The sun was barely up when Soma Yukihira arrived at the academy's main kitchen, a spring in his step and a challenge burning in his eyes.
The events of the previous night still lingered in his mind: the secret fermentation chamber, the taste of Kaoru's wild experiments, and the unspoken promise of rivalry.
He was hungry for more, not just for food, but for the thrill of competition.
Kaoru Yukishima was already there, standing at a prep table, his movements precise and economical.
He barely acknowledged Soma's arrival, but the tension in the air was unmistakable.
It was the kind of tension that crackled, invisible but electric, between two chefs who knew they were about to clash.
Soma set his bag down and grinned. "You're early. Guess you couldn't sleep either, huh?"
Kaoru didn't look up. "I have work to do. The fermentation cabinets are in high demand. I need the space."
Soma's grin widened. "Funny, I was thinking the same thing. Looks like we'll have to settle this the old-fashioned way."
Kaoru finally met Soma's gaze, his eyes cool and unreadable. "A duel, then. Winner gets first pick of the fermentation space for the next week."
"Deal," Soma said, rolling up his sleeves. "Let's make it interesting. No theme, no time limit. Just cook."
Word spread quickly. By mid-morning, a small crowd had gathered, drawn by the promise of a showdown between two of Tōtsuki's most unpredictable talents.
Megumi watched nervously from the sidelines, wringing her hands. Erina arrived, arms crossed, her expression unreadable but her eyes sharp with interest.
The kitchen became a battlefield. Soma moved with his usual reckless energy, grabbing ingredients at random, trusting his instincts.
Kaoru was the opposite: every motion deliberate, every choice calculated. He selected a slab of pork belly, a jar of miso, and a handful of wild herbs, his mind already working through the layers of flavor he would build.
Soma, meanwhile, went for boldness. He started with a base of spicy kimchi, layering in fresh noodles and a broth simmered with smoked fish bones.
The air filled with the scents of chili, garlic, and smoke, a heady mix that made mouths water and eyes sting.
Kaoru's approach was quieter but no less intense.
He massaged the pork with salt and koji, then set it to ferment in a vacuum bag.
He worked in near silence, the only sounds the soft hiss of the sous-vide machine and the rhythmic chop of his knife. His focus was absolute, his world narrowed to the ingredients before him.
As the hours passed, the kitchen grew hotter, the tension mounting with every passing minute.
Soma tasted and adjusted, sweat beading on his brow. Kaoru checked temperatures, monitored pH levels, and made minute adjustments to his ferments.
It was a dance, a duel, a conversation spoken in the language of food.
At last, the dishes were ready. Soma plated his creation with a flourish: a bowl of kimchi ramen, topped with a soft-boiled egg and a drizzle of chili oil.
The colors were vibrant, the aroma intoxicating. Kaoru's dish was more understated: slices of koji-aged pork, served with a fermented herb sauce and a side of pickled vegetables.
The presentation was minimalist, but the flavors promised depth and complexity.
The judges: Erina, Megumi, and a few brave classmates stepped forward.
Erina tasted Soma's ramen first. The heat hit her immediately, followed by a wave of smoky umami and the crunch of fresh vegetables. It was bold, brash, and unmistakably Soma.
Then she tried Kaoru's dish. The pork was tender, melting on her tongue, the sauce layered with flavors that shifted and evolved with every bite.
There was a hint of bitterness, a touch of sweetness, and an undercurrent of something wild and unfamiliar. It was a dish that demanded attention, that refused to be ignored.
The room was silent as the judges conferred. Finally, Erina spoke. "Both dishes are exceptional.
Soma's is a punch to the senses, immediate and unforgettable. Kaoru's is a slow burn, complex and haunting. I can't choose a winner."
A murmur ran through the crowd. Soma laughed, clapping Kaoru on the shoulder. "Guess we'll have to share the space, huh?"
Kaoru allowed himself a small smile. "For now."
As the crowd dispersed, Soma and Kaoru lingered in the kitchen, cleaning up in companionable silence.
The rivalry between them had deepened, but so had their respect. They were no longer just competitors. They were equals, each pushing the other to new heights.
Erina watched them from the doorway, her heart pounding. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew one thing: Totsuki had never seen anything like this. And neither had she.
Outside, the sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the academy grounds. In the kitchen, two young chefs stood side by side, ready for whatever came next.
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Please gimme your power stones tehee.
Leave some reviews to let me know what went wrong in the writings and I'll try to fix it when I have time, or you can comment it down below.
P.S English is not my first language, it should be the third or fourth if I remember my languages correctly. xD