I do not own the rights to Food Wars. Food Wars belongs to Yuto Tsukuda, Shun Saeki, VIZ media, Shonen Jump, and Toonami. This is a fan parody. Enjoy.

The Mourning After Chapter 11*

Elizabeth's POV*

I woke up before sunrise and was in the local fish market looking for the right Pacific Saury.

I brought my little ice chest with me and picked up all the right Saury's in the area and just as midday rolled around I was met with Ryo and Alice.

Ryo and I stared off for a minute before Alice broke the stare down.

She was wearing my coat and everything.

I said, "I'm gonna get that coat back real soon Alice.".

She said, "Oh? And how do you plan on beating Ryo here? Seafood is his strong suit.".

I said, "I have ways with seafood as well.".

We all turned and saw Soma here with Megumi.

We all had a friendly talk.

Ryo said, "I come down here every day to see what's fresh.".

I said, "I would too but I usually only visit if I need a special ingredient they carry which this time is Pacific Saury.".

Soma said, "There's no way I can lose this theme. I'm gonna pick a Saury good enough to beat the three of you.".

Ryo said, "It takes one with a great amount of talent to pick the right Saury because of its Unami and freshness being taken into account.".

Soma said, "That's true. But being a good judge isn't about using your eyes. You can use your hands too." and he picked up a stiffened firmed Pacific Saury.

Megumi said, "Amazing, Soma!".

Soma said, "Seems I got the freshest pick of the day.".

I said, "A solid choice Soma. However...".

Ryo and I walked over to it.

We both looked Soma's pick over.

I noticed one fundamental flaw with Soma's and Ryo said, "You're wrong.".

I said, "Ryo's right. Here let's pick one each Ryo and show Soma what he's missing.".

We both turned to the Pacific Saury booth and Ryo and I both picked similar Pacific Saury.

We both turned to him and Megumi and their eyes didn't agree with our option.

Ryo said, "Your face says you don't agree with our choices. Care to give it a try?".

I said, "If we all turn these into Sashimi, it will be clear which is the better Saury as well as whose judgment is better, yours or ours, Soma.".

A nice man let us cook at his booth and the three of us made our Sashimi dish and put it forward for Megumi and Alice to try.

Once they were done Megumi said, "There's not much texture here Soma. However the Saury's Elizabeth and Ryo picked are nice and firm feel to them. But why?".

Alice said, "That's because of the time they both put in at the fish market. Ryo and Elizabeth have developed a sense for which ingredient of fish is the firmest and best.".

Ryo said, "Whatever, that's not how Elizabeth and I picked our Saury.".

Alice turned to Ryo and huffed out, "Oh come on Ryo! And after I took all of that time to explain it!".

I said, "Ryo's right. When picking a Saury, you'll just know when you grab it.".

Ryo gave Soma a cryptic warning before they left.

I said, "Well that was pleasant. Soma, I wish you the best luck in the finals." and I walked away to grab more Pacific Saury before heading back home but not before learning that our good friend Akira can tell which Saury was the best by the mere scent of it.

Over the course of the next ten days, Akira, Ryo, Soma, and I frequented the fish market until Soma stopped coming.

The Day Of The Finals*

Akira, Ryo, and I all grabbed our Pacific Saury and headed to get ready.

We arrived and got everything ready.

Later At Night*

Urara announced, "Everyone, the wait is finally over. Presenting the Finals of The Fall Selection! And here come our four competitors! The Aristocrat of Aroma, Akira Hayama! The Tyrant of the Kitchens, Ryo Kurokiba! And your friendly neighborhood, Soma Yukihira! And The Gourmet Goddess of The UK, Elizabeth Nightingale!".

The four of us stood off with one another.

Soma's Cooking Originality vs Akira's Spices vs Ryo's Tyranny vs My Flavorful Blending.

Who's gonna win is up to our judges I guess.

Urara over the PA system said, "And now, the finals of the Fall Selection are underway!".

Isshiki stepped forward and said, "Allow me to present today's judges. First, our head judge, School Headmaster Senzaemon Nakiri." and the old man came out and sat at his little table.

Isshiki said, "Next, head of the tourism department and Executive Chef of Totsuki Resort, Gin Dojima." and the muscled up Gin Dojima came out and took his seat at the judge's table.

Isshiki said, "Next, The head of the Cibo Et Laetitia family owned restaurant chain from around the world, Emma Nightingale." and I watched as Mom came out here and took her seat at the judge's table.

