SUP GUYS, Happy April Fools. Too bad I didn't prepare anything fun for you guys so you guys are left with the continuation of the story. Well don't worry, I promise there will be fun chapters in the story like the eventual "Swimsuit" chapter that every story has. Moving onto some updates regarding my work, its been a hectic ngl but hopefully it will dwindle down a bit as I still have 20 days left. Enough of myself and holy shit! 280 follows and 222 fav. Another huge thanks to everyone that followed and read the story and a huge shoutout to the ones that have supported me from day 1.

Another chapter~~ Another review corner. Hmm~~ am I really that scary that no one wants to talk to me (Input Alice teary face). Well, I welcome anyone to comment and ask about anything so don't hold back~~~

TopSpartan216: Hehe~~glad you like the pun. Thanks for your concern~~ well compare to my other friends who need to travel, I think I'm faring quite well haha~~ Well you're in luck since I had no time in preparing an additional chapter~ Looks like your hunch was correct~~ Thanks for the support and I'll be looking forward to hearing from you again

IndraAshura: Sup my G, yup~~ thanks for the help again. Well one thing I can say about the couple is that they haven't even in the story yet...hahahahaha~~ lead you on a wild goose chase eh~~ Nah~~ Erina has been receiving some bae training from Alice so her temper to others is more well-managed than in Canon~ Takumi's character introduction was the easiest to portray as him 'comedic' nature just flows well with the other characters, Glad you have a good time with him. Hehe~~ Erina can be ruthless if she wants~~just wait and see. There's more first that the three haven't shared yet if you catch my drift hehehehe~~~ 'Bonk' .You think this is amazing wait until you read the surprise night attack this chapter~~ Btw~~ good luck with your own story and I'll be awaiting your message My good G.

NinjaFang1331: Thanks man~ Nice to hear from you again~ Glad you like it

Overgrown Fish: Hey dude, have you gotten Xiao yet? Haha, don't worry about a joke chapter I'm not that evil right~~

CincyRail: Sup man, nice to see you again~ Well Soma did indeed 'fail' but how it turned out will be yours to see~~ Thanks for your support again~

NANLIT: Hey man~ Thanks for the reviews and support. Hmm~~ I haven't planned a rematch between them yet but it may really happen. Hopefully Erina has a tougher match than the last one. Yup~ In this story, Megumi haven't join a club yet since her self-esteem was even lower than in Canon and the fact that she met Erina before may have influence her a bit. Lucifer Soma hmm, I'm still thinking about this persona. A Lucifer that gives other their worst fear but at the same time helping them move on from it. That's the persona I have set on for now. Well~~ You have to wait and see~ At least one of your guess was right~ Looking forward to hearing from you again

AyyYajatt: Hi~~ Thanks for the review, support and even follow haha. Have you really created an account to follow the story? If so, then I'm honored! Wow, hope you didn't get eye sickness from my story since there's quite a 'few' dialogues in my story~ Hehe~ Hopefully you continue liking the story and I'll be looking forward to your reply~

JintoLin: Sup man~~ you could say Soma was thinking two steps ahead haha~~ Big brain~ Don't worry, Takumi will have a chapter dedicated to him(In the autumn selection~~) Let's just he's not as culture-tied as he is now~ Oops too much spoilers...'Cough' moving on, Megumi would definitely benefit? if she stay more with the crew as their flirting tendencies with Soma may caught her off-guard but their skills in cooking will greatly help her. Nah~ won't do that. I will finish this story hopefully next year. I estimate that there' still 30-ish chapters left in the story but it all depends on the flow that I'm still planning. I heard Genshin was designed to have the main story move a bit slower than others as they are now in preparation of making a Nerve gear hahaha~~SAO I'm coming~~ Looking forward to hear from you again~

AniKong: Hi~~ Thanks for the review, support and follow~. Well I can't lie... grammar is one of my poorer subject with phonology way down in the dumpsters. Hopefully I can improve it more throughout the story~ Thanks for saying that~ At first this story was about Soma X Alice but I feel I should incorporate the trio as my first story to test the water of the community~ Dense MC...urgh...tell me about it...I'm looking at you Ichika! Hehe~ Let's just say their fated match would come a bit earlier than you guys expected. Looking forward to hear from you again~

Dragon King Ryouga: Sup man~~ Yup...Isshiki has officially corrupted my mind... When I think of naked aprons the only picture I can see is him...ARRGH! Moving on~ Hope you enjoy this chapter and looking forward to hearing from you again.

FoodWarsJunkie: Sup my guy~~ I know you been busy IRL as well as with both your stories and I love that Soma finally asked Erina to be his wife~~ Aww~~ You kill my heart with yours and I kill you with mine~ Fair trade I would said hahaha~ Don't worry though, it wont completely torn your heart as Soma isn't that dumb...Probably... Good luck with your own stories and looking forward to hearing from you again.

