SUP Guys~~~ I'm really sorry for keeping you all waiting, its been 3 weeks since I last posted and finally I've been free enough to finish this chapter. Well...I got to say that this chapter was supposed to be a bit longer with an introduction of a certain character and her plot but I thought why not give myself a bit more time to think more clearly before advancing further. A IRL update~~~ My intern finally ended! Its truly crazy how the world turns. I posted my first chapter the day I started and now I'm here teasing you all about the main plot at the day when I end it. Hahaha~~
Also, A huge thanks to everyone that supported me and a special shoutout to the 314 that follows and 256 favorites.
Once again we're here for the review corner~~ I got to say only 1 of you from the 100+ reviews gotten manage to spot a certain character. Is my writing style good or bad? Let me know~~
OvergrownFish: Sup dude, sad to hear that my friend. I hope you will get him when his banner reruns. At least you got the equivalent of Alice in Genshin: Hu tao which I have no gems to pull for T~T. I just got venti and now saving for Eula who I think is equivalent to Erina.
CincyRail: Sup man, nice to hear from you again. Glad my story was able to earn some giggles from you. Hopefully this chapter doesn't disappoint you. Waiting to hear from you again~
NinjaFang1331: Thanks dude, hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
I'mAlsoAWe: Sup man, sorry for the long wait my man~ Thanks for your constant support and I hope you enjoy this chapter too~
Anikong: Sup dude, Wow...that's really an honor, I'm really glad people like the twist I did in the Shokugeki. Hehe~~ your compliments are too kind. Thanks a lot and dont worry, there will be much more romance in the story than here in the training camp. A slight teaser for you~~ there's something that will appear again at the end of The Elections Arc~~
XXxxxadisxxxXX: Welp, I always think that in conversations a proper sentence structure is not needed. But if it affects you reading it then I could only apologize as I won't change the dialogues.
IndraAshura: Sup My G~~~No problem man, you can always come to me if you need any assistance again. Take your time man, I for one am really excited for the next chapter of your story. It was just a glimpse of his Lucifer persona, there are three things that will cause it to manifest: Erina and Alice, her mother and the restaurant~~ Hehe you have seen one, when will he appear again hehe~~ Just a random guy that wants to look cool, well he got his ass yeeted out the academy so don't mind him. Yup, they were always similar to me. Arrogant, confident and ridiculously stubborn haha. Just imagine Erina and Alice in lingerie haaaa~~~ Oops lost track there. I was meaning it as a countdown to the announcement of Gin~~ Well you guess wrong My G~ How wrong? Just sit back and read~. Looking forward to hearing from you again My G~
DragonKingRyouga: Sup dude, that is a great idea. Next time Soma does his crazy shit, I'll insert this quote as well as having either Erina or Alice say here we go again haha~~ Thanks for the constant support and looking forward to hearing from you again~
JintoLin: Sup man~~ haha I get it. To piss off the ones that commented even more ehh~ But nah, I'll hold back for now kekeke~~ Hmm...I thought off leaving Soma to sleep in the sofa and have nightmare of both of them leaving him but I refrain again since their relationship is so tightly bond. Ara~~~I already told you we will see kids in this story but that will be ages haha. Ah shit...you caught me red handed.. but cat girlsMaid girls in my opinion haha. Oh god.. Soma wearing that cooking for Erina and Alice~ that is a good idea actually. Hope you like the buffet event haha~~ it was indeed fun to write. Well, I'll give nervegear a shot since SAO is one of my fav anime regardless of what anyone thinks and Genshin is moving reasonable as well but its us players that go try-hard mode and complete a new area in 1 day haha. Hope to hear from you again man~~
NANLIT: Sup dude, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yup, I always wonder what would happen if Soma did failed. Will Shinomiya even bat an eyelid to him? We never know. Anyway, glad you got a sense of satisfaction when that cheeky guy got kick out of the school. Glad you like the dish part as well~~ Yup, explanations has be given in the last chapter and a bit this chapter as well~~ God damn, your guesses are spot on with the buffet and one of the characters. But I got you now~~ It's actually a second character but I did make it as hard as possible with the sentences. Hope you enjoy this chapter and waiting to hear from you again as well~~
Hdpgracia: Thanks for the follow man~ greatly appreciate it. I am still conflicted on Ryo/Megumi or Takumi/Megumi, let's see what the viewers think but myself is leaning toward Ryo/Megumi since they have much more in common. But, characters being in couples will probably be at the end of the story as epilogues. Interactions and teases will still be there depends on what other votes. Your English is great dude, language is not about perfect wording, its about communicating and I damn receive your support. Muchas gracias(I assume your Spanish) and I will be looking forward to hearing from you again.
"Should I even be surprised anymore…?" Soma tsukkomi out loud.
