Pairings: Soma/Erina; Ryou/Alice; Akira/Megumi; Takumi/Hisako; Isshiki/Nene; Eishi/Rindou; Shinomiya/Hinako; OC/Urara.

Genre: Slow-Burn Romance; Drama; Hurt/Comfort; Shonen; Mature Themes; Humoresque.

Notes:

Hey Everyone, Zancrowe Here!

I've come up with this story based on how I would go from the Autumn Festival in terms of what I would like to see happen. This story will take many liberties with the cast, the story and the canon overall. The Autumn Election will have concluded; which may or may not end differently than how it'll end in the actual story (future note: I sort-of guessed the ending, expect the three-way match-up), and characters will react accordingly.

Synopsis (Copy / Pasted from TV Tropes!):

This story starts with the announcement of the results of the final match of the Autumn Election between Soma Yukihira and Akira Hayama, with Soma as the runner up and Akira as the Champion. Having wagered a Shokugeki that he would be an assistant chef for Akira's next match Soma waits for the day he can have a rematch, but that day comes closer than he imagined with Akira, emboldened by his victory, immediately challenging Erina Nakiri for her position as the Tenth Seat of the Elite Ten with Soma as her reluctant assistant chef.

Disclaimer: Don't own Shokugeki no Soma.

Extra Special Note:

Hey! If you are reading this, thank you for being a new reader, or for being one of those super awesome fans who likes to reread this story. It means you caught me in the process of secretly editing "Nouvelle" while I work on "Classique". I'll be doing this on a Chapter by Chapter basis, so for the next couple of months, don't be surprised if you see a sudden drop of polish in the later Chapters, as it means I have yet to get to them. See anything you think needs a little editing or polish, drop a comment and let me know! Otherwise, enjoy the story that I am most proud of!

The stage lights shined brightly as the crowd stared, their collective gazes drilling holes into the backs of the two competitors down at the stage. The two, who, excluding a certain Tenth Seated princess, were pretty much confirmed to be the two greatest chefs-in-training of their school year. Maybe, even, two of the greatest chefs of their generation, if that display before them had been anything to go by. The crowd had been cheering, moments before, until the very moment the Headmaster stood up. Then silence took over the arena.

"Soma Yukihira…" he announced, his tone serious, then paused.

The dramatic pause was deliberate; everyone could tell. The old man didn't show it much, but he was rather eccentric and always tried to put on a show. The sudden stripping as a sign of approval was a personality trait which went against every other one of his describable characteristics anyways. Regardless, there was no better stage to show off one's dramatic skills than here in front of all of Tootsuki, hosting the annual Autumn Election Festival, the Finals no less, under that brightly-lit full moon.

However, if there was one thing Senzaemon Nakiri took deadly serious, above all else; it would have to be the healthy spirit of a friendly competition. So, as the now shirtless, insanely muscular-for-his-current-age man stood before the audience of the Autumn Festival, the silence continued to fill the stadium. Only the soft grizzle of the leftover oils still burning slightly was heard as both Soma Yukihira and Akira Hayama awaited their results. Soma's expression was deadpan; while Akira's was calm. The rest of the student body were still trying to regain their composure after having witnessed what could be deemed the closest and biggest Shokugeki ever between two first-years. Even the loud Polar Star Dorm members were quiet, with their "Go Yukihira Go!" posters and flags facing the floor as everyone awaited the final verdict.

"…Ever since your speech when you first came here, you have never ceased to amaze and, admittedly, amuse us all," Senzaemon continued, as he turned to face the audience as he spoke, giving them all a soft, grandfatherly smile. "Today, you proved your worth as an alumni of Tootsuki and I sincerely hope you continue to polish those skills which have allowed you to get this far. A sentiment I share with you all as well. It is only your first year; you all still have time to dedicate to being the best. Let this not give you the fear of losing but the courage to keep on fighting."

As the old man spoke, the heiress of Tootsuki Academy and Senzaemon Nakiri's eldest granddaughter, Erina Nakiri, stood high up at the arena's secluded VIP area, looking down upon the competition's area as her grandfather carried on his speech; as she could see both Soma and Akira visibly stiffen more and more the longer it took the old man to just say who won. Hisako Arato, ever the faithful secretary and assistant, stood alongside her Lady. After pondering a bit about the ever present silence, she slowly turned to her.

"I'd never though that that Yukihira boy could give Akira Hayama such a fight, I think he's the new favorite to win," Hisako noted softly, since she knew anything that had to do with that commoner, as her Lady would often voice, did not sit all that well with the heiress. "Underdog overcoming the genius sort of thing…"

"Grandfather seems to have taken a liking to him," Erina said, as she preferred not to mention him by name. Rolling the words "Soma" or "Yukihira" on her God's Tongue left a disgusting aftertaste which she rather not keep on receiving. And it was true, to some extent. Her grandfather had been the one to allow that third-rate chef to stay at Tootsuki, over her allegations, and had even applauded him for beating Alice. Even if Erina knew her overly spoiled cousin deserved it, she would have much preferred anyone else besting her instead of the Yukihira.

"…Not just your grandfather, most of the crowd too. Over there he seems to have a parade," Hisako spoke as she pointed to the Polar Stars.

"Some people get over excited over the dumbest of things," responded Erina, paying little, if any, attention to the crowd.

"The judges just fought over these results. That doesn't normally happen," said Hisako as she turned towards Erina, adding, "Does it?"

"Sometimes," Erina nonchalantly responded.

"A fist fight? The judge with glasses just lost a tooth," Hisako recounted the events which had transpired. It had not seemed like an everyday thing to her. "One would think they'd be more professional about this sort of thing, you know?"

"I've seen worse," Erina replied, and Hisako could not tell if she was lying or not. Before she could ask, however, Erina gave pause, her lips forming an ever-so coy little smile. "Hisako, look! Grandfather going to name the winner! This'll be good!"

"Huh-?" Hisako tried, but before she could ask properly, she heard the change in tone Senzaemon made from a proud teacher to a strict examiner. Everyone in the room froze.

"…So, Soma Yukihira. I congratulate you," Senzaemon smiled widely as he spoke while turning to face the young man again. Soma could feel, despite himself, a sense of nervousness run down his spine. "You are a truly gifted individual and this year's Autumn Election Runner-up-"

His mind went blank.

Soma couldn't even continue to focus on what Senzaemon was saying, hearing only a few scattered words and phrases like "even if", "second", "surely", "next time", "proud" and being unable to register any of them. He forced himself not to look down, not to let his eyes face anything else but the man himself. The man who was telling him he did not deserve the title of Champion.

The man who was currently giving said title to Akira Hayama.

Soma Yukihira could only clench his fist and force a smile. He could hear the audience murmuring, and while he couldn't tell what they were saying, it wasn't too hard to guess. Loud mouth transfer student beaten by the elite foreign student. What was worse, the match had been a Shokugeki, which meant he owed Akira Hayama now.

