Ch 5: The Knight and the Sage, The Meat in the Cage

The day had begun.

As per rules, Naruto had his homeroom attendance cleared and was searching for one of the clubs that he could be convinced to join. Yeah, he called them clubs because saying "research society" every time was just a mouthful and they were basically clubs anyway. So far he found none.

It was not the lack of trying on behalf of the student body, it was just that his explosive orientation speech was still fresh in a lot of people's minds and they were not eager to approach him just because of that.

It was annoying but Naruto reasoned if it kept the douchebags away from him he was fine. He didn't want to pummel someone's ass to the ground while still new to the school and get a written declaration of delinquency. Rindō would not be pleased. That girl drove him crazy. What was it about her?! She was just so complicated!

Kurama wriggled a bit and Naruto shushed him silently while rubbing his back. He heard a commotion around a corner and as he rounded up to the place he came face to face with Souma of all people.

"Eh nii-san?"

"Souma?"

They blinked once before both of them laughed.

"Hey, what was all the commotion about? I was hearing a hell of a lot of murmurings on the way here." Naruto spoke as he looked at Souma and to the sign posted up. Don Research Society. He just smiled.

"Well, me and Tadokoro were looking at Research Societies.."

"Clubs."

"Eh?"

"Just call them Clubs.", Naruto said, sighing.

Souma gleefully laughed as one Tadokoro Megumi came into view following her was the Don RS' only club member, Konishi Kanichi. A second year student. Souma continued,

"So yeah, me and Tadokoro were looking into clubs and I saw the chance to make some Don recipe so I thought why not just apply for it. Sadly it seems he was about to close it down." he pointed back at Kanichi. Naruto raised an eyebrow that just begged the unasked question of why(?). Souma continued on,

"There was this girl that came in. Said she was some helper or chef under Nakiri Erina, then demanded that we shut it down till tomorrow. I ended up challenging her to a Shokugeki to determine if the club stays." and he ended that with a small laugh.

Naruto couldn't help but laugh along as well but Megumi was not having it.

"How can you guys be laughing at this matter?! Souma-kuuun?!" she was waving her arms around haphazardly while tears ran down her puffed face. Naruto thought it made her look so cute. Even Souma was not far behind looking at her.

"Calm down Megumi, we aren't trying to make this seem like no big deal. Shokugekis are serious. Don't worry." Naruto tried to calm her.

"Yeah, Tadokoro, don't worry. I'm gonna win that Shokugeki, you can better believe it!" Souma followed up as he got a light bonk on his head courtesy of Naruto's right hand.

"That's my line, you dork!"

Naruto turned to look at the ridiculously hair styled second year senior as he bowed and said, "Uzumaki Naruto. Nice to meet you senpai...?"

"Oh, Oh! Kanichi. Konishi Kanichi." the lone club member bowed as he introduced himself as well. Kanichi remembered him. Hell who wouldn't remember the orientation speech that this same guy gave. The guy literally called out the Food Demon King and lived. If that didn't prove that the person had more than steel balls, make it titanium, he spoke against the freaking granddaughter of that same guy. The one person nobody, not a single soul would want to oppose in this academy.

Nakiri Erina. 10th seat of the Elite Ten.

This was madness, two of the academy's recently infamous wildcards, right in front of him and the first one came right up to his club to join himself! It could either be a big boon to his club or he could just lose everything. He still couldn't fully put his trust in Souma too. Reason? He didn't know about their cooking.

"So, Kanichi-senpai, you love making Don?" Naruto asked with genuine curiosity.

Kanichi puffed his chest, "Of course I do! You can't even begin to comprehend how much I yearn to master it! It is the ultimate food for the ultimate of men! It is cheap, fast, and tasty and despite all of that. It has the very essence of men! The sheer casualness that is embodied by us! People like Nakiri Erina, who has always been surrounded by heaps and heaps of men, can never identify or relate to the great food of us single~~~~~~..."

Naruto saw Kanichi go from passionate to downright tragedy as he spoke of his love for the food. He loved the food he made and Naruto liked that attitude in a person. Naruto was someone who measured you on your actions and the genuine heart to it.

"He is very passionate about it." Souma seemed to whisper to him. Naruto just wheezed.

"I can see that very clearly."

As the wails of Kanichi ended, Naruto spoke up, "You know what Kanichi-senpai, I'll stick around in your club until the Shokugeki and after that I'll come to a decision. I wanna see how my little brother fares in an official Shokugeki of his own."

Both Megumi and Kanichi's eyes widened at the statement but Souma only grinned wider.

'Welp I guess it runs in their family. The craziness.'

"B-but, um, Uzumaki-kun.." Megumi began.

"Naruto."

"U-umm, Naruto-kun. Yo-you do know that Souma-kun accepted to quit Tōtsuki if he loses. Doesn't, doesn't that concern you?" Megumi asked. She really started to take in Souma these past few days when he also, coincidently, started living in the same dorm house as her. The Polar Star.

