Author's Note:

So, so sorry for this awfully late update. I had the entirety of January to February full of exams and then all of spring full of graduation exams !

But hey, at least I graduated from higshchool recently! Well, I will try to update a bit more quicker from now on. Don't get your hopes up too high, because I am a turtle but...I will try my hardest.

Thank you for your patience and for every kind review. It warms my heart and really motivates me every time!

And now...let's get into the chapter at last

While the students of the 115th Generation were tasked to prove their worth in Trainings Camp, things on Totsuki remained relatively normal for the other generations. Relatively normal for Totsuki standards of course.

In one of the offices of Totsuki's gigantic campus, a phone rang.

The office was occupied by only one presence currently, a presence more than used to phone calls and so without much wondering on who it might be, he picked up.

"Yes?"

"Boss, Kato reporting in." A female voice on the other side spoke. In the background one could hear sizzling, pots being moved around and voices chatting. Easy identifiable as kitchen noises.

The voice of the Boss became cold. "How about you make sure to get away from listening ears first?" "O...Of course!" The other side stammered and the next thing heard was an opening door, a few hectic footsteps and finally silence.

"Report then." The Boss merely ordered imperatively. And so Akiko Kato complied. "I ended up in the same group as the target, Yukihira Kimiko. Fellow associates Kusunoki and Kumai are here as well."

"Did they pick a fight with her?" The Boss asked although his tone indicated that he wouldn't tolerate any other answer than the positive one. And so Akiko gave it to him. "Yes. Kusunoki went to her right after the task was elaborated." She confirmed.

"Good." The Boss hummed. "I suppose your task is clear?" Despite the fact that it was impossible for him to see her, Akiko, who stole herself away from her group, gave a nod. "Absolutely. Crystal-clear. Kusunoki and Kumai are under the impression they were tasked by you to defeat Yukihira Kimiko when really they're only supposed in triggering Yukihira into giving it her all and exposing her skills to me, who will report to you on anything I witness."

"Exactly." Once again a cold sharpness found its way into the voice of the Boss. "Make sure to inform me on everything you note. Not only the level of her skill but possible ambitions or other things she might expose." It got even more icy. "The last informant who observed her yesterday in her cook-off against Kumai was not doing a very remarkable job, I expect a lot more from you."

"You...You can count on me, Boss." Akiko mumbled. "I hope so, because I won't let a Yukihira rise unnoticed within the shadows a second time. Now then, return to your work or is there anything else I should know?"

Akiko thought for only a second before giving her answer, she didn't wanted to make him wait too long. "Ehm...Positive? I should inform you about the fact that we've been tasked to work in groups for this task. Yukihira Kimiko teamed up with Hojo Takayuki and Mimasaka Kazuo." "Small-Hojo and Small-Mimasaka?" The Boss questioned. "That could cause problems in the future. How is their teamwork so far?"

"They can't decide on who will take over the main dish." Akiko answered truthfully. "Hm, make sure their teamwork doesn't get too good. Sabotage them if needed."

"Got it." Akiko replied but before the Boss could hang up, she quickly spoke. "Can I ask one last question?"

"If it's one worth my time." Was the answer and so Akiko could only jump into the cold water. "What will happen to Kusunoki and Kumai if they loose?"

"They will loose. I don't deem them talented enough to defeat Yukihira Kimiko based on what I heard from her Shokugeki against Small-Hojo. This is why I tasked them with the dirty work in the first place. However to keep up the facade that they actually have the task to fulfill to defeat Yukihira Kimiko, I will punish them regardless once they fail at it."

Akiko went silent, a bit at a loss of words. After a few seconds she had recollected herself and praised. "Brilliant plan, Boss. I can only applaud."

"Applaud?" The Boss repeated and Akiko basically heard a smirk building up on his face. "What an interesting reaction to it. Aren't you more afraid of how I can toy with people's emotions and thoughts without blinking an eye?"

"I-" Akiko yelped but she was interrupted. "No need to give me false praise for something you fear. I don't mind being feared, in fact-" His smirk turned into a grin. "People better should."

As Akiko was not able to reply, he merely stated. "Go do your work Now, I have an Elite Ten Meeting to attend to."

—

Twelfth Plate - Three younger siblings of Elites

—

"Yukihira Kimiko, my name is Kusunoki Emi and I will destroy you."

Many eyes within the kitchen Akari Miyano was managing were drawn to the scenery.

A orange-haired, curvy teen with pink eyes who wore a single earring in her right ear was grinning widely and challengingly as she faced the honey-blonde transfer student before her.

"Who the fuck do you think you are, Earring?! Get fucking lost!" Kimiko heard Takayuki yell behind her. He was kicking and punching the air and the only thing that held him back from jumping at Emi and violently pull her hair out was Kazuo's strong arms holding him back.

"Tehehe~" Emi tilted her head a little. "Cute, pathetic little group you got there, Yukihira."

While Takayuki yelled. "YOU BITCH!" Kimiko only raised her eyebrow. "So what exactly is your deal?"

"My deal?" Emi pointed to herself, feigning surprise before her face got all haughty again. "I am about to show you what this damn school is really about and that you won't be able to hide behind the legs of your big bro the entire time."

This statement ignited a small fire in Kimiko. "I don't need Hiraku to protect me." She firmly stated, a sense of sharpness in her voice.

