Food Wars: The Golden Hands

New York City. Manhattan's Royal Hotel. VIP Reception Hall.

Inside a large hall filled with people eating all kinds of food. As there is a variety of food, there is also a variety of people, all kinds of races are here sharing the one joy of eating delicious food.

The strong aroma of food is traveling through the hall to people's noses making them burn with passions and the monsters inside their bellies scream out of hunger.

At one special table. Alex sitting around with a few of important looking people.

"Mr.Alexander, it is an honor to meet such young and a successful man like you here." A bald and old man is taking a big bite of his stake as he praised Alex

"Likewise. Mr.MCfly, by the way, how about our previous deal? did you think carefully about it?" said Alex, he took a sip of an apple juice while looking at the man in front of him.

Mcfly put his fork down and smiled at Alex " Of course, after talking with the higherups, the authority for the Red Cloud Company to organize the dinner party for the next world leaders meeting has been granted." He pulled his briefcase and handed Alex some doc.u.ment in Red wrapper.

Alex took the doc.u.ment and grinned slightly, this event is very important and the fight between the top companies to get hold of the right to organize the event started months ago. Anyone wanted a piece of the giant pie but only a few can get close to obtaining it and even them can't get any closer without the right connections. The world leaders meeting is a very important event and all the people around the world and especially the press will keep an eye on it. If Alexander's company managed to pull it off perfectly, there won't be any hardsh.i.p.s when trying to get another big deal like this. Also...The money that they will be paid with is in millions of dollars.

"But, I have to say Mr.Alexander is a smart man, I am not sure how you were able to do it but strangely, a lot of the contesters for this event pulled out without any notice." The old man took his glass of wine as he looked at lex with examining eyes " Can it be that Mr.Alexander is not as innocent as he seems to be?"

"That can't be Mr.MCfly, I have no hand in other companies matters, they saw that the competition is very hard, so instead of wasting money and resource on an event that they may not get the rights to, they decided to focus on something more attainable." Alex raised his hands in the air in an innocent manner.

"Hhahah!!! Indeed!!" The old man laughed out loud, he attracted the people around them. And at that moment Joichiro came in and presented another dish of food in front of Alex and the old man.

"Please Mr.MCfly, don't laugh like that, you may hurt yourself. Here, eat this, it will help with your blood pressure." Joichiro presented his dish and gave Alex a smile before leaving.

Alex stood up "Then, see in another place and time, Mr.MCfly" he bowed a little for the old man out of respect to his old age before following his father who went to the balcony.

When Alex entered the balcony of the Royal Hotel, he saw Joichiro grilling some Squids. Honestly, grilling squids at the Royal hotel?!! Alex thought of how ridiculous can Joichiro get sometimes.

"Aren't you going to school, there is one day left before the entrance exam begins??" Joichiro looked back at his son, He saw Alex standing beside him with the wind playing with his Black-Red hair and shiny suit. He looks like a modern prince with the aura of ancient Kings.

"I am leaving now. I was waiting for that old man to give me the authority for the next event."Alex showed him the doc.u.ment " Do you want to participate? there will be a lot of world-class chefs!"

Joichiro shook his head " Nah! I am good."

"Mother will be there too, this will be a perfect moment to meet her and maybe spend some time together," Said Alex, he was trying his hardest to bring his parents together for a long time " It's been a long time since the last time you met her. Don't you think?"

Joichiro looked surprised at that, but now this seems like a good reason to meet her instead of just popping out of nowhere. " Why not! Thanks for the help." Joichiro stood and hugged his son for a little. Alex gave Joichiro something like a card, it had Joichiro's name and all of his other information.

"In the Next month, Go to the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, show this to the security and they will guide where you need to be," Alex informed his father of all necessary information he needs to know before he turned to leave.

"Ah!! Your brother doesn't know that you will enlist in Totsuki too, right?" Said Joinchiro as he remembered that they never mentioned for Soma that Alex will go to Totsuki too. Alex nodded at his father in agreement.

