BLUE
Soma: So how is it Nakiri?
Erina drops the bowl, tears in her eyes, thinking of everything that has happened with her and the redhead. The dish brought her chills yet so much warmth, it was a dish truly never before seen, a dish that tells the story of his growth ever since he started at Totsuki, he has surpassed every expectation and challenge, surpassed the superpowers of the contenders at BLUE, and maybe even surpassed her. Every chef feared of getting swallowed by the storm, even the asura Joichiro, yet this boy walked with a smile, and in that storm, he made this.
Erina thought "truly an odd boy, truly a crazy boy, truly
.
.
.
.
.
A boy I will be glad to admit defeat and be happy eating his creations forever"
All those thoughts rushed in her mind, Soma looking at her with a grin, she smiled at him then looked on at her mother with a determined face.
Soma thought "I've put my heart and soul into this one dish, this dish that represents what I've accomplished, how far I've come, sure I mean I could have improved at home, but Totsuki gave me the eye-opener I needed to become a chef, and without me knowing, gave me a reason to keep going in the storm, to give the best I could possibly give, to be a better chef, to be who I am today, guess what Asahi said after all is true."
Erina opened her mouth after wiping her tears
Erina: Disgusting
Soma then looked on with a smile as she started making her dish, but something was different from this smile and it is a good thing no one noticed.
Result of BLUE
Winner: Nakiri Erina
Runner-up: Yukihira Soma
After BLUE
Soma: Congrats Nakiri, I guess you're still better, well for now anyways. I'm gonna keep training till I make you admit defeat and say my food is delicious, no matter how long it takes.
He extends his hand for a handshake which she accepts
Erina: See if you can Yukihira, no matter what training you do, you will never hear it from me, I am way above a diner chef like you, you are just a commoner compared to me.
The glow in Soma's eyes changed and she noticed, they separated their hands as he opened his mouth
Soma: Man Nakiri, even after all that? Just admit it, my cooking is good. After all, that last dish was especially made for…
He paused for a while
Soma: Never mind
Erina wanted to say something because something was off but she shook her head, choosing to stay silent.
They exited the cooking area and were met with cheers from Senzaemon, Joichiro, Gin, and all their friends from Totsuki.
They all went to the Polar Star Dorm to celebrated their friends' victories. Joichiro and Gin made all the food so that everyone can just enjoy the party, Senzaemon was sitting alone at the table and called for Erina.
Senzaemon: Congratulations on your victory and helping your mother see light in the storm Erina
Erina: Thank you grandfather but I couldn't have done it without their help, they changed my perspective on true gourmet, that made me grow into someone who is not satisfied in perfection, but the story a dish tells.
Senzaemon smiles as his granddaughter talks, knowing she has truly grown into a better than perfect chef.
Erina: And I guess I also need to thank you about something grandfather
Senzaemon: What is it Erina?
Erina: Thank you for reversing my decision of not accepting him here at Totsuki
Senzaemon is surprised to hear those words, normally she would stand by what her initial decision is then she continued
Erina: He was the one who influenced me the most, he helped me with recognizing what I should be grateful for, he helped me against my father, he helped me when I was feeling hopeless against Asahi, he helped me save my mother. In that match, I was confused, scared of what will happen if I can't do it, if I can't make mother hear me with my cooking, but he served that dish and it made me realize that I can, I held myself back with my own clouded judgement, that dish cleared all my doubts, that I can still keep going.
Senzaemon: I am glad to hear that Erina but a question.
Erina: What is it grandfather?
Senzaemon: Why did you say it was disgusting then?
Erina's mouth fell open at the unexpected question, then pondered on why she didn't admit that it was actually delicious
Erina said stuttering "I-I don't know grandfather, I mean I've eaten better food like Saiba-sama's, and I guess um… uh… I guess I don't really know" now looking down with a faint blush on her face.
Senzaemon notices it then just smiles, knowing what his granddaughter may be feeling, he isn't sure but he hopefully wished he was correct. He just scoffs and proceeds to talk.
Senzaemon: Well I guess it can't be helped, if the God's tongue doesn't understand then what can I possibly know about it. Well then I guess I will be heading home now, I still have some business to attend to, enjoy your time here Erina.
Erina bows as Senzaemon leaves the dorm and the party. She joins the others in celebrating, getting praise and congratulations left and right from her friends and she can't help but notice a certain redhead isn't with them. Hisako notices and asks "What is it Erina-sama?"
Erina: Nothing Hisako
Hisako: Are you looking for Yukihira?
Erina stared wide-eyed at her friend as she guessed correctly, she once again began to blush but she responds "Why would I be looking for him? He isn't the star of the night, I am for I am the victor of BLUE". Hisako sighed as she sensed the obvious lie, but just responds "Of course Erina-sama". They both went silent and just listened to the stories of the others at the dorm, she then acts as if she remembered something.
Hisako: Hmmm, I wonder why Yukihira went upstairs to the balcony alone? I wonder why.
She looks at Erina who was acting like she heard nothing. Erina excuses herself from the group then saying to Hisako " I need some fresh air, I will just be at the balcony", as she leaves, Hisako has a smile on her face.