Notes:
Happy Holidays Everyone! Zancrowe Here!
I will have an actual Author's Note after the Chapter, have quite a bit to say this time, so if you're interested, stick around for that. But, for now, enjoy the chapter, and take a look at the new stuff on my Profile Page!
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Disclaimer: Don't own Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma.
The sight of his son being called out and reprimanded on stage was enough to make Toshio Sadatsuka seethe with rage, but not so much because his son was being humiliated, by a girl younger than him at that, but rather because his own family name was, with each word the God's Tongue spat, being dragged through the mud. He clenched his fist, but looked on, standing far away from the spotlight, in a secluded area with limited view to the stadium, but a place where neither the camaras, nor the costumed freaks Azami's bastard son had under his employee, could catch him. It was, after all, ill-advised for him to appear in public while this damn event was still not over…
"This couldn't be worse…" next to him, his business partner, Fukuzawa Eizan, could be heard lamenting. "That damn son of mine made a mockery of Julius, and history repeated itself with Azami's student and his son both getting eliminated by those two meddlesome kids I strictly warned him about! Damn it all to hell!"
"…Keep yourself calm Fukuzawa," Toshio voiced, as he lit a cigarette and blew out a puff of smoke, all to follow his own advice and calm himself. "This is not unsalvageable just quite yet. Ashitaro is there, and he knows the price he'll pay if he fails. Plus, gifted as she is, Erina Nakiri is outright running on just fumes at this point. You're not a chef, but I am. I can tell she's just bluffing. So, all my son has to do…"
And as he spoke, he glared at the Warlock, because he damn well better deliver.
"…Is call her bluff and serve, and then Tootsuki Academy is ours, and we let Azami take the fall for whatever he did in regards to the WGO…"
Fukuzawa said nothing, he wasn't all that convinced. He had seen this before. He had been so close to victory last time, and those two in specific had wrecked everything. But, just like then, he couldn't do anything now. So he watched, as the screens continued to show the final match-up of this entire, month-long event.
Erina Nakiri vs. Ashitaro Sadatsuka
"And here we have it folks!" Urara announced, her voice already a little winded after hosting this event for so long. Six consecutive duels thanks to Erina and Dove going at it three times in a row, for basically over twelve hours of nonstop commentary with just a few scattered bathroom breaks and some much-needed water every now and then. The audience themselves all looked about to faint, but nobody could just leave, not when it all came down to… "The final match of the Intercontinental Shokugeki! Both sides have been withered down to just one chef. Representing Neo-Noirs, despite how I am totally not clear on how they are still even allowed to participate after all we witnessed but I digress, a guy who emphasizes the "shit" in Ashitaro, Ashitaro Sadatsuka!"
The glare the Warlock gave to Urara utterly unfazed her, as Yua, timid as she was, shook her head and continued on.
"A-And representing us for the fourth time today!" Yua carried on with the announcement, "Our last chef standing, the God's Tongue of Tootsuki Academy and our ever beloved Fourth Seat, Erina Nakiri!"
The cheers erupted at the sound of the Queen's name, as Erina and Ashitaro stared each other down, with Soma, Isshiki and Eizan on her corner, while only Julius' stood on the opposite end. Ashitaro could feel how everyone wanted him to lose, but it didn't matter. Even if they called it into question. Even if they would cry out that he just took advantage of a tired individual. It wouldn't matter. He needed to win, to crush Tootsuki and finally amend that humiliation done to his family all those years ago. So he stared the princess down, as Urara turned to the judges.
"Judges! Our theme – eh?!"
Urara gave a little pause, as before she had even asked, the screen had already shifted, and the theme was already on display. Both Urara and Yua gave it a questioning look, as did, seemingly, the judges, unsure if they had already given the go ahead or not.
Mana looked at the screen with a worried look on her face.
Azami just frowned, wondering if this was what he thought it was.
Erina stared, before shifting her eyes back towards Ashitaro, who of course, sported quite the mad grin. After all, the theme chosen was…
Surströmming
"What gives?!" Urara blasted, her ire aimed directly at the judges, "The shark theme totally went over my head before, but even I know this stinky fish ingredient is basically this bastard's other specialty! Who else is in bed with Azami, huh?! Is it the blonde bimbo?!"
"H-Hey! I am not! I-I didn't pick that!" Courage tried to defend herself, turning to her coworkers. "I haven't been assigned any of the ingredients for this entire event, honest!"
"…I'm inclined to believe her," Anne noted, her eyes on the clearly very wary Urara, and she noted, with reason, "I assure you, that… that wasn't a selective pick of ours."
"Then who?!" Urara then frowned, turning to Histoire, "Was it you? You've been awfully quiet!"
"I am not in bed with Azami Nakamura!" Histoire cried out, blushing heavily, "While I understand why this feels deliberate, none of us handpicked this theme! It must have been random selection!"
As Urara pouted at them all, ready to turn to Charme and accuse him (someone must have rigged that, she was certain of it), Azami softly spoke up. Well, menacingly so.
"Please keep your accusations in check until this event is over," Azami warned, and while Yua shrieked, Urara just glared at him, "Such blind slander could get you in some very hot water little miss, and while I do recognize my image has been tarnished beyond repair, there are still laws working in my favor. Best you do not –"
"Enough with the bravado father," Erina quickly cut him off, standing before Urara, her hand on the other girl's shoulder. "Urara here has plenty of reasons to be conflicted over this particular outcome, as am I, but I would appreciate it if you stopped threatening my friends. Regardless," she added, as Azami was forced to swallow whatever he was going to retort with as anything else he said against his own daughter would be just him digging his own grave deeper at this point. Erina, on the other hand, just turned to Urara and Yua. "I've got this, no need to worry you two. Specialty or not, I refuse to fall against him of all people. So… lend me your trust just one more time."
"O-Oh, of course," Yua quickly noted, nodding.
"Damn, Soma really did rub off on you…" Urara noted with a sigh, but relented, "Fine, I suppose, with both competitors agreeing that there clearly was no foul play in this selection… clearly… let us continue to our final match of them all…"
Erina flashed the two a smile, and gave Urara a little "thanks" as she did so, which did make the girl smile in return. Azami, on the other hand, watching this display, couldn't quite hide his displeasure. '…This wasn't my doing. I wonder, is this you Toshio? Are you also trying to manipulate things behind the scenes? I very much doubt you intend to save my image, so if I'm right, and your son defeats my daughter, I can only guess that would then mean…'
Mana could outright hear the gears in Azami's head turning, and she couldn't help but smirk. Someone was clearly in control over this, and it wasn't him. But, it seemed her girl felt confident enough to win despite all of this…
"I don't need your protection mom. It is appreciated, but I will protect this academy, and I will not lose this match… just watch… I'll make you proud!"
…And Mana had full faith in her, because her girl's words couldn't have been any clearer.
As Erina and Ashitaro stood at the arena, staring each other down, with Erina using all her remaining strength to stand fiercely despite how heavy it felt to even be there, and Ashitaro barely able to hide his anger as his body shook with barely hidden ire, both Urara and Yua raised their hands in unison, announcing to the world the ending of the Intercontinental Shokugeki with… "Shokugeki… Start!"