Soma Yukihira thought this was unbearable.

Erina Nakiri thought this was delicious.

-0-

After Akira was "crowned" the Champion of the Autumn Festival, and after giving a surprise and rather tender-for-his-usual-attitude to his mentor and maternal figure Jun Shiomi, Soma approached him before the former could leave the stage. As the audience had begun to get on their feet, their attention was planted solely back on the stage; many a chefs-in-training believing Soma was going to clock Akira or something over the loss.

"Something on your mind, Yukihira?" Akira asked in his usual "I-couldn't-care-less-if-I-tried" tone of voice, turning towards Soma. Soma had no intention of hitting him, as per the increasingly louder whispers of the audience he could now understand foretold, but the thought was not entirely unpleasant. Regardless, Soma just narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled.

"Two things really. First," he said, as extended his hand towards Akira. "It was a good match, congratulations on the victory."

Akira shook his hand with just the slightest of hesitations, but quickly gave him a soft smile. "I had thought you a less graceful loser; it is refreshing to see otherwise."

"Oh, I don't know about that. I am severely pissed off, your attitude isn't helping and I would be willing to do as these guys think and wait for you outside with a baseball bat and some sandpaper," the audience took a three second moment of silence at that comment, while Soma only turned his serious expression back into a smile. "But as a chef I can't ignore the fact that your dish was fabulous. Truly an impressive piece of work."

"Yours was as well."

When Soma noticed that that was all Akira was going to say on the matter, since he had thought maybe his opponent would be a bit more expressive, Soma opted to just continue to the second thing he wanted to say. "…And two, what do you want me to do?"

"About?" Akira asked, while seemingly confused about the question, Soma could still see a small smile on his lips. It infuriated him further.

"About…," he mimicked Akira's tone; much to the latter's amusement, "…the Shokugeki. You said that I had to, and I quote: "work on your next Shokugeki as an assistant chef and lackey". So, what do you have planned?"

"I never said lackey," Akira was quick to correct.

"Open to interpretation," was Soma's offhand response. "But, really, what do you want me to do?"

Senzaemon stared on as the two boys stared each other on, heavily intent on hearing what Akira was going to ask for. While his term of victory on the Shokugeki was acceptable, it was vague enough for Akira to use to his advantage. One which Senzaemon was going to make sure followed every standard Tootsuki has.

"For now? Nothing really," Soma's eyes widened as Akira said those words, feeling even more annoyed. Before he could voice his annoyance, however, Akira continued. "What I asked for was clear. On my next Shokugeki, you'll be an assistant. Until then, you needn't do anything. Whenever I'll take on my next opponent, you'll be informed."

"So I'm "on-call" now?" Soma asked, irked.

"If you prefer to see it that way," Akira just replied.

At this, Senzaemon could not help but smile fondly at the sight. These two boys were so interesting; and they were going to continue being interesting even after the competition was long over. Such is the life of a chef, a constant battleground. It remained to be seen if they both could overcome the adversity their results now made them face.

If Akira could overcome the pride of victory, which often became the cause of downfall.

And if Soma could overcome a defeat on such a large stage, after having had victory so close to his grasps.

-0-

"Are you certain about this ma'am? I mean, I know he deserves it, but…" Hisako stammered a bit at the end, unsure of how or what to say. Erina, however, didn't mind. She could not let this moment pass.

"That good-for-nothing commoner just lost. I want to see his face and rub it in so much he cries and leaves Tootsuki for good. I want him never to grasp even a spoon for as long as he lives," Erina spoke with bright, bright smiles; which made Hisako a bit worried. A little too much, not that she'd openly say so. "I can't wait; he should be around here, right?"

"…I guess?" Hisako voiced softly.

Before Hisako could try and dissuade Erina on her current objective, and maybe offer a nice game of cards instead, both girls heard Soma's voice echo through the halls, which caused Erina to lighten up even more. "Quick, he sounds angry," Erina quickly said, a little light in her step and she almost skipped her way over to the boy. "I bet he's hitting himself against the wall. Hurry!"

Hisako had never seen Erina this happy in a long time, and it caused her some concern towards her friend. She loved seeing Erina happy, that much was a given, but considering the cause, maybe it was a little too much. Still, she wouldn't say a word; so she was forced to simply follow Erina towards a rough-sounding Yukihira.

Upon reaching him in one of the many halls of the currently almost empty stadium, both Erina and Hisako were greeted by the sight of not only Yukihira, but the Aldini twins, Takumi and Isami, as well. The only one amongst the three to even notice the blonde and autumn-haired girls was Isami, who gave them both a soft smile. One which only Hisako, if only out of common courtesy, returned.

"For the last time, just take it. I don't even know how to use it," Soma expressed, which answered Erina's unasked question about what he was referring to when the redhead motioned his hand towards Takumi, sporting the latter's once-stolen Mezzaluna. "Just take it back."

"Her," Takumi corrected, "And for the last time Yukihira, I will not. I will win it from you when we have our rematch," Takumi crossed his arms and scoffed, and Yukihira seemed to want to slash him with the curved two-handed knife in response.

"Why won't you simply take it?" Soma shot back, sounding even more annoyed with Takumi than he had sounded with Akira, somehow. "I still have thirty-two other utensils I have to give back to their proper owners, some of which aren't even here anymore. All the others took theirs without complaint," Soma complained, frowning at his supposed rival.

"If they feel fine doing so, I don't mind, but to me it's different," he turned his head the other way, staring to the entrance towards the arena. "Before my rematch with you comes my rematch with Mimasaka. I can't accept losing to him, especially not after you of all people beat him first."

"Don't be such a stubborn loser," the pot called the kettle black. "Chances are Mimasaka's dirty tricks would have given me trouble if your match against him hadn't made me witness them first-hand."

"Still, I refuse," the kettle responded, irking the pot. "I'll get Mezzaluna back, myself. And I'll crush you with it afterwards."

"…Brother, how will you crush him with it if you have to beat him to get it back?" as Isami asked, Soma could see Takumi turn bright red. Ever quick to fluster, Takumi just muttered something unintelligible to Isami, which the younger twin somehow understood and nodded to. Erina took this as a cue to interrupt.

"If I may, that was some conclusion to the main event, wasn't it?" as she almost sang those words, both Soma and Takumi turned towards Erina and Hisako, the former with a sly smile on her features and the latter with an apologetic one. "I wonder… What counter do you have for this undignified display?"

"Oh Nakiri? Were you just eavesdropping on us?" Soma asked ever-so innocently.

"What? What does…?" she stammered a bit, but shook her head so she could focus. "I've been standing here the whole time, neither of you even noticed that-No! That's not the point. Yukihira, you lost!"

"That I did."

"…Which means…" Erina said with a little pause. Not the reaction she was expecting. No head banging against a wall or tears flowing like a monstrous river. Maybe she had to get through his little self-induced façade first? "…You couldn't keep up with your intentions on being the best."