Frozen and rooted to their spot, the mind of Erina and Alice were constantly repeating what they just heard: Soma failed…Yukihira Soma failed…

"Do you have a plan Soma? He's a former first seat you know… he won't accept a challenge out of nowhere.

"Maybe I should just ask him after I passed his test? I don't see why a chef would reject a challenge even from a no-name like me."

"Hai hai~~ The one who shall not be name Lucifer-sama~~~ Don't go too overboard in irritating him though, he could just fail you right off the bat"

Gently patting their head, Soma reassured them that he would not do something so dumb that could result in him getting failed. By giving them one of his brightest smile, Soma said: "Silly girls, nothing could separate me from being with you two. I will make sure of that."

Content with his promise, the girls closely snugged up with him before drifting off to sleep with a calm presence of mind.

With the image of Soma's brightest smile broken into pieces, the girls went into a frenzy run dashing pass everyone near their path. With tears threatening to drop out from their eyes, they could only berate themselves that they were not there with him.

'Baka! I thought you promise us to not too do something that rash!'

'Soma kono Baka! What happen to not leaving us?! What happen to our dream?!'

With those solemn thoughts in mind, they finally bypass everyone and reach the class that Soma was in. Once they were there, there could hear a soft yet sad voice calling out to them.

"Erina-chan, Alice-chan…you're here… Soma-kun is…"

"Megumi-chan/san…" Addressing the girl, the duo then turned towards the man they cherish deeply and saw that Soma was facing down with his bangs covering his eyes.

With a barely audible voice, the two called out to him: "Soma…"

There was indeed one response but it was not from the one they desperately wanted to hear from.

"Ho? It seems like your relationship really wasn't a joke. However, I would recommend you both to reconsider your decision. He is just an average chef that does not know how to follow instructions."

Angered by someone berating their dear lover, the duo turned and glared chillingly at Shinomiya but he did well not to flinch under their gaze.

"Hmph, getting angry for a useless subordinate that can't keep up with the orders of a chef. These people are not needed in my kitchen!"

Little by little, Shinomiya could felt a chiller presence than before emitting from the Nakiri duo. It was one thing that the god tongue is emitting a pressure that could threaten him but it was another thing that Nakiri Alice is also emitting a similar pressure. He could swear that he saw a silhouette behind her.

"Are you two not pleased with my judgement? That just means that you both have poor decision making, I'm the head chef here and my decision is final! If you two apposed me, I could fail you two as well even if you are from the Nakiris"

Before the girls could respond, an even chillier voice resounded before them. The tone was as if it came from sub-zero.

"Etto, I would be pleased if you leave the both of them out of this Senpai."

Snapping their heads towards the voice, Alice and Erina were pleased to see that Soma was finally talking but there was one feature that they notice Soma was different. His demeanor was different, there was little left of the always smiling and happy Soma.

Noticing his lovers, his expression returned for a bit before he stared down Shinomiya imposingly while talking slowly. "Senpai, this is a matter between you and me. I hope you would take back your statement about their bad decision making as well as you failing them."

Exposed to such a dense amount of pressure, Shinomiya could not help but take two steps back. However, it was this exact action that lead to the full embarrassment of Shinomiya

Realizing what he had done, Shinomiya glared at Soma with pure anger. 'Me cowering?! Me taking a step back from someone?! Me getting scared from a student?!'

Erupting his full fury, Shinomiya told Soma off: "Who do you think you are brat?! You dare to question my decision as head chef?! You dare to question my authority?! Don't screw around brat!"

Not being fazed, Soma calmly replied: "Are you scared Senpai? Why does every sentence you said need to include your authority and head chef? Is it to show your superiority?"

"Y…You!"

Disregarding Shinomiya's rage, Soma added fire to the fuel. "Is your title the only thing that represents you now Senpai? Have you forgotten that chefs place their pride in their dishes and not their achievements? I guess you are too blinded to see what I mean huh Senpai."

With twitching marks forming on his forehead, Shinomiya had enough and wanted to silenced the insolent brat in front of him once and for all. "Very well monsieur, let's do the Shokugeki you desire! If I win, your expulsion will remain and you are not allowed to ever set foot back into Totsuki ever again!"

"Hmm? That's fine by me. When I win, you will revoke my expulsion as well apologize to Alice and Erina for your comments."

"Hmph, there's not a miniscule chance for you to defeat me. I won't even need my speciality."

"Raising a flag right before a battle. Don't jinxed yourself too much Senpai."

"Battle? The only battle I'm having is debating through the unlimited choices of crushing you."

"Hmm, good luck with that." Soma replied with no interest whatsoever.

Before Shinomiya could bust off another brain cell, a familiar voice joined the fray.

"It seems like you are having a rough time here Shinomiya."

"Dojima-san. Hmph, it's just teaching a brat some manners."

