The Next Day....
Hanasakigawa Girls HIgh School - Class 3-A
June 25, 2021 - Friday - 8:30 A.M.
The next morning came far too quickly.
Tina and Mafuyu were still out cold when I checked on them before sunrise. Their bodies must've finally given up after the relentless barrage of danmaku and spells I'd thrown at them last night. They didn't even make it to their rooms on their own — I had to call Nazuna and Youmu to carry them there. From what I overheard while leaving, both of them swore never to ask me for training again. Honestly, I couldn't blame them. I might've gone a bit overboard. "A bit" being an understatement.
By the time I got ready for school, Yuyuko-san had already texted me. I explained what happened and that Mafuyu wouldn't be coming today since her entire body was aching. She just replied with a nonchalant, "I'll tell her teacher~" and an emoji that somehow made me feel guilty.
After the "training," I ran into Kuroka, who had just returned from the late-night meeting I was supposed to attend. According to her, Byakuren-sama herself decided to handle the matter. When that woman says she'll "settle" something, you can usually expect an earthquake or two to follow. I just hoped the cultists on the receiving end lived to regret their decisions.
Kuroka mentioned she'd been invited to visit the Myouren Temple in Kyoto for a week. I told her to take the chance. Byakuren-sama's one of the most gentle and insightful figures among the Celestial Families — not to mention a master of senjutsu. If anyone could help Kuroka refine her energy flow, it was her. Kuroka seemed hesitant, but I could tell she was looking forward to it beneath the calm act.
Once breakfast wrapped up, I dropped off Eli and Miyu at their respective schools. Rinko, Youmu, and I arrived at Hanasakigawa soon after. Morning classes started without much fanfare — roll call, announcements, the usual quiet hum of students half awake. I almost dozed off during homeroom until Fudo-sensei, of all people, called out my name.
"Nagae-kun, Shirokane-san, Hikawa-san — the three of you are exempted for the rest of the day," she said, flipping through her clipboard as if this were the most casual thing in the world.
Rinko and Sayo both nodded immediately. I didn't even ask why. When Yuyuko-san's involved, it's better not to.
Before we could even grab our bags, a familiar voice came from behind us.
"Wait, what? Onii-sama, where are you going?" Chisato asked, looking at me like I'd just announced I was transferring schools.
Kaguya tilted her head. "Exempted? For what reason?"
Rinko gave them her usual polite smile. "It's official student council business. We'll be accompanying Yuyuko-san today."
"So basically," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder, "we're skipping class, but legally."
Kaguya's brows rose. "I didn't think that was possible."
"Perks of the position," I replied with a half-grin. "Anyway, we still have to pick up Arisa and Misaki."
We left before they could barrage us with more questions. I could already hear Chisato muttering something like "lucky" under her breath as we walked off.
When we reached the next building, Arisa was waiting in the hallway, clutching her binder with that suspiciously knowing look. "So, are we really going on a field trip, or is this some weird council errand again?"
Misaki sighed beside her. "I'll take paperwork over a trip with Yuyuko-san any day."
"Speak for yourself," I said, as the five of us finally met at the school gate — where, sure enough, Yuyuko-san was already hovering, sipping tea like she had all the time in the world.
"Good morning everyone~," she sang. "I take it that Yukino-chan told you you're exempted, yes?"
"Yeah," I said. "But you still haven't told me how we're getting there. You said no to my car, so..."
Before I could finish, she smiled in that way that always meant I should brace myself. "Our transportation will be arriving by... now~."
Right on cue, a sleek black limousine rolled up to the gates, stopping perfectly in front of us. The driver stepped out, bowing slightly.
"The limousine is ready, Yuyuko-sama. Destination?"
"Totsuki Culinary Academy," she said, her tone soft but proud — like she was about to introduce us to royalty.
"Understood," the driver replied, holding open the door.
Yuyuko floated gracefully inside, as if the act of walking was beneath her, and settled into one of the plush seats. I followed right after. "Well," I said, glancing back at the girls, "what're you waiting for? Get in."
The others exchanged glances — the kind that said "this is above our pay grade" — and climbed in. The driver closed the door, and soon the limousine hummed to life, rolling smoothly onto the main road.
The city blurred past in quiet rhythm, and for a while, nobody said a word. Yuyuko poured herself another cup of tea before glancing at me, that playful glint still in her eyes.
"So, Riku-kun," she began, "I assume the hundred chefs you selected are... competent?"
I reached into my bag and handed her a thick envelope. "You can be the judge. It's all there — their cooking styles, origins, strengths, weaknesses, achievements outside of school, even their win-loss records from Shokugekis. I also added my personal evaluation for each one."
She blinked, opening the first file. After reading barely two pages, she sighed. "Riku-kun, this is... too much attention to detail."
I shrugged. "Sanzaemon-dono told me to do it my way. So I did."
"And you made ninety-nine more of these?" she asked, flipping to the next section with mild disbelief.
"Of course. It's a hundred-person roster. I wasn't about to half-ass it."
Across from me, Rinko leaned forward, curiosity shining through her usual composure. "May I take a look at one of them?"
"Sure," I said, passing a few folders her way. The others naturally followed suit, their curiosity piqued.
Sayo was the first to react. "Incredible. Everything there is to know about each chef... their precision, their habits, their influences — it's all here."
Arisa scanned a page and frowned. "You even included personal quirks. One of them apparently hums anime openings while cooking."
Misaki whistled. "How long did this take you?"
"Started in early June," I said. "I wrote about fifteen profiles twice a week. Aya and Hatate helped me screen them too — they're good at digging up details."
Yuyuko raised an eyebrow. "You're using those tengu for outside work again?"
"Well, I did hire them. It'd be a waste not to use their skills beyond CIRCLE. Besides, I gave them a well-deserved raise afterward."
That earned me a round of quiet chuckles. Yuyuko just leaned back, skimming through another report. "You really do overachieve when no one asks you to."
