Chapter 34 - New Director

[Your Point of View]

I came with Rindo to Entomophagy RS. “Hey, this isn’t bad! It feels like a sweeter version of soft roe, right (Nickname)?” she asked so I nodded.

“If I were to rate it from 0-5, it’ll be 3.” I said.

“Thank you! Asian giant hornet larvae taste good, don’t they?” the guy told us so I shrugged.

“I’m not really into these stuffs but I like finding new taste.” I said.

“Thanks for the food!” Rindo said as she held my hand. “Okay, next up...”

“Oh, this line must be for Kuga’s booth!” Rindo said so I looked at the opposite direction.

“Soma! Megu!” I said waving at them.

“Oh, there it is. Yukihira Soma’s little stall.” Rindo said. “Black pepper bun huh? Looks good! They’re eating something with chopsticks?”

“Senpai, tomorrow I’ll be helping him out.” I said then she laughed and pat my head.

“That’s good!”

Time passed by quickly I was back at Polar Star while playing my guitar. I was currently waiting for Soma and Megu.

I was laying on the grass while strumming my guitar.

/A-N: Song's not mine. Title: Drag Me Down by One Direction
/A-N: You can skip the song~ 💕

🎶 “All my life, you stood by me~”

🎶 “When no one else was ever behind me~”

🎶 “All this lights, they can’t blind me~”

🎶 “With your love nobody can drag me down~”

“We’re back!” I heard Soma yelled so I sat up. “Ohoho! (Reader)-chan nice song.”

“Welcome back you guys.” I said then stood up.

“(Reader)-chan were you waiting for us?” Megu said so I nodded.

“Yeah, now come I’ll cook for you. The others are resting already.” I said they smiled and went inside.

After eating Megu went to the bathroom, I was washing the dishes then Soma went beside me.

“(Reader)-chan, I found out what I’ll do!” Soma said so I smiled.

“Great, you’ll call Tomita-san to bring table, right?” I asked then he nodded. “Can you take my phone and call my dad.” I said so he did.

; Hello? Why are you calling so late at-”

“Hello Yamaguchi-san this is Yukihira Soma.”

; Oh? Saiba’s son! What do you need?”

“Dad, send 10 sets of table and chair tomorrow.” I said then closed the tap.

; For what?”

“It’s for the moon festival Sir.” Soma said.

; Alright. Yukihira, (Nickname) be careful when you meet him.” Dad said pertaining to Nakiri’s father.

“Who? / Yes, Dad.” I said.

; Sure, anything for you!” he said then he hanged up.

--

I was currently watching Soma and Megu cook. “It’s done.” Soma said

“Soma-kun this is amazing! With this on the menu!” Megu beamed and looked at Soma.

“Yup let’s roll!” Soma replied.

“Alright you two get your asses to bed and sleep. I’ll wake you two up.” I said so they said thanks and went to their rooms.

[3rd Person’s Point of View]

{ New Mission Unlocked: Gather costumers for Yukihira Soma’s booth.}

‘System, I’m counting on you to control my body.’

{ (Reader)’s request: Granted}

Your feet walked towards the Main Avenue and headed at Pop-up Trattoria first.

‘Maybe because they have many costumers.’

“Have you seen Yamaguchi-kun? / I heard he’ll be dominating the Moon Festival! / eek I can’t wai--”

“Well, what do we have here?” you asked smiling.

“(Reader)-chan?!” Takumi and Isami yelled.

“I heard my name coming from one of these beautiful ladies.” you said as your hand find its way to hold one of the girl’s chin. The other girls stopped and looked at you.

“Y-Yamaguchi-kun~” she called out blushing so you smirked. Your hand finding its way around her waist.

“What is it my lady?” you asked then all the girls squealed.

“(Reader)-chan!” Takumi yelled so you winked at him causing him to stop and blush.

“Yamaguchi-kun where’s your booth? / Can we go there? / I want to help Yamaguchi-kun! / Yamaguchi-kun feed me! / Yamaguchi-kun step on me!!”

You chuckled then looked at Isami and Takumi. “I’ll be taking your ladies. Come on my goddesses let’s spend all day together!” you replied then led them to Soma’s booth ignoring Takumi’s protest.