Turning to who Shinomiya was glaring at, he could see his disciple staring blankly back at him. "Hoh, aren't you an interesting one. If I recall, you're the one who broke the record of fastest time for the 50-dish serving with the Nakiri duo. Getting too big for your own shoes huh?"

Although Gin sounded calm and compose to Shinomiya, his expression when facing Soma says otherwise. He was busy gesturing and asking what the f*** happen.

Trying his best to remain stoic, Soma gestures back with his eyes that he will explain it all to him and the other afterwards. However, Soma being Soma could not resist to take a dig at his Shishou.

"That record huh, I guess the previous holder was not trying his best or something. It wasn't really that hard."

This nonchalant comment not only caused Shinomiya eyebrows to twitch but also Gin's while Erina and Alice were trying their best to hold in their laughter. Well, Megumi is also there looking cluelessly at what's happening.

Resisting his temper, Gin laughed heartedly and 'lightly' patted Soma on the shoulder and said: "I guess he really was not doing his best or are you really that good?"

"Very well, I will acknowledge this Shokugeki between you Yukihira Soma and Shinomiya. The battle will occur after tonight tasks has been complete and there will be 7 Judges including me, the alumni and the Nakiris. I believe there won't be any biases towards anyone right?"

"Hmph, Of course."

"Naturally~~~"

"Awawa"

"There you have it Monsieur Yukihira, do your best to not fail the other tasks." Shinomiya said as he left the kitchen but not before giving Soma his last smug look.

After seeing Shinomiya had fully left the corridor, Soma stretched his limbs and attempted to leave. Yup…Attempted. Why attempted? Because he was lock on both sides by his lovers with a smile on their face.

"Now now~~~ where do you think you're going Soma~~~"

"I believe you have something to say to us right Soma? I believe Megumi-san would also love to know what happen isn't that right Megumi-san~"

"EEK! Your eyes Erina-san Your eyes!"

"Yandere?!"

Well, once Soma somehow managed to calm everyone down. He began to explain how a simple request turn into a massive Shokugeki.

"Well, at first I just wanted to ask him for a simple duel after the task but when he told us to pick up the ingredients, I knew this was not gonna work."

"Is it about the bad ingredients Soma-kun?"

"That's exactly right Tadokoro, didn't you felt someone pushing you forward when you reach the cauliflower section?"

"It was you Soma-kun?!" Megumi asked in surprise as her path was blocked off by the crowding of students before she was nudged to the front by someone.

"Heh, I saw that you were going to be left with an oxidize cauliflower so I gave you a hand sneakily. Ma… I bet you would have make the similar dish I made if I didn't stop you." Soma said as he presented his dish to the four.

Taking a bite, they could taste that the vegetables taste sweeter with a lingering of sourness holding it together.

"Haa… I bet Shinomiya tasted this and failed you due to the change of recipe."

"Hmm~~~ No wonder he was barking a lot about following orders. I still think Ryo-kun is louder in the kitchen."

The others could not help but picture an image of two dogs with different colours hair barking at each other.

"Hmph, failing a student when they show impressive improvised skills. The former first seats are nothing much." Erina said angrily.

Deciding not to comment on Erina's remark, Gin glanced at his disciple and said: "Don't lose okay?"

"Heh, Of course. There's still 2 chefs that I had yet to challenge again." Soma said as he smiled warmly at his lovers.

"I won't accept another 'failure' Soma."

"Ehe~~~Don't take another L Soma~~~"

'Heh~ Don't worry. When I win, I will make it up to the both of you.' Soma clutched his hand as he remembered the hurt expression when they first walked in.

As the group departed from Gin, their appearance caused an uproar in the ballroom as many of the students have heard that he had failed. They wondered if that rumor was wrong but when they saw the two Nakiri Princesses beside him, they immediately interpreted their own version.

"Cheh, using both of your 'supposed' girlfriends to get you out of trouble. What a man you are huh transfer student."

"Hah, I knew you were all talk transfer student. So much for claiming the top spot huh?"

"Hey did you sacrifice your girlfriends for this bribery? You know, I could invite you to be a cleaner in my restaurant if you lend me them for a round Haha….?!"

"Haah… it's been a long time since I was this pissed. Two strikes in a day, when will the turkey come eh?" Soma said as he got into the personal zone of the student and look menacingly into his eyes.

The student was shaking in his boots as Soma was about to grab him by the collar of his shirt but the Nakiri princesses stopped him by softly grasping his hand.

Delighted by the turn of events, the boy stood smugly as he somehow thought that the Nakiri princesses were favoring him and boldly proclaimed: "You girls did well, it seems you both are much smarter than this big mouth. Don't worry, I'll take care of the both of you better than this slouch. With me by your side, you will experience wonders that he can never bring."

After stopping Soma, the girls turned around to face the boy with bright smiles and move forward. Their smile brightens even more when they saw the boy holding his arms out expecting them to dove right into his embrace.

