The strongest anime shop owner

"I must do everything in my power to win!"

As Kawashima Rei finished speaking, the crowd erupted in excitement, with all the selected individuals displaying great enthusiasm.

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Chapter 158 Communication

"Heh, is this your method? It doesn't seem very impressive, but it's still quite clever." Hearing these words, Su Luo understood that this seemed to be aimed at everyone, but it was specifically targeting Su Luo and Soma. However, Su Luo didn't understand why it was any different from nothing if it was only this. But it was still clever, as it could ignite the expectations and enthusiasm of the selected participants for the grand event while targeting them. They were full of energy. It has to be said that Eizan Etsu truly lived up to his reputation as a highly intelligent rogue.

Meanwhile, at the window of the corridor in a house next to the square, Erina Nakiri was watching the heated scene below and said, "Congratulations on being selected, but given your level, being selected was inevitable."

"Yes! I will definitely produce excellent results and live up to my status as a confidante of Ms. Nakiri Erina!" As she said this, Hisako seemed to remember something, patted her chest, and said with great confidence, "And... please rest assured! I'll take care of those two transfer students!"

After hearing Hisako's words, Erina Nakiri suddenly remembered her conversation with Soma: "Anyway, you won't be chosen to participate in that selection." "Didn't I say that someone like you definitely wouldn't be chosen?" As for Su Luo's words, he completely ignored her without saying a word. Thinking of this, Erina Nakiri immediately leaned against the windowsill, and it was impossible to see what kind of expression she had.

"Ah... I'm so sorry, it's all my fault for being so talkative..." Seeing Erina Nakiri's expression, Hisako knew she had said the wrong thing and immediately apologized.

However, Erina Nakiri's mind was elsewhere. As if she hadn't heard Hisako's words, she was thinking to herself, "You two transfer students, don't get too cocky. I, Erina Nakiri, am far superior to you!"

"Isn't Nakiri participating in the selection?" On the other side, Su Luo and the others were gathered there. Soma saw that Nakiri Erina was not on the list, so he asked curiously.

"Hey Soma, you don't know anything, do you?! Erina Nakiri is one of the Elite Ten, and the academy's management is basically decided by them. That means this autumn selection is also an event, and she'll naturally be one of the organizers. So, it's impossible for her to participate." Looking at Soma's clueless face, Su Luo put on a half-serious expression, her eyes seemingly saying, "Let me enlighten you." But seriously, Su Luo-kun, it seems you don't know anything else besides this. How dare you criticize others?

“Yes, in that case, my duel with Erina will have to be postponed again…” After hearing Su Luo’s words, Alice Nakiri, who was sitting on the bench, took over the conversation and said with some regret.

"Wow, amazing... Look over there..." The man with split ends pointed to the list of participants for the Autumn Selection Competition and said.

“Yeah…those are the people selected to participate in the fall selection…hmm?” Another man next to him agreed, but as he was remarking, he suddenly noticed a name—Tadokoro Megumi—and felt as if he had seen a ghost. He said, “Why was that loser chosen?”

"Whether it's competitions or practical skills, I outperform her...?"

"What's going on? This is so strange!"

Just as Tian was worrying about the autumn selection tournament, the two looked over here, making sarcastic remarks.

"Shut up!" Just as they were mocking Tadokoro Megumi, a voice suddenly came over. As the voice came, the owner of the voice walked over and said, "What a bunch of despicable people... all they do is point fingers behind people's backs. Listen to me! The selection of members is not only based on their grades, but also on their personality as chefs and their future potential, among other factors."

As she walked in, her appearance became clear. She was a short-haired girl, but her aura was no less than that of any man. She was Hojo Miyoko from Group B.

“A guy who’s satisfied with getting good grades on an exam has no chance of being selected from the start…” As she said this, Miyoko Hojo stomped her foot hard on the ground, leaving a super deep footprint that stunned the two men.

“···Um···Thank you···” Seeing that someone had stood up for her, Tadokoro immediately thanked them, after all, it was basic etiquette, especially for a gentle woman like Tadokoro.

"Tadokoro Megumi... right? Me... ..." As she said this, Hojo Miyoko slammed her hand against the wall behind Tadokoro, giving her a "wall slam," and said, "But I'm really interested in you..."