“Thanks (Reader)!” Soma said so you saluted to him before running back to look for customers.

You went at Alice’s booth and then,

“Kyahhh look look! / It’s Yamaguchi-kun!! / Ohmygod really? / He’s so handsome. / His lips look so soft!”

“Why don’t we test it just to be sure?” you asked.

“Yamaguchi-kun kiss me~” she said.

{ Granted. }

‘Wait no!’

You had kissed her cheek causing the girls to squeal. “KYAAAH!! / ME TOO!! / Yamaguchi-kun kiss me too!”

‘Curses!’

“Ehh~ but that’s a win for you and a loss for me.” you repleid tilting my head. “Ah! I know why don’t you come at my friends’ booth!”

“Where is it Yamaguchi-kun?” a girl asked you. “Will you spend time with us then?”

{ “Let’s run away and spend the rest of the day together.” }

‘What’s with this cliche line?’

{ Meh. }

“Sure~ Let’s run away and spend the rest of the day together.” you replied then they squealed.

“Oi (Nickname) you’re stealing our costumers!” Hayama said as you winked at him and led the girls at Soma’s booth.

---

Mimasaka, Ikumi, Isami and Takumi started helping Soma while you drew more crowds in.

At 7 pm,

“We’ll now report the sales ranking for the Central Area. 3rd place goes to El Fuego by Spanish Cuisine RS.”

“2nd place goes to Kuga Restaurant by Chinese Cuisine RS. 1st place goes to Yukihira Soma’s Chinese Cuisine Stall.”

“Yeah! / We did it / Soma you’re amazing! / This should mean you’re no longer in the red too!” They said, you were laying on the floor and tried to give a thumbs up.

“S-Soma... Hah... Good... job.” you said before drifting off to sleep.

They all looked at (Reader) who was now sleeping on the floor. Yukihira Soma smiled and carried (Reader).

“Thank you (Reader), I couldn’t have done it without your help.” Soma said.

“Glad you liked it.” They all said as Soma carried (Reader). There were clapping and cheering for them.

Yukihira Soma, Tadakoro Megumi, Mito Ikumi, Aldini Takumi, Aldini Isami and Mimasaka Subaru all highfived.

✨Last Day✨

You did the same again, taking ladies to Soma’s booth. You were pretty exhausted right now and you only came in 2nd place in the Total Profits; although you expected that.

“Hey Yukihira Soma, I reserved a table for you tonight.” Rindo said then she looked at you. “Ah! (Nickname).” then she laughed “You’re pretty haggard!”

“What table?” Soma asked.

“It’ll be in the Yamanote Area. You’re coming, right?” Rindo said. “Where’d Mimasaka Subaru go?”

“He left early because he had to undo a more elaborate lock than usual.” Soma answered.

“I bet it’ll take him a long time until he can ride his bike. Okay then it’ll be you and Tadakoro-chan.”

“What about me?” you asked pouting.

“A-re?? Didn’t you know? Tsukasa reserved a seat for you!” Rin answered so you looked at her confused.

“Ei-senpai did?” You asked then she nodded and pulled your hand. “Ah, I’ll change clothes first, I’m sweaty.” you replied then she laughed again and nodded.

✨⭐✨

“Wow! What’s all this!?!” Soma yelled as you all looked at rich people who were wearing tuxedos and gowns.

“It’s the Yamanote Area, after all.” Megu said. “It’s a completely different world from the other areas.”

“Rin-senpai, he’s coming tonight, isn’t he?” you mumbled she looked at you then smiled.

“Who will you dote for?” she asked so you shrugged.

“What have you been up to, Rindo-senpai?” Soma asked.

“Hm? Me? At first, I visited different booths with (Nickname) but when she helped you, I visited each booth by myself.” Rindo said.

“Tsukasa’s booth is the last one! I worked really hard!”

“I’m not sure that’s something you can manage by working hard.” Megu said.

You were pulled by Rindo. “What are you guys doing? I’m gonna leave you behind!” she told Soma and Megu.

“Welcome, Kobayashi-sama, Yamaguchi-sama. Today’s menu is a nine-course meal titled...”

