Author's Note:

Hello everyone, sorry that this one took a bit longer. I had a bit of a block along the way!

I hope this chapter will be worth the wait.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sweet reviews and the continuous support. It means a lot!

Now then, hopefully you'll enjoy the newest chapter.

"What a marvellous display!"

"Watching her cook feels reminiscent to observing a renowned violinist play a Stradivari! Or an infamous painter leading his brush over the canvas. It's truly pure elegance and skilfulness."

"I can't wait for the next serving to be ready, I want to taste her dish so badly!"

The crowd that had gathered around Kaori Hayama's station watched the girl quickly and swiftly preparing the next serving, given that her plates went away fast.

Kaori's eyes were full of focus, not the slightest hint of her losing concentration because of all the loud chattery full of praise dedicated to her that filled the atmosphere. No, her entire being had dedicated itself to finishing up the last of her Omeletts to dish them out.

"Here comes the next serving, thank you for your patience." She then spoke as she placed out the trays. Instantly the guests were hit with an utmost dreamy aroma of cinnamon, feeling like it would wrap around them and warm them up in a loving hug.

Eyes lit up, children excitedly beamed, impatient hands grabbed.

Upon having taking a bite, adults and older teenagers almost began to sparkle as memories of their youth poured over them. They felt urges to run out and play a game of tag or hide and seek. The children who had eagerly eaten up their dishes were the ones to voice said urges, as they bounced around fulfilled with a blast of energy.

"I feel like I am ready to step into the ring to a professional boxer!"

"Amazing! To think I was so tired earlier! It feels like a distant memory now!"

"It's so exquisite..."

"It's so powerful!"

Kaori made a slight bow, a facade of humble devotion to the guests when really she practically shone of nobility and power. "I am glad to hear you're enjoying my 'Cinnamon-Yogurt-Apple-Omelett'. I'll begin preparing more right this instant."

Before she took a turn however, Kaori, to her own surprise, took a second to waste time and try to catch a look of how things looked behind the masses of people lining up before her. She caught a slight, lucky glimpse of how empty and devastated the other side of the hall was. Almost reminiscent to a city in an apocalypse movie with all civilisation wiped out.

She took a swift, elegant turn then and began the preparation of more of her delicacies. And while she started on cracking eggs, a voice rung back in her head.

"I just see this as a good opportunity...To show you what I am capable of!"

I hope you understand now that you're not one that I have to fear, Yukihira. Kaori thought to herself.

History will not repeat itself. I am the valedictorian. The top of the 115th. And someday the top of all of Totsuki.

Just in time, her victory over Kimiko and the entire generation as a whole was loudly announced by Gin's booming voice.

"Hayama Kaori, 200 Servings complete."

—

The Fourteenth Plate - A Victorious Carnival

—

Over in Hall B, Mika clutched her fist as the first announcement had been made. "Damn, that helium balloon managed to outdo us all once again. But just you wait, I am close behind!"

Yasu took a note of her grim expression and after a few beats of hesitation he spoke. "Yukihira was not announced yet, though eh?" His smile grew a bit. "Adding to that, you still have to outdo me." He was instantly met with a challenging smirk. "Hang onto your seat, Ibusaki!"

—

Meanwhile the usually so jolly and unshakeable Kimiko Yukihira had an uncharacteristically strong urge to pull her hair out as the massive feeling of frustration that was rather unfamiliar to her welled in her.

She lost.

She had challenged Kaori and lost.

Before everyone else Kaori had completed her 200 servings and Gin's announcement of such had made out her remaining towering position within the 115th Generation. But not only had she reached the assigned goal quicker than Kimiko, no. Kaori's dish's superiority was what hamstringed Kimiko in reaching the goal. It stole customers and attention away, leaving Kimiko behind in a wasteland.

And let me tell you, that tasted bitter.

Kimiko was not one to curse a lot. After all, neither her father, mother or grandfather was someone to make usage of this kind of language extremely heavily. But in this situation, she just couldn't help but to mutter. "Fuck." Her fist punched the kitchen counter.

Around her she heard the shared frustration.

"Kaori-sama's stand is driving all the judges away."

"It's hopeless."

"They don't even look into our direction."

"This is it...this is the day I drop out at last."

Slowly and aggregating the giant timer that's been hung into the hall ticked, an eery reminder for their hopeless situation.

