Alright guys, so I went pretty hard last chapter so this chapter will feature the dreaded exposition! Ill try to make it interesting, but a lot of this is necessary to move the story into the next phase. Thanks so much for all the views, and reviews. It really motivates me to keep pumping out chapters.
Chapter 4: In The Spirit Of Competition
The Polar Star gang had all gathered up and prepared to head over to the Elite Council dormitory to meet up with Damian as per his request. Ryō was still clearly grim about their defeat in the shokugeki yesterday, as he didn't say a word to anyone as he begrudgingly went along with the rest. Alice had decided to accompany them as well, for Ryō's sake to ensure he didn't fly off the handle. They arrived outside Damian's door, and were quite nervous to enter.
The Elite Ten dorms were like a grand palace. Maids and staff catered to the entire dorm, and the kitchen area was beyond what you would find in a normal dormitory. The ceilings were very high, and the decor was very ornate. The gang was taken back by the sheer grandeur of it all. Eventually Damian opened the door and greeted them in.
As they walked in, they were taken back by unique decor of the room. It had several modern amenities and a giant American flag on the wall opposite the glass pane doors that lead to the balcony. Also inside was a personal kitchen setup, with state of the art cookware and appliances. The group was amazed at the size of a single room meant for one of the Elite members of the school.
"Welcome, please sit." Damian announced as he pointed to his living room which had a large t.v and two couches setup in an 'L' shape around a coffee table. The group quickly noticed the difference between Japanese and western style amenities, as everything looked modern and spaced out.
"Wow Damian, this room is huge! Its like a personal apartment." Yuki exclaimed, wide eyed at all the unique furniture and various nick knacks.
Damian smiled. "Thanks, I had a lot of this stuff shipped over from America thanks to support from my family. I had to do a little bit of redecorating, as this is one of the few places in Japan that remind me home."
Ryō wasn't phased by all the stuff and quickly said in a disgruntled tone. "So why are we here? What is this demand you have for each of us?"
Alice quickly spoke up for him. "Ryō don't be so callous towards your senior! I'm sorry Damian, he didn't get much sleep last night."
"It's fine, i'm not sure how to begin or where so i'll just be a typical American and be blunt." Damian joked, attempting to settle the tension.
"You mentioned yesterday an explanation was in order. Why did you challenge us to a shokugeki and showcase our match in front of the whole school?" Akira stated bitterly.
"Ah. Yes. Well, to be straightforward: I needed the school to see the level of an elite chef." Damian started.
"So you did it just to feed your ego, by challenging first years to a match that was completely in your favor?" Akira answered back sharply.
"Uh, no. No, not to feed my ego haha. I did it to showcase the level of talent an Elite Member at this school, compared to the skills of a first year so every student could understand the skill required to defeat an Elite Member in the academy. Many of you are prodigies in your own right, and have so far in your careers been at the top of your class and haven't been exposed to someone who is more practiced and adept at competitive cooking. It's not to say that you aren't skilled, I've examine this group closely and I believe you all have the talent to be Elite's someday." Damian answered calmly.
"Why do you care so much about our skills though? You're already in top tier of chefs at this school?" Yuki asked.
"As an American, I was told that Japanese school structure was very different than what I grew up in back home. I was told senior students are looked up to as role models and mentors for the younger class-men, modeling academic and ethical excellence. The truth is, there are some in this academy who want abuse the system this academy has to turn down and discourage chefs from realizing any hidden potential they have through fear."
"What do you mean, abuse the system?" Megumi asked.
"This school fosters hidden talent within chefs by creating a stressful atmosphere where excellence and perfection are demanded at all times. On top of this, they are also required to compete against one another to further challenge them to rise to the occasion. This system has for many years produced the very best of chefs and its why I wanted to attend Totsuki. However, this system can be exploited to target potentially great chefs and remove them from the school to lessen the amount of competition from the academy. This abuse of the system, goes against the very essence of competition and unfairly 'stacks the deck' against student chef's. To truly be the greatest, you have to showcase your best versus the best. This can't be achieved if the best are cheated out of their opportunity." Damian answered.
