Waifu Wars: A Food Wars Fanfic

Ch. 48 Nagged by the Nakiri's

"I've never tasted anything like this- and I mean that in a good way," said Rindo Kobayashi, having quickly devoured Torrey's vegan BBQ sushi roll.

            "It's certainly a novel idea," said Hitoshi Sekimori, the panels resident sushi expert. "Despite the absence of a fish component, it still leaves me feeling satisfied. I don't need another, but I wouldn't say no if I was offered seconds."

            "It's really good. Sushi's not usually my thing, but I could eat this all day. Speaking of seconds...is that an option here?" said Fuyumi Mizuhara. Her sharp eyes had softened since eating Torrey's dish.

            "No...sorry. I used up the last of my ingredients when..." started Torrey.

            "When you lost your focus and made a crucial error," said Sekimori, harshly. "Though the dish was superb, I can foresee that the image of your knife slipping and the blood gushing about on the countertop will be what I remember this match by. I have never witnessed such a blunder while attending this school, nor since establishing myself as a successful restaurant owner."

            Torrey winced. He'd been hoping to bounce back from his mistake in order to salvage a victory. Sekimori was right though- it was a rookie mistake, not the sort of refined technique that one would expect from a Totsuki student.

            "I was a little surprised myself, Kohai. It's unlike you to be so reckless in the kitchen. BUT...there's nothing in the Shokugeki rule book that mentions losing points for technique. Our judgment can only be applied to the quality of the dish itself," said Rindo, looking thoughtful.       

            "I have to agree with young Kobayashi here," said Mizuhara. "Waldenpond's skill is evident in his completed dish, so I'm not too worried about a brief display of sloppy knife work. That's something that can be easily corrected."

            Urara, who'd been standing by patiently as the judges discussed the dish, finally interrupted them.

            "So...are you guys ready to make your official decision?"

            The three judges looked at one another, and nodded.

            "Then let's go in reverse order. Mizuhara-Senpai, which contestant delivered the superior dish?"

            "Both contestants delivered dishes that could be considered 'superior'. Saito's roll was nearly perfect; the beef tenderloin was skillfully cooked, and practically melted in my mouth. The lobster served as the perfect complement in a classic surf' n' turf. Despite Waldenpond's mistake, he managed to bounce back and create a fine dish of his own. I didn't expect a BBQ vegan roll to work so well, but it did. Because it completely exceeded my expectations and redefined my concept of sushi, I believe that Mr. Waldenpond presented the better dish."

            "Wow, the first vote goes to Torrey! Let's hear what Mr. Sekimori has to say," said Urara, turning towards the second judge.

            "I agree that both dishes were very well-executed. However, putting aside my criticism for Mr. Waldenpond's techniques, I still believe that Mr. Saito's dish was superior. I was impressed with his handling of the beef and the lobster, two ingredients that are considerably more difficult to prepare than simple fried pickle and onion rings. A well-executed classic like the surf' n 'turf can't be beat; my vote goes to that dish."

            "Just like that, it's all tied-up at one vote a piece! This Shokugeki is going down to the wire, and the decisive vote belongs to our current 2nd seat, Rindo Kobayashi. Rindo-Senpai, what's the verdict?"