"Hehe~~Aren't you happy to see us next to you Soma~~"
"Don't tell me you have something to do with this Alice…"
"Hmm? What are you talking about Erina?" Alice replied while tilting her head cutely.
'Yup…this coincidence definitely has something to do with Alice…' Both Erina and Soma thought to themselves.
"Not that I'm complaining, but don't you think it's a bit sad that the other students in this hall will have to compete with the three of us"
"Hmph! If they don't even have the will to compete then they can kiss their dreams of participating in the Autumn Selections goodbye." Erina said as she looked around and saw many student cowering from them.
"Hehe~~~don't go focusing around the other students Erina~~~. Your real competition is just beside you~." Alice said with a hint of competitiveness.
"Hoh? Big words from someone who has yet to beat me in a Shokugeki. Well, it won't hurt to focus a bit more this time around. Do your best to not disappoint me Alice." Erina reply with fighting words as well.
"Heh, this really reminds me of the times when you were batting so much that Gramps and Pops beg me to get you two out of the kitchen."
"And yet you somehow ended up joining us…So much for our knight huh?" Erina teased
"En en~~~A knight that can't even save the princesses~~~" Alice followed up.
"Hah?! You both are on! Count me in on that bet!"
'Mission success~' Both Alice and Erina chuckled at each other as they knew Soma was pretending to be asleep when the two made their bet early this morning.
Their fun was put on hold when they heard an announcement from Gin. "Good Morning students, all you all ready to present your dishes? Before explaining the conditions to pass, let me introduce you all to our judges."
With that said, the 'judges' began flooding into the room. From children to elderly, from food suppliers to staffs of the resort. It was truly a test that separates the diamonds from the rough, conjuring up a breakfast dish that can satisfy every group.
"You may recognize some familiar faces as they are entrusted to judge the training camp every year. To put it simply, they have tasted numerous dish throughout their time and clumsy dishes will not even be worth their time."
Voices of despair began to flood the hall but the voices were amplified to a higher magnitude when Gin explain the two criteria to pass. "The conditions are simple. The first being whether the judges deemed your dish is suitable and approve your idea while the second being that students starting from now will have to accomplish 200 servings within 2 hours."
With a smirk, Gin finished his announcement by stating: "Now everyone, enjoy this breakfast time to the fullest. Begin judging!"
Switching to hall B, we could see many girls flocking towards a fragrant aroma.
"Benvenute Signore, would you like to give my frittata a try?" Takumi asked enticingly.
"An Italian egg dish baked with cheese."
"It smells really good but its just a plain frittata."
"Be patient ladies~, my dish is not yet complete." Takumi said as breaks the frittata into small rough pieces and pair them with dressings of vegetables before sprinkling in some balsamic sauce and parmesan cheese."
"Finito, this is my Insalata Frittata. Buon appetito"
"Ah~! The texture of the egg is so soft and fluffy~"
"The vegetables are crispy and healthy as well~~"
"The refreshing sauce is mingling in my mouth~ Its Delicious!"
"So Delicious! I've never eaten such a dish before! You girls need to try this~ Hurry!"
"Grazie!"
While Takumi was serving out dish by dish, Kurokiba was scaring the customers away with his intimidating aura.
"I thought you were not gonna take this task seriously, why the change of heart?" Takumi asked the one beside him.
"CHEH! I AM GONNA PASS THIS GODAMN TASK AND GET MY NAME SELECTED FOR THE AUTUMN SELECTIONS! THERE I WILL HAVE ANOTHER MATCH WITH OJOU AND YUKIHIRA! OI, GET OVER HERE AND TASTE MY DISH!" Kurokiba explained to Takumi while calling out to a sickly old man who ironically was one of the food suppliers for Totsuki.
"Ugh…you boast such a loud voice but does your food pack the same volume?" The old man winced as he covers one of his ears while the other grabs the dish placed on the counter.
'Munch'… "?! This is?! Salmon with scrambled eggs?!"
"Did I hear that right?! Who serves Salmon for breakfast?! Any seafood dish is a no-go for breakfast!"
"Michael, That's enough!"
"But…grandpa. This breakfast is too heavy in the morning." The boy said while backing his point.
"I apologize for my grandson's rude words, it has a been a long while since I tasted this unique combination. The last time I tasted one was in Scandinavia."
"Hmph, I don't care about a brat that doesn't understand food"
"What did you say?! I bet you won't even get pass this task."
"Then how about you try my dish huh? I know you desperately want to try it." Kurokiba challenged as he placed the place in front of him.
While glaring at Kurokiba to keep up his tough act, the boy could not help but swallow back his saliva. "Gulp…Hmph! I'll prove to grandpa that your dish is not suitable for the theme!"
Looking at the dish in front of him, Michael could not help but sense the dish drawing him closer inch by inch. Sending a final begrudging look towards Kurokiba, he took a small portion and place it into his mouth.
