Welcome back guys, I am on a roll and inspired by fire to continue this story going. Once again, things will start to develop more in this chapter, and we'll find out an interesting revelation about Damian and why he chose Sōma to a shokugeki. Thanks again for reading, and hope you enjoy!
Chapter 3: Secrets Revealed
Sōma and Nikumi arrived at the Polar Star Dormitory, entering the dorm to see everyone settled around the table eagerly awaiting to hear Nikumi's grand idea for the American cuisine that they could present at the shokugeki. As Sōma sat down, Nikumi decided to finally reveal her idea.
"So I was telling Yukihira that I have traveled to America a few times and have been to a few few different areas in the country. On one particular trip I remember, he took me to a large festival called Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It was an amazing festival, and the food they served was really interesting and I remembered the name of one dish I think you guys could really succeed at. It's called Jambalaya." Nikumi proudly announced.
"Jamabalaya?" Yuki said with an inquisitive look on her face.
"Of course Jamabalaya, a dish that was influenced by the Spanish dish: paella. Since saffron wasn't available, a staple ingredient in paella, tomatoes were substituted. Overtime the French influence in Louisiana became strong and they added spices from the Caribbean Islands to this new paella, and the dish developed its identity on its own right in America. So it originates from America, in Louisiana. It has a unique cultural cuisine, as they refer to Jambalaya as a cajún dish and it is usually made with various types of meats, spices and fish combined with unique cooking techniques to involve a variety of possibilities!" Zenji stated, as if he were an expert on the subject. He couldn't believe he didn't remember the dish before, but hearing Jambalaya jogged his memory.
"So there is a dish that involves spices, fish, and unique cooking adaptations that is also original to American cuisine!?" Megumi said, repeating the obvious.
"That's it! That's our dish we are going to make at this Shokugeki as it will combine all our cooking strengths and adheres to the guidelines." Sōma said.
"Awesome you guys! If there is anything you guys need, well be around to help." Ryōko said, with a light smile.
"We will require absolute focus, and intense trials to perfect this Jambalaya and experiment with the various cajún spices. Combining our strengths together, we very well may give Damian a run for his money. This meal combines all our greatest strengths, with our only disadvantage being our lack of familiiarization with American 'cajún cooking'." Akira announced.
"Yeah we may need your guys' help as well. Alice could give us some insight with her gastronomy knowledge to know which cajún spice pairings go well together. Yuki can help by telling us which varied types of wild animals will have an impact on the outcome of cooking. We have four days to prepare, let's get started!" Sōma declared.
The three boys went with the entire group out to the market, to buy all the ingredients they needed to make their Jambalaya. Several spices couldn't be found in the local markets, but luckily Jun had nearly every spice known to man in her laboratory and Akira was reluctant to give them up. Ryō's knowledge of fish helped them decide how they were going to make their Jambalaya, and Sōma's creativity on how to layer the dish with subtle ingredients really played a part in their decisions. Meanwhile, back at the dormitory Zenji was studyimg heavily on the history of Louisiana cuisine, common techniques and well known styles of prepairing cajún food. Everyone was working hard the first two days and were really satisfied with their progress. Much to Ryō's annoyance, Fumio insisted the boys take a break from all their experimenting and testing so as not to burn themselves out before the match.
Reluctantly accepting Fumio's words, Ryō decided to walk out into the backyard of the dormitory. He noticed a short ways from the patio was a single cherry blossom tree, gently swaying in the cool autumn breeze. Underneath the tree was a small bench and he decided to sit there for a moment and meditate on all his work during the school year to this moment.
Megumi was on her way back from the small creek a short distance from the dormitory. As she walked towards the house she saw Ryō sitting on the bench beneath the cherry blossom tree, arms folded and in deep concentration. She hesitantly approached Ryō, unsure of his reaction towards her.
"Ryō, I did not expect to see you out here." Megumi said softly.
