If it's just for the sake of drinking, there are countless places to indulge. And for fine dining, one can find any number of luxury hotels or gourmet restaurants. But a tavern—a true tavern—offers something more. It's not about extravagance or novelty. It's about something quieter, deeper: the comfort of solitude found within the bustle of others.
Some patrons visit two or three times a week—not because the drinks are better, but because the place feels better. It's said that Zane's tavern is a balm for social anxiety. For those who can gather the courage to step through its doors, a small adventure awaits. It's a place where thoughts find their way into words and hearts feel a little lighter.
…
Late into the night, as the clock's hands approached midnight, Mana finally stood and made her way out of the tavern. She paused just outside the door, staring up at the sky for a long while before quietly exhaling.
Her earlier conversation with Zane still echoed in her mind. The comfort of his words, the quiet wisdom behind them—it had helped her make up her mind. There was still hesitation in her chest, but the decision was made.
"Miss Mana," Anne said gently, reading her expression. "Shall we return to the WGO branch?"
Mana shook her head slightly. "No. We're going to Totsuki."
"Understood." Anne opened the car door and bowed slightly. Mana hesitated for only a second before getting inside. She glanced once—just once—back at the tavern, her eyes filled with unspoken emotion, and then looked forward.
…
"No, please, I'm begging you!" cried Shiro, the frantic head of the Dessert Research Society.
The society had narrowly avoided demolition—converted instead into a shared research lab by Alice Nakiri. But even that reprieve did little to soothe Shiro's nerves.
"The weak have no right to negotiate," Erina Nakiri said flatly. "Rather than waste resources on mediocrity, I will rebuild Totsuki from the ground up. Under my direction, the academy will only become stronger."
She dismissed him with a cold glance.
This was the nature of Totsuki—fierce, competitive, and unrelenting. Those without strength were destined to be swept away. It was survival of the fittest. Just like in the wild, only the strong endured.
"Hisako, what's our next target?" Erina asked, showing no sign of satisfaction despite the evening's outcome.
"The Donburi Research Society," Hisako replied. "Its leader, Kanichi Konishi, is timid and lacking in both resolve and culinary technique."
"I had hoped to handle this myself…"
"There's no need," Erina interrupted, her gaze distant. "Let Ikumi take care of it. I'd like to see how much she's improved."
Hisako blinked. "Ikumi…?"
"Yes. This will be a good test for her."
"As you wish, Miss Erina."
With that, Erina calmly turned and exited the venue, her stride full of quiet dominance.
…
Meanwhile, back in the director's office, the lights were still on.
Director Senzaemon Nakiri rubbed his eyes, exhausted from the day's work. "Two Shokugeki battles already, and school has only just begun…" he muttered.
Eishi Tsukasa stood in front of the desk, still looking somewhat troubled.
"I've discussed the dorm training camp with Dojima-senpai and the others," he reported. "We thought of inviting past graduates again as judges."
He handed Senzaemon a list.
"There's no need to show me this," Senzaemon said, gently pushing the paper back. "You're part of the Elite Ten. You have the authority. Decide as you see fit."
"I understand." Eishi bowed and exited the office.
Left alone, the old man paced slowly, the weight of years pressing on his shoulders. "I'm getting old… It's harder and harder to bear the weight of this academy."
…
The black car pulled up silently in front of Totsuki Academy.
Mana stepped out and looked up at the sakura trees surrounding the entrance. Their soft pink petals shimmered under the moonlight—quiet witnesses to her return.
She reached out, brushing her fingers against a tree trunk. "I'm back," she whispered. "After all these years… I'm finally back."
She walked with resolve, heading straight for the director's office.
…
A knock interrupted Senzaemon's thoughts.
"Eishi, did you forget something?" he called out. "The door's open, come in—"
But the voice that replied was not Eishi's.
"Father… it's me. Mana."
The old man turned sharply. His heart froze. "Mana…? You've returned?"
She nodded slowly. "I've been away too long… I'm sorry."
"You don't need to apologize," he said, voice thick with emotion. "Just don't disappear again."
Tears welled in his eyes as he took her in. "You've grown so thin… I don't even know what kind of life you've lived these past ten years."
"I've finally found it," she said. "The cuisine that can satisfy the God Tongue. The one that… brings peace, not torment."
"You mean…" His eyes widened. "The tavern owner?"
Mana nodded. "Yes. You met him before. His cooking can soothe the curse."
Senzaemon sighed deeply, thinking back. "So it really was him… But Mana, I want you to know: I've exiled Azami from this family. He is no longer part of Totsuki, nor of the Nakiri household."
At this, Mana clenched her fists. The truth of Erina's suffering—of what she had endured under Azami's so-called education—was no longer just something she imagined. It was real.
"I see… Then there's no need for me to hesitate any longer."
"You've both been through enough," Senzaemon said. "Mana, listen carefully—your connection with Azami ends here. You deserve peace. And I believe Erina will understand that too."
"Thank you, Father," Mana said softly. "But right now, we have something more important to discuss."
Senzaemon raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"The culinary world is changing," Mana said. "Rapidly. A new era is approaching. You feel it too, don't you?"
"Yes… I've sensed it for some time," he admitted.
"Then shouldn't we start preparing for it now?"
Senzaemon gazed at his daughter—calmer, older, stronger. He saw her not just as the daughter he had lost, but as a true leader, returning to shape the future.
"Yes," he said quietly. "Let's begin."