The King and Queen of Totsuki

Chapter 09: The Chef's Path

Erina took a moment to realize she was now standing in just her purple underwear and bra, and her face turned red in response. She quickly slaps Sōma in the face in response to making her utter the word she has never spoken before.

Sōma grins as he holds his cheek and looks at Erina.

"I told you," said Sōma. "I would make you say 'delicious.'"

Erina was glaring at Sōma and couldn't help but wonder how many more times he was going make her utter those words. Erina knew her heart couldn't take much if Sōma would make her speak those words with every dish he presented.

Sōma takes off his Yukihira diner t-shirt and hands it to hands Erina who quickly puts it on without saying a word. Erina knew she would be able to change into her uniform once she returns to the hotel. Erina paused for a moment taking in the deep scent of Yukihira's shirt. For a strange reason, she was intoxicated by the smell.

"As agreed Azami, you are no longer the headmaster of Tōtsuki, all actions and expulsions you and Central have taken are overruled, and the Elite Ten Council under you have been stripped of their seats," said Riko.

Azami grinds his teeth in frustration at the thought he had lost.

"Why?" said Azami. "why can't you understand what I'm trying to do? You want things to return the way they were? Where chefs are swallowed up by the storm only to end up being swallowed up by the pit of chaos! True Gourmet, where chef's skills are truly polished, and only real food is served and learned! Where chefs skills are polished directly instead of being swallowed by the storm!"

"Chaos is not a pit, chaos is a ladder," Riko said, silencing Azami and the arena. "many who try to climb it fail, never get to try again, the fall breaks them. Some are given a chance to climb, but they refuse. They cling to their ideas, their pride. These are nothing more than illusions they cling to. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is and is all that matters."

'As harsh as that philosophy sounds,' thought Gin. 'but it's very accurate. The Elite Ten stand at the top of Tōtsuki and the pillar in the culinary world. The students who are not on the council fight to climb.'

"Azami," said Gin. "I know the storm is frighting. Tōtsuki exists to prepare students for the storm. For students to excel, they must first learn how to overcome their own flaws and weakness. They must learn this themselves. Or do you intend to guide them on their path for their entire career? What happens when they run across a problem they can't figure out? You rigged the Advancement Exams while trying to sabotage the rebels who refuse to accept your direction. You weren't helping these first years, you were crippling their cooking careers."

Azami stares at Riko before grabbing his shirt and walking out the arena with his head down, accepting his own defeat.

"Now then," said Riko. "we have a daunting task ahead of us, most importantly, choosing the new Director of Tōtsuki and electing the new Elite Ten."

"That's right," Yūki said in excitement. "all the ten seats have been vacant because we defeated the Elite Ten!"

"What do you mean choosing a new Director?" said Erina. "Grandfather is –

"

"I'm afraid not, Erina," said Senzaemon. "I have been Director of Tōtsuki for a long time, and Azami is right. I need to step aside and let another run the school. Not to mention, I have been uprooted before. I do not wish to face another."

"If I may," said Nakiri Sōe. "I think it's time I step up and become the Director of Tōtsuki just as you wanted of me, father. As the head of Nakiri International, I have more than enough experience in the Food Industries, and running school has belonged to the Nakiri family."

Senzaemon nods his head.

"That is very true," said Sanzaemon. "the only ones who have the right to accept your position as the Director – is Nakiri Erina and Yukihira Sōma."

Everyone was silent at these revelations upon hearing the future of Tōtsuki rested upon the two first years. No more than Erina and Sōma.

"Why are you two surprised?" asks Riko. "you defeated the First and Third Seat. In doing so, you have vacant all the Council Seats as well as banishing Azami for good from Tōtsuki. As the two sole survivors of the Règiment de Cuisine, the fate of Tōtsuki is in your hands. There is no question that you both will take the first and second seats."

Erina looks down as she appears to be in deep thought.

"I don't have a problem with it," said Erina. "Uncle Sōe-dono is more than qualify to run Tōtsuki."

Sōe nods his head, and seeing Sōma didn't have any objections either.

"Then, Ebisawa-dono," said Sōe. "I want you to be the Chief Operations Officer of Tōtsuki. I think it's time you stop wandering and return to Tōtsuki. I also need someone of your skills and talents at Tōtsuki."

Riko stood there in silence.

"I guess it's about time I return home," Riko said with a sigh. "I have traveled the world and learn all I could, there is very little left for me to learn. Perhaps its best I return to Tōtsuki and pass on my knowledge."

Sōe nods his head in response.

"Now, who should be the first and second seat?" asks Sōe.

Riko stood there looking at Erina and Sōma.

"Nakiri Erina," said Riko. "You will be the Second Seat."

Everyone was silent as they heard this and had a hard time registering what was just said.

"Why is Erina-sama the Second Seat?" shouted Hisako.