Kimiko's eyes drifted to her laid out plates and the untouched dishes.

There had to be something she could do. This couldn't be the end.

There was no way, her end would be this...pitiful.

But then again...what exactly could she do?

Just then, as those were running through her head, Gin Dojima's voice boomed through the hall once again. "Nakiri Lola, 200 servings complete."

Slowly, Kimiko turned her head to the speaker that was the nearest to her. As her mind processed the information that she had just revived, a small spark in her got ignited.

Just a mere minute afterwards the speaker got activated again. "Mika Aldini, 200 Servings complete!"

Kimiko felt herself tensing up as the words poured over her and fuelled the fire inside her like gasoline. Memories of yesterday began replaying in her head.

"Of course, mine will outclass you as well, Kimiko~"

"Yukihira! You better do not forget my challenge! I expect you to put your all into your dish!"

Now it wasn't just Kaori who had outclassed her, Lola and Mika had so as well. And what had just been a small spark had developed itself into a great, raging fire capable of burning an entire forest down.

Okay that was it.

No more standing here and sulking

She couldn't stand here and look all pathetic while her rivals, who she had promised a good show, excelled perfectly.

"My name is Yukihira Kimiko. Daughter of Yukihira Soma and Erina. Future owner of the Yukihira Diner, known for its excellence, innovativeness and occasional wonders. If there's anyone who can turn this situation around, it's me."

She lifted her head again, the newfound fire burning in her golden eyes as her browns furrowed determinedly.

Her gaze swept back to her dishes and she began pondering. It was evident, she could not continue with just how they were now, as they could not compete in appeal with Kaori's dish in that state. So she had to identify the weak points and find a way to improve of them. To do so, Kimiko leaned in even more closer and inspected her work.

After a few seconds, she realised it: They looked simple and basic. Most certainly delightful, but still like your normal, average Hiroshima-Styled Okonomiyaki. Something you'd get elsewhere as well. Not like a special creation of a student of Japan's most famous culinary school.

What made them special, her thought-up play with the seasoning would only be experienced through tasting. But to get them to even taste, Kimiko realised she had to make them look a little more interesting. She began rubbing her chin. Just what could she do about that?

She let her gaze sweep through the hall to take in the audience she was dealing with. It was a broad mix of elderly, adults and children of varying ages. Under closer inspection, Kimiko noted that many of the elders began walking to the stands near Kaori's, presumably too exhausted of waiting in the line. And then there were the children. Known for their young impatience, many of them jumped around or taunted their parents with loud whines about how much longer they had to wait. Quite a few had brought themselves plushies and played with them.

That's when it made 'click' in Kimiko's head.

With a confident smirk, Kimiko reached for her knife and with a speed that was almost impossible for the human eye to process she began to slice.
In what felt like only a seconds the girl had made changes to her Okonomiyakis: Instead of one single, big piece with three eggs on them the plates now had three, small pieces with each of them only having one egg on them. But there was another catch, the small pieces all had different shapes. One could see flowers, the head of a bear, hearts, stars or the head of a cat.

Kimiko grinned for herself. Now she just had to get the attention of one of the younger examiners and everything should work out.

She focused her gaze on the people within the hall once again, watching the children in particular.

The moment Gin's voice announced. "Nakiri Mona, 200 Servings complete." Kimiko was able to catch the gaze of a little girl with a yellow plush-dock clutched to her chest so tightly as if her life depended on it. She looked shy and unsure, her blue eyes widening in surprise when she found Kimiko's golden ones.
Kimiko was fast to act and gave her a warm smile, accompanied by a light, friendly wave.

With a glimmer of curiosity and encouragement sparked, the girl slowly came a bit closer to see what the friendly woman was serving.

"Hello there!" Kimiko greeted once the girl was near enough. She gestured to the plush duck in the girl's arm. "Do you like ducks?"

The girl's eyes grew a little more at that question before she looked at the addressed plush while becoming red. "I..."

Kimiko chuckled. "No not need to be shy, but if you like ducks...I have something for you." She took one of the plates that were lined up in front of her and held it up into the air. The shapes of the three Okonomiyakis-pieces that were on the plate she chose were a heart, a moon and a duck.

"Here look." Kimiko spoke and presented the three pieces of steaming Okonomiyakis to her. The moment the girl saw the duck-shaped one, her eyes lit up and automatically she took a few more steps forward. "It's a duck!"

