AN: Sorry for taking so long. Had a cold and my head was fuzzy that I couldn't do any writing for a while. To make matters worse is that my grandfather passed away which made things even more difficult. So April has been a fucked up month for me and have been shitty the whole time. Gotten better...a little. Anyway, let's finish volume 1. Hey, life goes on.

Chapter 30
Spicy Nose vs Otherworldly Fox

A few years ago at Yuki-Neko at night, Saiba (at age 11) makes a declaration.

"Hey, dad! One day, I'm gonna be a master chef and beat you!"

Joichiro smiles, "Really? You don't say? Well, good luck with all of that."

"Kay!" Saiba smiles and full of determination, "Let's do it! It's a food battle!"

In the present somewhere on Earth, Joichiro is on a rooftop while grill roasting something as he look over the city.

"It's been 451 battles since then, huh?" he reminisce.

Joichiro also remember telling Saiba not to lose to anyone until he lost to him again. As he does so, he hold up with his chopstick a fish covered in a white substance that is giving a disturbing aura. He takes a bite, chews and swallows. It then follows up with a disgusted scream

DISGUSTING

"Oh dear god!" Joichiro trembles at the disgusting thing he just ate while keeping a smile on his face, "Mine is way more foul and offensive than whatever the hell you plan to give me after our next battle, my boy!"

In the Special Region, Yukiko senses something in the air as she is hunting in the forest. She turn her head and recognizes that feeling.

"Looks like my husband is up to no good again." She follows with a sinister grin, "I'm gonna have to punish him later."

Back on the Autumn Selection, Saiba grabs the spoon perfectly. He does what Akira suggests and uses the spoon to push the naan topping down. Once he did, an explosion of aroma comes from the pot pie curry as if a volcano of smells have erupted.

'What is this...?' Saiba is trying to process the intense aroma.

The aroma fills the room with dazzling gold and sparkles that is even reaching to the audience.

"The aroma is coming awfully strong!" says one of the male students.

One female student speaks, "Its even reaching here in the rafters."

Daigo is in heaven, "My nostrils sting so bad that they're being stabbed by aroma knives!"

Shoji wipe his drool, "Its so strong that its seeping into my brain!"

Makito's eyes widen, "Beneath the lid is a sublime curry that is infused with an incredible amount of the Mermaituna's umami!"

Everyone in the audience is amazed by the powerful aroma.

Jun Shiomi gulps, 'Go, Akira.'

Makito takes a gulp before taking a bite of both the naan and curry. What happens in his mouth is a new sensation.

'I...have no words!'

He is completely pleased with steam coming out of his nostrils.

Zenji explains, "This is known as pie crust soup. It follows the method of Paul Bocuse, leading chef in French cuisine. Its said it was inspired by the lidded bowl of Japanese cuisine."

Shun also explains, "The scent of the ingredients are concentrated when covered. When the lid is removed, a burst of aromatics are released into the air."

"Fragrances are Akira's secret weapons." Ikumi says aloud, "He used their unbridled power to attack on the judges."

"Not only that," Saiba also gives an explanation, "the bubbly sensation of the Mermaituna can also add a new texture to the curry that also enhance the aroma even more upon eating it."

Shingenoshin makes an analysis, "Spices are fennel and lemon grass and cinnamon, too. But there's more in there. There's something tying them all together with the bubbly sensation of the Mermaituna. What is it? What is the source of this powerful aroma?!"

Natsume slams her hand on the table and realizes what it is, "Its holy basil! And he is using it while it is still fresh."

Alphonse look at Natsume, "Holy basil?"

Saiba scratches his head, "Never heard of it."

Makito explains, "This herb is deeply regarded as holy in areas of Southern Asia. If you smell it, a sensation of sweetness will surge through the body."

Shigenoshin gives more detail, "In the traditional Indian medicine known as, ayurveda, its considered an enigmatic miracle cure for whatever illnesses you maybe carrying at the time."

"But how did he get a hold of this special kind of spice?" Alphonse asks.