However, expectation differs from reality. The soft plump feeling he was expecting turn into the agony of pain from both side of his face. A bright 5 finger mark was seen on each side as it was now Soma's turn to softly grasp both of his lovers' hand.

"YOU!"

"Stay quiet for a while" Soma glared at him as he took out a pair of handkerchief and gently wipe off the 'dirt' that his lovers touch.

"…"

Pleased that their hands were now 'purified', the trio faced the boy with their own chilly glare and warned him. "Another word about him/them, I will guarantee that you will feel what happens next is 10 times worse than this training camp."

Falling onto his butt, the boy was trembling heavily as he saw three creatures on the back of the trio. He felt his breath hitching as the trio gave him some parting words before leaving. "See you at the end of training camp"

It was needless to say that the boy failed his next task as it was pure coincidence that his next examiner was a pissed off Shinomiya. Well…that story is too boring so let's just move on, shall we?

Re-joining with Megumi, the four went their own way and dealt with their remaining task for today. Bumping into Hisako and Takumi, the duo blasted them with questions in which the four told them that Soma expulsion is indeed real which resulted in them panicking. However, the four told them there was one saving grace as all Soma needed was to beat Shinomiya in a Shokugeki. Yup…sounds easy enough…

Before they could comment anything, Soma told them confidently: "Just gather in the basement after the next task ends, heh…hopefully it won't be a one-sided battle."

"Uuu…will Soma-kun be alright?" Megumi asked as she held onto the charm that her mother gave her.

"I know Yukihira is good but is he as good as a former first seat?" Hisako asked Takumi since he face Soma the most.

Before Takumi could reply however, an arrogant voice interrupted them: "Of course not, this is not a child's playground that you all are currently in."

Turning to face the voice, the group saw Shinomiya leading the pack with the other alumni following behind. "Cheh, what is with this crowd? Well whatever, guess this will the last time you will see your foolish ringleader."

Anger by the words aim towards their friend, the trio wanted to rebut Shinomiya but they were beaten to the punch once again by the arrival of the trio. "Hoh, it looks like everyone's here huh. Even all the alumni are here, guess I shouldn't disappoint."

With the appearance of Soma, the alumni began evaluating the boy who dares challenge their generation top chef.

"Yukihira Soma, the infamous transfer student that beat the Mito daughter in a Shokugeki as his introduction to the school."

"Hmm, the student who broke Dojima-san's record for the fastest serving for 50 dishes with the two Nakiris."

"Is this the student you been talking about Hinako?"

"En~ I heard he's also the boyfriend of both the Nakiris as well Fuyumi-chan. More important, his skill is far beyond what a student is capable of. I still believe he was holding back when he completed my task."

Gin on the side could only smirk as Hinako hit the bullseyes 'If only you knew how right you were Hinako'

Seeing that both sides are now here. Gin took to the front as the official person in charge. "Starting now we will be having an Unofficial Shokugeki between Shinomiya and Yukihira Soma with his expulsion on the line. These ingredients are leftovers from the assignment today and you are required to use the ingredients to make a dish within 2 hours. Furthermore, the judges will be the alumni seated here including myself. Without further ado, let the Shokugeki…"

"Wait a minute Shi…Dojima-senpai."

"What is it…?"

"I would like Shinomiya-senpai to be a judge as well."

"?!/Yukihira! / Has he lost it?! / What are you doing Soma-kun?!"

"And why is that?"

"Heh, I would just like him to see what he has truly been missing in his cooking."

"Hahaha…if you are that desperate of losing then I will cast a pity vote for you. Very well, I will taste your dish."

"If there is nothing to add then I announce that this Shokugeki starts right…"

"Wait a minute Baldy~ We're not done yet."

"…"

"Alice…what happen to calling him Dojima-senpai… Well whatever, could you give us a minute senpai?" Erina requested as the both of them walked towards Soma.

Tilting his head that his lovers had something to add on, Soma also walked forward while beginning to untie the headband on his wrist. Before he could fully unwrap it, Erina place her hands on his left wrist while Alice place her hands on his forehead.

Recognizing the feeling of cloth, Soma was surprised to see the similar cloth tied around his left wrist and his forehead. "This is?"

"En~ this is the exact same gift 'Okaa-sama' gave us."

"Hmph, if you dare lose with 3 of us supporting you then…"

'Smooch'

"Hey! Where's my turn~~~" Alice said as she placed her head on Soma's shoulder which earned a chuckle from him as well as a smooch to her lips.

"Erina, Alice. I won't let both of you down again… Once was enough and it will be the last"

Before leaving to the 'battlefield', Soma embraced Alice and Erina and softly whisper: "Thank you"

Giving a nod to Gin to signal that their moment was done, Soma faced Shinomiya that has an arrogant expression on his face.

"Hmph! Finally done with you whole farce? Well no matter how much you stall, the outcome is inevitable.

