The King and Queen of Totsuki
Chapter 07: The Final Push
Things for Central didn't look promise. The rebels had pulled a significant upset in not only the first bout but the elimination of the Second Seat and the near sweep in the Third Bout. Central was now down to the First and Third Seat remaining. The First Seat was still out of commission for the time being leaving the Third Seat to take on the remaining five Rebels. Two of them were former Council Seat members, including the former Third Seat Megishima Tōsuke.
Everyone believed the rebels stood no chance against the Elites of Central and the Elite Ten Council. To everyone's surprise and horror, the Rebels had the Régiment de Cuisine in the bag. Even more shocking and that caused everyone to wonder if there was some misfortune was the fact that Yukihira Sōma; the cocky first year who had transfer just five months ago when he beat the sixth seat Kinokuni Nene in her specialty in a match of Soba.
Then came the real shocker, when the transfer student won his bout against the Fourth Seat in another clean sweep.
Yukihira Sōma has now defeated three members of the Elite Ten. Azami himself was shocked by the sheer tenacity of the First Years. It was understandable for him to defeat the Ninth Seat, but to defeat the Sixth Seat in her specialty and the Fourth Seat as well without suffering a single vote against him was astonishing. Azumi was now seeing and wishing he could have taken Yukihira under his wing and even place him in the Elite Ten. The problem with that was that Yukihira was against his administration and didn't support Central's ideas.
After the third bout was finished, the Régiment de Cuisine participants were taking a ninety-minute break before the Fourth Bout would begin. The supporters for Central were hoping The Elite Ten would make a comeback in the Fourth Bout and prayed the First Seat Tsukasa Eishi would return to give Central the win it deserved and crush the Rebels once for and all.
Central wanted to back out of the Régiment de Cuisine and not suffer a complete loss. The problem was they were too deep into the Régiment de Cuisine, and if they backed out, they would forfeit by default. Central had to keep fighting and suffer more defeats. The odds were now they would lose the Régiment de Cuisine by the Fifth or Sixth Bout.
"How could you lose to a mere first-year brat; Saitō-senpai?! You got to be freaking kidding me! I can't believe we're now down to two members!" shouted Eizan the Seventh Seat.
"It couldn't be help," said Saitō as he leans back in his chair with a smile. "Yukihira Sōma, he truly is an interesting guy. In the past five months since he's arrived at Tōtsuki, I never thought his skills were this good. He truly deserves to seat amongst the Elite Ten."
"This is no laughing matter!" shouted Eizan. "With you eliminated, the only ones left are Tsukasa-senpai and Momo-senpai. Tsukasa-senpai is still out of commission and won't be back until the Fifth Bout. If Momo-Senpai were to lose, then Tsukasa-Senpai will have to take on five of them single handily! Kuga was able to take him out for the Third and Fourth Bout alone, and that is a problem! The Rebels still have Isshiki and Megishima-senpai! Not to mention – Nakiri Erina who has yet to step foot in a single bout! Which means she is conversing her strength most likely for the final bout!"
"I am aware," said Saizō with a smile that caused Eizan to become annoyed by Saizō lack of response and interest.
"Where is Momo-senpai?" asks Nene the Sixth Seat.
"Over there taking a picture of her latest creation," said Saizō as they turn to see Momo taking a picture of herself around a tea party set with her Queen's Apple Tart.
"I can't believe Yukihira Sōma is this good," said Julio in shocked. "I thought he was just a second-rate chef who has some luck in his corner."
"He's not," said Nene.
Everyone turns to look at her in surprise.
"He's the son of a former second seat," said Nene.
This caused everyone to look at her in shock.
"You're joking? A guy like him – the son of a former second seat?!" shouted Eizan in complete and utter shock.
"Doesn't his family merely run a diner?" asks Saitō.
"His family does, but his father during his time here at Tōtsuki was known as the Demon – Saiba Jōichiro," said Nene.
"You realized we could have used this information before the Régiment started!" shouted Eizan.