"What do you mean though. Who is rigging the system?" Yukihira asked.
"The Elite Council have just voted in a new rule that would allow members of the council to challenge any student in the school, at any time, to a shokugeki. This rule also allows them to set the criteria for the match and the presiding judges are also picked by the council. The stakes can range from anything, even expulsion." Damian answered.
"What!? The director wouldn't allow for a rule like that, Senzaemon has always been about fairness and the spirit of competition." Alice said abruptly.
"Unfortunately, the director cannot override the decision of the Elite council." Damian answered.
"But Erina wouldn't go along with that scheme, and what about you? How could you approve of this?" Alice snapped.
"The council votes on all matters, and each member gets a vote. If there is a tie, the vote is settled by the director himself. When they proposed the resolution it passed six to four. Myself, Erina, and two others opposed the proposition and we would have had a tie if not for Satoshi's removal last year." Damian stated.
"How did you get removed from the Elite Council? You mentioned it before, but never went into detail." Megumi asked as she turned towards Satoshi.
Satoshi looked down, with a bitter face. "Tsozin Ikaharu."
"Tsozin Ikaharu?" Yuki asked.
"Tsozin Ikaharu is a self entitled brat, whose father donates a large amount of money each year to the Shokugeki Administration Bureau. He is a vile and narcissistic man, that uses his fathers position to get what he wants from other chefs in the academy." Ryōko said in a spiteful manner.
"What did Tsozin do Satoshi?" Yukihira asked.
"Tsozin Ikaharu is a skilled chef, but he doesn't do it for the honor. He just uses his skill to boost his ego and torment others to get his way. In his first year he cheated his way onto the council, and in his second year made it to the third position. That's when Damian beat him in a Shokugeki, to knock him down to fifth place. I was eager to climb the ranks and wanted to challenge him as well. However, Tsozin learned from his shokugeki with Damian that he could not rely on neutral judges or public showcasing. He goaded me into a shokugeki, that would be determined privately and only faculty were allowed to attend. His skill in cooking is the ability to create a dish that caters specifically to each judge. He is known as "The Charmer," and by doing this, creates an unintentional bias within the judges mind. On top that he also hand picks certain judges that he knows and can cater to them specifically. This underhanded tactic nullified my entry and the terms set in the shokugeki was that the loser had to step down from the council." Satoshi said in a bitter voice.
"That's not right, that's cheating! Judges wouldn't play favorites, its against the ethical practice set by the Shokugeki Administration Bureau!" Zenji stated.
"He circumvents the rules by creating an unintentional bias. A person cannot help if they are served their favorite dish, no matter how fair and neutral they may be. Plus, when he gets to determine the judges, they are usually ones that have special favors from his father. Since his father donates such a large donation to the bureau, many judges turn a blind eye to this corruption for the sake of appearances. They blackball anyone who tries to expose this farce, and make them lose all credibility essentially destroying their career." Damian pointed out.
"So the council just voted in a new system where an Elite Member could challenge any student to a shokugeki, and set all the criteria and standards and select the judges and stakes of the competition? With that power, and even having a corrupt hand in the judges determination they could potentially humiliate or expel any student they wanted!?" Nikumi exclaimed.
"Yes. This is why I challenged you three to a shokugeki. The students at this school need to be aware of what an Elite Member is capable of so they have at least a fighting chance to win in this new rigged system. However, it will not be enough. That's why I need your guy's help. My hands are tied on the council, and the only reason I haven't been removed is because as a senior, and rank three, I can refuse any shokugeki that challenges my position." Damian answered.
"So why haven't you gone public with this, and expose them for this ethical violation?" Ryōko asked.
