***
Name: Linne-Horsdoeuvre
Strength: A+ (Seriously Ill)
Nen Type: ???
Abilities: Unknown, but as a legendary figure, Linne-Horsdoeuvre likely possessed a powerful Nen ability related to gourmet hunting. Despite being seriously ill, their strength remains formidable, suggesting vast experience and mastery over their craft.
***
Larry's eyes narrowed. 'Seriously ill?' He recalled how the manga mentioned that Linne hadn't spoken in five years. Was it because of this illness? It wasn't hard to connect the dots. She must have contracted some unknown disease during her journey to the Dark Continent.
In that moment, Larry realized that he was standing before the third major powerhouse he had encountered, after Chairman Netero and Maha Zoldyck. While he pondered, Linne was also studying him. Her cloudy eyes flickered with a trace of recognition and surprise. It seemed she knew who he was. After all, Larry wasn't just some random hunter—he was the strongest floor master of Sky Arena, Invincible Larry.
Unlike someone like Omokage, who shut himself away from the world, Linne kept up with current affairs. And in recent times, Larry had been one of the most talked-about names in the hunter world. Linne's gaze grew complicated. She had initially worried about the partner Menchi would choose, fearing he wouldn't be good enough for her.
But now…She realized she had been overthinking things. If anything, Menchi was the one who had lucked out. "Ahem. Is he the one?" Linne's voice was hoarse and deep, as if every word took effort.
Larry blinked, mildly surprised—he hadn't expected her to be able to speak at all. Menchi nodded firmly, her tone full of conviction. "Yes, it's him!"
Linne exhaled slowly, nodding. "I see… Then the two of you should take care of each other." Her words carried a deeper meaning, one that Larry immediately picked up on. The way she said it, her gentle expression, and the slight teasing smile in her tone— It sounded less like a mentor's approval of a partnership… And more like a mother-in-law entrusting her daughter to someone.
Larry subtly glanced at Menchi, who was blushing furiously but said nothing to refute it. 'So that's what this was.' This meeting wasn't just about gourmet hunting—Menchi wanted Larry to meet Linne for personal reasons too. And Linne, as sharp as ever, immediately understood her feelings.
Larry, on the other hand, was still debating how to process this realization when Linne suddenly changed the subject. "Will you two be participating in this year's competition?"
Larry frowned. 'Competition?'
Menchi eagerly explained the details to Larry. The annual Grand Culinary Tournament was the biggest event of the year, drawing in the top food hunters, chefs, and elite guests from across the world.
The competition was split into two main challenges, Ingredient Hunting – Contestants had to track down and secure the best possible ingredients within the designated food zone on the island. And Cooking Challenge. Using the ingredients they gathered, contestants had to prepare a dish and serve it to the judges.
Only a portion of the final dish would be submitted for scoring—the rest? Contestants could enjoy it themselves.
And the prizes were just as exciting. Among them were rare A-rank ingredients, a coveted all-you-can-eat pass to Gourmet Paradise, and for the ultimate champion—direct promotion to a one-star Gourmet Hunter.
Though contestants could enter solo, most formed two-person teams, splitting the work between hunting and cooking. This was where Menchi had always struggled. She had competed before, always alone, and had never managed to take home the championship. Her one-star Gourmet Hunter title had come from sheer hard work, but the competition had always eluded her grasp.
This time, she didn't want to compete alone. She wanted Larry as her partner. Hearing this, Larry didn't even hesitate.With so many rare ingredients up for grabs, how could he say no? This competition was practically a gold mine of resources—he'd be a fool to let it pass.
After leaving the administrative building, Menchi led Larry through winding streets, heading toward her own shop. That's right—Menchi owned a store in Gourmet Paradise. Unlike the temporary food stalls that lined the streets, Menchi's place was a permanent fixture, meaning she had earned enough recognition to secure a coveted spot in the food district.
"Having a store here is a pretty big deal," Larry commented, noting how packed the streets were. He had expected fewer people, given how exclusive Gourmet Paradise was.
Menchi chuckled. "It's busier than usual because of the competition." She explained that, while only a select few were invited to Gourmet Paradise, there were still hundreds, maybe even thousands, of visitors at any given time.
During tournament season, food hunters from all over the six continents would return to compete, and the event also attracted elite guests, including V5 officials, nobles, and celebrity chefs.
As a result, the island was livelier than ever. Even more surprising—you didn't have to be a Gourmet Hunter to enter the competition. Hunters from other categories could join as well, though most contestants were food hunters.
As they walked, Larry noticed a sign ahead, and when he read the bold letters, he wasn't sure how to react. "Menchi's Shop."
"Straight to the point, huh?" Larry muttered. It seemed Menchi wasn't one for fancy names. Then again, her Nen ability was called "Menchi's Kitchen", so this was actually surprisingly normal by comparison. Looking at her now—her outfit, her more reserved demeanor—Larry couldn't help but feel like she had changed a lot since the last time they met. 'Had something shifted in her mindset?'
Menchi, unaware of Larry's thoughts, took out a key, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. The moment she did, a stale, dusty smell wafted out. Larry took one look inside and raised an eyebrow. "...Menchi, exactly how long has it been since you've been back here?"
Menchi awkwardly rubbed her nose. "Uh... maybe close to a year?"
Larry sighed. "Figures." The place wasn't too bad, but the layer of dust on the furniture made it clear—this place hadn't been used in a while. Larry wasn't particularly interested in cleaning, but fortunately, he had Pokémon for that.
"Shauna." A brilliant white light flashed, and Gardevoir materialized beside him. Menchi blinked in surprise. Before she could ask, Gardevoir extended her hands, and an overwhelming wave of pink aura surged out.
The entire store was instantly engulfed in a glowing pink aura, like an ethereal tide sweeping through the air. Larry watched calmly as every corner, shelf, and surface became enveloped in Gardevoir's aura.
Everything—dust, dirt, debris—was suspended in midair, gathered into a swirling pink mass, and then... "Whoosh!" The aura condensed into a compact sphere, and with a flick of her wrist, Gardevoir dropped it neatly into the garbage bag Larry had just pulled out from his storage.
The once dusty shop now looked as if it had just undergone a full renovation—spotless, polished, and brand new. At the center of it all, Gardevoir stood like an elegant performer on stage, raising one hand gracefully and offering a slight bow. "The performance is over."