"I only just found out myself an hour ago," said Nene.
"It's true," said Azami. "Saiba Jōichiro is the greatest chef Tōtsuki has ever seen. I should have expected his son to be just as good."
"So he's strong because he's been trained by a former Second Seat," said Eizan.
"Two," said Nene.
Everyone turns to look at her.
"Two?" repeated Azami.
"His father did train him since he was five, but another also took it upon herself to train Yukihira, she's also a former second seat," said Nene.
"Ebisawa Riko," said Azami as he narrows his eyes and grins his teeth in frustration.
Nene looks at him in surprise as does everyone else.
"How did you know that?" asks Nene in surprise.
"She was my senpai during my time in Tōtsuki. She is a remarkable chef, and like Saiba-senpai she's a nomad chef. She doesn't own a restaurant and is constantly on the move; visiting various restaurants and works her magic. She offers her services to anyone and has become one of the top ten chefs in the world. She's what you call a Master Chef," said Azami.
Master Chefs were considered to be a rank higher than that of a professional. Their influence and skills in the kitchen were second to none. Not to mention to hire one for a single week in any restaurant would skyrocket the restaurant's reputation.
"I've heard of her," said Saizō. "She is considered to be even to this day; the greatest female chef Tōtsuki has ever seen. In her first and second year in high school, she nearly matches Gin-senpai's record and almost beat it. Then in her third year, she simply quieted down, and after Tōtsuki she disappeared for a bit; working her magic on the frontlines through varies restaurants."
"Not to mention she is a master at Régiment de Cuisines," said Azami as he bites his thumb in frustration.
'This explains everything; she was the one pulling strings behind the scenes. In her second year alone she took part in three Régiment de Cuisine and won them without a flaw. This was the reason she was promoted to the second seat in her third year. I have always been suspicious of why she didn't grab the first seat and made no motions to take it either. Eishi is still out of commotion and won't return until tomorrow for the Fifth Bout. Only Momo is left for the Fourth Bout, and that puts us at a serious disadvantage. Even if she somehow wins, that leaves four rebels remaining. If we win the Fifth Bout, it is clear, the last bout will be where the Rebels will send their best against us, and we won't be able to fend them off,' thought Azami.
Riko-senpai has crushed him in every turn every since he joins Tōtsuki. Her skills were incredible, and he has suffered more defeats and losses from her than any other student except Gin-senpai and Saiba-senpai who crush him. Her real skills were in strategy and forming the most significant results for restaurants and any other businesses in the food industries. She has always been against his idea of a utopia for chefs; always calling him an idiot and that his plan would fall apart.
Azami knew the chances of winning were slim and were slipping from his grasp. He would need another strategy to turn this around. He was going to need something to improve his chances.
"Now, choose carefully – Yukihira-kun, would you like medical tea that soothes your high-strung nerves or one that heightens your concentration and spirit?" asks Hisako as she presents two cups of tea before Yukihira.
"I'm fine," said Sōma as he backs away from the smell. The teas smelled super bitter.
"No you're not!" said Hisako as she thrust a tea in his hands. "Your fatigue is slowly but surely accumulating, I just know it!"
"You should also get some rest while you still can, Yukihira-kun!" said Nikomi.
"Things are looking good for us, despite the results of the Second Bout," said Takumi Aldini.
"I wouldn't go celebrating just yet," said Hayama. "The next two opponents will be the toughest Central has left. The Third Seat, Akanegakubo Momo – the sweet specialist, and the First Seat Tsukasa Eishi. There is a chance we can defeat the Third Seat, the true test will be to defeat the First Seat, as such it won't be like the second bout, most likely we'll be facing him in singles matches with no assistance."
This was true. The White Knight was a formidable opponent who was considered a master at the ingredients. Since his first year in High School, he has gone undefeated and has never lost a Shokugeki. It was almost unthinkable for him to fail, even if he was outnumbered in a Régiment de Cuisine.
"We need to form a strategy against the final two," said Kyō.