In the small amount of time she came to know him, she found him to be a jovial and very honest person with almost no negatives. He loved to cook. He loved to challenge. He also loved to, she hated to remember it, experiment. He never shied away from competition and one quality that she learned of his that left an impression on her was that he never took loses to his heart.

She listened to what the other dorm members talked and discussed around. She knew Souma gave his best on his dish and for anyone else, it would've been a winner for sure. But the same couldn't be said for Isshiki-senpai as well. He didn't go all out last she heard from others. That the dish he presented, even though sub par, was able to compete against the best food by Souma. After finding out that he was the seventh seat of the famous Elite Ten it was no wonder he could "defeat" Souma with just that dish.

But yes, she really did wonder how Souma's own brother, Naruto, didn't even look that bit concerned over it. In fact he looked elated.

"I know Souma. If he loses in this Shokugeki I'm telling tou-san, the next time Yukihira special opens, he won't be the Head Chef that day." Naruto grinned.

If one were to see Souma he was shook pale white and had his eyes and mouth wide open. He kept looking at Naruto as if he just witnessed history's most brutal betrayal.

Naruto laughed at that as Souma cried out,

"Niiii-saaaaan!!! You can't do that! We had a deal!"

Megumi couldn't help but laugh at the interactions and Kanichi felt left out in the spot but he joined in the laugh as well. For a moment everyone forgot about any Shokugeki and just enjoyed the moment, smiling and laughing it away.

As the gathered people had hearty laughs and conversations, Naruto couldn't help but remember back to the day how he made some friends in the Elite Ten as well. And all of that because of this one thing called Food War, the ultimate cookouts of Tōtsuki.

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Naruto didn't know much about his opponent. As soon as Senzaimon announced for the Shokugeki to commence, Eishi was on it like a man possessed. Naruto could see it.

He looked completely different to his meek self a few moments ago.

He looked regal now. Blessed in a way.

Naruto saw the other four Elite Ten members over to the side. Rindō was excitedly looking at them both while the others were silently discussing between themselves, settled down comfortably on one of the big couches in the room.

Nakiri Senzaimon had just one thing to say to both of the contestants.

' Make me a dish of comfort '

That was all that was said. Nothing more, nothing less and for some reason, Naruto actually considered that it was actually how Senzaimon worked. Nobody could claim to be even close to what the man represented in the cooking world. It seemed that he would be someone Naruto would have to give his best to always impress.

Comfort.

The word stuck and Naruto fell back to a moment in time when he had almost nothing but his empty hands. Those empty hands weren't empty for long as on that one night, he was comforted for the first time in a long while. Never forgetting what the kindness felt like, the warmth of a house, the love. Remembering that warmth with the moment he shared and reiterated countless nights, Naruto got to making his dish.

Today, he would show Nakiri Senzaimon and the Elite Ten of Tōtsuki his cooking. A selfless act to spread smiles. His nindō. His style.

The Uzumaki-Teuchi way of cooking.

He went to the pantry of the hall and a few moments later came back with his items and ingredients. Some flour, green vegetables, bell peppers, vinegar, soy sauce and the lot. It seemed to the crowd that he would be making a sōba dish judging from the distinct aroma of buckwheat that wafted in the room.

"A sōba dish? Kinokuni should've been here." Sōmei spoke as Rindō giggled and focused on Eishi who brought his own ingredients consisting of meat, some wines and other essentials. He gathered them all in his station and got to work on his dish.

'Ei-chin still looks bored. ' Rindō surmised but kept her eyes on both of them.

Naruto started on making his own hand-made noodles from the flour he got. He had the theme in his head and went to work on his dish. He poured the flour onto a large basin and with systematic water mixing he started kneading the dough into a dome shape making sure he could freely feel the texture of his dough. He remembered the words sharply in his mind. His travels around the world voicing the appropriate words of wisdom.

'Feel the sōba rise through your hands Naruto. Knead it as you feel its tender shape take your form.'

Feeling a satisfactory firmness to the dough, Naruto pulled out a noshibo (rolling pin) to start on the remaining work to be done. Meanwhile Eishi had finished with the preparations of his meat and was now starting to cook his meat whilst something else shimmered on another pan.

"Chocolate." was the only thing the cute mascot-like Momo spoke and she was subsequently fed a bar of chocolate to her mouth by Sōmei.

"Uzumaki's technique is fluid." Sōmei commented. His eyes not leaving their focus on either of the two competitors. He had seen masterful handling and making of sōba by a lot of masters, especially the aforementioned Kinokuni Nene, the sixth seat of the Elite Ten. Her family, the Kinokunis, were renowned for their sōba making skills and she was the best at making them in Tōtsuki. She was so great at it that it alone helped her procure the sixth seat although she has countered many times of the fact that she couldn't accept being higher seated than Isshiki Satōshi, the seventh seat, unless she defeats him fair and square.

