Alright readers, after all that exposition from the first 4 chapters, I'd like to clear some things up real quick as we move forward so you have an idea of what's going on. First and foremost, this story is supposed to be a romance story about Yukihira, and a couple of other characters. As we move forward a lot of minor characters are really going to take a back seat since my whole reason for writing this is to have an awesome journey of self discovery for a few characters within the Food Wars! universe that I just want to write about. I am aware some characters aren't exactly as they are depicted in the manga or anime, but for plot reasons I had to tweak their position and roles a bit. As far as the food battles go moving forward, i'm not an expert on cooking so the really intense battles will be reserved for key moments within the story; so some battles will be generalized. The reason for this is because my creativity is limited in matters of food, so I want the really important battles to be the most descriptive. Lastly, this is rated M because as the romance develops further more descriptive language will be used. Now that the stage has been set for the main story, let's get to everyone's favorite story device: Dramatic Conflict!
Chapter 5: Separation of classes
Yukihira and Nikumi made their way to the Polar Star Dormitory, as Nikumi had a happy smile on her face. Yukihira was still thinking about what Damian had said about the school and his "demand" he had to complete before the school year ended. He thought to himself: "How am I supposed to get a girlfriend?" "How do I know who is the right one?" "Where do I find a girlfriend?" As they opened the door the dormitory, they were quickly intercepted by Yuki who had a look of concern on her face.
"Yukihira, Nikumi, come quick! A formal letter from the Totsuki School Board came in the dormitory mail." Yuki said quickly.
"Really? What does it say?" Yukihira responded.
"It says" 'From this day fourth, a new school rule has been implemented and all students must comply. In order to preserve the quality and high standards of excellence, any member of the Elite Ten Council can request any student within Totsuki Academy to a Shokugeki. If the challenge has been issued from a member of the Elite Ten Council, it cannot be denied. If a student does not wish to accept the challenge, they can request to nullify the Shokugeki which must be approved by a majority vote of the Elite Ten Council. The terms of the Shokugeki are not limited to any specific restraints, and expulsion from Totsuki academy can be a term set by the challenger. All Shokugeki matches issued will undergo the standard three judge observation, and the judges presiding over the match will be determined by the Elite Ten Council. All Shokugeki matches will take place at the discretion of the challenger. Any refusal to participate or comply with this rule will result in an immediate expulsion." Fumio said, as she held the letter in her hand.
"So this is what Damian was referring to. The Elite Ten Council now has the power to challenge anybody to a shokugeki, and essentially expel anyone who fails to win." Zenji said has he adjusted his glasses.
"This isn't fair, someone has to challenge a member of the Elite Council to repeal this rule!" Megumi said out loud.
"Nobody on the Elite Ten would accept a such a Shokugeki, and furthermore the rule only states that challenges issued by a member of the Elite Ten Council cannot be denied. It said nothing of a regular challenge." Satoshi added.
"Why can't Damian challenge someone then?" Nikumi asked.
"Because whoever he challenged would just ask for a vote to nullify the challenge. The Elite Ten Council has a majority vote in favor of this rule. His hands are tied. The best he can do is help me an Ryōko prepare the students to do their best." Satoshi answered.
"So how do we stop this madness? He said that we were the ones to do it. So how do we do it? All he did was give us murky advice at best. He didn't say anything about a plan!" Yukihira replied.
"There really isn't much we can do, except find a way to beat them at their own game. We all have to work together and find a way to challenge them on our terms and then win that challenge." Zenji stated.
"Damian said he needed me and Satoshi to work them. What do you think he meant?" Ryōko asked.
"I assume he wants us to help train the students who get challenged and stall the inevitable match as long as possible. A lot of first years look up to you Ryōko, and I'm a former Elite Ten Member so their is a lot they can learn from us. It doesn't guarantee their victory, but it does give them a fighting chance." Satoshi responded.
"That still doesn't give us an answer on what we are supposed to do! How can we get the rule to be taken out if the Elite Ten Council has a majority favor of it?" Nikumi asked angrily.
"Damian gave us a heads up, he believes that the rest of you are the key to overcoming this. This school is about to become a battleground and you guys are the only ones who can reasonably end this." Satoshi answered.