"Eishi-senpai is still out and won't be back till tomorrow. That means only one of us out of the five of us remaining will get to face Momo-senpai in the Fifth Bout," said Isshiki.
"Then show a raised of hands, who of us wants to go out for the Fifth Bout and face Momo-senpai?" asks Takumi.
Sōma, Takumi, Nakiri, and Isshiki all raised their hands.
"This is a problem," said Isshiki.
"Then how do we settle this?" asks Takumi.
They all look at each other and were serious as they look at one another.
"I guess there is no other way," said Isshiki with a smile. He had a sharp look in his eye.
"Janken!" they all shouted as they showed their hand at the results. The losers look on as they saw the results.
"Welcome back everyone!" shouted Urara-san as everyone took their seats and were silent. "Central is down on their luck, with the great Eishi-senpai unable to return to help us, the Fourth Bout will be a one on one with the great Momo-Senpai representing Central!"
The crowd cheers were lesser knowing that Momo was all alone and if she lost, then Central was finished. The crowd gives polite applause as they look on.
"Now to represent the Rebels is – " said Urara as the rebel doors open and they walked forward.
To everyone's surprise, Takumi Aldini walks forward and step forward – this was a complete shock as they were sure the former seventh seat would take this bout.
"So the Fourth Bout will be Central's Elite Ten Akanegakubo Momo-senpai vs. Rebels Takumi Aldini. Now Rebels, choose the theme," said Urara.
Takumi walks forward and pulls the theme out of the lottery and shows it to Momo.
'Cheese'
Central was cursing their luck, as a Specialist Italian Chef, Takumi Aldini had this match in the bag. Italian foods had many types of cheese they could use.
"Cheese, this is an ingredient some would say the Italians specialize in," said Nakiri.
"Indeed," said Isshiki. "The problem is, cheese is also used in sweets and desserts as well. The main ingredient will be Cheese, but the theme is without a doubt – Dinner and sweets."
'This is tricky, in the traditional sense, the desert is served after the main course. However, that's not going to be the case here. It will depend greatly on who can make the best use of the cheese in their dish. Takumi-san must present his dish first before Momo-senpai. In this contests, if Momo-senpai's sweet is taste first, Takumi will loose. Momo's sweet can put the users in a spell that will cause the taster to forget about another tase after they've had her sweets Takumi must serve his first. Those who have faced Momo-senpai in Shokugeki's and have gone second have all lost. Her sweets overwhelm the tongue to the point her opponent's dish doesn't have any taste after hers,' thought Erina as she thought about the master pastry chef.
They watch as both Takumi and Momo cook their meals. Takumi was making an Italian dish. They could only watch patiently at the last match of the day and hope for a good result. The first years in the stands were silent as they watch the match unfold. Even Urara was quiet as all she could do was stand and watch in horror, hoping Momo-senpai would at least score one more win.
Takumi walks forward and presents his dish.
"The first to present their dish is the rebel scum Takumi Aldini," said Urara.
"Do you really want to keep saying that?" said Alice as she looks serious at the young first year. The first year glares at her. "After all, when we win the Régiment de Cuisine, what do you think is going to happen to you and the rest of the first years?"
Urara suddenly realized that the odds were indeed against them.
"Most likely we're going to expel every Central student there is; meaning at least eighty percent of the student body, and its staff and instructors are also going to be banned," said Ryō.
Urara couldn't help herself and started shaking her boots. The sound of her bones quivering could be heard throughout the silent stadium.
"Bon Appetit," said Takumi as he presents his dish. There was cheese over breaded chicken thigh with melted cheese along with noodles that were also mix in a custom pasta sauce.
"Chicken Parmigiana," said Charme in surprise.
"This is a rather popular and famous Italian dish that has spread worldwide," said Histoire.
"Just the smell alone makes my mouth watery," said Anne as she smells the delicious smell.
"Then, let's begin the taste," said Histoire.
They each cut a piece of the chicken thigh and gave it a couple of breath from the steam that was rising from the freshly cooked chicken. The three judges took a bite and chewed it.
