine makes 'em almost impossible to beat.

Kasen

Master Meiling and Sakuya's cooking has a history to it. They complement and enhance each other!

Kasen

But we also made something spectacular! Now... take a look at this!

Yuyuko

Th-This is... an apple?!

Aya

How could this be?! Did Team Nemunoki run out of time?! Their entry is a plain old apple!

Byakuren

Well, this may meet the "dessert" part of the theme, but I'm afraid it ignores the fermentation part.

Nitori

It looks like not even the maid's ability could give them enough time. This isn't even worth taste-testing.

Yuyuko

Wait... There's something odd here. Does an apple's skin normally gleam like this?

Tewi

Hehe! Don't count us out yet. If it's history you want, you can see the roots of how sake is made here!

Yuyuko

Sake? But what is this gloss? And the smell is way too sweet for an ordinary apple!

Byakuren

What a nice, crunchy sound! There's a tart, oh-so-apple-like smell coming from the split part too...

Shou & Minamitsu

Could this be... a candy apple?!

Reimu

Bingo, and inspired by the ones sold at Hakurei Shrine, no less. It was all Kasen's idea, though.

Yuyuko

But you need a sugary coating to make candy apples, which I'm sure the tengu and kappa didn't provide.

Byakuren

Hehe, you never fail to surprise. I take it you used some unconventional method again?

Kasen

On the contrary.

Kasen

We simply let the rice and malt age and saccharify!

Yuyuko

Saccharify? You're saying you made sugar out of rice and malt?

Nemuno

Yep. Under normal conditions, the saccharification process takes just 'bout all night.

Nemuno

But the clock was tickin' an' we couldn't be waitin' that long.

Yuyuko

And yet, here before me sits a candy apple... So you obviously DID make it within the time limit somehow.

Kasen

Of course. We used my alchemy and Sakuya's power to quicken things. By the way, the method for saccharification―

Kasen

―is to mix the rice and malt and then let them sit, so the enzymes break the starch down into sugar.

Kasen

It's the same as the change that occurs during the fermentation process for alcohol.

Nemuno

Rice is saccharified when makin' sake, an' malt when brewin' beer.

Aya

I see. You made use of the fermentation that inevitably occurs during the production of alcohol.

Aya

Then you applied it to the mutable nature of the food. The result is sure to be a Gensokyo specialty!

Nitori

A Gensokyo specialty... Oh yes, I know it'll sell! If we can just get the hermit and Sakuya to help during festivals―

Sakuya & Kasen

Never!

Nitori

Tsk. You should support small businesses, you know?

Byakuren

I understand its connection to sake production. But what really counts in a cooking competition is the flavor.

Minamitsu

W-Wow! I thought this was just another candy apple, but after taking a bite... I must beg your forgiveness!

Minamitsu

The tartness of the apple fits so very well with the candy! Which itself has a sweetness very unlike that of sugar!

Shou

Indeed. I assumed the apple was simply dipped in the candy, but I couldn't be more wrong!

Shou

The apple has a nice, sharp crunch to it, and its juicy flavor is enhanced with every bite!

Yuyuko

And what's more, they've chosen only the best ingredients.

Yuyuko

The candy is so crisp and sweet, it practically erupts along with the tangy apple juice in my mouth!

Byakuren

It's less of an eruption and more of a punch to the face. A strong impact that jars the mind!

Sakuya

Oh, give me a break! It's only a candied apple!

Sakuya

There's no way our desserts are inferior to that!

Sakuya & Kasen

Haaaaaaaaa! Graaaah!

Meiling

That's enough!

Kasen

Heh... We've both learned cooking and Tai Chi Chuan from Master Meiling, but I have to say you've grown quite strong.

Sakuya

You've acquired some admirable skills, as well. That last punch you landed really hurt.

Sakuya

But how did it come to this? Seeing you so enthusiastic got me all wound up too.

Meiling

Both of you are awesome! At first, I was so surprised when you asked to study under me...

Meiling

But I'm glad you did! Nothing makes me happier than teaching others about Chinese cuisine!

Kasen

I always thought that the first step to becoming the ultimate cook is to master Chinese cuisine!

Kasen

Still, it's strange... I never imagined you'd need any practice since you make everything so perfectly.

Sakuya

E-Even I need friendly competition to improve my skills now and then. It helps to keep Lady Remilia from getting bored.

Sakuya

(I can't tell them I got jealous when Lady Remilia said she preferred Meiling's Chinese cuisine over my own...)

Sakuya

You're a good teacher, Meiling, perhaps because you regularly teach Tai Chi Chuan. My fighting skills have improved, too.

Sakuya

That said, I still can't seem to get used to your method of training.

Kasen

Oh! You're right. Having a rival does add motivation. Maybe that would work for Reimu too...

Sakuya

Don't get your hopes up.

Meiling

You shouldn't give me all the credit. Both of you are very quick learners.

Meiling

Mastering cooking is much faster if you're of strong mind and body. Now, time for some post-workout bao!

Kasen

You make the best bao in all worlds! *munch* *munch* I aspire to become as good as you one day.

Sakuya

The skin holds the flavor in and is steamed just right. I will never get tired of eating these.

Meiling

Such flattery will get you nowhere. Plus, they only taste this good thanks to your own efforts.

Meiling

Because of your earnest rivalry. It's much easier to give your all when there's someone else trying just as hard!

Meiling

All of that really spices up the flavor and makes them taste delicious!

Sakuya & Kasen

Master Meiling!

Sakuya

Oh my! Hearing a rare bit of wisdom from Meiling made me lose my cool.

Tewi

What was that?

The memories the three of them share, I guess?

Sakuya

Yes. We practiced together, dripping with sweat, our minds focused solely on Chinese cuisine.

Sakuya

I have improved, but I'm still far below Meiling's level. I must hone my qi with Tai Chi Chuan and cross fists with knives...

Reimu

What kind of training is that?

Meiling

We saw it on TV with Lady Remilia. Tai Chi Chuan users were practicing and fighting each other.

Tewi

Sounds like it really left an impression on her.

Sakuya

All right, we accept defeat.

Meiling & Kasen

Miss Sakuya?! Sakuya?!

Sakuya

This apple is juicy and has a firm punch to it, no less bold than the candy's sweetness.

Sakuya

It reminds me of our time training together―those days when we competed in the kitchen and grew as rivals.

Sakuya

The apple's scent tickles the nose, and its citric acid energizes the tired body. And this presentation!

Sakuya

Lady Remilia and Lady Flan would be delighted. A bright red apple... just like the Eternally Young Scarlet Moon.

Meiling

You're right. It's perfect for our mistresses. But for you to acknowledge our defeat, it must taste really good...

Sakuya

Come on, Meiling. I still lack experience. I ask that you continue training me!

Meiling

B-But... it doesn't have to be right now, does it?!

Sakuya

Ibarakasen, be ready. I won't lose the next time we meet. Not in cooking or in Tai Chi Chuan.

Kasen

Of course. I'll come train with you sometime. And I'm always ready for a rematch.

Meiling

Hey, listen to me! I'm the instructor here, aren't I?!

Kasen

*sigh* I wish I had someone who is as eager to train as Sakuya...

Reimu

I've told you like a zillion times that I don't need training! I'm already strong!

Shou

Um... Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen acknowledged their own inexperience and departed for further training.

Minamitsu

Still, it's hard to tell which dessert was better. Both were delicious and definitely broadened our horizons.

Minamitsu

Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen made cheese from milk and let us enjoy the taste of so!

Byakuren

While Team Nemunoki turned rice and malt to sugar, making a candy apple that embodies Gensokyo!

Yuyuko

Therefore, the winner is the team that remained here―Team Nemunoki.

Yuyuko

Mmhm! Both teams made some incredibly delicious desserts!

Yuyuko

Asking for fermented dishes was pretty mean, but at least we got to taste some really rare cuisine.

Yuyuko

I'd never eaten homemade cheese and candy apples before! Though Youmu always buys them for me.

Yuyuko

Well then, perhaps we should burn off some of these extra calories.

Yuyuko

Oof... It seems I ate a bit too much.

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko! If the contest is over, please tidy up the garden! Lady Yuyukooooo!

Yuyuko

Oh my. I'd better go before Youmu finds me. See you again some other time!

Remilia

Sakuya is so honest and straightforward. But that's what makes her the person she is.