"Because I am an international foreigner. Tsozin's father has ties to powerful people in the Japanese government. If I were to challenge the honor of the Shokugeki Bureau, and Japan, it would be a great embarrassment for my family and my country. Especially when they can deny all my claims. I can't be the one to stop this, the only way to end this conspiracy is to beat them at their own game. That's why I had to battle you three, and that is why I need you to complete your task before this school year ends. You are the new generation of chefs at Totsuki. Its integrity and honor needs to be restored, and all of you here have the potential to correct the failings of the Elite Council." Damian stated.
"So what can we do then? If the system is rigged against us, how can we beat them?" Akira asked, mulling over the conversation so far.
"In our Shokugeki, I gave you all one condition if you lost. To fulfill a single demand I give to you, to be completed by the end of this school year. Like I said, you all have great potential but there is something missing that is holding you back. I have studied your battles closely and I think I have identified what it is that will draw out your true potential. You all will need each other, and need to work together to help each other grow as chefs and as students. I need Ryōko and Satoshi's assistance to help out some of the struggling seniors in our class. It would be devastating to be so close to graduation, only to be ousted by a corrupt system. We will be around help when we can, but you all have to rely on each other for support. After battling you three I know you can do it!" Damian said.
The group sat silent for a second trying to absorb everything Damian had talked about. Could it be true that Totsuki's honorable shokugeki system was now in the hands of corruption? What could first years do to stop this? How would they go about accomplishing this task? As the group sat silent, Satoshi stood up and faced towards Damian.
"I think you are right Damian, I believe we can change this school. I'd be glad to fight alongside you and restore honor to the senior class and council that has made a mockery of this academy!"
"Yes, I cannot stand by while this horrible betrayal of integrity and spirit of cooking goes on. I will help you as well." Ryōko said confidently as she got up to stand next to Damian and Satoshi.
In a surprising fashion, Ryō was the next to stand up and his fists were still clenched but he stated in his usual aggressive tone. "My whole life I have worked hard to survive in the kitchen, disciplining myself to always be perfect through sheer skill and prowess. This Tsozin Ikaharu defiles everything I have endured, and insults the true passion of a champion. I won't be beaten by that sort of scum."
Inspired by everyone's words, the rest of Polar Star gang stood up and nodded their heads. They knew that everything they believed in was being undone by corruption. To them, cooking was a passion and way of life. To have the integrity and honor of competition being abused, ignited their passion to be better.
"Before you guys go, I just want to say one more thing. Although this news has come suddenly, do not forget to be normal students. Many of your classmates will not understand what is going on, and you also have to enjoy your first year at this academy. I'm sure you will find a way to save this school, but don't forget to live as well. Things will happen in time as they need to, so no need to go rushing in. Think carefully about your next move and always have each others backs." Damian announced as the gang was getting ready to leave.
Damian continued. "For you Ryō, my demand to you is: find something more than the being the best. Your past molds who you are but it doesn't have to define you. Find the true nature of where your passion stems from, and embrace it. As for you Akira, don't isolate yourself from people. You will find that a chef is not hindered by those around them, but enhanced by them. A lone wolf may be strong, but a wolf pack is much stronger."
"What about me? You said all three of us had to fulfill a demand." Yukihira asked, feeling as if he was missing out on some greater insight.
"Yes, Yukihira I want to speak with you alone. When the others leave, I will give you your demand as well." Damian smiled as he walked towards the kitchen.
The rest of the group was on their way out to reflect over Damian's words. They realized that things around them weren't as they seemed. Akira departed from the group to go meet up with Jun, and possibly ask for her advice on the situation. Ryō and Alice also left, heading back to Alice's dorm to talk about Damian's demand. The rest of the Polar Star dormitory walked in the direction of their dorm, waiting to settle down and have a nice lunch and talk about the next step. Nikumi however waited outside, waiting for Yukihira so he didn't have to walk alone.
Yukihira entered the kitchen, his mind revolving with questions. He was thinking about his match the other day, thinking about the revelation about the school and also wondering what Damian had to say to him. He pulled up a stool and sat at the kitchen counter, as Damian was setting a pot of tea on the stove.
"Yukihira Sōma, I am sure you are anxious to hear what I have to say. But first, how is your father doing? Jōichirō, right?" Damian said as he added the tea leaves.