Both contestants quickly moved to their stations, to the cheer and desperate cries of everyone watching. This was it. This was the end. And despite their faith, they knew; they could tell their Queen was barely keeping herself on her feet, but they still cried out in support of her. She could do this, she had to.
Within moments, the arena began to be engulfed with that horrid stench of Ashitaro's craft, as the mad lad had opened several cans of the putrid fish, setting it into a saucepan in order to get his dish ready.
Eizan could be heard cursing at this, already sick to his stomach with these particular recipes, while Isshiki's glare never once left Ashitaro. At least, until he caught sight of what Erina was doing. Or rather, attempting to do. Soma was laser focused on his girlfriend, which Dr. Arato felt was a blessing, since for once the boy was staying still and allowing him to tend to his hand a little more properly this time. But for Soma it was mesmerizing. He could see just how exhausted Erina was, she really couldn't hide it, but…
"Damn! Look at her go!" Urara cried out, as the crowd all cheered at the display before them.
Erina was moving like she was on fire.
The God's Tongue quickly took out her prep, the chief ingredient being what appeared to be a type of fish fillet. She cleaned the fish with boiling water: Erina then placed the fish in an empty pot and slowly poured the hot water over it until it was covered. This way she would allow the fish to cook slightly. Then she drained the hot water, followed by immersing the fillets in cold water. Then Erina drained it again and set it aside. She followed by combining sake, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil over high heat. Next, she added the fish fillets to the saucepan and covered them with a very familiar Japanese drop lid…
"Wait… That's…?" Soma mouthed, feeling a sense of déjà vu.
"Is she actually…?" Eizan blurted out, his eyes narrowed a bit, focused on her craft.
"It appears so," Isshiki noted with a little laugh. This was unexpected.
"Erina is giving it her all, but is it just me, or…?" Yua announced, clenching her microphone tightly, eyes on the Fourth Seat and her cooking. Why did this feel so… familiar?
"No… I think I remember this too…" Urara noted, slowly realizing just what Erina was doing.
All over the stadium, slowly but surely, everyone began to catch onto just what it was Erina was attempting to do. It was crazy, they'd all note, but rather ingenious. Not that they expected anything less from Erina Nakiri. But… would that actually work? Would that be enough?
"She is utterly incapable of just cooking it seems," Dove noted, resting against the wall, Loren still by her side. The God Slayer frowned at the display, and she didn't know if this annoyed her or not. "Can't seem to make a damn dish without trying to squeeze in a life lesson in there, make us see the error of our ways and all that. Granted, who am I to talk? She got me in the end with that, so…" Dove gave pause, turning to her little brother. And she pouted. Because of course, unlike before, Loren was fully invested with what was happening, his eyes following every movement Erina made. So, as much as it irked her, before she was a chef, she was a sister, and if her little brother was showing signs of enjoying this, then… "Tell me Loren, what is she doing?"
"Huh?" Loren voiced, caught off-guard by the sudden inquiry. "Why are you asking me? There's no way you can't tell."
"I'm aware you dingus," Dove shot back, "But if you want to survive here, you have to step up. So, tell me, what is she doing?"
Loren took a moment to catch her meaning, and he bit his lower lip, finding it so unreal to hear Dove express something he had not even admitted to himself. But… "It's a traditional Japanese Simmered Fish, a very versatile dish that Erina seems to be modifying by quite a bit, but… That's not why you're asking, are you?"
At this Dove said nothing. She simply observed as her little brother replied with the correct answer.
"…But rather it's her usage of the otoshibuta, that Japanese drop lid, which is the exact same one that…"
And Ashitaro turned to Erina with the maddest glare imaginable.
"Seriously?!" The Warlock roared, eyes almost glowing red, "Out of every possible dish you could have tried to imitate, you actually dare stand against me and cook the exact same dish Satoshi Isshiki lost against me with?!"
"Lost?" Erina simply voiced, and the stadium grew quiet, as Ashitaro clenched his teeth. "That's a very particular way to phrase the fact that you were spared from having to fully engage against our Second Seat because my father had to jump to your defense and pull a technicality out of the blue just to save you."
"It was valid…" he growled.
"And so is this," Erina countered, "I am no fool. I know I'm drained, both physically and mentally. If I try to make something of my own, no matter how skilled I am, my mind and body won't cooperate, and the result will be nothing except disappointing. As I am, I don't think I can match you, let alone beat you…"
"The hell?!" Ashitaro voiced, eyes wide. Why was she…?
"So it's so, so lucky we got this theme," Erina noted with a tired, but confident smile, "Because with it, I don't have to work that hard. I saw Isshiki produce this very dish. Use Surströmming as his secret ingredient. All I have to do is retrace his steps, and produce the same dish, and it should be valid. Granted, it won't be as savory as his, because he excels in Traditional Japanese Cuisine even over myself, but, fortunately, my opponent is not Satoshi Isshiki, but rather, merely you."
"Why you little…!"
Erina paid Ashitaro no mind, merely going back to her craft. And just as she had said, she was indeed remaking Isshiki's dish fully. Those fish fillets were in fact shark meat, much to the surprise of everyone watching, and just like he had done before, Erina went on to cook the shark for ten minutes over medium-high heat. She continued to cook the fish until the simmering sauce was reduced to half. She then added tamari and ginger, then simmered for an additional five minutes, until the simmering sauce had thickened. Erina then removed the pan from the heat, proceeded to serve the fillets in shallow individual plates, and poured some of the simmering sauce over the shark meat infused with the Surströmming paste.
And with plenty of time to spare.
Ashitaro, still midway with his own dish, could only look in ire as Erina outright finished her dish in roughly forty minutes or so, before she marched towards the judges' table, and offered the seven seated there her dish. Isshiki's dish.
"Here. No complaints this time I imagine," she told them all with a familiar sharpness in her tone, "The idea that a dish made by my Second Seat would be rejected is outright insulting, so… WGO or otherwise, you better correct that mistake and judge my upperclassman's dish properly or I will be angry."
And as thus, Erina presented to them her (and Isshiki's) Amakakeru Sakana no Nitsuke.
"…What are you doing?" Azami voiced, his tone low, but his anger evident. Erina was unbothered.
"Teaching you a lesson."
"Well then, judges?" Mana quickly said, her eyes on the other five, as they all nodded, and took a bite of the dish before them. The whole stadium was silent, and as everyone watched, all five of them quickly felt like they had been slapped across the face yet again.
"Goodness, it is indeed almost as savory as Satoshi Isshiki's dish!" Anne noted gleefully, and the other four nodded. Mana smiled as she ate the dish. She had not eaten Isshiki's dish, but if it was slightly better than this one, then goodness, that must be a treat. Azami was forced to swallow his complaints alongside with his portion, as there was nothing, nothing he could do to argue this. There were no technicalities left to save him. Only…
Erina then turned her glare to Ashitaro, who seemed to have been frozen in place, his eyes wide and his hands shaking.
"Well…?" Erina spoke up, challenging him, "After all you boasted to Isshiki, right before he cooked something far superior to you that left you crying in a corner for hours, why don't you prove him and me wrong now? Here's a dish slightly below what he offered. Surely you can match and surpass it effortlessly, can you not, Warlock Supreme?"