"Oh really? I feel you got into the perfect team." She gestured towards Kazuo and Takayuki. "I am damn positive these two would be long gone if it weren't for their big sisses. So you fit in fucking perfectly, Yukihira-chan." She took one of her hands off her hips and began tapping her chin. "I heard rumours on you being involved in Hiraku-sama's plans to put the fourth seat down." Kimiko didn't saw it, but Kazuo's eyes widened a bit. "Many believe you only got through the transfer exam thank to him. It's also a common theory that you are the black sheep of the family who always harboured nothing but jealousy for your big brother who everyone loves. Meanwhile he was always kind and protective towards you and even got you on Totsuki to make you feel better like the angel he is. And the only thing that is on your ungrateful mind is to destroy his fun time here as revenge."

Kimiko clutched her fist. "None of this is even hardly true! I got on Totsuki fairly and on my own accord. Hiraku had no involvement in it. And I don't partake in any of his idiotic schemes!"

"Whatever your relationship to him may be." Emi purred. "He's not here to help you princess, so I will use my chance to show you what Totsuki is fucking about."

Kimiko's expression darkened and her voice got cold as she gave her reply. "Quite the mighty and high words for someone who teamed up with someone I defeated just yesterday already." She took a quick glimpse at Itsuki before focusing on Emi again. "I will show you that I am one to be feared. And not because I am Hiraku's sister."

She put one hand on her hip and laid her other hand on her chest as her voice got louder.

"But because I am Yukihira Kimiko!"

With that she made a swift turn back to Takayuki and Kazuo. Takayuki had finally calm down enough for Kazuo to let go off him. But he did take one step further, balled a fist and wielded it in Emi's direction. "Yeah! Just you wait, you cunt! I will fucking annihilate you Earring!"

But Emi merely turned around as well without paying attention to him.

Takayuki was seething. "How fucking dare of her? Who does that bitch think she is?! I will fucking show her-" Kimiko interrupted his rant with a slight whistle. "You're really easy to piss off, huh?" "Shut up, Yukihira!"

Kazuo laughed and Kimiko flinched a little because it did sound a bit...maniacal. "Takayuki-kun really does has temper! When he was younger, he once tripped over a rock and yelled at it afterwards until his mother pulled him away." After the shudders because of Kazuo's laugh had faded and the image of Takayuki raging at a small, innocent piece of mineral instead entered Kimiko's head she just couldn't help but let a chuckle escape her. "Aww, how cute." Takayuki's voice got louder. "Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!"

Emi eyed the performance and began to giggle. "This match is a piece of cake. So far they haven't shown themselves capable of outstanding teamwork. That fucking midget is just ruining the workflow, what a show!" She turned to Itsuki with a confident smile. "We'll be smashing them and the Boss will be satisfied!" She whispered.

Itsuki opened his mouth, about to object but Emi had already raised her voice again and turned to their third team member instead. "Oi! I'll tell you what your job is and you will just follow my instructions are we clear on that?" The Girl gave a timid nod.

Meanwhile neither Emi nor Itsuki took notice of Akiko Kato in the shadows, noting down: "Subject Yukihira Kimiko: - denies common rumours on her relationship with Yukihira Hiraku; - Angered by the assumption she can only depend on him, - called his schemes 'idiotic'."

Kimiko didn't know about being under observation either. Instead she was focused on the task. "So then, we still gotta finish the issue with the main dish. But before we do we should settle on the cuisines." She nodded towards Takayuki, who had grumpily crosses his arms. "I suppose you'll be going for Chinese, Hojo?"

"Yeah." Takayuki replied and his face darkened a bit. "You're taking French?" Kimiko shrugged unbothered by the bit of hostility in Takayuki's voice. "I could yeah. But Japanese would also be an option to me." She turned her head upwards so she could catch Kazuo's menacing, blood-red eyes. "What's your speciality, Mimasaka?"

Once again Kazuo laughed, making Kimiko's blood freeze for a second, before he answered. "I am not specialised in a particular national cuisine. I can take on many! For this exam I'd like to do..." Suddenly his wide smile got a bit wider, a blush spread on his face and his eyes became dreamy. "Italian Cuisine." He began rubbing his cheeks, while seemingly staring into another world. A very rosy world, Kimiko assumed from his expression. "I have a perfect idea already for a main dish! It will honour my queen!"

"Your Queen?" Kimiko tilted her head confused. Takayuki next to her spoke up. "Mimasaka, she's not even here. Kusunoki Emi is here however." He balled his fist and Kimiko thought she saw imaginary flames ignite behind him as he declared. "And I gotta make this bitch eat her fucking words! I'll make her go on her fucking knees! So I should be taking the main dish!"

Kimiko raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "Hold up there, Hojo. She challenged me after all. So I should give her what she wants. The main dish should be left to me."
"But she insulted me!" Takayuki insisted while Kazuo also came back into the real world. "But I have to honour my queen!"

A frustrated sigh escaped Kimiko. "We can't all do the main dish." She tilted her head a bit to the left and began scratching it. "But if we keep arguing like that we won't get started."

"That is true." Kazuo agreed and rubbed his chin afterwards as he began pondering for a solution. Next to him Takayuki was sulking, had crossed his arms and was impatiently tapping his feet.

Kimiko then snapped her finger as she got an idea. "Hey, how about we play Rock-Paper-Scissors? That's how my parents usually solve decisions like that."

