So this is going to be a series following the popular anime and manga: Food Wars! Shokugeki no Sōma. Our story will deviate from the established cannon after the Autumn Elections Arc so if you haven't gotten that far, SPOILERS. I am not an expert on cooking or anything food related so if I mess something up, I apologize. This story is a romance story, so Sōma will be shipped with ONE of the female leads from the series (if its not your ship, I am sorry) as well as other potential romantic subplots. I do not own any of the characters, names, or settings and any mentioned are used for creative writing purposes only. I do appreciate feedback so leave comments! Hope you like it.

Chapter 1: An interesting proposition

The crowd roared as Akira Hayama was declared the winner of the 43rd August Elections. All three entries were of supreme quality, and expertise but Akira's stood above the rest as it had personality and identity unmatched by the other two. Sōma stood in silence and disbelief. Normally he does well at accepting defeat, able to motivate himself and improve, but this time he just couldn't understand how he lost.

His whole life, he'd studied next to his father and learning everything he could about cooking. He learned techniques, he developed a passion for his craft and loved to exceed above and beyond expectations hoping to one day surpass his father. Yet his defeat in the finals, came because the judges said "Your dish lacks an identity as to who you are as chef, and is therefore not as impressive as the other two entries."

"What does that mean?" Sōma asked himself. Sōma had always been careful to think outside the box, and approach food with unique ideas and perspectives. This new insight, he just did not understand; how did his cooking not have an identity?

Akira Hayama approached Sōma, getting just close enough so that only he could hear what he was about to say. "Yukihira-Sōma, it seems everyone has underestimated your abilities. To be in the top three of the first year students of Totsuki academy, eclipsing renowned students of the professional chef community, that is something very few can achieve. Your skills are apparent, but your sudden rise to the top also exposes your biggest flaw; 'Who is Yukihira-Sōma?' Until you figure it out, you will never be an elite chef and now that your weakness has been exposed, those who are beneath you will exploit it. With no identity, how can you stay in an academy of prodigy chefs?"

With that bit of condescending advice Akira walked off. Sōma still stood blank among the shuffling and background noise as students were exiting the building. Ryō was emitting a dark aura, almost as if his world had just collapsed. Never had Ryō been so distraught over a loss, and Alice was close by doing her best to calm him.

Sōma felt a hand on his shoulder, it was Megumi who had a soft look of concern on her face as did the rest of the Polar Star Dorm residents.

"Sōma that was amazing! I can't believe your dish didn't win, it looked so yummy!" Yuki said in a cheery voice.

"Yeah Sōma, your dish blew away everyone's expectations, and even at a huge disadvantage you managed to prepare something that stumped the judges." Zenji said, trying to reassure him.

"Its very rare a transfer student makes it into this academy, let alone claims a spot in the top three among his peers; yet Sōma doesn't look pleased. Is everything okay?" Ryōko said.

"Sōma, is everything okay?" Megumi shyly said.

Yukihira managed to utter "I'm fine, I just need to go back to the dorm for a little while; I need to be alone." Yukihira walked towards the entrance, his sash in his hand dragging across the floor behind him. He looked up at the private box where Erina sat, and noticed she was gone, and instead an outline of a male there instead. Sōma couldn't recognize him, but still persisted on his way towards the door.

As Sōma walked towards the door, he noticed Nikumi was there. She had a slight look of empathy and was about to say something, but only bowed her head as Sōma passed by.

"Yukihira doesn't look so happy. I feel bad now." Megumi said in a sad tone.

"I know, we should go out to the market and get a bunch of ingredients and make Sōma some good food! That always cheers anyone up!" Yuki said passionately.

"Yeah, lets make Sōma feel better; although I have never seen him like that before. I wonder what why he is taking this defeat so badly." Ryōko said.

The rest of the Polar Star gang followed Yuki's lead as they walked out of the arena and headed towards the market.

Yukihira arrived at the dormitory, and opened the door to an empty house. The thought of what the judges has said still running through his head. He felt his stomach growl but was too gloomy to eat anything, so he decided to just head up to his room. On the way he passed by Fumio who had opened a fresh bottle of sake.

"Why so glum Yukihira?" Fumio said, as she took a sip of her drink.

"I don't want to talk about it, I'm not sure what to think right now." Sōma replied.

"Oh come now boy, have a sip of some sake at least; it'll make you fell better!" Fumio chuckled as she poured some sake into a small bowl for Yukihira.