But for some unknown chef to have an almost flawless technique of sōba making and only come into view after Senzaimon's requested arrival, it begged the question of how impressive was this boy to have the Food Demon King's backing and where was he all these years? Interesting indeed.

"I can't wait to taste Ei-chin's dish but I also can't wait to taste Naru-chin's dish as well! Mmmmm, this is gonna be a treat guys!" Rindō quipped with a mirthful cat face.

Sōmei just shook his head, while Momo munched on the piece of chocolate on her mouth and Tōsuke kept his firm gaze lined on Naruto and Eishi.

'Seems like Eishi will have a challenge.' Tōsuke thought as he watched Naruto finish with his sōba slicing, and boy did the noodles look perfectly slim and smooth, while Eishi seemed to almost be finished with his meat and was starting on his sauce.

Amongst all these events Senzaimon stood watch over them diligently. His eyes never leaving the two competitors he asked for, to perform in this Shokugeki with some of the biggest stakes in the line, well more for Naruto and less for Eishi if one were to be specific, but he didn't care much for that, he knew. That the only thing that mattered to him was the taste of the food and what the result would be. He saw the regal hands of Eishi craft a food as divine as he is whereas Naruto played the rebel, tossing and turning and whirling the dough in his hands. Moulding his love of food making, into his food. He could see the joy in his face as he did his work unlike Eishi who had a focused look on his face, never deterring from a point of view.

Opposites, the both of them. He silently laughed briefly as his thoughts went back to the Yukihira boy he saw with Naruto, and an older memory resurfaced.

'I wonder how the future will unfold with these two.'

And, with that, resumed watch over the two competitors/chefs.

Naruto let the water boil and subsequently added the noodles to it to cook till it was tender. Meanwhile he put up a pan to heat as he chopped some peppers and washed the other vegetables and herbs. Just a few moments later, he drained the noodles and started working on his other ingredients. He cooked the leanly grounded chicken first and then after, heated up the oil and cooked the zucchinis and peppers. As he was getting ready to create his dressing, he caught a glimpse of Eishi starting to plate up his food, a heated pan still on the flames. Efficient, was the word that sprang up in Naruto's head as he saw his serene face with a pure focus, slowly organising his plate for the tasting even though the other pan on the flames was still heating something but he didn't seem to mind.

"Ei-chin's dish seems to be the first to be coming out." Rindō spoke, taking a huge whiff of the scent of food in the air. She drooled unashamedly.

"He didn't have much to prepare himself, it only seems to be that shimmering pan that took time for him. Must be a sauce." came the reply of Sōmei.

"It will be interesting to see the result." came the calm voice of Tōsuke who had been silently observing the Shokugeki till now. Momo just kept munching, taking a whiff of the cooking aroma from time to time.

Senzaimon merely raised an eyebrow and smirked at the prospect of being able to taste the first dish of this Shokugeki.

During this, Naruto had whipped out a container and poured down the necessary ingredients for his own dressing, a pre-made syrupy base, vinegar, wine and water, and finished it. Before he could start his plating there came a call,

"Tsukasa Eishi has presented his dish!"

There he was, the first seat of the Elite Ten, standing before the monstrous Nakiri Senzaimon as he presented his dish. The other four members had already started their walk towards the first seat and had stopped a few steps back and watched his plate.

Naruto glanced at the plating himself and he was surprised by the beauty of it. Eishi introduced his dish to the hall,

"I present to you my dish. A Venison of Dual Faces. Two different sauces upon the two parts of roasted meat. I call it, Deux Saison."

It was amazing.

A glazing piece of roasted meat made of venison sirloin, chopped in the middle, seasoned with butter, peppers, salt, with both pieces having separate sauces dripped on them in a designed way. The plating was completed with very small, finely chopped, dressed leeks sprinkled on the side. Couple the visual with the aroma and it was a wonderful plate of food.

"I am going to proceed with the tasting." Senzaimon declared as he took a small piece and bit into them. He took some time to take in the flavors and took the second one for tasting. It seemed as if the world stopped because as soon as the world seemed to make some kind of sense, his kimono came undone, with his muscular body bursting out.

Naruto still couldn't believe this spectacle, much less fault the reactions of the Elite Ten members as it seemed they either just gave up or just let it happen. Rindō was a person that was just beyond logic at this point with the way she seemed to be cheering and ogling at the body. That was just disturbing.

"Eishi, that was a very powerful dish. The meat is tender, very delicate. The flavors and the texture, it absorbs it all, and the sauce. My, my. Boy, that is some great sauce. First I could feel the spring jostle me in their newly birthed grass, as I floated on the sensation of rebirth. A glow. The second bite I could feel the tenderized meat, birthed with such a beautiful texture upon it from the sauce. Such that it rejuvenated me as if I drank some healing potion of the very Earth. The smoothness in the sauce as well. Wonderful. Was that poivrade?"