"Hey, now that's not true," Soma countered, and Erina's smile grew.

Bingo. Denial. First step of grievance. She had to milk it for all that it was worth.

"No use in denying it. You lost, and on the grand stage to boot! So much from learning from your failures," she added, using the very phrase he had uttered during the banquette at the hotel where he had just barely saved himself from expulsion. Those words might have given someone like Alice some doubt, but not her. Never her. In the world of cooking, there are only two options. Either you succeed, or you fail.

"Still, you call second place a failure, man, it is really hard to understand you sometimes Nakiri," he said, calmly, and she hated when he called her by her family name so nonchalantly. Like if they were on friendly terms or something. Before she could voice it, he continued. "I wanted the gold, true, but the silver is nice anyways. I won't lie, it is disappointing, but maybe it would have been too boring to win on my first try, ya know?"

"You're making absolutely zero sense," Erina felt the need to mention.

"Well, Goku didn't win his first tournament, right?" Soma stated as if it were the most obvious development in the world.

"That was against his mas-Just what are you talking about?!" she asked while wondering if he was purposely trying to change the topic at hand. She wouldn't let him. "You really are in denial!"

"Did you seriously come her to rub salt in my wounds or is this your way of encouraging me to push myself even further?" he honestly sounded unsure; which irked her even more. "It's hard to tell with you and your mixed messages."

"Mixed messages?!" she almost screamed. She sounded more offended than he did. "I'm being clear. The last thing I'd do is encourage a commoner like you any further than you've done so yourself," she ended her statement with a scoff, causing Soma to tilt his head a bit in confusion.

Hisako and Isami shared a glance before they both decided it was best not to say a word. Takumi, on the other hand, watched nervously as Yukihira swung the Mezzaluna around as he spoke to Nakiri; hoping his decision to leave his prized artifact in the hands of his reckless rival until he could earn it back was a good idea. By the time the three got back to listening to the conversation between the two; they had somehow gotten way of topic.

"-the one who lost his tooth, that one," Soma extended his index finger as he mentioned "one", while everyone outside of Erina was confused about why or how the argument had shifted towards that poor sap.

"Oh? I still don't see the resemblance to… Stop! I refuse to continue this conversation," with that said, feeling tricked, Erina just stopped. "Yukihira!" she cried out, and damn it all, why must his name keep slipping out of her divine tongue? "Just accept your loss. Stop trying to mask it. Second-best is still third-rate."

Erina didn't notice it, but Hisako's eyes lowered at the comment. The Aldini boys felt a similar pang, but Takumi quickly interrupted. "Not that it's any of my business," the blonde Italian offered, his eyes on Hisako briefly before he shifted a far more serious look over to the heiress, "But that's not really the point of the festival."

"Oh?" Erina voiced, eyes almost sparkling at finally hitting a nerve against the boys.

"He's right Nakiri," Soma added, his thumb pointed at his "rival", his change in tone surprising her. He sounded serious. Mad even. Did she finally break the commoner? Her smile grew a bit before he continued. "No one who lost the festival is third-rate. Heck, just being chosen is an accomplishment in its own way. We may not be the best yet, but if you think your untouchable just because you're in your chair, then you best watch out, since I didn't see you there competing."

"I'm above you all, what part of that don't you understand?" she asked, tilting her head to the side, the sheer amount of pride in her tone almost suffocating to everyone nearby.

"And if you're not careful, we'll catch up to ya, hope you understand. All these…" he spoke up while signaling everyone present there, himself included. "…third-rates here; Takumi, Isami, Hishoko and yours truly; we will reach you."

"Her name's not…" she corrected but just stopped midway, realization hitting her, before she turned towards Hisako. At that moment Hisako smiled back at Erina, awaiting an instruction or something, but Erina saw it. That little lost look in her eyes Erina had seen so many times reflected in the mirror. "W-Wait," she tried to correct, and for once, her tone shifted to outright concern. "Hisako. I didn't mean you-I…"

Both Soma and Takumi stared, both with their arms crossed and serious; as Erina felt her ears redden due to being put in this position. She turned, scoffed, and spoke: "Don't go changing my meanings; you know what I meant!" she outright threatened them both, before she turned back to her aide, "Hisako, come on, let's go. We've had enough of this farce."

As Hisako followed a retreading Erina, she was quick to speak: "…Don't let him bother you. I understood what you meant."

"You're a good chef Hisako. You have pedigree, unlike some people. You'll never be third-rate," Erina added, but she didn't look at Hisako. She instead gave her a soft smile. "Come, let me make us something good."

Hisako's feelings of sadness were quickly replaced by mouth-watering thoughts of just what Erina could possibly make for her, and despite how long the two knew each other, she still couldn't fathom just how amazing Erina was in the kitchen. And on pretty much everything else, admittedly.

As the ice queen left, Soma and the Aldini brothers were left there for a few minutes without saying anything. Isami thought he had to try and break the silence, but the two "rivals" managed to get a few words out. Five, at that.

"Take her."

"I said no."

-0-

Akira had just ended his little conversation with Jun, and after all her tears and his assurance that this was just the beginning, the two had parted ways, with her returning to her seminar and him on his way towards his next goal. Jun had warned him to wait a bit, to not rush it, but he knew he needed to strike while the iron was hot. He had fought too hard to let this all slip by. He had gotten all the players in place, after all.

"Hey!" Akira was forced to stop his train of thoughts when he heard a familiar voice outright bark at him. The fury behind that call made it clear who it was. Akira then gave pause, stopping and turning to be met by the sight of the mad dog who had faced off against him in the semi-finals, Ryou Kurokiba, and his girlfriend (or owner, or whatever their kind was), the second princess of Tootsuki itself, Alice Nakiri.

"Kurokiba. Nakiri. Need anything?" Akira asked softly; facing the duo. While Kurokiba's facial features didn't demonstrate much, Akira could tell he wasn't in an overly good mood. His friend (lover?) and apparent "owner" was a different story altogether. Erina's cousin Alice was the polar opposite of the family's resident "ice queen"; and outside of the tantrum she threw upon losing to Yukihira, she never seemed outright upset or sad.

"You damn well know what I "need". The hell you playing at here?!" Kurokiba spat out. Akira merely stared as he awaited a more proper question. Sensing this, an irked Kurokiba added, "When we competed you gave me the same condition for our Shokugeki. That I'd also be an assistant chef. You plan to make everyone here serve you or something? First me, now Yukihira?"

"Oh, that," Akira noted. If he were a little more mean spirited person, he could definitely grow to enjoy this. Could. "Don't misinterpret my conditions. Yukihira's deal is a little bit different than yours is. One word different to be exact.

"The hell?" the mad dog barked. The lack of a fiery bandanna on his head seemed to be doing little to keep his rage intact.