Ryō looked up at Megumi with a sharp gaze "I thought i'd be alone out here. I need to be alone, to concentrate on my match. There can be no mistakes this time. I will prove that I am the superior chef, and once we defeat the senior chef Damian, I will prove to everyone I am better than Akira Hayama and Yukihira Sōma."
Megumi thought for a moment, as Ryō's cold demeanor sent a slight chill in the cool autumn breeze. "I don't mean to be rude but why do you want to be the best? You sacrifice so much, push yourself to limits of extreme exhaustion and never seem to be content on your victories."
"Hmph! Why should I take pride in a victory, where I know I am clearly better? The best has no time to revel in such miniscule matches. To discipline myself to the extreme, is what makes me superior and any chef who doesn't do the same is not deserving to be the best." Ryō snapped.
"How can you be so dismissive of your opponents? They work hard too, and give their best to compete as well." Megumi answered.
"Clearly their best isn't good enough! Too often do these wannabe chefs belive their mediocre talent, can rise above the standards of excellence. It's paltry to revel in a victory over such a feeble attempt. If you are not willing to give everything to be the best, then you don't deserve to be considered a worthy opponent. I will never be second best, not ever." Ryō said in an anggravated tone, as he clenched his fists.
Megumi heard his words, and felt a slight bit of anger as she raised her tone to match his. "How can you be so arrogant! You think that because you defeated someone they are beneath you and unworthy of your time? How can you be so callous and cold, in our match I gave everything I had and I know I didn't win, but im still here and I still want to be better. Just because I lost doesn't mean I'm worthless. I have dreams and ambitions and work hard myself, to dismiss all that is just horrible!"
"You wouldn't understand the harshness of reality, since I was young the kicthen was my battlefield. Chefs constantly working to undermine you, to take over your position as the head chef. I always had to go above and beyond, make a statement in my victory that it was futile to challenge me as my superior skills could jot be overtaken. If I lost, if someone attempted to best me, I'd lose everything. That kitchen was my only way of life, and I had to fight daily or else i'd be left all alone with nowhere to go. I cannot be defeated, winning is all I have." Ryō shouted angrily, as his fists clenched tighter and his face became red.
Megumi stood in silence, before she answered in a more collected manner this time. "That's not true. Winning isn't all you have. You have people who care about you, who root for you to succeed. You have people who push themselves to be better so they can one day be your equal, or even surpass you. No one denies your talent Ryō, but you winning isn't everything. If you don't take a moment to see all that you've accomplished, you'll never be satisfied with victory."
Ryō's dark passion, was hit by the rushing wave of Megumi's soft reasoning. For a moment, he was speechless as he thought of what Megumi had said. In that moment he looked at Megumi and saw her blue braids draped over her yellow sundress with a the white fleece to cover her arms. Her yellowish brown eyes covered by a shadow from her wicker sun hat. Ryō saw a light aura around Megumi, her gentle kindness pushing back his aggressive passion only for a moment.
"I have no one. I need no one. I will never be no one." Ryō said as he turned towards the dormitory and started walking.
Megumi stood there watching him leave, and she felt empathy again for him. For someone raised in such a harsh enviroment, it could not have been easy. She could not deny his passion, or his skill; yet she felt sorry for him. She could not understand how he believed he was alone when Alice was always at his side cheering him on, and cooking with him everyday. Megumi felt that this match could be a way to open Ryō's eyes, and see that there are more people who want to see him do better. To herself, the very least she could do was be a friend for someone who felt all alone.
Satoshi and Yukihira were sitting in the living room enjoying tea with Nikumi and Akira. Both Akira and Yukihira looked stressed as they have been working hard non stop to perfect the Jambalaya, trying various spices and arrangements to the dish. They felt they were getting close, but they still needed an extra kick to bring home the flavor and qualities of a dish one would find in Louisiana. As they were discussing various topics, Akira asked Satoshi.
"What do you know about Damian? How did he become such a high level member of the Elite Council?"
"Yeah, when he came to the dorm it didn't seem like you guys were really close." Nikumi pointed out.
"You both were on the Elite Council at one point, is there anything you can tell us that might help us in any way?" Yukihira also asked.
