DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Naruto or Shokugeki no Soma. They belong to Masashi Kishimoto and Yuto Tsukuda and Shun Saeki.
A/N 1: These are moments that for one reason or another were not in the final version.
Deleted Scene 1: Mimasaka Subaru
Mimasaka Subaru had been observing newcomer Namikaze for a few weeks. His pattern and routine wasn't all that difficult to learn. It was his behavior that was off-putting.
Namikaze was sincere, friendly and seems to find the good in people. If his befriending of Nakiri Erina's former underling, Mito Ikumi, and the school misfit, Sadatsuka Nao, was anything to go by. His expertize was with Ramen dishes and he truly worshipped it. Ramen after all was the Food of the Gods. Subaru had no signature dish of his own. He wasn't that kind of chef. But he did plan on entering the famous Tournament just solely for the purpose of humiliating his final opponent.
With that knowledge about Namikaze Naruto, it would be easy to get him to agree to a Shokugeki. About time too because HE WAS GETTING SICK OF WATCHING AND TRYING TO IMITATE THE DAMN BASTARD!
In the kitchen, the blond could move so fast, he was like a blur. Try as he might, Subaru just could match his speed. Namikaze was of average build but he was extremely quick and had some muscle power too. Whereas Subaru was large, imposing, intimidating and had more obvious muscles.
But that was all small compared to the oddity that was his kitsune-designed pajamas whose nine tails can somehow move and extended at the will of their wearer. He tried it and nothing happened except maybe making himself look ridiculous. Because simply wearing that thing would make anyone look ridiculous.
But the unmatchable speed and that atrocious pajama were nothing compared then to his habit of CONSTANTLY EATING RAMEN. He would eat a random number of Ramen for breakfast. He would eat a random number of Ramen for lunch. He would eat a random number of Ramen for dinner. He would eat a random number of Ramen as a midnight snack. He would go back to sleep. Subaru thought he could finally get some snooze time of his own.
BUT THEN THE DAMN BASTARD WOULD WAKE UP AT 3A.M. TO EAT ANOTHER RANDOM NUMBER OF RAMEN!
Who the hell wakes up at 3 in the morning just to eat Ramen? No! The more important question is how that guy hadn't died of kidney failure from eating all that Ramen? Nobody eats Ramen that much!
But it didn't matter anymore. Today was the day he'd make his move. He'd get Namikaze to accept a Shokugeki then utterly destroy him. Subaru knew that at this time of the day, Namikaze would be in the cafeteria eating his lunch with his friends.
The moment he opened those doors, he was met one of the most putrid smells his nose has ever had the displeasure of smelling. His hand immediately sprung up to cover his nose and mouth. 'This must be Sadatsuka's doing?'
He was right on the mat with that conclusion. When his eyes carefully scoured the empty cafeteria, he found sitting around one table Namikaze together with Sadatsuka, the Aldini Brothers, Mito, Yukihira and Tadokoro. Subaru wondered why those guys were able to tolerate the horrible smell.
He squinted his eyes, both were full of tears from the smell. What was strange was that all of them minus Tadokoro and Mito had their noses fully exposed to the horrid smell. Namikaze was gulping down the remaining contents of a large bowl, presumably whatever Sadatsuka concocted.
When Namikaze put down the bowl back on the table, he had the look of immense satisfaction on his face. "Delicious!" Subaru heard Namikaze say with a wide grin. If he could, Subaru would have dropped his mouth in surprise.
"Normally, Ramen that stinks to high heaven would be an abomination to the dish. My father would flip his lid if he saw this. But if he got a taste of this, no doubt he'd approve."
"I appreciate that, Naruto-san, but I have no plans to get the approval of your father."
Namikaze only nodded his head. "Well I can't let this beat my knowledge of Ramen. Looks like I'll have to learn how to cook Ramen the looks and smells atrocious but tastes delicious. It will taste ten, no, a hundred times better but will also stink just as much."
And that was it for Subaru. If he challenged Namikaze to a Shokugeki, that means there's a chance he'll go with whatever smelly creation he'd come up with. That means Subaru would have to try and replicate Namikaze's smelly creation. Sadatsuka's was bad enough, Namikaze had just made it known his dish would be a hundred times worst.