"I wish to know as well," said Erina. "what do I lack to claim the First Seat?"

"Nakiri Erina, you're skills are without a doubt, on par with many pro's. There is no question of that," said Riko. "You have skills and knowledge of the culinary world that is unrivaled by anyone else in Tōtsuki. Those are your greatest strengths, but you have a critical weakness you have yet to overcome."

Erina bows her head. "I lack experience, and I have no style."

"I'm glad you understand," said Riko. "It's good you see this within yourself, that means you have room to grow. Yukihira Sōma, on the other hand, has experience in dealing with the culinary world. He has skills and is creative within his cooking style. His weakness is the opposite of yours, he lacks knowledge and information. You are more than qualified to take the First Seat. I chose the First Seat base on the one who has experience in the culinary world."

Erina nodded her head and knew her weakness would defeat her one day. Just as it did to her mother.

"Yukihira, I accept that you're the First Seat, but rest assure I will take the First Seat!" shouted Erina.

"Now then," Riko said as she turns to the crowd.

The first years in the crowd suddenly paled, realizing that now that Central has lost and been officially disbanded and Azami was gone from Totsuki, they were no longer safe and could be expelled on the spot. They were badmouthing and jeering the rebels throughout the entire Regiment de Cuisine.

"I don't see any reasons why we should expel all the First Years," said Soma. "I mean, that wasn't in agreement in the Shokugeki."

"That is true," said Riko. "Still – I do not accept or acknowledge Centrals Advancement Exam results. Furthermore, all Central Staff are herby fired."

Riko looks at the Central Chefs, who paled at the thought they no longer had any power or authority to deny the new administration.

"We don't have the means to hold any test for these hundred of students," said Soe. "We'll return to Totsuki where we'll hold a special advancement exam for the First Years, and a tournament to see who will hold what seats."

Everyone was surprised by these revelations and relieved.

Three weeks later, once the snowstorms had died down, the new Director of Totsuki, Nakiri Soe, was hosting a special tournament for all first and second years. Nakiri Erina banned the Third Years as their graduation was upon them, and it wouldn't be fair for them to participate.

"Welcome, to the First Year Advancement Exams. This is the finals exams for all first-years who passed Central's Exams. I will say this now; your grade will not be handed down to you as Central did. You will be faced with a simple challenge. Create a dish worthy of Totsuki. Just like the Autumn Section, there will be five judges with each judge awarding a maximum of twenty points. Those who cannot secure a minimum of seventy points– is expelled."

"Crap, this is back?" said several first years.

Already there were signs of several the First Years were panicking as they were sure how the return of the old grading system.

"Now for the main ingredient," said Soe. "the main ingredient is – chicken! You have twenty minutes to gather your ingredients. Begin!"

Everyone was rushing to get the ingredients as Soma and Erina sat in the VIP lounge overlooking the contests. As the sole survivors of the Regiment de Cuisine, they were excluded from the tournament as Erina was the Second Seat, and Soma was the First Seat. After this Advancement Test was finished, they would move on as Second Years.

There were two hundred and ten first years, and many of them showed signs of failing immediately.

"Chicken, huh," said Erina. "a simple dished used in countless variants and cuisines. It's not a dish that's easy to prep and cannot be any means a simple dish."

"He said it didn't he," said Soma. "make a dish worthy of Totsuki. Of course, there are other ways to use chicken. The broth, for instance, would make an excellent soup."

Erina said nothing as she couldn't help but agree with Soma's words. Yes, the chicken was the main ingredient, but that didn't mean you had to use the chicken itself.

Gin was seated beside Soe and Riko while Sanzaemon and Nakiri Leonora were sitting on his left and were looking at the contestants.

The rest of the rebels were also excluded simply because of the fact they survived the sabotage tests of Central.

"It seems many students you had taught are losing their heads, Azami," said Joichiro.

Azami and Joichiro were seated in a VIP lounge and were by themselves speaking to themselves.

Azami looks down and couldn't help but see the results of his 'True Gourmet.' So many first years were already showing signs of struggling with the task at hand. Without Central to hand-deliver the results to them, they were lost.

"This is what Riko and I were telling you," said Joichiro. "a Chef needs to learn how to stand on their own. If you keep showing them the path, they will lose themselves within the storm."

"I didn't want another Chef to end up like you," said Azami.

"I failed because I had no rival," said Joichiro. "your daughter won't end up like Mana or me because she has Soma. Soma is there to keep challenging herself and pushing past her boundaries. If you had taken the time to see Soma's cooking, you would have seen that he's a better chef than I am; unlike me – he won't falter in the storm."

Azami looks down and couldn't help but think about how much he underestimates Yukihira Soma. He should have expected Yukihira Soma to take on the First Seat. After all, he was Saiba-senpai's son.