"Well, Since you two are in the same school, make sure you push each other to new heights." Joichiro ruffled Alex's hair with a smile

Alex tried to get his hair together as he added: " Sorry to say this, but I am not pushing anyone." Joichiro got surprised

"And why is that??" he asked

Alex looked at Joichiro's eyes directly without blinking "Me, Pushing someone means that I am behind them...I may pull them a little to me but never push." Alexander was very serious, he doesn't like the idea that someone is better than him, though he wants to see who is...?

As Joinchiro heard Alex he felt in his heart Alex's conviction, he understand that his son thinks he is the best chef out there. He has tasted a few of his dishes but they weren't the best he had tasted. Unfortunately for Joinchiro, he didn't know at that time that Alexander wasn't even trying. If Alexander showed his real experience as the Golden Hands, Joinchiro can throw his pride as a chef and kowtows to Alex in the hope he can be his disciple.

"Well, do as you please. but be careful, mistakes aren't allowed in Totsuki, any slip can be your doom." Joichiro pushed his son to the door " Now go and be the chef you want to be." Alex smiled slightly, it feels good to hear your father encouraging you. Maybe trying a little in that school won't be that bad, maybe his father will be happy with him.

Alexander immediately left the U.S and took his private jet to Japan, Tokyo. It took him 12 hours of constant traveling. Arriving at 11 PM. Pretty late somehow. The entrance exam starts at 2 PM. From the airport to Totsuki is nearly 2 hours ride by the car.

Stepping out of his car, Alexander saw a bunch of students crying in front of the academy. it looks like just encountered a disaster.

"Go see what happened," Alex commanded his assistance making him go to the nearest kid and ask him. The kid liked he was pouring his heart out on Alex's assistance.

The assistance came back and informed Alexander " It seems they have had encountered Lady Erina inside as their examiner, they were forced to withdraw out of the exam."

Alex was surprised, he heard that Erina had become harsher and arrogant these days, he didn't believe at first but now, she seems to shut down anyone without any care. It looks like the news he got from Alice about Erina changing is true after all.

"Whatever, this is not our problem, I need to hurry and go inside. You lot can withdraw for now. go to the Director and ask for the permission of free movement inside the school." Alex left his men who got inside their cars and went in another direction.

He made his way inside searching for the examination hall. On his way he saw his brother Soma coming out, he probably was inside taking the exam.

"Soma..."Alex called for Soma who had his head low in the ground. Soma looked up at his brother

"Alex...What're you doing here??" Soma got surprised as he saw his brother. It was then he looked as if he figured something "AH!! can it be that you ...will study cooking here too!!!"Said Soma. This was the best, one of the things that made Soma hate this school is that he had to stay in a dorm making him get separate from his brother who he met just a few weeks ago. But it looks like he won't need to feel bad again...

"Yeah...I will be here for the next 3 years, Take care of me from now on." Alex smiled slightly expecting his brother to be happy. But Soma's face turned red from embarrassment. It just slipped out as he said Alex will be studying here 'too'

"I...didn't get accepted." Soma scratched the back of his head with dead eyes. He didn't even make it past the first exam. And he was shouting at his father that he will graduate.

"Eh!! Is there some kind of mistake? I've seen you cook and your skills can qualify you to enter Totsuki" Alex pinched his chin in a thinking position.

"It's not any of that...The examiner said "It's no good" she looked pissed somehow."

"Well, Don't worry for now. We will find a solution later. But first, let me catch up so I can take the exam." Alex passed by Soma and patted his shoulder briefly " Wait for me on that bench there." Alex then entered the Hall.

When he entered, no one was there, no one but one old man who was clutching some paper sheet. "Senzaemon-dono0" Alex called for the old man he hadn't seen for a long time.

The old man looked at the source of the voice and saw Alex, his eyes widened as he examined the youth in front of him "Alex..ander!" Senzaemon spoke Alex's name with confusion, The boy had changed too much since 7 years ago. It's as if the boy from there had disappeared and was replaced with a grown youthful man. If it wasn't of the familiar features of Alex's body Senzaemon wouldn't have known him at first glance at all.

"It's been a long time, Senzaemon-dono." Alex bowed a little for the old man. Senzaemon burst out laughing making his voice echo in the empty hall.

"I see, you have grown splendidly..."Senzaemon came near Alex and ruffled his Black-Red hair " Alice didn't lie when she said I would hardly be able to recognize you."