"Even still, how? The Elite Ten can choose anybody, and possibly expel them or humiliate them. No way they'd accept to overturn a rule that gives them that kind of power." Yukihira stated.
"I know!" Yuki exclaimed. "Why don't we find a way to gather enough support and attention from the outside, so that the Elite Ten has no choice but to accept a proposal that includes overturning the rule?"
"What kind of proposal would accomplish that?" Megumi asked inquisitively.
"If we can gain enough attention, then we can put up an offer so big they would be embarrassed not accept. Say... like... shutting down Polar Star Dormitory for good?" Yuki answered.
"What!?" The group answered in shock.
"We can't bet the Dormitory as collateral for this ridiculous rule." Ryōko said.
"Polar Star Dormitory has an incredible history behind it. As one of the oldest and most prominent buildings on campus, it would certainly hold its weight against the rule." Fumio remarked.
"With enough spotlight from the outside media it just might force the Elite Council to accept the proposal. Furthermore, they would probably go to great lengths to rig the match in their favor. With so much media attention if we win, their entire scheme would be exposed and we could restore the honor of the school!" Yukihira said, as he started to gain confidence.
"Yes, it's a long shot. But before we outright challenge them, we have to be prepared. We have to pick and chose our battles, and all of us have to elevate our skills in the kitchen. If we get the attention of the Council before we are ready, we could lose more than we bargain for." Satoshi answered, as he rubbed his chin in thought.
"So we just let students fall into this trap while we sit around and wait?" Megumi asked with a hint of aggression in her voice.
"No. It's not just standing by idly. Me, Ryōko and Damian will do our best to help those that are affected. You guys will have to band together and improve yourselves to be ready to challenge Tsozin and the rest his cronies when the time comes." Satoshi answered.
"What about Akira, Ryō and Alice?" Nikumi asked.
"We will need their help as well. This will not be a quick endeavor, and we still have classes and other responsibilities to attend to first. I believe if you all work together, you can become good enough to challenge the system and beat it." Satoshi smiled, as he spoke with confidence.
The rest of the group nodded as the conversation concluded. Everyone was in deep thought, as they continued to think to themselves about their current situation. Yukihira was still reflecting on Damian's demand about finding a girlfriend. "Why would he tell me to find a girlfriend when this whole situation is happening?" To Yukihira it didn't make any sense.
Yukihira left the rest of the group, as he went upstairs to his room to think some more. As he laid on his floor mat, he began to reflect on his journey since arriving at Totsuki. He had so many questions like: "Why did his Father send him to this school?" "Why didn't he tell him about Damian?" "What does having a girlfriend have to do with his identity and essence?" "What does 'finding someone to cook for' have to do with making you a better cook?" As he continued to think, he felt lost. He reached into his pocket as took out his phone and decided to try and call his Dad, maybe he could shed some light on his troubles.
As Yukihira dialed the number, it rang a few times before Jōichirō answered. "Hey Yukihira, what do you need?"
"Hi Dad, just had a few questions I wanted to ask you." Yukihira replied.
"What do you need? You didn't get expelled yet did you?" Jōichirō answered with a slight chuckle.
"No, it's not about that. Did you know Damian Thomas is a senior at this school?"
"Oh, Bryan's son? Yeah, hows he doin'?"
"Why didn't you tell me about that when you sent off!?"
"It must've slipped my mind haha, hows things going there?"
"They implemented a new rule, where the Elite Ten Council can basically challenge any student to a shokugeki and have them expelled if they lose. On top of that, students can't refuse and the judges are chose by the council."
"That school up to its dirty tricks again I see. Well, don't you dare loose Sōma!"
"But Dad, what does it mean to have an identity in cooking? I was told by one of the judges that my food has no identity or essence!"
"Well Son, you have to find somebody worth cooking for. I told you that didn't I?"
"Yeah, but how does that help me become a better chef?"
"You'll figure it out Sōma. I gotta run though, don't you ever lose to anybody! You got that kid?" Jōichirō said as he hung up on his end.
Yukihira sat blankly as his conversation with his father went nowhere. Once again, Yukihira was lost as ever. He knew he was good at cooking, but if Tsozin is as dangerous as he is made out to be; He had to be ready for anything.
