"The Whispering Forest is stabilized—pollution cleared by a Level 35 Millipede Worm," Zed reported, steering Yosaku's attention away from the girls. "No trace of the missing Regeneration Master. Likely consumed."
Yosaku grunted, wiping engine grease from his hands. "Millipedes. Nasty business. Should've sent Jiji to—" He froze, finally registering Erina and Hisako. "Wait. Partners? Two?!"
"Temporary partners," Zed corrected. "Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato. Chefs from another world."
Yosaku's bushy brows shot up. "Another—? Never mind. Two wives in one trip? Kid's outdoing Toriko!"
"Temporary. Partners," Zed repeated, pinching the bridge of his nose as Erina flushed.
"Bah! Partners, wives—same difference!" Yosaku waved a wrench dismissively. "Jiji's still mooning over Pu Jin, and here you are, collecting chefs like Komatsu's recipes!"
Erina's eyes narrowed. "We're not collectibles—"
"Relax, princess. It's a compliment." Yosaku rummaged through a toolbox, producing two sleek cases. "Here. Melk Knives. Consider it a welcome gift."
Hisako blinked. "How did you…?"
"Calluses here—" Yosaku tapped his palm. "—from gripping knives. And you reek of truffle oil and saffron. Cheap stuff."
Zed smirked. "Gourmet Cells heighten senses. Master's nose could sniff a sesame seed in a hurricane."
"Still," Erina murmured, inspecting the blade's holographic edge. "These are too generous."
"Generous? Pah!" Yosaku scoffed. "You'll need 'em. Zed's cooking's edible at best. Now scram—I've got a Volcano Pepper to graft!"