"I am unworthy of such words" Alex spoke with Polite tone toward this old man " But more importantly, Senzaemon-dono. Is it too late to take the exam now? As I see the hall is empty."

"Normally, yes. But for you, I am willing to make an exception."Senzaemon put his arms inside his Hakama and looked at the ingredient table "...The main theme was the egg, make me a dish that can prove that you're qualified to get in Totsuki." Said Senzaemon with a serious tone. He wants to see if the young chef from 7 years ago is still sharp or has his knife dulled over the years.

"Show me that young chef from 7 years ago"

Alex grinned as he took off his suit and rolled his sleeves up. he washed his hands carefully before touching anything.

As soon as Alexander heard the main theme of the dish he needs to make, He instantly thought of The Smoked egg dish. He brought out a smoker with wooden ch.i.p.s. He placed the eggs on top of the grill about 1 inch apart, After that he covered and smoked them for 2 hours until egg shells are golden brown.

As the eggs are being made. Alex didn't sit to watch. But he moved to make an apple juice for after the dish is served. The smoked egg is served with salt and pepper. It is better to have something to cool yourself with after you enjoy the dish to its max since the flavor lasts for some time.

Senzaemon didn't complain about the time period it takes to make this dish. He can already smell it's aroma in the hall making him wish for the time to pass quickly.

After that Alex transferred the eggs from the smoker to a large plate and cool. He peeled eggs and added the salt and pepper.

Alex put his dish on a shiny white and served it to Senzaemon ho was looking at his food with hungry eyes. It's time to eat. It's time to remember the young chef from 7 years ago

Senzaemon took the eggs and took a small bite. And that is all was needed. Senzaemon stripped his clothes with a fierce power " MAGNIFICENT!!! TRULY A DISH FORM A GREAT CHEF!!!"

He can see him!! In front of Senzaemon is that small boy from 7 years ago, he can see him cooking in the kitchen with a slight smile but enough to show his love for his work.

Senzaemon took the last bite as the memory from 7 years ago ended making him wish for it to last more.

"Food Was Served!" Alexander brought down his sleeves as a proud smile is forming on his face.

"Yes. Saiba Alexander. I, Nakiri Senzaemon welcomes you Totsuki's Academy...Find your path and walk down your destiny." Senzaemon's voice held an overbearing aura of leader, his words somehow triggered a little of Alex's sleeping and dormant d.e.s.i.r.es for greatness. Something Alex thought he doesn't need anymore. The old man is indeed an excellent leader to be able to awaken even a small feeling of ambition and d.e.s.i.r.e for the top.

"Of course, Senzaemon-Dono." He bowed a little for the old man out of respect.

Senzaemon nodded with a satisfied smile as he took the small bottle of apple juice that Alex made for him and left, but before that, he stopped and said " Before I forget. Tell your little brother, Yukihira Soma that he was accepted."

As Senzaemon left, Alexander picked up his suit and left the hall too. It's been 2 hours since came here and Soma must be pissed for making him wait 2 hours.

And so he was, Soma had a grumpy expression on his face but he didn't speak. Alex chuckled as he found his brother very cute. he missed up his hair a little before saying " Don't be like that. I got some great news for you."

"What? was I magically accepted after being rejected." Said Soma as he stood up to leave with his brother.

"Yes." That was all that Alexander said, he just said yes and started walking toward his car that is waiting for him in the front. Soma froze in his place as Alex's word entered his empty head.

"Are you serious!!!"Soma jumped from excitement. Like this, his journey had just started "Wait!! tell me more details.' Soma followed Alex who was just walking in front with a smile on his face.

Alex this time lived with Soma in the Yukihira household. They opened the shop, Alex didn't cook anything but only served the people as a waiter. He enjoyed the regulars of the Yukihira restaurant. A bunch of lively people that like to have fun.

And after a week, 2 letters came in the mail saying that they were accepted into Totsuki. The two know that their life will change soon.

And about 1 month after the entrance exam.

April.

[We'll proceed to give the award to the best of the year.]