"Shut up!" he cried out, forcing himself to move despite his shaking hands, taking hold of his boiling cauldron. He's show her. He'd show them all. "I will crush you! I will crush him! I will crush everyone I need to! You are beneath me! Every single one of you…! You all are…!"
"Please… Let me help you…" he remembered his adoptive mother Riko beg him with tears in her eyes and desperation in her voice.
"I… I…!"
"My brother is the best!" he remembered Nao, at just six, say to their staff, just weeks before he had burned her. The images he saw, her smiling face, proud of him, were slowly replaced by her body on the ground as she clung to her side and cried out in pain. Her crying, her wailing, echoed inside his head like a curse. Why…? Why had he burned her back then? What had she even said or done? He didn't hate her, did he? She didn't deserve that…
"Damn it!" He clenched his head, his entire world spinning. A few gasps could be heard throughout, as Erina stared him down, her fist shaking, barely able to keep herself standing. But she needed to stop this monster, somehow, someway.
"Stay away from her, Ashitaro, because today we settle things with our dishes, but if a next time is required, I will not be this professional." Isshiki's warning echoed.
"Which is why I swore… That I would never let you hurt her ever again!" Loren's declaration did as well.
"…I made something just like mother used to, so if you ever call my craft mediocre again, then you are calling her craft the same!" And Nao's triumphant counter to his claims, to his mockery, to his abuse, finally hit him fully…
A loud shattering sound echoed throughout the stadium, making Erina, Urara, Yua and everyone else's eyes widen, for a second not understanding what had happened, until, slowly, they all saw…
Ashitaro's entire cauldron, spilled over the floor with all his plates of prep shattered throughout. The Warlock himself laid on the ground, his hands burned and shaking, the skin of his palms outright starting to peel off. He didn't even seem to notice the pain. He just clung onto his face and hair, as the entire world broke like glass around him, and despite feeling his father's glare raining down on him, all he could muster to do, to say, was…
"I-I… I can't do this anymore…"
Silence followed, for a good few seconds, before the loudest cheer filled the arena, as all the spectators got onto their feet and cheered on, clapping in awe at what they believed finally meant…
"W-Wait, does this mean…?!" Urara could barely say, as Yua clung to her, both girls barely able to even believe it.
Erina, almost unable to breathe anymore, tried to voice something, but before she could, she heard a man outright scream in ire at the scene. And, for once, it wasn't her father throwing a tantrum, but rather…
"What the hell was that?!" Toshio spoke up, as the elder Sadatsuka walked right through the arena, past the young girls, and reached his shattered son. Ashitaro couldn't even look at him. The man was seething, as he pulled Ashitaro up by the arm forcefully and whispered threateningly to him, "Do you realize how much this will cost us you damn pathetic excuse for a man? The one damn time I needed you to do what you've been raised to do…"
Fukuzawa was also down there, to the side, his eyes on Julius, who sighed at the sight. Like it or not, this was probably the point he should step down from all this, the Noir noted inwardly.
"After you even lucked out and got a good theme!" Toshio continued, and Ashitaro looked utterly out of it even as he was being handled very roughly. "Get up, stop crying like a little girl, and –"
"Hey!"
Toshio only had the time to turn, as a familiar voice called out, just in time to see Riko walk up to him, nonchalantly pick up and twirl a large saucepan in her hand, and smack him right across the face with it, so loudly and hard that the entire stadium felt the pain. They were sure she must have broken something.
"Hands off!" she threatened rather loudly, "Both Nao and Ashitaro will be under my care from now on! We'll settle this in court you goddamn abusive asshole!"
"A-Are you insane?!" Toshio cried out, clinging onto his bloody face, as he turned to her with his fist clenched, "You aren't their damn mother! Don't fucking act like –"
"Hey now, you took quite the hit there," Jouichirou outright stopped Toshio mid-rage, as the elder Yukihira appeared besides him and held him by the arm, halting him completely. Toshio turned to him, his fist still clenched, but his fight or flight response absolutely did not trigger the former to try and tackle Jouichirou. The former Second Seat just smirked. "You should see a medical professional. Walking into a kitchen is dangerous, you should know this. Getting accidentally hit by cooking equipment is always a possibility."
Toshio just swallowed whatever words he had, since he knew he was screwed. Sure, he could sue Riko for attacking him, it was being broadcasted after all, but just as likely she would simply say she was defending her kids, and he was sure, now that his fortune was going to outright vanish, she had enough proof to prove her point and far more money than him to outlast him in court.
Fukuzawa, utterly baffled by just how utterly wrong this had all turned out, just took a few steps back, right before he walked back against a wall… that wasn't supposed to even be there. The hell?
He turned.
It was Gin Doujima.
"How about you buddy?" Gin asked him, "You also want to cause problems today?"
Fukuzawa simply shook his head.
"No sir, I am content."
"…Good."
As the crowd all stared, during the silence of it all, Riko simply walked over to Ashitaro, who remained on the floor, eyes downcast. She paused, and when she spoke, gone were any pretenses. There was care in her voice, but also a warning, "You're an adult now Ashitaro. I can only do so much. This is your very last chance. What will you do?"
And he didn't even have to ponder it. "…I need help."
And Riko nodded.
Up above, Nao just stared, but she said nothing. She didn't utter a word, and nobody else did, but her tears said it all…
"…We are all going to pretend we saw nothing," Anne simply voiced, eyes still wide at the display. Charme, Histoire, Courage and Lanterby all nodded fiercely. Mana was holding back her laugh, thankful she came around early, otherwise she could see herself getting smacked by that very saucepan, if Leonora had had it within reach back then. Azami, on the other hand…
'T-This can't be happening,' the man thought in cold sweat, 'And what the hell? Toshio seemed just as surprised about the theme as I am… He didn't pick it? But it was the damn perfect ingredient for… wait, no… Not for Ashitaro. Damn it, it was the perfect ingredient for Erina! It was the only thing that would have allowed for this to happen! But my daughter didn't cheat! Who…? Who knows her enough to know that she would manage this and also have control of…?!' he thought, then it hit him.
Azami looked up, towards the audience, all of who were cheering loudly once again, just in time to meet eyes with the young man responsible.
Asahi just winked at him, flipping Decora's phone in the air.
'Son… you…?!'
"Oh! My! Goodness!"
Erina gave pause, turning from the manhandling she had just witnessed against Toshio and Fukuzawa, and towards one of the entrances to the stadium, as she had just heard Alice cry out. And yes, just as she looked, Alice, alongside the rest of the Elite Ten students all came rushing down, joining Erina on the big stage.
"You did it!" Alice cried as she flung herself onto Erina's arms, but the sudden hug made the already weak girl tumble over and both girls landed on the ground. "Ack! Oh, sorry!"
"Can you please behave even for a little bit…" Erina tried to pretend to be peeved, but she simply couldn't hold back her smile and grinned.
"Okay! Okay! Hold up!" Urara told everyone, raising her hand, "I haven't announced this! So, based on everything I've seen so far, I take it it's official that Ashitaro Sadatsuka has forfeited from this match, meaning he is officially eliminated from the Intercontinental Shokugeki, meaning… That Tootsuki –!"