Natsume tries to figure it out, "Indeed. Fresh, high-quality holy basil is rare and it is hard to find here in Japan."

"Did he grew it himself?"

"Yes." Akira responds, "Those in the Shiomi Seminar have spent the last week growing it."

Natsume look at Akira and is stunned.

Akira has one eye close and a finger close to his lips, "Our own cultivation methods are a trade secret."

Natsume realizes, 'Professor June Shiomi? A leading authority on spices.'

Jun is quivering in the audience.

Saiba is enjoying a spoonful, 'Holy basil does go well with the bubbliness of Mermaituna. However, there is something else in here. Something that makes you want to eat it more and more.' "Wait. Is that yogurt?"

"You are correct, Saiba. You see, one mistake with holy basil and it overpowers everything else in the dish. Yogurt can help mellow the flavor and blended the rest."

"What's more," Chapelle speaks to Shiomi, "curcumin is also good for indigestion and has the ability to remove any toxins from the liver. But when ingested with yogurt, that has lactobacillus, it can produce even greater effects in one's overall well-being."

"He even consider the health benefits! Do it, Akira! Use that big brain of yours!"

Natsume grins, 'To think there is a chef in this country who can properly use holy basil.' "Akira Hiyama? Won't you be mine? You're too delicious to be true." she tries to seduce him.

However, Akira ain't falling for it.

"Just think a moment and name your asking price. A hundred million? 200? I'll pay how ever much you-"

Akira leans in and makes eye contact close to Natsume. He looks very serious as he gives a reply.

"No thank you. I fight for Jun Shiomi." Akira walks back, "Appreciate the offer though."

Now Natsume wants him even more, "Such a glorious young man. If I didn't want him already, I want him now."

"Hold on." Alphonse says, "Better save it for the next contestant." He smiles with pride, "You might want him more than Akira."

"Oh?" she look at Saiba and smiles with a blush, 'Would like to see if his dish rivals that of Akira's. After all, that is a chef from the Special Region. But best to wait after enjoying this delicious dish.'

Makito keeps eating, 'Each bite sends a bolt of umami straight into the brain! Like laser beams of YUM-YUM!'

Shingenoshin also keeps eating, 'I've never encountered something so sharp YET SO DELICIOUS!'

Natsume keeps eating as well, 'This dish is perfect. It is the pinnacle of modern day curry.'

"Um, so then, judges? What is your final verdict?! Your scores, please?!"

"GUYS!" Yuki shows up along with Megumi as they meet up with Daigo and Shoji.

"You made it! What was the final score!?"

"We'll tell you later." Yuki is catching her breath, "What about things here?"

Takumi also shows up, "What about Saiba?! What score did he get?!"

Izami shows up, "Calm down, Takumi. Looks like he hasn't presented yet."

"And the score is..."

20, 20, 19,19, 19. The grand total is... 97!

"There we have it!"

Akira got bumped up to first place.

"WAY TO GO, AKIRA!" Jun smacks Chapelle's shoulder in excitement.

Ryo look at the score, "Second place, huh? I think the mistress will be displeased with that. Well I'll try to do better in the finals."

Ikumi got bumped off the roster, "Guess I'm out."

Kanichi starts crying, "MEAT-MEAAAAT! YOU GOT TOTALLY ROBBED OUT THERE!"

Ryoko also got bumped off the roster.

"Poor Ryoko." Megumi feels bad for here.

"Hey, wait a minute." Shoji notices, "Two of the judged gave him a perfect 20."

It is a shocked that even Erina is stunned.

"A perfect twenty." Oh yeah, Isshiki is also in the VIP section, "Alice Nakiri got four perfect twenties."

Erina finally notices, "Isshiki?! When did you get here? What about Venue B's judging?"

"I ask the others to kindly clean-up for me."

Fumio is sitting down, "My that was a heck of a battle over there."

"Ms. Daimido?! When did you show up?!"

"The same time Isshiki did. You really need to work on paying attention to your surroundings, my dear."

