Sup Guys~~its been what? 12-13 days? I hope I didn't keep you guys waiting for long. For starters, I would like to say I took the liberty to rest during the Chinese New year period so I would not be stressed out by work and I would be more refreshed to think of the plot of where this story is heading. Trust me as you guys have no idea since no one was able to correctly guess who the Old man is hehe~~ Another thing I want to say is that I would like your opinions on the cooking battles in the story. Should I modify the dishes as Soma has knowledges on many cultures or should I leave it the same? Let me know in the reviews~~


Now time for the Review Corner again~~ I'm always happy to see what you guys are saying about my story so feel free to review as much as you want.

Nero00i: Thank you for the reviews dude, its good to see more reviews of how the story will plan out after this. I'm just gonna say that the three relationship has only just started and they will be more scenes strengthening their bonds in future chapters. Like people always say, confessing is only just recognizing your feelings only when you are dating, you show your feelings. About the antagonist point well, there will be more of them like the one in the chapter here but Azami will be the last boss and Blue will be different in my story. PS: If anyone want to contact me to make a story together, I'll be delighted to corporate.

CincyRail: Thanks for the support~~(I don't want to address your gender casually or I may be called sexist haha) Hehe~~ another reviewer is wrong. It is not Erina's father but you will see a good slap from Erina, I'll promise you that.

OvergrownFish: Thanks for the support both on the story and in Genshin my man~. I hope you got him as well and looking forward to Hu tao/Ayaka banners next. PS: Keqing is my favorite character.

Thien,Huynh43: Muahahaha I got you now~~~ I'm delighted that you are happy with my writing as myself in pursuing a degree for English so its good to see people liking this style. Soma will be scared to sleep alone now or won't he as he will be sandwiched by marshmallows everyday who knows~~ In all seriousness, thanks for the constant support and hope the twist will continue to attract your attention.

IndraAshura: Sup my guy~~ well its basically a battle of me and you of who can continue increasing the length of the story and review haha. Lets just say that they will have a proper face off way in some big event(Spoilers are not given by me). Imagine Soma's wrath with Alice and Erina's combine hehe, that's not one scenario I want to be in. (If you bully the dere, you will get the yan). PS: Chinese New Year I called it her or its better known as Lunar New Year in other countries. Thanks for the constant support and I hope to hear from you in the next review~

Saviorfreedom: Aww thanks~~Hope I did not keep you waiting for too long. Thanks for the support and enjoy reading.

Alpha099: Thanks for the kind review as well, hope you continue enjoying this story.

Ryen171: Thanks for the review my man, well its just that I normally watch anime with Japanese dubbed so it rolls off the tongue better when I read through the text. Should I do a / which is 1 for English and 1 for Japanese? Let me know and I can help ease your reading enjoyment as well.

FoodWarsJunkie: Ya, I really do not like the whole scenario with Asahi as well. Its one thing that he has a bugged skill but its another thing that he wants to marry his sister even though he didn't know. I heard what happen with the story and just take all the time you need my guy. Btw, thanks for the reviews and hope to read more of both of your stories. Great to hear from you as well.

arc6969: What are those numbers mentioning eh~~ hehe~~~ Good try with the guess but you're wrong haha.

NinjaFang1331: Thanks for the support and keep enjoying the story.

E.T.2000: Thanks for the review man and true I may have rushed their relationship a bit but for me who is having an long-distance relationship. I just know the feeling of not being to see the one you desired for a long time. Well, lets just hope Soma is occupied at night so that he wont be scared of a knife killing him if you know what I mean hehe~~~. Hope you enjoy the twist and turns on the story as well.

JintoLin: First of all, tell me what you think of how I portrayed Ikumi. I am really scared that people will say she has a different personality since I took on a route that no one has done before. Secondly, be prepared for fluffs as the three will give you enough sugar to last a while. Alice as usual with be the one teasing but what if it backfires on her huh hehe~~ Don't worry though this will only be the beginning of the twist I though of. (PS: Don't tell anyone that I told you to focus on the line Erina told Hisako when she was walking to the meeting room). Thanks for the support man and I hope to hear again from you soon.


Birds chirping, Sun rising. It was just a normal morning for Arato Hisako. Nothing out of the ordinary for her as she got up early, got herself prepared and make herself presentable to her Empress. Taking a bite out of the breakfast presented by the Nakiri Maids, Hisako went over her overly in-depth plans regarding the scheduling of her mistress's duties. "Transfer students exam, Client meeting and Tasting appointment. Haa… Erina-sama will not like the schedule today.

To onlookers, it would seem that Arato Hisako counted her lucky stars when she was appointed as the God's tongue secretary. Having a close tie with the Nakiri has their merits as she would get what she wants. Fame and recognition would be the least of your worries. Now, just be a good girl and follow what you are told and you will achieve what you want. She could imagine numerous people would have barraged her with that advice but that was not what she wanted.

With the 6 years she has spent beside her, she was able to pinpoint that Erina did not like being deemed as a divine existence when she was just a normal human being just like the rest of them. The way she put on a fake façade when meeting up with the clients who only thought of her as an achievement and the sense of disappointment when being served a lackluster dish of no passion and commitment. How her shoulder slumps and her smile fades when finishing her daily routines was something that Hisako really wanted to change. However, despite being the one closest to her, she had no idea where to start.

"Is what I'm doing enough?" Hisako mutter to herself as she finishes the last slice of bread. Gently patting her cheeks to clear her thoughts, Hisako sets off to complete the last routine of her morning which is waking her mistress up.

Arriving at the doorstep, Hisako lightly knock on the door twice and whisper to wake up Erina. "Erina-sama, its morning already. Its time for you to get up." After not receiving a reply, Hisako did what Alice told her that would definitely wake her up. "Erina-sama, Alice-sama said that she will be reading your manga."

"…"

"No reply Huh? Guess it wont work the 9th time…" Hisako said as she lightly twisted the knob and went in. However, her empress was nowhere to be seen. The window sheets were tied, the bed sheets were not touched, it was as if she was not home yesterday.