"…Munch…Munch…Munch…Why can't I stop eating this?! The egg is so light and fluffy and the salmon is sending torpedoes of attacks into my mouth!" Michael exclaimed loudly as he continued to stuff his mouth.
"That's why I told you numerous times to judge a dish after eating one. At first glance, you could call him crazy for using Salmon as a pairing but in reality, Salmon is extremely suited to be pair with eggs."
"Kurokiba-kun is focusing on the customer's diet…Amazing!" The familiar voice of a certain blue-hair girl resounded beside him as he saw Hisako and Megumi looking at his dish.
"Salmon's Omega-3 content strengthens synapses in the brain related to memory. It also reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, eye health and fighting depression - as well as keeping bones and joints healthy and strong." Hisako explained to Michael whose hand was reaching for another plate.
"SHUT UP! Focus on your own stand and get out of the line!" Kurokiba exclaimed loudly while the three chuckled at his embarrassment.
While they busy laughing at Kurokiba's expense, the other two food suppliers came over and tasted Megumi's and Hisako's dish.
"This…is an Oden?"
Putting on her game face, Megumi confidently introduced her dish as a mini-sized breakfast oden. "Please enjoy, my quail-egg oden."
Taking a bite, the egg supplier was captivated by the brilliant combination of taste within the dish. "Such a relaxing taste, the dashi(stock) flows right into my mouth after biting on it!"
"Incredible! To have such great perception of using quail eggs instead of normal chicken eggs to pair up with the colorful vegetables! Its like a child in a candy store where your hand just unconsciously reached for it. Would you marry my grandson?"
While Megumi was contemplating on how to reject the offer, their attention turned towards the loud heap of praise that is directed at Hisako by the other food supplier.
"This is truly astonishing! You managed to enhance the flavor by adding in your very own mix of Wakoucha (Japanese Black Tea).
"Thank you very much, there's a saying in China when you brew Tea." Hisako said as she begins to explain while her hands flow smoothly without missing a single beat.
"There are many factors that affect the taste of a good cup of tea: Tea leaves, the equipment and the water used for making tea. However, the most critical factor in making tea is the heart." Hisako paused while giving out the next servings to the customers in line.
Closing her eyes, Hisako sagely said: "I can't teach others the proper techniques for making tea, but here's a tip: Only a tea made fully by heart will be able to convey the brewers feeling to others." Hisako finished as she reopens her eyes and saw the stack bowls beside her.
"Arato Hisako, 200 meals served!"
"Impressive tenacity, you are not tied down to being the god tongue's aid, the Arato family will be proud to have an heir like you. I bid you good luck in your goal" The supplier said as he dragged his friend away from bothering Megumi.
"Arato-san, that was amazing! You were able to reach 200 servings in an hour!" Megumi praised as she heaved a sigh of relief from being separated by the pestering man.
"Thank you, Megumi-san. I'm what you call normal…well…compare to those three that is…" Arato said as she took a bite of Megumi's dish while she and Megumi laughed at the announcement that came to prove her point.
"Yukihira Soma, Nakiri Erina, Nakiri Alice, 300 meals served!"
Back in Block A we could see Mito Ikumi venting her frustrations out loud since all the customers are being dragged to a specific corner.
"Damn it! I'm stuck at 198 servings and no customers are coming my way! I'm glad to be able to compete with the three of them but this is just too much…" Ikumi complained as she looked on towards the sea of people crowding the 'troublesome' trio.
Feeling dejected, Ikumi did not noticed two more than familiar figures partaking in her dish.
"Mmm~~This is delicious~ don't you agree dear~?"
"To think she could come up with the idea of using Loco Moco for a buffet…"
"Hehe~ it looks like she picked up some good habits since joining them"
"The sunny-side eggs entwine together perfectly with the rib roast hamburger steak, the two combined with the sweetness of the rice spread indulgingly through the mouth. She really did grow huh…"
While the two look on fondly, a familiar face to them walked closer after noticing the enticing smell.
"Oh? Isn't it Ms. and Mr. Mito. It's been a while, how have you been?"
"Oh, Vice-chef Sena Hiromi. We've been good~ we just dropped by to taste a specific person's dish before leaving."
"Hmm? Oh my, this does look interesting. If I recall, this is your daughter's dish. A petit size Loco Moco and she make it into a Don as well." Hiromi said as he begins to dig in.
"MMM?! This dish is brimming with energy! This refreshing sourness usually can't be found in a Loco Moco but she managed to make it work by substituting gravy for vinaigrette. Hmm…I see, the white wine vinegar improves both the juiciness of the meat as well as the viscosity of the egg. Mito-san, you have raise such a fine daughter!" Hiromi praised full-heartedly.