"Calm down," Akira replied, "You'll see soon enough. You see, I'm-"

"You're going towards grandfather, right?" it was Alice who spoke up, apparently having grown tired of merely listening. That girl didn't like to stay quiet for too long anyways. "~Well, well. Look at you! Already the victor of the festival and now you're going over to the head honcho himself. Are you going to challenge him or something?"

"Don't be absurd Milady, as if-" Kurokiba's statement was interrupted by Akira's own confirmation to her statement.

"You could put it like that, in a way…" Akira answered in the most monotone way possible.

"…What?" Kurokiba just flatly asked, dumbfounded.

"Oh? First you steal my assistant and now you want my grandfather? You're a little too greedy, you know?" Alice showed no other emotion other than amusement as she spoke, which caused Kurokiba to merely sigh in response. Akira attempted to end the conversation there but ever-the-not-quiet Alice continued, "Now that I think about it like that, I should be mad, shouldn't I? Erina still has her Hishoko with her while I'm going to be stuck sharing Ryou with you. Seriously," she turned to face Ryou with a childish pout on her features, "You're a bit of a slut, huh?"

"Just what in the hell are-?" he tried, but got cut off.

"It all happened so fast, you guys just fight and decide all this… I mean," she stopped as she began to murmur. She imagined their fight, instead of an arena, the two where outside, Akira and Ryou, as the sun had begun to set and the cherry blossoms swirled around them in a synchronized and lovely pattern. Both boys faced each other intently, as Akira spoke in a calm yet powerful voice.

"I won, Ryou. You know what this means," he spoke as his eyes filled with desire, as Ryou felt his face begin to flush but her refused to show it. Not now, not here. Not to him! Never to him!

"B-but," he tried to protest, but damn his nervousness. His body was betraying him. But he had to fight; he had to argue against it. He could not let his Lady down. "Milady Alice would never-"

"No longer must you mention her, Ryou," Akira spoke as he grabbed Ryou by the chin, and as Ryou tried to protest, he felt Akira's hand being firmly planted against his buttocks; locking him in. This man was a monster. A beautiful monster. With a smile in his lips, Akira continued: "From this moment on… You. Are. Mine."

Ryou's eyes widen, as Akira got closer. The latter's lips were moist, mere inches away from Ryou's own virgin lips. In that instant, Akira closed the gap between them, and…

"~Oh my~" Alice muttered with a light blush, cooling herself with a little decorated paper fan she had materialized out of nowhere.

Neither Akira nor Kurokiba had any idea why Alice, against Akira's earlier observations of her, had actually stopped talking midsentence and had remained silent for over a minute outside from that little, seductive "oh my" that had escaped her ever reddening face. Akira had a theory which was constantly being proven by all of these "classmates" of his. Something along the lines that the entire student-body of this Academy were all utterly insane.

"Is she… going to be alright?" it was more a way to end the uncomfortable silence rather than concern that caused Akira to ask.

"You don't even want to know," Kurokiba said in earnest.

"Well… If you'll excuse me, I have to speak to the Headmaster. Whenever it is that I am in need of your services, Kurokiba, you'll be the first to know," with those words spoken, Akira turned and left; leaving Ryou next to a still daydreaming Alice, the mad dog glaring daggers at the Champion's retreating back. Just what on Earth was that guy planning?

-0-

Soma Yukihira was not a graceful loser.

Sure, he could fake a smile, a laugh, maybe even a conversation; but when it came really down to it, he absolutely hated losing. He was sure many people did, but to him, losing was a blow not just to him, but to "Yukihira's" as well. It was a blow to his father's legacy; and a blow to everything his mother had left behind. His family restaurant suffered because he wasn't the best. And it wasn't the first time he had lost, either.

Barely passing the 200 meals.

Losing against the legendary alumni Kojirou Shinomiya, who even used a dish that wasn't even his specialty.

And now this. The match had been close, very close. But against everything he stood for, he couldn't help but agree with Erina a little bit.

"Second place is third-rate."

While he didn't agree with that sentiment to its fullest meaning, he could understand where she was coming from. Second place was good, but it still wasn't first place. You weren't the best, you weren't the strongest. Had he fought Akira in the first round, he would have probably lost there and would have been, what, tied at fifth alongside three others? All he was now was simply Akira's latest victory, another win for his ever expanding resume.

"Damn!" he shouted against his pillow, let he allow all of the Polar Star Dorm residents, who had screamed their hearts out cheering him on throughout the competition, hear the tantrum he was now going to privately throw. Did they think Alice was loud? They didn't want to hear him. "I can't believe I lost!" the sound was only barely muffled by the pillow hard pressed to his face. He hadn't even bothered to change his clothes; and the smell and scent of Akira's dish still lingered on. It was as if it were constantly slapping him. "Ahhh! How am I going to tell my old man this? If I didn't win this thing, how am I going to reach the top? How am I going to get Nakiri to like what I give her! I'll be a has-been, a third-rate chef who can only cook things that come with detailed instructions. "Boil water", "let it drain", "add the powdered cheese"… "Stir!"… Damn it!"

His wallow in self-pity was interrupted by a soft knock on the door, causing Soma to bolt to his feet and let out an overly-enthusiastic "Coming!" which he made a mental note to tone a bit down. The response quickly came after a four second pause.

"Soma…" a very familiar voice said, and Soma's eyes widened a bit. He should have expected a visit from her sooner rather than later after all. "…It's me, Megumi."

"Oh! Tadokoro! Come on it, I was just, erm, resting my eyes," Soma quickly greeted as he opened his door for her, with the biggest fake smile he could muster plastered all over his face. "What you need Tadokoro?"

Megumi Tadokoro took a few steps into the room, as the girl who had become pretty much Soma's best friend not just in this Academy, but probably the entire world, comparable to even his childhood bestie Mayumi, seemed to see right through him with nothing but that gentle gaze of hers. She gave pause, before asking, "Are you alright?"

"Me? I'm fine! That match was close; I got to make Akira sweat, so that's something," Soma began to blab. "Takumi still doesn't want his Mezzaluna back, so I'm thinking about taking classes in fencing to give it some use until he decides to challenge me for it. Oh, and I spoke to Nakiri about my loss and she called me third-rate and something and the other-But that's Nakiri in a nutshell, so other than that, I'm fine," his words came out so fast and consecutive Megumi had a little trouble following it all. But she heard enough. She knew him enough.

"You're not a third-rate anything Soma, far from it," Megumi assured. "Don't let her get to you."

"Come on, I never said she-"

"Shh, don't interrupt," she shushed him as she pressed her index finger against her own lips, playfully. Soma decided to ignore the fact that she had just interrupted him in turn; allowing the dark blue haired girl to continue. "As I was saying, Soma, you have taught and helped me out so much. It's thanks to you I made it this far. I mean, out of all the alumni here in their first year, I'm like, what, eighth or ninth in ranking? That's got to count for something. Because if you're third-rate, what rate am I?"

