In terms of fame, the Four Heavenly Kings were more renowned. This was not to say that Zed was inferior to Toriko and the others—it stemmed entirely from their professions.
In the human world, Gourmet Hunters and chefs held the greatest prominence, drawing the most attention. Comparatively, fewer people focused on Regeneration Masters, Gourmet Knights, and Grinders.
Thus, even if Zed surpassed the Four Heavenly Kings in strength, their fame remained unmatched.
One must remember: Ichiryuu cultivated the Four Heavenly Kings as pillars of humanity. During the Four Beasts incident, countless individuals could have effortlessly resolved the crisis. Yet they allowed the Four Heavenly Kings to handle it solely to elevate their reputation.
Otherwise, Mansam could have crushed the Four Beasts single-handedly, let alone Granny Setsuno—to whom the Four Beasts were mere insects.
"I remember now! Mr. Zed, hello! Nice to meet you. I'm Komatsu. Um… could I get your autograph?"
After Toriko's prompt, Komatsu snapped to attention. Without doubt, Zed was another titan he'd never imagined meeting.
Though Komatsu worked as a five-star hotel chef, such establishments were commonplace in the world of Food Captives. To him, figures like Toriko and Zed were legends. Komatsu admired not only elite chefs but also Zed's mastery as a Regeneration Master, hastily producing pen and paper.
Zed chuckled at Komatsu's earnest humility—admirable, if occasionally excessive.
After signing, Toriko and Komatsu settled opposite Zed. Toriko promptly purchased every drink aboard the train.
"Honestly, your strength spares you from getting pummeled for stunts like this," Zed remarked, shaking his head.
Toriko's carelessness peaked around food—once he deemed a dish delicious, he'd devour it until supplies vanished. Now, his bulk-buying left other passengers dry, despite his upfront payment. Such antics often sparked conflict, but Toriko's power deterred repercussions. A weaker individual would've been tossed off the train.
"Meh. If anyone needs a drink, I'll share," Toriko shrugged, utterly unbothered.
Zed sighed but ordered a meal.
"Mr. Zed… you don't drink?" Komatsu noticed Zed abstained while he and Toriko gulped their beverages.
"He's like this. Claims he needs to stay sharp. Alcohol numbs the nerves, so he avoids it entirely," Toriko interjected before Zed could answer. Zed's teetotalism predated his arrival in this world—a habit unbroken even after gaining Gourmet Cells. Though ordinary drinks couldn't affect him now, his discipline held firm.
"Such delicious brews, yet you abstain! Reminds me of the old man back home," Toriko joked, referring to IGO President Ichiryuu.
Zed recalled Ichiryuu's legendary low tolerance—how a single glass of Rainbow Fruit wine had felled him in the original timeline. Of course, Ichiryuu's restraint of his Gourmet Cells allowed it; otherwise, no liquor could challenge his cellular mastery.
"I simply prefer sobriety," Zed shrugged.
As they conversed, three figures materialized beside their seats.
"Appear, Zonge—God of Extras!"
Zed recognized the trio instantly: Zonge's grotesque visage and feral attire, flanked by his ever-present lackeys. The self-proclaimed "extras" were infamous across the Gourmet World, surviving encounters even with the Eight Kings.
Zonge's uncanny Food Luck rivaled Komatsu's later feats, though his true safeguard lay in resembling Ape King Bambina's lost mate—a baffling twist of simian aesthetics.
Yet Zed's attention snagged on the frail, trembling elder hovering nearby.
"Does this old-timer want a drink?" Toriko asked after shooing Zonge away, noting the man's gaze fixed on their liquor stash.
"Y-yes… The old man craves a sip," Master Jiro quavered, his performance flawless.
An Oscar-worthy act, Zed mused. "Long time no see, Master Jiro."
Their paths had crossed through Teppei, with Jiro imparting Knocking Techniques during Zed's training—lessons that saved him years of trial.
"Eh? Zed? Heading to Cavern Lagoon too?" Jiro abandoned his charade, sighing. He'd only wanted a drink and a glimpse of Toriko's progress.
"Master Jiro?! The legendary Knocking Master?!" Toriko gaped. Raised on tales of Jiro's prowess, he'd envisioned a titan—not this wizened, unassuming figure.