Closing his eyes and reopening them slowly, Soma smirk smugly at Shinomiya and said: "Cut all the trash talk Senpai. I don't have time for you. There's two people I have to make up to after this."

"YOU!"

"Shokugeki start!"

Disregarding the pissed off Shinomiya, Soma went towards the counter and began debating through what kind of dish he was going to make. Spotting Shinomiya grabbing cabbages and chicken breast with the corner of his eye, Soma instantly knew that it was not one of his specialities.

'Chou farci huh. It seems he is trying to fully destroy my pride with a standard French dish cooked in French families.'

"Dojima-san, I've already decided the dish that I will cook so may I begin preparing it?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Hmph, too bad for you huh Yukihira. Still deciding on what dish to make? I could give you some suggestions as a caring Senpai"

"Urgh…did you hear his way of speaking? It's really gross"

"That's why your relationship with Hinako has never advanced further. Shinomiya, you need to change your habit a bit."

"As cocky and disgusting as ever Shinomiya. You never changed since our school days."

"Shut it outsiders! Cheh, I got more important things to do right now." Shinomiya said as placed the ingredients on the tray and begun preparing his dish whereas Soma is still deciding what dish is he gonna make.

"Oi oi…Yukihira usually dives right in with ideas flooding his mind."

"Is Soma-kun ner...nervous…"

"I should have prepared a cup of tea for him."

While the three were panicking, Alice and Erina were silently observing Soma waiting for him to make his move. How were they so confident? Because they saw the light smirk Soma had when Shinomiya bypass him.

'Heh, two can play that game Senpai. I wonder how mad he will be with this twist' Soma thought to himself as he finally pictured the dish he wanted.

Quickly gathering the ingredients, he walked back to his kitchen and place the tray on the counter. One thing that caught Erina and Alice eyes were that there was no meat in Soma's tray.

"Is he…Surely not…"

"Hehe~~ that really is like Soma. Reckless, thoughtless but that is Soma~~"

Adjusting the headbands on him, Soma began his preparations for the dish at lightning speed. Every move was precise with an ounce of flamboyant in the way he cooks. From his subtle caring of the ingredients to the smiling expression on his face, his way of cooking deeply attracted the viewers attraction even Shinomiya's.

As if signaling the end of a performance, a bell ran off which redirected their attention away from Soma. Reminding the two chefs that they have 5 minutes left, the tension in the room began to resurface as they wonder who would come out the victor. Experience or Grit

"Now start with the finishing touches! The judgement will start soon!" Gin said as to instruct the two to place their finished dish on a plate.

Seeing that Shinomiya started first, it was natural that his dish was to be evaluated first. Walking as confidently as ever, Shinomiya placed 5 finished dishes in front of the judges before stepping to the side.

"Hmm? Chou farci? This is unexpected Shinomiya."

"Similar to the western countries Cabbage roll, it is a dish where you stuff cabbaged leaves with minced meat or vegetables before wrapping and steaming it."

"It is quite a standard dish cooked frequently in French families."

"Kojiro, this was a bit of a let-down. I expected you to serve a showy dish like you used to or a speciality in Shino."

"Is this your way of being merciful or a way to crush him completely Shinomiya?"

"Haha, his just a student after all. There's no way I will be that merciless and serve one of my speciality."

The five accomplices immediately tsukkomi in their head 'This is even worse for an opponent's confidence…beating someone with not even your best.' Placing that thought at the back of their head, they sliced the cabbage roll and felt the smell of potherbs stimulating their appetite at once. When they took the first bite, they were immediately assaulted with a taste of deliciousness.

"It's delicious!"

"You change the usual stuffing from roast pork and onions to native chicken breast meat!"

"Furthermore, you steamed a smooth-mousse mix of breast meat, butter, eggs and fresh cream which entwines with the tongue and melts instantly to spread around the rich flavor."

"The most vexing part is the cabbage that ties everything together. You decided to use savoy cabbage that has a strong grassy smell that releases fine quality sweetness when heated."

"Grr…its vexing but its taste so good! A common dish that has been boosted to the level that it can be served in a high-class restaurant!"

Already expecting the pleased reactions, Shinomiya turned in expectancy to look at a downhearted Soma but he was busy taking a bite from Gin's dish.

"Hmm…its good. The whole dish oozes magic, I guess the title of the Legumes Magician is not really a fluke. Good going Senpai."

"Hahaha, your jokes are not funny Monsieur Yukihira. You have the audacity to judge my dish and only say it was good?"

"Senpai, the thought of me ever beating you never crossed your mind am I right? A lowly student defeating a chef that has recognition all over the world… Hah…What a joke… I myself would laugh if someone told me something like that. Too bad for you Senpai, I'm not just an ordinary student." Soma said blazingly as he served his dish to the alumni before placing one in front of Erina and Alice with a smile.