Soma asked, "Is that your mom, Elizabeth?".

I said, "Yes Soma, yes it is. Can't believe she came all of this way for the Fall Selection Finals.".

Isshiki said, "Next, we are happy to greet Totsuki's own faculty member Laurent Chapelle." and the blonde french man himself found his way to his seat.

Isshiki said, "Lastly, from Totsuki's research department, head of Nakiri International, Ms. Leonora Nakiri!" and probably a woman as beautiful as mom stepped out and she took her seat at the table.

She was Alice's mom.

This was an interesting judging panel.

Alice came down and Erina told her she couldn't and then it was soon Alice and her mother making fun of Erina's temper and I got a little chuckle out of it.

Apparently, mother knew Leonora as an old friend who worked together in the past.

Alice's mother exchanged a scary threat to Soma regarding the fact that if his food does not impress then she'll be very upset.

Soon all of the judges were sitting and Isshiki said, "Firstly, contestants, please unveil your Pacific Saury!".

Ryo, Akira, and I unveiled our typical Pacific Saury and from the look of theirs, theirs is as good as mine in freshness and firmness and Soma presented this crispy chicken looking Pacific Saury.

Ryo, Akira, and I stared over at Soma with a collective stare.

Akira said, "I see, so that's why you weren't at the fish market this morning.".

I said, "You chose to age your fish to up for the difference in quality.".

Ryo said, "Nice try, but I could tell what you used the second I looked at it, and it won't be enough to match a fresh, seasonal ingredient.".

I said, "Ryo. Don't sell Soma short on this one. If he knew he didn't need another Pacific Saury, he must have a strategy he's going to use against us.".

Soma said, "You're right, and just in case, I've made enough for the three of you as well.".

Ryo said, "Quit screwing around, the match's already been decided." and he walked away.

Akira said, "Congratulations on coming in fourth place Soma. That's still plenty to be proud of." and he walked away as well.

I said, "I for one am intrigued by what you're making and look forward to trying it." and I turned and walked over to my station.

Isshiki said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for the finals of The Fall Selection to begin. Please turn your attention to the ceiling.".

I looked up and the sky roof opened revealing the moon.

Isshiki said, "Cooking time for the competition will be approximately two hours. It will last from when the moon is in view until it is gone.".

The old man said, "Prepare yourselves!".

We all got ready and the old man shouted, "Let the cooking begin!".

I first got started by gathering my ingredients together.

First, I wiped the surface gently with a paper towel instead of washing it. 

Next, I removed the head and entrails and wiped the Pacific Saury clean.

After the cleaning was done I made decorative cuts in the Pacific Saury and sprinkled Himalayan Salt evenly all over it.

Next, I took a piece of aluminum foil the same size as the frying pan and layed it in the pan. 

I placed The Pacific saury on the paper and sprinkle one tablespoon of Michelin Dassai 23 sake all over the fish.

Next, I turned the heat up and adjusted it to medium-low. 

I covered and cooked it for the next 4 minutes.

After 4 minutes, I rolled the fish over and flipped it, covered it, and cook it for 4 more minutes.

When the Pacific Saury was done cooking, I grasped the foil and the fish at the same time. 

I slid it out just like that onto the cutting board.

I minced it up into pieces and set them all on their different plates.

I left the under the accurately placed heat lamp that would preserve the Pacific Saury.

Next, I moved onto another part of my dish.

First, I chopped the heads and tails off the Pacific Saury off, and I took out the guts and washed them well in water. 

I drained and pat dry the Pacific Saury. 

I then cut each fish into five even pieces. 

I then put on a thin coat of katakuriko.

Next, I combined The Japanese Yamaroku Kiku Bisiho Soy Sauce, Fishmarket Sugar, Michelin Dassai 23 Sake, Italian Aceto Balsamico Vinegar, and Sichuan Pi Xian Broad Bean Paste into something without a name.

Next, I heated Italian Heritage Blended Olive Oil in a frying pan, then put in the Pacific Saury pieces, I covered it in a lid and pan-fried it on both sides until it was golden brown.

I wiped excess oil in the pan off with paper towels.

Next, I added the combination of The Japanese Yamaroku Kiku Bisiho Soy Sauce, Fishmarket Sugar, Michelin Dassai 23 Sake, Italian Aceto Balsamico Vinegar, and Sichuan Pi Xian Broad Bean Paste into the frying pan and coated the fish pieces.

