An Ode to Him | Shokugeki no Soma

Chapter One | Caged Canary

"Judges, it's time to put in your votes."

The arena, hazy from a wafting stench of a spice, slid into a state of suspended silence. A large majority of the student body had come to watch the Shokugeki, rumor of the terms having become common knowledge thanks to the Newspaper Club and their stubborn prodding. Their silence was enforced by a wave of anticipation and excitement, for both chefs played powerful cards in their battle: One prioritizing a beastly umami, and another dueling spices of great power.

This match was as dramatic as it was interesting, both chefs having plated gorgeous works of intimidating talent. Impact-wise, the plates were impressive, especially the challenger's. Having just transferred to the school, and then sharing the same stage as the one and only Nakiri Erina—this was surely a testament of her strength.

The silence continued, all eyes focused on the two teenage girls standing before the judge's table. One, doused in an aura of sheer confidence, and the other playing a dangerous poker face.

"T-The judges have decided." The announcer sputtered. "The winner is..."

"You have to do something Shinomiya-san. She has great talent, I mean—Obviously. She's your kin for Pete's Sake! But she's never spoken once of her dreams, or to any of us for that matter. It's almost like she's wandering aimlessly."

Nods and mumbles of agreement spread amongst the kitchen staff.

The man sighed, slowly adjusting his glasses up his nose. He didn't need this endless prodding from his employees, he was already aware of this fact. He was basically her guardian, and he wasn't ignorant.

"Get back to work. I have it handled." He said sternly, earning glances and mumbles of apologies from the staff.

He glanced at the young girl's back, frowning softly at her robotic and emotionless movements. Though calculated and precise, it was obvious she had no connection to her cooking. As much as Shinomiya relished in the fact that she kept up with the restaurant's pace, it was obvious she was lost amongst the storm of cuisine.

It was almost automated, her movements. Grueling practice had shaped her motions to a sort of accuracy almost perfected—if only the passion was there.

He shut his eyes for a moment before leaving the room to tend to the front. He decided he would attack this issue after hours, or he would at least try to. She was very stubborn, that girl.

—

Saika pressed the earbud further in her ear, attempting to drown out the conversation of her coworkers. The shift had just ended, and she was left cleaning her stations while the rest congratulated each other on a good day of work, their jackets and keys in hand.

The rough electric guitar verse sung dangerously loud in her ear. She didn't mind it, though. It was only natural the music be loud in order to drown out the conversation. Her loneliness was driven by a strong desire.

She felt the undying need to be of use for her elder brother, Shinomiya Kojiro. Ever since he had moved to France, he had been lost in a cloud of discomfort. She felt it her duty to serve him to the best of her ability, an ode to his tentative prodding and kindness while they were growing up. Therefore, she followed him across the globe on a spur of obligation, having only the desire to keep his mind at peace.

You could call it a brother's complex, sure, but the respect and love Saika had for Kojiro outweighed every other desire of her youth. She felt she owed it to her brother, for everything he did for her.