"This is – superb!" said Anne in surprise.
"The Quatro Formaggio hits us again," said Charme in surprise.
"Generally for this meal you only use one or two cheese. To use four in perfect blend with this dish without overlapping the umami is ingenious. The blend is perfect and unique," said Histoire.
"Then how about the pasta?" said Anne as she takes a sip of the pasta. She was taken back by the sudden taste of the pasta. "Quatro Formaggi inside the noodles? And it smoothes your tongue with every bite!" said Anne in delight.
"Grazie!" said Takumi.
"It's over," said the students in the stands as they look on in horror. Almost every student in the audience groans in annoyance knowing they had lost again as the rebels look on with excitement.
"There is no way to win against that," said another.
Momo walks forward while pushing a cart forward.
"I'm finished," said Momo as she presents her dish. She places it in front of the judges and lifts the lid on her plate.
"Oh, this is – " said Charme.
"Triple-Cheese Cheesecake with Amaretti Crust," said Histoire.
"However, it looks magnificent!" said Charme in surprise.
"Now for the taste," said Anne as the three judges take a bite of Momo's cheesecake.
In that split second, all three judges couldn't believe the taste they had just witnessed, and it overwhelms them.
"Such harmony within this desert, it's marvelous!" said Charme.
"Indeed, you can taste the cheese to perfection, but it is correct that it overwhelms the senses altogether. It's incredible," said Anne.
"Indeed, the cheese flavor is strong; but this cake is delicious is far beyond anything I could have imagined," said Histoire.
"Then – the votes," said Urara nervously.
All three judges however closed their eyes and it was clear they were debating on which dish was superior. The audience and rebels could only watch in silence as the judges, who have been quick in their judgment take their time to evaluate the dishes.
"Very well, we've made a decision," said Histoire.
"The winner of the fourth bout is – " said Charme.
Everyone was holding they're breath in suspense as they waited to hear the verdict.
"Central's Akanegako Momo," said Anne.
Everyone was stunned with shock.
"Yosha!" shouted Urara as the crowd cheers. "I knew it! Central is invincible!"
"Is that so?" said Megishima Tōsuke as he steps forward. This caused the crowd to fall silent in stun belief. Everyone forgot about the former Third Seat on the Rebel side. "Four of us left huh, it doesn't matter – cause I'm taking the next bout."
The only third year of the Rebels sudden declaration of fighting in the next bout causes the Audience to fall silent. Azami looks on in stun disbelief.
'How could I forget the former third seat? He's still in it, and he merely avoids the third and fourth bouts. This is not good, I need something - something to turn this around,' thought Azami fiercely as he attempts to bite his thumb in front of so many other people. Azami knew the odds of losing at least one match was highly likely tomorrow. The rebels still had the Third, Seventh and the Tenth Seat in their corner. Not to mention the wild card – Yukihira Sōma.
"That concludes today's matches," said Histoire.
"We will reassume the matches tomorrow at ten in the morning, until then – good evening everyone," said Anne.
The Rebels turns around and walk out the arena, leaving behind the stunned and scared Central supporters in fear of tomorrow's bout.
"We're winning!" shouted Yuki as she jumps up and down in joy.
"Don't be too sure about that," said Sōma as he sits down and sips his tea as he has been doing since the third bout ended.
"What do you mean Sōma-kun?" asks Megumi.
"Today we won to matches, but we also lost two matches. Takumi has been eliminated. We are down to four players. The Fourth bout only had one player from each side to participate because Tsukasa-senpai is still out of play. There is a good chance he'll make a return tomorrow. This is where things will get challenging, he won't make the same mistake as he did with Kuga-senpai," said Erina.
"Never the less, I will give it my all and crush my opponent with absolute force," said Megishima Tōsuke.
"Nakiri-san, who do you want to come out tomorrow?" asks Isshiki. Nakiri looks at him. "As co-team captain of the Rebels, it is your choice. We will follow and trust your judgment."
Nakiri looks down.
"I want to go," said Sōma at once.