Satoshhi leaned forward, thinking about how to answer. "Damian, is eccentric. Like any American, he does things that are strange to Japanese custom and is very outspoken. Since he is American, alot of our girls take interest in him and alot of the guys despise him because he is American. I competed against him in our first year at the Autumn Elections in the semi-finals. Our dish was Yakisoba, a simple meal that relies heavily on the spices and potency of the sauce. The sauce he used for Yakisoba was custom made, and overpowered my recipe which used a mix of worcester and soy sauce with aonori and pickled ginger. This was how he earned the nickname 'sauce master.'"
Satoshi continued. "After that, I continued to improve my skill hoping to beat him if we ever faced off again. He was my rival, all throughout my first and second year. During the Christmas showdown, Damian managed to challenge a member of the Elite Ten, number seven: Kagari Tsukino. Thats when he became part of the council. It wasn't long until I became number ten, but by then Damian manged to climb to fifth rank. During the summer finals, Damian challenged the third seat of the Elite Ten and won in an absolute victory."
"Damian is an ingenuitive chef, and knows how to make seemingly simple dishes, extraordinary. We battled off the record a few times while we were on the council, and he currently has me by one match. That was before..." Satoshi paused, and then quickly changed the subject.
"Anyways, Damian is a powerful competitor and it will take the very best of you three to beat him. As far as I know of him, he always has an underlying reason for everything he does. While on the council, during our meetings he was very blunt and straightforward but always had an exterior motive in play." Satoshi finished.
"So there must be a reason he decided to outright challenge us to a shokugeki?" Akira asked, thinking deeply.
"I've never known Damian to not have a reason for doing something. I'm not sure why he has decided to challenge you, but..." Satoshi started, but quickly disregarded to finish his statement.
"Satoshi, how come you're not a member anymore?" Yukihira asked.
Satoshi looked at Yukihira, and put on a slight grin. "Don't worry about me, you guys have an important match in two days. Don't underestimate your opponent, you have to give it absolutely everything you have."
Satoshi got up and stretched for a moment, then headed on upstairs. Normally he was very relaxed and chipper, but he also knew there were larger things at play within Totsuki. Even Satoshi didn't know why Damian would challenge first years to a Shokugeki. Furthermore, Satoshi was bitter about not being on the council anymore and had a slight sense of hope the boys could win the match. As Satoshi walked to the stairs, Fumio said something that stopped him.
"Why don't you tell them what's really going on?"
"They need to focus on this match, they don't need to be burdened with knowledge that could cause them to lose focus." Satoshi said with a stern face.
"You know it's not right what he did, you know how dangerous he is." Fumio said grimly.
"Unfortunately this is the way the academy works, and slimeballs like him can flourish in this system." Satoshi answered back.
"I hope Damian knows what he is doing, its a shame he doesn't come around anymore. You two always had a blast competing against eachother." Fumio said.
"I believe in those boys, they are exactly what this academy needs." Satoshi said as he walked towards the stairs. As he walked away, he muttered a thought to himself. "Tsozin... you'll get what's coming to you. All of you and your goons will."
The last two days were busier than ever as Akira, Ryō and Sōma were finalizing their Jambalaya to be served at the shokugeki. As the other residents tested their food, they were all pleasantly satisfied but Satoshi and Ryōko commented that it wouldn't be enough. At that moment, Yukihira added an extra ingredient to the meal and everyone was blown away by the impact it had. This could be the extra punch, to overcome Damian in the shokugeki.
The day of the shokugeki had come, and the whole school was in attendance from the staff and all the seniors and second years as well as the first years. This was a huge event, as the Autumn Elections were thrilling enough, this event would kick off the events to come during the winter trials. As the boys were in the waiting room, with the rest of Polar Star Dormitory, along with Nikumi, standing with them to offer support.
As they were all deeply focused, they heard a knock on the door. It was Erina. Everyone questioned why Erina was showing up when the match was only minutes away.
