Author's Note & Disclaimer: Hi guys! I finally finished reading this manga up to the latest chap and I must say it's amaaaaaazing! ^^ Makes you hungry just by reading the food description, really. And if there's anything that's lacking (and I'm sure you'll agree with me -_-) – it's in the romance department. Like seriously, would it kill the Tsukuda-sensei to have a lil' bit of romance within a 152 chapters? -_- I'd pursue Souma to the ends of the earth if only I were in the story, but since I'm not, I'm creating that world for him ;) So just so you know, all the characters are not mine (but I wish I can take Il Bel Italiano home tho. ,)
Right, so the story is set 4 years after they entered their 2nd year, meaning most of the kids are no longer in Tootsuki. I'd very much appreciate your review. Enjoy! ^^
TART HELLO
"Tadaima!" The red-haired lad shouted madly as he disembarked from the plane, prompting the people around him to shoot him a wary look.
"Oi. You're getting too excited, kid." Jouichirou Saiba commented, as he stepped in with his son as they headed towards the gates.
Souma Yukihira was back in Japan, and he couldn't exactly hide his excitement. He graduated recently in the best culinary university in the world while working side-by-side with his dad in New York, and though tons of high-class restaurants and wealthy individuals were calling him every day to cook for them, he chose to open their small special-of-the day restaurant in Tokyo for the meantime.
It had been 2 years since he graduated from the most elite Culinary High School in the world - the infamous Tootsuki Culinary Academy. Less than 10% of the freshmen make it until graduation because of its almost insurmountable standards; and it was even more felt during their last 2 years when Azami Nakiri, Erina Nakari's father, took over as its director. But even so, he wasn't a Yukihira for nothing.
He graduated as part on the Elite Ten, 2nd only to Erina Nakiri, heir of the Tootsuki Empire. Despite the obvious manipulations of the Central and Azami Nakiri's Administration, his talent and heart won not only his colleagues' respect but the entire culinary world. He was one the academy's precious gems, much like his father who was currently a world-renowned chef.
"It's been a long time pops. I missed this place!" He exclaimed, as he spotted his friends from afar.
"YUKIHIRAAAAAA!" A blonde-haired, tanned woman shouted as she bounded to him in an embrace.
"Mi-Mito-san!" He blurted in surprise, embarrassed with the latter's show of affection. Her hair had grown from the bob she used to wear, but she was as voluptuous as ever. Beside her was the former head of the Don RS, Konishi Kanichi who was crying exaggeratedly in happiness.
"It's been a long time Souma-kun! Okaeri!" Yuki exclaimed. She was joined by almost all their Polar Star Dormitory friends except for the warden herself, and his heart swelled at the sight. For some reason, his heart skipped a beat at the sight of Megumi Tadokoro, who was beside Ryoko and Ibusaki. She was as timid and as reserved as he saw him last, but she was prettier than ever. He held her gaze, but before he could say anything to her, his former senpai snatched him in a half-embrace.
"Okaeri, Souma-kun, Saiba-sama!" Satoshi Isshiki greeted, as his father smiled at the group of friends gathered to welcome them back. The former 7th seat was as dashing as ever, and though he was wearing normal clothes today, they knew he was itching to go back to his attire consisting only of an apron.
"How was ICE Souma?" Marui piped in, curiosity evident in his voice. He still had a sharp look to him, being the brightest of them in terms of theoretical knowledge. But he knew that under all the layers of his strict and calculating façade, he was a gentle guy.
"It was alright. But to be honest, Tootsuki was more challenging." He answered nonchalantly as the group walked towards the airport lobby. Tootsuki was a battleground in almost every corner. Every homework, every Shokugeki, had their seat in the school on the line. And being average was certainly not an option.
"Really now, weren't you desperate a few days before your final practical assessment that you asked me for help?" His father teased, provoking his ire.
"Who asked for your help? I wasn't that desperate!" Souma huffed indignantly.
"You weren't? Even though you practically begged me to recreate the Croquembouche your professor wanted you to make so you can copy it?" Jouichirou countered, smirking jestingly at his son. Souma wasn't into fancy desserts, Jouichirou knew as much, but apparently he had to learn to make it if he wanted to graduate.
"I didn't ask you to recreate it! I was just asking how I could perfect the Choux Pastry!"
"I ended up making it anyway, did I?"
"But I created my own version. So it wasn't copying." He pouted, earning a laugh from the group as they exited the massive airport.
"Okay boys and girls, since you all came to see us we'll treat you to a feast at Yukihira's. Let's go!" Jouichirou exclaimed as the grouped cheered in delight.
After a sumptuous feast and 5 rounds of sake, everyone was in high spirits.
Ryou Kurokiba, Alice Nakiri, and even Hayama who were also part of the Elite Ten dropped by the restaurant to celebrate their return.
They caught up on what everyone was doing and somehow, in the years that they haven't seen each other, their growth was evident.
Ryou and Alice were making waves as the "Unbeatable Pair", as they smashed every culinary competition in and outside of Japan. Hayama together with their sensei were managing an Indian restaurant currently holding the title as the best in Japan.
His senpai Isshiki-san became one of the most sought-after chef that specializes in Natural Culinary because of his extensive knowledge in vegetables. Yuki became more and more interested in cooking wild game, and has experimented on making a delicacy out of lesser known animals.