Yukihira continued to lay on his floor mat thinking about everything. Primarily his thoughts focused on why he had to have girlfriend. He didn't really think about girls before in that kind of way, and had no clue on where to start. He figured if he was going to stop everything going on in Totsuki, he might as well start with finding a girl.
His mind went through all the girls he had met while at Totsuki. There was Megumi, who had beautiful blue braids. Brownish yellow eyes and a cute smile. She was smaller than he was, but she had a unique charm to her that he didn't seem to notice before. The more he thought about Megumi, he wondered if they really could be a couple. He shook his head, as he cast away the thought in disbelief.
Without realizing it he began to think of Erina too. Her long blonde hair, and royal like image. He couldn't help but remember the image he had of her the other day, in her workout clothes. Her pink shirt held tightly to her chest, revealing a very large bust. Her legs were silky smooth and her black spandex shorts outlined her curvaceous butt. Yukihira felt slightly aroused thinking about her until he remembered her light purple eyes flashing a sharp scowl at him.
As Yukihira felt flushed with embarrassment he heard a knock on the door. "Yukihira can I come in?" Nikumi asked on the other side.
"Uhh, sure yeah. Give me a second." Yukihira said quickly as he tried to hide his arousal by throwing on his apron.
Nikumi opened the door as she walked in slowly and closed it behind her. Yukihira couldn't help but notice Nikumi's features as his mind was still reeling from thinking about Erina. Her white jacket was tied up around her bust, revealing her toned midriff. This opening of the jacket parted to expose her ample cleavage and dark purple bikini underneath. She was also wearing her custom knee high leather boots and blue denim short shorts that revealed her curvaceous end as well. Yukihira shook his head, trying to clear his mind of any dirty thoughts.
"What's wrong Yukihira, are you feeling okay?" Nikumi blushed, as she tried to hide the fact that she caught Yukihira staring.
"Oh, nothing. Just have a lot to think about." Yukihira quickly answered brushing the back of his hair.
"You know you have friends you can talk too Yukihira. You just have to ask. We're all in this together remember?" Nikumi replied.
"Yeah, I know. It's just the past week has been really different for me. First the finals match at the Autumn Elections. The , the three way shokugeki vs. Damian. Now, we have Tsozin and the Elite Council to worry about. It's just a lot to take in. I just wanted to cook and prove I'm the best, but now it seems there is much more going on than I really expected."
"I understand. The cooking world can be stressful, but once you make it through it will all mean something right? I mean, it is quite exciting to be part of a super awesome group that has to fight for honor against a corrupt system, right? How boring would it be, if it were just the same as any other school?"
"I guess I never really thought of it like that." Yukihira answered, as felt a slight encouragement from Nikumi. He then asked. "Hey Nikumi, can I ask you a weird question?"
"Uhm, sure! What do you want to know?" Nikumi answered, blushing slightly.
"What do you know about relationships? I mean, my Dad and Damian both told me 'The key to a great cook is finding someone to cook for.'" Yukihira asked bluntly.
Nikumi blushed again "Well, yeah! I mean, when you have someone to cook for you really want to give them the best you have to offer. Just like a couple, it doesn't work if you don't put your best into it right?"
"So you're saying, what Damian really is asking me to do is find a girlfriend that will make me want to put everything I have into cooking?" Yukihira asked, as he began to think.
"It's pretty obvious don't you think. It sounds so romantic." Nikumi swooned. "A chef who puts his whole heart and soul into his cooking for his one true beloved."
Yukihira heard Nikumi's words and 'heart and soul' stuck out in his mind. He thought to himself, "Who would I want to out my heart and soul into my cooking for." Again, his mind recalled to Erina. He has never gotten her to approve of his cooking, and it all finally hit him. Erina is someone who would push him further! If he could create a dish that would satisfy her, then he knew that he would be good enough to challenge Tsozin! Erina was beautiful, and if anyone he'd want to be his girlfriend, she would definitely be it. Push himself to create a dish that would win Erina's heart, by satisfying her. This was the key to his identity. A simple diner chef, working on making a dish to win the heart of a princess!