"Absolutely not!" shouted Erina as she grabs a paper fan and smacks Sōma in the back of the head.
Sōma grumbles as he rubs his head as he looks at Erina. As usual, they had a hard time agreeing, but they were in sync better.
"I know it's not my say, but I do think the best strategy is this," said Isshiki. Everyone turns to look at him. "The final bout, we must save our two best chef's for that bout if we're going to win this. We need to attack strong for the fifth bout and destroy their defense. For the final bout, we need not only a good defense, but a good attack as well."
Erina puts her hand to her chin and thinks carefully.
"Very well, this is what we'll do," said Erina as the rebels began to listen to her plan.
Morning came, and the central students were in a silent as they took their seats as they prepared for the fifth bout. To their delight and hoping the face of Central would be taking part in the fifth bout. Tsukasa Eishi was standing in his chef's outfit looking like his usual self as he stood there with Akanegakubo Momo-senpai.
The doors open for the rebels and everyone was talking about how they suspected Yukihira Sōma of stepping forward to challenge the First Seat. He did have that reputation for making outrageous and unthinkable shokugeki challenges.
To everyone's surprise, the former Third and Seventh Seat step forward to take on the Fifth Bout.
"Tsukasa-san, looks like we're going to have a Shokugeki," said Megishima.
"So it would appear," said Tsukasa.
"The First Seat against the former Third Seat?!" someone in the crowded shouted. The first year students in the crowd could only stare at this unexpected turn of events.
"Then that means I'm taking you on, Momo-senpai," said Isshiki.
"No way!" someone in the stands. "The former seventh seat against the Third Seat?!"
"Then, please choose the theme for the matches," said Urara nervously.
Megishima walks forward and pulls out the card as does Isshiki.
"What is it?" said Yuki nervously.
"The first theme is – Wild Rabbit!" said Urara.
"Oh," said Rindō in surprise.
"This match should be ours in the bag," said Eizan. "Wild Rabbit is a popular western dish in Europe, and is commonly used in French dishes, Eisha specialty – is French cuisine."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," said Saitō. "The rebels are too cunning, and we have gradually underestimated them. Megishima may be a ramen specialist, but it would be wise not to underestimate him. He'll do something crazy to make this match even."
"Also," said Nene. "Wild Rabbit is popular for stews, so the match is even with Tsukasa-senpai's French theme and Megishima-senpai Ramen theme."
"That's true," said Urara in a worried voice.
"It is?" said Sōma in surprise.
"Yeah," said Erina with a smile. "Wild Rabbit is a popular item in Western Europe and the season for hunting them cause many restaurants to cook them are in high demand. Wild Rabbit can be used as a course meal and even used as primary meat like Vension. At the same time, Wild Rabbit can be used in stews. Not commonly used in Japanese cuisines, but still, if Tōsuke-senpai can get the broth right, then this match will be tough to call."
The first years, who thought this match would be the First Seat's beck and call for his epic comeback – now had to face the grim reality that the odds weren't promising and it was an even right.
"Then – the second theme?" said Urara as she looks at Isshiki. Isshiki holds the card for Momo to see.
'BlackBerry'
"Hell yeah!" shouted Urara. "Another lucky draw for Momo-senpai! BlackBerry makes great sweets!" The audience began to show smiles.
"Not exactly," said Erina, this caused every Central supporter smiles to disappears. "BlackBerry is indeed a popular theme for sweets; hence Akanegakubo-senpai would have a strong advantage in this; the problem is Isshiki-senpai's specialty is Japanese cuisine. Blackberry in recent years has become more and more a desert in Japanese cuisine. Both first and second matches – are even with no clear victory in sight."
'The key will be how each party deals with the supporting ingredients to the main. Whoever does a better job – will win,' thought Erina.
"Then, contestants will have thirty minutes to collect their ingredients," said Urara in a worried voice.
The Rebels and Central contestants disappear into the large refrigerator for a time before they came back and started to set everything up for the fifth bout.
