Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma (2015–…): Season 1, Episode 19 - The Chosen One - full transcript
The names of the students who'll participate in the Autumn Elections are posted in Totsuki Academy as the 1st semester draws to a close. Those on the list are given a special assigned topic where they have to make a curry dish.
Objection!
SOMA YUKIHIRA
We can't put this student
into the Selection.
This judgment should be reviewed.
His behavior is completely unacceptable
for a time-honored tribute
to fine cuisine.
ERINA NAKIRI
NO. 10 SEAT ON THE TEN, 1ST-YEAR
Nakiri-kun...
Your opinions when it comes
to cooking are generally correct.
But for some reason,
when it comes to Soma-kun,
it seems like you lose
your sense of reason.
SATOSHI ISSHIKI
NO. 7 SEAT ON THE TEN, 2ND-YEAR
Did something happen between you two?
On a personal level?
N-- Not at all!
I simply don't feel that he's qualified!
Isshiki-san, could it be you're giving
favorable treatment
to the underclassmen in your dorm?
No, not at all.
Soma Yukihira...
ETSUYA EIZAN
NO. 9 SEAT ON THE TEN, 2ND-YEAR
He's an interesting little bastard.
I back his choice.
True, he's accomplished
little here at school.
And his entry into Tohtsuki
was rather superficial.
Lookin' forward to the next three years!
But at the training camp,
he showed great ingenuity at the 11th hour
and cleared the 200 servings.
He received high praise
even on the first day's challenge.
COMMENTS
IT WAS DELICIOUS. HINAKO
Wouldn't such an unconventional student
invigorate our festival that much more?
Why you're dissatisfied with this
is beyond me.
No objection, then?
Very well, the decision is final.
Hey, hurry!
They're gonna post the announcements!
THE CHOSEN ONE
Yes!
Aw, dammit!
These are the contestants
who will be in the Fall Selection.
SHUN IBUSAKI
SOMA YUKIHIRA
RYOKO SAKAKI
YUKI YOSHINO
Yes!
MEGUMI TADOKORO
-Wh-- What should I do?
-Yuki, that hurts!
-Hey!
-It's not a dream!
Did you three get chosen, too?
Soma-kun!
That's awesome, huh?
It seems that, even before a Food War,
I've been given the chance
to battle you directly, Yukihira!
Oh, Nikumi!
Did you get chosen, too?
Y-- Yeah.
You too, Yukihira?
Oh, and good luck to you, Takumi.
D-- D-- Don't say it
like it's an afterthought!
Quit laughing, Isami!
IKUMI MITO
ISAMI ALDINI, TAKUMI ALDINI
ALICE NAKIRI
Well, it's only natural.
Um...
Ah, there's my name.
Well, of course!
If you hadn't been chosen,
you'd be an embarrassment as my aide.
And I forbid you to get eliminated
in the preliminary round.
It's all right.
I'm prepared to fight to win,
even if I have to go up against you.
HMPH!
What's with that face?
SMACK SMACK
What the heck?
That's not very respectful
towards me, is it?
But I'm always respectful.
More! Respect me more!
You need to be more
like Erina's secretary!
Hey, it's Erina's cousin.
Oh, my, Soma Yukihira-kun.
I hope you're well.
Hey, it looks like Yukihira is getting
to know more and more famous people.
He's made friends with them already?
Oh, yeah, I have to tell Fumio-san!
It's the second Golden Age.
That will make her happy, huh?
Everyone!
Good afternoon!
I'll be acting as emcee
for the Fall Selection.
I'm Urara Kawashima!
Cutesy!
Urara-chan!
Grr!
Congratulations to those of you
who made the cut!
As a quick look
at the signboard will show,
the sixty of you who were chosen
are split into blocks A and B.
A BLOCK PRELIMINARIES
30 CONTESTANTS
Each block will have their own round
of preliminaries, first A and then B.
The top contestants from each block
will earn the right to move on
and compete in the actual tournament!
Um...
And now, a message from Eizan-senpai,
who's on the action committee.
"The Selection
will be attended by several VIPs
and leading authorities
of the culinary world.
This is an excellent chance
to show off your skills.
However..."
...if you present an inferior dish,
any future plans of advancing
as a chef will be crushed on the spot.
"And so, for the rest
of your summer vacation..."
Work. Hard.
And that's all!
We gotta do this!
I'm gonna friggin' make it
to the final tournament!
Right!
Congratulations on making the Selection.
But with your skills, it was only natural.
Ma'am!