"Yes, I took the liberty of making a poivrade as it has a very good match with meat dishes. A french display of warming flavors and welcoming aroma. I used a cherry pinot noir for the more bold and darker sauce whereas I used the gooseberry sauvignon blanc for the other lighter dark sauce."

Senzaimon nodded at that. Pinot Noir was a popular blend of grape red wine that had made its presence in a lot of households due to its great taste, an earthy sensation and aroma. It also was very light-bodied that made it a staple choice for meat dishes as well as it tenderized the meat evenly as it heated. Felt as if one were in between an autumn festival of gala in a busy street of France amongst friends.

The Sauvignon Blanc on the other hand was one of the most well-known white wines loved for its "green" herbal flavors as they called it. The wine gave a very rich acidity. Elevating the richness and enhancing the flavors. You would not be wrong if you say it transported you among the vineyards of France during the dusk as you wade through the aromatic country roads.

Couple that with the way he created the poivrade in a mix of the residual venison fats, two types of wines, the white vinegar, and most defining ingredient being the mirepoix he made which was mostly a version made for wildgame (has a mix of vegetables and meat pieces), mushrooms and peppers, to go with. The dedication and control he had in his cooking was always top notch. It showed here as well with the way he laid down the flavors in a defining way that didn't counter any but elevated on them. No one could match the technique Eishi used to elevate his plates of food in a way that truly brought out the flavors.

C'était vraiment Français

"Bravo my boy. A dish of pure excellence. Now.." Senzaimon's eyes found the other boy who had a huge smile on his face as he started to plate his food.

Naruto was excited.

The way Senzaimon described Eishi's dish he knew it was amazing. With the way the other four members were eating with content expression, some even awe and wonder, he knew he had a tough competition. He tossed his noodles onto his plate with the other cooked ingredients over a crowned spinach base, and as soon as he opened his dressing to get the food dressed the aroma fleetingly spread. Naruto finished with a side bowl filled with the dressing content. Senzaimon saw him finish up and he knowingly smiled seeing him approach the judging table.

Carrying his plate Naruto approached the table where Eishi just finished his plating display and had his plate cleanly licked off by a smirking cat-Rindō. Shaking his head he presented his dish to Senzaimon and as soon as he showed it, the aroma of sōba and the dressing slowly filled the area. Senzaimon smiled as Naruto spoke,

"Here's your order. A healthy sōba variant I made with chicken and veggies. My dish. I call it, Uzuchi Style : Chicfū Sōba."

There it was, his dish. A sōba noodle salad themed dish, filled with chicken pieces, zucchinis, bell peppers over a spinach base shaped in a five point crown. Topped with seasoning peppers, salt and dressed with a slightly experimented vinaigrette.

He presented chopsticks to everyone as he continued, "Eat your heart out."

The present members raised an eyebrow with Senzaimon grinning widely as he took the chopstick and dug into the dish presented before him. The other members soon followed. What followed was a range of expressions that he didn't expect he would be seeing from anyone in here.

Eishi had an awed face that was stuck in time. Eyes glazed, he looked, almost, peaceful.

Rindō actually was blushing. Like actually blushing. She was basically peering back and forth between Naruto and Eishi and the former didn't know if that was fine at all.

Tōsuke looked calm and he had an expression of content. Bereft of any troubles, he had his eyes closed in thoughts of his own.

Sōmei just smirked and was gulping and slurping down the noodles like crazy.

Senzaimon was smiling so wide he looked caricatured in reality, and it made Naruto giggle for a bit. The most surprising reaction was of Momo.

She actually looked shocked but then a short while later, she actually started to tear up. Naruto's eyes widened as he couldn't help but walk up to her. When he knelt down beside her, Sōmei who also saw her expression but saw Naruto approach and moved slightly, as soon as she saw him in front of her, she did the one thing he didn't expect again.

She punched him.

There was silence.

And then Rindō busted out laughing that actually made Sōmei laugh as well with everyone slowly laughing at Naruto's punched, shocked face being cradled by his hand. Even Senzaimon joined in.

Momo had a constipated look on her along with that cat doll she carried around. It made her really cute but then she approached a few steps towards Naruto and hugged him. Naruto stilled but then slowly hugged her back silently. She was trembling but slowly calmed down with the doll in her arms as she settled in for the hug.

Looking at the rest of the members, out of everyone Sōmei was the only one that showed some form of surprise and the others just raised eyebrows or a smile. We don't need to talk about Rindō.

"Seems you are a whole buncha surprises Uzumaki." Sōmei grinned.

Momo slowly let go as Naruto felt Senzaimon approach him from a few steps away.

"My boy. Such love."

Naruto looked at his smiling face that truly emphasized a caring grandfather's visage. He listened to him continue,

"I could never be more sure. Naruto. You truly are wonderful. Tell me about this dish. In fact…" Senzaimon turned towards everyone in the room as he spoke. "...why don't you all tell me as well. About his dish."