"Nikumi you're the best! Thank you!" Yukihira smiled widely as he lunged at Nikumi for a hug. "I just have to make a meal so incredible, that Erina can't help but enjoy and she'll realize that I put my heart and soul into it; then she'll want to be my girlfriend! That's the answer to all my problems."
As Yukihira wrapped his arms around Nikumi, her face showed a slight sense of shock and despair. After a brief moment, Yukihira let go and rushed out the door with a new sense of purpose. Nikumi just stood there blankly, as she felt a deep pain envelop in her chest. Her heart sank, and she felt a wave of anxiety overwhelm her body. "But... I love your cooking, Yukihira..." She slightly whispered as her she hang her hang, and felt a deep hole in her heart, the pangs of unrequited affection.
As Yukihira ran downstairs and burst out the door, he ran past Ryō and Alice.
"Hey guys!" He waved, as he bolted right past them.
Megumi peeked out the door and saw Ryō and Alice approaching, perplexed as to why Yukihira was running so fast. Nikumi also walked downstairs, with her jacket off and slung over her shoulder.
"Hey guys, i'll see you guys later." Nikumi said solemnly as she headed for the door.
"Well that was weird!" Alice remarked.
"Hey Ryō, Alice, what are you guys doing here?" Megumi asked, also a bit worried about Nikumi.
"Did you read the letter from school!?" Alice answered in a loud voice.
"Yeah, this is what Damian was talking about. The Elite Council now has the ability to potentially expel students from Totsuki." Megumi answered.
"I had to drag Ryō here, because obviously Damian wanted us to work together to stop all this disgusting nonsense." Alice huffed.
"Yeah, we have the beginning of a plan in mind but it requires you guys and Akira as well." Megumi answered.
"Hmph! Damian is a fool! 'Discover the real place my passion come from.' I said I would defend the honor of this school, but I know exactly where my passion is!" Ryō stated in an aggressive tone.
Megumi smiled awkwardly as she was still intimidated by Ryō's outbursts of aggression. Well you guys can come in if you'd like. I'm not sure if Akira is coming, and I don't know where Yukihira ran off too. Or Nikumi. She looked kinda sad."
"Well, if we need to step up our game then we're ready to get to it. Ryō has been itching for a cook off as he is still sour from his last two matches." Alice said loudly as she entered the dorm.
"If you guys want to cook off, I'm ready." Yuki said as she ran up to the door with a dead chicken and butchers knife in hand.
Megumi's hair flew up as she looked in horror, at Yuki's cynical face. Alice took out her cooking set and prepared her area to battle Yuki.
"We'll have a challenge to make Lunch, the topic. Chicken soup!" Yuki said in a cheeky manner as she stuck her tongue out.
Alice looked over at Yuki with a shocked expression on her face as Yuki chopped the head of the chicken off and seemingly went berserk on skinning the feathers off.
Megumi shut the door, and looked around to find where Ryō went; only to find he was in his customary seat on the couch with his arms folded. She looked at him, and saw an opportunity to overcome her anxious fear of him. She approached him, hesitantly and took breath to build up her confidence.
"Hey Ryō. Uhh... after lunch with Yuki and Alice, do you maybe want to do a dinner challenge." Megumi said as she pressed her fingers together in a shy manner, fearful of his response.
Ryō chuckled to himself "You put up a good fight in Autumn Elections, sure i'll take you on again. But do not think that I will hold back because this isn't a serious match. I won't lose!"
"I wouldn't expect any less, and don't think I won't try my best. I have no intentions of losing either." Megumi said confidently as she held her fist up.
Ryō peeked from his shut eyes to look up at Megumi. Her posture of confidence slightly settled his unbridled turmoil within himself. She was wearing her white jacket, that revealed a modest bust size. Her braids drapdled over he shoulders and ended besides her two modest cups. Ryō's dark passion felt a slight ease, before he quickly closed his eyes and snickered to himself.
Megumi looked down at Ryō, and felt a slight interest in him. She thought for the first time, this was a conversation she had where he didn't rage out at her. She thought of him as a rival, and that perhaps the more they competed, the more he would open up to her and look at her as friend. An even slighter thought creeped in for a moment, maybe he could think of her as something more. She shook her head at thought, and walked off towards the kitchen to see Alice and Yuki devastating the area with ingredients being tossed all over the place. She sighed for a moment, then smiled. She was glad that she was here.