Isshiki looks down at the venue, "Hey, Saiba is up."

Erina is now laser focus with her head and hands against the glass and peering down at Saiba's dish. Isshiki is a bit amused.

"Alright, let's keep the competition moving! Saiba Yukihira will present next."

Saiba walks up to the judges with a dish that he has in cloches as he is keeping it a surprise.

"Please serve your dish!"

Megumi, Yuki and the others are looking intently at what Saiba is serving.

'Saiba.' Megumi worries, 'What sort of dish did you make?'

Saiba presents another to Akira, "Here. For you. Enjoy, Akira."

"What's with that smug face of yours?" Akira is suspicious. 'Just what exactly is he up to? Is he using a spice from the Special Region that I didn't know about? That fennel scent. Just what is it?'

Saiba grins from ear to ear, "Well, I made a little something special. Something that will shock you and the judges of what I have in store. Hope you like it."

He removed the cloche to reveal what's inside.

Akira is shocked, "Wait, this is...an omelet!"

The dish Saiba is serving is an omelet with a strange sauce in a diamond pattern. Many of the students are confused on why an omelet. Erina continues to look down with a little bit of drool on the left side of her mouth and a big gulp.

Saiba raises a spoon as he says, "Order up! Get ready for another aroma bomb!"

He slice through the omelet. Outside the venue, a huge yellow colored mushroom cloud can be seen for miles as if someone exploded a nuclear bomb. A nuclear bomb with a huge and powerful aroma that can be smelled for miles. Back inside, everyone is blown away by the intense aroma explosion that it became a dense smoke of a powerful curry smell for a few seconds before clearing to unveil what is inside the omelet.

Makito is stunned, "This risotto!"

"THE AROMA THAT HAD BEEN SEALED INSIDE HAS BECOME A NUCLEAR BOMB!" Natsume gives her statement.

Akira look at Saiba, "You came up with the same idea?!"

"Indeed I did!" Saiba admits it gladly, "I figure it is the best way to beat you!" He tosses the spoon to Akira, "Its hot so watch yourself."

Akira grabs the spoon and accepts the challenge.

"May I present; Yukihira Curry Risotto Rice Omelet!"

Ikumi starts drooling, "The risotto he stuffed in the middle is bright and glistening like a rice bowl topped with top quality sauce." She wipes her mouth.

"Incredible." Ryoko is in a bit of a tizzy, "Ah such a full-body mellow aroma. It makes you smile without even realizing it."

Shingenoshin couldn't hold it in, "My anticipation is right up there with Akira's curry. Here we go."

The judges take a spoonful and take a bite. Same with Akira. Once they take a gulp...

Inside their minds...

"ORA!"

Saiba dressed as Star Platinum from JoJo gives Makito a sucker punch to the face. He continues to do so while shouting, "ORA-ORA-ORA-ORA-ORA-ORA-ORA!" with blinding fast punches to the point their clothes get ripped to shreds and their bodies start to glow gold.

'Soooo powerfuuulll...' Makito is in bliss.

Shingenoshin also adds, 'It's a raging blow of flavor! No, multiple blows!'

"Yes!" Ikumi went.

Everyone one else from Polar Star are excited that Saiba's dish is an overwhelming success.

Shingenoshin analyzes, 'He made a rich bouillon using chicken carcasses and beef tendon! The flavor of onions and ground beef pan-fried in butter extends to the rice itself!'

Makito continues to eat, 'The creaminess of the risotto and the soft-cooked fried egg form a rich combination!' He starts crying, "It feels like I'm about to collapse!"

Alphonse enjoys the dish, "If only we had something this good back at Yuki-Neko! I would make this my new usual!"

Natsume speaks about the sauce, "The sauce delivers the finishing gut punch. It uses oyster sauce as a base with an accent of pure honey. Its rich yet with a mellow acidity that comes through. With the sauce and the risotto, he was able to create two layers of flavor."