Flandre

Sister, that candy apple looked very yummy. It was so red and shiny... I want to put it in my room!

Remilia

Oh, the cake Sakuya and Meiling made also looked tasty! There was so much cheese!

Remilia & Flandre

...

Remilia & Flandre

Cheese paradise! Candy apple!

Flandre

*sob* I'm sorry, Remilia!

Remilia

It's all right, Flan. I'm also to blame... Let's have Sakuya prepare both of them for us tonight.

Flandre

Yeah! Let's go halfsies!

Aya

And so we return from Hakugyokurou to Moriya Shrine! Team Nemunoki is on a winning streak.

Aya

I'm absolutely delighted that we could introduce the yamanba's stellar cooking skills to a wider audience.

Aya

Gotta say, I was pretty worried at first. I'm glad everything's going so smoothly now.

We were right to ask for your help.

Reimu

Yeah. For a fake news factory, she has proven quite effective.

Nemuno

If lotsa folks start comin' through my eatery, I can scratch my itches for spookin' and cookin' at the same time.

Nemuno

Just gotta keep goin' for the gold! Who are we gonna face next?

???

Since when have you been so confident?!

Reimu

That voice!

Aya

That's right! Let's introduce your final foes! The very same people who let us borrow this place!

Aya

A master of dried food who reads the wind! Umami? Soup stock? Look no further! Kanakooo Yasakaaa!

Kanako

I like both eating and cooking. And I'm particularly picky when it comes to stock.

Aya

Next up, the hidden chef of Moriya Shrine. Delicacies are her specialty! Suwako Moriyaaa!

Suwako

My quest for rare flavors is never-ending. I search for ingredients that will satisfy my palate every day.

Aya

And lastly... the face of Moriya Shrine and self-proclaimed number one foodie in Gensokyo, Sanae Kochiyaaa!

Sanae

I've eaten all there is to eat in the outside world and Gensokyo! My taste buds are unbeatable!

Kasen

"Number one foodie in Gensokyo"? How bold of you.

Sanae

But I am! I know the food of the outside world. And above all, I am a living god who bears the Miracle Tongue!

Nemuno

Did ya just say the Miracle Tongue?!

Tewi

Is there something special about that?

Nemuno

I heard 'bout it... Someone on the Youkai Mountain who can detect even the slightest change in flavor.

Nemuno

That someone's said to have the Miracle Tongue. We gotta be on top of our game this time, or we're done for.

Tewi

Is it that bad? I mean, I know she's a living god and all, but she's still human, right?

Sanae

I'd think twice about underestimating me if I were you. Akyuu told me that rabbit meat is really tasty.

Sanae

And I have never had rabbit before! Maybe you can let me take a bite!

Tewi

I-I'm not tasty at all! And rabbits aren't for eating!

Sanae

Oh, come now. A tiny piece won't hurt, right? I'll be gentle.

Tewi

Hey, stop it already! Y-You're creeping me out!

Kanako

Sanae! I'll catch another rabbit if you want a taste that badly! This one'll only give you a stomachache!

Suwako

Exactly! I'm a hunter of delicacies, so I'll even catch a famed white rabbit for you! Maybe even two!

Tewi

What's wrong with you all?! The Horned Rabbit Union will hear of this!

Reimu

Hold up, Sanae, this youkai rabbit is on our team, so threats toward her won't be tolerated. Wait until after the contest.

Reimu

And you... Didn't you once say that being cute is your defense against being eaten?

Tewi

Huh? Did I? I don't remember saying anything like that.

Byakuren

So, it's Team Miracle Mountain Gods versus Team Nemunoki. May the final round begin.

Byakuren

The last theme is... The Ultimate Devotional Cuisine Using Ingredients From the Youkai Mountain!

Kasen

I knew it... With the ladies of Myouren Temple as the judges, this had to come up eventually.

Reimu

But NOW? Against Moriya Shrine? Fermented food in Hakugyokurou was bad enough... Guess our luck ran out.

I wouldn't blame our luck...

...but rather the organizers' luck.

Tewi

Exactly, PLAYER. It's not our fault!

Nemuno

Ain't no point in dwellin' on it now. The folks of Moriya Shrine are newcomers, right?

Nemuno

Unlike tengu, they respect others' territories. They're a decent sort. I like 'em.

Aya

Oh, it appears the yamanba is not bothered in the least, and is in fact, showing her kind side!

Aya

But she HAS won every round so far and is trying to open her own restaurant to boot.

Kanako

I appreciate the kind words. However, a contest is a contest, so I won't be going easy on you!

Nemuno

I'd be disappointed if you did!

Nitori

The place for finding ingredients should be clear from the theme, so let's cut straight to the strategizing!

Nitori

Just say your piece, and let's get rolling! Strategy time starts now! But... *sigh* I'm so hungry.

Kanako

A traditional devotional meal would be boring. Now's the time to show them a dish only we can make!

Sanae

I hoped you'd say that! How about something from the outside world, then?

Sanae

Anyone can do a devotional dish from Gensokyo. But one from the outside world is a different story!

Suwako

Good idea! Kanako will extract umami, I'll select rare flavors, and Sanae can taste test. We're sure to win!

Tewi

They're going to prepare an outside world dish. What do we do?

Reimu

Ugh. I thought we'd be on equal footing here on the Youkai Mountain with Kasen and Nemuno on our side.

Reimu

But a devotional meal from the outside world is rare. It'll earn them a few extra points, at least.

Tewi

This is looking really bad for us! And what's worse, devotional cuisine is really bland!

Any ideas?

Reimu

No worries! We have Nemuno in our corner. Her know-how hasn't failed us yet!

Tewi

Right! Everything will be OK, won't it?! We didn't come all this way just to lose at the end!

Nemuno

I appreciate y'all's trust in me... But what exactly is "devotional cuisine"?

Nemuno

D-Don't look at me like that! There ARE things that I dunno!

Kasen

Well... Simply speaking, it's fare for monks. Meals Buddhist practitioners traditionally eat.

Kasen

As for the ingredients... no meat, fish, or animal proteins are used.

Nemuno

Cuisine for monks an' Buddhist practitioners, eh...

Is something wrong?

Nemuno

No, I just ain't got any good memories with monks... An' I have no idea what this cuisine is.

Aya

Ayayayaya! Team Nemunoki has found themselves in a serious predicament!

Byakuren

Hehe. I can't wait to see what kind of devotional cooking they'll invent.

Kanako

Since the contest is at Moriya Shrine, Yukari only popped in for a second to see what's going on.

Kanako

Or maybe she was just hungry...

Kanako

Hehehe. Here's how I extract stock from dried foods. I hope the richness of it isn't too much for you.

Kanako

Hehehe. Are you happy you won? My apologies, but that wasn't even a warm-up for me.

Kanako

That said, today we're here to cook, so let's end the battle of bullets for now. The real combat is in the kitchen!

Suwako

So... how's it going? Have you decided what you're going to prepare?

Suwako

No need for secrecy. We're friends, aren't we? Come on, I won't tell anyone.

Suwako

Tsk. So you won't tell me, huh? Fine, be that way.

Suwako

Trying to force the answer out of you was a bad idea. Guess I'll have to do this contest fair and square.

Suwako

So please, don't tell anyone I lost!

Aya

Well then... please create for us a supreme devotional meal the likes of which no one has ever seen!

Nitori

You can use anything you find on the Youkai Mountain within the time limit!

Aya & Nitori

Let's begin the procurement phase―The Search for a Miracle! Starting... NOW!

Kanako

Let's gather this and this. And then we'll make *whisper*. What do you think?

Sanae & Suwako

No objections here!

Aya

Team Miracle Mountain Gods gets on the move first! I'm thrilled to see what they'll bring back!

So what are we going to do?

Tewi

Um... Considering what we just talked about, I think mountain veggies are our safest bet.

Tewi

No meat, no fish. What do they expect us to make?! And why aren't they allowed?! They're so good!

Kasen

They are... But that's not the problem here.

Kasen

What is most important in Buddhism is to obey the precepts.

Nemuno

Like, no killin'?

Kasen

Yes. You can't take other lives. A Buddhist diet means not eating meat in order to cleanse your body and soul.

Nemuno

Hmph. These constraints that Monks're always followin' sound like such a pain in the rear.

Nemuno

No takin' other lives. No killin'...