"Erina, why are you here?" Ryō asked bluntly.
Erina huffed. "This is a match between first years and a senior. As a first year it is my duty to cheer on my fellow classmates."
"Oh well thanks, we're ready to compete and I'm sure we will win." Yukihira said confidently.
Erina chuckled slightly. "Damian is an Elite Ten member, number three at that. This will not be like any challenge you've had before. Today you will see what it truly takes to be considered elite."
"We have no intentions of losing today, three against one is great odds no matter how skilled your opponent is. What's more, we are the top three that the first years have to offer excluding yourself of course." Akira said bluntly.
Erina snickered. "Well that's just fine. Don't embarass our class, okay!"
With that she walked out the door. The tension in the room was already overwhelming, but the three boys were unphased by her lackluster attempt to wish them luck. The announcement began, and the boys were called to the arena to begin their showdown.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, today we have a very special unprecedented shokugeki match today! By right as a Senior, Damian Thomas has challenged three first year students Akira Yamah, Ryō Kurikoba, and Yukihira Sōma! The challenger has declared that should he lose, he will forfeit his seat on the Elite Council and the three boys will compete for the open seat. Should the challenger win, the boys will have to fulfill one demand that is given that must be completed before the school year ends. If they don't complete it, they will be expelled from the academy and never to step foot in a kicthen professionally ever again!"
The crowd buzzed with excitement.
"Oooh, what demand would that be? I wonder if it will be embarassing, or even scandalous!"
"An Elite Ten Member forfeiting his seat!?"
"Go Yukihira, Ryō, Akira!"
"Hmph, today will showcase the true power of an Elite Ten. Are these boys ready to rise to the occassion?"
The Announcer continued. "Today's Shokugeki will be a match on American Cuisine with the stipulation that the dish must have a distinct original American appeal. The Judges for today's contest are: President of the Shokugeki Administration Bureau - Takayao Miyazoto, School Headmaster - Senzaemon Nakiri, and our American guest Tom Colicchio the judge of American Reality t.v. 'Top Chef.' Let's all welcome our American guest with honor."
The crowd roared with enthusiam as the match was about to begin. The three boys gathered around their cooking station, laying out their cookware and ingredients. On the otherside Damian too was preparing as he brough out to the arena with him a giant crockpot. As the judges stood up, Senzaemon shouted "Let the match begin!"
The crowd whispered questions amongst themselves as they were curious as to what Damian had in the pot. As he opened the lid, a blast of steam eminated as he grabbed a pair of tongs to life three bags from it. Inside, were three very large juicy peices of pork ribs and what appeared to be a marinated scauce they were sitting in.
The crowd wowed in interest, as the judges too looked on with interest. The announcer spoke again.
"The challenger Damian has revealed his main course to be, pork ribs in a plastic bag soaking in a brownish red sauce." The crowd began asking themselves what is this type of meat, and technique to cook ribs with?
Tom Colicchio stated to other judges. "An american classic dish served in southern states of america. 'Barbeque spare ribs.' Normally to make ribs, you have to let them soak in hot boiling water to become tender and juicy enough to absorb the glaze you put on afterwards. Chef Damian appears to use an unothodox technique of using the hot water to heat the meat, while encased in a plastic bag letting the sauce mixture seep into the meat to create not only a tender rib, but also absorb the strong sauce they marinate in."
Senzaemon chipped in. "Yes, spare ribs are a dish meant to disolve in the mouth being so tender they slide off the bone with ease. This is an intriguing gesture, as with the meat absorbing the sauce instead of just a glaze, the sauce will have a much more powerful effect on the tastebuds."
On the other side, Akira was chopping and mixing several spices. The Announcer chimed in with his process.
"Akira Hayama appears to be working with various spices, his specialty. I see: Cayenne pepper, oregeno, thyme, basil, and garlic! What could these spices be for? Ryō appears to be working with oysters, crab, trout, shrimp, and sea bass! Yukihira appeares to be dicing up vegetables as well: Green bell peppers, sausage, tomatoes, green onions. What dish are these three making to compete with Damians barbeque ribs?"