As your aide, I'll make sure
my performance won't bring you shame.
Also, please rest easy!
I will punish that Soma Yukihira!
Ah, I'm so sorry!
I spoke out of turn!
Go ahead, keep floundering
on the razor's edge.
I'm sure you won't be picked
to be a member of the Selection.
"Selection"?
I'm telling you, there's no way
they'll choose you for it!
Don't get too cocky, Yukihira-kun.
Erina Nakiri is by far your superior.
Nakiri won't be in the Selection?
That's right.
The Council of Ten
oversees the Fall Selection every year.
So Erina
is on the administrative end of things.
SMACK SMACK
Jeez, it will be a while
before I can battle Erina, huh?
Sure enough...
the other members are super elite.
I really get the feeling I don't belong!
How come we didn't make it,
but that loser chick did?
My skills and my class ranking
are both higher than hers.
It don't make sense!
Yeah, what the heck?
Shut up!
You're a pair of idiots.
Listen up!
Selection isn't made
based on grades alone.
Candidates are judged on all aspects,
from their character
to their future prospects as a chef.
Anyone who's content
just getting good scores on their tests
has no business being chosen!
Look at that impression!
U-- Um, thank you!
Uh...
I'm Miyoko Hojo.
You're Megumi Tadokoro, right?
You've piqued my interest.
Chef Kojiro Shinomiya made his name
as a former member
of the Tohtsuki Council of Ten.
FORMER MEMBER OF THE TEN
SEAT NO. 1
Are the rumors true that
you challenged him to a Food War?
What's more, they say it was a draw.
Um, it wasn't really a draw...
Don't tell me...
you won?
N-- No, it was--
What? Spit it out!
It was So... Soma-kun.
It was all thanks to Soma-kun.
I'm no good on my own, so...
Soma Yukihira, that transfer student, huh?
Oh, jeez.
So in the end, you were just
saved by some man, huh?
Sorry for the bother.
I misjudged you.
Did you know, Yukihira-kun?
Most of the current members of the Ten
have fought in the Selection's final bout.
Put simply,
one of us will go on
to be the next member of the Ten.
ALICE NAKIRI
B BLOCK
RYOKO SAKAKI, A BLOCK
YUKI YOSHINO, B BLOCK
SHUN IBUSAKI
A BLOCK
TAKUMI ALDINI, B BLOCK
ISAMI ALDINI, B BLOCK
IKUMI MITO
A BLOCK
MIYOKO HOJO
B BLOCK
MEGUMI TADOKORO
B BLOCK
Ah, Erina-sama...
You're as beautiful as always.
With that haughty gaze...
with your words...
I want you to scorn me!
That bitch!
I hate you!
I am far more suited for Erina-sama!
NAO SADATSUKA
B BLOCK
HISAKO ARATO
B BLOCK
The members have been
announced by now, I'm sure.
Yes!
Marui-kun...
ZENJI MARUI
A BLOCK
Of course,
the point is moot unless one wins here.
I hope the day comes when you, Erina,
and I can battle it out for the Ten.
RYO KUROKIBA
A BLOCK
CINNAMON STICKS
There's a stain on the floor
from when a pot of stew got spilled.
That was my room.
Don't go losing to anyone
till the next time you've lost to me.
I will crush you.
Gets the heart pounding, huh?
Bring it.
My, such a refreshing morning, isn't it?
It's perfect for the first day
of summer vacation.
Hey!
Look at this! Look!
It's here.
It's from the Fall Selection Office.
Whoa! Well, let's open it up!
THEME CURRY
Curry...
THEME CURRY CUISINE
Cuisine?
So then, we could just
make curry and rice?
Well, it said "cuisine,"
so it doesn't have to be
limited just to that, right?
In other words, some sort
of dish that uses curry...
is what I'm guessing.
Yeah! Right, Isshiki-senpai?
Well, who can say?
-Hey, don't dodge the question!
-Curry...
That covers way too much ground.
It doesn't even give us a starting point.
What was that?
This place...
Kyokusei Dorm...
What was it like for you?
It was fun.
Everyone brushing up their cooking skills,
in whatever way they liked.
Yeah, there was one of us
who made nothing but curry.
Huh?
The name was Shiomi.
Went on to become a teacher
at Tohtsuki, last I heard.
If you cross paths,
be sure to drop my name.
I looked out for Shiomi
a lot back in the day.
I'm sure you'll be treated well.
So, that's what my dad told me.
Wow!
It looks like that's the place.
It's a lot more rundown than I expected.
