The Rainbow Fruit required a highly specific growing environment, making cultivation outside its natural habitat nearly impossible. The specimen in the Eighth Ecological Zone was an IGO trial—if successful, they'd replicate its conditions across other zones for mass production.
IGO's environmental engineering prowess was legendary; they'd even managed to cultivate Ozone Grass, a skyborne delicacy once exclusive to the Vegetable Sky Garden.
After enrolling Erina and Hisako at Nakaume, Zed lingered, awaiting the Puffer Whale spawning season. Days later, IGO notified him: a Rainbow Fruit was en route, harvested by Toriko himself.
Zed recalled Toriko's original timeline—the first arc involved Komatsu meeting Toriko on the Baron Islands, a low-level region (Capture Levels 1–5) where a rogue Galala Crocodile (Level 8) had disrupted the ecosystem. Regeneration Masters like Zed typically handled such imbalances, but Toriko's interference had preempted that.
The second arc centered on the Eighth Ecological Zone, where Toriko secured one Rainbow Fruit before the Bishokukai seized the rest. This time, Zed's involvement secured him a fruit—a perk of his Saiseiya status.
When the fruit arrived, its prismatic hues dazzled. Zed invited Chef Sumire to sample it.
"IGO's artificial cultivation succeeded faster than expected," Chef Sumire remarked, eyeing the fruit. "And you secured one? Impressive, even for a Saiseiya prodigy."
"You guessed correctly. This project was meant for Teppei, but Master Yosaku assigned him another commission. I took over."
Zed's status as Yosaku's apprentice and a rising Saiseiya granted him access to critical IGO projects. Yosaku, a key figure in the Zero Ecological Zone, prioritized regenerating the Flower Field—a task requiring undivided focus. Routine commissions fell to Zed and Teppei, much like the first-gen Melk delegating knife-making to his successor while pursuing Air-cooking blades.
Chef Sumire inspected the Rainbow Fruit, its luminous skin refracting light. "Transplanting this… impressive. Yet the world undervalues your skills."
"Reputation's irrelevant." Zed gestured to the fruit. "Let's taste it. I've waited years for this."
Yosaku had restricted high-tier ingredients during Zed's foundational training, fearing premature Gourmet Cell activation. Now, with perfect Cells and Food Honor, Zed was ready.
The glass seal hissed open. Fragrance exploded—a tidal wave of sweetness and spice—flooding Nakaume Culinary Academy. Students froze, saliva dripping.
"IGO's seals are flawless," Zed murmured.
"Nostalgic," Chef Sumire said. "Rainbow Fruit's aroma still dominates ecosystems. In the wild, beasts use it as bait."
Zed handed him a knife. "Handle the preparation. You're the expert."