"You got it!" Kimiko laughed. "Let it hopefully satisfy you!"

The girl took the plate from Kimiko's hands, her eyes still sparking. "Thank you for the food..." She mumbled shyly, before she suddenly ran off.

But Kimiko kept her confident smile, she was sure she had gotten what she wanted.

And she was right.

A few minutes afterwards the girl returned but not alone. She was followed by a couple of adults, who Kimiko presumed to be her parents, as well as a boy that was three or four years older than her. Ecstatically, the girl pointed at Kimiko and the parents followed her finger.

"Our Daughter was very excited about the dish you gave her." The man explained while the woman let her gaze trial over the laid-out dishes and gushed. "How cute they all look!" The little boy came running and pointed at a particular plate with radiating eyes. "That one looks like a bear!"

Kimiko only gave a nod. "Help yourself, let it hopefully satisfy you!"

The family didn't have to be told twice and quickly their bites were taken.

They felt like being teleported to an amusement park with each of the three Okonomiyaki-Pieces with the different seasonings putting them on another ride: first the rollercoaster, second the auto scooters and last the Ferris wheel. Everything around them sparkles warmly and wherever they looked they saw cute animals or other adorable motifs which filled them with joy and happiness.

Satisfied all three took deep breaths at once before the compliments spilled out of them.

"That tasted...amazing!"

"I can not remember ever having an Okonomiyaki that good!"

"Can I get another plate, Mom, Dad?!"

And while their daughter with the duck-plush joined the conversation, a few people in the back took note of the family's enthusiastic exclaims.

First only few, then more and more, set in motion to check the other stand out. Children practically began running towards it, once they heard about the motifs. And they were not disappointed which was evident by their excited gasps and shining eyes.
The voices around Kimiko multiplied with each second and more and more fishes and praise reached her ear.

On the other side of the hall, Kaori finally took a notice of her crowd shrinking. Her forehead wrinkled as her brows furrowed immediately. She focused her sharp gaze onto her surroundings and it didn't took her long to find the magnet that was pulling her guests away.

Her brown eyes widened slightly while her brows only sunk downwards some more. A woman standing especially close to her stand would swear later on she had heard Kaori mutter. "No way."

In the meantime, Kimiko was cooking again, finally having a reason to as her dishes were eagerly taken away by hungry hands. She heard gasps of enchantment and wordings of awe around her as the crowd watched her precise and talented utilisation of kitchen tools.

"She's so fast..."

"I would have took an hour alone for making one Okonomiyakis."

"To be so experienced and skilled with a knife! Incredible!"

In what felt like no time to the audience, Kimiko had prepared a new tray stacked with Okonomiyakis in various shapes and forms. "There ya go! Thanks for waiting!"

Cheers and claps erupted from the crowd before their hands quickly reached out for the plates in front of them.

"The Situation in Hall A has taken an interesting twist." Gin Dojima commented in the observation room. "It certainly has." The guy beside him agreed. "Yukihira Kimiko is her name! I can't believe I didn't have her on my radar sooner! Last year a guy with the same surname was here after all. An absolutely outstanding young man with an unrivalled, out-of-this-world sense of taste." Another voice spoke up. "Now that you say so! I remember as well. Damn, we could have really saved ourselves that surprise." "I am not surprised." Gin brought up, which resulted in a yelp behind him. "Say what now?"

Gin's wise, grey eyes only remained on the honey-blonde teen who had been in his focus ever since he saw her on the first day of Trainings Camp and who was now showcased in one of the monitors. "I had a feeling that this girl is not one to give up so easily." He couldn't help the small smirk that emerged on his lips. "I suppose that's just not in her blood."

In the meantime, Kaori had put her focus back on cooking. Because she had to, was what she told herself. Certainly not to distract herself from the sight of Kimiko excelling on the other side of the hall.

I've won already anyway. She reminded herself in her head. But still she couldn't help but grit her teeth.

It was a sight that might have sparked a small sort of glee in Kimiko if she would have seen it. But there was no possible way for her to do so, considering that she was too far away but also way too busy with preparing more Okonomiyakis.

The timer on the wall counted down the remaining time but it didn't stress Kimiko out in the slightest as concentration remained in her yellow eyes while her hands showed no sign of exhaustion but kept their speed.

Soon...

—

"Ibusaki Yasu, 200 Servings complete."