"Call it habit," I said, watching the cityscape give way to the highway's open stretch.
As the car glided on, the atmosphere softened. The girls grew quieter, each engrossed in the reports, and the gentle sound of pages flipping filled the limousine. It was one of those rare peaceful moments — suspended somewhere between duty and stillness.
Outside the window, the afternoon light cast long streaks across the road. Rinko was seated opposite me, a faint smile curving her lips as she studied one of the profiles. There was always something calming about seeing her focused like that — steady and elegant, even in silence.
Arisa, on the other hand, looked like she was trying to solve a puzzle that personally offended her. Misaki just leaned back, letting her eyes skim lazily across the pages. And Sayo... she was methodically highlighting lines with a small pen she must've carried around for moments like this.
The sight of them like this — composed, competent, quietly sharp — made me realize how different things felt lately. For once, everything was moving forward in rhythm.
Yuyuko finally closed the folder and stretched. "You've outdone yourself again, Riku-kun. Sanzaemon will be thrilled. Though I must say, even I wouldn't have gone this far for paperwork."
I smiled faintly. "Well, someone has to keep up with Totsuki's standards."
"You say that like you weren't raised by perfectionists yourself," she teased.
She wasn't wrong.
The rest of the drive passed quietly after that. Outside, the city slowly gave way to greener landscapes, the horizon opening up toward the mountains. The air inside the limo grew lighter, tinged with faint anticipation. For all of Yuyuko's eccentricities, her instincts were usually right. Whatever this day at Totsuki had in store, it would be worth the detour.
And for the first time that week, I felt the quiet kind of ease that only comes after chaos — the moment when everything finally aligns, if only for a while.
A few hours later...
Totsuki Culinary Academy – Main Entrance
June 24, 2021 – Thursday – 10:00 A.M.
3rd POV
The limousine rolled to a slow stop in front of the massive iron gates of Totsuki Academy. The sight before the Hanasakigawa Student Council was almost surreal—stone archways sculpted with intricate crests, sprawling courtyards beyond, and a grand façade that looked more like a palace than a school.
When the doors opened, the girls stepped out one by one, blinking under the morning sun. Rinko's quiet awe mirrored on Sayo's face, while Arisa couldn't help but murmur a small, "Holy crap... it's bigger than I imagined."
Even Misaki, usually unflappable, gave a short whistle. "You could fit Hanasakigawa's entire campus in here."
Their driver gave a polite bow. "I'll be waiting here when you're done, ladies."
The gates opened with a smooth hum, parting to reveal a familiar figure waiting patiently just inside — Erina, poised and regal in her uniform, sunlight catching the gold in her hair.
Erina's lips curved into a smile the moment she saw them. "I'm happy that you made it here, nii-sama."
Riku stepped forward, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Haven't changed much, huh? How're things going, Erina?"
"Quite well," she replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Now that the paperwork's finally easing up, I can actually cook again when I feel like it."
As the two caught up, the rest of the group lingered behind, curiosity clearly written on their faces.
Arisa leaned toward Rinko, whispering, "Rinko-senpai, what's their relationship? Don't tell me she's—"
Rinko quickly shook her head. "No. Erina-chan and Riku are childhood friends. She treats him like an older brother."
Misaki glanced between the two. "So... kind of like how Kokoro treats him, huh?"
Sayo crossed her arms, watching the way Erina addressed Riku with that formal, almost reverent tone. "It's rare to see someone treat Riku-san with that much respect."
Yuyuko, who had been quietly observing the exchange with a knowing smile, finally spoke. "Erina-chan's always been surrounded by people who pampered her like royalty. Riku-kun was the first to treat her like a normal girl — no flattery, no titles. That's why she looks at him the way she does."
Sayo nodded slowly. "So he made that kind of impression on her... makes sense."
Yuyuko chuckled softly. "He tends to leave marks like that." Then, in a brighter tone, she called out, "Good to see you again, Erina-chan~"
Erina turned, immediately offering a polite bow, her tone warm yet graceful. "It's been a while, Yuyuko-sama. And Shirokane-san — it's good to see you again as well."
Rinko, slightly flustered under Erina's composed gaze, stammered, "M-Me too, Erina-chan."
Erina's eyes swept over the group. "I take it these are the members of your student council?"
Riku nodded. "Yeah. I'll start. I'm the manager of general affairs."
Erina blinked. "That low a position? I'd expected you to be the president — or at least vice-president."
He gave a wry shrug. "Transferred right when the school year started. They just needed someone to fill a gap, and I didn't mind helping out."
"Typical," Erina murmured with a faint smirk.
"Anyway," Arisa spoke up quickly, eager to move things along. "I'm Ichigaya Arisa, second year and school secretary."
"Okusawa Misaki," Misaki added, her tone even. "Second year. I handle the finances."
"Hikawa Sayo," the blue-haired girl introduced herself with a short nod. "Third year and vice-president."
"And I suppose you already know me," Rinko said softly, hands clasped in front of her. "But just in case — Shirokane Rinko, third year and student council president."
Erina gave her a curious look, faint amusement in her tone. "You're the president? I wouldn't have guessed... though appearances can be deceiving."
Then, straightening, she placed a hand over her chest. "Nakiri Erina, first year, and currently the tenth seat of the Totsuki Elite Ten Council."
Sayo gave a low whistle. "That's quite a title to hold, Nakiri-san."
Erina's tone softened. "It's a responsibility, but not an unbearable one." Her gaze shifted to Riku. "You brought it?"
Riku reached into his bag, producing a sealed envelope. "Right here."
Erina took it, opening the flap to glance inside. Rows of neatly bound forms — one hundred profiles in total. Her lips curled upward in satisfaction. "Perfect. With these, we can finally announce the selected chefs. Since today's a free day for most students, I'll show you around the academy. You can see what makes Totsuki... Totsuki."
"Sounds like fun~" Yuyuko chimed in.
"I'm curious about how this place runs too," Rinko added, a hint of excitement sneaking into her normally quiet tone.
