They believe it best to prepare one while still alive, for the flavor... changes, once they are past due? It is something on that deranged notion -- they take apart their victims piece by piece, using every organ, meat, ligament, bone, so on and so forth for a dish they hope to be the ultimate flavor among flavors, going so far as to soak, stuff, and mayhap partially cook those they deem worthy as an ingredient not only whilst they are still alive, but when they are awake for the process.

[ ... it's bad!!!! you don't wanna be born in the backstreets!!! ]

And in the end, they sample themselves and share it among their peers, put it upon their menus and those who have become part of creation are remembered only for the amount of time one takes to taste them. I admit, I am holding back somewhat, if only because the descriptions Lady Ryoshu had granted us gave me nightmares for many a days after.

[ so. frankly she doesn't wanna. linger too long on it. them or trains. ]