The Headmaster selection preliminary screening

"The Tabemono alumna association will be coming here to evaluate all of us to see if we're eligible to attempt to become Tabemono Gakuin's next headmaster," Masaru stated.

"So if we pass, would everyone working here be deemed eligible?" Rika asked.

"I'm unsure. I doubt Mimi and Zuina would be deemed worty due to their skill level, however everyone else aside from you, me, and Itsuki might have a chance, though you would need to impress the judges.

"Well then they might have a better shot, since I do not wish to become Tabemono Gakuin's next headmaster," Itsuki stated.

"Why!?" Mimi asked.

"Because I want to chart my own path, not the one my father tried to drag me down. Even though I am free from his influence, I do not wish to become headmaster of Tabemono Gakuin of my own volition."

"I can respect that. I honestly don't want to take a shot either considering I'd probably be knocked out in the early rounds," Matcha sighed.

"Have some more confidence in yourself. You're way more skilled than you think," Zuina nodded as she patted Matcha on the back.

"Yeah, I bet you could even cook on par with Itsuki," Waki grinned.

"Now you're spouting grandeur. I think we all know I'm nowhere near her skill level," Matcha glared.

"Though my fine skills could rival hers," Benihime declared.

"Well, glad everyone's hyped up. I imagine the alumna association crew will be made up of both friendlies and not friendlies so make sure to cook your best," Rika smiled as everyone did a group cheer.

...

A group consisting of Rebelle, Etsuya, and Kiki entered the restaurant.

"Welcome to Ryokoma," Mimi smiled as she greeted the group.

"Where the hell are your chefs!? Out in the open NOW! We're here for an inspection on behalf of the Tabemono alumna's association," Kiki ordered.

Mimi nervously ran to the kitchen to tell everyone, as the girls that were currently waiting tables, finished what they were doing before assembling. Once all the staff were assembled, Kiki began her drivel. "The three of us that have come today will judge whether chefs from this establishment will be eligible to attempt the Tabemono Gakuin headmaster selection exam. As such, we will require all interested chefs to prepare us a meal. In the meantime, we will judge the quality of your establishment."

"What the hell are you guys doing!?" Yuni angrily yelled as Etsuya stormed up to her.

"Hmm? Is THAT fried chicken? In such a supposedly gourmet establishment!? UGH! REVOLTING!" Etsuya cringed.

"Yes! And it's delicious!" Yuni glared as she devoured a piece before the group eliciting audible gasps.

"Re- REVOLTING! Throw that rabble and her filth out immediately!" Etsuya cringed.

"Don't you DARE insult our customers!" Rika glared.

"Oh, threatening a judge and serving trash? That will start you all in the negatives," Rebelle sneered as she sat down.

"Fried chicken is delicious," Yuni glared.

"It is not. Why, did you not read the Gourmet Grapevine's article detailing how fried chicken is repulsive and should be outlawed?"

"Huh? Gourmet... This shit's nothing but a slanderous hit piece against fried chicken!" Yuni fumed as she found the article on her phone.

"The truth is not slander."

"This isn't the truth. A real journalist wouldn't write this crap!"

"Girl, I AM a real journalist. Do not interfere with our business. Shut up and vacate the premises you fired chicken-loving scoundrel.

"Fubuki Dakota wouldn't write shit like this."

Audible gasps of shock erupted from the entire group as well as a few patrons. Kasumi clenched her fist in anger as all eyes focused on her table. "Damn you. Now I'M going to get hate as well," she angrily thought.

Rebelle's tone darkened as she approached Yuni. "Kabuki Dakota is a conspiracy theorist. Do not idolize her if you wish to be a productive member of society," she glared.

"I think Fubuki's great. Hope she kicks Ookuma's ass!" Mimi proclaimed.

Rebelle and Kiki immediately shot Mimi death glares as Etsuya pretended he didn't hear anything.

"If all you're here to do is gasp and mock at everything us or our patrons say, then leave!" Matcha glared.

"Well, if someone serious like you is getting all riled up, then I'll stop holdin' back. Piss off you old creeps, you especially you fat pig," Waki glared at Etsuya.

"P- PIG!? Don't insult me because I have a large face and stomach!" Etsuya fumed.

"OLD!? My, archaic with the insults. Kiki and I are less than a decade older than you, Waki Kasegawa. Hmm, that reminds me..."

"Reina, are you going to do your damn job, or are you just going to harass us?" Zuina glared.

"HUH!? DID I NOT TELL YOU NEVER TO REFER TO ME AS-"

"AHAHAHAHA!" Benihime laughed.

"Shinohime, why are you laughing like that?" Kiki glared.

"Because I am fascinated. Never have I felt this motivated to prove someone wrong since the day my father declared I'd never impress him with my cooking. Perhaps I cannot ever impress him, but I can certainly become headmaster of Tabemono," Benihime smirked.

Once again, audible gasps emerged from the group, however, the cheers from the patrons drowned it out.

"Yeah, show em who's boss!" one shouted.

"The eggs will shine upon you!" another preached.

"Give em hell," Yuni smiled as she smugly sat back down.

"Well you heard em, looks like it's rebels vs Gourmet elites round 2," Rika grinned.

"This time, I'm on the right side," Masaru declared as he stared down the group.

The group began to scowl and took their seats. "Very well, we'll continue where we left off. All interested chefs, must serve us a meal," Kiki glared.

...

Rebelle smirked as she finished tasting Benihime's dish. "Well what do you know, it barely passes the minimum standard set by the Tabemono alumna association. You may now be considered as a candidate to become the next headmaster of Tabemono Gakuin," she sneered.

"Did you expect any other result?" Benihime huffed.

"And with that, the three of us by our authority will deem Masaru Ryono, Benihime Shinohime, and regrettably, Rika Komachi as eligible candidates," Kiki glared.

"The next test will occur in a week's time at Tabemono Gakuin," Etsuya scoffed as he and the others left.

"Heh, I can't wait," Rika grinned.