"Ah... Miss Erina... You are so beautiful today... I truly hope that your noble, bright eyes... and words... can freely despise and insult me..." On a tree branch, Nao Satsuka of Team B sat watching Erina Nakiri walk down the corridor through binoculars, her eyes filled with adoration. But when she saw Hisako through the binoculars, her face contorted into a grotesque expression, and she let out a chilling laugh: "Ahhh... How hateful... That woman... It's clearly me who deserves Miss Erina more...! If I just get rid of that annoying woman, Miss Erina will notice me... notice my love for her... Hehehe... Hehehehehehe..."

"Chief of Security! Um..." Right under this tree, a young guard, seeing this situation, seemed to want to say something to the guard walking ahead.

The guard in front, however, looked quite annoyed and said, clearly used to this kind of situation: "Just pretend you didn't see anything..."

Not far from the bulletin board, a man with wheat-colored skin and silver hair tied back took out a spice from his bag and smelled it.

"It's almost time to announce the list of selected members... Marui-!" In a research club filled with books, an elderly man wearing glasses said to Marui, who was sitting in a chair flipping through a book.

"Soma-kun, do you remember... what I said to you after we finished 200 copies?" At this moment, Nakiri Airi obviously noticed Soma and said to him.

"I remember." Soma recalled what Alice Nakiri had said back then: 'I look forward to the day when I can defeat you all directly.'

"That's good." Alice Nakiri nodded after seeing that Soma understood, then looked at Su Luo and said, "Although I know what you did in the end to surpass me all at once, I will definitely not lose to you if we meet again."

Su Luo found Nakiri Alice's words utterly baffling, thinking that she hadn't done anything to offend her. Women really are unpredictable creatures.

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Chapter 159 Father and Son!? Brothers!?

“Did you know? Almost all of this generation’s Elite Ten have experience participating in the selection [official tournament], which means that the next generation of Elite Ten will be born from these people…” As she said this, Alice Nakiri stood up and said, “…Of course, if we don’t win here, there will be no future.”

"I wish the day could come when you, me, and Erina could compete together for a spot in the Elite Ten." After saying this, Alice Nakiri turned and left.

While they were talking, Mrs. Fumio in the Polaris dormitory had already started sweeping the floor. A smile appeared on her aged face as she hummed a song and mopped the floor, muttering, "The Golden Age is back! We have to celebrate early tonight..."

Just as Mrs. Fumio was working hard, there was a knock on the door.

"If you're coming back, you should at least call ahead!" Mrs. Fumio sighed as the door opened, then smiled and said, "You haven't changed at all, still so clueless."

“Mrs. Fumio, you haven’t changed at all… well… it just so happens that I’m in this area…” The person was clearly unwilling to admit it, but still said, “I’m back.”

This person was none other than Yukihira Joichiro, Su Luo and Soma's father.

And so, the results of the autumn selection competition were announced, and the holiday officially began. Although it was a holiday, the selected participants didn't have time to relax, as the big stage in September was waiting for them. Therefore, they would use this holiday to hone their skills, hoping to perform at their best on this stage. Everyone was prepared to give it their all.

Polaris Dormitory -

"Everyone! Welcome back!" Miss Fumio said... "Today, we're having an early celebration party. Come on, everyone, let's go to the restaurant!" After Su Luo and the others returned to Polaris, Isshiki came out and greeted everyone with a smile.

Upon hearing Isshiki's words, Yoshino Yuuki and the others immediately cheered.

"Isshiki-senpai! What kind of person is that... Eizan-senpai from the Elite Ten?" As they entered, Soma suddenly remembered something and asked Isshiki.

"...Eizan-kun?" Upon hearing Soma's question, Isshiki stroked his chin and, after thinking for a moment, said, "He's a delinquent."

"So you're a delinquent?" Soma was clearly surprised by this answer.

"He was a well-known fighter in junior high school, recruiting his defeated opponents and constantly increasing his followers. By the time he entered high school, he had already built a huge force. But his methods are very steady and solid... You could say he's an intelligent thug, and he will never forgive anyone who disobeys him..." After a pause, Isshiki held up a finger and explained seriously.