"I see your hundred with a thousand." What was this, a poker game? Soma slammed his hand on the table as he declared.
"WHAT?! If Yukihira is in on this, then so shall I. If you think you can come up with a smelly yet tasty dish, then I shall make a dish that will beat yours." That was the blond Aldini. Then he turned to the brunette Aldini "You too, Isami. Namikaze is your rival. You can't lose to him! We're going to make the smelliest yet most delicious dish!"
Subaru was out there. Didn't need to listen to anymore plans of malodorous dishes. The once-again-lone group in the cafeteria didn't even notice him.
Ikumi had remained silent in all this. She had crossed her arms over her breasts since the very start and had been rolling her eyes every now and then at just how ridiculous this all has been. There was no way she'd join in on them. She loved meat that much and she wasn't about to make an odorous atrocity with meat. Her precious, beloved meat. Nope, nope to a thousandth degree. No way Jose.
Megumi, the poor blunette, sweatdropped and chuckled nervously. One thing's for sure, she'd have nothing to do with this.
(* * *)
Deleted Scene 2: Sadatsuka Nao's Closet
Sadatsuka Nao lived in the closet in Nakiri Alice's room. Naruto had told them off-handedly that the closet in Alice's room was pretty damn huge. Sadatsuka has never been heard complaining it was cramped or tight. So one day, Takumi, Isami and Ikumi decided to go take a look.
What they found rocked them to their core. After opening Alice's closet, it started out all normal. Just clothes either hanging around or fold neatly. But as they got in to investigate further, the closest seemed to stretch longer and wider. Soon enough, they had gotten pass all of Alice's clothes and found what they could only describe as a witch's lair. The dark atmosphere, the candles lighting up the place and the cauldron.
Shelves of jars filled with some liquid with things floating or suspended in them. They also found a witch's cloak and hat.
"Big Bro, I'm starting to think the term Boiling Witch maybe more than just mere a moniker." He said scared.
At the other end of the 'room' was a door. "You think that's where she sleeps?" Ikumi asked.
The door in question creaked open and a shaking hand that had finger nails too long and too sharp to be Nao's slowly crept out, grasping it. Takumi and Ikumi were quite unnerved by it and held on to Isami for support.
(* * *)
Deleted Scene 3: Leonora and Soe's Wedding Anniversary
Minato had done it. It wasn't anything he has ever had a hand in trying but there was a first time of everything. On the table laid Leonora Nakiri in all her naked glory. She was well bathed prior. After that was all just a matter of Minato carefully setting the sushi and sashimi in various part of her body.
Minato would have never dreamed of ever seeing his friend's wife naked. She was beautiful enough with her clothes on. She was stunning and breathtaking without them.
"She's ready." He eventually told Soe.
"Well done, Minato. She looks absolutely delicious. You have my most sincere thanks." He said with a serious face. Like that was anything new.
Soe took his seat at the table. "Happy Anniversary, My Beloved." Leonora softly said, love in her red eyes. Soe said in return. "Happy Anniversary, my dear." And they got eating with Soe intimately feeding Leonora as well as himself.
Minato had no idea why he was still standing there looking at them. His face devoid of any emotion and his eyes half-closed. "I'm just gonna…," His thumb pointing to the door, "I'm just gonna go now." They didn't hear him which didn't bother Minato one bit and he just calmly left the room, locking the door in the process.
(* * *)
Deleted Scene 4: Leonora and Yaeko Talk
"Anyway, Minato-sama, I came to inform you that Tadokoro Megumi is waiting for down below."
If Minato wasn't fully awake before, he was now. He jumped off his seat, leaving his breakfast unfinished. "My Kami-sama, how could I forget?! Megumi-chan is here!" He grabbed Yaeko by the shoulders, "Thank you, Yaeko!" and made a mad dash to the bathroom.
"Minegasaki Yaeko," Leonora spoke, getting the woman's attention. Leonora turned around in her seat slowly and look at Yaeko darkly and seriously, "you are one of Minato's most trusted employees and a mother to one of his children."
Yaeko returned the Danishwoman's stare back at her, "Yes, I am."
Leonora stood from her seat and approached Yaeko. She took her hand in own and, "Thank you for helping him out and keeping him company." She was all sunshine and rainbows again.