No sign of relief was seen on Yasu's face however when his name was announced. Rather he clutched his fist and muttered. "I was much too slow."

Before he could truly evaluate everything he's done wrong however, Mika pulled on his sleeve. When he turned his head, he swore he could see a fire in her eyes making him think of the fiery sun above reflecting in Italy's blue oceans on a heated summer day. "Let's search for Yukihira, Ibusaki!"

Behind his blinding bangs, Yasu blinked.

He was generally speaking very observant and picked up details of the people surrounding him relatively quickly. However, even an idiot would take a notice of how serious Mika took her newfound rivalry with Kimiko Yukihira in a short amount of time. She must have been all fired up to check on her rival's situation ever since she finished her 200 Servings, which was a while ago.

And yet she waited, was what Yasu concluded in his head.

"Of...of course." He agreed with a slight stammer in his usually so composed and calm voice. Then he was already pulled along.

—

"Marui Chieko, 200 Servings Complete."

As Chieko exhaled she blew parts of her dark bangs upwards for a second. "Geez. At last." She clutched her fist as a small, personal celebration for her victory while smiling content and proud with herself.

However, rather soon she already had her hands on hips and the typical frown on her face, as she lamented. "But really now, what kind off tasks do they come up with for young, vulnerable teenagers?! This camp serves more inspiration for a horror movie than anything else!"

—

"Hojo Takayuki, 200 Servings Complete."

"Hmpf, took long enough." Was Takayuki's first reaction. Kazuo, near him, was quick to pepper in his thoughts. "You make it sound like it's the guest's fault that you took so long." His Trademark smile grew slightly. "How about you try to evaluate what you could have done better?"

Takayuki huffed. "I didn't ask, Mimasaka. You start to sound like your big sis." "Whom you respect greatly." "I mean - ! Yeah! But -!" Takayuki let out one final groan and rolled his eyes. Kazuo snickered adoringly. Just then, Gin's voice was heard again.

"Mimasaka Kazuo, 200 Servings complete!"

Kazuo's face lightened up intensely and he clapped his hands together. "Yay! I'm glad they enjoyed my treat!"

While Kazuo laughed a little to himself, Takayuki began scratching his chin. "Come to think of it...I didn't hear Yukihira's name yet."

"You're Right!" Kazuo called out at that. "Oh, I hope Kimiko-chan is alright!"

"Pfah!" Takayuki crossed his arms. "I defeated her, that's what it means!"

"Come on, Takayuki-kun. You're worried." "MIMASAKA"

—

"Aoki Daisuke, 200 Servings Complete." "Kawashima Hideyoshi, 20 Servings Complete."

"WHY THE HELL WAS THIS LOSER MENTIONED BEFORE ME!"

"MAYBE BECAUSE I FINISHED BEFORE YOU!"

"I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS!"

"Fufu~" Lola chuckled. "Makes you wonder why those two haven't hosted together yet. They're greatly entertaining~." Mona's reply was blunt. "Talking like that makes you sound like a sadist."

But Lola only continued snickering as Hideyoshi and Daisuke swayed back and forth while grabbing each other's collars.

"Kimiko's name wasn't mentioned yet." Mona pondered then. "I expected her's to be one of the first."

—

"Come on, Ibusaki! We're almost there." Mika announced as her and Yasu ran through the hallways. Yasu was just about to say that if he didn't knew any better he would think she was concerned about Kimiko but bit back on that comment in the end.

"Hiroshi wasn't announced yet either though." Mika suddenly voiced as her brows furrowed. "I don't doubt he can make it through this, I just wonder what takes him this long..."

She threw the door to Hall A open and stepped into the hall, Yasu following behind her having troubles not falling over Mika because of the abrupt stop. Just as the pair arrived, Gin's voice filled the halls.

"Yukihira Kimiko, 200 Servings Complete."

Mika's eyes grew a little as she quickly scanned the surroundings. First she caught the sight of Kaori Hayama, looking unbothered and cool as usual. However if Mika would have possibly keep her gaze on her for a bit longer, she might would have noticed Kaori pressing her lips together in an annoyed manner. But Mika already let her eyes trail further to the next end of the hall. And that's we're she saw Kimiko widely grinning.

"So she's well." Yasu said behind her while Mika already began sprinting towards Kimiko's stand.