Beginning with Gin, the judges slowly open the pot and immediately the aroma of fresh vegetables hit their senses and pulsated into their veins.

"This…?!

"Is…?"
"A…"

"Full…"

"Vegetable…"

"Ragout/Stew!"

Indeed. Soma decided to challenge Shinomiya at his own expertise. With his wide exposure to array of knowledge and cultures, one would assume he would utilize these to make a dish that can counteract Shinomiya but he decided to take on Shinomiya head on with the knowledge he gain from his roots.

With the judges yearning for a taste, they immediately place their spoon on the orange cube and brought it close to their mouth. One bite…One bite was enough for them to be transported directly into Soma's memories.

"Kaa-chan, Oyaji I'm home!"

"Hehe~~welcome back Soma. Did you enjoy your day with your girlfriends?"

"Ah! You're making a mess on the floor, what a troublemaker you are."

"Heh~ You could say he took over the worst qualities of his father"

"What do you mean…That personality is a carbon copy of yours."

"Haha he really does remind me of my youth haha…urgh…"

"Tamako/Kaa-chan!"

Immediately leaning forward to catch his falling wife, Joichiro managed to caught her seconds before she hit the ground. Gently lifting her to lean on his shoulders, he and Soma could see that Tamako was holding her head in pain.

"Kaa-chan, are you ok?!" It's been a while that worry has filled Soma's voice as everyday was filled with joy and laughter either by being with his family or his newly made friends.

Guided to the front seat at the counter, Tamako groggily looked up and saw the anxiousness in Soma's eyes. Giving a brief nod to Joichiro, Tamako weakly gestured for Soma to come closer.

Quickly rushing to his mother side, Soma felt a hand gently rubbing his hair affectionately while mustering a weak smile at him with her lips trembling: "I'm alright…its just a cold cough…cough…It's probably due to the early winter this year."

"Don't worry Kaa-san! I'll cook something warm for you!" Soma said innocently as he was convinced that her mother was just 'under the weather'.

Diving right into the back kitchen, Soma took out some chicken, fish and was even prepare to boil some rice before his father stop him.

"Sorry kiddo, your mother has a specific diet she needs to follow now. Best to leave the hard part to pops no?" Joichiro said to Soma as he saw the appreciative nod Tamako gave him.

"Cough…cough…why don't you sit nearer with me Soma? Kaa-chan wants to spend more time with you."

Thinking that it was just an innocent request, Soma eagerly sit beside his mother while grasping her mothers' cold hand gently trying to warm her up.

"Don't worry Kaa-chan, your cold will be gone before you know it! Although I hate to admit it…Pops is still a better chef than me now but someday I will be able to cook different kinds of dishes for you as well."

"Of course, Dear~~~. Kaa-chan can't wait to taste more of your dishes." Tamako said as she gently felt up Soma's hair while evading her teary eyes away from Soma.

Rubbing off the tears of his wife, Joichiro smiled at her before presenting his dish to the two.

"Here you are. Winter Vegetable Stew/Oagariyo…Soma-style Winter Memories Vegetable Ragout"

Nostalgically looking at the cloth tied around his wrist, Soma could hear some soft cries coming from behind him. Smiling wryly, Soma walked over to the two and looked at them calmly. Gently brushing off the tears of the two, Soma told them: "Cheer up~~~We promise Kaa-chan to not live in the past, right?"

Holding on to the tip of both of his hands, Erina and Alice strongly nodded their heads. "En~"

While Soma was busy tending to her emotional lovers, the alumni table was not faring any better. Hinako who was the most emotional was already drowning in tears while the others were desperately holding back onto their tears. Shinomiya on the other hand was silently facing downwards towards the dish he tasted with thoughts running through his mind.

"Sniff…sniff… Your choices of winter vegetables were perfect…you even use the same savoy cabbage that Shinomiya did."

"Yukihira Soma…the combination of butternut squash, turnips and cabbage were the perfect authentic picture of a cold winter night."

"Topping off with thin strips of red onions, pieces of carrots and tomatoes were a masterclass. This dish is a perfect warm and inviting homely dinner."

"Heh…What can I say Soma…I remember when you don't even know how to add spices to a dish but now… Fresh thyme with a pinch of black pepper as well as a drop of white wine…You really have grown monstrously…This dish truly oozes upper class…Tamako would be so proud"

With the alumni giving praises one after the other, all eyes felt on Shinomiya's verdict on how he felt about the dish. With his head still down, Shinomiya remove his glasses and walked towards the shelf to grab a wine glass. Finally looking up, Shinomiya pour the glass full with red wine and faced Soma: "Brat…this is in respect for your mother" before downing the whole glass in one go.

"Arigato Senpai"

Once Shinomiya finish downing his drink, he walked towards the two girls clinging onto Soma and bowed his head in apology. "Forgive me, I was the one in the wrong. Your faith in the chef Yukihira Soma was correct."