Soma just smiled at that. He knew she was trying to cheer him up, and the funny thing was, she was managing to do so. Defeat was defeat, that was a given. But at that, you could still learn from it. He has lost so many times against his old man; and back at home there were times he couldn't keep up with all of the costumers and their overly specific demands.

"You're something else Tadokoro, you know that?" he cheerfully said, sounding a lot less forced this time. His smile was still ever present; causing Megumi to avert her eyes a bit; trying to avoid blushing too much. "You're right. I'm not third-rate, I mean, I almost won… So by default, I'm second-rate."

She laughed. "That still doesn't sound too reassuring, Soma."

"Maybe not, but it's a start," Soma said with a faint smile. "Anyway, how are you holding up Tadokoro? The festival is over, any news on what's to come now? Sending us to an island to live on our own for a month or something like that?"

"Actually, that assignment is given on your second year."

Both Soma and Megumi paused, since neither had spoken up just now. The two, recognizing the voice, turned their heads upwards, to the vents, but found them empty. Instead, the young man who had just spoken up stood, for once, at the room's doorway.

Satoshi Isshiki, the second year who was currently the Seventh Seat of the Elite Ten, the eldest of the Polar Star kids, was all smiles posing ever-so gallantly at the doorway; dressed in a rather fine set of semi-casual clothing. "Come now you two, shouldn't you be preparing yourselves for the festival's closing ceremony?"

"Closing…?" asked Soma.

"…Ceremony?" finished Megumi.

"Yep! You didn't expect such a big event to end on such a low-key manner, no offense to your match Soma, but I'm referring to simply calling someone champion and nothing else," as Satoshi spoke, both Soma and Megumi decided not to tell him that they had in fact considered the festival to be long over. "What does indeed come next," Satoshi continued, "is the Grand Closing Ceremony that all participants and student-audience alike get to partake in. I could describe it, but in an hour or so, you'll be seeing it, so… Soma, take a bath, you smell like you fell into Akira's pot. Megumi, we need to get you prettied up, if such a thing is even possible, because, as one of the top eight, you'll be one of the ceremony's biggest attractions."

"Wha-?" Megumi tried, but before she could voice any complains, Isshiki grabbed her and carried her away, leaving Soma alone in his room once again. Dumbfounded. Still, he took a sniff at his clothes and decided a bath would probably be a good idea. The scent of his failure had remained for long enough as is.

-0-

"Here we are!" Satoshi gave the crew an overly enthusiastic welcome to the ceremony's gathering area; which was wide enough to hold every first year at Tootsuki and then some; especially given since it was being celebrated outside. Only the scaffold-like stage with a few fancy seats and a microphone could be spotted amongst the many, many people walking around in fancy suits and expensive dresses.

The Polar Stars were not to be left out. Soma had been pretty much forced to get dressed in a fancy suit for the event, coupled with a yellowish tie that was said "to bring out his eyes" more. Whatever that meant. Isshiki merely picked one of his many suits for the occasion, stating that this event was more for them than for him, but that didn't stop many of the girls (and a few guys) from stealing glances at his direction.

The other members where equally pimped out. Shun Ibusaki was currently wearing what appeared to be a designer colored suit with a matching tie; while Zenji Marui was dressed in an all-black suit, black tie, black shoes, probably black underwear.

As a few girls seemed to take notice of Shun once they entered the area, Ryoko Sakaki was quick to grab him by the arm and keep him close. As he protested, she merely smiled and told him that she could get lost amongst that many people. A little act that did not go unnoticed to little Yuuki Yoshino.

Yuuki herself was wearing a rather short dress, which covered none of her back, and was colored in a light-blue cerulean tint which matched her ever shining eyes.

Another eye-matching dress belonged to Megumi. A mixture of yellow and cream which Satoshi had hand-picked for her, at her request of not putting on anything too revealing. A small equally colored hand purse completed the outfit, stuffed with only a piece of gum and some paper since she had nothing else to put on it.

Lastly was Ryoko, who's dark, scarlet dress clung onto her frame ever-so tightly, leaving all her perfect curves on display, and causing Shun to be unsure how to properly react or move with her pressed against his arm.

"Alright, enough waiting around," Satoshi motioned towards them. "Go on, enjoy yourselves!"

"Hey! Why didn't we get descriptions?!" the two other guy's that made up Polar Star Dorms, the resident goofs Daigo Aoki and Shoji Sato, complained, but were all but ignored by the rest aside from a confused look from Megumi; as everyone moved in towards different parts of the ceremonial grounds.

Soma decided it would be a good time to try the free food on offer, maybe get a few new ideas on how to improve his dishes. However, as luck would have it, the first time he tried to grab one of the karaage on a stick that were being handed out, another hand took it. Said hand belonged to Erina Nakiri.

Their hands touched for what seemed like a fraction of a second, far too quick for Soma to even notice and far too long for Erina's liking.

"Keep your hands to yourself," she warned, much to Soma's confusion. There were plenty of samples on offer, not like he was going to grab all of them. Erina, regardless of if he understood her threat or not, turned towards the would-be vendors. "If it's kept out in the open, it'll get swarmed by bugs and the temperature won't be at the correct level. Keep it inside and serve it upon order. Got it?" she was ordering the boy and girl in charge of the booth, both of which looked rather terrified of her for some reason. Still, they both nodded towards the ice queen. Soma just smirked.

"Even at ceremonies you're still a party-pooper, I see," Soma gleefully commented.

Erina didn't even bother to turn to him. "Go bother someone else; I've talked to you enough to last until November."

"So now we have quotas? Cool," Soma took one of the other karaage from the duo, who gave him a quick thank you. "Besides, karaage is a meal you eat out in the open. It's ruined if you keep it under wraps or have to wait too much for it."

"Spare me your views, Yukihira," she said, and damn it, she had said his name again. "Karaage is still food, regardless of how simple it is, so if it is to be served at Tootsuki, it must meet our standards, if not-" she never got to finish, as Soma stuffed the karaage he was holding into her mouth without warning. At this he saw the cooking duo turn ghostly pale and pull out a "closed" sign out of thin air and smack it on the very table they both hid under. Over-exaggeration much?

"H-Hey!" Erina blasted out as she chewed and swallowed. A lady such as herself could not spit something out; but she almost reflectively did. "Do you want to get thrown out of here because of sexual harassment?!"

"How in the world is that sexual? And I just made you give it a try," he spoke up while smiling, waving the karaage around. "You can't just judge something without trying it, and karaage is at its best like this."

"You will not lecture me over how to properly judge food because I swear I'll…" she had an entire speech ready for the sheer audacity behind his words. To lecture her, HER, on how to judge food and what went in the fine details of the culinary crafts, in her school no less. In her home! She was about to let him have it, and then some, but then she just… froze.

"You're going to get wrinkles ahead of time if you keep that sour face up all the time," he just said, as he nonchalantly placed the remaining karaage into his mouth and ate it. After he had placed it on hers!