"Hand-Paper-Scissors ?!" Takayuki barked in disbelief. Kazuo clapped his hands. "I believe it's a good idea!" He gave Takayuki a wide grin. "Don't be too pessimistic, Takayuki. I know you rarely come out on top in this game but there is a first to everything and maybe todays the day!" Shut it!" Was the response Kazuo received for his heartfelt motivation-speech.

Takayuki swung around to Kimiko, eyes burning with anticipation. "Fine them! If that's how we wanna handle it! I will win this!"

Eagerly he raised his fist, ready to go. And so Kimiko did as well with a calm. "Alright!" Kazuo only continued smiling as well while rising his giant fist.

—

"Damniiiiittt" Takayuki roared into the heavens. He had lost both the rounds against Kimiko and Kazuo. "Fuck this fucking game!"

"Rock - Paper - Scissors!" Kimiko and Kazuo chanted in the meantime.

"Rock beats scissors, hooray!" Kazuo then exclaimed once he had analysed the gestures he and Kimiko had formed with their hands.

Kimiko lowered her hands and sighed. "Congratulation." She turned her head to Takayuki who was still ranting to no one and said. "Mimasaka will handle the main dish, Hojo." As Takayuki turned to her, she added. "Can I take the dessert then? Or shall we battle about that as well?"

"Hmph!" Takayuki crossed his arms, still visibly displeased before he grunted. "Nah, I take the appetiser." "Aight." Kimiko nodded. "I guess then we can finally get started, huh?"

"Yeah." Takayuki barked and before he turned to his cooking station he warned. "You better not get in my way, Yukihira." "I'll give it my best." Kazuo smiles before turning as well.

"Alright then!" Kimiko grinned for herself. "Let's do it!"

—

A bit of time had pasted already in Akari's kitchen. A few groups had presented already, even fewer had passed. But surprisingly the complains and whines of the people that Akari had failed, were not the loudest right now.

"What a disgusting stench!"

"I can't breathe!"

"This is a fucking curse!"

Many students were pale, some had the urge to run to the toilet. Akari herself had requested a mask from the staff and was sitting there with one ever since.

Kimiko didn't had it so easy. She was currently stirring something in a bowl but due to the fact that she had to hold her nose to block out the stench that was hanging in the air she was a lot slower.

"Just...where does this come from? It's unbearable." She muttered. But just as she had done so, she heard a laughter somewhere near her.

"WahahahahaHAHAHAHA. It's perfect. NEHEHE!" His grin was wide as ever and his one red eye was glowing in anticipation onto whatever it was that was in his bowl.

Curiously Kimiko wanted to come nearer and as she did so, she noted how the horrible smell surrounding her got a lot stronger. "Don't tell me..." She said more to herself before speaking up. "Mimasaka?! What exactly are you doing?"

"I am cooking of course!" Kazuo beamed with the youthful energy and enthusiasm of a 5 year old. Despite the unbearable smell becoming stronger and stronger the closer she got, Kimiko still forced herself to take the few necessary steps to check what's inside the bowl. A quick glance into it, revealed it to be full of green.

"PFAH!" She quickly took a step backwards again as the stench aggressively tickled her closed nose. "You've been behind this smell the entire time, Mimasaka?!"

Kazuo nodded excitedly with his smile getting once again bigger. "But of course, of course. Nahahaha!" He reaches out for something beside him and then held up a bundle of green leaves. "I used collared greens for my dish! They emit sulfur when cooking, which is where the smell comes from." Happily, as if he had just figured out how to heal a deadly illness, he added. "I also added a few brussel sprouts plus balsamic vinegar. They can smell rather unpleasant sometimes as well. Isn't it just wonderful?"

Kimiko stared at him with a blank expression, not knowing how to reply. Just what kind off guy did they put in charge of the main dish? The smell of this dish was insanely off-putting and Kimiko could have not blame Akari if she was to refuse to eat this dish. A problem.

"But...But Why?" She asked after a stretch of silence. "Fragrance is an important factor to strengthening appetite and..." She searches for the right words to not sound rude.

"Chill, Yukihira." Takayuki's voice suddenly reached her ear. "Hm?" She slightly turned her head and met Takayuki's serious, brown eyes. "I know Mimasaka and I will assure you that it will taste delicious."

Kimiko couldn't help it but let a small piece of doubt remain in her but before she could inquire Takayuki further her eyes trailed a little downwards to what Takayuki was doing and a shocked gasp escaped her. "What the-!"

Takayuki's brows furrowed once again as he grunted. "What?" Kazuo took a small turn as well to look but once he did he immediately shrieked. "Takayuki-kun!"

"What's the problem?" Takayuki barked now, more and more irked. "The problem?" Kimiko spoke up and then made gestures towards Takayuki's cooking station. "That is not an appetizer!" Takayuki balled a fist. "The fuck are you talking about? It's Dim Sum! I am making barbecued pork buns!"

Kimiko took a deep breath to calm herself from more and more up-building frustration before continuing her speech. "No bun is that large! You made it a total oversize! It can totally go through as main dish with that size!"

"I've got to agree." Kazuo spoke up. "Takayuki-kun, the examiner will be so full they won't even taste my dish anymore!" "Or she won't taste it because of it's smell." Kimiko suddenly found herself remarking. Kazuo's eyes widened a bit at that and Kimiko could see a glimpse of hurt in them. She sighed. "Listen...it's just not appealing with that kind of smell. That's why I am worried. She already ordered a mask after all."

"She has to taste it!" Takayuki now interjected. "That's her fucking job, Yukihira! And trust me, she will be satisfied!" He then shifted his gaze to Kazuo. "Just like she will test your dish! She has to taste a thousands of dishes, she won't eat the whole thing!"