“A Symphony of Fall Ingredients.” the guy said handling you and Rindo the menu.

“This way please.” he added as he led the way.

✨⭐✨

The four of you were sitting while watching Eishi.

“It’s like watching a stage.” Megu commented. “Tsukasa-senpai’s in his own world.”  she added.

“There are only three tables?” Soma asked.

“Tsukasa’s handling all the cooking by himself.” Rindo said. “The other staff only serve customers. You need to reduce the table count to make the setup work.”

“He’s handling a nine-course meal all by himself?!” Soma asked.

“He must’ve a lot of confidence if he’s taking on so much work.” Megu exclaimed which made you chuckle.

“Nah..” you replied so they both looked at you.

“The real reason is more like this:

‘How can I even think of letting someone else handle finishing my dishes? The horror! Once I start worrying about whether they’ll mess up, I can’t even cook anymore’.” Rindo said.

Then the first dish was served.

‘Wow! It looks fancy! Running all day long and eating Eishi’s cooking for dinner? Worth it.’

You took your phone out and took a picture of it.

“This is sakura shrimp, isn’t it? Isn’t it considered one of the quintessential spring ingredients?” Soma asked.

“I thought this was supposed to be about fall ingredients.” Megu said as you take a bite.

“Yukihira Soma, Tadakoro-san and Rindo too. Oh! (Reader) too!” Eishi called us seriously while wiping his hand.

“Is the room cold? Are you okay? Let me know if the heat’s up too high! Are your seats comfortable? Is the light-” Eishi panickingly said.

“Ei-senpai, we’re good. Calm yourself down.” you said then he did and sighed relieved.

“Listen, if you’re in the customers’ faces too much with your concerns, you’re going to make them uncomfortable.” Rindo said then Eishi gasped which made you giggle.

“Right, Tadakoro-chan?” Rindo asked.

“Uhm... Er, yes a little bit.” Megu replied.

“Oh no! Then what am I supposed to do?!” Eishi asked then looked at me.

“Am I making you uncomfortable (Reader)-chan?” he asked so you laughed.

“Not really, I find it kind of cute.” you said then ate more of his dish.

“C-Cute?” Eishi asked calming down.

“That’s why I always say you should have more confidence. As usual, you have a keen eye for quality ingredients. It’s impressive.” Rindo said.

“But if you ask me, I’d like to try a dish that featured more of your passion for food.” Rindo added dropping off hinta.

“No, I don’t need to put myself in my cooking. My work involves erasing all evidence of my involvement in the dish. I focus solely on the quality of the ingredients and enhancing them.”

“But paradoxically, that work involves expressing myself in the dish. That defines my cooking. Well, please enjoy.” Eishi said before leaving.

✨⭐✨

“That was really amazing food. It was overwhelming for me.” Megu said.

“Who knew a world like that existed in the culinary scene?” Soma asked.

“All the better, I shouldn’t underestimate the Yamanote Area! I wanna take a look around some more!”

“Soma, Megu... We need to check up on Erina.” you said worriedly.

“What? Is there a problem?” Soma asked. You looked at them seriously.

“You two believe me, right?” you asked then they both nodded.

“Someone horrible will be visiting Erina today. He was the one who scarred Erina.” you said then they looked at you worriedly.

“The worst part, Senzaemon-dono will be removed as the director.” you added which made Megu gasp.

“Let’s hurry up!” Soma said then you all ran together. Soma opened the door; You saw Hisako beamed and everyone stopped.

“Yo Nakiri! Is there a table available?” Soma asked while holding a pepper bun.

“Erina-sensei, can you treat us for free?” you asked smirking.

“Yukihira-kun? (Reader)-chan.” Erina asked.

“Sorry, can we somehow eat your cooking even if we’re walk-ins?” Soma said. “Here, I’ll give you one more black pepper bun.”

Soma approached Nakiri Azami. “Excuse me, you seem to be just about to eat, too. If it’s alright maybe we can share a table?”

‘That’s good Soma, just break the tension.’

“Erina, you need to be selective when it comes to who your friends are.” Nakiri Azami said. “I have lost interest.” he added then started to head out.