Everyone looked on with wide-open eyes as the pure arrogant Shinomiya was now admitting to his wrongs. Seeing the confused look on the Alumni, Soma patted Shinomiya on the shoulder and said: "Senpai, stagnating is just a phase of rediscovery for a chef. You may think that what you achieve so far was by yourself but that's far from the case. There's always people that supports you even if you discard them."

"Tsk…even receiving tips from a junior now…" Shinomiya clicked his tongue as a front but inside he was seriously considering Soma's advice. Looking at the palm of his hand, he could picture scenes of him disregarding his staff or the customers faces as their opinions means nothing to him.

'Heh…it looks like I really have been cooking alone. I wonder what she would think if I did invite her to my restaurant again.' Shinomiya thought as an image of an angry woman in her late fifties with brown hair popped up into his mind.

Regaining his thought, Shinomiya could not help but complain "Haah…I get it Dojima-san. I fell right into your trap, haven't I?"

"I wonder what you mean Shinomiya? It was all your own doing of accepting the challenge from Yukihira Soma."

"Heh…Cut the guy some slack Shishou. Well, if my job is done here then I guess we'll be off. We still have tasks to do tomorrow." Soma said as he squeezed his lovers hand and gestured at Takumi, Megumi and Hisako to leave as well.

Leaving his teacher to do all the explaining, Soma led the group out of the basement and back into the hallway. Once they were outside, Takumi could not help but asked: "Yukihira, isn't leaving now inappropriate? The results haven't been decided yet."

"Yukihira, good job."

"Good work Soma-kun."

"Good work to you three as well, sorry for dragging you all in this"

Seeing that no one was with him, Takumi wanted to turn back to satisfy his curiosity but he refrained from doing so. He decided somethings are better left unseen. Well lucky for him as the exact moment he wanted to turn back was the exact moment Shinomiya flipped his coin to Soma's bowl. However, Takumi did catch the sound of coins colliding in the same bowl. Which bowl was it? He may never know.

Once finishing the same job that his Shishou did in explaining the course of event to the other members, Soma, Erina and Alice all headed back to their deluxe suite to get some shut eye. One thing that has been strange to Soma was that the two girls has remained silent after eating the dish he prepared.

After unlocking the door, Erina and Alice immediately separated from Soma and went into the bathroom. Thinking that it was his fault for worrying the girls relentlessly for the whole day, Soma could only smile bitterly himself. 'Heh…I deserved it after all'

With that thought in mind, Soma decided to grab the sheets and sleep on the couch. Before he could get comfy, the bathroom door burst open with the two girls looking 'menacingly' at Soma.

With his jaws still wide-opened, Soma could only blink repeatedly when the two yanked him back onto the bed. Why was he so shell-shocked? It was because the two girls were in lingerie! A very revealing lingerie! And most importantly… it's a fu**ing* lingerie worn by Alice and Erina!"

Still dumbfounded, his brain finally began to refunction when he felt the two girls were clinging onto both of his arms with their 'marshmallows'.

Swallowing back the saliva he accumulated, Soma wanted to voice out his question but Alice and Erina both placed a finger each on his lips to prevent him.

"We were super worried you know?"

"Our mind went blank when we hear that you failed"

"…"

"The believe we had in you never faded but…"

"The brief separation from fake to reality was too much to bear."

"…"

"All we could have thought off was the disappointment in your face"

"As well as the carving pain that we were not there for you"

Deciding enough is enough, Soma finally snapped as he reversed their position with him now facing down the two with rough breaths"

Immediately placing his lips on both girls, Soma decided that this was the best course of action in silencing their worry.

Across the room, sensual sound like 'Mmm' 'Haa' filled the air. A hot tension surrounded the three as their desires are threating to break free. With the universal law of needing to breath, Soma finally stop his onslaught with reluctance as he gazed down and look at his masterpiece. A scene that could make even the gods jealous. With perspiration flowing down their glossy skin, no one in the world regardless of gender would not feel charmed by their figure.

Like just look at them! Oops… I forgot you all can't… so I will try my best and describe them hehe~~

With her rough breaths and messy hair, the usually well-kept figure of Nakiri Erina was nowhere to be seen. With one arm on her forehead while the other desperately trying to cover herself from Soma' gaze, her shy and alluring figure was like nectar to Soma.

Alice on the other hand was still mesmerize by the session they had. Placing her fingertips on her moisturize lips, her white cheeks quickly redden as she could still recall how hungry Soma was for her. With her sweaty fair skin and white lingerie fully exposed to Soma, it was a wonder how Soma could hold back for that long.

Gently placing his hands on each of their cheeks, Soma softly rubbed them in the most caring way he can.

Placing their hands-on top on his is a similarly gentle manner, Alice and Erina guided their intertwined hand to their calm but fast-beating heart.