"Give it a pause Urara," Erina called out, as Takumi gave her hand to help her up from the ground, while Ryou effortlessly picked up Alice with a single arm, causing the younger Nakiri to blush brightly. "Thank you, Takumi," she said quickly, before she turned towards the judges, or rather… "That's not for us to decide, is it… Father?"
Azami Nakamura seemed utterly caught like a deer in the headlights.
As Erina stood in front of him, right at the center of all eleven current members of the Elite Ten, with Soma taking his place right beside her, and Isshiki and Eizan joining the rest, the pillars of Tootsuki Academy stared the Headmaster of the Neo-Noirs Academy.
Eizan, Kuga, Nene, Isshiki, Megumi, Erina, Soma, Takumi, Alice, Kurokiba and Akira all stared the man down, all eleven of them standing in a line right in the middle of the stage, battered and exhausted, but still standing tall.
"…I am against how my brother attempted this," Erina added firmly, "But I see merit in his goal. You never change, you never learn. So… if it's Tootsuki you want… Here it is. Yours for the taking. Come on… Care to challenge us yourself?"
They all stood firm.
Azami felt the worst sense of dread imaginable. He knew, knew she could barely stand, let alone cook. For as muddy as his mind was, he could still effortlessly out-cook her. But… what would that accomplish? Beat down an exhausted girl, his own daughter no less, in front of millions, no longer even capable of proving his point because his handpicked team had been defeated. He knew this, and she knew it too. Erina had effectively cornered him completely, and all Azami could do was…
"No…" he voiced, eyes down, defeated, "I yield. You win."
And as he spoke, the screens changed one final time.
Winner: Erina Nakiri
"Yes! Oh my God! Yes!" Urara cheered, as she and Yua hugged each other in utter glee, "I can finally say it! After over a month of turmoil, and so much pain and torture, the winner of this match is Erina Nakiri! And with it…!"
And the loudest cheer erupted.
"The Winner of the Intercontinental Shokugeki is…!" Urara and Yua finally announced with their hands held up high, "Tootsuki Academy!"
The eruption of applauses that followed drowned out whatever announcement the WGO tried to make afterwards, as they made the victory official, and with it, called for the end of the tournament. It didn't matter, not to anyone there. Tootsuki had won, and it was so shocking, to see, all the Challengers, once partying after having nearly taken them out, now cheering just as loudly for the school's survival and victory just as the student body did.
All the Polar Stars and friends cheered the loudest, almost losing their voices, hugging each other in celebration, as the cameras focused on the eleven students currently being awarded the win.
All eleven of them felt a rush of emotions they were utterly unable to even contain.
Upon Soe's orders, a bunch of balloons filled the sky, as the celebratory music blasted loudly. It was a difficult victory, but the man never gave up hope that his father's students could achieve it. The rush of emotions, the music, the lights, and the weight lifted off their shoulders as, all around the world, Tootsuki was officially declared the victors of the event was enough to cause one of the most precious sights imaginable.
Soma had pulled Erina towards him with his good hand, giving her a little twirl to the rhythm of the music, which ended with her giggling at the sudden rush, before she outright followed his steps, and ended up dancing with him right there in the arena. Soon, seeing the two dancing, the remaining nine joined in, even a very reluctant Eizan, but damn it, it felt good to give his father the middle finger. So all eleven danced right in the middle of the stage, to the music being played, and to the cheers and applauses of all those watching them.
Erina practically danced with each of her friends, as she was passed around like a hot potato between them, all of them celebrating their final victor, which caused her to laugh and barely be able to keep her emotions in check. She laughed so hard she ended up with tears in her eyes, as her mother watched it all, smiling softly at the sight.
"I want to, for once, be so damn happy that I cry!"
Those had been her daughter's wishes, and as Mana looked on, Erina had finally earned her wish.
And, of course, as they danced and celebrated, to the cheers of everyone there, Soma pulled Erina in and gave her yet another televised kiss, locking his lips onto hers and taking her breath away. She clung onto him, utterly too happy to even blush at the display. She couldn't help even smiling through the kiss, as when they separated, she had the biggest grin on her face.
"I love you," she mouthed because the music was so loud they could barely hear each other.
"I love you more," he replied, smirking at her as he did. She playfully frowned.
"I love you most!" she shot back, and he laughed. She really refused to lose, and he adored that about her. As they held each other, with all their friends next to them, Erina gave a little laugh, wiping her tears of joy with her sleeve, before she raised her hand high, signaling for the music to be lowered a little bit as she spoke up. Urara was quick to bounce her way towards Erina, and hand the girl the microphone, just as Erina proceeded to call out to all of Tootsuki, "Hey Tootsuki Academy! What are we?!"
And after just the briefest of pauses, the crowd gave out the chant. It had not worked out the first time they tried it, but now, now everyone knew what to say.
And as the declaration was made, the culinary world got the message clear. There was Tootsuki Academy, battered, bruised and almost broken, but standing stall, still undefeated.
And the eleven students responsible for its survival all raised their hands, their fists aimed triumphantly towards the sky, as they all declared…
Because, what were they, if not…?
"…TOOTSUKI STRONG…!"
-0-
Azami had already stood up, and walked away. His vision was blurry. His team? Defeated. His would-be partners? Screwed. His very image and plans? Ruined. There was nothing more he could do. He had lost it all on the biggest gamble, and he had no one else to blame except himself. So it was shocking, for the man who had manipulated everyone, to reach a point near the entrances where he accidentally walked into two kids he had no idea how to even address anymore.
Dove and Loren both seemed to freeze.
"…Dove. Loren," Azami greeted, if you could call it that. He tried to speak, but to his surprise, Loren instinctively got in-between him and Dove, and Azami felt outright shame. Did his boy also think he'd hurt Dove… or him? "…Loren, I…"
"We're done," Loren spoke firmly, and Azami slowly realized that he was no longer speaking to that same little kid he had picked up from the streets. In his place, slowly, a young man had grown, one who could stare him down and say "no". "I've done enough, and Dove has gone above and beyond anything that anyone would ever do for you. You caused this; you fix it."
Azami took a deep breath, and nodded, "Yes, you are correct Loren. I… I am the only one to blame here."
As Loren stared him down, unsure if to believe him or not, the look Dove was giving him was breaking Azami. He had no idea he could feel this way anymore, but when he saw her open her mouth to speak, he begged, begged she didn't actually apologize to him. He didn't deserve it, and he didn't think he could take her expressing it.
"I… I will always be thankful for everything you did for us," Dove voiced, and it was clear she had been crying. He knew her voice well. "For saving me. For helping my mom. For being there to protect me and my… my daughter. For even being there when I gave birth to her, and… and I will always be grateful you introduced me to Loren. More than I could ever convey… But, I have to be a good big sister, a good daughter, and… hopefully, a good mother… I can't do this any longer. This is wrong, and like Loren said, we're done."
Dove then took a few steps towards him, and while Loren turned to her, clearly defensive of his sister, Azami automatically outstretched his arms. Dove was on verge of tears, he could tell, and she always, always went in for a hug when she got like this, despite how cold he was at times. But, to his shock, she paused, and rather than hug him, she simply gave him a soft bow… Much like she had done so back when she was still pregnant.
"Thank you… father," she said, and Azami's eyes couldn't be wider, "…I'm sorry… it didn't work out. I hope you settle things someday with Erina… and Asahi."