Yukihira replied with a shocked expression. "You know who my father is?"
"Hehehe. Of course! Our families have quite the history, though you and I have never met. Did you know my father and your father were best friends, and rivals at Totsuki?" Damian answered.
"No, my father never mentioned any of his friends. He never told me anything about Totsuki, or the Thomas family to be honest." Yukihira said.
"Hmmm... Well your father is a private man, and quite eccentric too. In fact, your father visited mine not too long ago."
"Really? How did they meet?"
"My dad said that Jōichirō and him were competitors at the Autumn Elections in their first year. My dad beat your dad, and thus Jōichirō worked day and night to best him. Eventually it became a long held rivalry in which they battle back and fourth with the score favoring your dad by one match. My dad learned a lot from your father, and said that he was probably the best unknown chef in the world."
"He said that about my dad?"
"Yeah, I've seen your dad cook first hand and I realized you have the same methods. You emulate more of your father than you realize. Although I expect you probably have never beat him in a match have you?"
"No, I haven't. I always get really close, but he always has an extra trick up his sleeve that gets me every time."
"You see Yukihira, that's not true at all. It isn't a trick he has, its the thing you are missing."
"What do you mean?" Yukihira questioned.
"Well, my dad taught me an important lesson about cooking that he learned from your dad. Do you remember anything about your mother?" Damian asked bluntly.
Yukihira looked down for a moment, then answered solemnly. "No I don't. She died when I was very young but I know my dad named our restaurant after her. I carry her last name instead of his, to honor her memory."
"Ah, yes of course. You see my dad told me the secret to cooking is 'to meet a woman to devote all your cooking to.' Something he learned from your dad. After that bit of advice, my dad became one of the best at Totsuki. He too, was also an international student and ever school break he got, he would return home to show my Mom the new creations he had learned. After he graduated, they opened up a steakhouse and got married. Eventually my dad's steakhouse turned into a chain franchise. However, my Mom and Dad still cook at the original steakhouse and she always gets the first and last meal of the day."
"I've heard that before. My dad told me something similar before he sent me to Totsuki."
"So you already knew then? You see Yukihira, you have great skill and technique in your cooking. Your father has built in you a perfect foundation. However, the thing you lack isn't necessarily skill related, but more, personal related. You see Yukihira, nothing in life is made with excellence without purpose. You don't have a purpose Yukihira, and thus far have only excelled on the foundation your father built. Your true potential is hidden behind a secret passion waiting for you to unlock it."
"I have passion though. To be better than my father! To serve the best food and satisfy everyone who eats it."
"Those are ambitions Yukihira. You can be passionate about ambitions Yukihira, but its only an end. If you become the best, where does your passion go next? You'd want to stay the best, but the desire to be something you already are loses steam after its accomplished. The best swordsmen in the world aren't the best because they desire to be, they are best because their passion is the sword."
"I don't understand, what does that have to do with my purpose or identity?"
"Yukihira Sōma, when you discover a goal that is never ending and devote your life to it, it becomes a staple of who you are. You will never truly complete your goal, but it will always propel you to complete it. What truly demands absolute perfection is knowing that you are cooking for someone that you would give nothing less too. That's not an easy thing achieve on pure skill alone."
"But... how do I find someone to devote myself too? Where do I find someone?" Yukihira asked innocently.
"Hahaha. My young friend, that is a question many have pondered over endlessly for years. You see Yukihira, finding that someone will happen without you even knowing it if you allow it to happen. You see many people try to force it, and others ignore the obvious. When you realize that spark, the beginning of your goal, you'll know exactly what to do."
"You said that you would tell me your demand for me. What does all this have to do with that?" Yukihira asked, trying to change the subject.
Damian laughed. "Yukihira my friend, my demand to you is to find a girlfriend!"
Yukihira sat silently stunned. Satoshi said Damian was eccentric, but this just boggled his mind. For a moment, Yukihira believed that Damian had great insight and some profound words of wisdom that would help him to become a better a chef. This had to be a joke, Yukihira thought himself.
