"Speaking"
"thinking"
On with the story
"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'll take both" Soma said while sharpening his knives
"good choice" Hisako said as she gives the two tea to him
"You should also get some rest while you still can, Yukihira" said Nikumi "me and the others can polish your knives for ya"
"no need" Soma replied in an instant while holding his black knife "this guy doesn't like other people polishing him"
Ikumi and the others look confused to his words as if he was implying that the knife was alive or something
"Things are looking good for us, despite the results of the Second Bout," Takumi said
"I wouldn't go celebrating just yet," Hayama added "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."
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 ryō.
"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.
"straws?" Soma asked as he had drawing straws in his hand
Everyone took one of the straws before pulling it out
They look at their straws and saw who is the winner
"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, Erina 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.
Erina walks forward and pulls the theme out of the lottery and shows it to Momo.
'Muscovado Sugar'
"Hell yeah!". "Another lucky draw for Momo-senpai! BlackBerry makes great sweets!" The audience began to show smiles.
The cooking starts as Momo's dish was a giant dessert castle that astound the judges
Erina's dish however was a rather smaller one
"Bon Appetit" Erina presented her dish as it was a souffle "souffle leger de grace"
"amazing! Erina-sama!" Hisako cheered for her friend
"how would it taste!?" Yuki exclaimed as the judges ate a bite of the dish and were given explosion upon their core
And in what Momo would've thought to be her win, she looks in shock to see the result
Nakiri Erina vs Akanegubono Momo
3 - 0
"h-how!?" Momo exclaimed in surprise before Erina gave her a sample of her dish
"have a taste, senpai" Erina told Momo who took the dish and takes a bite of it
immediately Momo was overwhelmed by a sweet taste she's never tasted before. The Elite Ten who knew Momo best could see she was having trouble and couldn't deny the flavor and before anyone could realize it, Momo declares Nakiri's dish to be cute.
"this dish….." Momo muttered out before hearts burst out of her eyes "IS SUPER CUTE!"
Everyone was in shock as Erina smiles in her victory
"it wasn't much" Erina said Soma's catchphrase as this made Soma smiled
"Erina-chii!" Yuki and the others run towards Erina as they crowded her into a group hug
Their celebration was cut short as Azami came on the stage
"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.
"Yukihira Sōma will face Tsukasa Eishi in a final winner takes all match!" everyone looks on in surprise. "each chefs will make the appetizer while the other chef will make the main dish. In other words, an hors-d'oeuvre and the main dish. The final bout will be a testament of the last battle! 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.
Soma stared at Eishi who stared back as it was time for a rematch against the First seat
The two stared at each other before they turn and walk away from each other
That's a wrap!
Bye bye