Erina smiled. "Then—"
Her sentence was abruptly cut off.
"Erina-sama!!!"
A sharp, panicked voice echoed across the courtyard. The group turned to see a pink-haired girl sprinting toward them, clutching a clipboard.
"Hisako?" Erina called, stepping forward in alarm. "What's wrong?"
"Th-there's a Shokugeki happening right now!" Hisako gasped, struggling to catch her breath.
Erina's expression stiffened. "A Shokugeki? Who's involved?"
"It's Yukihira Soma!" Hisako replied. "He was challenged by another first-year — something about not accepting Yukihira's approach to cooking!"
Erina pressed a hand to her forehead, exhaling a slow breath. "Of course he was..."
Riku crossed his arms, amused. "Didn't take him long to stir things up."
"Do they at least have proper judges?" Erina asked.
"Yes!" Hisako nodded rapidly. "The Spanish Cuisine RS, Korean Cuisine RS, and the Mid-West Cuisine RS happened to be nearby. They volunteered to judge. And Isshiki-senpai already approved it!"
Erina sighed, clearly torn between irritation and reluctant admiration. "And the theme?"
"Italian."
Erina paused, thinking. "Then... Soma-kun should manage fine."
Riku arched a brow. "You sound confident."
"Of course," she said without hesitation. "After all, you're the one who invested in him. And when we returned to campus, he begged me to teach him."
Riku gave a small laugh. "And did you?"
"At first, I refused," Erina admitted, brushing her hair back. "But after... certain events, I decided to trust him. He's grown quickly — frighteningly so. He absorbs every bit of knowledge like a sponge."
Riku smiled faintly. "Sounds like someone's made an impression."
Before Erina could reply, Hisako's expression faltered. She glanced aside, nervously fiddling with her clipboard.
Erina's eyes narrowed. "Hisako. What are you not telling me?"
"Well..." Hisako mumbled, "the truth is... by the time I left the venue, the cooking phase was almost over. They're probably at the judging phase right now."
"What!?" Erina's voice rose a pitch as the entire group froze.
Even Rinko blinked in disbelief. "We're about to miss the match?"
Erina turned back to Hisako, exasperation coloring her tone. "And you didn't tell me sooner because...?"
"I didn't want to ruin your mood!" Hisako confessed, shrinking a little. "You were so happy to see Riku-sama again, and I—"
Erina let out a sigh, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'm not angry, Hisako. Just... disappointed you didn't tell me earlier. You know I'm still an Elite Ten member, right?"
Hisako nodded quickly, bowing her head. "I-I'm sorry, Erina-sama! I promise to report everything properly next time!"
"Good." Erina straightened, resolve flashing in her eyes. "Now take us there — quickly. We might still catch the result."
"Yes, ma'am!" Hisako said, turning on her heel and leading the way.
The group hurried after her through Totsuki's winding walkways. Lush gardens blurred past them — fountains, culinary labs, and grand halls, each more extravagant than the last. The air buzzed faintly with the scent of spices and sizzling oil carried by the wind.
Misaki spoke between breaths. "This place is... huge. You could get lost in here."
Arisa nodded. "No kidding. It's like a damn maze of gourmet mansions."
Rinko, clutching her bag as she ran, glanced toward Riku. "You've been here before, right?"
"Yeah," he said, his tone calm despite their pace. "Back when Erina and I were younger. The school hasn't changed much — still feels like a kingdom built for chefs."
"Fitting," Sayo muttered. "Given who runs it."
Yuyuko only smiled, keeping an easy stride beside them. "Ah, Totsuki never fails to impress. I can smell ambition in the air."
Totsuki Culinary Academy – Arena A
June 24, 2021 – 10:15 A.M.
3rd POV
By the time Riku and the girls reached the main arena, the air was already electric. The stands were packed, students on their feet as the judges set down their forks. The tension snapped when Urara's voice rang through the mic, echoing off the dome.
"The winner with a score of 3–0... Yukihira Soma!!!"
The arena erupted in cheers. Soma raised a hand high, grinning ear to ear. "It wasn't much!!"
The sound of applause and laughter swelled around them — vibrant, alive, and loud enough to make the floor hum beneath their feet.
But at the edge of the crowd, Riku and the others stood catching their breath. The timing couldn't have been worse.
Hisako bent slightly, frustration clear on her face. "We were too late..."
Rinko, hands on her knees, was still panting from the sprint through Totsuki's maze-like paths. "I'm... I'm sorry. It's my fault we missed it. If you'd just left me behind—"
Riku glanced her way, calm as ever. "No one's blaming you, Rinko. Though..." He gave a faint smirk. "We might add some endurance training when we get back home."
Her cheeks flushed a light pink. "H-Hai..."
Erina, arms crossed, let out a soft sigh. "At least Soma-kun won. As expected."
Riku's gaze drifted toward the arena floor, where Soma's opponent knelt in quiet defeat. The dishes were still on the judges' table — remnants of artistry and competition. He leaned slightly forward, studying them like one would study an old painting.
The loser's dish: a triple seafood risotto layered with lobster, shrimp, and scallops — rich, ornate, textbook. Soma's? Osso Bucco paired with Risotto Milanese. But Riku noticed something peculiar. The cut of meat was beef, not veal — the kind of compromise only a daring cook would make. And from the leftover ingredients on the counter, it was obvious Soma had used the cheapest available supplies.
Riku's lips curved faintly. "He's learning."
Erina turned her head. "You've figured something out?"
Before he could answer, Yuyuko's soft, knowing voice floated beside them. "Erina-chan, Riku-kun isn't the only one. I noticed it too. Yukihira-kun's gift is turning ordinary ingredients into dishes that taste extraordinary. He breaks the rules of refinement — and that makes the elites nervous."
Riku nodded slightly. "Exactly. He thrives in trial and error. One slip, the whole dish collapses. But when it works... it shocks people. That's why the traditionalists hate him — they follow recipes, he rewrites them."