He might be even scarier
than Mr. Chapelle!
Excuse me!
Shiomi, Shiomi...
SHIOMI SEMINAR ROOM
Excuse us.
Huh? No one's here?
GRIND GRIND
Holy cow!
Um...
Visitors!
Um, um, I'm sorry!
I'll put some tea on right away!
-She's so short.
-I'm sorry!
-She a middle school student?
-I'm really very sorry for not noticing!
No, we're sorry.
Please don't trouble yourself.
I'm sorry for always being so inattentive.
NEVER-ENDING LOOP
It's our fault for suddenly intruding.
No, it's perfectly all right.
I'm terribly sorry.
-I'm sorry.
-My apologies.
They're apologizing for making
the other person apologize...
Um, where's this classroom's teacher?
If you could please tell him
that Joichiro Saiba's son is--
PUNCH 1
PUNCH 2
PUNCH 3
Joichiro Saiba's son?
Get out, immediately!
Huh?
Um, he's unconscious right now,
so I don't think he can.
I...
I don't want to remember
Saiba-senpai at all!
JUN SHIOMI, TEACHER, TOHTSUKI ACADEMY
& FORMER KYOKUSEI DORM RESIDENT
Hey, Jun.
I bought that stuff you asked for.
Sorry for the bother!
Hey, are you taking good shots?
Look for the best angle!
You're beautiful from whichever angle.
Yes, I know that!
Aah...
I look forward to staying
here with you all.
JUN SHIOMI
1ST-YEAR, MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION
I-- I'm Jun Shiomi.
Welcome to Kyokusei Dorm.
I heard you cleared Fumio-san's
entrance exam on your first try.
GIN DOJIMA
2ND-YEAR, HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
You seem very promising.
Th-- Thank you very much!
Mornin'.
Joichiro!
Hurry and get into your uniform!
JOICHIRO SAIBA
2ND-YEAR, HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
Ah, a newbie, huh?
Hey there, welcome.
Wanna try some of my new dishes?
Y-- Yes, by all means!
I was the youngest resident
at Kyokusei at the time.
And that's how Saiba-senpai
used me as his guinea pig,
utterly tormenting me
at every opportunity.
Then, he inflicted a wound on my heart
that will never heal.
JUN SHIOMI
CURRENTLY 34 YEARS OLD
Hold on! You look exactly the same
as you did in that flashback!
I'M OFTEN TOLD, "YOU'RE SO YOUNG."
Ah, because I've been
eating spices for a long time.
Many of them aid in beauty enhancement.
That's your explanation?
So, my dad sure did some cruel things
to his underclassman, huh?
-Stare.
-Right, Tadokoro?
Um, well, we're residents at Kyokusei,
and we thought you could
tell us about curry.
Yes, that's right.
-The theme of the Fall Selection is--
-Hmph!
I'll talk, but only to that girl there.
H-- Hmph!
I have nothing to say to either
Saiba-senpai or his relatives.
Sorry.
We finally get visitors,
but then you get the cold shoulder.
I'm Hayama, a 1st-year
in high school like you.
AKIRA HAYAMA
1ST-YEAR, HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
I act as assistant here.
Usually, you can't take special seminars
till your second year.
Well...
The thing is, she needs me.
Messing with spices is pretty much
the only thing this girl can do.
Right, Jun?
Don't call me Jun!
It's "Professor Shiomi," right?
You're my helper, Hayama-kun,
so you need to show the proper respect--
Jun...
It's your turn to water the plants.
You forgot.
Flinch!
So I did it for you.
Okay, I'm sorry.
You forgot last week too,
and almost killed an important spice.
Yes, that was my fault.
And who was it that entertained
the visitors you stood up last month?
You, Hayama-kun.
She's gotten even smaller...
Soma-kun, look.
Wow, that's an awesome
collection of spices.
This totally smells like curry!
It's a spice called karipatta.
It's also called the curry leaf.
Huh? These are raw curry leaves?
You know about these, Tadokoro?
Yes.
As seedlings,
they can't handle cold weather
and will wither before the winter's over.
That's why dried leaves
are the most common here in Japan.
It's almost impossible to get them raw.
That's one of the themes
of Jun's research.
Finding a way to safely cultivate spices
from tropical areas here in Japan.
She's found a freezing method
to preserve them for long periods of time,
and has come up with several
new flavor components.
You're a lot more awesome
than you look, Sensei!
I-- I'm not happy being praised
by the likes of you.
But you've got the idea.