Tom Colicchio spoke again to the judges. "Ahh, a Louisiana favorite. Jambalya. A stew that uses a various amount of fish and meat ingredients, coupled with similiar amounts of spices to create a spicy, but rich flavor."
Takayao spoke. "These three are using their personal skill set of mastery, to overcome their opponent. Spices, Fish, and Unique blends. I wonder though, can these combine their strengths in harmony, or will one over power the others?"
Senzaemon also chimed in. "Jambalaya, its a unique dish that is unique to the individual who prepares it. What seemed to ve a disadvantage to our young chefs with american cuisine, has now become a strength of their own. An interesting match is before us. The best of the first years, vs a senior elite chef."
The crowd kept buzzing with excitement as Ryō and Yukihira had finished prepping the fish and vegetables. Meanwhile, Akira had just finished the preparation for his spices. Yukihira fired up the stove as he took added butter and the andoille sausage to the pot. As Ryō was carefully shucking the oysters, and adding special glazes to the fish before they were ready to be added to the pot.
On the other side, Damian had just finished chopping his potatoes, and added them to a boiling pot. Next he turned on the grill, and started laying seasoned aspargus on aluminum foul and opened up the contents of the bag and laid them gently on the grill. Suddenly, the entire arena was blasted with a powerful aroma of a sweet spicy flavor. It penetrated the nostrils and the arena was overwhelmed with the aroma. It was so thick, and heavy that you could almost taste the barbeque sauce coating the ribs.
In a complete shock, Senzaemon's shirt was already off. The powerful aroma, captivated the audience and the crowd was stunned in disbelief. The announcer quickly exclaimed.
"Senzaemon's shirt has already been flung off by the sheer power of the barbeque aroma! The smell is so powerful you can almost taste it!"
All three of the judges remarked on the aroma. Takyao thought to himself. "I feel like i'm a cowboy, roaming the open planes of flat prairie on a spring day. Coming home to a heavenly scent as it surroundeds the barnyard." Tom Thought to himself "The Aroma is so enticing, like i'm on a great roadtrip and stop outside a steakhouse and the smeel invites me in to grant me rest from my long travels." Senzaemon thought to himself. "I feel like an outlaw, on the run in the rocky mountains under a bright night sky with a great sense of pride in knowing it is my home."
The announcer spoke again. "So this is the skill of an elite chef, the judges are dazed by the aroma of the barbeque!"
"Tom sooke in again. "This truly captures the themes of the American Southwest, our challenger has perfectly captured a huge part of American culture in his selection and his sauce is reminiscent of days when I was younger visiting family in texas. The barbeque cookouts at family get togethers was always my favorite part of summer. That smell takes me back."
Ryō, Akira and Yukihira were also stunned at the smell of the barbeque. As they stood in a moment of shock, Damian shouted over to them. "A Jambalaya recipe eh? I figured that would be your selection, to utilize all three of your skills in one dish with an exclusive culture known only to a few. I wonder though, what do you truly know about cooking on the bayou? You thought to use Akira's knowledge of spices to create a powerful aroma of cajún spices? I personally would have suggested a chilli bowl dish, but to each his own I guess. Unfortunately for you, barbeque has such a thick glaze when paired with honey and bourbon whiskey. Its scent is unmatched by even the strongest of odors."
Ryō, Akira and Yukihira knew that the scent overpowering the arena could jot be contested. It was such a powerful scent that even Senzaemon's shirt already came off! This part of the battle was clearly won by Damian, and now they understood the weight of the competition. This was the skill of an Elite Chef. Still, the boys knew ultimately taste and presentation won a match. As the vegetables and sausage started to carmelize in the pan, Ryō and Akira tossed in their fish and spices and a second odor filled the Arena.