While normally, people would just calmly think of an explanation or give the other a call. However, that was not the case for Arato Hisako. Immediately dashing through the hallway, she went and search room by room for her mistress.

"Erina-sama?! Erina-sama?! Did Erina-sama get kidnapped by Alice-sama again?! Don't worry Erina-sama, I will save you from watching Alice-sama's sappy romance films!" Arato said as she reached the movie room. Again, no one was there.

"What are you doing Arato-san?"

"Uwaah!" Startled by the sudden sound behind her, Hisako could not help herself from squeaking out loud.

Putting a hand on her chest to compose herself, Hisako turned around to address the familiar lazy sound. "Kurokiba-kun. Have you seen where Erina-sama is? I believe Alice-sama has kidnapped her."

"Ojou…? I think they are both with Yukihira." Kurokiba answered with his lazy tone.

"Yukihira…? Why does that sound like a boy's name?" Hisako asked warily.

"…"

Seeing that Kurokiba did not reply, Arato heaved a sigh and began calming herself down since she knew where Erina had gone. Remembering that she could have called her first, Hisako embarrassingly dialed Erina's phone in hopes for a response.

"I wonder what Erina-sama and Alice-sama were doing there. It couldn't be could it…?" Hisako mutter as she finished informing the drivers the location that Erina told her.

Arriving at Totsuki Academy, Hisako diligently stood at the sidewalks in wait of Erina's arrival. She did not have to wait at long as a familiar black limo came into view, she sigh in relief as she hurriedly walked over to greet her.

"I'm glad you make it in time Erina…sama?"

"Hmm? Yo"

As the one sitting on the side, it was natural for him to get off the car first. Once Soma got out of the car, he saw the girl greeting them so it was reflexive for him to greet back.

"Eeh? Wh…why are you in Erina-sama's car…and…and…who are you…?" Hisako asked as she was significantly caught off guard by Soma's appearance.

"Man, Erina's car was really relaxing. Way better than riding that broken contraption of Oyaji." Soma subsequently ignored the question as he was busy stretching his limbs.

"Cough…Ahem…aren't you forgetting something mister? Erina voiced sounded from inside the car.

"Oops… here." Soma said as he held out his hands for Erina and Alice.

Gracefully accepting the support, both Nakiris appear into view as Hisako was shell-shocked.

"Sako…Hisako, are you alright?" Erina asked with concern as her aid was stood still and ignoring her.

"…Hai?!"

"Hishoko-chan is acting funny again~~"

"Who are you calling Hishoko?!

"See, that's how you get Hishoko-can to respond Erina~~"

"Just stop teasing my aid already Alice…" Erina said tiredly.

"Erina-sama, Alice-sama…who is he? Hisako asked as she pointed at Soma who is busily taking in the view of Totsuki Academy.

"He is our boyfriend, Hisako." Erina replied as a matter of fact.

"…?...! Boy…friend…Our…?

"En En~~~ come over and introduced yourself baka Soma." Alice said as she dragged Soma away from his sightseeing.

"Yo, the name's Yukihira Soma. You were the one that woke us up? Man, thanks for saving my bacon haha, I don't think Erina would have allow me to retake the exam."

"Hmph, it was all your fault. Who was the one that decided to have some late-night fun?"

"Huh?! You were the one that enjoy it the most!"

"That's right Erina~~~ I never seen you screamed that much~~~ Must be good to let loose for once."

"Whose side are you on Alice?! I was definitely not screaming, it was only some minor laughter."

"Of course it was hmm~~~" Both Soma and Alice said and looked at her knowingly.

Unable to handle the teasing, Erina turned around looking for backup from her aid but all she saw was Hisako desperately covering her red face with her hands.

"Hisako?" Erina asked as she tried turning her around but that was when all strength left Hisako and she fell straight into her arms.

"HISAKO?!" Erina caught her immediately and began to sought help from her two lovers. If she had listen closely though, she would have heard her mutter: "Heh…Erina-sama…Alice-sama…Night…Scream…Yukihira…heh heh."

Yup…just another normal start to the morning, nothing special.

"Cough…I apologize for letting you such an unfitting figure of me, Yukihira. I'm Arato Hisako and I'm Erina-sama's secretary."

"Hmm? Shouldn't you introduce yourself as Erina's friend since there's no need for formalities between us"

"Erina-sama's friend? I don't think I have the qualifications for that, I'm just her aid and secretary…that's all." Hisako said as her expression turn sour.

"Anyways, its best that you get ready since you only have 5 minutes." Hisako said as she left him a heads up before walking towards Erina.

"What are you spacing out for Soma~~? Let's get going. Erina will not give special treatment to anyone including you~." Alice said as she held Soma's hand and led him to the kitchen.

Upon arriving at the kitchen, they could see that the pathway was crowded with people. It seems like Totsuki Academy really was befitting of its name. While they were thinking of how to bulldoze their way through to the front, the topic of conversation the people were having drifted their attention away.

"My family has the best supplies of seafood in the Nation, even the Nakiris need to give us respect."

"Is that all you got? My family has the pleasure of being invited to the Nakiris annual party."

"You guys really are slacking, my family restaurant was recommended by the God tongue herself. She would dine in the restaurant whenever she comes to Hokkaido."

While all of them were busy bolstering about their 'fame', they did not notice a small shadow creeped up on them. Once the 'figure' tap them on the shoulder, they were faced with one of the most horrible experiences they could even imagine: 'A Smiling Nakiri Alice.'

"Ma~~~You guys seems to be speaking some interesting things, may I join in on your conversation hmm~~?" Alice asked with a sweet tone.

It was at this moment they knew, they fucked up. The chilling smile and a bone-chilling aura was surrounding them as Nakiri Alice keep pestering them to continue talking about their 'real' achievements.

"Na…Nakiri-san…" One person tried to apologize but he was swiftly shut down.

"Hmm~~~ who allowed you to call my family name? So which restaurant were you talking about~~~ I would like to go there myself." Alice said.