With those words spoken Dove turned around, and after taking a deep breath, walked away. Loren gave Azami one last look, the conflict in his eyes visible, but the boy said nothing. Soon both of them left, leaving him alone. Utterly alone.
And here Azami's head, for all his plans, manipulations and power, all he could now see, was the image of those four kids, now grown, hurt because of him, and far, far better off without him in their lives…
"I'm Loren Frechette!" he remembered the cute, little Loren introduce himself.
"I'm Dove, a waitress really," he remembered the heavily pregnant and distressed Dove reply.
"…Is this a big enough scandal, daddy?" he remembered Asahi actually blackmail him, of all people, as he revealed the truth to him.
"I want to scream," he remembered Erina declaring to the world, the same little girl he raised for a few years of her life, now outright calling him out with nothing but pain in her voice.
Four kids, and he had hurt them all. And it was here, that utterly alone with nothing but his thoughts and their words, all he could ask himself was… '…What have I done…?'
-0-
It took a few days for things to calm down. The WGO had a massive mess in their hands, what with the allegations of cheating and bias running deep within their top ranks, and how valid the whole event had even been being put into question. Azami, Toshio and Fukuzawa had their own host of legal issues, which not only spelled the end of their financial reign, but possibly a lot more trouble in the coming weeks. Finally at ease that his granddaughters and their friends were safe, Senzaemon had finally agreed to undergo the procedure, with Dr. Arato of course in charge, and Tootsuki was awaiting news of that any minute now. For the time being, Soe had announced, that no matter what the WGO declared, Tootsuki had no intention of harming any of the other seven schools, even if by all accounts, the Neo-Noirs had long disbanded. As such, a lot happened, yet things slowly went back to normal, or at least, to the new normal…
Back at Polar Star dorms, the kids slowly tried to get back to the groove of things, as no sooner had the tournament ended, than had Tootsuki announced that expulsions were back on the menu. It made them all shiver, but the silver lining was, at least for them, that Soe Nakiri had at least been able to use all the controversy regarding the WGO to sweep the suspensions regarding the students that had engaged against Asahi's Noirs under the rug and allow them back into Tootsuki without any further penalties.
As such, Megumi found herself waking up at her dorm room, so thankful to having her home away from home still there, and happily went through her morning routine to get ready. Today was a big day after all, for a lot of reasons. She made her way downstairs, where Yuuki, Ryoko and Madoka awaited.
"Megs! You're finally up!" Yuuki greeted with a hug, which Megumi quickly returned. "We have to get ready. They already have our destination set and everything. Once old man Senzaemon makes it back, we're all set to head over to the beach!"
"Don't get so excited Yuuki," Ryoko noted, even if she was thrilled too. "It's part of Tootsuki, remember. The Beach Exams they call it, rumor has it we have to run an actual shop and everything by ourselves… And by rumor I mean that's what Isshiki told us."
"Oh goodness, swimsuits and cooking do not mix," Madoka lamented, blushing at the thought, as Yuuki just grinned.
"Don't let Isshiki hear you say that!" Yuuki teased, as Madoka just pouted, before she turned to Megumi, "And what about you? You have everything set? Working by the ocean should feel like a freebie to you Megs."
"Different type of ocean, but yeah, in a sense," Megumi noted, honestly excited for the idea. She knew they all needed a distraction after these last few weeks. And, what a thought, that things had been so dire than one of Tootsuki's infamous tests now felt to her like a welcomed "distraction". She laughed a bit at the thought, and the four girls made their way towards the kitchen, just in time to catch sight of a now surprisingly usual sight for them. "Oh… morning Loren?"
"Eh? Oh, morning Megumi, Ryoko, Madoka and the other one," Loren greeted with a little wave, as Yuuki felt a vein pop.
"You are doing that on purpose! Stop it!" Yuuki cried out, as Loren just laughed, before he was hit upside the head with a wooden spoon by Nao, as the two were currently working on the latest dish Loren was practicing with.
"Less teasing and more baking," she reprimanded, as he pouted.
"Still offering Loren classes Nao?" Ryoko asked, as Nao turned to her and shook her head.
"Not me this time," she said, and as the girls all tilted their heads in confusion, Nao simply pointed to the opposite end of the kitchen, and all four girls felt their hearts outright stop.
"Dove Dillinger?!"
"What's up Tootsuki twerps?" Dove greeted, arms crossed against her chest, offering them a peace sign. As Yuuki, Ryoko and Madoka all went pale at the sight of her there, Megumi offered the elder sister a warm, little smile.
"I'm glad you finally visited Dove," she told her, "Loren speaks so much about you, it's nice to be able to greet you properly outside of all that stress that was the Intercontinental Shokugeki."
"…I suppose," Dove noted, frowning for a moment, but sighing. Out of all of these Elite Ten members, she had the hardest time reading this one. Everything pointed to her being the weakest of the ten (or was it eleven?), but her instincts told her otherwise. Part of her wanted to duel Megumi, but she knew it was a moot point now. "Loren has told me a lot about you lot too. And… as the big sister, I suppose I should say…" Dove turned to them, and gave them all a soft bow, "Thank you for taking care of him and not, like, kicking him right out when his bad acting got him exposed."
"Hey! You try to fool people you're with twenty-four seven!" Loren cried out, pouting, "Besides, I fooled most of them! Except, for, well…"
"I never did buy it," Nao noted proudly, sticking out her chest in a display of her brilliance, "As someone who indulges in fanfiction, I can tell a poorly disguised Mary Sue Self-Insert from a mile away!"
"I have no idea what that means but shove it you witch!" Loren barked at her, "And you did no such thing! You just saw a picture thanks to Berta and Cilla messing around!"
"Serves you right for trying to flirt with them," Nao shot back.
"I was not!" Loren argued, and soon both of them were glaring at each other, as Dove felt her eye twitch.
"And I now have to deal with this…" she lamented, but before she could give both Loren and Nao a good smack, the group heard the main doors open up, and soon the dorm mother Fumio walked in, with Soma following closely behind helping her out with the groceries she had gone out to collect.
"My, seems we have a special guest today?" Fumio noted as soon as she saw Dove in her kitchen, "Make yourself at home sweetie."
"Oh, thank you," Dove noted with another bow, but before she could even speak again, Soma had placed the bags on the counter and had approached her. Dove's eyes lingered on his bandaged hand for a brief moment.
"Hey Dove, you here giving Loren a few extra lessons?"
"…I am," Dove replied, "If he's so insistent on remaining in this school, despite my better judgment, then he better graduate, as I will not accept no brother of mine getting expelled from this stupid place."
"Dove stop insulting the people I will be living with right in front of their faces," Loren called out.
"I'm trying to be nice!" Dove shot back, before she turned back to Soma, "Besides, I take it he already has his next assignment set up, right?"
"Oh, yeah, as a First Year he's going to the same resort you were staying at and having a series of trials there!" Soma replied excitedly.
"It's the Tootsuki Friendship and Rapport Training Camp," Megumi added, standing next to Soma, the little pamphlet featuring Chef-kun and Dog-kun in her hands, "…Although that name is a total lie."
"Well… it's only the first actual major event of this school," Dove noted, hopefully, "So I assume it's not that difficult."