"Eh?"
"I'm glad you're still with him even though you're aware you might never be in a real relationship with him."
"I was… am his employee before all else. As well as his friend, I'm going anywhere anytime soon."
"I'm happy to hear that. Ever since Kushina died, he really hasn't look at women the same way."
"I know." Yaeko said, "Namikaze Kushina, the mother of Naruto and the woman Minato had loved dearly. They had plans to marry after Naruto was born but she died. She left a hole in his heart that no one could really fill. He's tried before. Tried to really move on. But none of them ever worked out no matter how much he tried."
"That's the power certain woman have on men. They stay with them even long after they've gone. Though it would be a different story if Kushina had broken up with him instead of dying."
"What of you, Leonora Nakiri-sama?"
"Hmmm…?"
"What are you to Minato-sama? You are a married woman, are you not? It may not be any of my business but doesn't it seem improper for a married woman to stay in the same living space with another man. Especially with what you are wearing right now."
Leonora smiled at her before she sat back down. "I am his friend." She smiled cunningly and sly. "A close friend. And it's not as if he hasn't seen me naked before." She turned back to her meal and said kindly, "Think of that what you will."
(* * *)
Alternate Scene 1: Minato and Leonora (Warning: Mature Content)
Leonora hooked her thumbs under the straps of her dress. She tagged it off her shoulders and let Minato watch it flow sensually down her body. She had no other articles of clothing. She had been naked all along underneath her dress.
Her naked body now stood in all its glory under the gaze of the only other occupant in the kitchen. She flicked back her long flowing white hair with both her delicate hands, ensuring her large perfect bosoms, all nice and firm, were exposed to him. Her pale white skin, smooth and without a single flaw. Her creamy legs and thighs leading up to her lovely pink flower.
Indeed, she was very beautiful. The epitome of the word. Minato had to stop himself from saying it out loud.
"So then, Minato-kun. Shall we begin?"
"I thought you'd never ask." Minato took his clothes off, exposing his being to Leonora. He wasn't a bad specimen himself, fit and having the right amount of muscle, and his package marvelous to Leonora.
'Oh my,' She thought, 'It's as big as how Kushina had always bragged it would be. To have that inside me…'
In their nakedness, the two lovers held each other in a passionate embrace and made out with equal the passion. Their tongues fervently dueling for dominance but ultimately, Minato won. When their kiss ended, a string of saliva bridged their lips.
Leonora was about to go down but Minato stopped her. "Not here." He said, picking her up bridal-style in his strong arms.
He laid her down on his bed. She adjusted herself and sat on the edge of it. Taking his cock in her hand, she felt its warmth and its girth. It was a lengthy thing and ready for her. Minato groaned softly as he felt her warm mouth around his cock. Her tongue licking the underside of his shaft. Minato patted the back of her head as Leonora sucked on his cock with eager abandon. But such pleasure would have eventually brought him off too soon for his liking.
"My turn." Minato said, pulling back.
Leonora rested back and Minato spread her legs. Her pussy was wet already from the arousal of the situation when Minato's tongue licked and laved it. Leonora panted and moaned at her lover's tongue's ministrations. She gripped the sheets of his bed when her first orgasm came. Minato's mouth was moistened even further by her fluids.
"Oh fuck!" The white haired beauty shook and shuddered.
Minato climbed up between her legs and readied his cock at her entrance. She was so wet and he was so horny. "Just give it to me, Minato-KUN!" Minato plunged in deep with single thrust. She had him the moment she said those five words.
Leonora's pussy was wet like Minato had observed. But it was also quite warm like an oven. Her cunt muscle had a tight grip on him which only made the experience better.
"Oh, yes! YES!" Leonora screamed. Minato had really gotten into it and was pounding her womanhood like crazy. Their hips grinding together, her hips thrusting up and his. She felt her fluids run down the crack of her ass and onto the sheets underneath her flesh.
Her perfect breasts bouncing from each thrust. Minato took one in his hand and played with it. It would be a shame not to. The redhead kissed her again before kissing her down to her chin and neck. Leonora wrapped her arms around him and gripped his back. "Mi-Mi-Minato-kun!" She screamed as another orgasm hit her. She resisted wanting to tell him he was better than her Beloved.