I transferred it to the five serving plates and sprinkled finely sliced Spanish Green Onion and Mexican Red Chili Pepper on top.

Next, I moved onto the final part of my dish but I got distracted by Ryo finishing his dish first.

I ignored it and got back to work.

Ryo's POV*

I approached the judges with my dish.

I set it down in front of them all and said, "Here you go!".

Miss Nightingale said, "It seems like a dish that is similar to an acqua pazza utilizing the usage of heat resistant film. Multiple shellfish and herb butter were used to create this Pacific Saury dish that would submerge anyone in an ocean of rich flavor and aroma.".

I said, "Shut it and eat it!".

Elizabeth angrily said, "Watch yourself Ryo, that's my mom you're speaking to!".

I turned back to look at her and she had a look similar to my own only with more ferocity.

I growled before turning forward and watching the judges eat my dish.

They were all taken aback by the explosion of flavor.

Even the old man was grinning.

I said, "As you can see the ingredients are essentially the same as acqua pazza, but wrapping it in the heat resistant film gives the dish a different name: Autumn Pacific Saury Cartoccio.".

The judges continued to be blown away by my dish while I stood by.

Leonora started glowing and said, "It was a splendid saury dish, Truly, when brought to the table, it was like a visual assault to the senses. Even the way it was served paid adherence to the important elements of the dishes well as current culinary trends. Throughout this venue, people leaned forward to gaze intently, by which one can say the intent of this dish was expertly realized.".

Next, they gave me my total point count.

I got 96 points from all five judges.

I smirked and once I heard that Akira was approaching I turned and faced him.

Akira's POV*

I approached the judges with my dish.

I passed Ryo and he said, "Quit screwing around, dammit! You think you can possibly beat me with that? Are you taking this competition seriously? You ain't even close!".

I didn't let his statement faze me and I said, "You wouldn't understand. Aroma can change one's preconceptions of a dish." and I walked forward setting my dishes down before the judges.

Before they could take a bite of it, I took a blowtorch to it unleashing its beautiful aroma.

Miss Nightingale said, "Although originally an hors d'oeuvre dish, you've used the blowtorch to unleash the aroma of Kaeshi you used to coat the Pacific Saury, also because of the Kaeshi it can make it easier to be properly charred. You solely used allspice, creating not an hors d'oeuvre, but a full course meal mister Hayama.".

I said, "Thank you for the praise miss Nightingale. May I properly present to you, Scorched Pacific Saury Carpaccio. Now please enjoy.".

Elizabeth's POV*

While everyone was enjoying the Akira dish, I was hard at work still.

I washed the rice and drained it in a strainer.

I put the rice into the rice cooker bowl and added the ingredients. 

Next, I plopped the Canned Saury right in. 

I next poured in the canned juices too. 

Then I turned on the rice cooker. 

When it was cooked, I stirred it and set it on the five plates as well.

Next was the miracle sauce for the side.

Akira's POV*

After the judges calmed down from their initial reactions, were ones of amazement and they gifted me with 97 points putting me ahead of Ryo.

I turned to Ryo and said, "This is what it means to follow the doctrine of spice.".

We heard his footsteps and Ryo and I turned to face Soma as he approached.

Soma's POV*

I passed Ryo and Akira and walked straight up to the judges and presented them with my dish.

I said, "Sorry for the wait, but may I present to you your next dish: Ojiya-Style Pacific Saury Takikomi Gohan!".

Alice's mom said, "Oh my god!".

Gin Dojima said, "It's too much to take. To someone for whom rice is a staple, this will bring an unbidden smile to anyone's face.".

Chef Laurent Chappelle said, "The sight and scent of it are overwhelming!".

Elizabeth's mom said, "You used rice bran to forge your own Pacific Saury flavor rather than rely on the taste of fresh saury like your opponents. You combined it with special dashi using soy milk, this dish truly goes went toe-to-toe with Akira Hayama's and Ryō Kurokiba's dishes.".

I said, "Thank you for the kind words, everybody, now please dig in.".

They all took a bite and Gin Dojima said, "The happiness of Fall saury is running through my body!".

Laurent Chappelle said, "Such soft and fluid deliciousness!".

Elizabeth's mother said, "The saury was charcoal grilled.".