"Oh, it's insanely difficult!" Soma noted with a grin.
"We were almost expelled!" Megumi added, smiling too.
"I almost got expelled twice!" Soma elaborated.
"Soma had to save me!" Megumi did too.
Dove felt a vein pop at the sight of the two of them grinning, heads rested on each other, super chummy and proud of that pathetic display they were recalling. "…You two are idiots…"
"That said," Soma quickly shifted his focus elsewhere, his eyes narrowing at Dove. "Since you're here, why don't we…?"
"No."
"Eh? Why not?!" a heartbroken Soma asked, sounding like a child that had been denied some candy. Dove had shut him down quickly, already expecting his dumb challenge. As Soma sulked for a bit, with Megumi patting him on the back, and the other girls just staring, wondering where he got the courage to try to challenge someone who was, for all intents and purposes, every bit the culinary goddess Erina was, Dove just sighed.
"You take it easy, rest that hand of yours," Dove told him. "I take it you have orders not to strain yourself too much, right?"
"Y-Yeah," Soma lamented, but nodded, "Still, once I'm healed up, you and me! I have to have a Shokugeki against you!"
"No thanks," Dove shut him down again, which made Soma break. Why?! "…It's not like I'm planning on becoming a professional chef or anything. This is as far as I go. I'll help Loren a bit, and that's it."
"What, really?" Soma voiced, tilting his head a bit.
"But Dove, you're amazing at it," Megumi argued, eyes wide at the declaration.
Loren said nothing, his eyes narrowed at this, but she had told him already. He understood it, but a part of him agreed with Soma and Megumi here. Was Dove really okay with never cooking professionally again, despite being one of the best in the world?
"Not that it's my place to say," Fumio interrupted, walking towards the group with a fond little smile, "But many great chefs get burned out and need some time off," she noted, and her eyes shifted towards Soma for a second, who slowly caught her meaning, and nodded. "I understand you are conflicted sweetie, and you are free to choose whichever career makes you happy, but just give yourself time, is all I can advise."
"…Yeah, sure, whatever…" Dove just muttered, turning to the side, eyes on Loren, seeing how her little brother was indeed following her recipe rather nicely, no doubt thanks to Nao offering him snarky pointers every so often. Nao, noticing her staring, just grinned.
"Don't worry Dove, if you ever feel unable to continue coaching Loren, I got you," she teased, "I'll make sure to teach him real good."
"You damn well better be talking about cooking!" Dove barked, glaring at the little witch.
"Whatever else could I possibly be talking about?" she asked incredulously.
"I don't trust her!" Dove cried out, turning towards Fumio with a very childish pout, "Granny! Kick her out! This dorm is coed! I refuse to be an aunt this early in my life!"
"Dove!" a beet red Loren almost squealed, as everyone there just laughed, all while Nao looked to the side, devilishly smirking.
Soon enough the hours passed, the rest of the Polar Star kids all made their way back to the dorm, as those that had been out since the early morning returned, and those who had overslept got woken up by the rather loud sound system in place. Soon, they were all gathered near the entrance.
Isshiki stood proudly, wearing nothing but a speedo, to which Dove decided not to even ask. Dude was hot, but she was so done with romance. Still, the Second Seat looked proudly at the sight before him.
All the Second Year students had gotten ready for their upcoming trip to the beach, while the First Years were preparing for their trip to the Resorts. Everything felt… right.
Dove, for her part, stood with Loren by the gates, with all the Polar Stars looking at the two. She frowned at them, and extended her middle finger to them all.
"Dove, stop," Loren voiced, and Dove just shook her head. They all just laughed it off. Idiots, the bunch of them. "…Still, sis, I wanted to ask… I mean, since I'm staying here… are you…?"
"…I'm headed home Loren," Dove told him, and Loren looked on, fidgeting a bit in his stance. "I've been away for too long. And… you're right. I want to be a good mother. I want to be there, for Ruthie. It will be strange, since she only knows me from video calls or whatever my mom tells her, and she's expecting an older sister, not… what I am."
"What you are is a loving young mother," Loren corrected, caressing her cheek with his palm. "And she'll be thrilled to have you in her life. Ruthie needs you, even if neither of you realize it yet. Besides, she's young, she won't remember much if anything of this, but she will remember who was there. And you'll be there. And for as an amazing sister as you've been with me, you'll be an even greater mom to her. I know it."
"…I-I really want that," Dove tried, but her words were staring to get caught in her throat. "And yeah, I'll try my best. And I want you to know, whatever you need, I'm just a phone call away. And I mean anything. If you need money, then –"
"Dove, you left my bank account flooded," Loren cut in, "And you paid my tuition fully. You have that covered."
"As I should," Dove said, "But if you need me here, you call and I'll be on the next flight over. Or if you want to quit this stupid place and come live with me, you know you have a home in the states that will always, always have a room ready for you."
"…I know."
"…B-But I know that won't be needed," she added, and Loren, fighting back the tears, looked up at her, "Because my baby brother isn't a quitter. He's gifted. He's strong. He's proven me wrong already. He'll conquer this school, and everything it throws at him, and he'll continue to find ways to make his ever so proud sister stare in awe at the amazing young man he's becoming."
"D-Dove, stop it…"
"I love you," she told him, and the hugged him, tightly, "And I am proud of you. So proud. Oh, damn it, I…"
"We've haven't been apart since we meet three years ago," Loren noted, hugging her back. This hurt, way too much. He knew he was acting like a kid, but damn, he had lived with Dove for so long, that to now actually have to say his farewells to her and be a whole ocean away was almost too much. "I-I want to stay here… I want to give this my all… But… I don't want to be away…"
"You'll be fine," Dove said as she cried, "You have them," she noted to everyone there watching, all of them either on the verge of crying or actually crying already, "Make them regret letting you stay!"
Loren just laughed. As Dove grinned. Clearly not the heartfelt message they wanted to hear, but it was sweet nonetheless.
"I'll ask Erina if once we finish this Resort thing I can go visit you, okay?!"
"You can tell her she can go fuck herself."
"Dove…"
"Sorry… force of habit, but yeah, sure, I'll get you a ticket to the first flight so you can come and meet you little niece!"
"I promise," Loren replied, and he just sunk his head onto the nape of her neck, and Dove held onto him, until, slowly, the siblings parted ways, as Dove gave him a kiss, and with a playful wave, got onto her ride and left. Loren remained, waving at the vehicle as it disappeared from view, until he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"You have one hell of a sister," Soma noted, smiling.
"…Y-Yeah, I know, don't need you to state the obvious…"
"And we'll make sure to keep each other safe during this Resort test," Mitsuru quickly chimed in, standing next to Loren, a reassuring smile on the young reporter's face. "You'll have so many stories to tell your sister once we come back!"
Loren couldn't really reply, instead, he just nodded. He then felt a sudden hug from behind, realizing Berta and Cilla had snuck up on him and hugged him.
"D'aww, Loren's crying. There, there, you'll see your big sis again before you know it," Berta affirmed with a gentle tone.
"It'll be okay, we're here with you Loren," Cilla added, and he just sat down, with his little group of friends all there talking to him, cheering him up as only they could. Friends he never expected out of enemies he had meant to take down.