"It's alright Fumio, i'll just be in my room. If the other come back, tell them i'm sleeping because i'm kind of tired." Sōma said, as he continued on to his room.

Fumio frowned, but took another sip of her sake and let Yukihira walk by. The rest of the Polar Star gang was on their way back from the market, ready to get started on a dinner to make for Sōma and the rest to celebrate the ending of the Autumn Elections. Ryōko managed to also grab a few bottles of sake to help everyone unwind, and hopefully Yukihira of course. As they were walking down the drive to the house, they saw Erina standing there at the door.

Puzzled, they all walked up together to figure out what she was doing there. She never came to the Polar Star dorm, so this was certainly an odd occurrence.

"Hello Erina! What brings you to the dorm? Is nobody around to open the door?" Satoshi asked.

"Hmph, I just wanted to stop by and deliver this envelop to Yukihira that details the results of the Autumn Elections, and confirms his new ranking amongst the first year students." She said sternly.

"Well did you knock? Why are you standing outside the door?" Yuki chuckled as she asked.

"Of course I knocked, and the old lady Fumio said Yukihira didn't want to be bothered and asked if I want sake, as if!" Erina snapped coldly.

"Yeah, Yukihira didn't look so well after the match. We're making dinner tonight, and we have tons of extras if you want to stick around. I'm sure Sōma will join us when its done! Nobody can resist Satoshi's bareback ribs!" Megumi said.

Erina thought about the offer, but neglected to inform them the real reason she was there; to ask Sōma if he had anymore manga editions she could have.

"Sure i'll stay, but not for long and i'll eat later at my own dormitory thank you." Erina replied, trying to hide her true intentions behind a firm answer.

"Hey guys!" A voice called out.

"Nikumi! What are you doing here?" Zenji asked.

"I brought some extra pork shoulders with me for Sōma, hopefully to cheer him up! He looked kind of gloomy." Do you guys know whats wrong with?" Nikumi said with a concerned look.

"Yukihira is just fine! He is probably just overwhelmed with the reality of his match in that he lost to a good chef." Erina said sharply.

"Oh my, well I see you guys have a lot of groceries; are you guys making food!?" Nikumi said, as she reserved her inner feeling to snap back at Erina.

"Yeah, we have lots! We are going to celebrate everyone's hard work during the Autumn Elections. You should join us!" Satoshi said with a grin.

"Alright i'm in!" Nikumi replied.

The group walked into the dorm, and started prepping the food for the night's feast. Erina sat in on a couch in the living room with her arms folded while the rest of the group worked in the kitchen. Satoshi had a few sips of sake and ended up in his apron with no clothes on. The aroma of the food was delicious. There was grilled tempura with a meat and potato stew, cucumber salad with miso soup and some fresh baked chicken udon noodles.

Sōma, meanwhile, was upstairs still brooding over his defeat in the arena. The room was mostly bare, and in the middle of the floor was his suitcase with all his belongings packed up. Sōma was preparing to leave as the words of judges continued to circle through his mind. His whole life he had wanted to prove himself to be a great chef, and modeled his cooking after his father's. Yet all of it seemed fleeting, as he tried to understand what it meant for food to have an identity. He then heard a knock at the door.

"Yukihira, can I come in?" Megumi said softly.

"Sure." Yukihira muttered.

Megumi walked in to see Sōma on his floor mat, staring at the ceiling. She also noticed his suitcase on the floor, packed and ready to go. She hesitantly stepped forward toward Yukihira, and then tried to think of what to say.

"Yukihira, remember what you told me when I lost to Ryō? That every good chef knows to take defeat, and learn from it. There is no shame in losing, as it is because we experience defeat we learn how to improve ourselves as chefs. Why are you so gloomy Sōma? You accomplished what nobody expected, and you know everyone here in the dormitory supports you!" Megumi stated.

Yukihira thought for a moment. He looked at Megumi, and saw her beautiful blue braids draped down her shoulder over her checkered flannel and yellow sun dress. Her face had a stern, but compassionate look and her yellow eyes beamed with confidence he hadn't seen before. Yukihira felt a slight arousal in his mind, but quickly brushed it off.

"I know Megumi, and you're right. I am not upset that I lost though, I am just unsure why I am here anymore. My food has no identity, and if cooking is a reflection of oneself, then it means I have no identity. I just don't know how to move on from this? How does one make an identity?" Sōma said, as he looked down in deep thought.