Takumi Aldini was out in the main courtyard of the main campus taking a walk. A lot of students were out amd about, as classes didn't resume until tomorrow. As he was walking towards a bench to sit down and rest for a moment he saw a group walking towards him. The group all had black chef jackets on, with matching pressed pants and shoes. The man standing in the middle had medium white hair that was spiked with dark sun glasses. He had a small toothpick hanging out of the side of his mouth, and his black jacket was trimmed with gold lining around the seams.
Takumi stood up as the group approached and the man in the middle stood before him and spoke out loudly so everyone in the courtyard could hear him.
"Takumi Aldini is it? The Italian born chef who lost his prized Mezzaluna in a shokugeki in an embarrassing fashion. Got beat with your own dish? .Tsk." He said smugly.
"You're Tsozin Ikaharu, Elite Member number five. What do you want?" Takumi asked, in a bitter voice.
"Oh? You talk that way to your seniors? To an Elite chef? I believe you should learn some respect my boy. No doubt you all have heard about the new rule." He grinned with a sinister smile. "As an Elite Member I can challenge you to a Shokugeki! I believe that a student such as yourself, who loses his dignity in competition to someone who made your own dish is not quite the standard we look for around here at Totsuki." He said in a condescending tone, as the group around him laughed.
"What are you playing at?" Takumi responded angrily, clenching his fist.
"Oh, you still have some fiery passion in you do you? Hahahaha. Why don't you regain your honor, and face me in a Shokugeki! It wouldn't be right for someone with no pride to deny a competition where his honor is challenged." Tsozin said pompously.
Without any second thought, Takumi blurted out in anger. "I don't care who you are! Nobody disrespects my honor, as an Italian my pride is unquestionable."
"Oh? Your Italian pride huh? You hear that everyone? He accepted my challenge to a Shokugeki! I wonder what the terms should be?" Tsozin announced loudly, as a sinister look overcame his face. "I know... if Takumi Aldini beats me in a Shokugeki, I will personally gift him with an authentic Italian Mezzaluna and the sincerest of apologies for challenging his pride. Oh...? But what if I win? Then Takumi Aldini must burn a national flag of Italy or excuse himself from Totsuki Academy... permanently." Tsozin said proudly, as he laughed.
Takumi drew back in disgust and horror as Tsozin and his gang laughed at him. The other students around him also looked shocked to hear to the news. Deep in Takumi's mind, he felt a burning anger and fear. If he loses, he would have to insult his heritage by burning his national flag; or, he would have to insult his family by quitting Totsuki Academy. His fist clenched in anger, as the rest of the crowd began to understand that this was the power of the Elite Council.
Alright guys! So dramatic tension sprinkled throughout the chapter, and we finally reveal the scumbag that is Tsozin. For a reference, I imagine Tsozin's voice like a Japanese version of James Spader. Just the most narcissistic douche bag you could think of, that's Tsozin. The Romance plot is starting to build tension. I won't spoil the pairings, but you can tell who it's mainly focused on. Next chapter we will discover Takumi's fate and how the gang reacts, we'll see more of the scumbag Tsozin, Yukihira's plan and Ryō and Megumi's dinner showdown. Thanks for reading, those that follow the story, thank you so much. I really appreciate all the readers, there isn't that many but its enough to keep me going! Any feedback is appreciated, I am willing to flex the story if you have any ideas you'd like to see. *I have to attend my best friends wedding this week, so next chapter will come out later than usual. I know I've been posting every three days, but I got a lot of stuff to do. I promise the next chapter will be out next Wednesday.
Some sidebar comments and info:
-This isn't a Harem romance, so if that's what you expect I am sorry.
-If enough people enjoy this story, I do have a few spin-offs in mind at the conclusion of this story
-I imagine this will be about 12-14 chapters so lots of content still to go
-I've made some modifications to the story, so that it fits well with my narrative so if you read and follow the manga keep that in mind
-I already have the last chapter written so the romance is already set, but if you have some ideas you think could help the story id love to hear them
-Also starting next chapter, I'll answer some of your questions you have in the comments
-Thanks again for reading my story, I don't own any characters or settings portrayed in the writing and it is purely non profit and for creative use only!