"Oh goodness, I can't," Megumi tried, wiping her tears away. That had been too much for her. God, she missed her mom, and she had just been with her a few days ago, when everything had concluded. Megumi then saw Soma walk back in, and turned to him, "And what about you Soma? I take it you're headed towards the Nakiri Mansion?"
"Yeah," Soma said with a nod, "It'll probably be tomorrow, but I promised I'd help Erina set up old man Senzaemon's room for when they bring him over once he's clear after the operation for the in-house care stuff. Knowing them, they will probably have that room far more well-equipped than an actual hospital room."
"Yes, very," Megumi noted, "So you're probably staying the night then… behave."
"I'm staying with them knowing," Soma shot back, smirking at Megumi, "I'll behave. There are plenty of guest rooms. And don't worry, I'll be back before we are to head to the beach."
Megumi gave him a nod, and with this Soma gave the scene one last look. They had come so close to losing this all, but it felt so good to finally have things settled. To have everyone safe. And as he saw them all begin to prepare, excitedly talk about their upcoming trips and the adventures there-in, Soma noted just how worth it it had been to both come back to this place and fight so hard to keep it open…
-0-
Erina had been running around like a chicken with her head cut off.
No news was good news, she knew, but it still made her sweat bullets at every passing moment that she did not hear that the operation had been a success and that her grandfather had been given the go-ahead to come home. She knew it was a very none-invasive surgery. She knew her grandfather was strong beyond belief. She knew everything would be okay. But she still felt utterly nervous.
Her grandfather's room had been outright modified to resemble a hospital room, just with a lot of added comfort. And she wanted everything beyond perfect. And as she moved the pillows for the tenth time, her OCD not allowing her to just let things be, she heard a soft knock on the door. She turned, and she smiled as beautifully as ever.
"Hey…" Soma greeted.
"Hey yourself," Erina greeted back.
She bounced her way towards him, hugging him tightly, before the two shared a soft kiss.
"Am I even needed here?" Soma noted, looking at the room, "Looks like you have everything set up."
"I'm still waiting for some more equipment to arrive," Erina explained, her eyes on his, "I would greatly appreciate your help with that, but, more than that, just your company is enough."
"You'll have both then."
"…And you are sure this doesn't bother you?" she asked, her head tilted to the side slightly. "This ambience? If it brings back any unwanted memories, tell me, don't shut them in. I will not get mad at you nor expect you to be here even if it hurts you."
"Erina, I told you, I can handle this," Soma reassured, "Besides, I want to see the old man finally back where he belongs, here in Tootsuki."
Erina grinned, then took hold of his bandaged hand gently. "And how's this?"
"Well, healing and undergoing physical therapy, as ordered," Soma replied, "Didn't hurt during the match, but damn these last few days it has!"
"The adrenaline wore off," Erina noted, "Still, I'm glad it seems you'll be good as new soon. It would make me look bad if I actually allowed a commoner to graduate when he can't even hold a spoon with one of his hands properly."
"Oh, as if! I outcooked your brother with just one hand, and I can do it again," Soma shot back, burying his head onto the nape of her neck and kissing her there.
"S-Soma! And, yeah, you did, but no, you're not pulling that again!" Erina said with a yelp, as she squirmed under his kisses. "S-Stop…" she whined, even if her argument did not sound that convincing.
"Why?" he noted with a little smirk. "We could try out gramps' new bed if you want… Make sure it resists, you get me?"
"Soma Yukihira you behave!" Erina shot back with the biggest blush, to which he just laughed. Erina did too, eventually, once the blood drained a bit from her face, because seriously, this boy would be the end of her, "…Still, since you'll be staying here, properly I mean, you do know that means you're invited to the family dinner too."
"Oh? Okay, sure!" Soma excitedly affirmed, "Who's gonna be cooking though?"
Erina gave a little twirl in place, before she turned to him with a playful smile. "Who else?"
This was how Soma found himself seated at the Nakiri family table, utterly bewildered by how events had played out. And unlike the last times he had found himself here, where (a) he had almost gotten kicked out of the school (again) thanks to him sneaking in and Mana catching him, or (b) entertaining the wildest triple date ever with Asahi and Dove present, this time everyone was in much, much friendlier terms.
Erina was quick to use their best kitchen and set everything up, to finally have a family dinner without any hurtful words or double intentions. Hisako had been all to eager to help out, as the girl had told Erina it had been far too long since the two had cooked together, and Erina was more than happy to have her there. Soma had offered his assistance too, of course, but Erina shut him down. Heal first, cook later, she instructed, and he had pouted like a child.
As Erina looked at the family table, currently filled with so many people, she couldn't help but smile.
Her mother was there, obviously, but Mana seemed to be smiling genuinely now, and trying her hardest to prove that her words and declaration towards Erina back before she faced off against Dove were not just for show.
Her uncle Soe was there, chatting away and boasting about his daughter, his son, his wife, his niece, or all of them. The man was very loving, and would banter about his family to anyone he could catch, even to the confused staff members.
Her aunty Leonora was by his side, smiling and nodding along, even if she did turn and say something to Mana at one point, in a teasing manner, which was heartwarming for Erina to see. She likes seeing her two maternal figures getting along.
Alice was of course there, being the loudest of them all, and boasting about this or that, not a care in the world it would seem. Erina pretended not to notice how Alice had been talking to Mana a lot, likely feeling like she could finally try and have a genuine relationship with her own aunt, and Mana, for all she was, had done nothing but pay full attention to Alice and seemed to be genuinely enjoying spending time with her little niece.
Ryou was seated next to her, although his attention was fixated more on the other surprise guest, Takumi, as both boys were talking about their encounters and about what trials awaited them next. How could they, Erina wondered, be so nonchalant after such a harrowing experience?
Takumi, of course, was eager to shoot bravado back and forth with Ryou, while also adding how the Challengers had already headed back to their homes, although, if everything worked out, they would probably be invited back to the activity Tootsuki was planning, so they wouldn't be gone for long.
With Hisako by her side, Erina made the finishing touched on the dishes, as her eyes glanced to the side, to her phone, where several messages had been left on read. She frowned.
"…Asahi?" Hisako asked, walking up to Erina, an expression of concern on her face. Erina sighed, and nodded.
"I am aware how stupid this is," she admitted, turning to Hisako, "It's not like I should expect him, after everything has ended, to have any intention on keeping our façade of a sibling relationship going. But I really did enjoy having him as my older brother, and I wish, that maybe we could…"
"Erina, I get it," Hisako assured, "And I don't think it was all fake. Give it time. You are a very lovable person, and I'm sure he did not run the gauntlet that is Tootsuki Academy without gaining some affection for you, whether he wanted it or not."
"Perhaps," Erina said with a laugh, before she motioned to take hold of the phone, but when one of their staff announced yet another guest, Erina and Hisako both perked up, and rushed out towards the dining room.
Her phone was left on the table, as the very last message read: "If this is meant to be the last time we ever speak, then I shall simply repeat what I told you all those weeks ago. I am ever-so grateful that I got to call you my big brother… And I never lied about it, not once."
Erina and Hisako reached the dining room in time to catch Hiroto being shown inside, as the large family all paused and turned to him; everybody present utterly nervous about what the man would say, but he reassured them with a smile.