As the at this point very familiar "Yukihira!" reached Kimiko's ears, she turned her head into the direction it had come from and called out. "Mika-chan! What are you doing here?" But instead of an answer she received a ramble. "What took you so long?! You know we were having a competition, right? Take this a bit more serious-"

Mika was interrupted by Gin's voice. "Aldini-Tadokoro Hiroshi, 200 Servings Complete. "

Kimiko smiled and looked up to the speakers. "Now every Polar Star member had their announcement." Mika however just pulled up an eyebrow. "Hiroshi also took much longer than I expected. I should ask him if there were any complications."

Yasu finally reached the two girls and lifted a hand. "Congrats, Yukihira." While Mika turned her head, Kimiko gave him a nod. "Right back at you."

Despite the smile, one part of Kimiko couldn't help but to remain bitter given how late her announcement had been made. When Mika and Yasu engaged in a little conversation, she couldn't help but to look into the direction of Kaori's stand while clutching her fists.

A few minutes later then, the timers on the walls showed nothing but zeros and a bell rang through halls, followed by a mix of sighs of reliefs and cries of frustration.

"This concludes the Breakfast Challenge." Gin spoke in an appropriate final voice.

"That was most certainly interesting." He then mused to himself, holding the microphone out of reach. "I'd say this year's generation seems to be a very special one indeed."

In the meantime, Kaori already had left the hall not wanting to spend anymore time in it. Additionally she had no nerve for possible eye-contact with Kimiko right now and did not even really understood why. She won didn't she? Why was she so frustrated?

However as she took the turn, she got an answer to that as news spread like wildfire and excited whispers reached her ears. "Did you hear. Only two people from Hall A passed!" "For real? That's rough!" "But wanna know who it was? Hayama Kaori and Yukihira Kimiko." "Oh my..." "Kimiko-sama lives up to her name so far I'd say. What do you think...? Isn't this all rather familiar-"

The continuation of the sentence got caught into the girl's throat as her eyes swept to the side and saw Kaori Hayama herself standing there, her expression looking like she had just witnessed the murder of a loved one and seeked nothing but revenge. The other girl she had been talking to pulled up a confused eyebrow, wondering about the abrupt stop of their talk. As she followed her friend's gaze however she turned pale as well. Quickly the two retreated.

Kaori clutched her fist. Her gaze comparable to a sharpened knife.

Her hands then hurriedly went over her skirt, straightening it. She fixed her posture and walked on.

—

The next day

It was late in the evening and the 115th Generation had gathered in the lobby of the Totsuki Resort Hotel. It was also the last day of Trainings Camp and one didn't need to have a particular keen eye to notice that the number of students had shrunk ever since the first day.

The once remaining were for the most part exhausted and wore miserable expressions given that all they wanted was to go home.

Hiroshi took a look around to take in the damage that the harsh tasks had ensued over the past few days. His heartbeat accelerated a little. Next to him, Mika was rambling to Kimiko. "You better prepare for a formal Shokugeki sometime once we're back, Yukihira. I can't believe the Trainings Camp did not give us a chance for a satisfying match-up." Kimiko only grinned. "I'll be looking forward to it, Mika-chan."

Kimiko had many eyes burning on her and whispers involving the word "Kimiko-sama" swept through the crowd surrounding the Polar Star Dorm students. But as always, she ignored them excellently.

Chieko had sunken into one of the black armchairs standing around while rubbing her temples. "What's this going to be about again? I just want sleep for heaven's sake." Yasu, in the armchair next to her's, was flipping through the schedule in order to give his best friend an answer. "It seems nothing is listed for tonight." He then commented after some proper study of the paper in his hand.

Chieko abruptly sat up as memories flashed in her mind. "No way! Last time when nothing was listed they robbed us off our sleep!"

Just then Gin Dojima stepped into the crowd of students, a microphone in his hands. "I see you all found your way to the lobby." Everyone turned, a great number of students had fear evident in their eyes as the nostalgia of the Breakfast Challenge washed over them.

"We'll get into why we summoned you here in a moment." Gin continued. "But before we'll do so, I'd like to talk to you about something. Possibly you have noticed but 429 students have dropped out. I know fairly well that such a number of expulsion is not much of a standard and that it might be a shock to hear. But being honest, the reason why you all are lined up here is because you want to chase the life of being a chef. As someone who lived for many years now and been a part of the culinary business for a majority of these years, please take from me that this kind of life is not always an easy one. Surviving in the world of culinary will require nerves of steel and the ability to stay calm towards all sorts of challenges. There will be days of heavy pressure and sleepless nights and even long after you graduated challenges that will test your creativity, strategy and fitness will come your way."