Reimu

Anyway, we'd better start looking for some sort of food. Time's ticking.

Tewi

Yeah. Maybe we'll think of something once we see the ingredients we manage to find.

Sanae

Hehehe... You all look quite troubled! Do you know what you're going to cook?

Reimu

That's none of your business. You really think I'd just share that with the other team?

Sanae

Well, just so you know, we're going to serve a dish no one in Gensokyo has ever seen before!

Sanae

With it, our victory is pretty much guaranteed! But that would be boring!

Sanae

That's why I have an offer for you!

What offer?

Sanae

What do you say to a battle of bullets? If you guys win...

Sanae

...then you can choose a place for us to get our ingredients!

Kasen

Wow. You're all but saying that no restriction will hurt your chances. In short, you're looking down on us.

Suwako

If I were you, I'd accept Sanae's offer.

Kanako

Your ace in the hole is a yamanba who doesn't know what devotional fare is. The odds aren't in your favor.

Tewi

Ugh... How frustrating! They're just saying whatever they want! Let's give them a licking in a battle at least!

Reimu

Hold up a second! What is it that you really want?

Sanae

I was looking forward to this contest! But beating a helpless opponent would be no fun at all.

Sanae

Team Miracle Mountain Gods will win, but we'll do it with style―like in an intense and exciting manga battle!

Aya

What's this?! One team has made an offer to make the contest more exciting!

Aya

What a wonderful gesture! Let the battle of bullets begin!

Reimu

Hey, that's not your call to make! We haven't agreed to anything yet!

Kasen

That's a pretty unconventional offer. But I guess it makes sense coming from Sanae.

Kasen

So? What do we do? Just sit here and take their insults?

Reimu & Tewi

Not a chance!

Nemuno!

Nemuno

Yeah. I got my pride as a yamanba, too. I won't have anyone talkin' to me like that!

Kanako

It seems you let us provoke you anyway. That's how festivals should be! My divine blood is stirring!

Suwako

Just make sure to give us a good warm-up before we gather ingredients.

Nemuno

Don't blame me if you're too worn out to go on after. Ya better not forget what y'all agreed to!

Sanae

Oh, we haven't. At any rate, let's have a lovely battle of bullets!

Nemuno

PLAYER, gimme a hand!

OK!

Sanae

Let's turn up the heat!

Kanako

Hehe. I was just thinking that a simple cooking contest would be a tad boring. Count on Sanae to spice things up.

Suwako

Well, just remember that we're on the clock here. Apologies in advance if things get a bit rough.

Nemuno

Don't ya worry. We might not be able to hold back either, so don't come whinin' later if ya get hurt.

Nemuno

PLAYER, time to roll up yer sleeves and fight! Let's do this!

Tewi

Wow, they're going toe-to-toe with the Moriya Shrine trio! That yamanba is stronger than she looks!

Reimu

But they're going to lose at this rate... We need to jump in, too!

Aya

Just look at this heated battle! I'd love to watch more, but we're really running out of time here!

Aya

We're almost at the limit. At this rate, both teams will end up without ingredients!

Nitori

Yes, since the location is the entirety of the Youkai Mountain, there are no extra supplies this time.

Reimu

Wh-What?! That's the first I've heard of that! Why didn't you tell us earlier?!

Nitori

I just told you now, so there's no problem, right?

Kasen

Reimu, Nemuno! We'll go looking for ingredients!

Nemuno

Gotcha. We're not done fightin', so you get out there an' find us some food.

Suwako

Hehe, such integrity is so fitting for a yamanba! I just hope you don't regret it later.

Sanae

All right, everyone, let's meet up again at Moriya Shrine!

Tewi

Whoa... Looks like the storm has passed. They caused so much commotion and just left when they got tired of it...

We have to find ingredients, too!

What should we look for?

Nemuno

All right. What I need ya to find is... *whisper* *whisper* Get that, and we're set!

Reimu

Wha―Are you serious?!

Nemuno

I'm always serious when it comes to cookin'!

Reimu

But this will mean―

Kasen

Nemuno, I hope you know what you're doing.

Nemuno

I do! Trust me!

Tewi

We've made it this far thanks to the yamanba's expertise and ideas, so we have to believe in her.

Reimu

I know. I never said I didn't!

Kasen

Hehe. OK, so it's decided! Everyone, go get those ingredients!

Nemuno

Thanks!

Nemuno

All right, I'll start preppin'. Gimme a hand, PLAYER!

Sure thing!

Byakuren

Welcome back, everyone.

Byakuren

Please do not forget to thank all beings of the Youkai Mountain and put all your heart and soul into your cooking.

Byakuren

As we consume life, so do we honor it. Those beings whose lives we receive keep on living inside us.

Byakuren

Now then, let the cooking begin!

Aya

Finally!

Aya

You can take her words to heart or be happy the lengthy speech is over. It's up to you!

Aya

All that matters is... that the final round of this cooking contest is underway!

Sanae

Lady Kanako, please prepare the stock! Lady Suwako, can you get the rarities ready?!

Kanako & Suwako

Leave it to us!

Aya

Marvelous! Team God Miracle Mountain has oh so smoothly transitioned on to prep work!

Kanako

Normally there would be no time to let it dry for one night, but with my power―

Kanako

―that is no problem at all!

Nitori

Whoa! She dried the mushrooms and veggies instantly!

Kanako

This is why they call me the master of dried goods. The wind is mine to command.

Kasen

She used her power as a god of wind to control the air to condense top-quality umami. How very clever.

Suwako

This is devotional cuisine, so I'll add lots of vegetables. The Youkai Mountain has a wealth of exceptional flavors.

Tewi

I've never seen anything like that before. Is it edible?

Sanae

You'll be seeing the very best, no, the very pinnacle of devotional cuisine shortly!

They're cooking with perfect coordination!

Reimu

I still think we have a chance... but are we REALLY going to use THESE?

Nemuno

Of course we are. There a problem with that?

Nitori

Oh my, what have we here? Team Nemunoki has loads of meat and fish on their cooking table.

Nitori

I'm no expert on devotional cuisine, so can I ask Myouren Temple for their opinion?

Byakuren

They've won every match thus far. So they must have some kind of a plan...

Shou

Yes. They've overcome so many difficulties, so I know they can do it! I can't wait to see what they serve!

Minamitsu

I learned from their dish in the Netherworld that the beauty of cooking is about devising a meal that is fun to eat!

Tewi

Hey, it's still not too late to change the dish. We picked some veggies, too, so we could just―

Nemuno

NO!

Nemuno

Hey, mountain hermit, do monks really eat nothin' but veggies?

Kasen

Well... Not exactly. It varies depending on the temple.

Reimu

I heard that there are a few that don't have precepts. I'm not sure about Myouren Temple, though.

Nemuno

Good. We'd be in a real fix if each and every monk was all stuffy 'bout rules and such.

Nemuno

I get it, 'cause I got my own rules too. But I'm also sure they can make exceptions, just like I can.

Reimu

You definitely are exceptional. No one ever expected that a yamanba who hardly ever steps out of her turf―

Reimu

―would ever venture forth to enter into a cooking contest.

Nemuno

Yer tellin' me! Not long ago, I'd never even have thought of invitin' others into my territory by openin' an eatery!

Nemuno

That's why I'm guessin' that even among monks, there must be some forward-thinkin' types.

You're hoping to teach them something?

Nemuno

S'right. That no killin' precept... It must mean not to kill NEEDLESSLY.

Tewi

You mean what they said at the beginning? About gratitude, paying respects, and "living on inside us"?

Nemuno

Yeah. Animals kill each other in order to survive. And we also hunt animals and eat their meat.

Nemuno

We're all part of the circle of life! That's why we put our hands together and say thanks before eatin'!

Nemuno

Monks teach monk stuff. Now I'm gonna teach those monks how we yamanba do things!

Nemuno

Gotta say, though, I feel a bit bad for draggin' y'all into this with me...

Reimu

Oh, don't be silly. We're already knee-deep in this... so there's no giving up now!

Kasen

And you've got me, too.

Kasen

If Sanae is the number one foodie in Gensokyo, then I'm the master of eating at various places.

Tewi

Let's do this! We beat Reisen already, so we may as well see it through to the end!

And we'll do it together!

Team Nemunoki

YEAH!

Nitori

Oh! Team Nemunoki has sprung into action!