"Ara? Cat got your tongue~~~? Come on~~~If even Erina liked it then that means you have no shame in telling me your restaurant name right~~~? Are you as good as your family? I would like to have a Shokugeki with people that have already 'pleased' Erina's palate~~~."

"…" All of them were frozen stiff from what Alice said. A Shokugeki with a Nakiri? Yup, best of luck mate.

"No reply huh…Well its not a big deal~~~ I'll just have to tell Ryo-kun to personally inspect those restaurant of yours since Erina had the pleasure of eating there. I'm sure she would have remembered those marvelous restaurants of yours."

Those were her final words to them as they saw Nakiri Alice slowly returned to her previous spot. Thinking it was the best to apologize, some went in her direction but they were immediately frozen stiff by the devilish glare the boy beside her gave.

Human beings…No…Insects…No…Creatures…No…You guys can't even be classified as a living organism to me, you guys are basically pebbles that are found anywhere. Those were what they felt the boy's eyes were conveying.

Naturally holding onto Alice's hand, Soma walked forward to the open path created by the frightened examinees and arrive at the kitchen but not before giving them one last chilling glance and motioning with his mouth: "Scram"

Holding Alice's hand gently, Soma softly said: "There's no need for you to get angry over them."

"Mou! They really thought that Totsuki will accept students like them. I bet they will leave once they saw Erina."

"I don't know about that though Alice, you were pretty frightening yourself. Man, remind me not to get on both of your bad sides."

"Maa~~~Yukihira Soma getting scared over her girlfriends. I bet your father would love to hear the details. Hehe~~ just joking. Let's get a move on, its your fault that I haven't had my breakfast yet."

Arriving at the kitchen, they saw about 25 students turning tail and running towards the exit. "I guess they met Erina huh." Soma said as Alice nodded.

"You are late, Yukihira Soma!" Erina said while crossing her hands.

"Uh…my bad? Sorry?" Soma said as he scratches the back of his head.

"Seems like you been having a slow and enjoyable time getting here huh." Erina said as she zeroed in on the handholding.

"Ara~~~? Is Erina jealous?" Alice teased her cousin.

"No, I'm not!" Erina said as she turned her face slightly.

Chuckling lightly to himself, Soma moved forward and gave Erina a peck on her hair. "It seems like I'll the only one taking your test princess."

"Don't think that's gonna cheer me up…Baka." Erina said as she lightly slapped his shoulders.

"Haha…So, what's on the order today, dear customers."

"Eggs" Erina smirked in reply.

"Heh, just wait and see. I'll make sure you both strip!"

"Strip?!" The onlooking Hisako said before collapsing again.

"Baka!" Both Nakiris just smack him on the head.

"I meant your Nakiri Stripping though…" Soma said as he massaged his head.

"So, is it a dish we have yet to try Soma? I expect something better than the dish you make against Kurokiba."

"Against Kurokiba? Yukihira went again Kurokiba-kun?!" Hisako asked astonished.

"Mhm mm~~~ Ryo-kun lost handily as well, I wonder what he's doing now." Alice said.

Somewhere in the Nakiri mansion, the fired-up Ryo felt even more irritated and began chopping his seafoods even harder which scare of most of the maids away.

Decided to surprise his two lovers, Soma kept quiet and began making the dish. 'Chicken bones…check…peppercorns…sake…soy sauce check. Now for the eggs. Mirin, miso, sesame oil check. Yosh!'

While patiently waiting for Soma to cook, the Nakiri cousins told Hisako about their history with Soma. It started off quite comically with Soma presenting a 'commoner' dish to both of them but it slowly shifted off to admiration, longing and now love.

'As I thought, only someone like Yukihira is able to help Erina-sama. I couldn't compare to him, I should have known from the first glance…but…why does it pains me so much.' Hisako wondered sadly to herself.

"Oagariyo Erina, Alice. My improved: "Royal Transforming Furikake Gohan" Soma said.

'Just smelling the aroma makes me intoxicated… How is he a first-year student?!' Hisako thought as she squirmed in her seats.

"Hmm? What's the difference Soma? I can't tell anything difference from the smell" Erina said.

"Mmm~~~? Besides the newly added chopped green Onions to the dish, I don't see anything special coming from it Soma." Alice followed up.

"But, its not even its final form yet. You both really are hard to impressed huh." Soma said as he took out a hidden bowl and pour it over the dish.

"?!"

Seeing the substance fuse perfectly with the previous chicken aspic and eggs makes the dish even more captivating. Without missing a single heartbeat, both Nakiris immediately dig in. Within the first bite they could already tell how hard Soma has worked on improving this specific recipe. The numerous failures of him trying to combine the chicken aspic with different ingredients like sprouts, spinach, gingers etc did not work as it would overpower the dish. But finally, he found the matching ingredients. Remembering back to the course study given by Dojima Gin, Soma finally was able to incorporated this ingredient to improve the first dish he served his both lovers.

Finishing up the dish in less than a second, Both Erina and Alice stayed quiet to appreciate the taste which still lingers on their tongue.

"You used potatoes, didn't you?

"Maa~ Mashed potatoes as well, did u get the idea from KFC"?

"Of course not, it was when I travelled to Hokkaido and tasted the numerous dishes it can be paired up with. But it seems like it was not good enough for the two of you huh." Soma said while feeling a bit down.

"What are you saying Baka? Just look at yourself." Erina said while facing the other way.

Not realizing what Erina was mentioning, Soma looked at himself to see that he was only in his boxers. "?!"

"It was delicious Soma~~~ but that's not enough to beat me you know~" Alice said with a cheeky grin."

"It was not bad, considering yourself honored that I finished your dish." Erina said with her tsun voice.

"Osomatsu!" Soma claimed as he removed the headband from his head. "Just wait for the Elections Alice." Soma retorted cheekily.

With the two were banging heads against each other, Hisako handed over the stamp to Erina to officially enroll Soma into the academy. Once that was dealt it, Hisako informed Erina that there is a client to meet.

"Erina-sama, you have a meeting with the Mito Group in 15 minutes."