While keeping a composed smile, Satoru thanked Hiromi and bid goodbye to him as he placed the two dishes on the stack before silently leaving from Ikumi's stand.
While leaving, Yue can't help but complain: "Just accept the praise dear, there's no need to feel bitter about it. You were the one who taught Ikumi the skills she has now and that will never change."
Holding onto Yue's hand, Satoru faced her and said: "Until I redeem myself, I can't face her yet. Please do it for my sake."
"Mou~ You two really are peas in a pot! So stubborn!"
Unbeknownst to them, Ikumi did caught a glimpse of them exiting the hall when she turned around after hearing the announcement of her serving 200 plates. "Arigato Mama, Papa."
"Hey, did you hear that Erina? It looks like they managed to keep up."
"Hmph, they better be or else those weeks of training will be for naught. However, it seems that some have yet to reach 200 servings."
"Hehe~~~punishment time~~~"
A certain group could not help but feel chills running down their spines as they swore they saw the image of Erina carrying a cane in a teacher's outfit and Alice carrying balloons which are definitely not filled with water. Surely it was just their imagination…right?
"Nakiri Erina, 350 meals served!"
"It seems I am in the lead again, well you both did well to keep up for that long. I'll be accepting the rewards later." Erina teased as she brought out another tray of her Egg benedict."
"Unbelievable! She managed to outshine their dish with just appearance alone. It likes a dazzling shining gem."
"Don't judge a food just by appearance youngster, egg benedict is hardly an original dish. You can find this dish anywhere in America. Hmm, it seems you have follow the recipe to a tee with poached eggs, bacon and topping it with an acidic hollandaise sauce." A man suddenly said which earned Erina's attention.
"Its been a while Sakuma-san."
"Yes, it has been Erina-sama. I wonder what secret lies within this dish." Sakuma said as he finally figured out that his hands were already on the plate.
"This is?! What is this?! I…I can feel the perfectly half-boiled poached egg melting on my tongue, the elegant acidity hollandaise sauce, the crunchy bacon enveloped in a sweet muffin. The combination is out of this world!" Sakuma can't help but exclaimed out loud.
"But?! What is this deep flavor that I'm missing?!"
Seeing the frustrated expression on the man in charge of the Service division, Erina gave out a small chuckle and said. "You better keep your composure Sakuma-san or your staff will be baffle when they see you acting like this."
Seeing that he had regained himself, Erina gestured to the egg benedict he is holding: "It's only a small adjustment I made on the muffin."
"?! You mean this golden glittering?" Sakuma asked as he look closer and saw: "This is?!"
"Yup, it is covered with Karasumi powder."
"Its genius! Roe are fish eggs as well! Now I see! The deep flavor arises from the saltiness of the karasumi powder entwine with the egg yolk, this dish is truly befitting of a q….
"Of a queen!"
Seeing that he was interrupted, Sakuma looked around to see Hiromi praising the dish of Nakiri Alice.
"Hehe~~ A queen you say~~~? Why thank you~"
"Greetings Alice-sama, Hiromi."
"Hi Sakuma-san~"
"Oh, great timing Sakuma. You should try Alice-chan's dish. The outer appearance may pale compare to Erina-chan's egg benedict but I assure you that the taste is on par if not better."
'Really? Let' see…we have boiled eggs, eggs still within their shell and split eggs? Hmm…At first glance it may look like she put no effort into making these, but there's no way Hiromi will claim this dish as better than Erina.' Sakuma thought as he gulped down the boiled egg.
"…?! This isn't a raw egg?!"
"Mou~~I'm not that lazy!" Alice immediately pouted at the audacity of Sakuma.
"The white part is a diluted ocean water gelée while the egg yolk is a salted salmon roe gelatin."
"This?! The roes pop like bubbles as the flavor spreads slowly through the mouth, it flows so smoothly!"
"How about you try my 'boiled egg' then?" Alice said while emphasizing the boiled egg part.
Deciding to judge this one by the cover, Sakuma look closer and saw the white part was actually a white asparagus mousse paired with the same hollandaise sauce that Erina used for her dish. "The balance of the rich body of the egg and the tinge of bitterness from the asparagus is superb"!
"I bet your thirsty right, Sakuma-san~~ How about a drink~~~" Alice said as she handed over the fully intact egg.
Feeling confused, Sakuma looked at Alice to see her gesturing to insert the straw into the tiny hole.
"Is…is this a milkshake in an egg?!"
"Correct~~~I poured in a milkshake made of eggs, caramel and milk inside the hollow eggs~~"
"Inconceivable! The refreshing aftertaste just boosted the flavors of the previous two dish! This dish has just trump Erina-sama's in flavor! You both have the right to owned the title queen of breakfast!"
"Nakiri Alice, 400 dishes served!"