Nemuno

Hermit, fry this. Shrine maiden, extract stock from this! Youkai rabbit, you're with me!

Kasen

Sure! Time to unleash the secret Chinese cuisine skills I learned during training!

Aya

Kasen's masterfully flipping ingredients in the frying pan! It's like they've come alive to dance!

Shou

That's not all! Her technique distributes the heat equally... A real chef could hardly do better!

Kasen

Hehe. Feast your eyes on the pan prowess I picked up from Master Meiling!

Nemuno

I ain't one to be outdone! HYAAAAAAA!

Nitori

The yamanba's chopping away... She's fast! Too fast! My eyes can't follow!

Nitori

She scaled and sliced the fish in seconds! The fish itself doesn't seem to have noticed and is still flailing about!

Nemuno

Listen here, Kappa... It'll be the same for you if I ever catch you nosin' around my territory.

Nitori

Eep!

Tewi

Leave the plating to me. I'll make it look amazing!

Sanae

Good! The more heated the battle, the better! Lady Kanako, Lady Suwako, let's do our best too!

Kanako & Suwako

Yeah!

Minamitsu

We're in the final stretch, and both teams are on fire! Keep her steady and take us on a culinary cruise!

Aya

Hold tight, folks! We're moments away from the finish!

Shion

Whoa... Something smells good.

Shion

Ugh... I'm so hungry. Joon went to Myouren Temple and isn't back yet...

Shion

Hey, will you give me some food if I beat you in a battle of bullets?

Shion

I'm so hungry I don't have any strength... Couldn't you have just let me win?

Shion

Oh hey, I've got an idea. Hehehe. Since I'm already here and all...

Joon

(I thought I just saw Shion here... Was it just my imagination?)

Rumia

Whoaaaaa, something sure smells great here. Hey, you mind if I eat all that?

Joon

You're right. It does smell good. Oh yeah, I think Hijiri was invited to go judge some cooking contest.

Joon

Great. Hand over the grub. The Great Joon will kindly eat it for you. No need to thank me!

Byakuren

Hey there, you two. I won't have you threatening others because of your selfish desires!

Joon

It's nothing like that! We were just about to have a battle of bullets as a part of our training! Right?!

Rumia

Oh, we were? OK then, if we win, I'm gonna gobble everything up!

Joon

Oh, come on! I can't focus with you murmuring all those sutras! And now that I've lost, I'm even more hungry!

Byakuren

And... stop! Both teams, please present your dishes!

Sanae

We'll go first! As they say, the early bird gets the worm!

???

Not so fast!

Shion

I followed the smell here... It looks delicious! Lady monk, I beg of you, just a bite. I'm starving!

Byakuren

A stray, hungry poverty god... What say our two commentators?

Nitori

Oh wow! The poverty god has come to join the judges?! And just in time to choose the best devotional cuisine!

Aya

The dwellers of Myouren Temple know this kind of cooking well. They can't help but be picky about it...

Aya

I say fine! I'm kind and generous, so I approve of Shion's participation!

Aya

Throwing a surprise judge into the mix will make things even more interesting!

(She just blurted out her real motive!)

Reimu

I knew the tengu would agree. Actually, this might be good for us.

Reimu

She says she's starving―which means everything will be tasty to her!

Kasen

Reimu, you just blurted out what you were thinking, too...

Sanae

Um... Back to the matter at hand, here you are! This is our Moriya Special Devotional Dish!

Minamitsu

Wh-What's this?!

Shion

Whoa, awesome! Meat, fish, and deep-fried sides! I don't know devotional cooking, but this looks great.

Kanako

Don't worry. I know there's no meat or fish in devotional meals. These are all made with soy and vegetables!

Shion

What?! You can't be serious! It looks like meat to me!

Kanako

They do this in the outside world! The soy is made to look and taste like meat. A true display of our skills!

Shou

Anyhow, let's try it first. Then we will know for sure.

Byakuren

Hm... It's so thick and tender I can't believe it's soy. I feel the juiciness of meat in every bite!

Byakuren

There are crispy vegetables in the sauce, the umami really stands out, and the tofu looks just like meat.

Minamitsu

Whoa?! The texture is exactly like grilled fish! Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside!

Minamitsu

A gentle aroma escapes when it's cut with chopsticks. Tofu is usually rather plain, but that's not the case here!

Shou

Hm? What is this texture?

Suwako

Those are seeds similar to ones called "almonds." We crumbled them up and sprinkled them onto the tofu.

Suwako

When seasoned and deep-fried, they become aromatic and gain that interesting texture.

Nemuno

No way you found that on the Youkai Mountain! I was lookin' for 'em too, but couldn't find any!

Are they THAT rare?!

Nemuno

Even if you do find 'em, they taste awful if you don't pick 'em correctly. They're incredibly delicate.

Nemuno

S'why hardly anyone knows how to make use of 'em. Those seeds can spoil everythin' at the worst moment.

Suwako

Fear not! This seeker of rare flavors knows her thing! The harder it is to get, the better it tastes!

Aya

Ayayayaya... I absolutely cannot believe that the meat and fish are made of soy!

Nitori

It's safe to say this is the ultimate devotional cuisine! Team Nemunoki, are you nervous?!

Tewi

Hehehe... Why should we be? Our dish may surprise you, but once you give it a taste, it'll blow your mind.

Shion

What confidence... I can't wait to try it.

Nemuno

All right! Here you are―the Nemunoki Special Course!

Byakuren

What is this?!

Minamitsu & Shou

This aroma is awakening my primal urges...

Shion

This is meat!

Aya

What a shock! Team Nemunoki's "devotional meal" contains none other than meat... or rather, wild game!

Nemuno

They were running around the Youkai Mountain. I made sure to drain their blood and use every last morsel!

Nemuno

And this here's sweetfish fillet. I mixed it with veggies to make a salad.

Byakuren

This is truly impressive. The meat in both of your dishes looks splendid.

Byakuren

This stewed one is so soft it fell apart the moment I took it in my chopsticks!

Shion

I just stuffed my face, but this aroma is making me hungry all over again!

Byakuren

Both teams plated their dishes beautifully. Now it's time to compare the taste. Well then, let's―

Nemuno

Hold on just a sec!

Aya

Ayayayaya! Team Nemunoki has asked the judges to wait!

Aya

What could possibly be the matter?

Nemuno

Can I ask you somethin'?

Byakuren

Of course. I'll answer if I can.

Nemuno

You tried our sweetfish stock durin' the first round. But bein' monks, are you even allowed to eat meat?

Byakuren

As you say, it is a part of our practice to abstain from consuming meat.

Byakuren

Today we made an exception because we are judging a cooking contest. But now the theme is devotional cuisine.

Byakuren

So I believe your Nemunoki Special Course should also be safe for us to eat. Right?

Nemuno

Then, I've gotta tell ya beforehand. From your point of view, this is ordinary meat.

Minamitsu

What?! Isn't that a violation of the rules?!

Nemuno

No, it ain't!

Nemuno

I heard that Buddhist cuisine is 'bout not killin'. But if it's only as much as ya need to survive―

Nemuno

―then it ain't useless bloodshed. Ya said it yourselves that we gotta be grateful for other lives we receive.

Nemuno

I agree. Yamanba feed on humans, but we don't go around killin' 'em willy-nilly.

Nemuno

If ya eat everythin' at once, then you're left with nothin'. It's common sense, but everybody still does it.

Nemuno

Ya can't grow or breed more if there ain't none left! And ya can't eat it as soon as ya start raisin' it, neither!

Nemuno

S'why I take only as many lives as I need to keep kickin'. This is my devotional cuisine―killin' in moderation!

Nemuno

There're always folks whinin' 'bout how smug or surly I am. Well, I got only one thing to say to 'em.

Aya

A-And what is that?

Nemuno

If I give up on killin', then who's gonna protect the mountain?

Nemuno

Not sayin' I can guard it all. But if I stop killin', who's gonna do somethin' 'bout beasts that live too long?

Nemuno

They'll turn into beast youkai an' propagate throughout the Youkai Mountain. It'd disrupt the balance.

Nemuno

I live here on this mountain. I always will. That's why it's my duty to protect this balance.

Nemuno

I don't mind if someone else does it too. I can't get rid of all the pests on my lonesome.

Nemuno

And there's also the plants to think about. They can do harm, too, if they grow unchecked.