"Still you made it a lot more showy then necessary." Kimiko pointed out with crossed arms. "It completely steals the attention and that's not something an appetiser is supposed to do. Just accept the fact hat you lost in Rock-Paper-Scissors, goddamnit." "What was that?!" Takayuki roared while swirling around. Kazuo raised his hands. "Can we calm down maybe?"

Just as Takayuki was about to scream something once again, they heard a familiar voice in the front. "Finished~"

Simultaneously the trio turned to the image of Emi and her group serving three plates to the masked Akari.

The adult woman took of the mask, revealing a smile as she said. "That looks very promising!" Emi smirked.

After a few minutes of taste-testing, Akari announced. "You three passed."

"Thehehe~" Emi rested her hands on her hips once again. "It was to be expected." Itsuki only bowed while muttering a "Thank you", while their third party-member broke down in relief.

"Moroccan salad as appetizer, a lovely idea. And it's been prepared very skilfully. Each ingredient shone in its own individuality and created a perfect harmony all-together." She looked at Itsuki while praising. Itsuki didn't answer and so Emi took over. "Itsuki over here has a great talent for all sorts of vegetables and fruits. He's trying to cook as vegetarian as Totsuki's tasks allow it. Adding to that, he has large knowledge around cuisines from North-Africa."

Akari gave three nods. "It showed. It was a wonderful tasty starter before the main dish." Now Emi's smirk a bit more. "A burger with pulled pork, barbecue-sauce, tomatoes and mozzarella sauce. I swear, I caught myself riding through Texas while eating. And the self-made French fries were just excellent as well."

Emi flipped her hair a little. "The barbecue sauce is self-made as well! I know the perfect mixture to fit with my steamed pulled pork." Interest gleamed in Akari's eyes as she questioned. "You used a combi steam oven, didn't you? I must say, you're very skilled at it."

Emi nodded. "Heat is my area of expertise." "You were able to showcase it perfectly." Akari complimented before looking to the third group member. "As a finish we had a classic Spanish dessert, a Tarta de Santiago! It was prepared carefully and tasted well. You three deserve to pass."

The victorious trio thanked the examiner once again before turning around and making their way to the end of the classroom. While doing so, they passed a certain other trio.

Emi was already loudly giggling once she and her team came near Kimiko's. "Enjoyed the show, Yukihira?" Kimiko's Face darkened while Takayuki was balling his fists once again. "I am one of the most talented members of the 115th Generation, you better be fucking alarmed." She fluttered her long eyelashes. "However so far I don't see you trying very hard to defeat me." For a short moment she pretended to be upset. "How fucking disappointing!" She then giggled once again before moving onward. "Come on, let them continue wasting their time!"

"Fucking Earring!" Takayuki cursed after her while she left. "I will fucking show you what a true talented member of this fucking Generation looks like!" Kimiko gritted her teeth before she turned back to her team. "Aright." She sighed. "I would suggest we will just continue cooking, we can't waste all our time with arguing."

Kazuo nodded. Takayuki crosses his arms and grunted something before giving in. "Fine!"

The group did as decided and began cooking once again. Each member on their own, barely interacting once again.

"Their teamwork stayed awful." Akiko noted for herself in the distance. "I don't think it will be necessary to sabotage them." She concluded before focusing on her soup again.

However, just a bit further from her, someone had a different idea.

"We have this match in the damn bag!" Emi bragged, completely having confidence in her skills. "Itsuki, stop sulking! No fucking way the dumbass midget, his creepy-ass-weirdo friend and the completely tired out Yukihira will get through that!" She giggled. "I am almost tempted to call the Boss right now to rub it into his fucking face! Ha! Once we return we'll be raising in rank!"

"Emi." Itsuki hissed. "Don't talk so carelessly. You know how he has his ears everywhere!"

"Itsuki, Itsuki." Emi shook her heart. "Just because you got a bit of a tirade yesterday you don't have to become to panicky! We'll be on his good side by today. Fucking celebrate!" Itsuki didn't reply.

Emi sighed about her friend's lack of optimism before shrugging. "Anyways, I'll go to the restrooms for a second! Be right back."

Once she was gone, Itsuki made a decision. He wasn't going to underestimate the situation like Emi did and he would make sure that Kimiko's group would fail.

Once his scheme was plotted he made his move and in all secretiveness, he approached another group. A group with a person in it, he knew from chemistry class and a person he knew as rather aggressive.

He pretended to just walk by casually while taking a look into Arata's pot. Plain Minestrone. Nothing special in any way.

"Wow, that looks great." Itsuki exclaimed. Arata flinched a little about the sudden voice before turning to Itsuki with a slightly irritated expression. "Hah?" Itsuki's face remained emotionless. "It looks great." He repeated his words. "I was merely surprised, you know..." He lowered his voice a little and gave a subtle nod towards Kimiko's group. "Mimasaka Kazuo said you had no talent to me, so I was surprised."

He got what he wanted, as Arata's expression got a lot more angrier and he roared. "The fucking creep said what?!"

Itsuki shrugged. "I mean obviously he was wrong." He set himself into motion, his work being done. "I wouldn't make much of a big deal out of it, if I was you."