"Why thank you Sakuma-san~~~ It looks like I beat you on this one Erina~~~" Alice teased as she looked smugly at Erina.
Before Erina could reply, they heard Soma bringing out another two stoves while looking at them. "Every queen needs a king and the only one fit to sit on that throne with them is me" Soma said as he tied his headband and took a deep breath.
"Alright, time to take it up a notch." Soma said as he lit up the 8 pans and began showcasing his real skill.
"Oi oi…he's moving even faster than before…"
"What frightful hand speed!"
"Incredible, he's gradually increasing his speed every time he finishes one batch. This kid is a monster, he's refining his cooking process through every serving." Hiromi said as he saw Soma turning off the timer before it rang.
"Mou~~~Show off…Well~~~ I can't say I dislike it though~~~There's a saying that men look most attractive when they are focus right Erina~~~?"
"Hmph, at least the food he served out is good enough." Erina said as she took a bite of Soma's Mini Soufflé Omelette.
Seeing that Erina was struggling to hold out her moan, Alice took a bite and immediately felt the fluffiness of the egg bouncing on her tongue. Swallowing the bite, Alice says with a flushed face: "Haah~~~ it's not his best dish but it's the best dish for a buffet~~~"
"I agree, some hotels including our own host live cooking for the customers to enjoy and appreciate the chef's skill as well as raising their expectation for the food. To think he would put up an extravagant show to fascinate the customers to close the gap with you two."
"Heh~~that's where you're wrong Hiromi-san~~~"
"There was never a gap between us"
Alice started and Erina ended before turning back to their own station.
"They really are the new blood of generational chefs huh Sakuma"
"Indeed, I believe they will lead Totsuki into an era that surpasses Dojima-sama."
"Final minute!"
"Come here girly~~ have a taste of my egg benedict that will make you feel like you've been to America~"
"Mou~~~ that's not how you treat children Erina~~~Let me show you~~~" Alice teased as she brought out a balloon from god knows where and handed it to the little girl.
"Wa~~~do you know magic Onee-san~~~I want a dish made of magic as well~~~" The girl said innocently to Alice which leave her in a pinch since her dish was already prepared.
Deciding to save her 'princess in distress', Soma gestured for the girl that was holding onto the balloon with one hand while holding onto Alice's with another to come over.
"Welcome to a one-time magic trick young lady~~ It seems like Onee-chan showed you part one but let me helped her for part two alright~" Soma teased which earn a scoff from Alice and Erina.
Deciding to demonstrate his 'magic', Soma flipped the egg on the pan and said: "Now its where the magic happens, have a taste Ojou-chan~"
"That was so cool Onii-san! Fua~~ its shaking~~" The little girl said as she looked at the egg on her spoon wobble.
Taking a bite, she could feel that the egg immediately disappeared from her tongue: "It's gone?! Do you really know Magic Onii-san?!"
"Hehe~~ I'm not just a magician, I'm also a hero that saves girls in trouble" Soma said as he grabbed a plate of Erina's egg benedict and Alice's three forms of eggs and began munching them down before putting them back on their stack.
"Time's up! Finish and stop right there! Before proceeding to the next task, lets have a moment to congratulate Yukihira Soma, Nakiri Erina and Nakiri Alice for reaching a new Totsuki Record, 500 dishes served!"
"Hmph, looks like you were able to save us again huh Soma~" Erina teased as she began wiping off the stains of tomato sauce off the girl's mouth with her handkerchief.
"Touché Erina, I was just returning the favor"
"Ma~~~who's victory is it then~~~ I won't lie that I feel cheated that you took away her from me Soma~" Alice said with a cute pout.
"Haha…why not we ask the little girl who's the winner then?"
"Agree"
"Ha…so in the end we are no closer to deciding who was the winner huh." Soma complained as he was sitting cosily on the limo with Alice and Erina resting their heads on his shoulder.
"Hehe~~~it was your idea to ask her Soma~~~"
"Hmph, it looks like you are not that adept in dealing with children as you thought Soma"
"So, who's the winner Ojou-chan? It has to be me the magician and knight Onii-san, right?"
"Um…Sorry Onii-san. I really like these two Onee-san as well. One gave me a balloon while the other is taking care of me. Plus…sniff…I was gonna try Onee-san's dish as well…" The little girl said as he was holding back her tears.
Hearing her statement, Soma felt down to all fours while Alice and Erina were laughing comically at his state.
"Hehehe~~~ so much for the magician~~~ I hope you know how to disappear right now~~~"
"Pfft, that's what you deserve for acting on your own. Don't' worry, Onee-san will make you her dish right now. It will be more magical than the fraud magician over there." Erina said as she led the girl to her station with Alice following suit, leaving the 'knight' sulking on the floor.
"Shut it! I guarantee that if we ever have children then those children will be the most blessed children in the world." Soma shouted before realizing what he had said.