"Then, if everyone is ready, let the Fifth Bout – begin!" shouted Urara. The clock started from one hour and began to click down as the four contestants.
"What are they going to make?" said Yuki as he mouths drool in anticipation.
They began to cook quickly with both Tōsuke and Eishi beginning to prep their wild rabbit ingredients. Megishima Tōsuke had two large pots brewing on the oven as he prep his wild rabbit.
"Heh!" shouted Yuki. "Megishima-senpai isn't cutting his Wild Rabbit?! He's cooking it whole?!"
"Not exactly, it looks likes he's cooking the thigh of the Wild Rabbit. A prevalent ingredient when cooking Wild Rabbit. He's also got potatoes, carrots, and onions. These are common ingredients when cooking Wild Rabbit. Especially when it comes to making a Wild Rabbit Stew," said Erina.
"The former Third Seat isn't holding back," said Ryō.
"I've never seen Megishima be this serious before in a Shōkugeki before," said Rindō.
"I got most of my prep work done, now I need to get the dishes ready," said Megishima.
He grabs his box and pulls out several classic Japanese bowls.
"Heh!" shouted the Rebels. "Japanese soup?!" Even the audience was shocked by this turn of events from the former Third Seat.
'I'm not surprised by everyone's reaction. Wild Rabbit doesn't go well with Japanese soups or broth. The dish itself could be ruin because Wild Rabbit is Wild Game food," thought Histoire.
"We can't keep our eyes off them, Isshiki-senpai is also doing something crazy!" said Megumi.
"Now then, it looks like Tsukasa-senpai and Megishima-senpai are going to finish before we do, Momo-senpai. In that case – what I'll make is – Crepes," said Isshiki.
"Crepes!" said the audience.
'That's a dangerous gamble, but it's one that could pay off. Crepes are a popular dessert in Japan and come in a variety of types. They have become very popular during this era as they are generally used to walk and eat type like Karaage. Isshiki-senpai's choice may seem stupid, but it could be the edge that gives him the win over Momo-senpai as she will have a hard press to defeat that type of dish. A katana that can swiftly break her wand that creates wonders. Which weapon will overcome the other?' thought Erina.
"I'm done," said Megishima Tōsuke. As he holds he a tray with the three Japanese bowls.
'Did he get the broth right with the Wild Rabbit?' everyone thought as he presents his dish and sets it down before the three judges with chopsticks.
"Revamped Wild Rabbit Onigiri," said Megishima Tōsuke as he lifts the lid upwards
Everyone was taken back by this sudden name. They look at the dish and could see no signs of the Wild Rabbit, but instead, there was rice inside a light green broth. There were some potatoes, along with the carrots but the broth seemed too unique in color.
"What is that?" said the countless students.
"This isn't something Megishima has made before," said Rindō in surprise.
"Huh, that looks like –" said Sōma.
"It's Megishima-senpai's version of your Revamped Mackerel Onigiri Chazuke," said Isshiki. "I told Megishimi-senpai about this dish you made me back on your first day at Polar Star Dorm. I thought it would help him with this match against Tsukasa Eishi."
"That's a bit wild for Megishima-senpai though, isn't it?" said Ryōko.
"The question is how well will the Wild Rabbit go with this dish," said Erina.
"It has a wonderful smell," said Anne as she sniffs the soup. "You can smell the Wild Rabbit, but it a sweet mixture of herbs."
'It makes me feel so fluffy!' thought Anne.
"Then let's give it a taste," said Charme.
"Indeed, let's see how this dish compares to common Wild Rabbit stews," said Histoire.
They taste it and immediately were taken back by the heavy taste that they had.
"What is this?!" said Anne in surprise after taking the first bite into the broth that had the potatoes and carrots.
"You can clearly taste the wild rabbit into the broth without it overtaking the soup itself," said Charme.
"Its blend is perfect and a picture mixture," said Histoire.
"Now for the Onigiri," said Anne. "The taste is incredible! A perfect blend with the rice and the soup!"
