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sparda3g · 6 years

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Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Chapter 263 Review

The arc ends but the question remains: what’s next? Who knows; maybe it will just end there. After reading the chapter, there are two things that came to my mind. The first one is how some of these characters aren’t truly done as it would appear that they will return under different circumstance. The second is what my friends would know me well for: “time will tell.” Why that thought? This chapter is a stepping stone for the next arc with many possibilities, though understandably concerning.

After the long series of “darkness,” it does feel pretty good to be back in a relaxing and humorous side that the series is known for. Because of it, this chapter is filled with amusing reactions. Everyone in the Rebel’s spectators were stripped, so all of them are in robes, but it doesn’t matter because they won. It’s kind of funny how they were about to celebrate with others without clothes since they probably would hug without any shame. Then again, they’re the one that broke the cage door before, so don’t underestimate them.

I got a good laugh with the celebration about to happen, but Erina ruins the mood, because now she can take her anger on Soma. An interesting fun fact: this is the first time Erina does a tsundere physical interaction with Soma and by trope’s logic, the pairing is drawing closer than ever. Still, it’s funny how she can’t let that grudge go and understandably so. I like how she looks like she’s about to pitch his cheeks until he can’t feel them anymore. Imagine if she wasn’t ready to charge ahead; the series would have its own everyone dies ending.

A charming rebound is when Soma let her know that he knew she can cook a perfect dish in ten minutes. He always knew. Wow, that is one smooth move there, my boy. Erina even got flushed by his comment. This pairing is going places. If anything, Erina has portrayed the tsundere character in its entirely here; from physical beating (well, just pitching) to trying to brush the sweet comment. Lovely. I hope everyone grew up by now and understand what Japan likes, or else, here we go again…

It’s a good thing Tsukasa finally got a wake-up call that his character was begging for. After his loss, it does appear that he is slowly changing his view about cooking; retracing his step to perfect cooking. It’s simple with the concept of fun, but since that’s the moral behind the arc, it’s fitting to execute this way. The good thing is he doesn’t have to be a “villain” anymore, so it’s a good chance to push his character further.

The same can be said for Rindou as well. I got to say, it’s really hard to argue against her being fans’ best girl or however they say it, because she seriously has charms, which is funny concerning how she’s like a vamp and eat exotic food that could turn some away. Not me, I’m cool with anything. Her expression while looking at Tsukasa is warm. He has to be one lucky S.O.B. I do hope there’s more to tell with her noticing his changes. Also, I hope her “fear” will be addressed soon, because it would be a shame to leave it unanswered, making it useless.

Speaking of unanswered, Azami got his clothes back, guess he’s that sophisticated to wear robes, and left without anything more. It could go two ways. One is the weak path in which leaves everything the way it is and never look back. I would be upset if that is the case, though if the series was rushed to end because of cancellation (not saying it is), then I can understand. The other is the rightful path in which will address those characters that have lost in due time and go back to develop/explore character further. After all, Azami technically holds the key to reveal more about Erina’s mother. If I can trust Tsukuda wholeheartedly, these characters aren’t done yet. They will return with a different agenda.

At least the judges give him a pity feeling; it’s the least they can show after getting steamrolled by his own daughter and everyone else. Erina does pay him a respect, which is a bit surprising. It is true that Azami did help her and even show actual concern of her health, but his ambition got the worst of him hence the brainwashing and led her to focus on one path. Again, this part needed more insight, so he has to return one day. There’s good and bad in this, but Erina only looks at the good side. It could have addressed it a bit better, but this is fair enough. Thankfully it’s not battle manga with deaths; otherwise, coolest guy ever returns.

After a funny return of Rotten Urara and her reaction, almost forgot Momo did the favor to toned her down, it basically enters the setup stage for the next arc. While the main plot is left unknown, the status of the characters is more or less determined. Everyone in the Rebel’s team are now Elite 10. I laughed at Isami “tackling” his brother for his achievement; one day he’s going to kill him. I won’t go into greater detail, probably saved for another post as this is a review, but this can lead to many interesting routes for characters to challenge as Elite Ten. Then, it enters a series of surprises.