Erina exhaled slowly. "So that's what it was... Now I understand what he was trying to prove during his exam."
Hisako tilted her head, puzzled. "Something the matter, Erina-sama?"
"Nothing," she said softly, though her eyes still lingered on Soma. "Just... connecting a few dots."
Riku's tone was low, steady — the kind that carried weight without trying. "Remember, Erina. A true chef doesn't just read the recipe. They adapt. Improvise. Overcome."
Her gaze softened as she looked at him. "I'll remember that, nii-sama."
The applause on the arena floor began to fade as Soma's classmates crowded around him in celebration. He spotted Erina and Riku from afar — and without hesitation, raised his hand high, waving enthusiastically.
"Oi!! Erina! Riku-san!!!"
Heads turned instantly.
"Erina-sama!" someone gasped.
"She's here!" another whispered.
A murmur rippled through the audience.
"But who are those people beside her?"
"Their uniforms are different—are they transfer students?"
"And did Yukihira just call her name without honorifics?!"
The outrage was swift. "The nerve!!"
Riku and Erina froze mid-step. Then, almost in sync, they sighed and facepalmed.
"...We should probably go down there," Riku muttered.
"Agreed," Erina replied dryly.
The eight of them descended to the floor. The crowd parted instinctively as they approached Soma and his group. Riku stopped in front of him, his tone light but warm.
"Congratulations, Soma. You've improved a lot. I can see about... twenty-five percent of Joichiro-san in you now."
Soma's grin widened. "Really?! Alright!!"
Beside him, Megumi blinked in surprise. "U-Um... you know Joichiro-san?"
Riku nodded. "Yeah. Joichiro and my father were old friends. He used to visit our estate whenever he had time."
Then his eyes shifted to a familiar face in the crowd — a young man with a relaxed smile, brown hair with a single ahoge, and that ever-present aura of calm.
"And good to see you, Satoshi."
Isshiki Satoshi straightened, bowing with quiet respect. "Thank you for the compliment, Riku-sama."
Soma's head whipped between them. "Wait, what—Isshiki-senpai, you know Riku-san?"
Satoshi chuckled. "Of course. The Isshiki family has been a vassal family of the Nagae for generations."
Soma, Megumi, and even a few nearby students froze.
Megumi echoed in disbelief. "So your family... actually serves the Nagae?"
"Indeed," Satoshi replied pleasantly. "We've stood beside them for over two hundred years."
Riku added with a faint smile, "And they're still our most trusted vassals."
"Thank you for the honor, Riku-sama," Satoshi said, bowing slightly again. Then, in a more practical tone, "Since you're here, I take it the selection process is complete?"
Riku nodded. "It is. Erina has the files. You can coordinate with the other Elite Ten later."
Yuyuko stepped closer, her tone lilting and warm. "It's been a while, Satoshi-chan~ You've grown even more handsome since the last time I saw you."
A faint pink touched Satoshi's cheeks. "You flatter me, Yuyuko-sama." He adjusted his collar with practiced composure. "Perhaps we should continue this discussion somewhere private. Erina-chan?"
Erina inclined her head, taking the hint. She accepted the megaphone from him and raised it to her lips — the soft-spoken girl replaced instantly by the commanding presence of Nakiri Erina, tenth seat of Totsuki's Elite Ten.
"The Shokugeki is over!" Her voice echoed sharp and clear through the dome. "All students — return to your dorms or your scheduled activities. That's an order."
The effect was immediate. The chatter dissolved into hurried footsteps. Within minutes, the stands were nearly empty.
Soma lingered, hands on his hips. "Didn't you just tell everyone to clear out?"
"I did," Erina replied with a pointed look. "That includes you, Soma-kun."
He grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, but before I go — are we doing another training session today?"
"Not today," Erina said, tone clipped but not unkind. "I've got a meeting to attend. Tomorrow, same time. And bring Tadokoro-san with you."
Soma gave a quick salute. "Got it. Later!"
He jogged off, Megumi calling after him, leaving behind the faint echo of his laughter.
Once the noise faded, only Riku, Erina, Yuyuko, Satoshi, and the Hanasakigawa girls remained. The sudden quiet felt almost sacred compared to the chaos moments ago.
Erina exhaled softly, lowering the megaphone. "Let's discuss this in my office. It's more private — and comfortable."
Riku nodded. "Lead the way."
They exited the arena through a side corridor lined with portraits of Totsuki's past champions. The air smelled faintly of roasted herbs and polished wood. Rinko glanced at the names engraved beneath the portraits — the weight of history pressing down in every frame.
"This school really takes pride in its chefs..." she murmured.
Sayo nodded in agreement. "Almost feels like walking through a hall of monarchs."
Riku caught the thought, his tone low and faintly amused. "Not far from the truth. Totsuki breeds kings of kitchens."
Yuyuko chuckled softly, her voice echoing faintly down the hall. "And yet, every king here eventually learns humility — either from failure or flavor."
Erina led them up a short staircase, her heels clicking with quiet rhythm. "That's exactly what makes Totsuki special. Every win, every loss — it's all written into our dishes. Every plate tells a story."
Totsuki Academy – Erina's Office
11:00 A.M.
The air inside Erina's office held the faint fragrance of lavender and polished wood, the sort of calm that came from a room used to both work and reflection. A broad desk sat near the window, lined with neatly stacked documents and an open laptop. A shelf along the wall carried rows of culinary journals and rare ingredient catalogues, and beside a recliner near the corner stood a finely crafted violin—an oddly personal touch among the professional order.
Riku entered first, followed by the Hanasakigawa girls, Satoshi, and Hisako. The morning sunlight poured through the window, catching the dust motes in its golden hue as Erina moved with quiet authority to her desk. She withdrew a document from her drawer and placed it gently on the table in front of Rinko.
"This is the contract Chef Dōjima handed me yesterday," Erina said, her tone crisp but even. "Aside from Isshiki-senpai and me, only one of the Elite Ten has yet to sign. But since the majority approved, it's already valid."