Turning his head over to glance at the two girls on his shoulder, he could see that they were bright red up to their ears.
Deciding to break the tension, Soma jokingly said: "Uh…this is kind of a turn on?" which earned his two knuckles straight into his rib cage.
"Baka!"
"You really are an idiot sometimes…well most of the time"
"Hehe…anyway, there are a bunch more students passing this year compare to the last" Soma said as he thought back to the final event they just had.
"It seems only 600 of you have gather here which precisely is the exact number of students that are left. Cooking is a cruel profession, you either have what it takes or not. Students wonder every year why the training camp is held but have you all thought about why it should be held."
"I will ask you all honestly, do you think you will able to strengthen your ability as a chef without depending on gruesome tasks? Losing your cool, interacting with ingredients, being under pressure, countless nights of anxiety and stress. Have you even experience something similar to this when lying around safely in your own kitchen?"
"Hear my advice students, living as a cook is similar to roaming around in a wild storm alone. The more you master cooking, the hazier your objectives become. But don't you forget! You are students of Totsuki! Every single person, every single interaction, every single battle will encourage you on your lonely travel! Without further ado, lets commence the final programmed for the training camp…"
The momentary paused caused students to cry in panic while Soma and crew looked on calmly.
"A modest banquet prepared by the Alumni as congratulations to the 600 students that have passed this year training camp. Enjoy to your heart's content, dismiss!"
Smirking at Soma, Erina can't help but tease: "Are you scared that you will suffer a shock lost in the Autumn Selections?"
"Heh, that's not it. Its just that even with the 599 students in contention for a spot, there is one person missing on that list."
"Soma…"
"En en~~~it looks like we will have to wait another chance before having a shot at the top student."
"Alice…"
"Ma~~~at least I will get to face Soma in the final~~~ do separate us on opposite blocks Erina~~"
"Heh, what's our record Alice? 151-149? You're getting me excited already!"
"Ma~~~what a naughty thing to say Soma~~~Fufu~~~" Alice teased as she did glance downwards…Yup…it's what you perverts call 'checking it out'
While Alice and Soma were bantering with each other, Erina was silently thinking to herself. 'It may be possible but I'll have to consult Ojii-sama.'
After the short hour ride, the trio finally arrive back to the Polar star dorm where everyone was waiting for them at the front door.
"Sup guys, miss us already?"
"Welcome back Soma-kun, Alice-chan, Erina-chan."
"It's good to be back Apron-senpai~~~"
"Erina, what were the Alumni asking you three about?" Hisako asked her dearest friend.
"They were just scouting potential students for their restaurants."
"That's great Erina-san!"
"Oh, it wasn't' us they were scouting Megumi-chan~~~ it's you guys~~~"
"Eeh?!"
"Soma, Erina, Alice, could you three come over here for a second?"
"? Is something that matter Shishou?" Soma asked as the three were dragged into a meeting room by Dojima Gin.
"Cheh, making us wait again. You have some nerve brat"
"Hoh? You haven't scamper back to France after getting your assed owned huh?"
While the two idiots were budding heads against each other, the other Alumni noticeably Hinako and Fuyumi were asking Erina and Alice about Megumi and Takumi respectively.
"Hmm, I see. So, Megumi-chan gain her experience from working at her mother's countryside restaurant. No wonder her food was filled with care and hospitality."
"If I can't get Yukihira Soma then I guess that Italian kid will do. He has potential but his way of thought is still too narrow to reach the top."
While they were exchanging contacts, Gin stepped in to stop Shinomiya and Soma from going even further as they were prepared to bring out their equipment for a rematch.
"What are you two…kids?"
"Hands off me Shishou, I'm gonna send this guy back to France."
Adjusting his shirt, Shinomiya suddenly asked Soma: "Oi brat, what do you know about the Michelin Stars and more importantly, how many do you have?"
Before Soma could answer however, Alice went and cover his mouth. "You should ask the one with green hair when she inspects your restaurant Senpai~~~ You're aiming for 3 stars right?"
"Hmph, judging from your tone, it seems you all are acquittances of people in the WGO."
"Who knows~~~"
"I'll be waiting for you at my restaurant for the Stagiaire. Just so you know, I'll be opening a Japan branch after I achieve 3 stars. That will be where we settle our score once and for all. Do your best to not fail school brat." Shinomiya said as he turned around and headed for the exit.
"Always wants to have the last word, stubborn Kojiro."
"I know what you mean, Hinako-senpai."
With Shinomiya departing, it served as a signal for the Alumni to return back to their respective restaurant and for the trio to return to Totsuki."
"So, the ones scouted are Tadokoro-san, Aldini brothers, Ikumi-san, Hisako and Kurokiba-kun. You all will probably be invited to their restaurants as part of the Stagiaire."