That's just how much potential
spices hide within them.
After all, spices are...
Fragrance, heat, color...
They influence all three of these!
Combining them produces
a synergistic effect.
But the more varieties included, the more
their individual qualities are lessened!
If combined haphazardly,
it produces a muddled flavor.
The limit is approximately 20 varieties.
Also, fats and oils are essential
for drawing out a spice's flavors.
Now we're getting
a full-blown lecture, huh?
Also, the fats or oils will taste
their best when in an emulsified state...
When she gets like this,
she'll go on for a while.
I think it'd be faster for you
to try for yourselves.
Eat some.
I'll show you the true depth of spice.
COOKING ROOM
Here's your first dish.
It's a chicken Kolivartha curry.
It's a signature dish from southern India.
It uses some of that curry leaf
from before for fragrance.
This looks super delicious!
What the heck?
First, the strong scent of the curry leaf
shoots through the nose,
and then right behind that
comes a light, delicious heat of peppers
and onions that spreads on the tongue!
That intensity is the raw leaf.
Raw leaves give off ten times
more fragrance than dried ones.
Okay, now for the next dish.
This is a Goan fish curry using white fish
like swordfish and salmon.
Huh? Another curry?
The other ingredients
and spices are exactly the same.
But try comparing the two.
The second dish is even more delicious?
Yes.
For that one, I pan-fried
the red pepper and coriander.
In other words, I used roasted spices.
That's enough to make
that big a difference?
Now I totally get
what the teacher was saying.
If your dish hinges on pan-roasted spices,
BALANCE
it will blend all the ingredients'
flavors together perfectly.
And finally, there's this.
It looks like the same Kolivartha
curry we ate first, but...
Yeah, it's completely different!
The aroma of the curry leaf
is way more intense than before!
The level of heat that spreads
on the tongue is totally different!
The flavor is much, much more pronounced!
I didn't add a single ingredient
to this one, either.
But instead of soup stock...
I just simmered it in water.
Water?
It's like Jun said earlier:
if too many kinds of flavors are mixed,
they lose their individual impact.
This is the opposite.
By deliberately removing
the flavor of the stock,
it creates a curry where
the spices' impact is actually heightened.
Normally, that would weaken
the flavor of a dish, and yet...
And yet, there's no denying
the levels of fragrance this has reached!
It's like I've been pierced
through the heart!
To think, slightly
changing the way spices are used
could change a dish so dramatically!
This guy...
The whole time he was cooking...
he didn't look inside the pot once.
The fennel has started to smell fragrant.
It will be done cooking
in another five seconds.
It will be another 40 seconds till
the flavor of the coconut paste blends in.
He could tell the state of his dish
just by the smell of the spices
and ingredients coming from the pot!
What did I tell you?
That girl needs me.
-I take the theories Jun comes up with...
-Huh? Everyone's gone!
...and refine them in actual dishes.
That is my role here.
A theoretical scientist
and a hands-on chef!
Honestly, I got a good laugh
when I heard the theme
of the Selection's preliminaries.
"Curry cuisine," of all things.
You're in the Fall Selection, too?
I'll be in A Block with you,
Soma Yukihira.
Huh? Did I tell you my name?
Oh, come on, everyone knows who you are.
If they're a 1st-year who attended
the opening ceremony, that is.
Your cooking is interesting.
Even when your options are limited,
you come up with an idea
to pull you through.
But that's not enough for you
to "take the top spot" at Tohtsuki.
Before taste, before appearance,
the first thing that reaches the senses...
that which lingers
when food is chewed, is swallowed...
is fragrance.
One who has mastered cooking
will also have mastered fragrance.
Thus, the one who shall take
the top spot at Tohtsuki
is me, Akira Hayama.
Well, thanks for the food.
Your curry was really delicious.
I'll show you my thanks next time.
"Next time"?
When we're up there
on the Selection stage,
I'll treat you
to a curry even better than yours.
You're saying
I would lose to you at curry?
Did you think nothing
while eating my curry?
Sure did.
I was like, "Uh-oh."
Huh?
"Here's someone
who can make something I can't."
Kinda like that.
I'm pretty jealous.
You sure taught me
a lot of stuff. Thank you!
See you again at the preliminaries--
Hey, I was in the middle of my lecture!
The doorknob... it got me in the stomach.
Ah! I'm sorry!
Soma Yukihira...
Taking on curry
means taking on spices and scents.
And my nose is something very special.
You don't stand a chance of winning.