Megumi thought to herself and then said "Well, you just have to figure out what you want to be Yukihira! You are a really good cook, and I think you'll figure it out. I will even help you, but don't stay in here sulking; come downstairs and enjoy our party. Your friend will help you Yukihira, that's why we are all here. You help me, and the others so we will do our best to help you!"

Yukihira thought to himself, and then agreed that distancing himself from people wouldn't solve his problem. Plus the food did smell great. Megumi smiled as Yukihira got up, and the both headed downstairs. Yukihira noticed Erina in the living room sitting stubbornly on the couch with her arms folded across her chest. He wondered why she was there, but then headed for the table.

"Yukihira! Glad you could join us, the food is finished!" Nikumi smiled, as she waved over to him.

The group sat down and began to eat. The food was incredibly delicious and everyone was enjoying the meal. Erina sat at the table with her arms folded and barely engaged in any conversation. Yuki was being teased by Ryōko and Satoshi was still in his apron with no clothes on. Fumio was starting to act loopy as she finished off a bottle saké that was in her hands. While everyone was busy eating, Yukihira got up and walked outside to get some fresh air. Exiting behind him, Erina walked up next to him.

"I'm surprised to see you here Erina." Yukihira said.

"Had I known that there would be a dinner party, I would have dressed more appropriately." Erina said.

"What did you come here for?" Sōma asked.

"To tell you that you are tied with Ryō for second among the first year students and Totsuki academy." Erina stammered.

"You came all the way down here to tell me that?" Sōma said in lighthearted smile.

Erina blushed, and looked down. "Well, you also made a deal about giving me the manga volumes so I thought id collect them from you."

"Sure, I think I have some more." Yukihira started.

"Can you answer something for me though?" Yukihira asked.

"Why would you ask me? I have already made one concession to you." Erina said sternly.

"Well if you want more manga, then just answer my question." Yukihira replied.

Erina thought to herself. "Fine. In exchange you give me another collection, and that's all." Erina stated.

"What does it mean when your food has no identity?" Sōma asked.

"Hmmm... It was apparent to me when you first brought your eggs benedict before me. I could sense right away that your food has no identity. How do you think famous chefs, gain reputation? Gordon Ramsay, Emeril Legasse, Masaharu Morimoto; do you think its because they are good at cooking? No. People spend money and travel across the world to their restaurants because of what it means to eat their meals. They each have their own unique style which elevates superb cooking, to legendary. When they make food, you can tell it was prepared by them because their very essence is in the food. Your food Yukihira, has no essence. Those chefs cook with a purpose, a passion. Yours has no purpose or passion, and therefore it is not becoming of a great chef."

Yukihira looked at Erina as she spoke. He didn't never really gave it any thought, but she was very beautiful. As to be expected by someone of great class and sophistication. Her bust was very well proportioned, and even though she was just wearing a school uniform she was stunning. Her honey blonde hair and pink eyes always captured Sōma's attention, but her cold attitude stabbed at his vulnerability.

As Erina concluded her speech "There. You have my answer; I expect those manga to be delivered to me soon." She said sternly. As soon as she finished, a limousine arrived and the chauffeur exited to open the door. As she walked towards the limo, she turned around as said hastily "Bye Sōma, tell the others I said thank you for the invite." Erina quickly turned around, attempting to suppress her slight smile that proved she actually had a good time.

Yukihira watched as the limo drove off into the distance, and then began to look up at the stars. Again he let the words of the judges, Megumi and Erina circle through his head. He felt slightly better, but also slightly hopeless as he had no idea to put his essence into his cooking. He had always thought his essence was in his cooking, and that his time in his fathers diner naturally carried on with him. However, Erina is known for sharp palate and if she agrees with the judges then there can be no mistake, Yukihira's food doesn't have any essence.

As Yukihira sighed, he felt another presence approach him. He turned around and saw a tall darker skinned female with golden blonde hair. She had a white long sleeve button up shirt that was rolled up to expose her nice six pack. Also exposed was her american flag print bikini underneath, and a yellow checkered mini skirt. Around her neck was a leather choker, and her ocean blue eyes looked at Sōma.

"Yukihira, what are you doing out here?" Nikumi asked, as she had a bottle of half empty sake in her hand.

