The tension in the air was palpable as word spread through Tōtsuki that a secret Shokugeki was about to take place.
This was not an official match, not sanctioned by the academy, but something raw and urgent, born from rivalry and pride.
Soma and Kaoru had agreed to the terms in hushed voices, their eyes locked in mutual challenge. The winner would claim full access to the Polar Star test kitchens for a month. The loser would become the winner's assistant for a week, forced to learn and serve.
Erina Nakiri was the only judge, her God Tongue the final authority. She sat at the far end of the kitchen, arms crossed, her gaze sharp and unyielding.
Megumi hovered nearby, wringing her hands, torn between worry and excitement. A handful of other students had gathered, drawn by the promise of something forbidden and unforgettable.
Soma rolled up his sleeves, his grin wide and reckless. He thrived on pressure, on the thrill of competition.
Kaoru, by contrast, was a study in control, his movements precise and deliberate. He surveyed the available ingredients, his mind already racing through possibilities.
The kitchen became a flurry of motion. Soma worked with his usual improvisational flair, grabbing ingredients at random, trusting his instincts.
He built a dish around warmth and comfort, drawing on memories of his father's cooking, the flavors of home.
Kaoru, meanwhile, constructed his dish with the meticulous care of a scientist. He layered flavors, coaxed out hidden depths, and pushed the boundaries of fermentation.
The air filled with the scents of simmering broth, caramelizing onions, and the sharp tang of fermenting vegetables.
Soma's dish was bold and inviting, a bowl of ramen with a rich, smoky broth and a medley of pickled toppings.
Kaoru's was more enigmatic: a plate of koji-aged fish, served with a sauce of fermented fruit and a dusting of dried seaweed.
As the final moments ticked away, both chefs plated their creations with care. The room fell silent as Erina approached, her expression unreadable.
She tasted Soma's dish first, her eyes widening at the depth of flavor, the way each bite evoked memories of family and warmth. Then she turned to Kaoru's plate, her brow furrowing as she took in the unfamiliar aromas.
The first bite was a shock. The fish was tender, the sauce complex, the flavors shifting and evolving with every chew.
There was a hint of sweetness, a burst of umami, and an undercurrent of something wild and untamed. Erina closed her eyes, letting the sensations wash over her.
When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet but firm. "Both dishes are extraordinary. Soma's is a comfort, a reminder of home. Kaoru's is a challenge, a journey into the unknown. I can't choose a winner. You both pushed me to my limits."
A murmur ran through the crowd. Soma laughed, clapping Kaoru on the back. "Looks like we're both assistants this week."
Kaoru allowed himself a rare smile. "I suppose there are worse fates."
The tension between them had not vanished, but it had changed. It was no longer just rivalry, but something deeper, a mutual respect forged in the heat of competition.
As the crowd dispersed, Soma and Kaoru lingered in the kitchen, already discussing new ideas, new challenges.
Erina watched them from the doorway, her heart pounding. She knew that this was only the beginning.
The rules had been broken, and nothing at Tōtsuki would ever be the same.
As the night deepened, Soma and Kaoru found themselves alone in the kitchen, the hum of the refrigerators and the distant sound of water pipes the only noise.
Soma leaned against the counter, arms folded, a thoughtful look on his face. "You know, I never thought I'd meet someone who could push me this far. You're relentless."
Kaoru glanced at him, a faint smile on his lips. "You're not so bad yourself. Most people would have given up by now."
Soma laughed, the sound echoing in the empty kitchen. "Giving up isn't really my style. Besides, I like the challenge."
They cleaned up together, the silence between them comfortable, filled with the unspoken understanding that only true rivals share.
As they worked, Kaoru found himself relaxing, the weight of the day lifting from his shoulders. For the first time, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment, to appreciate the camaraderie that had grown between them.
When they finished, Soma clapped Kaoru on the back. "Let's do this again sometime. Maybe next time, we'll actually get a winner."
Kaoru nodded, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Next time."
As they left the kitchen, the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold. Kaoru felt a sense of hope, a belief that he was exactly where he was meant to be.
The future was uncertain, but for the first time, he was ready to face it head-on, surrounded by friends, rivals, and the promise of new adventures.
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Please gimme your power stones tehee.
Leave some reviews to let me know what went wrong in the writings and I'll try to fix it when I have time, or you can comment it down below.
P.S English is not my first language, it should be the third or fourth if I remember my languages correctly. xD