"Its him again huh? I really do not like his attitude but it can't be help since he has been sponsoring the school with meat supplies for numerous years. Erina sighed tiredly as she began to leave. However, she was pulled back by Soma and Alice.

"Now where do you think your going princess? You can't leave me in a state like this." Soma said as he was still half-naked.

"! Just find the clothes yourself! Alice can help you with that, I have a meeting to attend to as well!"

"Nuh uh~~~ You're coming with us Erina, I know how much you hate meeting with clients like him. Let's tour Soma around the academy after he get dress~~ Mrs. 10th seat~~~" Alice said with her signature smirk.

"Haa…fine…Just be quick ok?" Erina said while trying to keep up her façade but she knew that her lover and cousin knew her exact feelings right now.

"I'm sorry Hisako, could you please inform him that I will be running a bit late." Erina said apologetically to her aid.

"Of course, Erina-sama" Hisako said as she headed towards the meeting ground.

After leaving the trio behind, Hisako slowly wandered to the conference room where important meetings take place with regards to the school. Since Erina has taken on the duty of meeting with clients from Senzaemon it was almost daily that she will get 3-4 clients per day. Reminiscing when she asked her empress why she took on the challenge, she just reply: "I believe there are talented chefs that are awaiting to be discovered. I will grant them the opportunity."

"Yukihira really have made a great impact on Erina-sama's life. Am I'm still needed with him transferring to the school next week?" Hisako sadly wondered to herself.

After a normally short 10-minute walk, Hisako lifted her heavy legs to the door and lightly knock on it. It is common courtesy to knock before entering even if you are eligible to ignore the rule.

Quietly standing still in wait for Erina. Hisako started to feel the drowsiness finally kicking in after 2 full days on schedule planning for her empress. Unconsciously finding a seat next to her, she sat down and drifted off to sleep.

"Cheh, that's why I said she was fortunate that her family has close ties with the Nakiris. Dozing off in the meeting room and even having the audacity of sleeping on the God's tongue chair. Truly unbefitting of an aid of the God's tongue."

"Tou-sama, she looks pretty tired. Why not just leave her be? Erina-sama has yet to arrive herself."

"Ridiculous, how could someone close to the god's tongue act in such an improper way. If that brat did not show up years ago, this seat would be yours. Our financial status would have skyrocketed. The whole of Japan? NO! The whole world would recognize us and then we would be on equal ground with the Nakiris. They will have no choice but to comprise to our demands and by time, we will exceed them"

"Tou-sama, I don't think that would be a wise idea. I'm really not cut out to be Erina-sama's assistant, I would much prefer to proof myself as a capable chef to Erina-sama."

"Blasphemous! The Mito family has no used for people that lack ambitions! Are you satisfied of trailing behind her?! I did not raise you to be second fiddle to anyone!"

"It's not the problem of being number two to anyone, it's the problem of trying to bit off more than you can chew! Why are you so desperate to gain more?"

"Enough insolent whining! You will do as I said and that's final!" The man said as he slammed the table.

"? Urgh…its still early Erina-sama…The postman won't arrive that early…" The half-awake Hisako complained.

"What a useless secretary, can't even do her job right. Go wake her up, Ikumi."

"Hai Tou-sama…" The now identified Ikumi slowly walked over to the half-dazed Hisako and gently shook her.

"Hmm? Mito-san? What are you doing here?

"We have a meeting with Erina-sama schedule, is Erina-sama occupied?"

"Meeting? Erina-sama?"

"You're too soft Ikumi! Oi! Useless Nakiri aid, where is the God's tongue?!"

"?! Mito-dono?!… Erina-sama is currently giving a tour to her boyfriend, I think she'll be here in 5 minutes…probably…" Hisako answered while whispering the last part.

"WHAT?! THE GOD'S TONGUE HAVE A BOYFRIEND?! THAT BOY HAS EVEN BETTER LUCK THAN YOU HAHAHA!"

"That's something quite rude to say to someone Mito-dono, I have worked hard to earned the spot of Erina-sama's secretary.

"Worked hard? If sleeping on the job and not preventing your mistress from leaving an 'important' meeting counts as working hard then you are doing a fine job. Don't push your luck secretary. Has she ever acknowledged your efforts? Has she told you about her decisions and personal life? Are you the one that she tends to seek help from?"

Seeing the quiet Hisako, the man started to barrage even more insults towards her and seal it with the final straw. "I knew it, you were nothing but a tool to her. You don't even know what she thinks about you, she won't even tell you the problems she is facing. You were never her secretary, you were just a disposable pawn that she has on disposal!"

"Now why don't you be a good girl and come to a compromise shall we?" The man said as he tried to tempt the girl into joining his plans.

"What you need to do is simple, just hand over this seat of yours through a Shokugeki with my daughter."

"But…Tou-sama…" Ikumi tried to reject but her father brutally shut her down.

"BE QUIET YOU! So, what's your decision Nakiri aid?" The man said with a smug voice as he could foresee the girl giving up just like that.

"I refuse! Even though Erina-sama has yet to acknowledge me, I will not hand over this position of Erina-sama's aid!" Hisako replied wholeheartedly

"Why are you so stubborn? You're just a good for nothing chef anywhere, so why are you adamant to continue being a deadweight to the God's tongue.

"Even if there's nothing I could do to help Erina-sama, even if I'm being a burden to her. There's no way I can betrayed the trust she has in me! This position is off-limits until Erina-sama fires me herself!" Hisako said with conviction

"BANG!"

The whole room stagnated as a large sound came from the door. Turning their heads slowly towards the door, they could see an enraged Nakiri Erina.

"Erina-sama?" Both Hisako and Ikumi exclaimed with surprise

"Well well, if it isn't the god tongue herself. Have you finish you rendezvous with your little boyfriend? I guess our meeting can finally get underway" The man said sarcastically.

"By the way, have you even considered a change of secretary? Surely there's much to improve on from your current one. No offense to her but I think that some others would thrive more in that position. For example…"

He wasn't able to finish his sentence however as he was granted a pure slap from Erina. The place went dead silent as no one could foresee that Erina would use force like that.