He rubbed his chin before he further elaborated. "I always liked to compare the fate of a chef to walking alone through a wasteland."

Many of the students could envision it as his words sank through them. Walking through the bare, empty lands with strong, cold winds blowing into their faces.

"The more you climb, the more you will stumble, and the more your goal will become unclear. Before you know it, you may reach a standstill after reaching the pinnacle and lose sight of how to return." His voice got louder. "But I want you to remember one thing: Right now you're still on Totsuki and you're not alone. There's others with you who chose to travel the same wasteland. Keep those days in mind once the day comes where you have to travel on your own. Those memories can be capable of warming your hearts in long, cold nights. From the bottom of my heart, good luck to every single one of you."

"That was a sweet speech wasn't it?" Hiroshi whispered unsurely. Mika only scratched her head. "Sounded much more depressing to me."

Before anyone else could comment, Gin spoke. "Now then, the elaboration of the final programm.

Chieko jumped up, he eyes in panic. "Please no!" Hideyoshi and Daisuke held each other in support while they made anxious noises.

A door was opened, followed by everyone quickly turning their heads.

Chieko screeched. "EEEEEEKS!" Hideyoshi grabbed her left shoulder while Daisuke grabbed the right one, while they screamed. "Help!" "Not again!"

However when they did turn the sight that greeted them was a majority of the service staff lined up in front of them while simultaneously exclaiming: "Welcome!" As many of the students blinked confused, Gin explained: "The final program is a modest banquet as celebration to the conclusion of the camp, prepared by the alumni of Totsuki. Now then, to all of you 611 students who passed: Congratulations and enjoy to your heart's content!"

The young teens threw their fists into the air, others jumped into relieved hugs and a loud uproar of excitement and happiness ensued. Stress and anxiety finally were lifted from their chest and to many it felt like they were finally able to properly breathe again.

"For real?" Daisuke gasped ecstatically. "I can't believe it!" Next to him, Hideyoshi was also one to fistbump the air. "Finally some good news! A banquet worthy for a persona like me!"

Chieko stepped forwards and folded her hands, millions of stars shining in her teal eyes. "Ah...What an honour. We'll be able to taste the exquisiteness of the geniuses that survived Totsuki and in such a beautiful, decadent setting. I..." At this point tears were streaming down her face. "...I am truly blessed to be here today. This is too good to be true." Yasu handed her a tissue as he sighed. "I am glad you're happy at last Chi-chan, but please don't cry."

The students stormed into the hall and were quick to take their seats, making it hard to believe what a tired mess they had all been earlier. Eager they all took their bites and excited gushes filled the halls.

"This Must Be what Heaven is like."

"It's soooo delicious, I feel like I am melting."

"What a bliss to be sitting here."

Even Emi Kusunoki was forcing a smile. "Your mother's food is damn delicious as always!" She praised as she shoveled her plate empty. Itsuki next to her could only stare at his still full plate. In the end, Emi poked his cheek. "It's practically our last supper, Itsuki. Enjoy it."

Not all too far away from them Akiko Kato's head hung low as she wildly kept answering texts on her phone instead of eating.

Kaori ate alone and managed to look as graceful as always. At the same time she did her best at blocking all whispers involving Kimiko's name out of her mind.

"You wouldn't believe it Takayuki-kun But Mika-chan's parents are phenomenal cooks." Kazuo swooned as he ate. His blood-red eyes lightened up in immense delight and he murmured. "Clearly the work of the parents of an angel." Takayuki could only roll his eyes. "Geez, Mimasaka." However he couldn't help but to let out an overwhelmed sigh of satisfaction after taking a bite as well.

Lola just hung up a call with her mother with a content smile on her face. "Well, that was a piece of cake wasn't it Mona?" Mona didn't even look up from her plate as she gave her answer. "Sure." Lola took a sip from the alcohol-free sparkling wine that's been poured into her glass and let her gaze sweep to the tables in the back. "Kimiko chose to sit with her dorm buddies instead of taking a private table with us. She must really like them huh?" Mona shrugged in response. "Kimiko never was big on luxury and prestige, you know that."