The time went by, and so many students were struggling to make a decent dish. Some were confident in their plate, but after forty attempts, the highest score was thirty-six points.

After nearly two hours of testing, only forty-six first years were able to pass the advancement exams. Some of them had good dishes, but nothing noteworthy. The others fell on the ground in disappointment. The promise grade they had under Central was gone and now had to rely on their skills and knowledge, which had started to show as their individual skills were useless now.

"From over two hundred to forty-six," Soma said as he watched the events.

"That means by the middle of our second year, half of these Forty-Six will be expelled," said Erina. "In two days, Totsuki will host a tournament for the rest of the Elite Ten Seats. It will be interesting to see who are the new members. I know the old members will try to retain their seats."

The Third Years were out of the question and were officially kicked off the Elite Ten, but they weren't expelled. The second-years would try to regain their seats, but this time, the First Years were standing in their way. There was a handful of them, and they were not only skilled but formidable opponents.

Etsuya Eizan knew he wouldn't win with his typical antics and strategies. There were no judges to bribe, and he couldn't intimidate any of his opponents because of the fact that he had twenty opponents. He knew his toughest opponents would be his former Elite Ten Council members, Isshiki, Koga, and Nene. Now there were first years also going for the prize of seizing the elite ten seat.

Etsuya Eizan stood there by his station and was foaming. The Regiment de Cuisine cost him everything. The Rebels victory cost him to give up his bank accounts that had been transferred to Yukihira Soma. Etyusa Eizan had no choice but to bet everything on regaining his seat to regain some of his former glory.

Nakira Erina and Yukihira Soma were standing off to the sides overlooking the Tournament for the New Elite Ten. Only the Third Seat and lower were available. The stands were crowded with students from all the years, both high school and junior, as they were looking forward to the results of the new Elite Ten.

Director Nakiri Soe walks forward in all glory along with the judges who appeared to be Totsuki Alumni. Including former First and Seconds Seats.

Gin takes the microphone and begins.

"Now, welcome to the Elite Ten Selections," said Dojima Gin. "this selection will have similar rules to the Autumn Selections. You will be socred by five judges, each will award you a total of five points! The theme is – specialty!"

Everyone looks at Gin as he stood there proudly.

"You will make a dish that is your specialty, in other words, this dish you present should be the reason you should have a seat," said Gin. "You have one hour, begin!"

Everyone began scrambling to get their ingredients as they knew one hour not enough time to prep and cook their meal. An hour timelimit would either make or break a chef.

Not surprising, the Alidini Brothers were ahead of the pack and making their dish at an alarming rate. Takumi Alidini was the fastest after being trained by Dojimi Gin for a month and halfway done by the time everyone was getting their first dish started. By the looks of things, he was making pasta, which was his specialty.

Satoshi Isshiki was also moving very fast, and for once, it was rare to see him cook so seriously instead of laid back.

Terunori Kuga was also cooking like crazy, as was Kinokuni Nene. The rebels were cooking fast and fierce, some of them who knew they might not get another chance to earn a seat.

Etsuya Eizen started cooking as if his life depended on it because it did. If he didn't reclaim his seat, then he was serious trouble.

Nakiri Erina, the Second Seat, and Yukihira Soma the First Seat were watching the hopeful claim the seats.

After the tournament came to an end, Etsuya Eizen walked into the waiting room and slams his fist into the wall after the competition was over. He didn't regain his seat, and he was furious. He thought without the Third Years competing, he would have gained a higher position than seventh.

Etsuya looks at the monitor on the announcement on who won the Council Seats.

First Seat: 1st Year Yukihira Soma

Second Seat: 1st Year Nakiri Erina

Third Seat: 2nd Year Satoshi Isshiki

Fourth Seat: 1st Year Takumi Aldini

Fifth Seat: 2nd Year Terunori Kuga

Sixth Seat: 3rd Year Akira Hayama

Seventh Seat: 1st Year Kurokiba Ryo

Eighth Seat: 1st Year Nakiri Alice

Ninth Seat: 2nd Year Nene Kinokuni

Tenth Seat: 1st Year Tadokoro Megumi

Of all the students that tried to earn a seat, only the rebel First Years were able to take the positions. Without anyone to secure his reputation and business, he knew Nakiri Erina would attack him quickly for his underhand tactics during the purge and for attacking her when she was staying at Polar Star Dormitory. Etsuyz Eizen now had nothing, and his supporters, who once stood by him, also lost everything and didn't want to cross Totsuki. Nakiri Erina was too powerful and too dangerous.

Etsuya walks down the halls, already thinking on how to reclaim the power within Totsuki. There were still Central survivors in Totsuki and those who supported his ideas. He would recruit them and form a new club to rebuild Central. The Rebels won the Regiment de Cuisine, but they haven't won the war. Central will be reborn from the ashes of its own destruction.