"Just amazing." Shingenoshin gives a compliment, "The impact of Akira's curry came from its lack of pungency, but this is like a secondary explosion of aroma! The inner and outer smells intermingle in waves! Tantalizing the diner!"

Akira tries to figure out what is in the risotto, "Cumin, cardamom, and clove to stimulate the tongue mixed in with what I can only describe as mango chutney mixed with banana yogurt. But there is something else here. This type of fennel. Just what is that?" He look at Saiba, "Tell me Saiba, what exactly is this fennel spice you but in? Its completely new to me."

Saiba grins, "Glad you ask."

Saiba pulls out a plant stalk that he had hidden in his little bag. The plant seem to have some heart-shaped bulbs on it.

"This is a very unique plant that can be grown practically anywhere in the Special Region other than just the New Continent." Saiba explains, "This plant is called, laserwort."

"WHAT?!" Akira is shocked to hear it.

Jun jumped up from her seat, "Did he just say laserwort!?"

"It can't be!" Chapelle is also in disbelief.

Natsume slams her hands on the table and stands in disbelief, "No way! That plant has been extinct for centuries!"

Megumi asks, "What is laserwort?"

Zenji is just as stunned but explains, "Laserwort, also known as Silphium, was a very ancient crop used by the Greeks and Romans during ancient times. It was used for not just for seasoning, but also used in perfumes and medicines. The plant was so valuable that it was worth its weight in gold and silver. However, not much is known on how the plant went extinct but there were many factors that has done so. The last known stalk was used as a gift for Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus as part of his museum of curiosities."

(And yes, those are actual facts. Check Wikipedia for Silphium.) However, the plant that has gone extinct ages ago on Earth is thriving well in the Special Region as it is being used in the same way as what the Ancient Greeks and Romans did.

Isshiki laughs, "Who would've thought that Saiba would use an ingredient that doesn't come from the Gourmet Continent!"

"Well," Ms. Daimido smiles, "the boy is from the Special Region. He knows more about it than anyone of us here. That boy absolutely refuses to lose, even when facing off against his father with all those food battles they have done."

They stopped talking and noticed the glass Erina is pressing against is starting to crack. The two look at here and see her breathing heavily while she continues to salivate nonstop and is on the verge of losing all control and reasoning.

"Uh-oh." Isshiki backs away.

"Its delicious through and through." Makito compliments, "This is the result of hard work. Once more, the aftertaste is so crisp and clean that must be thanks to the chutney and leaving me desiring it more and more thanks to the yogurt."

"Still," Natsume compares, "Akira's pie dish had a more luxurious aroma."

"Oh yes." says the one extra judge (who is completely nameless), "However, when the sauce and the rice come together, the resulting depth is profound!"

Shingenoshin also compares, "Akira's curry revolves around holy basil, liking in it to a rapier that pierces through the very soul. But this curry attacks in waves in excessive assaults on your taste buds!"

In some imaginary scenario, Saiba is Star Platinum and Akira is Silver Chariot as they attack each other in rapid-fire assaults with blinding speed. Akira manages to cause a cut on Saiba's left cheek before Saiba uppercuts so hard that Akira's helmet came off and bruise his chin. Both of them are attacking each other with their own styles in order to gain the top spot at Totsuki!

The audience are in complete and total awe at how both Saiba and Akira are getting great reviews from the judges. Many of them are at the edge of their seats to see if Saiba is either gonna beat Akira or Akira beat Saiba. It is a nail-biting anticipation to see who is gonna get the number one spot on the board!

"Well then judges, if you're ready, please mark your final scores."

The judges are ready to give their scores and everyone will get to see if Saiba will surpass the master of curry himself.

"18! 20! 20! 20! 18! For a total of...96 points! Saiba is now in second place and that's your final tally!"

The audience cheer as Saiba took second place.

"You're kidding me?! Come on!" Yuki is shocked.

"One point off?" Megumi is also shocked.

"Holy cow!" one of the students shout, "Look! He got three of the judges give him a twenty! That's one more than Akira got!"