Chieko let out an excited squeak. "I still cannot believe this is actually happening!" She took another bite and let herself get carried away to the visions of sparkling castles straight out of Disney Movies. Yasu watched her with an amused, little smile and patted her head a little. "We did deserve this after all? Right? I mean we worked hard? Isn't thar so? We are deserving of that, I am sure!" Daisuke held a mantra for himself, trying to maintain sanity as he looked at the gorgeousness on his plate. Hideyoshi answered his question loudly and quickly. "Damn well we are!"

Mika closed her eyes as she took her bites and let the food melt on her tongue, savouring every inch of it. "This is true culinary." She whispered. Hiroshi nodded his head. "You're right on that Itoko-chan." He then turned his head to the left. "What do you think, Kimiko-san?"

Kimiko gave him a sweet smile while her yellow eyes shone as bright as the sun. "It's delicious!" However, Hiroshi was capable to detect some clouds making their way in front of the suns and before Kimiko could turn her head away again he asked. "If something not right?"

Surprise spread on Kimiko's face. "Huh? What gives you that idea?" "It's a feeling." Hiroshi replied with a voice full of honesty. Kimiko blinked, looking at Hiroshi with a kind off awe about him being able to take note of that. Finally, she sighed. "It's kind off stupid honestly. But I am a little bummed I didn't got to be in the class of Chef Shinomiya."

"Chef Shinomiya?" Hiroshi repeated and leaned a little closer. Kimiko gave a nod. "Yeah. My father once took us to his restaurant in Tokyo when I was young. I was overwhelmed with the delicacies served there. I would have loved to meet the man behind these dishes." She made a waving hand gesture and laughed. "Again it's rather stupid."

For a moment Hiroshi remained silent as Kimiko continued eating. But then he poked her arm, regaining her attention. "Kimiko-san, lets go somewhere for a second." He gave her a slightly unsure but still encouraging smile. She let out a wondering "huh?" but stood up in the end.

The two excused themselves from their friends and began walking towards the exit of the big hall full of overly ecstatic students.

"Where are we going?" Kimiko asked gut Hiroshi only gave a "It's a little surprise" back.

He lead her to one of the kitchens and as they stopped in front of a particular door, Kimiko heard him mumbling. "This is where I last met them." Before she could inquire further however, Hiroshi already knocked the door.

It took a little bit but finally it was opened, by a brown-haired woman somewhere in her 50s who's face immediately lightened up once her violet eyes fell on Hiroshi. "Hiroshi! What a surprise!" Hiroshi smiled back. "Good evening."

Meanwhile Kimiko's eyes had grown as round as volleyballs as she stared at the adult going by the name of Hinako Shinomiya hugging her classmate. And once the woman's pink-haired husband stepped out of the room as well, she was fairly sure she actually forgot how to breathe for a second.

Koijro ruffled through Hiroshi's blue locks. "Shouldn't you be enjoying the banquet with your friends, Hiroshi?" "I was, uncle Kojiro. But I wanted to introduce you two to some-"

Now Kimiko's jaw dropped as she gasped. "UNCLE?!"

The three immediately turned to her and instantly both Hinako's and Kojiro's eyes widened a little. Hiroshi only scratched his head a little nervously. "Hehe, you see...Aunt Hinako and Uncle Kojiro are my godparents." He then made a presenting gesture towards Kimiko. "But yes. Aunt, Uncle, this is my friend and dormmate and newest transfer student of Totsuki: Yukihira Kimiko."

"Yukihira..." Hinako and Kojiro whispered simultaneously as they blankly stared at Kimiko who could only blankly state back. So Hiroshi continued the conversation. "She said she wanted to meet Uncle Kojiro, so I thought I could bring her here."

Slowly but surely, the married pair regained their conscience as Kojiro gave a slow nod. "I...see..." Hinako added. "How nice of you, Hiroshi."

Kimiko also escaped her trance, evident by the fact that her cheeks took on a shade of red. "Ah...uhm..." She averted Kojiro's sharp, yellow eyes and stammered. "Go...Good Evening."

Hinako at this point had regained all of her jolly demeanour and suddenly darted forwards, leaving Kimiko to time to her squishing her cheeks out of the sudden. "You look very cute." Hinako said in slightly eery manner. "I'm glad, Hiroshi brought you here."

"Hinako, cut it out." Kojiro said sternly, as he noted the mass amount of question marks in Kimiko's eyes. He took a step forwards. "So you wanted to meet me?"