The members all were perplexed but they decided unanimously to accept the proposal. Eishi started, "I…, I actually didn't even get to concentrate much on the noodles nor the taste for as soon as it touched my lips and tongue I felt happy? It was an odd feeling. It made me feel content. It made me feel…. complete." saying that he swallowed another noodle and this time continued, "The noodles are very well made. A skill level like that seems best right now next to the only decorated sōba maker in the academy…"

"...Kinokuni Nene." Sōmei interjected. "The spinach, and the chicken pieces in it are very fulfilling. Damn it though, that dressing is some good stuff. Seemed like I couldn't have enough, I needed more."

"The skill for the hand-made sōba is aptly brilliant." Tōsuke continued. "It seems he is very proficient at it but truly the winner of this is the dressing as Saitō mentioned. It is not just any traditional salad vinaigrette is it?"

Momo just said, "Momo-chan loves it even though it's not that cute. Right Bucchi?" The doll seemed to nod. "Yep."

"The dressing, yes." Senzaimon added,

"It seems both of our contestants have a knack for sauces. The tangy sweetness complimented with the hot peppers and the sōba as well, all brought in sync with the olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, wine and a surprising apricot flavor, made for a very nice vinaigrette. But the way you made it. The wine, it's not just a regular salad vinaigrette. You made it as if you'd would be making a wafū dressing to accompany the Japanese sōba."

Wafū dressing was mostly a japanese-styled salad dressing that was made with a focus on the Tosazu, a mix of rice vinegar, mirin, and soy sauce in equal proportions, mixed with differing flavors added to it for different aromas and tastes.

"I wanted to round my dish off as close to home as possible. My home is with my family, and they are my comfort." Naruto declared with a calm expression on his face, a slight smile growing.

Naruto also used apricot for their tangy, sweet taste that actually went well with the more spicy peppers, balancing it all out and also enriching the acidity as well. Senzaimon remembered the noodles were brilliantly made with some of the finest, and softest textures to it and every bite had been fulfilling which was very interesting.

The noodles had a very, very slight taste to it that actually made it so fulfilling. Taking a small taste and concentrating on the tip of the tongue, Senzaimon found that the noodles had a taste similar to that of dried ume fruits. Even the dressing had it, now that he tasted it more. This was interesting.

"Wait, I can taste pickled plums. Did you put some?!" Rindō asked out loud, surprising everyone who didn't hear or see her for a while.

"Interesting." Eishi commented.

"I heated some of them in a saucepan and let the steam permeate through to the noodles while letting it rest. I used it in the wafū too." Naruto replied with a smile.

"Impressive. The willingness to experiment. With the noodles, the dressing, everything on this plate is a wonder. An immaculate sōba with an invigorating sauce that had me in a warm grasp of a heartful love and pleasant conversations during a summer night." Senzaimon looked at all the members and Naruto and asked,

"So then, shall we declare the winner of this bout?"

The students minus Naruto and Eishi looked at Senzaimon with smirks and also some uncertainty. The dishes that both of them presented were leagues above a lot of dishes they got to taste or make, even, at times. Eishi's food had almost zero faults. It was truly immaculate. The way the tastes blended in his dish was something only Eishi was capable of. The first seat of the Elite Ten played with his ingredients in a different way. He just knew what to use, how to use them, or when to use them. No ingredient or element on his plate is a waste of space. But Naruto?

For the Elite Ten, even Eishi himself, it was the first time they had ever witnessed someone relatively unknown have the direct recommendations of the Food Demon King himself. Also, a Shokugeki with their best, on the very day they were introduced, with the aforementioned person not even caring for the consequences. Uzumaki Naruto took to the challenge with no objections at all. He accepted it. And he presented a worthy dish that competed with their top dog. The results would have to be unbiased. The Food Demon King knew, but the results were clear as day, coming from how he could see the post-reaction faces of the students. The richness. The flavors. The satisfaction. There was this one dish that really blew him away for real.

"Thus here I name the winner of this Shokugeki, unanimously agreed…" Senzaimon turned and announced,

"...is Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto's eyes widened but then he hollered a "Yatta!" and jumped in the air. He was stocked. Sōmei had doubts in accepting but he had to admit that Naruto's food just had a different appeal that pulled him in despite him vehemently admitting to the dish of Eishi tasting more amazing. Rindō smiled cheshirely and hopped over to Naruto and hugged him. Tōsuke had a raised eyebrow and nodded his head. Eishi actually seemed a bit shocked. He stood still with Momo glancing at him and Naruto periodically.

Eishi couldn't believe it. He lost. Lost to an unknown upstart diner chef of all people. How was this possible? He knew his skills. He knew he was every bit the genius that people made him out to be so he never bothered with other people's dishes for he knew that his technique was absolutely flawless. He had done everything he knew that would make his dish flawless with precise techniques and skills. It was inconceivable to him but then, he slowly rationally started thinking. He heard Senzaimon continue with his critique,

"Eishi, your dish was an explosion of flavors, aroma, style, concept and also visually fulfilling." Senzaimon started.