Turning to the Polar star crew, Erina could see a hint of disappointment on their faces. "There's no need to be so downhearted, we have suggested your names as well."
As Erina said that, the Polar star crew all rush towards her to hug her. "Erinachi! Erina-san! Nakiri-san!"
"Oi you guys! Get off me!"
As Erina was busy separating herself from the group hug, a voice suddenly resounded from the front door. "What a happy smile you have on your face Erina~ It looks much more beautiful that the longing face you always have with me"
Immediately glancing her head up, Erina could see a woman looking at her fondly. "Sensei?"
After hearing what Erina called her, the group snapped their heads between the two: "Sensei you say?!"
As the crew recover from the shock that Ebisawa Riko, the former 4th Seat during Polar Star's Golden Era was Erina's mentor, they receive another shock when the man cooking inside the kitchen called out to Soma: "Oh Soma, finally made it back huh? I thought you were out on your rendezvous with the princesses"
"Oyaji?! Well…I shouldn't be surprise since Erina's sensei is here but what are you both doing here?"
"Aren't you forgetting someone Yukihira Soma?"
"Papa?!"
"Ok…I give up…"
"How many more guests are in the kitchen?!" Takumi can't help but tsukkomi loudly.
"Oi Soma, is Dino's kid always that loud?"
"You haven't seen anything yet Pops."
"Stop teasing me and explain Joichiro-san!"
With Takumi officially losing his sanity, the trio Totsuki Alumni invited the whole group inside the kitchen and introduce themselves.
"If you may have already known, I'm Ebisawa Riko, the sensei of darling Erina-chan here"
"Mou…sensei…" Erina can't help but released a soft whimper.
"Hehe~ isn't she the cutest. Hmm… it looks this batch of Polar star students have some potential in them especially the two girls here." Riko said as she gazed at the two female residents which cause them to blush a bit.
"Now that you know Erina sensei, I'll introduce you all to my papa~~~ Nakiri Sōe. Son of my grandpa Nakiri Senzaemon as well as the founder of Nakiri International~~~ So papa~ where is mama~~"
"Haa…don't remind me my kawaii Alice-chan…she was about to leave all of her current projects to come visit you, Erina-chan and Soma-kun. I managed to stop her even with her killer pout technique but…she will be here to judge the Finals."
"The name's Saiba Joichiro but I go by the name of Yukihira Joichiro now, feel free to call me either one."
'So…we got a tomboy that attract the same gender… a massive daughter-con and Soma's father. Yup…just the ordinary things you see in Polar star.' Everyone in the room thought without voicing their opinion out loud.
"Saiba Joichiro?"
"Oh, you heard about me?
"Yes, I have seen your name in numerous documents. A former 2nd seat of the Elite ten but in terms of cooking skills you are the best in the history of the academy."
"A former 2nd seat?!"
"The best cook ever in Totsuki?!"
"A wandering chef that has mastery over every skillset, spreading his magic across many famous restaurants we known today. It was a name so famous that it was plastered on every magazine during that time but he suddenly disappeared from the front lines and was never heard again"
"I'm glad to be in the presence of such a legend, I'm Isshiki Satoshi, the current 7th seat of the Elite ten" Isshiki said as he extended out his hand for a handshake which Joichiro accepted.
"You can just call me Yukihira. Did the kid challenge you already?"
"Well, Soma-kun did have a Shokugeki with Ikumi-san as his enrolment test and I was the one who challenge him during his first day at Polar Star.
"I see. It sounds like him…always desperate for a challenge."
"Shut it pops! By the way, what are you three doing here?"
"Is it all too suspicious they we're dropping in to check up on you guys? I heard you three have been smashing some of my past records huh."
"Cheh, it was not that hard" Soma said smugly which earned him a ruffling on his hair.
"Well, there is also some business we need to attend to tomorrow." Joichiro whisper to Soma in a much more serious tone.
Unknown to the fact that Erina and Alice caught sight of Soma's momentary seriousness, Soma acted like usual and began swatting away his father's hand.
Deciding to ask him about it later, the crew were invited to yet another full-course meal prepared by two of the best chefs from the Golden Generation.
"Mu~ why aren't you cooking anything Papa~?"
"Your papa is more of a researcher than a cook dear, well…there's also the fact that Joichiro and Ebisawa wanted to cook for the friends you met here."
"Mou~~but I want to taste Papa's cooking…" Alice said with puppy eyes which earned her a straight KO.
"Urgh…fine! If my kawaii Alice-chan wants to eat his dad's cooking then I'll do it." Sōe said as he went to the refrigerator to pick up some ingredients.
"You're evil Alice…"
"Teehee~~~"
With the three Alumni getting to work, Alice and Erina signal Soma to follow them out of the kitchen.