"Is that all there is to him? If that's all there is to him, then what he said before was a bit too arrogant, wasn't it?" Su Luo silently followed behind them, listening to Ise's explanation, but she didn't agree with it. After all, even the current situation was probably just a facade. As for who was behind it all, Su Luo had some guesses, but she didn't know if they were right, since Food Wars! hadn't finished when she transmigrated here.

"...But why did you suddenly ask about him?" Isshiki would naturally ask this question when Soma mentioned Eizan Etsuya.

"Ah! What's the big deal?" Clearly, Soma was just curious about Eizan Etsuya's situation and asked casually. After all, Etsuya had come to him before, and although he got this result, he wouldn't care about it given his personality.

"Wow! What a huge banner!" As everyone entered the hall, a long banner appeared before their eyes.

"Is Mrs. Fumio in the kitchen?" Seeing that there was no one in the living room, Isshiki assumed that Mrs. Fumio would be in the kitchen, since the celebration was about to begin and there would naturally be plenty of food.

Soma was the first to enter. As soon as he entered the kitchen, he saw a familiar figure cooking. It was Joichiro Yukihira. However, before Soma could react, Joichiro turned his head and said, "Oh! Soma! You're back. Come and help."

"Okay! Got it." Soma replied casually, clearly not quite understanding yet.

“Help me take care of these things; I’ve already made the broth,” Yukihira Joichiro continued.

"Oh." After Soma responded, he realized something was wrong and immediately pointed at Yukihira Joichiro, shouting, "Wait a minute! I couldn't help but help out like I was back home! But what are you doing here?"

"What? You two know each other?" Mrs. Wenxu, who was standing next to them, couldn't help but ask, seeing their reactions.

"Who...is this?" Tadokoro Megumi was clearly also curious about Yukihira Joichiro, so she asked.

“She’s an alumna of Totsuki Academy… Polaris Dormitory,” Mrs. Fumio explained, looking at Tadokoro.

"An alumnus of Totsuki Academy?" Upon hearing this, Soma was completely bewildered, clearly unaware of this matter at all.

"There's really a generation gap... They don't even know who Saiba Joichiro, the second seat of the Elite Ten, is." Seeing their puzzled looks, Mrs. Fumio didn't know what to say, so she sighed and explained.

"(Originally) the second seat of the Ten Heroes?" Everyone was clearly surprised by this result.

"Ah! The rice is almost cooked, Soma." Just then, Joichiro Yukihira turned around and said to Soma.

"Shut up! Explain this to me first, Dad!" Soma really didn't understand these things, so he couldn't help but yell.

"Father and son!?" After Soma said this, his friends were all stunned.

"Hey! Dad, long time no see. I wonder how your journey has been?" Just then, Su Luo's voice came from behind.

"Huh? Father and son!? Brothers!?" Everyone looked at Yukihira Joichiro, Soma, and Su Luo upon seeing Su Luo's words, their minds suddenly blank. What was going on here?

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Chapter 160 [Joichiro. Saiha]

"Sōma, why didn't you say that Su Luo was your brother? Also, isn't Su Luo Chinese? Could he be adopted by your family?" Everyone was surprised to see this. Sōma and Su Luo were brothers, but they couldn't tell, since they didn't look alike at all.

"You're the ones who were adopted." Before Soma could answer, Su Luo got annoyed.

"Oh, isn't that right?"

Seeing Su Luo's angry expression, Soma stepped forward to explain, "It's really not like that. The reason I didn't admit it before was because Xiao Luoluo wouldn't let me say it. If I didn't... I'd be in big trouble. As for anything about Chinese people, I really don't know anything about that."

"Oh my! So you really are here. I was worried about you not liking cooking before. But you've never studied cooking before. How did you get into Totsuki Culinary Academy? I heard from Dojima that your cooking skills have reached a certain level." While Soma and the others were talking, Yukihira Joichiro looked at Su Luo who had appeared. Although he wasn't surprised, he was still a little surprised, but he asked her this question.

"What!?" The group was stunned by what Yukihira Joichiro said. If that were true, it would mean that Su Luo had only been learning cooking for about half a year. The thought of this was a huge blow to everyone, and they didn't know what to say. They had already suffered enough shocks today.