Nemuno

I can't just stand by and watch all that! I owe somethin' to this mountain! I owe it my life!

Nemuno

That's why I protect it. That's why I take life. That's the meanin' I put into this meal.

Byakuren

Your thoughtfulness has touched my heart. We would be grateful to accept your meal.

Byakuren

We live on the Youkai Mountain too... No. We receive lives from the mountain and thus live our own in turn.

Minamitsu, Byakuren & Shou

Thank you for this meal.

Shion

H-Huh? Um... Yeah. What they said!

Nitori

...What happened? The judges are motionless! Could it be... that it tastes awful?!

Nitori

Or maybe there are some adverse effects from eating meat?! Hey, someone, please answer!

Nitori

Wh-What the...

Byakuren

With each bite, I see the memories of the animals in my mind... No, I feel them throughout my body.

Minamitsu

Yes. The bird that was flying a short time ago, the boar and deer running about... Their blood, their flesh...

Minamitsu

...is becoming one with my own!

Shou

The fish fillet is juicy. It feels like it's swimming inside my mouth.

Shou

But the best part is the sauce! It enhances the flavors of the ingredients and brings them to life!

Shion

This is the yamanba and the Youkai Mountain in food form! You can't have one without the other!

Byakuren

Indeed, this is a very yamanba-like devotional cuisine. An admirable feat, I must say.

Byakuren

The lives I've just consumed will now live within me. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

Nemuno

Ya ate every last bit. That makes me real happy too. Thank you!

Sanae & Reimu

S-So... what about the results?!

Whose dish was tastier?!

Byakuren

Very well then. I shall now announce the winner...

Reimu

Hey, Nemuno, I should put it here, right?

Nemuno

Thanks. Can ya take this one next?

Reimu

*sigh* You're a real taskmaster!

Nemuno

Just be glad I ain't gonna eat ya.

Reimu

That's not even funny.

I hope we get a lot of customers.

Kasen

It'll be fine. Look. Nothing can go wrong with such a big headline in the Bunbunmaru Newspaper.

Reimu

Which one? "Yamanba Cuisine Named a Cultural Property"?

"One free item next time if you get home safely"...

Reimu

What?! No one will come if you threaten them like that!

Nemuno

They don't have to. I only need 'em to be afraid of me.

Tewi

Huh?! Then why did you get us to come and help you out?! I could've enjoyed my day off instead!

Tewi

I only tagged along today because I thought you'd be super busy here after the tengu's article.

Nemuno

Well, sorry 'bout that. I didn't mean to ruin your day off...

Reimu

Don't worry about it. Eirin gave her this day off specifically so that she could help you!

Tewi

Ack! How did you know that?!

Reimu

She asked me to supervise you. You DID take paid leave since you wanted to help the yamanba out.

Tewi

Tsk!

Reimu

Oh, right. Eirin also said that she'd come by later to check in on you. She'll probably bring Kaguya and Reisen, too.

Kasen

The dwellers of Moriya Shrine and Myouren Temple also said they'd come. The Geidontei girl as well.

Tewi

I heard the same from Mystia, Cirno, and Rumia.

Nemuno

That's wonderful!

You've done it!

Nemuno

Yeah... I really appreciate your and everyone else's help.

Byakuren

Here are your winners... Team Miracle Mountain Gods―

Sanae

YES!

Byakuren

―made an outstanding meal. However, we think both teams deserve to win first place.

Sanae

Wh-What do you mean?!

Byakuren

You, a yamanba, overturned our view of life and death and taught us about natural harmony with your cooking.

Byakuren

It was enlightening. Buddhist devotion means purging worldly thoughts to focus on practice.

Byakuren

But it also teaches about setting your mind on a single goal, that is, to keep working hard in life along that path.

Byakuren

You are focused on living in harmony with nature and giving your all to protect the mountain's ecosystem.

Byakuren

But most importantly... the taste of your meal was flawless.

Kanako

Hey, is that even allowed?! This is a contest! You need to pick a winner.

Minamitsu

I have no objections if that's what Hijiri wants!

Shou

And I agree with Murasa!

Shion

I got to eat a delicious meal, so I've got nothing to complain about. I'm happy when my belly's happy!

Reimu

I don't mind either. We all agreed with Nemuno's idea when we made this dish, after all.

Reimu

And I understand where she's coming from as it is my duty to maintain the power balance between youkai and humans.

Kasen

The natural balance of the Youkai Mountain is also a concern of mine, so I'm on the same page as Nemuno.

Kasen

It must be monitored closely, so the beast youkai population doesn't get out of control!

Tewi

Same here! The Bamboo Forest of the Lost is safe as long as the balance of the mountain is maintained.

Tewi

That also means I can keep playing pranks on Reisen.

Byakuren

Well, if anyone isn't satisfied with our judgment, we will put the declaration of a winner on hold.

Byakuren

We will resolve the matter on another occasion with another contest.

Suwako

I think it's a good solution, as I hate losing. And we tied in the last event, too.

Suwako

Prepare yourselves well before the next encounter. Until that time comes, I concede the victory to you.

Nemuno

For real?!

Aya

Whoa! How wonderful! I'll print you up in my newspaper as the number one chef in Gensokyo, then!

Aya

I was really worried there for a moment. It'd be hard to write an article if both teams were considered the winners.

Nitori

Hey, with this outcome, we can expect even fiercer battles next time! More challengers to the throne!

Nitori

And cooking utensils will sell like hotcakes!

Are you sure it'll go that well?

Nitori

You bet I am! The contestants are gonna have to pay out of pocket for the utensils they use next time!

Nemuno

(They'll just bring their own from home.)

Minamitsu

But to cook devotional cuisine that breaks Buddhist precepts like that... We have much to learn as monks.

Shou

Both dishes were delicious and broadened our horizons. I'll visit your restaurant when I have free time.

Byakuren

I shall visit as well.

Byakuren

But I do think that we need to try other things every so often as an element of our practice.

Byakuren

And it was the perfect occasion for us to do so. I still lack training... Namusan.

Nemuno

Y'all helped broaden my horizons. I still got plenty to learn 'bout cookin' and different folks' tastes.

Nemuno

I wanna make this place famous!

Kasen

A yamanba who never leaves home and doesn't know the world, yet humans and youkai hear a lot about her.

Kasen

Meanwhile, the incident-resolving stays with Reimu, and thus the balance is kept. Two birds with one stone!

Reimu

Yeah, that's a huge relief...

Can I come help sometimes?

Nemuno

I'd sure appreciate that. But remember... be scared of me, OK?

Nemuno

Lookee here! The first customer of the day!

Team Nemunoki

Welcome!

Nemuno

Here's ya Nemunoki Special Course! And here's your kawanori miso soup!

Nitori

Hey, chef. A pickled cucumber on a stick for me, please!

Yuyuko

I would like... some bao, please. Make sure they have plenty of filling, OK?

Kasen

Coming right up!

The meat smells delicious...

Kasen

Yes, Nemuno went and caught it earlier. I've got to finely cut this piece of meat into mince!

Kasen

Next, I'll fry it along with the mushrooms and bamboo shoots I chopped earlier... Then wrap it up in some bao to finish!

Tewi

Can I help with the wrapping?

Kasen

Of course. PLAYER, let's all do it together.

I'm not sure if I can wrap them properly...

I'll try my best!

Nemuno

Your frying pan technique truly is masterful. It ain't easy to control the fire in me kitchen to that extent.

Kasen

Hehe, thanks for the compliment.

Kasen

Chinese cuisine is all about being fully in control of the heat. And if you think I'm good―you should see Master Meiling!

Tewi

We were really lucky that the theme wasn't Chinese cuisine when we faced Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen, weren't we?

Tewi

Oh, there's some more orders to cook... Ginger pork, bamboo shoot tempura, and two Nemunoki Special Courses!

Nemuno

Right, I'll handle the Special Courses. Mountain hermit, you take care of the rest.

I'll help too!

Nemuno

OK, PLAYER, you can prep the tempura.

Kasen

Tewi, please make the ginger pork sauce for me. I'll fry the meat.

Tewi

Sure!

Nemuno

Mountain hermit, if ya cover the meat in the onion ya chopped earlier an' leave it to rest for a spell, it'll get real tender.

Kasen

Thank you! OK, I'll start with the onions then!

Reimu

Wow, this place is packed. I guess reporters are good for something, after all. Oh, one grilled sweetfish, please.