Wasn't that one of those indirect kissed she had read about in her manga?!

"W-What are you doing?!" she practically screamed the question at him

"Eating." Obviously.

"Don't play stupid with me, I meant-" she argued, but was interrupted.

This time the interruption came from Erina being hugged from behind. All fifteen curse words she was automatically going to say were stopped when she caught a glimpse of a very familiar, very whitish blonde hair. "Hey Erina, having some alone time with Soma here?"

"Ah, Nakiri Number Two, what's up?" the still mid-chew Yukihira greeted.

"How rude! We haven't seen each other since our match and you still can't be bothered to learn my name. Remember, Alice. Alice. Like the story," her voice was still teasing, as she refused to let Erina go despite the latter's protests and attempts at escaping her hold. "Anyways, I wanted to congratulate you on your near victory, as I'm sure my lovely Erina here already did."

"Sure…" both Soma and Erina said in unison, before they both gave pause and turned to look at one another. Alice merely continued with that sly smile adorning her pretty face.

"Besides that, I'm glad Erina here is finally putting that figure to good use," as she spoke she clasped her hands against Erina's waist, causing the elder cousin to push herself away from Alice's surprisingly strong grasp.

"Enough Alice," Erina said, now less like an imposing Queen of Gourmet and more like a peeved elder sibling. "What do you want?"

"Nothing, just admiring your dress is all," Alice mentioned as she passed her fingers across Erina's curves, which caused Erina to stiffen slightly as she was ticklish in that area. Alice then turned to Soma. "Did you compliment her Soma?"

"On what?" the clueless boy asked, "Getting dressed?"

"Wow! You're a real Casanova, you know?" she replied, and as Soma pondered what she meant Alice turned to Erina. "But really, look at you. Seems you're not all that unaware of what you got. You look just divine as your stupidly named tongue."

"I can still feel the jealousy ooze right out of you," Erina countered, smirking, "But I'm surprised. You look hallway decent… for once."

"Now you're being rude too! Isn't that right Ryou?!" as she called out her aide, friend, boyfriend, whatever, both Erina and Soma noticed Ryou standing a few feet from them; wearing a matching navy blue suit to match Alice's own. A direct contrast to Erina's golden sleeveless dress and white gloved hands and arms. Were Erina Nakiri's reputation not as rightfully frightening as it was, she would have been the most requested girl at the event, or at least at odds with the equally gorgeous Ryoko Sakaki and Ikumi Mito.

"Oh, Kurokiba. Didn't see you there," Soma spoke to the quiet guy in the background, who at hearing his surname turned to face Soma.

"I'm good at blending in," he approached the group as he spoke, followed by saying: "Furthermore, there's something I should mention to you Yukihira. Ak-"

"Don't spoil it. Let me!" Alice interrupted him by banging the back of her head against his face. For all his manliness Ryou was left holding his nose in pain as Alice cheerfully carried on what he had tried to say, looking as if she hadn't felt a thing. Hard headed didn't even begin to describe it, Erina inwardly noted. "Akira Hayama was talking to grandpa a little while back, seems he was itching for a challenge."

"You can challenge the old man?" Soma asked, impressed. "Cool!"

"No, you cannot Yukihira," Erina objected, disgusted. There was her using his name again. Trying her best to ignore this, she turned to Alice. "And as far as candidates go, Hayama is impressive, but he has to be suicidal to challenge grandfather. You probably heard a few details wrong."

"No, no. I asked him myself," Alice defended. "He said it was something like that."

"That's not a confirmation," a still peeved Erina countered, eyes narrowed.

Before Alice could continue to try and convince her cousin on what Akira had said, the boy in question had made his way to the center of the stage, accompanied by some of the Tootsuki top personnel. Amongst which was Jun, who was apparently still trying to pull Akira back but he just gave her a pat on the head and resumed his position, much to her embarrassment.

The moment when Senzaemon Nakiri cleared his throat all of the party came to a halt.

"I know this is a night of celebration, so you won't want to hear this old geezer talk too much, but at least allow me two announcements," as he spoke, everyone's attention where shifting from Senzaemon to Akira and back. Murmurs began to spread about what it could be, from Akira being accepted into Tootsuki's workforce to there being a mistake in the results and Akira was being removed from his championship.

Only Alice's "See? Told ya!" hinted at something far closer to the truth.

"First, I wish to congratulate Akira Hayama once again for his wonderful display at today's final round. Akira, you are an honor to Tootsuki," at this, the old man began to clap, and everyone else followed suit. Soma clapped five times, one for each judge that had given Akira the win, and not once more.

Only Erina refused to clap.

"And secondly," Senzaemon added, "I, well, I'll allow Akira Hayama to speak for himself. Akira, if you please…"

As Akira took the microphone, everyone's attention was centered on him. Kurokiba visibly stiffened as his fist clenched, while Alice was almost about to remove Erina's shoulder from her torso if she kept tugging at her any harder. Out of everyone's reactions only Soma and Erina's expressions went unchanged.

"I'm not one for speeches, so I'll keep this short. First, I'd like to thank Jun for allowing me to have this wonderful opportunity," as he spoke this, everyone turned to face the red-faced teacher who was at a loss for words. Akira winked at her before turning to face the crowd. "And lastly, I'd like to publicly announce what my next intentions here at Tootsuki are. A recent transfer student once said that he'd like to use everyone here as stepping stones to reach the top…"

The air went cold around the whole area, it being the only moment Erina turned from facing the arena and looking at Soma, whose expression betrayed his composed act ever-so slightly. What she couldn't see, however, was how his nails were digging into the inside of his palm for every word Akira spoke.

'Just what are you after?' Soma thought, his stare capable of burning through Akira's skull if such a thing were possible. Akira was a calm and collected individual; he would have no gain from edging people on like this without some ulterior motive.

"Today, I share his sentiment," Akira continued, to a collective low-key gasp from the audience. "However, instead of all of you," he continued, as his sight shifted upon a sole individual. "My stepping stone shall be one at a time; starting with the biggest one present here. Erina Nakiri…"

This time Soma turned to face Erina, eyes wide.

Alice likewise turned towards her cousin, a bit taken back.

Kurokiba's glare on Akira only intensified…

…But not quite as threatening as the one Erina herself wore as she stared the Autumn Election's Champion who had just called out to her.

"I hereby challenge you to a Shokugeki," he declared, a burning look in his eyes to match Erina's own. "With your position as the Elite's Tenth Seat as the prize."

Everyone froze, turning their attention from Akira towards Erina, nearly snapping their necks at how quickly they turned to face her. Ryou was still silent, glaring. Alice gave a soft "that's what he meant" comment, while Soma uttered a single "Nakiri?" in response to a girl who seemed not to have heard the declaration that Akira had just publicly issued.

But soon a wide smile presented itself on Erina's features.