"It's nothing, I just came because I was bored. If you guys hadn't abandoned me, do you think I would have done this?" Su Luo said with her arms crossed, dissatisfied.

"Ah... there's nothing we can do about it, and didn't you say you had things to do?" Yukihira Joichiro clearly didn't feel any remorse and said casually.

After hearing this, Su Luoshi was speechless. If you believe this, your son is only 7 years old. Aren't you afraid he will be kidnapped? Having a father like this is really worrying. I'm glad I'm still alive.

However, everyone thought the same thing. They were really glad that Su Luo was able to grow up so big. Compared to Su Luo, Yukihira Joichiro and Soma's personalities were exactly the same.

"Let's not talk about that. Aren't you always traveling? What brings you here today?" Su Luo asked Yukihira Joichiro.

"It's nothing, I was just passing by, so I thought I'd take a look," Yukihira Joichiro said casually.

"Are you kidding me?" Su Luo obviously didn't believe her father's far-fetched reason, but she didn't say anything more.

"I heard your cooking skills are already quite good. I wonder if you can..." Yukihira Joichiro was quite curious about Su Luo's cooking skills. Although Su Luo was his son, he realized that he didn't really know much about his son. However, no matter what, he was still his son. Nevertheless, he was still curious about Su Luo's cooking skills and wondered what level he had reached, so he wanted to ask.

"No!" Before Yukihira Joichiro could finish speaking, Su Luo decisively refused.

"Then is it possible...?" Seeing Su Luo's determined look, how could Yukihira Joichiro possibly give up? So he asked again.

"No way!" Su Luo didn't care what Yukihira Joichiro was going to say and directly refused, saying, "I don't want to deal with a man like you who is irresponsible and doesn't care about our lives (okay, although she was referring to Soma).

click!

Upon hearing this, Joichiro Yukihira was immediately petrified.

"So Dad was an alumnus of Totsuki Academy, and even came from the Polaris Dormitory... and he was one of the Elite Ten..." After the dishes were almost finished, everyone gathered in the hall. Soma sat in a chair, stroking his chin, and said this, but when he got to this point, it seemed that this matter was really hard for him to accept: "It's really... hard to accept all at once..."

"Oh... Soma is actually wavering, which is rare for him..." Yoshino Yuuki said, seeing that Soma, who is usually very calm and composed, had such an expression.

“I must say… he truly lives up to his reputation as Soshin-kun’s father,” Sakaki Ryoko said.

"【Joichiro Saiba】..." At this moment, Isshiki walked towards Joichiro Yukihira, wanting to say something.

However, before Isshiki could say anything, Yukihira Joichiro, seeing that Isshiki seemed to know him, said, "Oh... have you heard of me?"

"Yes...because I've seen your name in past files." As one of the Elite Ten, Isshiki knew a fair bit about Totsuki Culinary Academy. Moreover, Yukihira Joichiro was once a "wandering chef" who showcased his culinary skills in famous restaurants worldwide; his name was featured in almost every magazine. But one day, he suddenly vanished without a trace from the forefront of the industry—a legendary figure known only to insiders...

As someone who is constantly striving to advance in the culinary world, Isshiki naturally knew Yukihira Joichiro. He walked over, extended his hand, and introduced himself, which was a kind of courtesy to his senior: "I am the current seventh seat of the Elite Ten, Isshiki Satoshi. It is an honor to meet you, Chef Saiba."

"Ah... my surname is now Yukihira, you can just call me Joichiro." Yukihira Joichiro was naturally very welcoming to the person who came to greet him, so he extended his hand, shook hands with Isshiki, and said.

"He didn't even flinch at seeing Isshiki's outfit." Ryoko Sakaki remarked, watching Joichiro Yukihira greet Isshiki so calmly. After all, any normal person would be suspicious of Isshiki's appearance and would think he was a pervert.

"Truly worthy of being the second seat of the Elite Ten..." Seeing this situation, Yoshino Yuuki was at a loss for words, only managing to utter this one sentence. Then she turned to Soma and asked, "Soma! You had no idea?"