Reimu

I wonder if I'll also get a few more visitors to my shrine with some advertising...

Aya

How can you say that? You always get angry with me whenever I write articles about your shrine.

Reimu

Of course. Fewer people visit with each new issue of your fake newspaper. It's one of the main reasons why I'm poor!

Aya

Don't blame me! All I'm doing is taking a pinch of truth and making it more interesting for the readers!

Reimu

That's the whole problem! Repent! Repent and make amends!

Kasen

Just who is it that needs to repent, I wonder... Reimu, how long is this break of yours going to take?

Reimu

Huh? I've worked plenty today, haven't I?

Kasen

You agreed to help out, so you should stay till the end. This attitude of yours is the whole reason why incident resolving―

Kasen

―was put up as a prize for the cook-off! You need to take your role as the Hakurei shrine maiden more seriously!

Reimu

Uh oh, Kasen's gone all lecture mode!

Reimu

Oh, Nemuno! You need more ingredients, right? I'll go and get some for you!

Kasen

Hey, Reimu! Get back here! PLAYER, look after the kitchen for a bit while I'm gone.

Wh-What should I do?!

Nemuno

*sigh* Don't worry, PLAYER, youkai rabbit... I'll help ya!

Nemuno

HYAAAAAA! This is my ultimate technique―Six-Chop Yamanba Preppin'!

Yuyuko

Amazing. She filleted a sweetfish while butchering venison and chopping vegetables. It's like she has hundreds of hands.

Nitori

She's like the Thousand-Armed Kannon! But what's more impressive is that she's using the right utensil for each job!

Nitori

Fantastic! You're creating a feast for my eyes and for my stomach! This is incredible!

Tewi

The ginger pork sauce is ready!

The meat's ready too!

Nemuno

All right, start preppin' the sauce for the next dish! I'll do the tempura after I fry up this 'ere ginger pork!

Aya

Wow, they have such great teamwork. I can't believe they can handle all this even without Reimu and the mountain hermit...

Aya

Um, I know you're busy, but could I get another bottle, please? My cup's empty, you see.

Nitori

Can I make an order too? That pickled cucumber was just so tasty. Bring me another, please!

Reimu, Kasen, please hurry back!

Tewi

Is it always this busy? I guess the restaurant being popular has its downsides, doesn't it?

Nemuno

Well, today's actually one of the good ones, as there ain't any rowdy customers 'ere.

Nemuno

They get wild when tipsy and bother the other customers. One even smashed some glasses an' plates the other day.

Tewi

Yikes... That's intense.

Nemuno

The best way to handle 'em is to gently an' courteously send 'em packin' with some bullets to the face!

Tewi

Th-That's pretty violent... I myself gift one of my special traps to anyone who's flippant with my master or the princess.

Nemuno

That's for the best. PLAYER, if any customer tries to mess with ya, give 'em a blast of bullets, OK?!

A-All right...!

Nemuno

There're plenty more customers on the way! Let's get back to work!

Tengu

Um, I'd like to make an order.

Kappa

I'd like some more pickled cucumbers, please!

Fairy

Hey, refill my drink!

Nemuno

Wait just a sec... We can't handle all these orders at once!

Tewi

*sob* We're so busy that I'd even welcome the help of a cat!

Rin

You called?

Orin?!

Utsuho

I'm here too!

Nemuno

Did ya call them here, PLAYER? Thanks, this's a huge help. You two can start by carrying this.

Rin

Hmm... While we'd really love to help, I'm afraid it's just not paw-ssible at the moment...

Utsuho

Sorry, we have to try and find Lady Koishi. But the food sure smells delicious...

Utsuho

Hey, you don't have any super spicy hot pots on the menu, do you? We'll bring Lady Satori and Lady Koishi along next time.

Nemuno

There's the Flamin' Red Hot Pot full of red peppers and the hot lava rock steaks, or I could whip somethin' else up for ya?

Rin

Meowow?! I'm no good with hot food, so I'd rather order something else... like grilled sweetfish!

Nemuno

Order whatever ya want. I'll make anythin' an' everythin' for ya!

Utsuho & Rin

Yay!

Rin

All right, we've got to get back to searching for Lady Koishi... We'll come again, OK?

Nemuno & Tewi

We'll be waiting for ya! Please do!

???

Hey, sorry to interrupt your chat, but my cup's empty.

OK, coming right up!

Sorry for the wait!

Aya & Nitori

Please stop. We can't drink any more!

Suika

What are you saying? We've only just started. Or what? You don't want to eat and drink with me, is that it?

Suika

Oh yeah, you two got up to something interesting, didn't you? You had a cook-off at Moriya Shrine, right?

Aya & Nitori

Ugh!

Suika

Why didn't you invite me? Such a fun event would have gone great with sake!

Suika

But now the yamanba's opened a restaurant... I can spend the day at Nemunoki and the night at Geidontei. Hehehe.

Don't wear yourself out, OK?

Suika

Don't worry. I actually feel better when I drink! And the sake tastes even better with company like I have now!

Aya

Umm, we aren't exactly accompanying you. Rather, you kind of just took a seat next to us and barged in on our meal...

Suika

What's this? You can't enjoy your meal with me here, is that it?

Aya

No, I didn't say that. Of course, we can! We're so happy to have you here, Suika!

Nitori

Hey, that's not what you told me! She's not gonna stay sitting next to us forever, is she?!

Aya

What do you expect me to do about it?! Telling her to move is just asking for trouble!

Nitori

But that's your job, isn't it? Stir up a Tengu Gale or two and blow her away!

Aya

Ayayaya?! There's no way I could do anything so scary!

Aya

How about YOU use one of your inventions or something to make Suika abstain from alcohol for a day?!

Aya

You've got something that does that, right? Like, a laser thingy that zaps her and makes her want to stop drinking!

Aya

Don't you have a useful tool like that on you?

Nitori

I've got just the thing to solve all your troubles! ...As if! Inventing new tools isn't that easy, you know?!

Nitori

It takes a lot of time and effort!

Aya

It was worth a shot, right?!

Suika

Hey, what are you two whispering for? Come on, you can eat whatever you want. It's my treat!

Aya & Nitori

Thank you!

Tewi

Whoa! That's a tengu and oni for you. They're downing bottles by the dozen...

Nemuno

I've been brewin' more to deal with the greater number of customers lately, so I hope there's enough to last the day.

Wait... the sake is homemade?!

Nemuno

Yeah. I start by turning the brown rice into white rice. You've gotta take it slow so the grains don't split or get burnt.

Tewi

You start from there?!

Nemuno

Of course. Once that's done, I let the rice rest for a spell. It won't taste as good if ya don't.

Nemuno

After ya wash the rice, ya soak 'em in nice clean water. But ya have to be careful ya don't soak 'em for too long.

Nemuno

Once the rice soaks up the water an' gets shiny, ya start steamin'. Ya gotta be careful here, or you'll ruin everythin'.

You have to be so precise during every step...!

Nemuno

Then ya add the koji starter to malt the rice. We did the same sort of thing to make that candy apple in the cook-off.

Nemuno

Next, ya add the yeast. This leads to moromi, or unrefined sake, which ya have to strain.

Nemuno

Ya remove the lees, pasteurize it, an' then store it in barrels to mature. The gods of malt and yeast then meet to create sake.

Nemuno

This stage greatly determines how the sake's goin' to taste, so it's crucial.

Nemuno

Each god has its own domain... And no matter who ya are, ya shouldn't intrude without a good reason.

It's another sanctuary that the yamanba protect!

Nemuno

Well, ya needn't worry 'bout the details. All that matters is whether the customers are havin' a good time or not.

Tewi

WHAAAAT?! You said all that like it was nothing, but it's absolutely incredible!

Nemuno

Really? That's just what I usually do.

Tewi

Hey, Chef... I've got an idea that I know will sell. You interested?

Nemuno

I've gotta take care of me restaurant. I don't have the time or desire to play around with anythin' else.

Tewi

Tsk.

Tewi

But it's a really good idea... I reckon it'd increase your production rate and let you create all sorts of drinks.

Aya

Gather round! I will now unveil my special party trick―Tengu Gale Juggling!

Nemuno

Whoa! A whole pile of plates has formed a soaring crescent―

Nemuno

―into the GROUND!