"Hehe~~~ apology accepted Soma~~~"

"Hmph…don't try to do anything alone again Baka."

Lowering down and getting a closer look at where their hands were placed, Soma gently lifted their hands and place his lips on the exact spot.

"There~ Our hearts are interlocked now, I can never escape from both your grasp again…Lastly…sorry for making you worry"

Giving a brief glance at each other, Alice and Erina pulled Soma down and placed him in the middle of the two with them now sleeping on top of his body. Lifting his shirt up, the two placed their lips at the same spot where Soma kissed them: His heart.

"Now we are interlocked~~ No more pulling smarty on us you hear~~~?"

"Your life is ours now, you need our permission before going through with some of your 'smart' ideas"

"I hear you loud and clear princesses. I vow on my capture heart"

With Soma's cheesy last reassurance, the trio laugh heartily at what they promise. Already vowing to each other before an official marriage… The spring of youth huh…

Deciding to cap off one last thing before turning in for the night, Soma return the headband to its rightful owners. Tying the headband back onto Alice's left and Erina's right wrist, Soma smiled on as he looked at the priceless 'artefact' that will forever tie them together.

With the sun setting over Totsuki resort, it was a signal for students that have completed their task to sit back and enjoy their relaxation. With students making their way towards the hot spring or their respective room, one group in particular stood out as they were standing still in the hallway in lie of something.

"Ichi~~ Ni~~ San~~~"

'Ding dong' "This is a message to the entire student body, Good job today as well. An hour and a half from now on at 9.15pm, please change into your uniforms and gather at the main banquet hall."

"Yosh! Pay up guys!"

"Urgh…remind me to not bet against Yukihira again"

"Not like you will learn you lesson Aldini"

"That's lame Nii-san"

"…Put in on Alice Ojou's tab"

"Hmm~~~?"

"Hinako, Megumi-san, lets ignore them and resume our game from yesterday"

"Of course, Erina"

"Hehe…see you guys later?"

Inside the hall, many of the other students were keeping their silent due to exhaustion while the Hoseki members were still full of chatter from their latest round of poker.

"Hehe~~~you really suck at card games Erina~~~"

"Shut it! I didn't know you had a full house!"

"Even so…to go all in with a pair of queens with two kings already on the table was a risky shout Erina"

"Cheer up Erina-san~"

"That's right, at least you did not come last this time"

"Urgh…"

As the only voice in the hall, everyone's attention was on them to please quiet down. Their wish was granted as Dojima Gin made his way up the stage and took hold of the mic.

"Ok, seems like everyone's gathered. Please give your attention to the stage as I'm going to inform you all about tomorrow's test."

Ignoring the grunts, Gin continued: "The content for the test is to provide a new breakfast menu, one that is appropriate for the guests here at Totsuki Resort. Breakfast is the most important dish of the day and it represents a hotel's reputation! In short, you are required to create a dish that is good enough to serve in Totsuki Resort. The main ingredient is Egg with no limitation on the cuisine. The format will be buffet-style breakfast and your test will conduct at 6am sharp tomorrow."

"…EEH?!"

"You're free to use your free time as you like to, every kitchen will be open for you to prepare your dish or you could return to your room and sleep too. Well then, let us meet again at 6am tomorrow. Good luck and Dismissed!"

"Why did I feel like Shishou's last sentence was directed at us?"

"Tsk tsk…he better not and come bother us again."

"Hmph, I agree. We will just have to send him packing this time around"

Feeling a light shudder, Gin turned around in cold sweat as he felt two pairs of hands reaching out towards him.

"Is anything wrong Dojima-san?"

"Uh…Everything's fine. Just felt a bit of a chill that's all"

"?"

Seeing that his colleague was not convinced, Gin diverted the attention and asked: "How are the students faring?"

"The students have separated and begun working on their preparation in the various kitchen. However, there is the noticeable absence of your student's group."

"Haah…he was supposed to give me some enjoyment on this quiet night…Well… he did have a rough day yesterday."

"Mhmm…I am interested…What would happen if you faced off against him again…"

"Let's just say it will either be a tied or a complete blowout"

"…You're not gonna say in who's favor?"

"…"

"I see…but it's still hard to imagine…Haa...Who am I kidding…its his kid"

"Yeah"

That's a wrap~~ A much shorter chapter compare to the previous three so I could only apologize if you guys wanted a longer chapter. Unfortunately time was not in my favor and I could not include the buffet scene in this chapter.

Well to make it up to you guys the next chapter will be longer than this and hopefully it will be released on the 20th/21st of this month. I don't know much work I will have but you will have my word that I'm damn completing the next chapter.

Let me know what you guys think of my way of portraying the Shokugeki~~~

No cliffhangers around this time but a preview is a must in my story~

"Finally made it back huh? I thought you were out on your rendezvous with the princesses"

"What a happy smile you have on your face Erina~ It looks much more beautiful that the longing face you always have with me"