The audience watches on in disbelief. Even Urara was speechless.
"Before I cook the Wild Rabbit, I covered it in flour, along with garlic powder, bacon powder, along with a mix of sea salt and black pepper before cooking it in olive oil. After I covered it in the rice, I mix cherry plums and blueberry in with the rice as well. As for the broth, it's salt kelp tea that generally is used for salmon or mackerel. I tweet it a bit for the Wild Rabbit. As this was my first time to make a different soup with Wild Rabbit, I wasn't too sure how this would turn out, but I'm glad you like my dish," said Megishima.
'He made a dish he never tested before or tried and still was able to blow the judges taste buds away with his skills. That's amazing in of itself!' thought Erina.
"Here's my dish," said Tsukasa Eishi as he places his dish before the judges. "Lièvre À La Royale."
"It looks amazing," said the audience.
"I'm done too," said Momo.
"As am I," said Isshiki as they present their dish.
Momo presented a Blackberry Tart as Isshiki present the Blackberry Crepe.
"Yukihira Sōma," said Eishi as he approaches Sōma. "It looks like the next match – will be between us."
First Card – Rebel: Megishima Tōsuke 0 – 3 Central: Tsukasa Eishi.
Second Card – Rebel: Satoshi Isshiki 0 – 3 Central: Akangekabo Momo
Sōma smiles before the First Seat determined to defeat and dethrone the First Seat.
"Everyone, may I have your attention?" said Nakiri Azami. "I need to make an announcement." Everyone turns to give the current headmaster their full attention. "In that following matches for the Régiment de Cuisine; there will be a change in the judging panel."
"Huh?" said the Rebels. Those in their cages, Yūki, Satō, and Aoki, started protesting loudly.
"I'm afraid that is pointless, Headmaster Azami," said Anne. "We have already sworn by the book to judge this Régiment de Cuisine till the end. We intend to complete these matches until they have ended."
"Don't be so hard, First-Class Anne," said Director Azami. "Allow me to introduce you to the two who will be joining you at the table."
Two people walked forward and were apparently women.
"Decora! Courage!" shouted Anne.
"Oh, have you heard of them?" asks Soma as he continues to sip his tea.
"I haven't heard of them," said Anne. "Those two are among the top officers in WGO."
Anne's announcement took everyone back.
"Director Azami, I'm afraid the Rebels will have to disagree with you," said Isshiki. "It's clear your only doing this to turn the odds in your favor. In case you haven't been paying attention, Central just won the two cards in the Fifth Bout, so there is no need to make any changes to the Régiment de Cuisine."
"I agree!" shouted Rindō. "I won't be apart of any attempt to disgrace the Elite Ten's and Tōtsuki's name!"
"I didn't make this decision alone," said Azami. The former headmaster Nakiri Senzaemon stood next to Azami. "Senzaemon-dono also agreed to this change."
"The final bout will be different than the previous bouts. Centrals' Elite Ten, and the Rebels who stand against Central, both have two remaining members left," said Senzaemon loudly. "Nakiri Erina, Yukihira Sōma will face Tsukasa Eishi, and Akangegakubo Momo in a final winner takes all match!" everyone looks on in surprise. "One chef will make the appetizer while the other chef will make the main dish. In other words, one member will prepare an hors-d'oeuvre and the other will prepare the main dish. The final bout will be a testament to the teamwork of both teams on how well they can serve the best course meal for our esteemed judges. The five WGO officials will serve as the primary judges. Azami and myself will be guest judges to witness this final match. Furthermore, the final match – will be tomorrow at three o'clock!"
Everyone started mumbling about this match, a final showdown to determine the winner of the Shōkugeki.
"Very well, I accept. Judges, if you have any objections?"
"That's fine," said Anne.
"It's exciting," said Charme.
"I can't wait," said Histoire.
"Then everyone, till tomorrow," said Azami.
Author Note: Sorry for the long wait, I have not forgotten this story, just been sitting in my drive almost finished for a while. So quick question, who will face whom in the final bout?