Nitori

Ooh, nice one. All right, it's my turn. Battle Machine: Fly! Sanpei Fight!

Tewi

Ack?! The kappa's gone flying―

Tewi

―right into another customer's table!

Suika

Hahaha! Not bad, but I can do better. Party tricks should be much, much BIGGER!

D-Don't tell me...!

Suika

MISSING PO―

Nemuno

Not on my watch!

Nemuno

If ya wannna cause a ruckus, take it outside! I ain't gonna have ya trash me restaurant!

Suika

Huh? What's the harm in a bit of fun to liven up the party? Come on, show us one of your party tricks, yamanba.

Nemuno

I ain't got none! Besides, I've gotta clean up after you lot, so I ain't got the time neither!

Suika

Tsk... You're no fun. You should learn a thing or two from the tengu and kappa, don't you think?

Suika

Oh, I know. PLAYER, why don't you show us all a trick?

Suika

I never thought PLAYER's trick would be a battle of bullets... But I'm all for it.

Suika

So you use that journal of yours, I see. It was so interesting that I forgot to focus on the battle.

Aya

Ayayaya... Don't drag me into your battle of bullets when I can barely stand up straight. It's dangerous.

Nitori

No kidding... Let's take a break.

Nemuno

The next time ya cause a fuss in my eatery, I'll carve ya up an' eat ya! I don't forgive anyone who messes with my territory!

Aya & Nitori

S-Sorry!

Suika

Oops, we made her mad. Well, I guess that's the danger of alcohol. Come on, PLAYER, let's eat together!

Reimu

I can't believe you did that. No wonder Nemuno got angry at you.

Suika

You know how it is, right? You sometimes take things a bit too far when you've had a drink or two.

Yeah, that happens.

Reimu

No! That isn't taking things "a bit" too far! You'd destroy the whole restaurant if you unleash Missing Power!

Suika

Nooo, it wouldn't. This is the yamanba's restaurant we're talking about. There's no way it would break that easily!

Reimu

Yes, it WOULD! You're talking complete nonsense!

Nemuno

Seems that she's had a bit too much to drink. Though I'm glad that she's enjoying the food and sake I made...

Tewi

Hey, mountain hermit. Tell her off for us! Let her know that restaurants aren't the place for getting drunk and going wild.

Kasen

Me?! Yeah... OK. I'll tell her off like a proper hermit would...

Suika

Oh? Do you have something to say to me, Miss Mountain Hermit?

Kasen

Umm...

Kasen

You seem to be out of snacks. Would you like to order some more?!

Suika

Oh? How thoughtful of you. I think I will. You'll also be wanting more cucumber, right Kappa?

Nitori

Woohoo! Definitely!

Suika

OK, we'll have pickled cucumber sticks, cold tofu, and a few other dishes that I'll leave up to you.

Kasen

Thank you for the order!

Tewi

*stare*

Reimu

It's rare to see Kasen fail to scold someone.

Kasen

I feel so ashamed...

Nemuno

I'm sure the mountain hermit has her reasons. We should let her focus on cookin' for now.

Nemuno

I find the best way to relieve stress is to forget about everythin' and just focus on choppin' an' butcherin' stuff.

Reimu

By "stuff," you mean fish and game... right?

Aya

But what are you going to do with all this food you ordered? We're already full, you know?

Nitori

Yeah, you shouldn't order more than you can eat. The excess food will have to get thrown out, and wasting food is bad.

Suika

Of course, I'd never do something as foolish as ordering food that won't be eaten.

Suika

This order isn't really for us. It's mainly for my friend that should be arriving soon.

Your friend...?

???

Hey, sorry I'm late.

Suika

You sure did take your time, Yuugi. We couldn't wait any longer and started without you.

Aya & Nitori

(There's another one...)

Yuugi

Sorry... Huh? Why aren't there any snacks? Hey, serve us something that doesn't take any time to prepare.

Yuugi

I brought a special present, and we need snacks to enjoy it properly.

Reimu

There's nothing we can serve you on such short notice...

Tewi

There is something!

There is?!

Tewi

Tada! My Lucky Rabbit Macarons! I've also got cream puffs and cheesecake!

Tewi

The cheesecake is based on the one Team Scarlet Devil Kitchen made. It's got a cookie crust and a rich cheese filling!

Tewi

The macarons and cream puffs are high-stake sweets. I made one macaron and one cream puff super spicy.

Tewi

If you take a bite of those, your tongue will go a little bit numb, and you'll breathe fire... So choose wisely, OK?

Tewi

Hehe, I tested them on Marisa, who'll tell you how spicy they are. Who'd have thought she'd win with a one in five chance?

Aya

What's wrong with you?! We can't possibly eat that!

Tewi

Hey, don't worry. The other four are super sweet and delicious.

Yuugi

Haha! I like the way this youkai rabbit thinks.

Yuugi

But I'm more in the mood for savory snacks right now. Not sweet ones.

Suika

You're right... It wouldn't go well with sweets. It really needs something salty.

Tewi

What? You're so picky! You told us to get you some snacks, so I brought you some!

Suika

You know what they say, the customer's always right, no?

Reimu

Huh? As if! Just 'cause oni never lie, it doesn't make you always right.

Yuugi

Then how about you entertain us while we wait for the snacks? Don't restaurants do that sort of thing?

Nemuno

Entertain you? We ain't got anythin' like that here.

Yuugi

Nah, I'm not looking for anything special. When I say entertain, I mean a proper contest of strength―

Yuugi

―a battle of bullets!

Reimu

Bring it on! ...Is what I'd like to say, but we can't have you lot making a mess again, so we're going to return to the kitchen.

Reimu

Sorry, but could you deal with them for us, PLAYER?

Reimu

Oh, call me if you need any help―I'll come flying. And listen here, kappa, newshound!

Reimu

If anything happens to PLAYER, it'll be on your heads. So keep an eye on those two drunkards, all right?

Aya & Nitori

What do you expect us to do?!

Yuugi

Although this is just a game, it's no fun if you don't take it seriously. So you better give it your all, PLAYER!

Suika

Ooh, Yuugi's all fired up. Parties sure are more fun when everyone gets involved!

Kasen

Sorry for the wait. I made a variety of different dishes for you. What do you―Wait, there's ANOTHER one!

Yuugi

Great! The food's finally here! It all looks so delicious!

Suika

Wow! The smell alone really gets the sake flowing! Hey, give us a refill!

Suika

Oh, I know. Could you teach us what kind of drinks goes with each dish, Miss Mountain Hermit?

Yuugi

That's a great idea. They have experts on that sort of thing down in the Human Village restaurants, right?

Yuugi

I've never seen it before, but this is Chinese cuisine, isn't it? I want to know how to enjoy it best, so teach us.

Kasen

Sure... I'd LOVE to!

Suika

Phew, those battles of bullets were just what I needed. Eating, battling, eating again, and drinking... This is the life!

Yuugi

I couldn't agree more! I never knew the surface was so much fun. I've got to visit more often.

Yuugi

And this place is the best thing up here! The food's great, and so is the company! The Underworld's lacking on that front...

Aya

I think it's more that there just isn't anyone down there who can drink like an oni can...

Yuugi

Hey, Tengu. Ya got something to say to me?

Aya

No! It's just your cup seems to be empty. Would you like a refill?!

Yuugi

Oh, that's considerate of you.

Kasen

Reimu, Tewi, Nemuno, could you bring in the next dishes, please? And some more bottles.

Reimu

Hey, Kasen. What are you doing drinking with them?

Kasen

Um, I'm merely teaching our customers what delicious drinks go with each dish.

Kasen

I can't recommend anything in good conscience unless I know how they actually taste together!

Th-That makes sense...

Tewi

Don't let her fool you, PLAYER...

Nemuno

I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves. I'll go an' get ya some more snacks an' drinks!

Suika

Hmm, eating all this Chinese cuisine gives me a craving for something sweet...

Suika

I said I didn't want anything sweet earlier, but I do now that I've eaten some salty dishes.

Tewi

Geez, you should've just accepted them before. Here you go―my special Lucky Rabbit Macarons!

Suika

Ooh, that's just what I need right now!

Ah, that's...

Suika

IT'S SO SPIIIIICY! What is this?!

Tewi

Oh, you're pretty lucky to win first go.

Yuugi

Hahaha! You're such a wimp! But you won, so that's good, isn't it?

