The Sixth Plate Chapter 19 – Rematch Under the Moonlight
"Ladies and gentlemen! I welcome you all to our second semifinal. Before I introduce our chefs, I will run through how this three-way match is going to work".
"Although this match is unlike the rest of our matches which have been one vs one there is no change in how you claim victory. The three contestants will present their dishes to our 5 judges. The chef with the most votes out of the 5 will win and take their place in the final".
"I won't waste any more time so let me introduce the competitors".
The noise in the arena was growing and growing as the announcer was preparing to bring out the three men.
The night was falling and the roof of the arena had been opened showing the full moon shining brightly in the sky above.
Soma, Ryo and Hayama were all waiting in their tunnels. As there was 3 of them Soma would enter through a different tunnel which was usually only used for spectators. All 3 waited as patiently as they could but they wouldn't have to wait any longer as it was now time.
"Introducing first, Totsuki's Mad Dog and the 3rd seat of the Elite Ten council, Kurokiba Ryo!".
Ryo entered from his tunnel with his usual uninterested demeaner but everyone in that stadium knew as soon as his bandana went on things would get very aggressive very quickly. They would have to wait though as he went to his work area to set up.
"Next, the runner-up in last year's BLUE tournament and the first seat of the Elite Ten, Yukihira Soma!".
Soma came from his tunnel waving to the crowd and smiling. It was almost an annoyed smile though at being reminded of his loss to Erina.
"He really doesn't have to bring that up" Soma said to himself under his breath.
"Finally, our last chef. The winner of the 43rd Autumn Election and 2nd seat of the Elite Ten, Hayama Akira!".
Hayama entered to more applause just like his opponents had. He had a calm but confident look on his face that was so typical of him while making his way to the stage.
The 3 chefs prepared their equipment, all the while Mana and Senzaemon watched from their VIP box just as they had for the previous semifinal.
"So, these 3 were the finalists of the 43rd Autumn Election?" Mana asked her father while keeping her gaze on the stage.
"Yes, and I believe they are probably the 3 best students Totsuki has besides Erina".
"Totsuki's 3 most elite then".
They kept watching on as Soma, Hayama and Ryo were now all ready for the match to begin.
"Now that everything is ready, let the match begin!".
So, things quickly got under way with all 3 knowing exactly what their creation would be.
The judges and crowd could only sit and watch eagerly as they knew they were in for an incredible show. Even just watching the 3 work was incredible as all of them had such great precision and skill preparing their ingredients. The crowd could feel that this was an important clash for the men even beyond just progressing to the finals.
The Totsuki students though knew exactly how big this match was.
The final of the Autumn Election which was so tightly contested between them, Soma's rematch with Hayama at the time of Central, Ryo and Hayama's draw in the previous round and of course the fact that all 3 had gotten the same scores in the qualifiers for the tournament at Totsuki.
All through their time together not one of them had moved passed the other 2 for long. What Mana had said could not be denied. They were Totsuki's 3 most elite.
Erina could see this clearly from watching them and after seeing how everyone had improved so much it was very clear to her just what level the guys were at.
While she was watching Alice came over to her.
"Erina".
"Oh Alice".
"All of them really have that determination".
Alice smiled at Erina who looked right back at her cousin.
"Yeah, they do".
"I don't know what it is but with Yukihira-kun and Hayama-kun he always seems more fired up than usual".
Flashback
Ryo is training in the kitchen where he and Alice usually do their cookoffs. Ryo has made many different dishes for Alice who has tasted every one of them.
Alice sits at the table completely stuffed and out of energy.
"Ryo-kunnnn. Why don't you rest?".
Ryo stood over the grill with his bandana in his hand.
"Because they aren't either".
Across the campus both Akira and Soma were testing new dishes as well to try and perfect new recipes.
All the time the guys were aiming to get better and better always knowing that the others were on their shoulders doing the exact same.
End Flashback
Back in the present the 3 were hard at work.
Kurokiba was coming closest to finishing first and in no time would have his dish completed.
"You 2 bastards are gonna have to catch up!" he shouted over to both Yukihira and Hayama.
Both just grinned while they made the finishing adjustments to their dishes.
So much had happened since but the three men were still the same as they were on that Autumn night in their first year at Totsuki. Each had a burning desire inside to win that was only increased by the others.
The noise in the crowd was starting to build up again as the timer neared its conclusion.
Hayama and Yukihira finished almost within seconds of one another leaving both with some time to go.
After a few moments more the clock hit zero.
"Ladies and gentlemen time is up!".
None of these three are going to accept defeat but only one can and in the next chapter we'll find out who. Until next time everyone hope you enjoyed!