Satoshi nodded slightly, adjusting his uniform. "All that remains are the signatures of Hanasakigawa's student council. Yuyuko-sama has already signed her part."
Rinko's eyes scanned the pages, methodical as ever, searching for fine print or hidden clauses. When she was satisfied, she handed the papers to Riku. He examined the contract in silence for a moment—his sharp gaze moving from line to line, as though dissecting every word. After finding no faults, he slid it back to his fiancée and gave a faint nod.
"I've read through it," Rinko said finally. "If this deal is genuinely upheld, then I'll approve it. Though..." her brow furrowed slightly, "I have some reservations. People might try to exploit this arrangement."
Satoshi's calm smile never faltered. "We've anticipated that, Shirokane-kun. The contract assigns oversight to myself, Erina-kun, and two more members of the Elite Ten. We're confident we can manage it."
Sayo, standing beside Arisa, tilted her head. "May we know who the other two are?"
"Kinokuni Nene, the current Sixth Seat," Erina replied, "and Kuga Terunori, the Eighth."
Riku leaned back slightly, arms crossed. "Kinokuni... the soba specialists, right?"
Erina nodded. "Correct. As for Kuga-senpai—he's a master of Chinese cuisine."
"I see," Riku murmured. "Then the rest of the Elite Ten aren't involved?"
Erina exhaled softly, resting a hand against the edge of her desk. "The top five are third-years, already busy preparing for graduation. Handling external collaborations like this falls to the rest of us."
Arisa crossed her arms, thinking aloud. "So, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Tenth seats. What about the Ninth?"
Satoshi's easy smile turned faintly strained. "Eizan-kun... isn't exactly the cooperative type. He prefers to make deals when there's something in it for him."
Riku's eyes narrowed with recognition. "Eizan? As in the Eizan Clan?"
Erina blinked in surprise. "Nii-sama, you know them?"
Before Riku could answer, Yuyuko's soft voice carried from where she stood, poised near the window. "Of course he does. The Nagae know every major family in the country, and the Eizan are no exception. But it's the Yakumo family that truly keeps them in check. They oversee Japan's underworld—every Yakuza branch bows to their quiet authority."
That revelation froze the Hanasakigawa girls in place. The thought that the Celestial Families held even the Yakuza beneath their thumb was unsettling, but oddly reassuring.
Riku's tone stayed calm, almost casual. "The Eizan Clan's reputation precedes them. Shady deals, backdoor politics, and a few headaches even for Yukari-san herself. I suppose the young heir can't throw his weight around too much with the Yakumo watching his every move."
Satoshi chuckled lightly. "True, though he's been keeping things clean lately—no bribery, no extortion. His business acumen is unmatched, even if his cooking isn't quite as memorable."
"So he's the businessman of the group," Riku said, half to himself. "Noted." He extended his hand toward Rinko. "Let me have the contract again."
Without hesitation, Rinko passed it back. Riku pulled a pen from his coat pocket, clicked it once, and signed with deliberate strokes. He then slid it across to Rinko, who followed suit. One by one, the others added their names—Sayo, Arisa, and finally Misaki. When Misaki finished, she handed the document back to Erina with a quiet nod of affirmation.
Erina looked down at the signatures, a flicker of pride softening her usual composure. "With this, it's official. The contract will take effect next week."
Yuyuko's eyes gleamed with amusement as she gave a small, approving smile. "Thank you for everything, Erina-chan~"
Erina waved her hand modestly. "It's nothing, really. I'm just doing what I can." She paused, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Originally, I planned to give all of you a tour of the campus, but... other matters need my attention. Hisako, could you show Yuyuko-sama and the girls around in my place?"
Hisako straightened with a nod. "Of course, Erina-sama."
Rinko turned toward Riku. "What about you?"
Riku met her gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I'll stay here. I think I'm needed for the next part."
Her eyes lingered on him for a moment before she sighed softly. "Alright. Just don't take too long."
Riku leaned closer and pressed a brief kiss to her forehead—a gesture small yet full of quiet promise. Rinko's cheeks flushed pink, and even Erina froze, caught off guard by the tenderness in the moment. Satoshi, ever the observer, hid a knowing grin behind his hand, eyes half closed in amusement.
When the air settled again, Rinko turned to follow the others, her steps light but her heart unmistakably warm. The office door closed behind them, leaving only Riku, Erina, and Satoshi inside. The sunlight had shifted slightly, casting a softer glow across the desk where the signed contract now lay—silent proof of a new alliance between two powerful schools, and the first ripple of something larger yet to come.
The room fell quiet the moment Erina's question left her lips. "Nii-sama, I can tell that you and Shirokane-san are quite close..."
Riku didn't flinch. His tone remained even, almost casual. "Oh, right. I forgot to tell you. Rinko and I are engaged now."
The silence that followed was sharp enough to cut through the air. Erina froze, her jaw slightly parted as if her mind refused to process what she just heard. It took several heartbeats before words stumbled out of her mouth.
"I–I see... c-congratulations on your engagement... nii-sama..."
Riku offered a faint, reassuring smile. There wasn't any pride or hesitation in it—just quiet honesty. Across from him, Satoshi smiled, his tone shifting from polite surprise to measured curiosity.
"Congratulations on your engagement, Riku-sama," Satoshi said with a slight bow. "But... how come none of us knew about it? Normally, the vassal families would be informed right away."
Riku leaned back, his expression turning serious. "Because of the tension between the main family and the branch family. We decided to keep it under wraps until things settle down. My engagement with Rinko will only be made public during the gathering."
Satoshi's brows furrowed slightly. "I see... so that explains the recent wave of 'gifts' we've been receiving. All of them came from the branch family."
That word—gifts—carried weight. Riku straightened, his eyes narrowing a fraction. "When did they start sending these gifts?"
"From what my father told me, it began at the start of spring," Satoshi replied carefully. "Some of the other vassal families received the same thing. They've chosen to remain neutral, setting the matter aside for now."