Itsuki went back to his former position, just in time for Emi to come back. "Yo, did I actually told you he newest gossips on Hayama Kaori yet?" She asked. Itsuki only replied with a head shake, his attention on something completely different. "Oh? Well then, I just recently heard that-"

Emi was interrupted by a yell. Arata's yells. "You fucking creep of all fucking people want to talk fucking shit about me?!" It was followed by a loud *clunk* as a pot fell to the ground.

"Hm?" Emi followed Itsuki's gaze and saw Arata with a stretched out hand behind Kazuo, who leaned way too far over the kitchen counter and looked at his hard work for the past hours spilled on the floor.

Many eyes were drawn to the scenery. In front Akari was putting the plate down she had just been testing and rather stood up with questioning eyes.

Kimiko rushes next to Kazuo. "Mimasaka!" She called out in shock. She had been cooking in peace when she heard the loud noise. A gasp escaped her when she saw the pot on the floor, noddles and a green sauce surrounding it.

Behind her, Takayuki walked up to Arato. "You fucking asshole pushed him!" He screamed. "Keep out of this you fucking midget!" Arata shot back just as angrily. "Your fucking creep-friend insulted me! He deserved it. He probably thinks he's all fucking safe and sound just because his fucking big sis is in the Elite 10! Well, she's not fucking here to protect you, creep! You're fucking disgusting!"

"Disgusting?" Takayuki repeated. He then suddenly shot out his arm to grab Arata by the uniform. "You're without he doubt the fucking disgusting one here! What a poor excuse for a fucking human being?! Mimasaka would never insult anyone! Whatever you believe is just absolute bullshit, you fucking dumbass!" He raised a fist.

A vein popped on Arata's head as he responded. "Didn't I say you should keep fucking out of this, midget?! You're just the fucking same! All you got to show is your fucking sister's name in the Elite 10, without her you would be fucking nothing!" "Bullshit!" Takayuki roared back.

Kimiko had turned her head to Arata as well. It was completely dived in shadows and her voice was icy. "Leave. Your presence is sickening."

Arata only seemed to notice her now, as his eyes widened in surprise as he spotted her. But soon after another vein popped. "Really now?! The fucking transfer student is in your team?" He laughed without any hint of actual humour in it. "Wow what a fucking team! Just full of little siblings of the Elites." He raised a fist now as well. "Stop being so fucking prideful just because of your older siblings! You think you're better than us now or something?! Bitches!"

Kimiko's gaze hardened even more but before she could give her response, they heard Akari's voice. "Enough."

All four of them shifted their looks to her and saw her with a serious, cool expression and crossed arms. "I won't be tolerating any physical fights. This is Totsuki, we have other ways to battle here." She raised her hand and pointed at Arata. "You there. You're excluded from today's task. I will bring you to the teachers, so they can decide what to with you."

Takayuki let go off Arata's shirt then. Arata didn't paid much attention to him anymore but rather took a step towards Akari and bawled. "What?!"

"You heard me correctly." Akari explained calmly. "Come with me, please."

Arata was about to raise a fist but Akari's voice just got sharper. "If you insist on causing further problems you leave me no choice but to call security guards."

This made Arata realise his defeat as both of his arms dropped.

"I will be back soon." Akari announced towards the rest of the class. "Please just continue your tasks, everyone." Arata walked up to her and the two turned around to make their exit.

Once the door closed behind the pair, Wild chattery about what just happened emerged within the class. Millions and millions different opinions and insight were shared.

"Wow." Emi whistled. "That was fucking random." Itsuki only looked away.

Kimiko was looking at the door through which Arata had just went with contempt, until a familiar voice reached her ear. "I was nearly finished..."

This made her turn her head towards Kazuo who was still staring at the floor. Kimiko felt a sting in her chest when she noticed the bitter sadness in his eyes.

Wordlessly, Kazuo backed away from the station to rather walk around it and pick the pot up. "Only very few noddles didn't come in contact with the floor. But not enough to fill an entire plate..."

Next to Kimiko, Takayuki smashed a fist on a station. "This bastard! I will punch him black and blue, just you wait!"

Kazuo was placing his pot with the remaining few noodles back on the counter. His usually so red-glowing eyes were hazy.

Kimiko looked inside the pot, completely blocking out the stench as she observed the noodles. Ravioli-noodles. She blinked. They looked familiar.

Her hand reached out for a nearby fork and in the very next second she dived it into the pot and into one of the leftover ravioli, guiding it towards her mouth, the bad smell tickling her nose once again.

Once she had taking her bute, she saw them though.

Hills. Many, many green hills that stretched out towards the horizon. All of them had a fresh healthy green, that shone in the summer sun of Tuscany.

"Avocado...Cream Sauce...filled with Spinach..." Kimiko mumbled as she felt her brain skipping through various memories in her life. Something was familiar about this. She was sure about it.

Her eyes shot open, as she remembered Hiroshi saying just yesterday:

"Pasta, Ravioli to be exact, filled with spinach and bathed in an Avocado-Cream-Sauce. We also added a few pine nuts and olives."

"Is that a replica of Mika-chan's dish?" She swirled around to look at Kazuo wide-eyed.

Kazuo blinked a bit taken aback by the sudden exclamation before he gave a slight nod. "Yes, it is."

"She's his queen." Takayuki grumbled. "I was sure he would take one of her dishes when he said he would take Italian."

Kazuo's smile came back on his face. Not nearly as wide as usual, but at least a smile. "I love her, I want to honour her."