"YOU?! ARE YOU INSANE?! DO YOU WANT OUR RELATIONSHIP TO BE CUT SHORT?!"

"Hmph, it seems I lack sufficient power to express my anger. Well no matter, Mito-san is it? Don't try to act so nonchalant after you have greatly insulted my dear friend. You failed as a businessman you know? The first thing you should do is to check whether you have lock the door when discussing your plans." Erina said mockingly.

"?! I was not the last one in. That means…IKUMI!" The man said as he was furious with her daughter.

"I did not know that a successful businessman would blame someone else for their blunders, it seems that there are many things I have yet to learn." Erina continued with her mocking tone

Unable to handle being on the backfoot of an argument for the first time in his life, the man disregarded his image and walked straight towards Erina.

He thought that Erina would have a scared expression on her face and cower but she just stood there imposingly and stared at him coldly. He unconsciously took a step back as this was the first time he ever felt threatened.

His anger boiled from embarrassment as he was supposed to be the one making her fear him. Thus, a firm fist was aimed towards her in order to show his superiority. With the fist inching closer and closer, he would have thought Erina would make a movement backwards but she was just standing there with no fear in her eyes. It almost seems like she was smirking at his attempt.

"NAKIRI ERINA!" He issued a full blow towards Erina and Erina felt to the floor hurt.

That was supposed to be the scenario if it wasn't for a firm hand grasping his fist. Looking towards the source, he could see a young boy with red hair holding his fist with ease.

"Seems like you been doing well Old man, nothing about you has change I see. Well, just the added wrinkles on your face and the way you tried to hurt my girl." Soma said with venom.

"YOU?! YOU'RE THAT BRAT FROM THE PARTY?!

"Ho, seems like I been living in your mind rent free huh. Why don't you back off before I make you." Soma said as he glared at him.

After releasing the fist of the man, Soma turned around and look amusingly at Erina. "You're really something else you know, what if I didn't catch it in time."

"Then it depends whether you will stay with me for having a bruised on the face."

"What kind of question is that? No matter how much your physique changes, you would still be my precious lover."

"Hmph!" Erina said as you could a light tinge of pink surrounding her cheeks.

"Hehe~~~ isn't that great Erina? Now you don't need to feel disappointed that your bust is 1cm short of me~~~." Alice said as she wanders in after Soma's heroic.

"NA?!" Erina said while trembling slightly.

"But don't worry Soma, Erina has the bigger hip"

"Hmm?! Thanks for the information Alice."

"DON'T TAKE IN INFORMATION LIKE THAT EASILY BAKA!" Erina cried as she kitty punches Soma's chest.

"Ano… we still have a problem at hand…" Hisako tsukkomi while pointing at the enraged Man.

"It really is you huh brat, seems like you took my advice to heart huh? Befriending both the God tongue and the cousin. Seems like you finally recognize the merits you can gain from…"

He was unable to finish his sentence as Soma emitted a pressure that could have suffocate him. Even the Demon King of food did not released this much pressure!

"Listen up here Old man, I'm not one to get agitated easily. This is the 3rd time you have insulted my lovers, I heard you wanted a Shokugeki with Arato. Heh, why not do one with me?"

"…HAHAHAHA! You really think that by having the god's tongue by your side you will be able to overcome the sheer difference in class with my daughter?! Don't get too cocky boy! Unlike you who have no culinary backgrounds, my daughter here has received intense training since the age of 7. Her dishes are considered to be the…"

"Does it matter?"

"HUH?"

"Does one's recognition and accomplishments affect the dish you served?"

"Of course it does! The better known you are, the higher the impact your dish brings! A commoner like you would never able to wow the gourmet elites! You really are clueless about cooking boy."

"Hmm I see. So, do you share your father's sentiment?" Soma said as he turned to face the blonde girl with an extremely revealing outfit for the first time.

It looked like Ikumi was about to mutter something else before a glare from her father silenced her up. "…Yes…"

"Even if you wanted to have a Shokugeki what can you wager? You have nothing of worth to me. Unless you wager your expulsion." The man said while smirking.

"Mito-san, how much would you think your seat is worth?" Erina suddenly interrupted

"What?"

"Mou~~~ are you deaf or something? Erina is asking how valuable the CEO seat of the Mito group is." Alice said with her trademark smirk.

"You can't possibly be proposing that…" The man said in shock.

"Since our business relationship is not gonna be the same after this, why don't we fix that in a Shokugeki between Soma and Ikumi-san. How about you wager your CEO seat and we wager Soma's expulsion and the freedom of using my name for 3 years." Erina said to the shock of the man.

"…You all really are over your heads! But, if you are willing to give me such charities, I won't hesitate to accept. This will be the start of the MITO ERA!" The man cried out not believing his luck.

"That settles it then, the Shokugeki will be held on the day of enrolment and the theme will be 'Meat'."

"…Will this get even better?! I can't imagine that the god's tongue and the Nakiris would wager their throne for a commoner that can be found anywhere! Ikumi, if you somehow failed to win, I will disown you."

"Understood Tou-sama." Ikumi said with fear in her voice.

Receiving her daughters replied, the man turned around and walked towards the exit. But not before giving the 'immature' kids one last shit-eating grin. Ikumi gave one last nod to the group before she also left.

Silence persisted for about a minute before Soma decided to stretch his hands: "A Shokugeki on the first day huh… Looks like my impact will be bigger than Oyaji when he first arrived. Erina Alice…"

"There's no need for words Soma, we did what we wanted to do." Erina said first

"En en~~~ there's no need for you to justify your actions. Just know that we will always support you~." Alice said with such wisdom that shock Soma and Erina.

"Thanks, you two. Everything will work out fine~" Soma said relaxingly.

"EVERYTHINGS RUINED! Everything's not gonna be fine and its all my fault!" The relaxing atmosphere was interrupted by a cry of sheer despair.