"I see," Riku murmured, his tone low. The political undertones were familiar—gifts meant pressure, reminders, a quiet game of allegiance. "And the Isshiki's stance?"
Satoshi took a breath. "We'll be neutral as well. I'm sorry, Riku-sama. Even if I want to assist, I can't act unless Father rescinds his order."
Riku waved it off lightly, though the line of his shoulders remained tense. "It's alright. We'll handle it ourselves. You've already given me what I needed—information." He paused, letting the heaviness of the topic fade before steering the discussion elsewhere. "Anyway... let's move to another topic."
Erina nodded, grateful for the shift. "Yes. About the hundred freshmen you handpicked."
Riku smiled slightly, a spark of amusement lighting his eyes. "Don't worry. I didn't show any bias when I chose them. I even asked Hatate and Aya to dig deep into every candidate's background. Some of them caught my interest, and some I picked on a whim. But ultimately, it's up to them to prove themselves."
"That's reassuring," Erina said, crossing her arms. "The Elite Ten will want to review your selections personally."
"Of course," Riku replied. "Before I leave, though—about the Autumn Election. It's still a single-elimination format, right?"
Satoshi nodded. "That's been tradition since Totsuki's founding. Why? Do you have something in mind?"
"I do." Riku leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "It's a small change, but one that could make the event far more interesting. I want to switch to a double-elimination bracket."
"Double elimination?" Erina tilted her head slightly.
"Yeah," Riku said, already reaching for the pen and paper she handed him. "Think of it like this: the top eight chefs face off in the upper bracket. Winners advance to the semifinals, while those who lose drop into a lower bracket. There, they fight to climb back up. It gives every chef a second chance—one last shot at redemption."
The scratching of his pen filled the room for a few moments as he drew out the structure, lines crisscrossing into a clear, logical system. When he finished, he turned the paper toward them. Erina and Satoshi leaned closer, studying the diagram.
"This..." Erina murmured, eyes flicking across the page. "This is a great idea."
Satoshi's grin widened. "It gives the competitors who stumble a shot at a comeback. That's more excitement—and more stories worth watching."
"Exactly," Riku said, setting the pen down. "It'll add tension and resilience to the event. The crowd will stay hooked."
Erina nodded decisively. "I'll bring this up at the meeting later this afternoon. Thank you, nii-sama. You might've just changed how the Autumn Election is remembered."
Riku chuckled softly. "Don't mention it. It's the least I can do. The Celestial Families have some degree of influence over Totsuki now, so getting involved in its affairs is... inevitable."
"Right." Erina smiled faintly, then gestured toward the door. "You should go ahead and catch up with the others. I'll finish reviewing these files."
Riku tilted his head. "You sure? You've been at this since morning."
"I'm sure," she replied, eyes already moving toward the stack of documents on her desk. "I just want to take a longer look at these first-year profiles."
Riku gave her a small nod, then turned toward Satoshi. "Keep an eye on her, will you?"
Satoshi straightened, offering a formal bow. "Of course, Riku-sama."
With that, Riku headed out, the door closing quietly behind him. The silence that lingered after his departure was thick but not uncomfortable. Erina exhaled slowly, allowing her composed façade to soften for just a moment.
Curiosity eventually won out. She reached for the envelope Riku had left and pulled out the top file. Her eyes landed immediately on the name printed at the top.
Yukihira Soma.
A small, wry smile crept onto her face. "No bias, my foot," she muttered under her breath. "You put Soma-kun's file right on top."
But as she read through the contents, the faint amusement in her tone shifted. The notes were precise, brutally honest, and layered with insight that only someone with Riku's eye could write. She caught herself murmuring quietly, almost to no one. "...Although..."
Satoshi, still nearby, stepped closer. "What's that?"
Erina didn't answer right away, passing him the file instead. He skimmed the pages, and a slow grin spread across his face.
"I knew my hunch was right about you, Soma-kun," Satoshi said, his tone carrying quiet admiration. "You're more interesting than you let on."
Erina said nothing, though the glimmer in her eyes betrayed her thoughts. Somewhere between irritation and intrigue, she found herself wondering what Riku saw in this reckless boy from a family diner. The way he wrote about Soma's "instinctual creativity" and "limitless adaptability" wasn't just analysis—it was acknowledgment.
Closing the folder, Erina leaned back in her chair. "He's definitely going to be trouble..." she whispered, half to herself. "But maybe... that's what Totsuki needs right now."
Satoshi chuckled, placing the file back on the pile. "Guess Riku-sama knows how to pick them."
Erina didn't respond. She simply stared at the name on the file for another moment before setting it aside. Outside, sunlight filtered through the wide office windows, washing the room in a pale glow that softened the edges of her expression.
And though she'd never admit it aloud, a quiet sense of anticipation stirred beneath her calm. Whatever came next—whether in the kitchens or in the power games of the families—she knew one thing: Riku's influence was already shifting Totsuki's rhythm.
----------
Nagae Estate – Mafuyu's Room
5:00 P.M.
Riku's POV
The afternoon sun had begun to mellow when I finally caught up with Hisako and the others after leaving Erina's office. The group was already halfway through a campus tour, Hisako leading with her usual poise as she pointed out the spots that gave Totsuki its mythic reputation.
We passed through the Autumn Garden—its air thick with the scent of herbs and ripened fruit—then the famed Full Moon Arena, where the upcoming Autumn Election would be held. Even when empty, the place had a pressure to it, like it carried every past Shokugeki in its walls. Hisako spoke about it reverently, and I could see Rinko listening with genuine curiosity.
Afterward, I asked where the Polar Star Dorm was. Hisako hesitated, then mentioned it was quite a drive from the main campus. Thirty minutes later, our car pulled up to a structure that looked more like a forgotten countryside inn than part of an elite culinary academy.