Although the smell of sausage and butter grease combo mixing with the cajún spices had a powerful scent of its own; the barbeque aroma was still persistent. This showdown was a battle between three knights, and great dragon. The pur power of his skill and strength, required the greatest effort and skill by the three boys. As the dragon clearly had the upper hand for now, they would need to pull together. Still, Yukihira had to prep the secret ingredient to push back the dragon and slay him once and for all.
As the boys stew was near completition, Damian was mashing his potaoes he set boiling earlier, and started adding more herbs and ingredients. The noys, however, were ready to present ther dish and knew that if their dish was tasted first, the complex mixture of spices would sour the glaze of barbeque and lesson the impact of Damian's dish.
"The three first years, Ryō Kurikoba, Akira Hayama, and Yukihira Sōma are bringing their dish to three judges. It's called a Jambalaya, a dish served in the southern state of Louisiana that embraces the culture of creole cajún cooking! Let's see the judges responses."
As the boys presented their dish, the smell of the cajún spices overpowered the barbeque aroma in the air. As the judges inhaled the spicy aroma, they were intrigued to dig in. As they each took a bite of the stew infront of them, they began to revel in pure delight.
Takyao spoke first. "This dish is incredible! What is that spicy mixture, paired with shrimp and sausage and the flavor of the bass and trout mixed in with the soup is like a powerful punch. I feel as if i'm ina swamp, wrestling with a large bass and fighting against it. The sheer overwhelming sensation of swampy smell, but the satisfying taste of knowing my prize is within reach." Akira said as he began to eat more and more of the stew.
Tom Colicchio also added "I like the way this stew mixes well. I can taste three distinct textures in this dish that are paired like a warm feast with friends and family. The spices, excently enriching the flavor of the pure fish and oyster combo. Both of these flavors mixing in with the carmelized vegetables and sausge to give a spicy flavor that burns on my tongue, but is warms the soul."
Senzaemon then spoke. "Yes, what is this hidden flavor I see underlying the entire dish? The mixture of the vegetables, meat, fish and spices are all enhanced by..."
Akira answered. "Cinnamon."
Senzaemon's eyes widened. "Yes the cinnamon's dry flavor, soaks up all the residual oils from the sausage and oysters to distribute evenely throughout the stew created that sweet undertone within the clash of spices! I feel as if I am on journey down a mysterious swamp, riddled with surprises. For a simple swamp, many secrets it beholds as is reflected in this dish." Senzaemons muscles tightened as he was still wearing his robe.
Yukihira spoke. "But the dish is not yet complete! I want you to open the small bowls next to your dish and pour it over the stew."
The judges looked curiously as they opened the bowl to reveal a saucy mixture of some sort. Intrigued the powered it over the stew, and took another bite. Immediately Senzaemon's robe flew off and his bare chest revealed every inch of his muscular physique.
"What is this sauce, that wraps up the entire stew and changes its flavor to a more sweet warming stew? Takyao remarked.
Yukihira spoke up confidently. "Molasses mixed with salt."
Senzaemon answered. "Of course, the molasses' thick oozy texture combined with salt, draws out the hideen spices of Akira to crash over the palete again with a new flavor and warmth."
Tom Colicchio chimed in "Molasses is an ingredient used in cajun cooking to create thick textures to counteract the raw spicy texture that cayenne and onions bring out in a food. The molasses acts as a bond for food seeping deep within the food coating it with ample amounts of salt, to squeeze every flavor hidden in each ingredient so you can taste everything that accompanies this dish. Extraordinary work boys!"
The announcer spoke "The three firstvyears dish has recieved incredible praise from the judges! Our American guest has confirmed this dish represents an American Culture unique to cajun cuisine! Here comes Damian's plate now with his barbeque ribs."
The boys stood confidently as they looked upon Damian's dish. It was simple in its presentation, one full rack of barbeque glazed ribs and a scoop of garlic mashed potatoes and three sticks of grilled asparagus. The crowd also looked unamused at the presentation, as the boys' jambalaya had a unique and interesting look to it.
Damian turned to the boys and confidently stated. "You have impressed me young chefs, clearly you are some of the best your class has to offer. Although you scoff at my dish as it is not as flashy as yours, but watch how simplicity turns into extraordinary."