When the trio turned around to face the source, they could see a sobbing Arato sitting on the floor with her hair in disarray.

"Hisako?" Erina voiced out her concern and went to her but she was swiftly stopped by the cried of her aid.

"DON'T COME NEAR ME! I'm just making things worse for you! If only I wasn't asleep, if only I wasn't such a failure, if I only I wasn't your…"

She never was able to finish her sentence as she was hugged tightly by Erina. Stunned by the close contact of her empress, Hisako tried to wriggle free but to no avail. Erina was holding onto her tightly, petting her head and calming her down.

"Hisako, I'm sorry." Those were the first words that came out of Erina's mouth. It wasn't the consolations that she expected but rather it was a heartfelt apology that silenced her wavering heart.

"I never knew you were suffering such pain, I never noticed how you were ridiculed by others because I choose you to be my aid. I never thought that me leaving you in the dark would aroused such depressive thoughts for you. Even still, you stood by me and was by my side since day 1. It is I who doesn't deserved you."

Erina continued before Hisako could reject: "Hisako, you are not entitled to stay by me, I owed you too much already. But, before you go, I would like to say that you are one of my only true friends. The days we spend together filled the void that I was impossible to fill when Alice and Soma left for their training. The way you diligently handle your secretary job, the way you took care and treated me, the way your goals are centered around improving yourself for me. Those are things you do for a friend, in which you succeeded and I failed."

"Erina-sama…"

"Arato, thank you for looking out for Erina when me and Alice went out for training. I was scared that Erina would only focus on her goals to improve the culinary world and disregard her private life. It was thanks to your presence that Erina was able to enjoy her life just like normal teenagers would." Soma finished saying as he gave Hisako a bow.

"Yukihira…"

"Mou~~~ Hishoko-chan, Erina has always cared for you. She was furious that you were not fighting back when that filth kept insulting you. Erina never wanted you to thought of yourself as only an aid to her, she wanted you to be beside her like a friend."

'Friend' the word that Hisako never thought she had the obligation to be with Erina has already been cemented naturally. People often said that friends are the one you talk and hang around with but in reality, only the people that act when you are in trouble are the ones who genuinely cared about you. Friends are not something that needs to be confirmed verbally, friends are something that comes naturally and genuine friends are the ones that shows emotion for you.

Rubbing her final tears, Hishoko softly replied: "Who are you calling Hishoko" while smiling beautifully.

Hugging back her friend tightly, Hisako said: "Erina, please allow me to continue being your aid and friend"

"En, welcome back Hisako." Erina said happily.

Once their relationship have been amended, the four set out and began wandering back to the Nakiri Mansion. "Yukihira, do you have any plans on how to face Ikumi-san? Erina said that the theme is 'Meat' and that is her speciality." Hisako said as she was linking arms with Erina.

"Ah, that won't be a problem. I'm only thinking what kind of meat I should use. More importantly, what do you plan to do when you get the CEO seat of the MITO group Erina?"

"That will all depend on her performance." Erina answered as vaguely as possible.

For such a huge event, you would expect an uproar. News spread like wildfire as the largest bet placed ever in a Shokugeki was about to commence. If the topic of the Nakiri family and Mito family facing off was not enough, the topic of their representatives must have caught people's attention. One on side we have the renowned Meat special "Mito Ikumi" and on the other side we have an unknown transfer student who rumor's to be a diner chef.

The odds were stack at 99-1 with only 1 vote going to the unknown chef. Who was it though? Who else but the mischievous girlfriends of his that is still busy checking the comments on the page. "Hehe~~~I wonder how the school will feel when they see you win Soma~"

"Hmm? I just hope it will be a great battle though. But, seeing her conflicted with her own dreams and her father's may wear her down." Soma said as he prepared his tools.

"Hmph, don't just help her too much and lose mister. If you lose, I'm gonna expel you myself."

"Anything else?" Soma said as he smirked at her.

"Good luck" Erina said as she took the initiative and kiss his cheek before she followed Hisako to prepare for her speech.

The arena was jampacked with first years and they were on the edge of their seats as this was the first year where the ceremony is conducted in an Shokugeki Arena rather than the Academy's back garden. The thought of "Did the transfer student cause this" must have surfaced in many people's mind.

Suddenly, the lights went dark and the chattering stopped as the student's attention were attracted to the stage where Urara Kawashima the emcee of huge events stood. "Welcome everyone, I'm your host Urara des~~. We will now be commencing the enrolment ceremony as we welcome our Totsuki Academy Director: Nakiri Senzaemon-dono."

The crowd began to murmur as they will be graced by the 'Food Demon King' himself. When Senzaemon took hold of the mic on the podium, he began scanning through the sea of students, glaring down at the students who have no courage to return his contact.

"Ladies and Gentleman, Congratulations on graduating from middle school. Throughout the three years, you all been honing your knowledge regarding the basic of food and ingredients preparation as well as partaking in cooking drills. But now, you will be setting foot on the high school section where your knowledge and techniques are not the ones being tested. Based on my judgement, 99% of you would be ideal sacrifices to polish the remaining 1% of gems. Totsuki have no used of chefs that lacks guts! Either devote yourselves into following the path you take or be cast away like the stones you are! That's all!"

"Please wait a moment Director Senzaemon-dono, we would like you to present a medal to the top first year student." After receiving a nod, Urara excitedly called out to the honor student "Nakiri Erina"

Chatter began to ring around the stadium as the fame 'God's tongue' will be making an appearance after her grandfather. If one would listen closely, quotes like: "As expected of Erina-sama" "The youngest member of the Elite 10" and "We can't compete against her" occupied the arena. Gracefully receiving the medal from her grandfather, Erina began to walk towards the podium and present her speech.

'This is way too long Hisako' Erina thought as she looked at the script in front of her with a wry smile. 'What would Soma say in this situation?' After thinking for a bit, she just chuckled to herself that those words have now surfaced on her head.

"I pity all of you who are born in the same generation as me. You all won't be even fighting for 2nd place, you all are destined to fight for 5th-10th."