The dorm mother, Fumio-san, met us at the door. She had this wry, no-nonsense air about her—the kind of woman who'd seen too many students come and go to be easily impressed. When I asked about the dorm's... rustic appearance, she explained that it had declared independence from Totsuki after a Shokugeki, of all things. I couldn't help a quiet chuckle. Only at this school would rebellion come in the form of cooking.
When she asked why we'd come, I mentioned Joichiro-san. That name alone made her blink. Apparently, his visits here were well-remembered. She gave a knowing grin and decided to give us a full tour.
Inside, the dorm was more alive than it looked from the outside—laughter spilling from the kitchen, the scent of broth and butter wafting through the halls. Soma and the rest of the first-years were gathered there, most of whom Rinko and I had already met during the Totsuki Resort training. They were a rowdy, passionate bunch, each with a distinct energy in how they talked about food. Their kitchens may be small, but their ambition filled the room.
Before long, a "welcome feast" was declared in our honor. Dishes of every kind appeared across the table, each plate an echo of the chef's personality—wild, sweet, daring, traditional. Arisa was the first to dig in, her eyes lighting up like a kid's on Christmas morning. Misaki joined in next, humming in delight as she sampled something spicy from Nikumi.
Then Soma, with that mischievous grin of his, brought out one of his infamous "experimental" dishes. The moment I saw the slightly smoking, suspiciously green surface of it, I caught his wrist before he could even offer it.
"No," I said flatly.
He blinked, caught mid-motion. "Come on, Riku-san, at least—"
"Do you want to be responsible for poisoning my fiancée and her friends?"
The entire table went silent for two beats before bursting into laughter. Soma rubbed the back of his neck, muttering something about "creative risks," but he got the message.
Despite the teasing, it was a good night—loud, full of laughter and warmth. When it came time to leave, I wished them luck in their future matches. There was something promising in that group... raw, but burning bright.
The drive back was quiet. The golden light faded into dusk as we dropped everyone off one by one—Yuyuko-san first at the school gates, then Sayo to her home, and Misaki at Kokoro's place, per her request. Rinko and I were the last, and by the time we reached the Nagae estate, the sky was a deep indigo.
At the entrance, Rinko turned to me with a small, tired smile. "I'll see you later, Riku. Don't overwork yourself again."
"I'll try not to," I replied, though we both knew how that usually went.
She disappeared down the hall with Kazehana in tow. I lingered a moment longer under the quiet lamps before heading toward Mafuyu's room.
When I knocked, the door creaked open—not Mafuyu, but Nazuna.
"Riku-sama, welcome home," she greeted softly, bowing with her usual grace. "Was your business at Totsuki a success?"
"It was. We finished earlier than I thought and even got a tour of the place," I said, then glanced past her. "How's Mafuyu doing?"
Nazuna's expression softened. "She's been working on her assignments that Youmu-sama sent her. Mafuyu-sama, Riku-sama is here to see you."
She stepped aside, and I entered. Mafuyu's room was tidy as ever, though a little more lived-in than before. The synthesizer by the window caught my eye—she must've been practicing again.
Mafuyu looked up from her desk, her usual neutral expression softening ever so slightly. "Nii-san, welcome back."
"Thanks," I said, stepping inside. "Nazuna, give us a moment."
Nazuna bowed and slipped out quietly. When the door clicked shut, the silence settled between us.
"So," I started, leaning against the wall, "how's your body holding up?"
"It's alright now," she said, folding her hands on her lap. "I just needed a long rest."
"That's good." I paused. "Listen... about last night. I might've gone too far."
She shook her head. "Don't be. I know you only did it for my sake." Her voice was calm, but it carried that faint, fragile edge she rarely let through. "It's just... I'm not like you or Grandfather. I'm still getting used to all this—the family name, the expectations, the power. Everything feels heavy sometimes."
Her words hung in the air, bare and honest. Mafuyu had always been steady on the outside, but that steadiness came from holding herself too tightly. She'd been thrown into the world of the Celestial Families without warning—an ordinary, if eccentric, girl forced to bear a legacy older than she could comprehend.
I walked over and placed a hand on her head. She stiffened in surprise, blinking up at me.
"Take it easy," I said quietly. "Work at your own pace. Let me handle the weight for now. That's my job—as your brother, and as the next head of the Nagae."
She frowned, torn between pride and relief. "But... I want to help. I don't want you to shoulder everything alone."
"I know. And I'm glad you want to. But right now, you're still in high school. Enjoy those years while you can." My hand lingered for a moment before I stepped back. "There'll be plenty of time to learn the burdens later."
Mafuyu looked down, a faint smile flickering across her lips. "Okay..."
"Good." I straightened, letting out a small breath. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a few things to take care of."
She gave a little nod. "Don't work too long, nii-san."
"I'll keep that in mind," I said with a faint smirk.
As I left, Nazuna returned to her post by the door. I told her she could go back inside before heading toward my own room. The hall was quiet—just the faint hum of the evening wind brushing against the paper screens.
Another day wrapped up, another set of fires put out. Still, there was something grounding about the whole thing—the trip to Totsuki, the laughter at Polar Star, the talk with Mafuyu. For a brief moment, it all felt... normal.
And normal, for once, felt like a luxury.
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room
The evening breeze drifted faintly through the half-open window, carrying the smell of the garden below—wet earth and faint traces of sakura. After changing out of my Totsuki uniform and slipping into a loose shirt and sweats, I sat down at my desk. The glow from my monitor washed the dimly lit room in soft blue light.
The inbox was fuller than usual. Most of it was the usual—collab requests, fan messages, performance confirmations—but one name caught my eye: Johan.
The message was short and straight to the point. "Ceb's heading to Japan soon. Thought you'd want to know."
I leaned back, a faint grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. Ceb hadn't been here in years. The thought of seeing that loud, beer-loving idiot again stirred something familiar—comfort, maybe. I typed out my reply quickly, offering them a place to stay at the estate for as long as they needed. No reason for them to waste money on a hotel when there were guest rooms here gathering dust.