Suika

What'd you say?! You eat one then! It's your turn to feel the pain and suffering of Hell!

Yuugi

SPIIIIICY?! My mouth hurts... *cough* *cough*

Aya

Wait... don't tell me?!

Tewi

These are extra-special. They're my reverse high-stake sweets! Four out of the five are super spicy!

Nitori

Hey, that'd mean they didn't win but lost, right?!

Tewi

What? No, it's a win for me because they fell for my prank.

Nemuno

Hey, don't play with food! Ya keep doin' that an' I'll skin ya and put ya in the pot!

Tewi

I'm not playing. I'm making use of food to liven up the place.

Tewi

They're spicy, but not so spicy that you can't eat them. They're the perfect thing for parties, don't you think?

Suika

True, they are edible... But only barely! Do you realize how spicy they are? Did you taste-test them?!

Tewi

Reisen tested them for me. She writhed about on the floor from how spicy they were, so I considered them a success.

Yuugi

Taste them YOURSELF!

Tewi

What? No, I don't want to. They're filled to bursting with red peppers!

???

Hehehe... I've found my scoop for the day. How's "The Strongest Oni Defeated by Eientei's Youkai Rabbit!" for a title?

Hatate

Hello. The thoughtography reporter and writer of the Kakashi Spirit News is here! No scoop escapes my gaze!

Aya

Ayayaya?! Why are YOU here?!

Hatate

I heard that you wrote an article on the yamanba's restaurant, which made it really popular.

Hatate

That means a lot of people must have read your newspaper, right?

Hatate

And that's just something I can't ignore! Not to mention that I don't have any scoop this time!

Aya

Yeah, you wouldn't have any, would you? I didn't invite you to the event, after all.

Hatate

Why didn't you?! I could've given commentary instead of the kappa!

Aya

It's simple... Nitori and I are business partners. Whereas you and I are rivals!

Is that true?

Nitori

Yeah. Aya writes the newspaper and advertises. Then we kappa make the sales. It's a mutually beneficial relationship.

Hatate

That's your reason?! Fine. I'm going to write an article about how the oni lost to the youkai rabbit!

Yuugi & Suika

Please don't! That's taken way out of context!

Hatate

Plus, "Nemunoki hides the taste of food with spice?!" And, "Restaurant Anarchy―Plates Scattered Everywhere."

Reimu

Hold it! We're not hiding the taste. The high-stake sweets are just a game!

Reimu

Don't write lies without even tasting our food!

Hatate

This is what I've learned from someone who exaggerates everything they see and hear to make it more interesting.

Hatate

If you've got any problems with it, you should direct them to the pioneer of such media tactics―my mentor, Aya!

Suika

All right then, Miss Mentor. You'll stop your student from releasing any strange articles, won't you?

Yuugi

You're not going to refuse our request, are you?

Nemuno

If you're her mentor, ya should teach her properly. Know that I'll come for ya if I lose me customers!

Aya

But I... Come on, help me out here, Hatate. How come you only treat me as your mentor at times like this?

Hatate

What do you mean? When else would I call you my mentor?

Nitori

She's got you there.

Hatate

*sigh* All right, fine... I'll consider giving up on the articles. But I've got one condition.

What condition?

Hatate

The condition is...

Hatate

The winner of a battle of bullets won't have an article published about them! I recommend joining in.

Aya

Grr... Making it so everyone has to participate is such a clever scheme.

Suika

Hey, this isn't the time to be impressed with your student. Our honor as oni is on the line here.

Yuugi

So we're gonna settle this with a battle of bullets, are we? Simple, just how I like it. Come on, Tengu, Kappa, back us up!

Nitori

Wha?! Why me too? Well, I better join in, so they don't get mad at me. Though it's not like I have to win or anything.

Nemuno

We can't afford to lose, PLAYER. Nemunoki's future is ridin' on your shoulders... Give it your all!

Nemuno

You know what I'll do if ya lose...

Hatate

Oh my, that's a big responsibility, PLAYER. Maybe I should help you out a bit.

Hatate

I'll join the oni team and sabotage them. They're going to be so embarrassed when it gets out that they lost to a rabbit.

Hatate

I can't wait to see two of the strongest youkai in all Gensokyo get flustered over one of my newspaper articles.

Hatate

That's why I'm going to do you this favor for free.

Aya

Hey, Hatate! Are you with us or against us? Make up your mind!

Hatate

You should know the answer... I'm with whoever will make this more interesting!

Hatate

You're the one who taught me that, Aya! Besides, you should probably focus on the battle... Whoops, I slipped!

Suika

I see. So that's how it is. We know how to deal with this, don't we Yuugi?

Yuugi & Suika

Oops, we slipped!

Hatate

AAAAH! Their stupidly strong bullets hit my phone!

Hatate

*sob* The article I was writing is gone... I've got to remember to save regularly.

Suika

Yay! Our honor's intact now that the article won't be published. Phew, all that worrying has worked up a thirst.

Yuugi

Yeah, let's get back to it! Hey, chef, bring us another bottle―

Nemuno

I told ya not to mess up me restaurant! I'll carve up and eat anyone who refuses to listen!

Hatate, Yuugi & Suika

Sorry...

It seems Nemuno's the strongest in the Nemunoki.

We should take the battles of bullets outside.

Nemuno

*sigh* A lot happened, but at least I came up with a new menu.

What is it?

???

I'd also like to know. Everything the yamanba cooks is so delectable. I can't wait to try her new dishes.

Reimu

Yeah, me too... Wait, YOU?!

Mamizou

Why so surprised? You look like you got tricked by a tanuki. Am I not allowed to come here?

Reimu

No, you are, but... how long have you been here? I was surprised that you just appeared out of nowhere.

Mamizou

Oh ho ho. I was here from the start. You didn't notice because you were involved in all that hoo-hah.

Mamizou

Oh yes, you're that PLAYER girl, aren't you? I've heard about all the troubles you get into from the tanuki.

The tanuki...?

Mamizou

Correct. I am the leader of the Sado bake-danuki. I'm merely someone who enjoys dining with her Gensokyo friends―

Mamizou

―who also happens to be a bake-danuki with ten transformations.

Kasen

I see. You were checking on us through the tanuki. I was wondering why there were so many around everywhere.

Mamizou

Oh ho ho. I was merely waiting for the right moment. I was watching, hoping you'd find me, but you didn't notice.

Mamizou

That's why I decided to visit Nemunoki. I heard that the oni would visit, so I thought I'd tag along and introduce myself.

Nemuno

I see. We were focused solely on the cook-off an' blind to all else. Sorry.

Mamizou

No, don't worry about it. It was an entertaining spectacle... So, what's this new menu you've made?

Nemuno

It's mostly made up of dishes that I couldn't possibly have thought up, on me lonesome.

Nemuno

Those high-stake sweets the youkai rabbit made are a sure-fire way of livenin' up any party.

Tewi

Hehe, you bet they are. They're the talk of a party and a prank, all in one.

Nemuno

I took the mountain hermit's bao and made 'em bite-sized. They're perfect for customers who mainly come to drink.

Kasen

Yeah, I've got plenty of other Chinese recipes, so let's keep experimenting together and become better cooks!

Nemuno

And lastly, there're course meals for customers who really want to enjoy the food.

Reimu

Sounds good. It'll be easy for those who just want to stop by and grab a meal... I hope no rowdy drunks ruin it for them.

Suika

How rude. I'm not always rowdy. It was just... real fun today, so I couldn't help myself!

Suika

I'm quiet sometimes... So, PLAYER, will you eat with me again sometime?

Of course!

Yuugi

This place is pretty great. And it's even on the Youkai Mountain. So, Kappa, Tengu, accompany us again sometime!

Aya & Nitori

Wha?!

Hatate

...What? Me too?!

Suika

Of course. We're all Nemunoki regulars now.

*growl*

My stomach rumbled...

Nemuno

Yeah, you've worked hard today. Let's take a break an' eat. It's on the house.

Nemuno

This is an excellent opportunity to taste-test the new menu. Do y'all wanna join? The more testers, the better!

Reimu, Kasen & Tewi

Yay!

Mamizou & Hatate

I'm also a bit peckish. I'm starving!

Aya & Nitori

Woohoo!

Yuugi & Suika

The drink keeps on flowing! Chef, seconds please!

Nemuno

Comin' right up! Lend us a hand, PLAYER!

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