"So, what you're hiding mister?"
"?!"
"You really suck at hiding things from us Soma~~~"
Seeing that he had no reason to hide, Soma just inform them to follow him after the meal.
Returning back to the kitchen, they could see their friends entranced by the food served on the dinner table.
"Its amazingly delicious!"
"This is extremely good!"
"Joichiro-san, what is the paste that is smeared on the lamb meat?"
"That's harissa, its an all-purpose seasoning made from chili peppers and other native things in North Africa. I experimented this paste by mixing in parsley and garam masala."
"WHAT IS THIS SOUP?! IT IS OVERPOWERING MY SENSES!"
"Your pretty loud to be Alice-chan aid but what you are eating there is Parihuela. It originated in the fishing communities of Peru; it is what the fishermen would enjoy after a long day at sea, and it is now a popular dish all along the coast. I used sea bass, crabs and a variety of other fresh seafood in the dish while the signature flavor comes from Ají Panca, a Peruvian chili pepper."
"Hehe~~~met you match Ryo-kun? Riko-senpai is a master in seafood."
"CHEH, I COULD MAKE THIS BETTER."
"Haha, you got guts and attitude. If you want some tips, you could come to my restaurant for your stagiaire." Riko said which earn a fiery reaction from Kurokiba.
While the crew were done with their main course, Alice wondered where on Earth was her father's dish. "Papa~~~where is your dish?"
Giving a loving smile, Sōe went to the refrigerator and brought out strawberries covered with chocolate.
"This is…"
"The very first dish you tried to make in Denmark"
"PAPA~~!" Alice couldn't help but hug her father tightly.
With the father and daughter bonding with each other, the others went ahead and took a bite before feeling an explosion occurring in their mouths.
"What the?!
"This isn't ordinary strawberries with chocolate!"
"Mou~~Look at the toppings on the chocolate!" Alice told the confused group.
Seeing that the group were still confused, Sōe decided to explain "This is chocolate-covered strawberries dipped in Pop rocks. This may look ordinary but there is science behind it as Popping sugar has effervescence. Effervescence is a chemical reaction that results in the release of gas and the formation of foam, fizz and bubbles. The chemical reaction occurs when you feel a popping sensation on your tongue once you taken a bite."
"Incredible…to think science theories could help in elevating a simple dessert to such great heights."
"No wonder, they are known as legendary figures. They are all true master of their crafts."
"And now, we have their successors with us. Are you all feeling downhearted by having them as a rival?" Isshiki asked his juniors.
"Of course not!"
"What a story it will be when we beat them huh"
"You know what, lets have a battle right now!"
However, the placed turn dead silent when they heard a cry for help by Marui. "Help me!"
Immediately turning to face the fallen spectacle boy, they could see a spoon lying beside him which seems to contain a meat with scales…
Mechanically turning their head to the table, they could see what could be described as a chef nightmare.
"Oh? You should have told me he couldn't eat raw things. This is a snake dig I ate last month so I tried recreating it with the scales this time. How about you all have a bite?"
For once, everyone cried out at the same time: "Maybe he's legendary for a different reason!"
As the dust settle on the night, the member gradually returned to their own rooms leaving the trio behind with their family for some catching up.
"It looks like you're bringing the girls this time." Joichiro called out to Soma who was at the front door.
"Yea, its time to let them know especially Erina."
"Don't get into a cat fight though~" Joichiro said as he left Soma with some parting words before walking back to the kitchen.
"Shut it Pops!"
"What's this about Soma? It is something serious?" Erina asked as she was not used to Soma's seriousness outside cooking.
"Neh~ is it something that bad?" Alice asked feeling concern as well.
"If what my dad said was real, it could mark the end of this school as we know it" Soma said to the shock of the duo.
With that, the trio headed to the forest without a word spoken between them. Once they reach the designated spot, Soma looked around and called out to seemingly no one. "You can come out now"
"…"
"Senpai"
"…"
"Senpai? Is it someone from our school Soma? Erina asked as she had already linked her arms with Soma.
"Nobody's around Soma~~~." Alice said as she also was linking her arms with Soma.
"Haah…always the playful one… You can come out now Rindo-nee!" Soma said for the third time but this time a playful laughter could be heard from the bush near them.
"Was it that hard Yukihira Soma~~~?"
And Cut! So~~what is Rindo doing here? Why is the school in danger? Hehe. You guys just have to wait for the next chapter which will probably be on the 6/7 of May~
And how did you all think about the buffet scene~~Hopefully its not too similar to the Original. So, I drop two bombshells in this chapter, keep your eyes peel and look for it. It is vague but if you catch my drift~~ You will see the story.
And to make things even worse for you all, I'm not gonna give you any preview this time~~ Leave it to your imaginations~
PS: Stop with the pitchforks!