Yukihira thanked Damian for his words, and quickly shuffled to the door hoping to just forget their conversation. He did find it interesting that Damian knew his father, but his demand was just bizarre. Ryō and Akira got words of wisdom, and Yukihira was told he had to find a girlfriend. It makes sense, that he would tell him to find a girlfriend after his long speech about passion and devoting yourself to someone. But that couldn't be the answer could it?
As Yukihira walked out the door he noticed Erina walking down the hall. Yukihira knew she was on the council, by what business did she have them today? Yukihira flashed her smile as he said.
"Hi Erina, what are you doing here?"
Erina looked at Yukihira with a puzzled look on her face. "I should ask the same! These are the Elite Council dormitories, what are you doing here?"
"Damian wanted to speak with me about our match yesterday and gave me some strange advice. He also told me some things I should be prepared for that are coming up." Yukihira responded.
"Damian told you, you should be prepared for what?" Erina asked sharply as she narrowed her vision onto Yukihira.
Yukihira brushed his back of his head and smiled nervously. "Uh... just that he was surprised I didn't have a girlfriend. Haha."
Erina looked at Yukihira with suspicion. "You don't have a girlfriend?" She asked.
"Ahaha, no." Yukihira said, now completely uncomfortable to the situation.
Erina thought to herself for a moment "Yukihira is really popular now among the first years, I wonder how many girls will chase after him now?" She felt a slight sense of intrigue before she shook her head out of embarrassment for thinking such a thought.
"Yeah well, I gotta get going back to dorm now. See ya later!" He said as he quickly turned and shuffled away.
Erina looked at Yukihira as he left towards the front door, and felt herself smile at the thought of Yukihira. This immediately caused her to slap herself for thinking about a commoner in such a way. Though she had to admit, after his performance yesterday he did seem quite interesting.
Yukihira burst open the door, and shuffled down the steps ready to make his way back to the Polar Star Dormitory. He heard a familiar voice call his name, which forced him to turn around.
"Yukihira! Wait up!" Nikumi said as she peeled herself off the wall, as she had been waiting for Yukihira the whole time.
"Hey Nikumi, what are you still doing here? I thought you left with the others?" Yukihira asked shyly.
"Well... I didn't think you should walk home alone, so I waited for you and then I thought it was such a nice day that maybe you'd want to get some tea from the café in town?" Nikumi said hesitantly as she tried to conceal her nervousness.
"Uhm, I would Nikumi but Damian really laid a lot on me in there. I gotta go back to the Dorm and think about a few things. I'm sorry, maybe another time?" Yukihira answered.
Nikumi looked down, as she felt slightly sad at Yukihira's rejection. She tried her best to brush it off as she answered. "Okay! Well, I'll see you guys around then!"
Yukihira saw Nikumi's face, and felt bad about rejecting her offer. He was being too selfish and frazzled about his conversation with Damian to realize she waited outside for him the entire time.
"Wait Nikumi, we don't have to go the café but its a little ways to the dorm if you want tag along. I'm sure everyone will be glad to have you around, and we gotta have each others backs right?" Yukihira said with an emphatic smile, trying to show his sincerity.
Nikumi lifted her head up and nodded. She made her way next to him and together they started walking towards the dormitory.
Alright! Wow exposition overload. Holy goodness, I am sorry. I know it wasn't very eventful, but I needed a way to set up the stage for all the plot points moving forward. I know some of the dialogue is cheesy and gimmicky but it kinda helps with the character development I have in mind. Also, I know Yukihira isn't exactly like he's portrayed in the Anime and my excuse for writing the characters this way is its really hard to capture Yukihira's mannerisms and attitude when the story requires a little more maturity. But hey its not fan-fiction for nothing right? Again thanks for all the continued comments and support, hopefully you like the direction its going. Next chapter will kinda clarify the pairings for you romantics out there, and it will also introduce our villains of the story.