AKIRA HAYAMA, A BLOCK
SOMA YUKIHIRA, A BLOCK
TO BE CONTINUED
Subtitle translation by:
Javier Lopez
SOMA YUKIHIRA
We can't put this student
into the Selection.
This judgment should be reviewed.
His behavior is completely unacceptable
for a time-honored tribute
to fine cuisine.
ERINA NAKIRI
NO. 10 SEAT ON THE TEN, 1ST-YEAR
Nakiri-kun...
Your opinions when it comes
to cooking are generally correct.
But for some reason,
when it comes to Soma-kun,
it seems like you lose
your sense of reason.
SATOSHI ISSHIKI
NO. 7 SEAT ON THE TEN, 2ND-YEAR
Did something happen between you two?
On a personal level?
N-- Not at all!
I simply don't feel that he's qualified!
Isshiki-san, could it be you're giving
favorable treatment
to the underclassmen in your dorm?
No, not at all.
Soma Yukihira...
ETSUYA EIZAN
NO. 9 SEAT ON THE TEN, 2ND-YEAR
He's an interesting little bastard.
I back his choice.
True, he's accomplished
little here at school.
And his entry into Tohtsuki
was rather superficial.
Lookin' forward to the next three years!
But at the training camp,
he showed great ingenuity at the 11th hour
and cleared the 200 servings.
He received high praise
even on the first day's challenge.
COMMENTS
IT WAS DELICIOUS. HINAKO
Wouldn't such an unconventional student
invigorate our festival that much more?
Why you're dissatisfied with this
is beyond me.
No objection, then?
Very well, the decision is final.
Hey, hurry!
They're gonna post the announcements!
THE CHOSEN ONE
Yes!
Aw, dammit!
These are the contestants
who will be in the Fall Selection.
SHUN IBUSAKI
SOMA YUKIHIRA
RYOKO SAKAKI
YUKI YOSHINO
Yes!
MEGUMI TADOKORO
-Wh-- What should I do?
-Yuki, that hurts!
-Hey!
-It's not a dream!
Did you three get chosen, too?
Soma-kun!
That's awesome, huh?
It seems that, even before a Food War,
I've been given the chance
to battle you directly, Yukihira!
Oh, Nikumi!
Did you get chosen, too?
Y-- Yeah.
You too, Yukihira?
Oh, and good luck to you, Takumi.
D-- D-- Don't say it
like it's an afterthought!
Quit laughing, Isami!
IKUMI MITO
ISAMI ALDINI, TAKUMI ALDINI
ALICE NAKIRI
Well, it's only natural.
Um...
Ah, there's my name.
Well, of course!
If you hadn't been chosen,
you'd be an embarrassment as my aide.
And I forbid you to get eliminated
in the preliminary round.
It's all right.
I'm prepared to fight to win,
even if I have to go up against you.
HMPH!
What's with that face?
SMACK SMACK
What the heck?
That's not very respectful
towards me, is it?
But I'm always respectful.
More! Respect me more!
You need to be more
like Erina's secretary!
Hey, it's Erina's cousin.
Oh, my, Soma Yukihira-kun.
I hope you're well.
Hey, it looks like Yukihira is getting
to know more and more famous people.
He's made friends with them already?
Oh, yeah, I have to tell Fumio-san!
It's the second Golden Age.
That will make her happy, huh?
Everyone!
Good afternoon!
I'll be acting as emcee
for the Fall Selection.
I'm Urara Kawashima!
Cutesy!
Urara-chan!
Grr!
Congratulations to those of you
who made the cut!
As a quick look
at the signboard will show,
the sixty of you who were chosen
are split into blocks A and B.
A BLOCK PRELIMINARIES
30 CONTESTANTS
Each block will have their own round
of preliminaries, first A and then B.
The top contestants from each block
will earn the right to move on
and compete in the actual tournament!
Um...
And now, a message from Eizan-senpai,
who's on the action committee.
"The Selection
will be attended by several VIPs
and leading authorities
of the culinary world.
This is an excellent chance
to show off your skills.
However..."
...if you present an inferior dish,
any future plans of advancing
as a chef will be crushed on the spot.
"And so, for the rest
of your summer vacation..."
Work. Hard.
And that's all!
We gotta do this!
I'm gonna friggin' make it
to the final tournament!
Right!
Congratulations on making the Selection.
But with your skills, it was only natural.
Ma'am!
As your aide, I'll make sure
my performance won't bring you shame.
Also, please rest easy!
I will punish that Soma Yukihira!