"~My, my. How utterly arrogant of you," she spoke in the most seductive voice Alice had ever heard her utter. As her eyes narrowed, Erina crossed her arms across her chest, her stance dignified as always. Only her eyes were darting upwards, since even if Akira was standing above her, she would not give him the privilege of being looked up to by her. "Getting crowned Champion in a competition I was requested not to enter out of fears of making the results utterly predictable has you believing you actually have what it takes to dethrone me?"

"Is that an acceptance?" the eagerness in Akira's voice was for the first time prominent, if only ever-so slightly. Erina let out a small, little laugh.

"Almost," Erina voiced, pondering. "State your terms. What do I get out of this?"

"I can give you whatever you like," Akira voiced, and the squeal from several girls who were fans of Akira made it clear they had interpreted that sentence the wrong (or right?) way. Motivated even further by Erina's "Is that so?" response.

"Ryou! Ryou! Do you know what this means?" Alice shook him vigorously as she spoke, which caused her assistant to merely nod his head in response. Who didn't know what this meant? "I mean, really," Alice continued. "Akira's going to cheat on you."

As Soma could sworn he heard Kurokiba mouth something unintelligible, he turned towards the glowing (no doubt thanks to her dress, he noted to himself) Erina Nakiri and spoke: "Hey, seems like you won't be too bored after all. Since Hayama here wants to challenge you to-Hey! Wait a minute. Hayama! Aren't I involved in this?"

"Wait, so am I!" Ryou added.

"Oh dear… The exes found out!" as both boys tried to ignore Alice's comment, even if Soma didn't really understand what she meant and Kurokiba refused to, the two still kept their eyes glued to Akira and whatever it was he was plotting.

"That you are. I've already talked to the Director here and the faculty staff. Both you Soma Yukihira," Akira explained, signaling to Soma, "And you Ryou Kurokiba," he added, now signaling to Kurokiba, "Are going to participate in this as assistants," he declared, and even before he had finished stating this, Erina's soft, mocking laughter could be heard. Akira turned his attention to her once again. "Something on your mind?"

"Plenty, naturally, but nothing much regarding this, just…" she stopped, taking a look to her left, towards Soma, followed by another to her right, towards Kurokiba, before continuing. "You want to take me on with these two as backup? I'm sorry, but, even this won't save you."

"On the contrary Nakiri, I was quite clear during my last two bouts," Akira corrected.

"Would you care to explain?" Erina said, eyes narrowed.

"Certainly," he moved a little bit towards their group, as all attention centered on Akira once again. "Kurokiba is to become my assistant, as I specifically stated that, and I quote, "should you lose, Kurokiba, you are to work on my next Shokugeki as my assistant chef". Having seen his work first hand, I've got no doubt he can be of very good use."

"Use…" Kurokiba almost growled.

"Guess rudeness is a thing here now…" Alice noted.

"And what about me?" Soma asked, hands in his pockets. "How useful am I to you?"

"You aren't listening Yukihira," Akira stated, closing his eyes for a brief moment before continuing. "With you, I stated, and I quote: "should you lose, Yukihira, you are to work on my next Shokugeki as an assistant chef". I never once stated you'd be working for me."

"Then…?" Nakiri started, her eyes widening as the fear began to set in.

"…I'm…?" Soma continued, his own eyes widening to match the princess'.

"…With her," Akira concluded, signaling towards the very pale Erina.

The silence broke as everyone shouted something different. Everyone thought of this in a different manner. From Takumi who had been the whole time looking for Soma, to Ikumi who had been held back by to many guys trying to get her to dance with them, to Hisako who had had to go to the bathroom and had had to deal with her new stalker Nao Sadatsuka attempting to go in with her for some, as she referred to it, "girl-on-girl bonding time", to even the resident master of ceremonies Urara Kawashima, who was getting irritated that she had not been asked to share such big news. Even the scattered members of Polar Star Dormitories were utterly dumbstruck, save for Isshiki who had a knowing suspicion if that somewhat mischievous grin accompanying his features said anything. After nearly a minute of whispers and whispers; Senzaemon thought it be best to end it all.

"Enough!" his loud voice, even without the aid of the microphone, was enough to cause everyone to become quiet… save for a laughing Alice. Giving his younger granddaughter ten seconds to stop her laughing (she took thirteen), Senzaemon continued once her laughter subsided. "Akira Hayama has made his intentions clear, and as per norm, when challenging a member of the Elite Ten the Shokugeki that ensues is not like those most of you have participated in. It's a bit bigger, requires assistant chefs and several other preparations. Should you accept this, my dear Erina, then process would begin in earnest."

"Wait, no! Absolutely not!" Erina was quick to speak, causing Soma to look towards her. "This is ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous!"

"Why do I feel like that whole reaction of hers is referring to just me?" Soma asked half-heartedly, since he had begun to expect certain reactions from her, such as this.

"Because it is, now shut up," she spoke before she turned towards both her grandfather and Akira. "Now listen here, both of you! I don't know what dumb idea crossed both your minds, but I will not allow myself to be compromised this way. You want to challenge me Hayama, fine, but don't go hiding behind Kurokiba and most certainly don't try to sabotage my work with an idiot like Yukihira."

"Hey!" Soma barked, annoyed, "Stop throwing insults my way!"

"Furthermore," she continued, ignoring Soma. "Grandfather. I am ashamed."

Everyone gasped.

"My dear, your-" Senzaemon tried. Keyword: tried.

"No! You listen!" Erina shut him down quicker than she has had entire restaurants shut down. Unapologetically so. "I don't care how much you think Yukihira is God knows what in your eyes, but he can't possibly even boil water in the way I would need it to be done."

"Seriously, I'm right next to you. Everyone's looking at me like-"

"This is a clear intent to sabotage my cooking, in order for that so-called champion to have a fighting chance against me," she carried on, still ignoring him. "If I need an assistant, I have Hisako, and if more are needed, I have Ikumi and I have Julio," she expressed, her glare still evident. "If you wish to use Kurokiba or even Yukihira for God knows what reason, do as you wish, but you cannot force me to work with him!" she shouted the last part at Akira, before turning to her grandfather. "Or you, for that matter."

"Grandpa just got burned," Alice noted with a smirk.

"Milady, be serious," Kurokiba said as he looked on, waiting. He knew Akira wasn't dumb enough to plan this if he didn't have some way to either convince or fool Erina into going along with it. But, was this really an attempt at sabotage?

"You misinterpret me yet again, Erina Nakiri," Akira spoke softly before coming down from the stage and onto the public, heading towards Erina, to the collective gasps of everyone present. "If you haven't forgotten, I fought against and defeated all those you mentioned. Yukihira, Kurokiba and even Arato. I know their level. I know their skill level," he continued to speak through the wireless microphone, taking simple steps until he was mere feet away from Erina and the others. "With her as your only aide, you will lose to me."

"Great," Hisako muttered, trying to reach Erina through the endless crowd of people. "Now they're dissing me!"