After sending it off, I scrolled through the rest of the inbox until another subject line stopped me cold.
"Proposal: Red Bull Future World Fes Documentary."
I clicked it open, scanning through the details. The email was professionally worded—Red Bull Japan was planning to film a documentary following my run at the last Future World Fes. They wanted to highlight the process behind my music, the preparation, the journey, the mindset. They were waiting for my approval to begin production next month.
I couldn't help but smile. I'd half-expected something like this to come through sooner or later. The crew had been shadowing the competition scene for a while, and I'd already recorded a few behind-the-scenes clips of my own just in case.
Without overthinking it, I typed my response: "I'm in. Let's make it happen."
My finger hovered for a second before pressing send. A simple motion, but somehow it carried a quiet weight—like sealing another chapter behind me.
I sat there for a moment, the faint hum of the computer the only sound in the room. The estate felt unusually still tonight. Maybe it was just me noticing the silence more than usual.
I picked up my phone and scrolled through the contacts until Johan's name appeared. The call barely rang once before his voice crackled through.
"Yo, Riku!"
"Yo, Johan," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Tell me more about the mail you sent me."
He filled me in—Ceb had wrapped up a few projects in Europe and wanted to visit Japan for a bit. Nothing formal, just a breather. I told him I'd arrange a pickup and have one of the estate drivers handle it. We talked a while longer, mostly catching up about things outside of work—mutual friends, some plans that never quite materialized. It felt... easy.
When the call ended, I rested the phone on the desk and stared at the soft reflection of the monitor on the dark glass of the window. For all the noise of my life—the music, the duels, the travel—these quiet stretches always felt like the real heartbeat underneath.
Chiyu's Penthouse – Office - 6:00 P.M.
Chiyu's POV
Stacks of papers crowded my desk like snowdrifts threatening to collapse. The faint buzz of the city filtered in through the glass wall behind me, but it did little to drown out the dull ache in my head.
"Chu²-sama," Pareo said as she entered, arms full of yet another stack of documents. "Here's the next batch that needs to be signed before the end of the month."
"Just put it there," I muttered, waving toward the corner of the desk.
She placed the papers neatly, bowed, and left. As the door clicked shut, I let out a long, tired sigh. My hand pressed against my temple as I eyed the mountain of work waiting to devour my evening.
Yeah... it had been stupid of me not to take that manager Monster Energy offered. I'd told them I could handle everything myself—contracts, events, scheduling, promotions. I'm Chiyu, after all.
Well, Chiyu was now buried under a small tree's worth of paperwork.
"I really did this to myself," I muttered. "Guess pride doesn't sign forms for you."
I slumped back in my chair, scanning the half-finished drafts on my computer. Most of the songs RaS performed at Osaka had been ones I wrote years ago. They still hit, sure, but I could feel the creative well running dry. All this admin nonsense had left no room for inspiration.
"Maybe it's time to post an ad for a manager," I murmured, drumming my fingers on the desk. "Or maybe I could ask Iku to—"
The door opened before I could finish the thought. Pareo peeked inside again, her usual energy toned down a notch.
"Chu²-sama, someone's here to see you."
"Who is it? Tell them I'm busy."
"It's LAYER-san."
That name stopped me mid-sentence. I looked at Pareo for a long moment, then sighed, pushing the chair back. "Send her in. I've got a bit of time. And... make me something to eat while you're at it."
"Hai, Chu²-sama," she said, bowing before disappearing again.
Moments later, LAYER stepped through the door, posture straight, expression steady. Determined.
"You've come," I said, folding my arms. "I take it this is about Iku?"
She nodded once.
"Well then," I leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What's your choice?"
"I'll do it."
A thin smile crept across my face. "Good. That makes things easier. Tomorrow, I'll be heading to the Nagae Estate to talk with Iku. Since you're resolved, you're coming with me. Use it as your chance—settle whatever's in your chest. Don't let it slip away."
"Yes, Chu²."
"Good. So—how'd you make up your mind?"
LAYER exhaled quietly. "Hana-chan talked me into it. Gave me a good wake-up call."
I chuckled. "To think Poppin'Party would be the one to light a fire under you. Not bad, considering you two go way back."
"Yeah," she admitted softly. "Hana-chan really helped me find my footing again."
She hesitated before asking, "Chu², that thing about the Celestial Families... about Riku having a harem and all. Is it really true?"
"Yeah, it's legit," I said simply. "If Okina-sama drafted it, it's law. What surprises me more is that Eiki-sama approved it."
"Who is Eiki-sama?" she asked.
"The one who enforces every divine law in Japan. Her word's final. Doesn't matter who objects."
LAYER blinked, taking that in. "I see."
"So," I said, tilting my head. "That all you came for?"
She nodded. "Yes. That's all."
"Then you're dismissed. Be here tomorrow at seven sharp—and don't make me wait."
"I won't. Thanks for your time, Chu²."
When the door closed behind her, the office seemed quieter somehow. I sat there a moment, watching the city lights flare against the window. My bassist and vocalist had finally found her resolve, and for once, it felt like things were moving in the right direction.
I reached for my phone, halfway to calling Iku just to let him know, but I stopped myself. No—LAYER deserved to handle this on her own.
Instead, I leaned back, eyes drifting toward the picture frame sitting at the edge of my desk. The glass caught a flicker of the desk lamp, illuminating two figures frozen in time: a ten-year-old me, violin in hand, and Riku beside me—fifteen, patient, smiling faintly as he adjusted my bow grip.
I'd long since given up the violin, but he'd been the one to make me fall in love with it in the first place. I still played sometimes—clumsy and inconsistent, but enough to feel that old rhythm again.
My fingers brushed the edge of the frame. "You've got another one coming tomorrow, nii-chan," I murmured, a quiet smile ghosting my lips.
Outside, the city pulsed with life, neon and noise stretching far beyond the glass. But for that brief moment, the room felt still—anchored by the faint music of memory and the weight of everything yet to come.
To be continued...