"You're so beautiful, Leonora." He said licking the side of her neck. Minato did let up. He just continued on with what he was so good doing.
Soon enough, Minato felt his sperm boil in his balls. "Leonora, I'm…!"
She knew what he meant. "Minato, there's something I have to Mmmmmmphmmmm!" Minato kissed her again. Inside her, she felt his cock pulse and something hot spilled in. She knew what it was. He was cumming inside her.
When the redhead had emptied inside his lover, his collapsed next to him, panting like she did.
"Minato-kun, you idiot." She said quietly. Her eyes tired and half-closed, her voice weary and her face told him she was sexually-sated. The Danish beauty wrapped her arms around his neck and rest closer to him. "I was going to tell you I'm at the peak of my fertility this month." She breathed out. "If your bun starts cooking in my oven, you had better take responsibility."
He wrapped his arms around her too. "If my bun cooks in your oven, I'm not sharing it with you."
"Jerk!" She whispered and lightheartedly slapped his arm.
The cuddled up and let slumber take them, thoroughly satisfied with their love-making.
(* * *)
Alternate Scene 2: Moving in to the Polar Star Dormitory
"Ha! I wonder how interesting things would have gone if Namikaze Naruto-kun had join the Polar Star Dorm with Yukihira Soma." Fumio wondered with a smile.
Satoshi answered her, "The Dorm's occupants would have doubled in numbers then! You would have had more talented chefs under your roof and the Polar Star Dorm's golden age would certainly return."
"And five of the eight chefs proceeding to the Semi-Finals would have been Polar Star. The Namikaze Alliance will no doubt prove a challenge for the Polar Star's golden age to return." Fumio instantly sat up and her eyes widened.
"Oh, did you suddenly get an idea, Fumio-san?" Fumio's response was a sly and cunning smile.
"Namikaze Naruto-kun, everyone, I leave Akira-kun in your hands. Now then," she turned to address Akira, 'You'll change the world one day, Akira-kun.' "I'm going back to the lab and drink till I pass out. See you later, Akira-kun!" With that she dashed away with a dust trail behind her.
Akira stared at the door she exited from and gritted his teeth.
"She can be energetic, Minato-kun." They heard the spirited voice of a woman.
"She nearly bumped into us." A male voice complained.
Enter Minato and Leonora. They came in with Leonora's arms wrapped around Minato's. She was clinging on to him tightly.
"Ch-ch-chef Uzumaki!" The Polar Star Dorm tenants minus Satoshi, Fumio, Soma and Megumi stammered.
"Oh, Uzumaki-san, long time no see." Soma raised his hand. Minato nodded once at him.
"Otou-sama!" Megumi bowed.
"Oka-sama!" Alice hugged her mother.
"Tou-san, what are doing here?
"I'm here to congratulate you on a job well done! Seven out of the eight who'll proceed to the main tournament are in this room! That there is remarkable!
The kids all nodded. "Mmm!"
"Other than that, oh I was just visiting my old Dorm and showing her around." He nodded at Leonora who returned to clinging to his arm.
"Don't forget the third thing, Minato-kun!"
"Right, right. You, you, you, you, you, you, you, you and you!" He pointed at the nine members of the Namikaze Alliance. "The kitchen's fully stocked. I want all of you to head there this instant and cook up the best dish you can with the ingredients available." Minato instructed with a smile and his eyes closed
"Wait, why?" Naruto inquired. "This is so out of the blue."
Minato's smile faded and he opened his eyes halfway. With a tone that left no room to argue, he ordered them, "Just do it!"
"Well I don't need to be told twice!" Ikumi flinched before being the first to leave the Zenji's room followed by Naruto, Ryo, Akira, Nao, Miyoko and the Aldini Brothers.
"I'm sure you were included in this too, Alice." Leonora chimed.
"TA-DA! The Namikaze Special!" Naruto proclaimed, motioning his open hand to the nine dishes on the table.
"Wait a minute, why are you collectively naming our dish as the Namikaze Special?" Akira questioned.
"Well our group is named after me so I figured why not." Naruto shrugged.
Akira narrowed his eyes. "Yeah… about that. You may have 'founded' this little group, Namikaze but I believe a renaming is in order. I suggest the Hayama Spices."