Once again, Kimiko's cheeks, of which Hinako had let go off, reddened slightly. "Uh...Yeah. You're honestly the only...uhm celebrity chef I know about." Kojiro raised an eyebrow. Kimiko began fumbling with her fingers and stared to the ground. "My father once took my family to your restaurant in Tokyo and I have never forgotten that experience."

Kojiro couldn't help but to have a small smirk emerge on his lips. "Your father did?" He received an unsure "Hmmh" back.

Kojiro eyed her for a bit longer before he suddenly barked. "Hey student! A chef who's afraid of looking people in the eye will not make it far." Instantly Kimiko looked upwards in slight shock.

Behind Kojiro, Hiroshi raised his hands and stammered. "Un...Uncle Kojiro!" Hinako had her hands on her hips and shook her head. "Ts, ts."

"You don't have to be afraid of me." Kojiro states firmly. "Surviving on Totsuki requires bravery."

A flash lightened up in Kimiko's eyes as a pout emerged on her face and she proclaimed. "No need to lecture someone who had a Shokugeki in her first week on that."

This left Kojiro slightly stunned. Kimiko however realised she talked before thinking and the pout disappeared while her face turned more into a cherry. Before she could apologise however, Kojiro already chuckled. "That's the spirit." For a moment his eyes softened a little. "Something tells me you're gonna go far, kid!"

Kimiko's eyes grew widely at the praise and once again she gasped. "I-" "Be sure to prove to me that my assumptions are right. Not slacking off." Kojiro's tone returned to the strict one. But Hinako was quick to giggle. "He likes you already."

Kojiro only rolled his eyes and turned to Hiroshi. "We are still busy however and I believe you two should go and savour your reward." "Oh! Uh...sure uncle Kojiro. Thank you for the time!"

Kimiko made a quick, hectic bow. "It was my honour to meet you two."

Kojiro looked back to her and replied. "The pleasure was mine." Hinako gave an energetic nod. "Certainly! I am glad to see that my most precious, adorable godson has such a cute friend!"

The couple watched as the two teens left, for the most part in silence. Then Kojiro spoke up. "Can you believe that that brat does not seem it necessary to give any life signal from him but still drags his family into my restaurant when I am not there?!" Hinako smugly smirked. "You're making it sound like you're annoyed by it when really you're overjoyed. Hm? Kojiro?"

"I hope his daughter is not half as annoying as he was." Kojiro only gave back as he adjusted his glasses. Hinako snuggled closer to him. "Do you think our son is going to like her?" "Does our son like anyone?" "My son is still more socially advanced than you are, Kojiro!" "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hiroshi and Kimiko didn't had any of that as they were near the hall again.

However before they entered, Kimiko had to do something. "Hiroshi-kun, thank you." She said earnestly. Hiroshi only turned his head to her in slight surprise. "Eh? Oh...no problem. It was no big deal."

Kimiko smiled. "It was still an unbelievably nice gesture from you."

Hiroshi blushed slightly. "It...It was my pleasure introducing you to them, Kimiko-san really."

Kimiko laughed. "If you ever want a talk with the headmistress or the genius of Seafood, call me up! I can arrange that. But those two are sadly the only VIPs I know." Hiroshi returned the laughter, albeit his was softer and shyer. "Don't make it sound like I have a network of connections."

"But isn't that the truth?" Kimiko grinned but it turned out to be a rhetoric question as right afterwards she exclaimed. "Well whatever, let's go and celebrate!"

Hiroshi warmly replied. "Right behind you." And the two returned to their table.

Hmm... Kimiko thought to herself. Totsuki might not have been such a bad idea after all.

—

Meanwhile on Totsuki, Hiraku Yukihira lowered his finger after having a taste of his newest creation. "It's complete." He then stated flatly.

Afterwards he made a turn to Akio anxiously playing with his fingers. "I am finished and perfectly prepared." Hiraku informed.

"Not to doubt your excellence, Hiraku-sama..." Akio began unsurely. "But do you really want to go through with this? There's still time to submit cancellation."

"I would look like an idiot then." Hiraku replied which made Akio flinch instantly in fear he insulted the redhead. "I don't understand why you are so worried. I've taken on a good number of third years already."

"But that one is different." Akio murmured in a slight attempt to still justify his worries.