As the judges hovered over their ribs, the aroma shocked them again. Senzaemon once again had his robe on. The smell of thick barbeque flavor enveloped their senses and enticed them to eat. The meat was redishbrown in color, the sauce glaze making the dish glisten with an appealing look. The judges each peeled off a bone of the rack of ribs, and marveled at how tender it was; like pulling apart wet paper.
All three of the judges took a bite of their ribs, as the crowd was on the edge of their seats. Suddenly, in a loud shock everyone gasped as Senzaemon's shirt ripped off again.
Takyao shouted in joy "This flavor is amazing! The meat melts in my mouth, and the barbeque flavor coats my tongue gently like a warm hug. But what is this?" As Takyao, took another chew and a second wave of euophoria overwhelmed him. This time his face lit up with a bright smile.
Senzaemon also said in his booming voice. "Two different types of barbeque flavor!? Each one leaving an impression, greater than the first!"
"Yes, its called double glazing." Damian began. "You start by creating a marinate for the pork and let it seep in a bag for days so the meat absorbs all the flavor within. Then you slow cook them in a pressure cooker within the bag so the flavor and meat stay the same throughout the cooking process. Then you remove them from the glaze, and set them over a grill to sear the outside just enough so the moisture remains in the meat. Then you add a secondary coating of barbeque sauce different from the first, so the two combine as you chew the pork."
Tom Colicchio asked. "How did you manage to allow the meats flavor to resonate throughout the various flavors of the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors of the barbeque?"
Damian once again answered. "Whiskey."
Senzaemon announced in astonishment. "Using alcohol is a common method for chefs to use to allow meat to retain its flavor. For steaks, a wine normally used as to bleed through the meat ensuring the juices remain within the steak. Pork, however would be overpowered by the wine, and so for poultry one can whiskey as its sweet flavor works more in tune with the nature of pork and chicken."
The judges were blown away by the incredible flavor of the barbeque ribs. The tender, flavor of the quality pork mixed with a sweet barbeque sauce and spicy tangy barbeque sauce overwhelmed them with levels of enjoyment. Suddenly the judges again took note of something else that Damian had said.
"Yukihira, you are not the only one who can enhance a dish even further. I know your technique too." Damian said, as the judges were blown away by the news that the ribs could even be enhanced further! Damian continued. "If you will judges, id like to brush another glaze over your ribs."
The judges eagerly awaited Damian's brush as he glossed over it with a thick yellow substance. The judges again took another rib and began to devour it. Suddenly, Takayao's and Tom's jackets flew off showing only their undershirts. The crowd gasped in astonishment as Senzaemon had already signaled he was ready for a vote.
Tom said. "Honey! The honey turns the barbeque flavor into a completely new type of sauce! The powerful taste of four sauces hovering harmoniously over my palete is sensational!"
Takyao responded. "If the Jambalaya was a harmony of three flavors, the Ribs harmonized with four! Overpowering goodness with each bite, I want more but know I have to cherish each rib as it dissolves in my mouth! The sheer flavor of this dish unmatched!"
Immeadiately Senzaemon called for a vote, and without any dilerbation a verdict was reached. The boys stood next to Damian afraid of what they were about to hear. The crowd also eagerly awaited the judges final remarks.
Takyao began. "In a competition of pure flavor through the use of combination of various ingredients it is clear one dish is superior to the others. While the Jambalaya was incredible and the distinct taste of each ingredient was made apparent, the unison of barbeque held through so that each sauce was unique to itself, and packed with consistent flavor. My vote is for third year, Damian Thomas."
Tom Colicchio announced his decision. "Both contestants really showed the spirit of American Cuisine in their dishes. One representing a unique cajún culture, and another Southwest barbeque. The level of detail in the Jambalaya was very impressive and the dish stayed true to the cajún theme with food for the soul, but the barbeque ribs had more of a splashing impact. The Jambalaya did showcase all the aspects of cajun culture, I commend you boys greatly for accomplishing this task not knowing much about cajún culture, however the ribs left me wanting more. Every bite satisfied my taste buds in a simple meal. The Jambalaya was just overloaded with different ingredients, delicious, but very complex. I vote Damian as well."