"Did...Did she share the recipe with you?!" Kimiko stammered. Now Takayuki showed a slight grin. That's what Mimasaka does, Yukihira. It's his style." He raised a finger to explain. "Mimasaka can replicate dishes perfectly, however to add a bit of his own touch he usually mixes them with a stinking ingredient. The taste however will remain phenomenal regardless."

"It really does taste great." Kimiko praised. "And it's interesting!" Kazuo's small smile grew a little bit again. "Really?" Kimiko nodded. "Yeah."

"Listen...it's just not appealing with that kind of smell. That's why I am worried. She already ordered a mask after all."

Like being stung by a wasp, Kimiko was harshly reminded by her earlier words. She lowered her fork a little and her eyes turned a bit dim, before she looked up towards Kazuo full of genuine honesty. "It's delicious. I must deeply apologise for my earlier doubts, Mimasaka."

A soft laughter escaped Mimasaka as he made waving motions with his hands. "Ah, it's alright. It must have been a tense situation for you and I do admit my kind off cooking is defiantly a bit unusual."

"That doesn't mean it's bad." Kimiko smiled. This finally got Kazuo's smile as wide as usual again as he replied. "Thank you, Kimiko-chan! I knew you would be a good one!"

However as quickly as it came, it disappeared again. "But what will we do now? I can't serve these few raviolis as main dish..."

Takayuki clutched his fist once again as Arata's face appeared in his vision. "I am still so fucking pissed about this!"

"Yeah, Yeah." Kimiko mumbled as she sunk into her own thoughts. "We still have to solve this..."

She looked at the noodles, deep in thought as suddenly the flash of idea hit her.

"I got an idea!" She exclaimed, making Takayuki flinch a bit and Kazuo immediately gifting her all of his attention. "Huh?"

"Mimasaka, you'll have to take on a different task. I got an idea how to make an appetiser out of the remaining ravioli." Kimiko elaborated with an eager grin.

Kazuo blinked. "Ap...Appetizer? But what will be about the main dish?"

Kimiko laughed at that before smugly nodding towards Takayuki. "Hojo over here made something main dish worthy didn't he?"

Takayuki's eyes grew a little at that. He blushed then, crossed his arms and grunted. "Are you trying to make fun of me?!"

Kimiko only patted his shoulder and giggled. "You got what I mean! Serve your giant dim sum, Hojo."

Only blushing further, Takayuki snorted. "PFAH!" He then raised his fist into the air although and announced. "Well! I will show this bitch Kusunoki then what I am made off."

Kazuo was in awe as he looked at Kimiko. "Yukihira-chan..."

Kimiko focused on him again, her face radiating. "Come on, I'll tell you what I have in mind." At that Kazuo smiles widely again as he responded. "Alright, Yukihira-chan."

Kimiko put on hand on her hip and raised another finger into the air. "We will rock this exam, just you wait!"

Akiko could only watch in the distance as beads of sweat starting forming. They undoubtedly started to work as a team. And she felt it was too late to sabotage them. "The Boss won't like that at all..." she whispered to herself.

Her stress was not even slightly comparable to the inner turmoil that went on in Itsuki as he watched Kimiko and the confident grin that just defeated him yesterday.

—

Bringing Arata to the teachers and explaining the entire situation to them took Akari longer than the thought.

With quick steps she made her way back to the kitchen, feeling she abandoned her responsibilities for way too long.

"The exam will be over soon...given the Arata-situation maybe I should give them extra time." The image of the group that Arata had harassed appeared in their mind. "Specifically them. He ruined their entire dish...They probably had to start over the main dish, they couldn't possibly come very far in the time I was gone."

She reached the door to the kitchen she was examining and stopped her conversation with herself as she rather pushed the door open.

Immediately all heads turned to her as she entered.

However somewhere in the front, she heard someone exclaiming. "Ah, perfect timing!"

Akari defiantly found herself surprised as she looked into the direction the voice came from and spotted the honey-blonde girl in her blue restaurant uniform that had been part of the hijacked team.

"Miyano-senpai, would you please be so kind to examine us?"

What...? They're done...? But how? Miyano thought.

She approached them, her mind filled with curiosity on how this team managed to pull itself back on track so quickly.

She passed Emi and Itsuki on her way. Emi has clutched her fist and gritted her teeth while Itsuki may looked calm but was far from being that in reality.

"...Yes of course." She answered once she was near the three. All three team-members held plates and looked confident. "Just let me sit down..."

After she had done so, she ordered. "Alright. Serve me the appetiser then."

"It is my pleasure!" A boy with pitch-black, long hair happily spoke up before placing his plate in front of her. The stench that had plagued the kitchen for hours already intensified once it was done so and Akari had to close her fingers over her nose immediately. "So that's where this was from the entire time?!" She squeaked.

As she looked down, Akari saw a few slices of bread, neatly arranged. The bread was decorated with some sort of green paste but what really caught Akari was the sliced ravioli on the paste revealing a green filling.

"Ravioli?" She asked. "I've never sawn that being used in an appetiser." She looked up to meet Kazuo's eye. "Italian, then?" Kazuo nodded excitedly.

Akari felt the smell coming from these pieces of bread was burning her nose. She felt she would have to throw up afterwards. But the curiosity was stronger and so she picked one of the slices of bread up to have a taste.

She found herself embraced by the warm summer sun as the green fields of Tuscany stretched out in front of her. A soft, relaxing wind blew leaves around her and for a second she swore the heard the tingling giggle of little small fairies who let themselves be carried by the wind.

