Thank you to everyone who has followed/faved/reviewed. I really really appreciate it. I know I'm late uploading this chapter, but trust me when I say response helps motivate me.
Beginning
"…but, if I started with kozuyu and emphasized the umami of the scallops and the vegetables, then I could keep the flavors balanced while still making a powerful ramen!"
"Even though you knew I'd be making a strong, thick broth, you still brought this dish out to face it? Heh. Not bad… Megumi Tadokoro."
Inside that petite frame burns the heart of a fighter…
One that does not cower in fear of a strong opponent, but instead has the determination to stand up and challenge him in a one-on-one umami grudge match!
"DID I PACK MY KNIFE?!"
Megumi shot up straight from bed, her eyes owl-wide and her heart beating fast. She scrambled out of bed and made for her belongings, sighing with relief when she found her knife in its proper place. She then glanced at the clock on the wall, which displayed both the date and time.
It was finally here. Today was the first day of the stagiaire. That meant (and she gulped at the thought) it was the first day of being partners with Ryo Kurokiba.
Megumi thought back to her dream, the part where she relived her match with Kurokiba during the Autumn Election.
She remembered how strong she felt, how confident she became, and how thankful she was for being given the chance to shine. It was just as she had told Soma. She really did go out there and have fun cooking.
But she also remembered how inferior she felt after tasting Kurokiba's ramen.
They were both the same age, but even Megumi could tell there was a skill difference between her and Kurokiba's cooking. There was also a difference in mentality.
While Megumi always cooked with the receiver in mind, Kurokiba sought to make each of his dishes as strong as they could be, regardless of any other circumstances.
Could she really get along with someone like Kurokiba for two weeks?
Megumi blinked, her gaze alternating from the map in her hand to the restaurant in front of her. "I-Is this it?"
"Don't know, don't care."
Megumi winced at the words from her partner. "I-I know you don't, but this is important. We have to find—"
"Excuse me, but are you the Totsuki students we're expecting?"
Megumi and Kurokiba turned around to find a young man looking at them with curiosity and… hope?
Megumi cleared her throat. "Um, yes. We're here for our stagia—"
"WONDERFUL! LET'S GET YOU SETTLED IN RIGHT AWAY!"
"Wh-wha—"
"AND BEFORE I FORGET, WELCOME TO THE BOMBAY SIZZLER!"
Ryo couldn't help but think the name was utterly unoriginal.