Senzaemon rose to adress the crowd. "I too believe Damian is the clear victor in this match. The Jambalaya was crafted excellently utilizing the talents of three very talented skills, but the clash of flavors while not unbalanced, paled in comparison to simple flavors of the barbecue ribs. You boys put a lot into your dish, but American cuisine is simple and easy to understand. Damian's ribs showcased a multitude of flavors, but never distracted from the concept of barbecue. When judging at this level of competition, skill alone is not all that is measured but comprehension of the dish as well. Let this be a note to all upcoming and aspiring chefs, this is the level of an Elite Chef and so it is decided."
The announcer proclaimed. "Damian Thomas is the winner of the Shokugeki! That means the three first years must fulfill a command given to them by Damian before the conclusion of the school year. Thank you all for watching this thrilling match!"
Various thoughts were uttered by the crowd as it roared with amazement.
"So this is the level an Elite Chef?"
"Wow! Those ribs look absolutely delicious!"
"That American is so cool!"
"Unanimous decision without discussion!?"
"Wow, those first years put up a fight. I gotta do better myself."
The Polar Star dorm residents, and Nikumi, all rushed out of the hallway to offer their condolences to the trio. Yukihira, Akira and Ryō all stood in complete shock. It finally occurred to them, they had no chance of winning against Damian. That left the question to be asked. "Why were they challenged in the first place?"
Ryō was clenching his fist and gritting his teeth, as once again he was bested. He immediately wanted to place blame of Akira or Yukihira but understood that he was outclassed by the senior elite member. Yukihira, just sighed and told himself that he learned a great deal from this match and now knew what it took to be an elite. Akira felt the same as well.
Damian turned to the boys, and walked over to speak with them. The Polar Star gang stood behind them, as they all seemed to be shaken up by the verdict. Damian approached them and began to speak.
"Wow! You guys did just about as well as I expected. Now you all must complete an order I give and I know exactly what I want you to do, but first I believe an explanation is required for why this shokugeki needed to happen."
The gang looked over at Damian, and wondered what he could possibly say. Damian continued.
"I want you three to come to my kitchen in the Elite Council dormitory tomorrow, there I will give your commands to be completed. I will also explain my reasons for this shokugeki. You can bring your Polar Star friends as well, and I would be honored if Satoshi could come as well."
With that statement, Damian walked off towards the door as the rest of the gang wondered why he wanted to see all of them at his place tomorrow. Then they all looked to Satoshi, as he spoke.
"So you did have a plan." He muttered. "Its okay guys, we should go tomorrow. Let's go back to the dorm first and settle down, I'm impressed by you guys. Don't take this loss as a defeat, but a learning experience! To become the best, this is what is expected every time."
The rest of the gang walked off as Yukihira stayed back to look around once more, taking in the battle once again. He still wondered about his identity issue, but he had more confidence this time as he knew what an Elite Chef was capable of. Nikumi turned around to see Yukihira, and walked back to accompany him.
"You did fantastic Yukihira, I don't vare what the judges said. You dish look really yummy!" Nikumi said with a smile.
Yukihira felt the sincerity and smiled back "Yeah, this was a great opportunity. Even though we lost, I learned a great deal about this and hope it can help me focus on who I am!"
"Let's go back to the dorm, tomorrow will be quite interesting." Nikumi said as she and Yukihira ran up to catch the rest of the gang.
And so that concludes this chapter! Wow, it was long. I know many might have mixed feelings about the critique of the food battle, but im no expert so I did my best. Hopefully you get the idea. The chapters are going to keep rolling, and coming up we'll figure out why Damian chose Yukihira and his friends. Also more romance subplots to build on! And who is this Tsozin guy? Leave your comments, feedback makes me a better writer and a better writer means a better fulfillment of your time reading!