"Wait, does that mean they like his dish over Akira's?"

"But Akira got first place! That's gotta mean something, right?!"

Makito argues against some of the judges, "What is wrong with you?! How could you not understand that remarkable work of art Akira's curry was?! He had skills to put holy basil in the dish!"

Natsume stands up and argues, "What is wrong with you?! That Saiba kid used an extinct plant that no longer exist in our world and you turned down such a great opportunity?! For shame!"

Shingenoshin tries to be the voice of reason, "Now, now. If you recall, the theme is curry cuisine. We are not here to purely judge them on their choice of spices." He pet his mustache, "It is important to feel satisfied by a single plate."

Before they continue their argument, the glass from the VIP section broke. Everyone stop and see a terrifying purple aura. They see Erina Nakiri that is giving such an aura and are scared as they back away as they can see her mouth salivating and eyes glowing red.

"Oh shit." Saiba is scared as well.

Erina walk down the stairs and into the venue.

"Give it..." she says in a threatening and haunting manner, "Give it to me... Give me the dish..." She glares at Saiba, "GIVE IT TO MEEEEE!" she charges right at him on all fours like a monster from a horror movie.

Saiba screams as he starts running for his life with Erina giving chase.

He look back, "Sorry, Erina! But that's all of it!"

Erina then shouts, "THEN I'LL HAVE YOU INSTEAD! COME HERE, MY PRETTY!"

Saiba immediately run out of the venue as he scream for his life and Erina not giving up the chase as she starts running on all fours like a wolf. Back inside, everyone is now scared and are confused on what just happened.

Alphonse sighs, "Not this again. That boy always have women problems. Oh well, I get to enjoy a new dish so I'm satisfied."

Everyone is back at Polar Star with Ikumi, the Aldini Brothers, Erina and Hisako. A toast is being made for the end of the Fall Selection. Saiba is there too, but is covered in kisses because of Erina, much to his dismay. Shun isn't taking part as he is hold up in his room, feeling sorry for himself as he continues to cook.

"Gather 'round folks!" Yuki makes an announcement, "To the Fall Selection's theatrics! To its crazy conclusion, we celebrate with all our hearts and hard work! Let's par-tee!"

"CHEERS!"

Megumi is proud of herself for getting second place in the Fall Selection with all the fishermen from her hometown cheering her and gain the respect of Ryoko Hojo and will be rooting for her. And if she was in any trouble, she will let Ryoko Hojo know. Yuki remembers how she failed and tried to hold back her tears, but Ms. Daimido told her that she will treat her. That caused her to cry and let it all out.

Back at the party, Yuki wipe her eyes as Ikumi notice her duck plate.

"That's some high-quality duck you got there!"

"You can really tell just by looking at it? That's a pretty neat trick!"

Takumi is talking to Ryoko, "Oh, I didn't realized that koji can work like that too."

"No idea you can do that." Isami is also part of the conversation.

"Well, you just gotta know when to use it."

"Still," Daigo is impressed with Zenji, "never thought Zenji to have his own cheering section."

"Yeah-ha!" Shoji is also impressed, "That gives him a whole new level of cool."

Zenji, looking a bit disappointed, "And yet once again the party is being held in my freaking bedroom."

Isshiki then shows up wearing nothing but his pink apron and shaking his butt. That, and he also serving some food. Both Aldini brothers are looking at him.

"Make sure you two eat your fill."

The two look back and forth between Isshiki's eyes and butt, "Uhh... Okay, and thank you for the invitation, Isshiki."

"OH MY GOD!" Hisako is embarrassed, "PLEASE PUT ON YOUR CLOTHES!"

"Sorry, but it feels real good."

"PUT ON SOME CLOTHES, NOW!"

"Ah, leave him be." Daigo smiles, "It's funnier that way."

"I DID NOT ASK FOR YOUR OPINION!"

Isshiki returns with more food, "It's two weeks until the final tournament is upon us. This will be a battle of students currently considered to be the fiercest of Totsuki's first years."

