In the Gourmet Era, the Human National Treasures were the pinnacle of their respective fields. Four existed:
Grandma Setsuno (Chef).
Mohyan Shaishai (Saiseiya).
Chin Chinchin (Food Honor).
Melk the First (Gourmet Historian).
Though the Mohyan Shaishai held the official title, Yosaku—Zed's mentor—surpassed him in feats. Yosaku had regenerated the Flower Field, one of the Eight Kings' Ingredients, saving humanity's culinary legacy. Yet his abrasive demeanor disqualified him as a "National Treasure," a title requiring reverence across billions.
Under Yosaku's unreserved tutelage, Zed thrived as a Saiseiya. Now, tasked with repairing the Low Whispering Forest's shattered ecology, he ventured into the woods. The commission, escalated to "high-risk" after a prior Saiseiya vanished here, had been assigned by Yosaku himself.
Zed's Gourmet Cell Level stood at 30—modest by Gourmet World standards but formidable due to his meticulous training. While devouring high-level ingredients could spike his power (as Gourmet Cells grow through consumption), Yosaku forbade shortcuts. Early mastery of technique over brute strength was paramount. This philosophy mirrored elite factions in Toriko: Toriko's own Cell Level hovered near 20 pre-timeskip, despite the IGO's vast resources.
Zed's disciplined foundation let him contend with Level 40-50 creatures. Hence, Yosaku deemed him ready for this mission. The Low Whispering Forest's devastation likely stemmed from a Dangerous Beast—bio-engineered weapons used in human wars. These nomadic monsters left ecological carnage, often devouring prey whole. Zed doubted he'd find the missing Saiseiya's remains.
Yet his greater frustration was the dormant Partner System. For years, he'd sought a "qualified partner" to activate it—approaching chefs like Bubu (Grandma Setsuno's apprentice), Komatsu (Toriko's future partner), even the Four Heavenly Kings. None triggered the system.
What does it want? Romantic partners? Battle allies? In Toriko, partnerships were sacred—often romantic (if male-female) or lifelong bonds (same gender). But the system's criteria remained opaque.
Resigned, Zed focused on his Saiseiya path. The system's Novice Gift (perfect Gourmet Cells, Leader Slime replication) already secured his survival. He could hide in the Human World during the coming apocalypse—Grandma Setsuno's Pressure Dome would shield it—but relying on others chafed. Toriko's meteoric rise felt flukish; Zed preferred control.