Ah, I'm so sorry!
I spoke out of turn!
Go ahead, keep floundering
on the razor's edge.
I'm sure you won't be picked
to be a member of the Selection.
"Selection"?
I'm telling you, there's no way
they'll choose you for it!
Don't get too cocky, Yukihira-kun.
Erina Nakiri is by far your superior.
Nakiri won't be in the Selection?
That's right.
The Council of Ten
oversees the Fall Selection every year.
So Erina
is on the administrative end of things.
SMACK SMACK
Jeez, it will be a while
before I can battle Erina, huh?
Sure enough...
the other members are super elite.
I really get the feeling I don't belong!
How come we didn't make it,
but that loser chick did?
My skills and my class ranking
are both higher than hers.
It don't make sense!
Yeah, what the heck?
Shut up!
You're a pair of idiots.
Listen up!
Selection isn't made
based on grades alone.
Candidates are judged on all aspects,
from their character
to their future prospects as a chef.
Anyone who's content
just getting good scores on their tests
has no business being chosen!
Look at that impression!
U-- Um, thank you!
Uh...
I'm Miyoko Hojo.
You're Megumi Tadokoro, right?
You've piqued my interest.
Chef Kojiro Shinomiya made his name
as a former member
of the Tohtsuki Council of Ten.
FORMER MEMBER OF THE TEN
SEAT NO. 1
Are the rumors true that
you challenged him to a Food War?
What's more, they say it was a draw.
Um, it wasn't really a draw...
Don't tell me...
you won?
N-- No, it was--
What? Spit it out!
It was So... Soma-kun.
It was all thanks to Soma-kun.
I'm no good on my own, so...
Soma Yukihira, that transfer student, huh?
Oh, jeez.
So in the end, you were just
saved by some man, huh?
Sorry for the bother.
I misjudged you.
Did you know, Yukihira-kun?
Most of the current members of the Ten
have fought in the Selection's final bout.
Put simply,
one of us will go on
to be the next member of the Ten.
ALICE NAKIRI
B BLOCK
RYOKO SAKAKI, A BLOCK
YUKI YOSHINO, B BLOCK
SHUN IBUSAKI
A BLOCK
TAKUMI ALDINI, B BLOCK
ISAMI ALDINI, B BLOCK
IKUMI MITO
A BLOCK
MIYOKO HOJO
B BLOCK
MEGUMI TADOKORO
B BLOCK
Ah, Erina-sama...
You're as beautiful as always.
With that haughty gaze...
with your words...
I want you to scorn me!
That bitch!
I hate you!
I am far more suited for Erina-sama!
NAO SADATSUKA
B BLOCK
HISAKO ARATO
B BLOCK
The members have been
announced by now, I'm sure.
Yes!
Marui-kun...
ZENJI MARUI
A BLOCK
Of course,
the point is moot unless one wins here.
I hope the day comes when you, Erina,
and I can battle it out for the Ten.
RYO KUROKIBA
A BLOCK
CINNAMON STICKS
There's a stain on the floor
from when a pot of stew got spilled.
That was my room.
Don't go losing to anyone
till the next time you've lost to me.
I will crush you.
Gets the heart pounding, huh?
Bring it.
My, such a refreshing morning, isn't it?
It's perfect for the first day
of summer vacation.
Hey!
Look at this! Look!
It's here.
It's from the Fall Selection Office.
Whoa! Well, let's open it up!
THEME CURRY
Curry...
THEME CURRY CUISINE
Cuisine?
So then, we could just
make curry and rice?
Well, it said "cuisine,"
so it doesn't have to be
limited just to that, right?
In other words, some sort
of dish that uses curry...
is what I'm guessing.
Yeah! Right, Isshiki-senpai?
Well, who can say?
-Hey, don't dodge the question!
-Curry...
That covers way too much ground.
It doesn't even give us a starting point.
What was that?
This place...
Kyokusei Dorm...
What was it like for you?
It was fun.
Everyone brushing up their cooking skills,
in whatever way they liked.
Yeah, there was one of us
who made nothing but curry.
Huh?
The name was Shiomi.
Went on to become a teacher
at Tohtsuki, last I heard.
If you cross paths,
be sure to drop my name.
I looked out for Shiomi
a lot back in the day.
I'm sure you'll be treated well.
So, that's what my dad told me.
Wow!
It looks like that's the place.
It's a lot more rundown than I expected.
He might be even scarier
than Mr. Chapelle!
Excuse me!
Shiomi, Shiomi...