Takumi speaks to Saiba, "Now listen to be, Saiba; if you go losing before you face me, you're gonna pay."

Saiba just smiles, "I got it, I got it. Bring it on."

"Oh, I'm bringing it!"

Over at the Shiomi Seminar building, Jun is asleep and is talking and giggling in her sleep. In other words; drunk.

"Hey, Jun!" Akira looks down at her, "Getting drunk by yourself and passing out is even more sad than usual." He drops it, "I guess it is what it is."

"You know what, Akira?" Jun talks in her drunken state, "You might just change the culinary world forever." then snores.

Akira picks her up and takes her to bed. Good thing Jun is a tiny lady which makes it Akira to carry her around.

'Jun. I am going to win the finals. You found a place for me. I'm winning this for you.'

Back at Polar Star, Alice and Ryu showed up and Alice is pissed by Erina. So, she throws a fit.

"What the heck?! Why are you here and not celebrating with me?! Your cousin got through the preliminaries with the top score from her block!" she stopped throwing a childish fit, "You have a duty to celebrate." She looks at Ryo, "Right, Ryo?"

"I'm fine with whatever she decides."

"WHAAAAAT?!" Alice returns to her childish fit and smacks Ryo, "What's wrong with you?! Don't you know you're suppose to be on my side!"

"Okay. I'm really sorry about that."

Isshiki shows up, "Hey there, Alice and Ryo."

"Huh? AAAAAAAHHH!" Alice freaks out by Isshiki's appearance, "Where the hell are your clothes!?"

Erina just laugh at the scene which is a huge surprise for Alice.

"You're laughing!?"

"Finished!" Saiba shouts from the kitchen.

Erina quickly look back with a huge amount of drool and a look of hunger.

"Sorry for taking so long. I had to-"

Erina snatched the plate of Yukihira Risotto Curry Omelet and starts chowing down. She is completely head over heels with Saiba's dish and savors every bite.

Daigo shows up, "Hey! Erina's cousin and her lackey is here!"

Everyone else show up and see the two new arrivals to the party yet also see Erina enjoying Saiba's dish.

Hisako is amazed, "I can't believe Miss Erina is enjoying your food."

"Yeah." Saiba agrees but his tone of voice doesn't match. "Yet Akira managed to get one over me with his curry." Yet he smiles, "But I'm glad I came here. This school is exactly what I need to give me a push to achieve my own goals. There are so many different ingredients and different styles of cooking and different methods. I wanna learn everything from the people around me and put everything into my next dish. Now..." he makes a fist, "I am more determine to get stronger."

Yuki pulls Shun and says, "Okay! Time for round two you guys!"

Isshiki smiles, "I'm not done! Not yet." He strips his apron off, "This night is just getting started!"

Ikumi, Alice and Hisako are freaking out by what Isshiki just did. Don't worry, he is wearing a speedo with a teddy bear on it.

"IT'S BOOMERANG TIME! HA-HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Shoji laughs, "That's one tiny, little speedo!"

Not long after, everyone is enjoying the rice juice Ryoko provided. However, it is very effective on Saiba as he looks like he is already drunk.

"Heeey guuush!" Saiba is very tipsy, "Who-who-who wamp da shee ma doo da shinken pants?" What he's trying to say is that there is anyone that want to see him do the chicken dance...which he is doing.

Erina gushes and smiles, 'Tipsy Saiba is adorable.'

Everyone just laugh at Saiba with Takumi clinking plates to the rhythm with Daigo singing and joining in. So, they have one hell of a night to party.

END OF PLATE 1

AN: YES! FINALLY! FINISHED! You have no idea how happy I am to be done with this story. Well, the first volume. And yes, I know I did took some shortcuts but it has gone on long enough. Good news is that season 2 of Food Wars is short by half. But coming around or between August, September or October, the second volume of Post-Apocalyptic Shield Hero will start. To give you guys the heads up. Anyway, thanks for joining me on this weird project. Make sure you enjoy my other works as well. See ya next time!