"Splendid." She said back into reality. "What an harmony between avocado-paste and ravioli that just tastes so delicious despite it's awful smell. What a pleasant surprise!"

A gasp went through the crowd at that praise.

"For real?"

"I can't believe it!"

"This is the dish that this unruly kid destroyed isn't it?" Akari questioned. "To think you would come up with such a solution to save it."

Kazuo laughed at that. "This is only thanks to my partner." He looked at Kimiko with his trademark smile. "It was her idea." Kimiko grinned back. "But it would have never been possible without your skills."

Kazuo's gaze thankfully remained on Kimiko for a few more seconds before he turned back to Akari. "I am glad you enjoyed 'Green Bruchetta in honour of the queen'!"

Before Akari could add anything else, the purple haired, short boy took a step forward. "It's my turn now." He proclaimed before placing the plate in front of Akari. "I present: 'Oversized Barbacued Pork Buns seasoned with Five Spices'."

On Akari's plate there were three, truly rather big buns, not in any way their usual size. One of them had been cut open revealing the barbecued pork quilling out of it. Adding to that the buns had been dressed with a red sauce.

"Dim Sum?" Akari wondered. "Ravioli for appetiser and Dim Sum for main dish? That is most certainly unique." She picked up her chopsticks to have a taste. "Chinese cuisine it is then."

Once a piece of the buns was in her mouth, Akari immediately felt the need to dodge a fiery incoming punch. She felt like being teleported to an old arena facing a gigantic, muscular Kung Fu master with hands on fire.

"Hot! Hot! Hot!" She exclaimed, eagerly trying to wave a bit of cooling air with her hand into her burning mouth. "But absolutely delicious." She panted. "It's a dish only a very skilled hand in Chinese cooking could craft. The pork was handled excellently and it's been garnished with..." "wǔxiāngfěn" Takayuki completed the sentence. "Five-Spice-Powder. A basic in Chinese cuisine that includes: star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel. Furthermore..." He smirked a bit. "I have dressed the buns in Chinese chili oil. Made by myself."

"This just goes to damn well!" Emi hissed in the background.

Akari excitedly clapped. "I wanna know about the dessert now! So far I've been more than satisfied."

Takayuki and Kazuo simultaneously looked at the remaining member of their team. Kimiko smiled as she walked towards Akari with her plate. "'Mousse Au Chocolate in Yukihira Style'" She announced. "Let it hopefully satisfy you."

"French cuisine as a finish!" As Akari gazed at her plate, her eyes widened in surprise though. Not one hint of mousse was found on it but rather there was a...

"Is that a Dorayaki?"

Kimiko didn't answer and only stepped back, as Akari observed her plate in wonderment.

"Haha..." Emi unsurely laughed. "What the hell is that supposed to be? Is she serious?" Whispers were exchanged within the classes. All various theories or wordings of surprise.

"Well then..." Akari said.

Once she had her taste she found herself in Paris in summer, walking through the city admiring the many beautiful fashion in the stores. Close beside her walked a violin player playing the instrumental version of the most beautiful French Chansons. It was pure elegance.

"It's a Crepe!" She exclaimed in awe. "And the Mousse au Chocolate is in between! It's absolutely exquisite!"

A uproar of disbelief went through the rest of the students.

Takayuki clutched his fist and grinned.

Kazuo was smiling widely as ever.

Emi teared her eyes open while gritting her teeth.

Kimiko raised a finger. "I got inspired by the design of a Dorayaki for his but yes the dish is purely French. I added a little bit of Chili powder to the mousse however once it was decided Hojo would take over the main dish. I was sure there is something spicy to his dish. I tried to make the flavour of mine not walk too far away from his but thanks to the fluffiness of the mousse and the crepes it might also be a calming down from it."

"I am absolutely amazed..." Akari spoke as she gazed at the three plates and afterwards looked at the three people who served them. "I was sure I had to give you extra time because of he incident but you solved your situation excellently and the end result is phenomenal." She gave a honest smile. "That is what is needed on Totsuki."

Memories began to pour down on her as she remarked. "I'm sure he had been under timely pressure back then as well..."

Kimiko tilted her head att hat and Takayuki questioned. "'He'?!"

Akari smiled fondly. "The one who inspired me to come onto Totsuki in the first place. I met him as a little girl as he completed one of the challenges of the Training Camp actually."

A piece of memory, from very long time ago, flashed up in her mind.

"Come on and look young lady, I will now cause magic on these eggs"

As Akari settled herself back into present time, she spoke. "You three have passed today's exam." Her face became a bit more softer. "And you three are without a doubt the best of today's exam."

"Hehehe, thank you for the praise." Kazuo played with his fingers.

"We made it!" Kimiko yelled and held out her hand towards her two team members. And within a second the three were giving each other a high-five.

"Of course we did." Takayuki only remarked, while Kazuo giggled.

Kimiko heard whispers going through the room. "Hiraku-sama's sister..." "...It was crystal-clear..." "...nothing beats the sister of Hiraku-sama." She but her lip, annoyed. However here and there, she also caught a "Mimasaka-senpai's little brother" or "Hojo-senpai's little brother". A few noted. "The siblings of Elite 10 members, they're on a different level."

She looked at Kazuo and Takayuki.

Well, looks like the three certainly had one thing in common in that regard.

As the trio had distanced theirselves a bit from the front where Akari was sitting, Takayuki felt the sudden urge to do one particular thing. Quickly he scanned the room and as he had spotted what he was looking for he quickly walked up towards her.