"It had a perfect blend of everything you wanted in your dish. The flavors all came along and the dish was never just a plate of dish, it was perfect cooking given form. The sheer perfection of that cooking brought forth the comforting sense in your food and only a few people can adhere to it like you. But do you know why you lost today?"

Eishi shook his head slowly for he genuinely seemed confused and did not know. He genuinely did not understand. Senzaimon smiled and continued with even Naruto and the others paying rapt attention.

"When you tasted Naruto's dish, even you admitted to being a viewer of your own satisfaction. You forgot to focus for a moment on the food but you still wanted more didn't you?" he enquired. Eishi nodded to the question slightly.

He was surprised that he actually momentarily forgot to taste the food thoroughly for that one bite he took gave off such a grand first impression on his tongue that it carried him away.

Senzaimon continued, "Sometimes a dish doesn't have to only be perfectly cooked or displayed. Sometimes a concept can change things for your dishes. Make it as if one would ponder and enquire upon the very reason to the question, if a food need only be true to its flavors in favor of the very principle behind its purpose to be the best. But that is the trick to it. I told you both I wanted a dish that embodies a sense of comfort. A dish that would fill me with the sense of belongingness and contentment in myself. Both of your dishes were brilliant but,

Eishi, Naruto's dish had this one small thing that is very cliché but couldn't be better described as anything else, which your dish just doesn't have.

Heart.

No matter how perfect your dish is, your warmth was momentary. A sort of fleeting relaxation that faded in time. Your dish is addictive. Naruto's? His food was satisfaction. Tell me, my Elite Ten, if I'm wrong when I say this, that you were never more glad than now to taste his cooking first hand in front of you, yourselves."

Eishi approached Naruto as he asked with genuine curiosity, "How did you do it?

How could you draw the very essence of a metaphysical occurrence into your food. Something even my technique cannot seem to recreate. I would love to know about it."

Naruto wearily grinned and spoke, "Look, I don't know much of the technical mumbo jumbo crap of the kitchen. Cooking is something I've genuinely loved doing ever since I first tried it out. At first it was due to admiration. Then came challenges. New recipes, new ways to cook. It was amazing. You know I travelled the world around before coming here. In my travels I learned one thing.

Food connects people all over the world.

It is such a beautiful thing to have so why create barriers in it. Why should someone who works in a diner not be seen as a good cook like the elite ones of five-star restaurants? Why is it that there still exists a dividend between "street" food and "gourmet" food (insert Naruto doing air quote hand signs)? Do you know how many hybrid gourmet foods use street food techniques? Yeah. So I thought to myself, I'll just do what I do best. I'll strive to make people happy with my cooking. No matter how much I may get laughed at or ridiculed, I'll cook for you. Because I don't think anybody would ever deny a warm plate of food, even if it may be for the last time."

Eishi could not understand. Cooking was a path. A process, with techniques, so vast that a lifespan of a human was not enough and yet from what he heard, Naruto knew that as well. Eishi wondered about the way he drove his cooking hands. It wasn't for his patrons. It was a self depictor of an egoistic perfectionist. Eishi thought of himself a medium to channel his cooking in the limited time he had in this human shell. He was subconsciously pessimistic, wary of the fact that he was still inadequate in his dishes, despite the techniques he had in his hands, that it drove his perfectionist way of cooking. Sacrificing his own identity from his dishes. Ironically, the same non-existence accentuated his regal presence even more.

He could not begin to understand more about these so called feelings and expressions as he himself was out of sync with his own feelings. As far as Eishi could remember, if something was good why couldn't it be used to better his own works. But this time, it seemed his opponent had something he would need to explore about more.

"I would love it if you were to join as my support chef. I would love to learn more about this Uzuchi Style." Eishi said softly.

Naruto giggled and replied, "Heh, but I got what I asked for." he pointed at the red ribbon that was bound around his hair on top. He continued,

"You know what, let's start by being friends first. I'm gonna introduce myself again. Yo, Uzumaki Naruto, part-time chef of the Yukihira Special of the Day diner." he bowed his head slightly and grinned wide.

Eishi bowed and replied, "Tsukasa Eishi, Elite Ten first seat. It was nice meeting you Naruto."

Senzaimon grinned and then he spoke, "Well, it seems the Shokugeki has been concluded today. And it seems the plate is also cleaned up."

Everyone peeped at a purring Rindō licking her lips just beside Naruto. Sighing, Senzaimon continued,

"Today was an interesting moment and I thank you, the Elite Ten members, to have arrived at my notice. Now that we just have had our entrance exams and the orientation ceremony will be in a couple of days I would want you all to get ready for your new sessions. Rest up and Naruto, if you wouldn't mind I would like to talk with you. As for the rest, you can return to your activities."