Ryoko took over her family's fermented goods shop; and because her products were used in a lot of dishes, restaurants establishments were clamouring for them, forcing them to open 3 more shops. Ibusaki, on the other hand, was able to score a one-year scholarship to Germany to study smoked meats and cheeses, and had been making sought-after products the moment he came back to Japan.
The Italian brothers, who went back to Italy after graduation immediately, gained recognition for their Trattoria, and though they weren't there with them, the two sent ahead a package of authentic Italian balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and cheeses as a welcoming gift.
Hisako Arato, who became part of Tootsuki's Research and Development Group after graduating a year early called in to welcome him back though she couldn't go and meet them because of a prior engagement.
Souma wasn't sure if he was the only one who noticed the absence on one prickly girl.
"By the way, where's Nakiri?" He asked the group, as he wondered where the former 1st seat was. He did send her a message and a voice mail that he was coming back, but he never got a reply so he assumed she'll somehow be here.
His question was met by silence and they exchanged looks before looking pointedly away.
"O…kay. Am I missing something?" Souma asked curiously, not knowing what to expect. He knew they weren't exactly the best of friends, but she wasn't an enemy either despite being Azami's daughter. In fact, he'd saved her neck a few times and made her father realize she wasn't a robot that needs to do his bidding. Or at least, he wasn't able to do what he wanted her to do as much as he could because Souma was there.
"Nakiri-sama… She's…" Mito-san started, but was unable to continue.
"She's what?" Souma asked cautiously.
"… Gone." Megumi whispered. She was seated at the far-end of the table, but because of the pin-drop silence, even her father who was cooking noisily in the kitchen heard her response.
"What d'you mean Megumi-chan?" Jouichirou asked in surprise.
"It's gone huh…" Souma mused, hours later after the party. He was seated at the bar with his dad while drinking sake, unable to take in what happened to the legendary Erina Nakiri.
She became a slave to Azami's gourmet perfection delusion that for 2 years, she had appointments every single day to taste cuisines that will be used to create profit. But while it did make a fortune for the already massive Tootsuki empire, it was hell for Erina. She wasn't allowed to go out except for when she's needed overseas during tasting consultations. She wasn't allowed to meet anyone, even Hisako. Even her cousin Alice found it hard to get in touch with her, and when she did meet her, their meetings were always cut short. Alice told them that she tried once to get her out of there but it only resulted in Erina being beat up and Alice being banned from the residence.
That wasn't the worst part though, they were told. About a month ago, Erina suddenly lost her "God Tongue". She couldn't distinguish tastes, and though doctors said it was only psychosomatic, she never gained the ability back after hours and hours of therapy. Her father forced her to taste different kinds of food every hour of the day and when that didn't work, she finally snapped and ran away from home.
To this day, no one knew where she was.
"That bastard. Forcing his gifted daughter to that extent…" Jouichirou gritted as he slammed the glass he emptied of sake on the table. Souma drifted back to the last time he was with her, the night before their graduation.
"What do you want to be?" He asked her suddenly, as he sipped Ryoko's illegally brewed sake.
"And why do I have to answer that question?" The peach-haired princess retorted, obviously annoyed by his intrusion. If Souma was an average person, he'd be intimidated by her. But as he wasn't, retorts like these were normal to him.
"Well I know it's obvious you're gonna inherit this place. But is that what you've always wanted to do?" He asked in a serious tone as he took another swig of his sake. She was taken aback by his question.
"I… that's none of your business!" She snapped, but as she was about to walk off, he continued,
"I've always wanted to beat the old man at least once in a Shokugeki. And after I beat him I wanted to travel the world like he did. I know it looks like I'm just copying him. But I know that only when I find what truly inspires me, then I will find what I really want to be." He said wistfully as he smiled at her.
"Don't let your father dictate your dreams Nakiri." He said, as he stood up in front of her, eyes glinting in the moonlight. He doesn't want to admit it, but he'd rather see her trampling him over than see her cowering in fear over her father.
"I know that… baka…" She pouted, blush evident in his face. There were times like this where he finds her cute despite her tsundere, and knowing that this will be the last time, he dared pinch her smooth cheek.
"I'll be gone for a while. When I come back, I'll definitely make you say that my food is delicious." He muttered, as her face reddened like a tomato.
"I wonder where she is now…" His old man mused loudly, as he suddenly felt tired and depressed. He'll look for her tomorrow, he decided.
"I'm going to bed oyaji. Let's look for her tomorrow." He suggested as he went up the stairs.
"Ah… Looking for an old love, eh?" Jouichirou teased, earning a pissed "Shut up" from the young lad.
He'd been preoccupied with thoughts of her that he didn't realize his door was open.
"Souma…?" A voice broke through his musings. He searched frantically for the source, hitting his knee in a cabinet. He finally managed to switch on the lights, but when his eyes settled on the object of his worries, his blood suddenly run cold when he saw her standing on a chair… with a noose around her neck.
"Na-Nakiri…?!"
A/N: Whew. What a long one. Thanks for reading! Please review! It means the world to me! Domo! ^^
Next Chapter: Filling Companionship