Alice's mom said, "Once it was charcoal-grilled, it was cooked with the rice. Such attention to detail is what resulted in the rice's splendid depth of flavor. And the saury itself is wonderful! It has a depth of salt-based umami as well as a gentle aroma, both of which spread across the tongue! The quality of this dish rivals or surpasses that of the other two's dishes! Tell me, is this flavor a result of picking the saury?".

Elizabeth's mom said, "Indeed. In Hokkaido, it is traditional and long-beloved food. It brings out the umami of the ingredients, reducing unwanted smells and increasing the nutritional value. Some even insist it's the most delicious way to eat saury. In any case, you have done an admirable job, Soma Yukihira.".

The judges gave me 98 points putting me ahead of Akira and Ryo.

Everyone cheered for me but were silenced by the sound of one footstep.

I didn't even bother to look back because all I could do was hope I finally surpassed her.

Elizabeth's POV*

With but a footstep I silenced the audience.

With another footstep, I passed Ryo.

With another footstep, I passed Akira.

And with yet another footstep, I passed Soma.

And with that final footstep, I stood before the judges.

I presented my dish and old man Senzaemon asked, "What have you prepared for us today, Elizabeth?".

I set my dish down in front of them all and I smiled and said, "For you today, my peers, I have used one of my own golden book recipes. My golden book is a collection of my own recipes that not even my family has ever seen. think of it this way, if there's a theme, the book has the ultimate recipe for that particular theme. But I digress, may I present to you a dish from the world herself, The Heavenly Nightingale Pacific Saury Triad. A dish with three dishes infused into it. But please take a bit and be sure to use the sauce I have provided.".

They all took a bite and were given faces of shock and we and then back to shock before mellowing out and then back to shock.

Alice's mom hugged me and said, "Please be my personal chef forever!".

I sat her down back in her spot and said, "Afraid not miss Nakiri, I have a prior engagement, but thank you for the offer.".

She pouted and mother said, "It's like heat and cold mixed together. It's like firmness and mellowness added together into one. It's like I don't know what I'm tasting or feeling but it feels like a divine taste that can't be explained.".

I said, "The first third of the dish I prepared is called, Plump Salt-Grilled Pacific Saury. First, seeing as the Pacific Saury has soft and delicate flesh, I just wiped the surface gently with a paper towel instead of washing it. After washing it, I removed the head and entrails and wiped the Pacific Saury clean. After wiping it clean I made decorative cuts in the Pacific Saury and sprinkled Himalayan Salt evenly all over it. Next, I took a piece of aluminum foil the same size as the frying pan and layed it in the pan. I placed The Pacific saury on the paper and sprinkle one tablespoon of Michelin Dassai 23 sake all over the fish. Next up, I turned on the heat and adjusted it to medium-low. I covered and cooked it for the next 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, I rolled the fish over and flipped it, covered it, and cook it for 4 more minutes. When the Pacific Saury was done cooking, I grasped the foil and the fish at the same time. I slid it out just like that onto the cutting board. I minced it up into pieces and set them all on their different plates under the care of the heat lamp to preserve their heat. The second part of this dish is called Spicy Pan-Fried Pacific Saury. First, I chopped the heads and tails off the Pacific Saury off, and I took out the guts and washed them well in water. I drained and pat dry the Pacific Saury. I then cut each fish into five even pieces. I then put on a thin coat of katakuriko. Next, I combined The Japanese Yamaroku Kiku Bisiho Soy Sauce, Fishmarket Sugar, Michelin Dassai 23 Sake, Italian Aceto Balsamico Vinegar, and Sichuan Pi Xian Broad Bean Paste. I heated Italian Heritage Blended Olive Oil in a frying pan, then put in the Pacific Saury pieces, I covered it in a lid and pan-fried it on both sides until it was golden brown. I wiped excess oil in the pan off with paper towels. Next, I added the combination of The Japanese Yamaroku Kiku Bisiho Soy Sauce, Fishmarket Sugar, Michelin Dassai 23 Sake, Italian Aceto Balsamico Vinegar, and Sichuan Pi Xian Broad Bean Paste into the frying pan and coated the fish pieces. I transferred it to the five serving plates and sprinkled finely sliced Spanish Green Onion and Mexican Red Chili Pepper on top. The third part of the dish is named Canned Kabayaki-style Pacific Saury. I washed the rice and drained it in a strainer. I put the rice into the rice cooker bowl and added the ingredients. Next, I plopped the Canned Saury right in. I next poured in the canned