Eishi and the other four nodded as Momo approached Naruto and hugged him. She mumbled a soft "See you later" and she detached from him, making her way out the door with Sōmei following her nodding at Naruto once. Tōsuke approached him and said while presenting his right hand for a handshake,

"It was good to know you, Naruto. I am Megishima Tōsuke, third seat of the Elite Ten. I look forward to your presence in the academy."

Naruto grinned at his hulking form as he shook his hands and replied with a "Deal!

Eishi approached him, joined by Rindō. He spoke, "It was a very nice experience for once. I thought I'd have a naggingly bad ache if I lose but I still feel humbled. It was a very good Shokugeki." he moved for a handshake that Naruto responded in kind.

"I look forward to seeing you in the coming year since I have been informed of your admission. With that…. "

"Mou Ei-chi~~~ Liven up a little! This is Naru-chin we're talking with. Start getting excited sometime!" Rindō interrupted that had Eishi move aside awkwardly. Naruto just laughed at the spectacle.

"I'll meet you later Eishi-senpai. Rindō senpai." he said as he saw the two nod once and then take to leave the room with Rindō pestering Eishi whilst walking together. Then he turned to Senzaimon who just said,

"Imagine how they would've felt if they knew that you were actually failed by my granddaughter in the entrance exams."

Naruto grinned and laughed. And then came the question. "So, your turn to keep it."

Senzaimon knew that there was no other way now and thus he resigned to tell all he knew.

That day, there remained no secrets.

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"Did you hear about the Shokugeki happening today?"

"The one between Don RS and Nikumi?"

"They say the challenger is none other than one of the transfer students."

More murmurings about the event spread as at last, came the day of the Shokugeki between Souma and Nikumi.

He remembered the day he got to know about this challenge, as fresh as it was, and in the last three days, the trio spent looking out and providing support to the planning for Souma's Shokugeki.

The trio tried out differing recipes. Techniques to tenderize meat. Every bit of way they could enhance the richness of the meat itself. Meanwhile Naruto hopped around different research societies because as far as he knew, Souma needed to have a more social experience with different persons. So he barred himself from openly trying to help him. Of course that didn't mean Naruto wouldn't offer any help when asked to, especially one night when he found Souma having a lack of money. He offered some of his money but Souma said that he was fine and responded that as a chef he should start caring about his budget as well. He wanted to learn still and that made Naruto feel proud for him.

As for Naruto, the three days for him went by relatively normal with him attending classes, checking on Souma and also attending small tea sessions with Eishi and Rindō. The conversations were interesting with Rindō cuddling with Kurama, occasionally flirting with both Eishi and him, continuously bickering with Eishi as well. They were eventful one may say. Eishi didn't care much for Kurama. Other than that both of them were a bright company to be with. They also got to know about the Shokugeki and Eishi lamented at the fact that he might just get a lot more paperwork and wanted Naruto as his aide for that. The refusal came as usual.

Today, was going to be decisive. He had arrived earlier than usual, which was not by much, as he was excited about it. Souma's very first Shokugeki. He hoped he would kick that girl's ass. She seemed to be too high strung on the power ladder from what he heard of her.

He saw a large group of students approaching a building and so he proceeded. He entered the building and into a tight corner as he watched the arena below. An announcer shout casted the entry of the contestants.

"The first one to appear is the Meat master, Ikumi Mito!"

Naruto saw her for the first time. A tanned blonde girl with a bikini of all things?! In a cooking contest. Naruto laughed at the way the people were hollering at the display. He shook his head as he rubbed Kurama's fur stealthily to calm him down and continued watching the arena.

"Next, Yukihira Souma makes his entry!"

Souma was introduced and as soon as Naruto heard booing, an oppressive aura fell on a section of the students and it spread as people saw a visage of a nine-tailed fox but it slowly died down leaving Naruto with a mad grin on his face.

The students slowly turned their attention to the match as the announcer explained the Shokugeki conditions and commenced the cooking to begin. Naruto saw a small portion of the students notice Nakiri Erina arrive at the arena. He scoffed at the level of praise she got from the student body. It was sad to see sheep mentality in a renowned academy like Tōtsuki that emphasized growth and quality education. Still, the amount of good talent outweighed the general trash. Senzaimon at least was thorough at that.

He watched Souma get to his cooking with Mito not far behind. The arena came alive with the aromas of the meat and spices. The sounds of cutleries and slicing of ingredients echoed. The competition was getting fierce.

"He is exciting to watch." Naruto heard someone say as Rindō came into view. The hall came alive in an instant when someone noticed her and screamed, "It's Kobayashi Rindō-senpai!!"

As soon as that sentence rang, the students in the arena turned and focused on Naruto and Rindō who decided to keep hugging him from the back. Naruto even saw the cooking stop as soon as the name dropped. Even Nakiri Erina had moved towards the window of hee booth and glared at him. Naruto kissed his teeth as he barked annoyed,

"There's a Shokugeki going on here. So cut your admiration bullshit and watch the match of my little brother! Or each of your eyes are coming out right this instant." and there it was again.