"I object." Ryo said with his hands in his pockets. "That makes us sound like an Idol Group."
Cue the image of the nine of them on a well-lit stage dressed like idols with Akira on center-stage.
"Precisely what I am talking about?" Ryo added.
"I was thinking more along the lines of the Next Generation of Hojo-ro Chefs!" That one was Miyoko.
Cue the image of them all dressed in Chinese clothes while in certain poses. Kitchen utensils held like weapons and Miyoko dead center.
"But that makes us all sound like we're going to work for you in the future!" Takumi, all flustered up, pointed at Miyoko.
"Miyoko-chan, Akira-kun, we already settled his matter," Naruto stated, "in a card game of all things." He sighed.
"I am proud to admit I resolved that matter." Isami pounded his chest with his fist.
"The guy won and he still called it the Namikaze Alliance." Nao didn't really care much about the name.
"You won and didn't pick something else?!" Akira and Miyoko demanded form Isami.
"You are all getting off topic here!" Minato shouted from the other side of the table. Leonora clinged to his arm the whole time.
"Tou-san, why did you make us do this?" Naruto asked his father.
"You'll see in time. Moving on, Fumio-san shall be your judge."
The matron of the Polar Star Dorm took her seat. "Okay then, shall I get started?" She went for the nearest dish which was Alice's.
"You'll find my dish to be the best among them."
Fumio gave no response but merrily consumed what Alice cooked up. Fumio merrily consumed all that they cooked up.
"All nine dishes were delicious. Congratulations, everyone, you all passed your applications."
"Huh?" went just about everyone excluding the three adults in the kitchen.
"Isami Aldini, Takumi Aldini, Hayama Akira, Hojo Miyoko, Mito Ikumi, Kurokiba Ryo, Nakiri Alice, Namikaze Naruto and Sadatsuka Nao, welcome to the Polar Star Dormitory!"
"WHAT!" bawled the old tenants of the Dorm.
"WHAT!" bawled the new tenants of the Dorm.
"I had given it some thought. The Polar Star Dorm has all that you need as in terms being a comfortable home and good learning environment. You'll all love it here. It's also much closer to the school."
"Now hold on here, Tou-san. You can't just dump us here! No offense, Fumio-san. This place is actually pretty sweet."
"None taken, Naruto-kun."
"The decision has been made, Naruto-kun." Leonora sang. "You'll all be living here from now on."
"But why?" Ikumi demanded.
"Your penthouse suite was wonderful." Alice added in.
The rest kept silent but they too have grown to like the suite.
"Why? I'll tell you why!" He ranted all wide-eyed and wide-mouthed. "When I told you all you can help yourselves to the room service and the spa, I didn't mean for you to go overboard with it! The girls kept using the spa about three times a week! Someone keeps ordering chocolate mousse and large chocolate shakes every day!" Isami and Ikumi tagged at their collars. "One of you also broke one of the sinks in one of the kitchens I let you use!" That one was Ryo's fault. "And who the hell has been making long distance phone calls to Denmark!" Alice took a step behind Naruto.
The students were all shocked at Minato's outburst. Wait, that there was an understatement. Rattled to their core was more like it.
"Minato-kun, relax. You got the point across." Leonora took Minato's hand in hers and gently caressed the back of his hand with her delicate thumb.
Minato coughed and cooled down. "Thank you, Leonora."
He addressed the nine teenagers, "The decision has been made. There will be no arguing this!" He stressed, ending the matter. "I'm having all your belonging transferred here in the morning so you all can stay the night. Fumio-san will show you your new rooms."
The Namikaze Alliance sighed in defeat. But muttered quickly that the Polar Star Dorm wasn't so bad.
"WOO-HOO! The Namikaze Alliance has been absorbed into the Polar Star Dorm!" Yuki shrieked.
"So this was your plan?" Satoshi whispered to Fumio with a knowing smirk.
"With this, the Polar Star Dormitory's Golden Age will return."
EPILOGUE – THE FOOD OF THE GODS TOURNAMENT
It's been fifteen long years since the 92nd Generation of Totsuki started their first year. Fifteen years since Naruto and Soma entered Totsuki and met their friends. Fifteen years since they fought and won against the Akatsuki in what was probably the most important moments of their lives. Each member of the Namikaze Alliance battling in a cook off. Soma in particular battling with Nakiri Azami for Totsuki Academy itself.