"Oh hey Nikumi, nothing. Erina wanted to ask me something, and then she left." Sōma stated, as he noticed Nikumi was slightly buzzed from the alcohol.

"Hey Sōma, take a sip of sake with me. A cheers for making it through the Autumn Elections." Nikumi said happily as she shoved the bottle in Sōma's face.

"Haha, no thanks Nikumi. I'm good." Sōma said, slightly embarrassed by the gesture.

"Oh come on Yukihira, just a small gulp." She nagged.

"Hey Nikumi can I ask you something?" Yukihira replied.

"Of course, but you got a take a swig of this sake before i'll answer." She answered, with a devilish grin.

"Alright." Sōma said, giving in reluctantly. He took a sip, and the burning sensation filled his throat. It was a little warm, but he quickly felt his nerves settle and his body warmed up. Sōma shook his head, to recover from the buzz as he puckered his face.

"Nikumi, has anyone ever told you that your food lacks identity? Essence?" Sōma asked.

"Hmm... Not really. My family is known for its pristine Grade A+ beef that sells extremely well. Especially in America. I guess many people would say American cuisine has no identity, but I went on a business trip with my father once to a cattle ranch in Texas and you could tell that food from Texas is uniquely "texas style" food. Just like in Japan, our food identity is imbued in the long history of our dishes, but each chef has their own spin on traditional food." Nikumi answered, as she took another swig of saké.

"I understand that part, but how do you put essence, identity into a food?" Sōma asked as he took the bottle from Nikumi and gulped another swig.

"Well, I'm not sure. It just happens. You can remake any dish that someone has prepared but it be the same as the person who created it, because its their own. I assume this has to do with your finals match?"

"Yeah, its something the judges said about my food which lost the match to Akira."

"Well Yukihira your food is amazing, and I love your cooking. You don't realize it because this atmosphere isn't something your accustomed to, but I think you should know; you have done what nobody could even imagine was possible. Yukihira, a transfer student whose only experience as a chef was working in a diner; rises above prodigical chefs to challenge Akira Hayama in a finals match in the Autumn Elections. To everyone here, you are a nobody that contested with a prodigy! A lot of students have been talking and you have inspired some our classmates to work harder, because they see Yukihira Sōma rise to that level and now they believe they can too. Everyone will be watching you now Sōma, who will you be?"

Nikumi's words were quite profound, and Sōma felt a small sense of relief. He had never really thought of how others percieve him, but if this was indeed true then Akira was also right. If Yukihira Sōma doesn't have an identity, then who will the others see when they see his dishes.

Nikumi was quite proud of her insight, but then lost her train of thought wondering where she got said wisdom. Yukihira looked at Nikumi again, and noticed how attractive she was as well. He could feel his inner emotions being unlocked as the buzz from the saké settled. Nikumi was beautiful as the moonlight was bright enough to see her full figure. Sōma's eyes then started to gravitate towards her chest which was still slightly exposed.

Quickly catching himself, he shook his head and urged him and Nikumi to go back inside or the others might get suspicious and spread unwarranted rumors. As they rejoined the party, everyone was feeling drunk as Fumio admitted that she mixed the tea with saké. Then they heard a loud knock at the door.

The group went silent as Fumio stumbled to the door, took a deep brwath and composed herself. As she opened the door, a figure of an average sized man stood in the doorway. He had tan skin, with dark brown hair and milky brown eyes. He had a shaved beard, and a white shirt with blue jeans and large belt with a longhorn buckle.

"Damian!" Satoshi shouted across the room as he boticed who the man was.

"Can I help you young man?" Fumio asked.

"I am Damian Thomas, senior at Totsuki academy and elite member number three." Damian said.

The group wowed in astonishment as they wondered what a senior student was doing at Polar Star at this hour, nonetheless an Elite ten member.

"Yes I have come here to speak with Yukihira Sōma!" Damian began.

"Yukihira Sōma, I observed your match at the Autumn Elections and I was impressed with your skill. This is why I officially challenge you to a Shokugeki!"

And there you have it. Chapter 1 of this story. I know I didn't describe the food all that well but as I mentioned, i'm not a food expert at all. However, I think this chapter really sets the stage for my intentions with the story. If you like it, make sure to leave a comment or follow as I will be updating it quite regularly, I can't say how many chapters there will be but it won't be a long one. Thanks for reading!