"Relax, I would never share bad news this way," he assured them all, "Senzaemon Nakiri is expected to have a full recovery far sooner that any of us would have anticipated. Old man is too stubborn to die, so he shall be returned to you all tomorrow."
The collective cheer from the family present was the sweetest imaginable, as Alice was quick to hug the good doctor, followed by Erina doing the same thing, and then Leonora, and then Soe too. Mana was a bit more reluctant, but she swallowed her embarrassment and gave him a firm hug, which he returned tenderly.
"Thank you… Hiro, for everything," she told him.
"I promised you I would always be here for you," he told her, "And that has not changed, and never will."
They two, however, did not seem to notice how everyone in the room seemed to be staring at them very intently, which caused Mana's blush to return rather fiercely.
"We're close friends, okay!" she quickly cried out, trying to make things clear, while Hiroto said nothing at all.
"…Were our parents always this close?" Erina pondered, turning to Hisako.
"Unfortunately," Hisako noted, and Mana flinched. Girl could hold a grudge. "Your mom even went into my dad's room completely naked."
"Add context to that!" Mana cried out, utterly beet red, while everyone in the room turned to her with a bemused look. Well, except for Leonora and Alice, who, like the mother and daughter they were, shared a very naughty smile at that little detail.
"How indecent," Erina continued, still looking at Hisako.
"Indeed," Hisako replied. They looked adorable, like two little girls sharing a secret, until it hit them.
"But, wait, if my mom and your dad…" Erina began.
"Were to get together, then we'd be…" Hisako continued.
Then both girls got outright stars in their eyes, as they locked hands and began to bounce in place.
"Sisters!"
"H-Hey! Knock it off you two!" Mana tried, clearly hoping the conversation would shift to anything else.
In time, the conversation did shift, from what came next for Senzaemon and his care, what came next for Tootsuki Academy (as a new Headmaster would be needed permanently), the trails that the Tootsuki students were expected to face next, that gathering that Tootsuki was planning where the Challengers and everyone else would be invited back (under less hostile circumstances), and many more things. As they all spoke, shared tales and laughed, they enjoyed the meal made by Erina and Hisako. It was a dish that was a far cry from what had been seen from Erina before, as this was, in essence, a family meal. A warm meal, that resembled Leonora's cooking more than anything, which Mana noted immediately. Her daughter absolutely adored her Aunty.
And during it all, as she felt far more at ease than ever before, Erina softly turned to her boyfriend, who had been laughing along like usual, but she knew better. So she took hold of his chopsticks when he wasn't looking, and offered him his next bite.
"Here…"
Soma, for once, flinched, eyes wide. "Y-You don't have to…"
"Your hand is healing. Makes it difficult to feed yourself with just one hand. So I will hear no complaints when it's in regards to taking care of you," Erina made clear with a huff, and Soma had no choice but to blush and nod. Everyone tried their best to pretend it wasn't the cutest thing…
To see the boy that had challenged the system, and taken the school by storm…
And the girl hellbent on getting him out, then defended both him and the school…
…Finally at ease and happy, tending to one another in quite the loving way.
-0-
The next day came, and pretty much nobody was able to sleep. Both Soma and Takumi stayed in one of the many guest rooms available, and they were all ready as soon as Doctor Arato texted Mana and Soe that they were transferring Senzaemon back to his mansion…
…
After a whole night sleeping on a plane, Dove finally made it to the States, setting foot out of the airport, with nothing but her heart in her luggage. She called a cab, and gave the directions to a place she had not seen in years…
…
The entire family gathered by the main entrance, with the whole area decorated like a party, with a huge banner (designed, of course, by Hisako) saying: "WELCOME" in big, bright letters. Mana got the next text, and she quickly alerted everyone, and Erina tensed, outright in the verge of tears…
…
The cab left her in the front steps, as she slowly looked up at the house she had left at fifteen. Taking a deep breath, Dove began to walk forwards, until she reached the door, and after shaking her worries and doubts away, she gave it a firm knock…
…
The door was finally opened, and the shining faces everyone sported was something else. Senzaemon Nakiri had been finally returned to them, and the old man, despite requiring usage of a wheelchair for the time being, looked more like a man who had gotten a check-up rather than outright heart surgery. The look in his eyes was as strong as ever, and Erina outright chocked on her words, but pushed on through…
…
The door was slowly opened, and Dove felt her heart pause mid-beat, as her mother Milka appeared. Milka's eyes widened, and she outright dropped something she had been holding. It broke, but neither mother, nor daughter, seemed to care… and then, due to the noise, a little girl, aged at just three, walked into view. Those clear blue eyes, reflective of Dove's own, stared at the girl, hiding behind Milka timidly, but offering Dove a little wave. Dove outright chocked on her words, but pushed on through…
…
Erina, alongside her entire family, both by blood and bond, all greeted as excitedly as they could, "Welcome…!"
…
Dove sniffled, as she failed not to cry, but offered the best words she could possibly muster, "I'm…!"
…
And…
In two separate parts of the world, two girls that had been enemies without even knowing each other for years, the best in their fields, were finally able to say and be at the one place they wished for more than anything in the entire world…
Over power, fame, or fortune, Erina Nakiri and Dove Dillinger were finally…
"…Home!"
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Home Is Where The Heart Is.
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Notes:
Hey Everyone! Zancrowe Down Here!
A very Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year as well!
Aside from the usual of wanting to give you all my deepest thanks for all the feedback for this entire thing, especially these last four (4) Chapters (Rounds), where this website decided to almost die midway through and it was such a pain, so you guys have no idea how much your Reviews helped me out. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
As I have mentioned before, I had this entire story set from the beginning, still do, down to the last sentence I'll use, but one thing I did alter was Senzaemon's fate. Originally, I toyed with the idea of having him pass away. It would have been what would have broken Erina completely, but (a) in a realistic sense it would be kinda strange why Tootsuki wouldn't be able to use that to stop the Intercontinental Shokugeki, but, more importantly, (b) as I wrote before, while I've been writing this story I myself lost my grandmother. So… you know what? Screw that. I got to enjoy her way past my teens, so Erina and Alice deserve that and more. So he'll get a full recovery, just because I can. Life's hard enough as is.
Now, part of me knows I could very well put "The End" in this very chapter, and the story would (mostly) feel over. The Intercontinental Shokugeki is over, isn't it? Yes, but that's not it. Classique is not a Tournament Story. Classique is a Romance story. And, since you've all been so patient with me, you guys wanted fluff? Then fluff is what you'll get, because there's still more to tell! This story will end sometime in the upcoming year (2024), and I hope you stay with me for at least that long!
And while all the major pairings will get something, these last few chapters will focus primarily on those that this story really is about. Giving a definite resolution to the love story between Soma and Erina… and Asahi and Dove.
Oh? And regarding this Chapter's title. If you're reading this a few weeks after I post the Chapter, then the correct title should be up. But, at the time I updated this story, this Chapter was titled: "Finals! The Fall of Tootsuki". Clearly that did not happen, but, given how sometimes a Chapter Title can be a spoiler, I made that a placeholder title for a little while.
If you're reading this before I make the correct change…
Then you must be wondering what the real title is…
What else would it be?
Finals: Tootsuki Strong