What shocked me kind of is Soma’s position. I said “kind of” because Yuki somewhat gave it away that Erina wasn’t going to be First Seat; I guess she channeled me and other fans that thought the same. If one character say it before announcement, it won’t happen. Case in point, Soma ends up taking First Seat, all thanks to Erina. This could fizzle some fans since it is believed that this is his main goal and the series will now end. It’s no One Piece, so it’s not the end. Imagine if One Piece is found in the middle of the story; that would be unique.

Anyway, you have to remember the seating position is like getting called up first in any sports draft, since they’re open for anyone. Basically, Erina let Soma take it because his contribution did help her a lot. That’s nice of her. Naturally, this kind of reaction would mean it put all the spotlight on Soma the protagonist, undermining her achievement as significant. However and thankfully, Soma say otherwise.

I thought Senzaemon would reclaim his title as the Headmaster, but he’s so adapted to the outside world that he announces his retirement. Did he got carry away with the pairing love as well? He looks like he knows who should take over the title when he approaches to Soma and ask his opinion; those two are sneaky bunch. Everyone predicted Erina to take First Seat including me, but never came to my mind that she will take the Headmaster title. Her reaction is so funny.

His logic is because she carries Nakiri name, why not give the title to her right. That is such a self-aware logic. However, it’s his real reason that pleases me in many ways. He was actually upset that he got the First Seat because of her suggestion. It’s more of given than earned. The Headmaster is basically Zero Seat, so he wants her to get it. Why? Because he doesn’t want to think that he has defeated her. He will only take the First Seat if she takes the Headmaster. Aww…

Even if there’s no title behind, he won’t be satisfied until he defeats her fairly. I really like this because he pretty much didn’t accept the spotlight that could have undermine her achievement. It’s basically him acknowledging her to be a worthy opponent. I would like to think he passed the protagonist’s torch to her, but I am getting ahead of myself. The sweet spot is his re-declaration of his long-term goal: make her say “delicious.” Erina looks charmed by his words; it’s adorable to say the least. God bless for this subplot.

The arc finally ends and already got new positions for these characters. While we don’t know other characters’ seating placement, they’re now in the same circle. Before closing the review, I should go over the past parts. The Headmaster’s part takes suspension in disbelief. While the series is self-aware and even have Erina thinking it’s ludicrous for her to take it, it is indeed odd. I am grateful for my prediction to be wrong, but this decision is a tough call. It’s hard to predict or expect the outcome. For its world, it is acceptable. She has been working behind the scene for a while, so I guess that’s the idea.

I will briefly go over the next phase. It’s interesting and concerning at the same time with this path. It’s interesting because being in Elite Ten can treat us a different view of how it function and how they work around it. We only got to see them behind the scene and when they reign supreme, so a daily life routine is new. Plus it gives the characters a better focus. That being said it also comes with concerns.

What would come of Erina once she begins anew as the Headmaster? I wouldn’t mind her absence for a short arc or two. Her role has done so much to give her a long period of vacation days in writing sense; meaning it won’t make me think, “Ugh, the writer can’t write heroine for squat!” Okay, I won’t think like that but you get the picture. Still, I hope she doesn’t disappear for too long. Since the series acknowledge the baffling decision, it could be a sign of understanding on what to do next. I may end up eating my words but I prefer not.

The mix of interest and concern is what is next. Are we going International or something? I think it’s time to lay back and not have something overly crucial at stake as the series was doing great before “darkness.” Treat it as a sports series, where the competition is your only worry. Hopefully, it will head for a fun ride, because we deserved it. I believe this chapter is the last of the volume but I can be wrong, so this does reek for a new beginning. I’m ready.

Overall, it was an amusing chapter with a nice end to the arc. The artwork packs with plenty of charming expressions, including the two pairings get their own share. It’s pairing paradise. The setup is set for the Rebel’s team to be in Elite Ten with plenty of potential for intriguing subplots. Soma and Erina continue to shine and end on a heartwarming from those two. The decision for the title placement is questionable, but this is where I come in with my quote: time will tell. I won’t jump to any conclusion until the arc gets started. Will it be good? Will it be bad? No one knows until it happens.

I know some would jump ahead and say it’s awful, but who knows. Maybe it will surprise us. I’m not confident but I’m not against it either. It’s matter of patience that will lead us to a better path. It’s going to get a color page next, so that’s one way to rile up the hype for the new beginning. What is next? Only time will tell.

#food wars #shokugeki no soma #shokugeki no souma #chapter 263 #review #erina nakiri #soma yukihira #soma x erina

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