“Is he the one?” Soma whispered.

“Yep, Erina’s father.” you whispered back.

“What’s with that black-suited guy?” Soma asked loudly.

“He should at least eat before he goes. Oh? Nakiri?” he asked looking at Erina who was still frozen in the spot. “Are you shivering?”

You all then went out and was greeted by blinding lights. “You look well, Father.” Azami said.

“Begone! You have no right to set foot in this place. I told you that I forbid you from claiming the Nakiri name.” Senzaemon-dono said.

“I’m the one who cultivated the God Tongue Erina was born with into its current form. You may exile me, but my lineage and education can’t be distinguished.” Azami answered.

“My greatest mistake was to allow you to take care of Erina back then.” Senzaemon-dono said.

“The mistake isn’t yours alone. Had I remained, I wouldn’t have allowed Totsuki to devolve into what it is now, a place rife with unsightly, ordinary people.” Azami countered.

“Oh, Yukihira Soma, (Nickname) there you are.” Rindo said huffing. “I saw a bunch of black cars race by, so I ran after them wondering what the hell was going on.”

“We also don’t know what’s going on but it sounds like Nakiri-san’s father suddenly showed up.” Megu said.

“Ah!” Rindo beamed then Soma looked at her confused. Rindo looked at you and grinned,

“At this academy, cooking is everything! As long as you have the skills, anyone can climb the ladder. That’s Totsuki’s tradition.” Senzaemon-dono said.

“Nonsense, allowing subpar students to fester here when the mission is to create true gourmet dining is sheer folly.” Azami said.

“That’s not up to us to decide. The ones who decide Totsuki’s future are young chefs with might and talent!” Senzaemon-dono said.

“Your solitary rant will change nothing.” he added then Azami showed a piece of paper.

“The Totsuki Elite ten Council have authority equal to, and perhaps above that of the academy’s director.” Azami said. “For example, a majority of the Elite Ten wants something it becomes a directive for the academy.”

“Yukihira Soma, Yamaguchi (Nickname), which side would you pick?” Rindo asked.

“Neutral.” you muttered.

“Huh? I’ve no idea what’s going on.” Soma answered.

“Oh, and here I thought you’d join us in a flash.” Rindo said.

“W-What’s this?” Senzaemon-dono asked while reading the paper Azami gave.

“A majority of the Elite Ten agree that reform is needed. They support my appointment as the academy’s new director.” Azami explained.

Soma and Megu gasped then looked at you. “There’s a new wave.” Rindo said.

“Riding that wave feels like the most exciting possibility.”

“The most powerful group in Totsuki Academy has turned traitor?!” Kita exclaimed.

/A-N: No, It is not Kita Shinsuke from Haikyu.

“By this time tomorrow, everything will be finalized. Here in the kingdom of gourmet dining, the jewel of Japan-” Azami said then Senzaemon-dono fell on his knees.

“I will be the new ruler.” Azami said.

🌟Next Day🌟

You were sipping your coffee while sitting on the tree branch then suddenly Yuki called out to Isshiki. “Is it true that we have a new director?!”

“And the majority of the Elite Ten voted in favor?” Ryoko asked. You were watching them talk while on top of the tree.

“Oh, I’m surprised too. I didn’t expect someone to work behind the scenes with the Elite Ten so that he could become the new director.” Isshiki answered.

“But how can that happen so easily? It makes no sense!” Yuki said.

“Well, it’s legitimate from a procedural standpoint. The vote was organized following protocol.” Isshiki said.

“Well, I’ve heard that the Nakiri family always seeks the academy’s directorship.” Ryoko said while her hands on her chin.

“I see. I was just shocked because it happened so quickly. Now that I think about it, it doesn’t really have anything to do with us students, right?” Yuki said.

“Wrong.” you replied then they all looked up to see you.

“Eh how long have you been there?” they asked as you jumped off the tree.

“Since the start. Anyhow, I prefer Senzaemon-dono over Azami-san.” you said then they looked at you. You opened your mouth but no words came out.

{ Permission: Denied. }

‘Oh...’

“Come to think of it, Azami-san’s probably giving his address right now.” you said as you excused yourself.