The large visage of an oppressive yōkai nine tails returned, looming over the students as some passed out and many turned around. Rindō giggled as the annoncer stammered and proceeded to cast the Shokugeki as Naruto saw Souma grin and then start to continue his cooking whilst his opponent Mito was still reeling from the shock of having the freaking Second Seat of the Elite Ten be here in this small scale Shokugeki.

Tadokoro Megumi and Konishi Kanichi were mostly in the same boat as the rest of the students. Scared shitless but also shocked as to see one of the most Elite Chefs of the academy. Someone, even Nakiri Erina didn't top. Also, she was hugging Naruto. The same guy he met three days ago. It was baffling but they tried to focus on the Shokugeki. Kanichi knew one thing. The two brothers were just full of surprises, one after the other.

Recovering from the shocks of seeing Kobayashi Rindō of all people in the stands with Uzumaki Naruto too! Nakiri Erina just about had enough of surprises. She didn't understand. During an Elite Ten meeting when she spoke of none passing her Entrance Exam, she was rebuked by Eishi during the next meeting on the fact that she was lying and that two entrants had passed. How was she to know that they would pass?! She had failed them in the presence of Hisako. When the names were asked of, most of the lower ranked members saw a different kind of expression hover over the faces of the top five as the names of Naruto and Souma were mentioned.

The conversation didn't continue after that for long but she couldn't deny the fact that the seniors knew about those two students. Who were Yukihira Souma and Uzumaki Naruto?! This question ate at her day and night. So much so, that when she heard Ikumi Mito come and ask her to acknowledge a Shokugeki with Yukihira Souma she approved it. She wanted to see his expression of utter failure when he loses. She wanted to see the smug grin wiped out of his face. A diner chef in her Academy was a shame. Her grandfather was getting old. This must've been a mistake, was what Erina reasoned. Then she slowly let her eyes roam at the conversing duo of Naruto and Rindō when she heard the buzzer of the timer go off signaling the cooking time being done.

She refocused her gaze on the arena. It was time for the results.

The first dish to be judged was Mito's A5 Japanese Beef Roti Don. On a bigger screen the dish was displayed to the audience and Naruto saw the dish. Visually it looked great and the aroma was spread out in the slowly heating arena. Judging from the way the judges were having fun eating it, the food was great. The judges spoke of her excellent understanding of the fire angle, also having praise to the amazing beef meat that resulted from that and the garlic rice underneath as well.

"Hmmm, fitting dish from someone like that girl, but she will never grow if she only relies on the meat qualities rather than trying to bring out the best of a meat." Rindō said as a matter-of-fact.

Naruto smiled knowingly and when he heard Souma's dish was being served he was grinning.

When asked about the name of his dish he said it was called Yukihira Style : Chaliapin Steak Don. People were ridiculing the choice of meat but Naruto knew better. Souma would never bring a normal style of cooking if the finished dish had Yukihira Style tagged to it. This was going to be a special dish and he was excited to see it. When the dish came into view Naruto all but smiled widely.

"Yukihira Style huh. Just like your Uzuchi Style." Rindō said.

"Not like mine. Souma is something special. I'll tell you one thing. Souma will surpass me some day, even his old man, heh. I may be better than him at the moment but he is going to be the best and I will be there to see his growth. I'll see to it, his love be nurtured into his own person. To his true Yukihira Style."

When Naruto refocused his attention to the arena, he saw the judges be surprisingly blown away by Souma's dish. They spoke in a tangent about the methods and techniques he used that made up for his low quality meat, bringing up the amazing flavors and aromas. At one point Souma explained his use of pickled plums for his dish which he had also used coincidently in his dish during his very own first Shokugeki. This was noted by Rindō as well.

"Pickled Plums for your very first Shokugekis? Both of you are really alike." she giggled with a cheshire grin etched in her face. Naruto just shook his head.

He listened to what Souma was saying to Mito.

"You're thinking what happened that they couldn't finish your rice, right? The moment I found out from Konishi-san of your use of cured japanese beef, I knew that your use of a strongly flavored rice to counteract the beef's delicious textural properties would make them clash in a taste battle. Your dish might look like a Don but it isn't.

The Don RS chief himself mentioned it, till the end Dons are completed in one bowl."

Naruto laughed. He was absolutely impressed by Souma. The way he handled the problems he faced, to keeping the very principle of a food intact as well. This was why he said Souma was special. Nobody was like Souma. Naruto may have a latent affinity for cooking and he could absorb cooking techniques and improve on them as well but Souma was pure hard work and experience given form. At this moment he reminded Naruto of that one Martial Arts duo that he met in Hokkaido. The pupil of that man was a living example of it. That hard work and dedication to one's work, no matter if you were born for it or not, always trumped in the end.

The arena went silent when the votes for the Shokugeki were casted by the judges. It was, no doubt, clear. The winner was,

Yukihira Souma.

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