An announcer was speaking into the microphone to a large number of people standing in front of a big stage as the Skura tree's petals fall down on the floor creating a beautiful scenery.

[Representive of the new first years. Nakiri Erina.] A name was called making everyone look at the beautiful blond girl with violet eyes walk up to the stage and receive the award. Some were fanboying over her while others just no minding her and thinking of her as a challenge they will be facing soon.

After that Senzaemon took up to the stage and spoke with the new students.

[Ladies and gentlemen. Congratulation on entering the high school section.] His voice caught all students attention as a leader's voice should be.

[On your three years in the middle school section, you've deepened your knowledge about the basics of food preparing and its ingredients. You went through all kind of class that are related to cooking]

[Now you are standing on the entrance of the high school section. Whatever you've learned in the past years will be put to test, not so to see if you still remember what you were taught. BUT to see if you have the guts to be a chef.]

Senzaemon's speech was getting more heated.

He raised his hand and pointed at the crowd of students. [99% of you are sacrificial stones In order to polish the remaining 1%] the students felt fear, he was pointing at them.

[out of 812 new first-year students from last year. The number who made it to the 2nd year is 76.] That was it, it was both an example and a warning. The strong-willed are feeling adrenaline going up while the weak-willed are already planning on giving up, those were not needed in Totsuki.

[You will be tested at all time and in any place. those who are deemed weak and unworthy will be cast away mercilessly. make sure that you will be one of the remaining 10% of the students

DEVOTE TO YOUR STUDIES!!] His speech has ended but the impact is still present on the new student's faces.

Erina who was standing beside her grandfather looked down at the students with pride and also sympathy look.

'Don't get too worked up. The top is for me. Nakiri Erina' she followed her grandfather to the back of the stage as reflected about her grandfather's words.

[And now to finish. We'll introduce the 2 students who were admitted to the high school section]

When Erina heard the announcement, she immediately Remembered Soma and how arrogant he was toward her. Just his memory irritates her. She is thinking that she won't meet her again, not realizing her own thoughts will come back to bite her as one of the new students took the mic.

[Eeeh...I have to express my intentions right? I am beaten. Do I really have to do this?] Erina looked back to see who this idiot that is talking. As soon as she saw him, her face changed real quick to a funny expression. It was that red hair from the entrance exam!! She thought

[Then I will keep it short. I'll say two or three things...] Soma took a deep breath before continuing

[Errm. I'm Yukihira Soma. Truth be told, I didn't expect I'll use all of you as stepping stones. I was admitted to this academy and I am not planning on losing to some bunch that has never stood in front of a client.] Soma's words made the crowd go silent, they were all shocked at his blunt ambition that they couldn't keep up with him.

[And now that I am here...I'll take the top] he finished his speech and got off the stage as he bowed to the crowd and walked off to the back of the stage. All students started insulting and shouting at Soma. Some even throw stuff at him.

Soma reached the backstage where he met with Erina.

[Please be quiet, there is still one more student.] The announcer made the crowd calm down as Alexander took the stage.

The new students looked at Alexander with furious eyes warning him not to say anything similar to Soma

Alex, of course, understood their meaning As he smiled and gave them an assuring laugh. Or that's how they saw it.

[Hello everyone. I am Saiba Alexander. I am the previous boy's Big brother. Don't worry, I am not here to say that I will take the top or that I will make you my stepping stones]

The crowed Kind of sighed in relief knowing that this big brother is not like his younger brother.

[In the end, there is no need for you to step on...I am already at the top. So, enjoy your little games while you can and pray you won't be my opponent] The crowd went into complete silent as Alex got off the stage and headed backstage too where he found Erina and Soma looking at him with funny expressions.

"Yo, Erina.." Alex greeted Erina.

Erina looked at Alexander and she too wanted to greet him after all those years. But his words from earlier keeps on playing inside her head. Her expression turned from funny and stunned to that of anger and determination.

"Saiba Alexander. It's good to see you again." Erina faced Alex directly making him surprised at her actions, she wasn't like this. Alice was right.

"Keep this in your mind, I Nakiri Erina. I will be on top" She pointed her index at Alex before storming off leaving the 2 brothers looking at her with 2 different expressions.

One is confused and the other is Stunned.