The new Elite Ten walks into the council chambers. Nakiri Erina was late as she was dragging Yukihira Soma, who had accepted fifteen challenges from several first and second years for his first seat.

Erina sits beside Soma, who was disappointed as he wanted to face off in his Shokugeki.

"I got Shokugeki's," said Soma. "let me –"

"No!" Erina shouted in a firm tone.

"But I" began Soma.

"You're the First Seat!" shouted Erina. "You don't wager your seat so easily!"

Soma grumbles as he sits down at the council seat as Erina took charge.

Hisako stood behind Erina, as Isami Aldini stood behind his older twin brother. Surprising, Subaru Mimasaka stood behind Yukihira Soma, the only rebel who didn't win a seat, but then again – he didn't even participate.

"Really, though," said Soma. "purple bra and panties?"

Erina flushes a shade of red of embarrassment. She rolls the paper in her hands and smacks Soma in the head for his comment. It was bad enough Soma made her say the two words no one has ever made her say before, but it was bad enough she had her clothes ripped in front of everyone. Erina swore she was going to make Soma pay for that little stunt of his that made her say the two words she's never said before.

"Alright," said Erina. "Let's begin. The First Seat, Yukihira Soma, has issued a full open acceptance to Shokugeki for his First Seat. That being said, I'm sure the Council will be accepting Shokugeki from countless students who seek to claim a seat."

Megumi was shaking a bit in her seat at the thought of so many challengers coming to her for her tenth seat.

"It would be a problem," Nene said as she adjusts her glasses. "I don't think we've ever had a council member so eager to accept Shokugeki's right off the bat."

"True," said Isshiki. "then again, Soma-kun did win a hundred Shokugeki's within his first week back from the Stagiaire. It's not surprising seeing how reckless he can be."

"While I don't mind the challenges," said Takumi. "there have to be restrictions."

"I agree," said Erina. "I've already come up with a proposal."

Hisako, who was holding the tablet, presses a few buttons, and everyone looks at their tablets in response.

"Now I see," said Isshiki. "this makes perfect sense."

"I don't have any problems with this proposal," said Hayama.

"It will make things interesting," said Kuga.

Soma looked at his Council Tablet and was surprised.

"I think we're all in agreement," said Isshiki.

"Then I'll make the announcement," Erina said as she stands up.

Students all over Totsuki wanted to hear what the new Elite Ten had passed as they were going to pass a new decree within the School.

The television roles live, and Nakiri Erina was seen in front of the T.V.

"I'm the Second Seat Nakiri Erina of Totsuki Elite Ten," said Erina. "moment ago, the new Elite Ten Council has agreed upon a couple new rules on which gives you the students may challenge an Elite Ten for their seat."

Everyone was now paying close attention, looking at their phones, tablets, or monitors to hear the announcement. Including the former Elite Ten. Eishi, Rindo, Tosuke, Momo, and Somei were all in their classroom, listening carefully.

"The Rights to Challenge the Elite Ten Seat are as followed: One, to challenge a council member, you must have a set of official Shokugeki wins," said Erina.

The right side of the screen shows a council seat and a number of wins you needed to challenge the seat.

20 Wins = Tenth Seat

25 Wins = Ninth Seat

30 Wins = Eighth Seat

35 Wins = Seventh Seat

40 Wins = Sixth Seat

50 Wins = Fifth Seat

65 Wins = Fourth Seat

75 Wins = Third Seat

90 Wins = Second Seat

100 Wins = First Seat

"Second, there will be five unanimous judges to oversee the Shokugeki. Participants will have no contact with judges or each other before the match. Any contact will result in immediate expulsion, regardless if you're the challenger or on the Council."

Eizan pale and click his teeth, realizing he once again fucked. He wanted to challenge one of the Council Seat members, like Aldini or Yukihira, and screw them by bribing the judges.

"Third, if a student or students defeat a Council member in sales during the Sakura or Moon Banquet Festival, then the student or students will have the right to challenge a Council Member," said Erina.

This caused countless students to start whispering excitedly. They didn't need Shokugeki wins if they can succeed in sales alone, they could challenge the Elite Ten.

Etsuya Eizan grows an evil smile as he knew the Sakura Festivals were approaching in April, and as a Third Year, he could win a seat. Eizan fixed his glasses and was already planning ahead on how to accomplish his goals on regaining his position.

The Elite Ten stayed in the schools while everyone else went home for the holidays, except the Third Years who graduated. The new Elite Ten stood before the former top-five Elite Ten members and wished them good luck on their cooking careers.

Tsukasa Eishi stood there holding his diploma and shakes Yukihira Soma's hand, promising that when they next see each other, he will be a better chef. Soma smiles and promises he can't wait for their rematch.

The Holidays kicked in, and everyone was getting ready for their second year, and they knew it was going to be intense full of new chefs and new adventures.