Kimiko and Kazuo looked up from their small conversation in surprise as they saw him walking away. They decided to follow him.

"Yo, Earring!" Takayuki triumphantly yelled. "I guess we made it clear who's in charge here!"

Emi was looking to the floor. She had clutched her fists, gritted her teeth and was shivering.

"What? Can you not even reply? Huh? HUH? Geez, but such big talk before. How pathetic." Takayuki mocked while rubbing his chin. "The outcome was inevitable, just accept it."

Kimiko caught herself thinking: "You're one to talk."

She then took a step towards Emi as well though and said. "Well, you challenged me. I guess Miyano-senpai delivered the result you wanted with proclaiming us the best of today. I hope you got what you wante-"

"Shut he fuck up!" Emi suddenly whispered. "Hah?" Kimiko tilted her head while Takayuki's face also took over a surprised expression.

"Hehehe..." Emi suddenly began laughing. "ahahahah AHAHAHAH!" She looked up, her face grinning but not in any way happy or confident. It looked painful. "Just fucking enjoy your little fucking victories as long as you fucking can, Yukihira. You have no fucking idea what's coming for you! What sort of fucking territory Totsuki really is!" Itsuki reaches out his hand towards her. "...Emi."

"Did the loss hurt you that bad that you became a maniac?" Takayuki bluntly stated. "Takayuki-kun!" Kazuo warned.

"What's coming for me?" Kimiko repeated. "More of these boring challenges I assume?"

"Pfahahaha!" Emi laughed again. "Naive, little shit. Well just you fucking wait!" "Emi!" Itsuki pleaded warningly, but his friend didn't listen. "What's fucking coming for you? Oh well, oh well. Yukihira, congratulation but you landed on the radar of one of the most dangerous persons of Totsuki." Her forced, unnatural grin got wider. "The Boss is having is eyes on you."

"The Boss?" Kimiko repeated, not understandingly. However as she looked next to her, she saw that Kazuo's eyes had widen while Takayuki looked irked once again and had raised a fist. "Don't tell me you two fucking idiots are working for him?! Since when is that a thing?!" "That's none of your fucking business, midget!" Emi hissed towards him before turning her face back to Kimiko. "But well, if I were you I would fucking pack my things instantly. You better watch the fuck out."

"Emi, that's enough!" Itsuki now harshly interjected. "You talked way too much already." He grabbed her arm and pulled her away. "We'll be going." Was all they heard from him.

Once they were gone, Kazuo turned to Takayuki. "Takayuki-kun, do you think we should inform them about..." "Yeah, we probably should..."

Kimiko shifted her attention back to them as she asked. "Hey you two know what that was about?" Kazuo's expression became rather serious as he replied. "It seems that you're on the radar of the Mafia, Yukihira-chan."

"The Mafia?!" Kimiko shrieked. "Totsuki's Mafia." Takayuki quickly corrected. "This is what the organisation has been dubbed that Kusunoki and Kumai apparently work for now by the rest of the students." He crossed his arms once again. "It's a huge pack of delinquents out of all Generations and greatly organised at that, hence the nickname. They cause expulsions and other mischief and it's hard to track them down."

Kazuo continued the explanation. "The head of the whole thing is who it's members call "the Boss". He's in control of everything. A puppetmaster through and through. The other's are basically his marionettes." "He's a fucking scumbag." Takayuki commented. "But powerful." Kazuo added again before eying Kimiko. "I don't think he's out to expel you just yet, but still it's better to be cautious now that you know that he has you in his eye."

Kimiko scratched her head. "Man this School really is crazy...huge arenas. Luxurious hotels...and now you even have your own Mafia."

Kazuo gave a small reassuring smile. "Don't worry though, we know a couple of people who can look out for you in this situation!" Once again the smile widened. "You're our friend now, after all." That made Kimiko's eyes widen a bit.

"Right, Takayuki-kun?" Takayuki flinched and afterwards screeched. "Eh?! No way! Me and Yukihira are rivals to death!" "Awww, he likes you." "Shut up, Mimasaka!"

At that, Kimiko giggled. "Despite the rocky start I really liked today's work!" She declared. Kazuo nodded. "Same here."

Takayuki turned away for a second and mumbled. "I should have been a bit more considerate with the Appetizers." But before Kazuo and Kimiko could remark on that, he already barked. "However at the end of the day, it was good that I did what I did! So yeah!"

Kimiko laughed before offering. "Hey, you guys wanna come with me and my dormmates today?" She looked at Kazuo. "Mika-Chan will be there." Right on command, a red blush spread on Kazuo's face and he stammered. "Mi-Mi-Mi-Mika-chan?" He then aggressively shook his head. "No! I can't do that! Not without roses! And what if I will say something wrong? Aahhhhh just the thought is stressing me out."

Takayuki sighed at that before looking at Kimiko. "It's a pass for now, but thanks for the offer."

"Ahah, maybe another time." Kimiko replied.

—

Meanwhile in the shadows, Akiko had sunken to the ground. "This is not good at all...not good at all..." She chanted to herself. "Just how am I going to explain this to him?"

Right on command her phone started vibrating making her turn pale instantly.

"Y...Yes?" She squeaked after picking up.

"Kato." The voice of the Boss said on the other side. "I am awaiting your report."

Akiko gulped as she began to sweat. "Ye...Yes of course..."

"I just went through hours of annoyance." The voice of the Boss became cold.

"You better have good news for me."