SHIOMI SEMINAR ROOM
Excuse us.
Huh? No one's here?
GRIND GRIND
Holy cow!
Um...
Visitors!
Um, um, I'm sorry!
I'll put some tea on right away!
-She's so short.
-I'm sorry!
-She a middle school student?
-I'm really very sorry for not noticing!
No, we're sorry.
Please don't trouble yourself.
I'm sorry for always being so inattentive.
NEVER-ENDING LOOP
It's our fault for suddenly intruding.
No, it's perfectly all right.
I'm terribly sorry.
-I'm sorry.
-My apologies.
They're apologizing for making
the other person apologize...
Um, where's this classroom's teacher?
If you could please tell him
that Joichiro Saiba's son is--
PUNCH 1
PUNCH 2
PUNCH 3
Joichiro Saiba's son?
Get out, immediately!
Huh?
Um, he's unconscious right now,
so I don't think he can.
I...
I don't want to remember
Saiba-senpai at all!
JUN SHIOMI, TEACHER, TOHTSUKI ACADEMY
& FORMER KYOKUSEI DORM RESIDENT
Hey, Jun.
I bought that stuff you asked for.
Sorry for the bother!
Hey, are you taking good shots?
Look for the best angle!
You're beautiful from whichever angle.
Yes, I know that!
Aah...
I look forward to staying
here with you all.
JUN SHIOMI
1ST-YEAR, MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION
I-- I'm Jun Shiomi.
Welcome to Kyokusei Dorm.
I heard you cleared Fumio-san's
entrance exam on your first try.
GIN DOJIMA
2ND-YEAR, HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
You seem very promising.
Th-- Thank you very much!
Mornin'.
Joichiro!
Hurry and get into your uniform!
JOICHIRO SAIBA
2ND-YEAR, HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
Ah, a newbie, huh?
Hey there, welcome.
Wanna try some of my new dishes?
Y-- Yes, by all means!
I was the youngest resident
at Kyokusei at the time.
And that's how Saiba-senpai
used me as his guinea pig,
utterly tormenting me
at every opportunity.
Then, he inflicted a wound on my heart
that will never heal.
JUN SHIOMI
CURRENTLY 34 YEARS OLD
Hold on! You look exactly the same
as you did in that flashback!
I'M OFTEN TOLD, "YOU'RE SO YOUNG."
Ah, because I've been
eating spices for a long time.
Many of them aid in beauty enhancement.
That's your explanation?
So, my dad sure did some cruel things
to his underclassman, huh?
-Stare.
-Right, Tadokoro?
Um, well, we're residents at Kyokusei,
and we thought you could
tell us about curry.
Yes, that's right.
-The theme of the Fall Selection is--
-Hmph!
I'll talk, but only to that girl there.
H-- Hmph!
I have nothing to say to either
Saiba-senpai or his relatives.
Sorry.
We finally get visitors,
but then you get the cold shoulder.
I'm Hayama, a 1st-year
in high school like you.
AKIRA HAYAMA
1ST-YEAR, HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
I act as assistant here.
Usually, you can't take special seminars
till your second year.
Well...
The thing is, she needs me.
Messing with spices is pretty much
the only thing this girl can do.
Right, Jun?
Don't call me Jun!
It's "Professor Shiomi," right?
You're my helper, Hayama-kun,
so you need to show the proper respect--
Jun...
It's your turn to water the plants.
You forgot.
Flinch!
So I did it for you.
Okay, I'm sorry.
You forgot last week too,
and almost killed an important spice.
Yes, that was my fault.
And who was it that entertained
the visitors you stood up last month?
You, Hayama-kun.
She's gotten even smaller...
Soma-kun, look.
Wow, that's an awesome
collection of spices.
This totally smells like curry!
It's a spice called karipatta.
It's also called the curry leaf.
Huh? These are raw curry leaves?
You know about these, Tadokoro?
Yes.
As seedlings,
they can't handle cold weather
and will wither before the winter's over.
That's why dried leaves
are the most common here in Japan.
It's almost impossible to get them raw.
That's one of the themes
of Jun's research.
Finding a way to safely cultivate spices
from tropical areas here in Japan.
She's found a freezing method
to preserve them for long periods of time,
and has come up with several
new flavor components.
You're a lot more awesome
than you look, Sensei!
I-- I'm not happy being praised
by the likes of you.
But you've got the idea.
That's just how much potential
spices hide within them.
After all, spices are...
Fragrance, heat, color...
They influence all three of these!
Combining them produces
a synergistic effect.