Everyone is the arena immediately did a spit-take on what they heard. 'Was this really Nakiri Erina?!'. Some students who could not handle her arrogance began to complain but they were swiftly shut down by the follow up of Erina.

"Are you dissatisfied? Are you angry? Then do your best to catch up to me, don't just sit and complain like the cowards you are! If you have anything to say to me, come and said it to my face in a Shokugeki."

"…" The crowd went dead silent as no one expected that 'The' Nakiri Erina would throw a cold bucket over their heads on the first day. However, some people in the crow just grin and are excited of the prospect of challenging the undefeated and not so 'cold 'queen.

"Wow~~~ Erina is becoming more and more like you Soma~~~"

"I'll give her an 8/10 on that." Soma said while lightly whistling at her lover's speech.

"I see that 99% of the people here are keyboard warriors huh? Isn't it ironic that 99% percent has been mention twice now? I see that 99% of you have bet that the transfer student is going to lose but have you forgotten that the transfer student is approved by me?" Erina finish speaking and left the stage.

After dropping that bombshell of a statement, Erina slowly walk up to her seat as she saw Hisako lightly shaking her head while smiling at her friend's performance.

The crowd senses were only recovered when Urara whom seemingly had recover first began informing them about the context of the Shokugeki if it was needed. "The board has officially accepted this battle as a Shokugeki, we will be having three judges which one will be Director Senzaemon himself and the theme will be Meat."

"Now without ado, lets us welcome our first contestant who will be carrying the name of the Mito Group. The meat master "Mito Ikumi".

Ikumi walked out on stage quite confidently as she waved at the group and seemingly exchange eye contact with her father who is seating on the front seats.

"Now let's invite the unknown transfer student that our Erina-sama has approved of Yukihira Soma."

It was supposed to be a welcoming round of applause for Soma if it wasn't for the gorgeous girl clinging onto him. The atmosphere suddenly turned hostile as the crowd began booing him for showing off on his first day until someone in the crowd scream out a name that shocked them. "That's! Nakiri Alice! The darling of molecular gastronomy!"

"Mou~ I wish they wouldn't found out that quickly. Ma~~ no biggie. Good luck Soma" Alice said as she kissed the left cheek of Soma before wandering to find Erina.

While the crowd were totally dumbfounded, Ikumi took this as an opportunity to engage Soma. "Really clinging on the name of the Nakiris huh Yukihira Soma, I would be pleased to put you on your place."

"I hope it would be a good battle Nikumi." Soma said as he glared at the person sitting behind Ikumi.

"?! Who're you calling Nikumi?! My name is Ikumi."

"See, you look way more relax when you act yourself. Just remember what purpose you are cooking for and not what you dad wants." Soma advised before turning back to his kitchen.

Seeing that both parties are now ready, Nakiri Senzaemon issued the commence of the Shokugeki.

Once the signal has been given, both chefs immediately sprang into action. While Ikumi was like a bull charging into a red cloth, Soma was calm like a tranquil lake. The distinctness was really an eye-catcher for the audience as they thought Ikumi would be the calm one while the transfer student is the one rushing in. Somewhere in the stands, a certain elder twin was evaluating the transfer student: "He has improved further"

The crowd's attention was suddenly shifted when Ikumi brought out her meat. "That's the prestige A5 Wagyu beef!" "As expected of the Mito clan" "There's no way that the transfer student can match the quality in meat"

Expectedly, none gave out their reactions when Soma brought out various beef parts. "Is the transfer student going to cook all of those parts?" "What's he doing…?" "Why the oxtails, tongue and cheeks…" "Does he think that he can counter Mito-san's dish by serving more than one type?! This transfer student is nothing much after all"

While the audience were ignorant to what Soma was attempting, Erina, Alice and Hisako were calmly observing Soma in Erina's special room. "Ikumi-san has already lost, just look at the rice she is cooking."

While zeroing in on what Erina was mentioning, Hisako took noted that the rice was garlic rice. "An extremely tasteful rice pairing up with such a flavourful meat will naturally conflict with each other. But it is strange that she thought of serving them together"

"Tsk tsk~~~ her father must have thought that the best way to defeat Soma was by using a 'commoner' dish. If Soma lost, then it would be triple knockout. However, Soma wont ever lose." Alice said confidently as the trio continue to watch the redhead.

"Yare yare…I thought this was gonna be a great battle but I guess I was wrong. Ikumi-san, please don't disappoint me." Soma said as he watched the dish that Ikumi was preparing.

"?!Shut up! Just focus on your own dish, but whatever you do won't change the fact that my dish will trump yours." Ikumi said not knowing what Soma was insisting.

"Haa…what's the first thing that chefs need to do before serving a dish? More importantly, what is the meaning of chefs? If you can't comprehend that then I guess Erina would be severely disappointed." Soma said as he prepared the finishing touches on his dish.

"Don't listen to that brat words Ikumi! Just hurry up and served the dish! There's no way that brat can beat our prestige A5 beef." Her father said loudly to Ikumi.

However, Ikumi pretended to not listen as she thought deeply about what Soma said. 'What is he signaling? Why does his eyes show that much disappointment…Will Erina-sama be disappointed at this dish…'?

Unconsciously taking a bite of her dish, Ikumi was sudden flooded with a sense of greasiness. '?! What is this?! Why I do I feel full after taking in just a bite! Is this what he was mentioning?!' Looking franticly at Soma, she could see that Soma was having the look of 'told you so'.

"Why?! Why are you helping me when you are task with such a heavy burden yourself?! You do know that your gonna be expelled if you lose right?! Not only that, Erina-sama will be forced to use her name for my father's sake?! Do you want that to happen?!" Ikumi cried out.

The crowd turned silent as the sudden outburst took them by surprise. All eyes were turned on Soma, awaiting his reply.

"Why treat something as enjoyable as cooking as a burden? Compare to the goal that I want to achieve, this is nothing. True, I may have help you but that is because I want to face a chef that is fueled by her own goal and not just a puppet to exploit. Cooking is a process you know? What goal do you cook for? Who are you cooking for? Only by understanding that, you will be able to be a great chef." Soma said as he turned to look at the box his lovers were at with sincere eyes.