Before she got there however, Akira continued. "It is your choice, but I am offering you the best of the first years to aide you in our clash. I spoke with your grandfather and we came up with the idea. The theme will be a restaurant opening; an abridged full course meal of a random type. We will play head chefs with Tootsuki's VIPs as our guests and judges," Akira pointed towards Senzaemon, while adding: "And while the theme will be chosen during the week, to help us all prepare, it was still your grandfather's approval that I'd give Yukihira to you that made this all possible."

"I cannot work with him," Erina just flatly said.

"Is that a surrender?" Akira asked with an eyebrow raised.

"It's a refusal. Come back with a fair challenge and I'll crush you like the pathetic trash you are," Erina just added, and as she spoke she heard her grandfather clear his throat, which caused everyone to turn back to the elder man.

"Now, now, you two, take it easy," Senzaemon voiced sternly. "A chef cannot let himself or herself lose their professionalism like this. Akira, despite all that I'm allowing, remember just who it is you're talking to and challenging. Do not confuse the fact that above being the Headmaster here, I am a grandfather."

"My apologies," Akira gave a soft bow, without any hint of sarcasm. "I meant no offense."

"I never said you did, but just keep that in mind. And Erina," he continued while turning to her, receiving an annoyed "What?" in response. "The reason I allowed him to challenge you this way was not to obstruct you in anyway, but to present you with a real life challenge that I believe would truly benefit you in the long run."

"By sabotaging me?" she asked incredulously.

"By far. Soma Yukihira, whether you wish to admit it or not, is still the second best in terms of performance in this year's Autumn Festival," he told his granddaughter, while Soma couldn't help but flinch at the praise that still had the words "second" in them. "His skills and resourcefulness have impressed many of us here, and while admittedly he may be a bit of a goofball at times," he spoke the last part with a grandfatherly smile, causing Soma to smile back. "His skills in the kitchen are second-to-none. He would be a great asset to you."

"That's all charming grandfather, really, but I do not see it that way," Erina retorted, narrowing her eyes. "To me this is naught but a dirty trick to attempt to take my place in the Elite Ten without fighting me at my fullest. I know the rules well; I'm neither a transfer student nor a foreign one."

Both Soma and Akira understood what she meant by that, and both frowned at the comment.

"To challenge an Elite Ten member," she began, taking a long, deep breath. "You have to partake in a multi-layered Shokugeki, best two-out-of-three duels. Each of the three duels are divided by "Appetizer", "Main Course" and "Desert" respectively; all three of them following a restaurant theme chosen before the first round. They would have to be served to a finite number of guests, our "clients" so to speak, who will be the actual judges to the event. An odd number of tables, each picking a dish they prefer. First student to win two rounds wins the Shokugeki. Considering the sheer amount you have to make, it is obvious that you would need assistance, like an actual restaurant. Aside from the personal aide or assistant chef, you would need a good four or five other people working in order to satisfy the conditions. I get all that, but," she stopped, signaling Soma. "At what point does he come in?!"

"In what I just said Erina," her grandfather's voice was soft, paternal. Before she could ask, he answered: "In real life, you'll sometimes end up with employees you don't like and can't simply fire."

"What?" Erina blurted out, almost as if offended, "If they don't work of course I can-"

"If they don't work, yes, you can. If they breach the contract or cause you to fail in any way then yes, you can fire them without sparing them a second thought," he smiled as he said so, most of the audience finding it a bit creepy. "Even more so, you normally give employees a few months of probation in order to ensure that they satisfy the needs of the position you've given them. But, what happens when you have an employee who you dislike, whose work methods go against what you do or how you work and whose style completely goes against your own. Who is your polar opposite, but despite this or perhaps because of this, is good at what he does. He is never tardy or absent, he works hard, his cooking is unorthodox but not in any way bad, he accomplishes all of the goals established by the company, and even when he makes mistakes, he is able to correct them or take correct disciplinary action against it. According to the law of many countries, you can't fire someone without a reason. So," he stopped, taking a breath after the mini speech. "What reasons have you for firing Soma Yukihira?"

Erina Nakiri wanted to scream. She needed to stop this, she knew her grandfather. She knew that look he got in his eyes when he stubbornly believed he was right about something and he was just doing his part as a loving grandfather and teaching her about the world. She was no longer a baby; she was no longer threatened by that man. She did not have to take this.

"Yukihira has…" she began, trying to find the correct words that would get her out of this mess. She just needed to say something; anything at all.

Then it clicked, he was a pervert, he sexually harassed her, shoving something hot into her mouth. It sounded dirty but it could, no, would work. You can fire someone with sexual harassment. It was all she needed to at least cast enough doubt on anyone present to forbid him for being near her and, quite possibly, expelling him if he tried anything. She could get out of this, she definitely could.

But, as she smiled and turned to Soma, she saw him for what could be referred to as the first time. He wasn't grinning or leering at her, he was waiting her response. He looked… nervous even. This boy had just lost in the festival just a few hours ago; and in that moment, she saw what his eyes were saying.

"I can fight Akira Hayama again."

No, she noted, he wasn't nervous. He was anxious. He wanted to work with her to take down the guy that had taken him down. He wanted revenge, sweet revenge.

"…done nothing which could get him fired. Attitude and flaws aside, he is a decent enough chef, for someone of his caliber I suppose…" she signed, realizing lying in such a way was too much even for her. Even if it meant having the means to finally get Soma Yukihira expelled. She had not been raised that way.

Still, the cocky grin that Akira sported after she had refused the Shokugeki bothered her intensively. With or without Yukihira, she could beat him with naught but plastic knives.

"Sheesh, Nakiri. Can't even get one compliment from you without it being turned into an insult in the same sentence, huh?" Yukihira was grinning now as he spoke, a smirk that somehow irked her more than Akira's smirk.

"Don't speak to me," she ordered, and without awaiting any response or reaction, she turned to Akira. "You're on Hayama. Tomorrow morning we'll speak and set up the details. I just need tonight to think about just what it is I'm going to get out of you."

As everyone tried their best to remain silent, Senzaemon shocked most of the spectators by bursting out with a loud laugh. Even Erina and Akira were surprised by the sudden burst, one which Alice was quick to follow. Even Soma chuckled a bit, although more out of confusion than anything else.

"Ah… This'll be good. One thing comes to an end and another begins, such is the life of a chef!" Senzaemon spoke, still with a wide smile. "Tomorrow the next big thing starts, but for now, let us enjoy this celebration. DJs, if you would, let the music play!"

A loud boom was heard followed by a mix of electronic music, and while Hisako was quick to reach Erina and lead her almost frothing at the mouth Lady away, Soma couldn't help but stare. It was there it dawned to him that he was going to be working with her.

No, correction. Working for her.

"…I really have horrible luck," he noted to himself, as little did he know, this was to be naught but the start of the chain of events that would forever change his life… and Erina's as well.

%

And So It Begins…