It's been fifteen years since then. Now the time has come.
"Welcome, everyone, to the 4th Food of the Gods Cooking Tournament! In a few moments, we will begin the competition!" popular hostess and television personality Kawashima Urara and well-recognized and highly-credible food critic Sasaki Yua jointly announced.
It's been fifteen years since then. Now everyone is fifteen years older.
"Heh, who knew it would be in here of all places this Tournament would be taking place!" Yukihira Soma, the owner of Yukihira Diner after Joichiro passed it on to him after proved himself, stated. He was also the man who put a stop to Nakiri Azami's plans for Totsuki.
"The Nakiri-Uzumaki Cooking Dome was built precisely for this. It can accommodate all the contestants and facilitate everything necessary for the event." Explained Tadokoro Megumi, the successor, owner and Head Chef of the Shokeien Ryokan and Tadokoro Ice Cream.
She challenged her aunt Konan to a 'Shokugeki' in order to restore the restaurants, shops and companies in her… their hometown back to their original owners. But if she lost, she would to become Konan's subordinate and do all she commanded. Through great effort as well as wanting to remind her aunt of how Jiraiya had originally taught them, Megumi won against her own aunt.
Megumi was also known as Megumi Aldini for being Takumi Aldini's wife of nine years and mother to three children.
"All the hotels nearby were also filled to the brim with guests. All for this one event."
"The event brings a lot of prestige for both the winner and the dish, Soma. It was to be expected."
"How are your kids, Megumi?"
"They're with their grandmother. They'll be watching the event as it's being televised. Now where's Erina and your kids?"
"Erina's having some girl time with Hisako. As for the kids, my old man's looking after them. They told us they won't forgive us if we at least don't make top ten." Soma shrugged. "Well I'm not about to disappoint them. I'm gunning to win this!"
"Don't disappoint us too, Soma. We'll see you in top ten as well." Soma and Megumi turned to the source of the voice and there they found the nine members of the Namikaze Alliance.
Takumi and Isami Aldini, the Head and Sous Chef respectively of Trattoria Aldini in Italy. The two men, the two brothers responsible beating Akatsuki members Kakuzu and Hidan and freed all the European-Styled restaurants in Japan from their control.
Hayama Akira, the man acknowledged as the King of Spice and Fragrance after formally beating the Akatsuki member Deidara who specialized in the same field of cooking as him. Like him, Deidara felt passionate about blending spices and the powerful fragrances they produced. Deidara considered it an art form. Though he was more vocal about it than Akira ever was.
Hojo Miyoko, current owner and Head Chef of Hojo-ro, her family's restaurant. It's currently the most popular restaurant in all of the country that serves Chinese dishes. She had offered to help Megumi come up with a dish to beat Konan's but was politely decline as Megumi felt her struggle against her aunt was very personal.
Kurokiba Ryo, the Mad Dog of the Oceans, a master in all Seafood dishes and Sushi. Remembered quite fondly for taking on and winning against Hoshigaki Kisame, another Ataksuki member who had been taking over Seafood and Sushi restaurants. It was probably the toughest battle Ryo had ever fought.
Mito Ikumi, known far and wide as the Meat Mistress and the woman who defeated Uchiha Itachi and got him to release all the restaurants under his control. As well as save her own family's conglomerate from falling into his hands.
Nakiri Alice, otherwise known as Namikaze Alice and the Global Innovator, a title well-earned. She is the current head of Nakiri International's Research Division. Also famed for defeating Chef Sasori, a chef infamous for turning natural poisons into high-class delicacies and all without ever resulting in a single death of his customers and diners. He was by no means an easy enemy to deal with but Alice pulled through.
Namikaze Naruto, the soon-to-be successor his father's company as well as being known as the Ramen Shogun. Like how Megumi challenged her aunt Konan, Naruto had challenged his uncle Nagato. By that time, Nagato was the last member left standing but was still very capable of singlehandedly picking up where his allies left off. A lot weighed on their 'Shokugeki'. Not only would it determine the future of the Culinary World but it was also a battle of ideals. If whether Jiraiya's teachings were right or not. Their dish would be Ramen. It was a close battle but Naruto won the day, ending the threat of the Akatsuki to the Culinary World.