But the more varieties included, the more
their individual qualities are lessened!
If combined haphazardly,
it produces a muddled flavor.
The limit is approximately 20 varieties.
Also, fats and oils are essential
for drawing out a spice's flavors.
Now we're getting
a full-blown lecture, huh?
Also, the fats or oils will taste
their best when in an emulsified state...
When she gets like this,
she'll go on for a while.
I think it'd be faster for you
to try for yourselves.
Eat some.
I'll show you the true depth of spice.
COOKING ROOM
Here's your first dish.
It's a chicken Kolivartha curry.
It's a signature dish from southern India.
It uses some of that curry leaf
from before for fragrance.
This looks super delicious!
What the heck?
First, the strong scent of the curry leaf
shoots through the nose,
and then right behind that
comes a light, delicious heat of peppers
and onions that spreads on the tongue!
That intensity is the raw leaf.
Raw leaves give off ten times
more fragrance than dried ones.
Okay, now for the next dish.
This is a Goan fish curry using white fish
like swordfish and salmon.
Huh? Another curry?
The other ingredients
and spices are exactly the same.
But try comparing the two.
The second dish is even more delicious?
Yes.
For that one, I pan-fried
the red pepper and coriander.
In other words, I used roasted spices.
That's enough to make
that big a difference?
Now I totally get
what the teacher was saying.
If your dish hinges on pan-roasted spices,
BALANCE
it will blend all the ingredients'
flavors together perfectly.
And finally, there's this.
It looks like the same Kolivartha
curry we ate first, but...
Yeah, it's completely different!
The aroma of the curry leaf
is way more intense than before!
The level of heat that spreads
on the tongue is totally different!
The flavor is much, much more pronounced!
I didn't add a single ingredient
to this one, either.
But instead of soup stock...
I just simmered it in water.
Water?
It's like Jun said earlier:
if too many kinds of flavors are mixed,
they lose their individual impact.
This is the opposite.
By deliberately removing
the flavor of the stock,
it creates a curry where
the spices' impact is actually heightened.
Normally, that would weaken
the flavor of a dish, and yet...
And yet, there's no denying
the levels of fragrance this has reached!
It's like I've been pierced
through the heart!
To think, slightly
changing the way spices are used
could change a dish so dramatically!
This guy...
The whole time he was cooking...
he didn't look inside the pot once.
The fennel has started to smell fragrant.
It will be done cooking
in another five seconds.
It will be another 40 seconds till
the flavor of the coconut paste blends in.
He could tell the state of his dish
just by the smell of the spices
and ingredients coming from the pot!
What did I tell you?
That girl needs me.
-I take the theories Jun comes up with...
-Huh? Everyone's gone!
...and refine them in actual dishes.
That is my role here.
A theoretical scientist
and a hands-on chef!
Honestly, I got a good laugh
when I heard the theme
of the Selection's preliminaries.
"Curry cuisine," of all things.
You're in the Fall Selection, too?
I'll be in A Block with you,
Soma Yukihira.
Huh? Did I tell you my name?
Oh, come on, everyone knows who you are.
If they're a 1st-year who attended
the opening ceremony, that is.
Your cooking is interesting.
Even when your options are limited,
you come up with an idea
to pull you through.
But that's not enough for you
to "take the top spot" at Tohtsuki.
Before taste, before appearance,
the first thing that reaches the senses...
that which lingers
when food is chewed, is swallowed...
is fragrance.
One who has mastered cooking
will also have mastered fragrance.
Thus, the one who shall take
the top spot at Tohtsuki
is me, Akira Hayama.
Well, thanks for the food.
Your curry was really delicious.
I'll show you my thanks next time.
"Next time"?
When we're up there
on the Selection stage,
I'll treat you
to a curry even better than yours.
You're saying
I would lose to you at curry?
Did you think nothing
while eating my curry?
Sure did.
I was like, "Uh-oh."
Huh?
"Here's someone
who can make something I can't."
Kinda like that.
I'm pretty jealous.
You sure taught me
a lot of stuff. Thank you!
See you again at the preliminaries--
Hey, I was in the middle of my lecture!
The doorknob... it got me in the stomach.
Ah! I'm sorry!
Soma Yukihira...
Taking on curry
means taking on spices and scents.
And my nose is something very special.
You don't stand a chance of winning.
AKIRA HAYAMA, A BLOCK
SOMA YUKIHIRA, A BLOCK
TO BE CONTINUED
Subtitle translation by:
Javier Lopez