1 The taste of poverty

I opened my eyes, taking in my surroundings. I was lying on a bed in a small, dingy room with barely any light. "huh?" confused, I noticed that this was not my room. I sat up, trying to piece together what had happened. The last thing I remembered was walking home from the bar after a long night of drinking. But now, everything seemed different.

I got up from the bed and as I tried to walk I felt a little disoriented and... I lost my height?? WTF

I ran towards a mirror, and the first thing I noticed was that my skin was very pale, almost sickly looking, and I had dark circles under my eyes. My clothes hung off, too big and threadbare, and my hair was unkempt and greasy. "...I-I BECAME A F*CKING CHILD!!"

What is happening??? Wait... stay calm... maybe this is a reincarnation? "right, how can that happen? HAHAHAHAHA"

Then I stopped laughing as I realized something. I looked back in the mirror and noticed a name written on my t-shirt "a... ASAHI???"

WAIT FOR A SECOND, ISN'T THAT THE NAME OF ERINA'S STEP-BROTHER??

My heart was pounding as I realized that I somehow transmigrated into the world of Shokugeki no Soma!! It was a world that I had watched and come to love, a place where food was more than just sustenance, but a passion and an art form.

The smells of sizzling meat, bubbling sauces, and freshly baked bread filled my nostrils, making my mouth water in anticipation.

My mind raced with possibilities. I had always dreamed of becoming a great chef, but my previous life had never allowed me to pursue that dream, I left too early... Now, with this new chance, I could make it into a reality.

The thought of learning from the great chefs of Totsuki Academy, competing in intense cooking battles, and creating dishes that would be remembered for years to come, filled me with a sense of purpose and excitement that I had never felt before.

As I set out on my journey in this new world, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this second chance at life and for the endless possibilities that lay before me.

I JUST GOT REINCARNATED INTO THE WORLD OF SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA.

...

After a few minutes of trying to relax, I gain enough courage and stumbled towards the door. As I opened it, I saw a woman sitting in the living room, staring at me with a cold expression. It took a moment to realize that this woman was my new mother.

Someone I had never met before. She looked up at me with bleary eyes and a frown on her face. I noticed the empty bottles of beer scattered around the room and the stale smell of alcohol in the air.

"Who are you?" she slurred, her words barely comprehensible.

"I'm your son, Asahi." I replied, trying to hide my disappointment at her drunken state.

"My son?" she scoffed. "I don't remember having a son."

I realized then that my new life was going to be a difficult one, with an alcoholic mother who didn't even remember me. But I knew I had to make the best of it.

I will build a 'good son' image for now. In these situations, it's much better to show that you are useful.

"I'll make breakfast," I said, trying to sound cheerful.

*Hiccup*" Whatever, kid."

*sigh* I rolled my eyes at her and I walked into the kitchen, hoping to find something to cook. There wasn't much in the fridge except for a few eggs and some bread. I decided to make scrambled eggs and toast.

I cracked two eggs into a bowl and whisked them together with a fork until the yolks and whites were fully mixed.

I heated a small non-stick skillet over medium heat and added a pat of butter. As the butter melted and foamed, I poured in the egg mixture and used a spatula to stir the eggs gently as they began to set.

As I cooked, I could hear my mother's loud snores coming from the living room. It was clear that she was passed out drunk. I felt a pang of sadness and frustration, I have a very bad start, but I knew that this was just the beginning of my new life.

I continued to stir and fold the eggs as they cooked on low heat, ensuring that they were evenly cooked and not too dry. The secret to making good eggs is to go slow as you slowly move the eggs with the spatula, you see them slowly but surely reaching that runny and soft texture. When I noticed that the eggs are almost cooked I turn off the heat and let them finish cooking in the pan.

Finally, I add salt and pepper on top of it. I then transferred them to a plate, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh chives. I plated the food and set it on the table. I then noticed my mother coming into the kitchen, still looking groggy.

_MC'S MOM POV_

I stumbled into the kitchen, my head pounding with the effects of last night's alcohol. The memories were hazy, but I vaguely recalled a young man claiming to be my son.

I looked at my son staring at me. He looks very skinny for a kid of his age.

I noticed the food on the table and I was surprised by the looks of it, did he make this? then I asked him:

"What's this?"

"Breakfast," he said, with that same stoic expression.

It looks suspicious for a kid to be able to do this... I took a bite and... OMG! This is so delicious!! I couldn't stop eating, I emptied the plate, and I then noticed him as if waiting for my response. "Not bad," I said, "but you will have to clean all this mess."

_MC'S POV_

I felt a small sense of relief that she liked it, and a little angry that she ordered me to also clean her stuff. But nonetheless was a small victory. I got to test my skill and they are still good as they used to be.

After breakfast, I started to clean up. My mother stumbled back to the living room, and I could hear her turn on the TV, then I started to think what did I do to get such a useless mother?

After I finished cleaning, I went through the living room and noticed that she fell asleep, I then picked up a blanket and covered her. More points in being a 'good son'. I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood, hoping to clear my head.

As I walked through the poverty-stricken streets of my neighborhood, I felt a little sad for the people who lived there. The rundown buildings, broken sidewalks, and littered streets were a reflection of the laziness and incompetence of the people who inhabited them.

Most of the houses were cramped and in disrepair, with broken windows and peeling paint. The yards were barren, and the air was thick with pollution and decay. It was clear that the people who lived here had no pride in their community or themselves.

The lack of basic necessities like food and clothing was evident, and the few stores that were open were poorly stocked and too expensive for most people to afford. It was no wonder that so many families in this neighborhood were malnourished and struggling with health issues. But I can do nothing about it, I don't have the strength to solve this issue. I am not a god.

I knew that I could use my skills as a chef to rise above the poverty and neglect of this neighborhood. I could create a name for myself and leave this place far behind, but these people might stay here forever, as the government keeps neglecting them, they will die without even reaching their fullest potential.

As the sun began to set, I headed back home. My mother was still passed out on the couch, and I knew that she wouldn't be waking up anytime soon. I decided to make dinner for myself and then head to bed early.

As I lay in bed, I thought about my new life. It will be a tough experience but if I plan well for the future I should be okay.

Yea... I guess it's time to sleep...