And finally, Sadatsuka Nao, known as the Boiling Witch during her Junior High School years, she was renamed as the Boiling Sorceress after defeating Orochimaru of the Ataksuki. Orochimaru initially did not take well to his defeat by her, claiming his dish was "perfect". However she offered the Legendary Chef her dish and after trying it out, Nao spoke the same words Naruto spoke. Orochimaru recognized those words as his old friend Jiraiya's. Her dish was superior to his and he accepted his defeat, muttering that despite being dead, Jiraiya was still causing him trouble.
They did their Walk of Cool just like they used to in school and much to the annoyance or the admiration of the students then and the other participants now.
Nao and Ikumi were at the far edges of the formation. To Nao's left side was Akira, to Ikumi's right was Miyoko. Next to Akira was Isami while Ryo was next to Miyoko. Naruto, as always, was at the core with Takumi and Alice at his flanks.
"What's up, everyone!" Soma greeted. "Been a while!"
"Soma," spoke Takumi, "I'll bringing in my best so expect the worst if and when we face each other in the semi-finals or the finals!"
It's been fifteen years but Takumi still saw Soma as his rival. "Funny, I was about to tell you the same thing." Lightning came from their eyes and collided in the middle.
"Alice-chan, is it really okay for you to be taking part in this competition?" Megumi was concerned considering Alice's condition. "You look ready to pop any second now."
Alice smiled as she ran her hand around her pregnant belly. "I'm not due yet for another two weeks." This was to be Naruto and Alice's second child. "I can handle it. Thank you for caring though, Megumi-chan."
"There you guys are! Megumi! Soma! Everyone!" That was Yoshino Yuki together with Sakaki Ryoko, Ibusaki Shun and Marui Zenji.
Yoshino Yuki, the Ultimate Wild Game Huntress.
Ibusaki Shun, elevated from the Prince of Smoke to the King of Smoke.
Marui Zenji, the Professor of Taste, although now it's a title known outside of Totsuki Academy as well.
Lastly, Sakaki Ryoko, the Lady of Fermentation. Being a legal adult helped in such matters.
"It looks like everyone's here!" Naruto smirked. "This will be just like old times at school!"
"Attention all participants!" That was Yua. "We are now showing on the screens above you your assigned locations for round one!"
There were numerous participants and they were all divided up and placed in different halls to cook.
Yua explained, "The rules are simple. Your dish will be judged by highly qualified judges. If they approve your dish, you will proceed to the next round. Thw first round has no set limit on how many can proceed. However, failure in the first round will mark the end of your time in the Food of the Gods Tournament. After the first round will be the second and third rounds. The same rules apply except only a certain number will make it through. Those who make it pass the second round will head on to the semi-finals and so on."
"Participant, please proceed to your designated Halls. Upon arrival, begin cooking immediately. A late or incomplete dish by the end of allotted time is an automatic disqualification." Urara clarified.
"NOW THEN! ALL CHEFS COMMENCE COOKING!" Urara and Yua jointly declared.
"It's finally happening. The event we've all waited fifteen years to happen!" Nao grinned in pure euphoria as the other participants started to head for their selected locations to cook.
"And speaking of disqualification," Takumi began.
"Naruto…" Miyoko growled.
"If you get yourself disqualified…" Ikumi.
"For doing something like giving someone a book…" Alice.
"THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE CRUEL AND UNUSUAL!" They all shouted into his face.
Naruto rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Will you guys ever stop bringing that up? It was fifteen years ago!"
"Never." Alice pulled his cheek.
"Hey, what are you still doing here?!" Erina and Hisako joined them. "The Tournament has officially began, you know!"
"We best get going to our spots." Shun suggested.
Zenji agreed, "A sound idea."
"Okay then. Everyone, let's all meet again for the finals!" Naruto urged strongly.
"YEAH!"
Outwardly, it was all smiles between them. Inwardly, they scowled and frowned at each other. 'I'll never forgive any of you if you drop out at the first, second and third rounds!' They all muttered mentally.
That's that! Have a nice day, everyone.