The reactions from the crowd were mixed as some thought he was joking and bluffing while others including Ikumi thought deeply on what he had said.

"By the way, who told you that I was gonna lose even if I gave you advise? You really are underestimating me huh Nikumi." Soma said with a smirk.

Closing her eyes, Ikumi began to think back to her 5th birthday party when her father suddenly threw away the gift that her mother gave her saying that the Mito group has no use for people with such gracefulness. All you need to do is hone your skills to appeal to the god's tongue and aid in following my goal.

Switching the scene to when Ikumi first met Erina, she was captivated by her beauty. Not in appearance but the way she gracefully conducted the kitchen, it was as if an angel descended gracefully on it. Seeing Erina smiled at her when she took notice of her, Ikumi was determined to have Erina recognized her. The way she cooked was the way Ikumi herself wanted to be, but fate was cruel as her father wanted to dethrone the Nakiris which in turn lead to the constant conflict inside her head.

Now, after hearing what Soma had said, she finally remembered what she wanted to do and how the words Soma speak of were familiar to her. "Your dish is ok but it lacks identity, where is your own purpose?" Those were the words Erina told her when she judged her dish.

Roughly brushing away her tears, Ikumi looked at Soma with determined eyes which signal that the battle for her own goal has finally started. "Don't be sorry if you lose Yukihira."

Immediately removing the A5 beef from the dish, Ikumi began working through her ingredients in order to save this dish. One distinct feature however was that the rushed movements were now gone and in came the much more measured and a tip of gracefulness were appearing in her craft.

"What are you doing Ikumi?! Hurry and serve the dish now! There's no way the dish I taught you have any flaws! It has all the highest ingredients!" Her father immediately cried from the stance but it earned a glare from her daughter which immediately silenced him.

"Its done, do you mind if I go first?" Ikumi asked Yukihira in which Yukihira just nodded.

Bringing up the dish to the judges Ikumi presented her dish with still have A5 beef in it but the pairing was with mushroom rice instead of garlic.

Senzaemon begin the verdict by praising the choice of ingredient by Ikumi as mushroom pairs really well with the A5 beef as it creates a harmony between the two which removes the strong contrasting flavor of the dish. After a while, the dish was finish as not a speck of rice was left.

"Looks like I win Yukihira, don't worry though. When I become the successor of the Mito group, I will amend for the mistakes for what my father made."

"You maybe the successor already." Soma said vaguely to the confusion of Ikumi.

Once Soma presented his dish, a torrent of fragrance flooded the stadium as the smell of beef was everywhere. "Sorry to keep you waiting, here's my dish. Beef Stew with onion rice." Immediately, the judges could see the dish was filled with different parts of beef which included oxtail, skirt steak, tripe, fillet and cheek.

Senzaemon was the first to comment to Soma: "Ho, you also went with beef and rice huh~~ I hope this dish would be an indicator of your improvement, young Soma." He took a bite and immediately he was disrobed. The crowd looked on in shock as even Ikumi's dish did not cause the legendary reaction from the Director.

Not even a heartbeat has gone as the three judges finished the rice and demanded more in which Soma has foreseen coming. He refilled their bowls and the judges continue to dine in with the various parts of the beef.

"Inconceivable! You prepared all the ingredients in different methods and were able to maintain the flavor between them all?!

"The flavors keep appearing one after the other! With the onion rice, it just slips in perfectly with the beefs as it allows easy digestion! To think you are able to spread multi-layered flavor in a beef stew! Are you really a student?!"

The two judges comment sent shockwave around the arena as this transfer student was appraised by the judges as a level higher than a student! "No way right…" "Who is he…" "What is his background…"

"HAHAHA, that was delicious Soma. I expect you have extra saved up?" Senzaemon said as he addresses Soma casually.

IF the crowd could voice out their opinion out loud, you could hear it tsukkomi "How many surprises does he have?!"

"Naturally, don't eat too much though Old man~ You got to keep your body in shape." Soma replied casually as well. Soma could hear mutters like: I can't handle it anymore" from the crowd but it was probably his imagination.

"Of course!" Senzaemon said as he began to flexed his muscles. "Judges! I believe we have a clear winner here!" Senzaemon said as he looked at the other two judges in which they nodded.

"Winner: Yukihira Soma!" Senzaemon declared loudly.

"According to the rules, the current Mito CEO will now be removed of his seat as it is now given to the Nakiri Family." The president of the Shokugeki Administration Bureau: Hisanao Kageura announced."

Soft applauds began to ring around the stadium as they could not imagine that the transfer student that they thought off was actually someone even more capable than them. One question still lingers in their mind though… 'What is his relation to the Nakiris especially the two princesses'

They did not have to wait long as Alice and Erina came into view. Alice immediately jumped on Soma while Erina just slowly walked towards him while smiling at him.

However, their moment was ruined by a bastard that couldn't read the mood in which was Mito Satoru, the now removed CEO of the Mito group. "You are worthless! You are an embarrassment to the Mito family! I have no used for a daughter that incompetent now buzz off!"

The trio could see that Ikumi was currently facing a barraged of insults from her father and was gonna defend herself when an older version of Ikumi appeared before her. "How far you have fallen…

"Yue?!/Mama?!" Both Ikumi and Satoru exclaimed in surprise.


So...how was it? Did you like the twist? Let me know as this was a huge risk to do something out of the ordinary so early in the story. Btw, those used dishes have a factor to play as it may give you heads up on how the story will progress next.

One more thing I would like to address is that they will be no new members in the establish relationship of Soma Erina and Alice.

PS: Next chapter will probably be on the first week of March(Date Unconfirmed) as I want to wait on your reviews.

As usual here's a spoiler for you dear readers:

Walking into class, everyone eyes were glued to the trio appearance and for one girl with blue hair in particular was zeroed in on the famed God's tongue.

"Nakiri-san"

"How've you been doing Tadakoro-san?"