Original Air Date: December 20, 2017
Soma and Eishi have a Shokugeki, with the condition Soma joins Central if he loses. Eishi also reveals what is Central's long term goal: to close all restaurants in Japan that aren't considered gourmet level.
This episode provides examples of:
- Adaptation Distillation:
- In the manga, right after finding out that Soma's father is Jouichirou, Erina has a big freak out when she realizes that she has been treating her idol's son like dirt. In the anime, she is shocked to learn this, but it's not shown in depth.
- In the manga, there’s a Brick Joke where Soma tells his father to clean the restaurant with salt after Yaeko leaves, with Jouichirou replying that they’re not going to waste saltnote . Yuuki says the same after Azami leaves, getting the same reply from Fumio. This Call-Back joke is adapted out in the anime.
- Adaptation Expansion: In the anime, Marui also participates in the Survivors Hunt representing the Miyazato Seminar, defeating Rui Kofuru 2-1.
- Even Evil Has Loved Ones: When asked why Azami didn't hesitate to destroy the very dorm he grew up in, he admits that it wasn't in his plans, but he had to go along with Central's agenda even if it included it. The only affection he has to the place was is his memories from Jouichirou Saiba, who he idolized during their days as students. He even reveals that his whole purpose is centered around fixing the system that ruined Jouichirou in his youth.
- Hyper-Awareness: Soma knew from the beginning that Erina, Hisako and Megumi were watching them, surprising everyone including Eishi.
- Internal Reveal: Soma informs Azami (and Erina accidentally) that he is Jouichirou Saiba's son. Takumi, Isami and Hisako also learn who Jouichirou is.
- Impossibly Delicious Food: The main theme of the cooking duel is venison.
- Soma made a Charcoal Grilled Venison Round Steak ~Chestnut Sauce~, using sweet chestnut snacks for the sauce and coffee to magnify the flavors. The taste made the others feel their clothes disintegrate like the chestnuts' peel. Even if Erina didn't admit it was good, the type of comments were already a compliment on their own.
- However, Eishi Tsukasa's Venison Roast Showing Two Expressions was pure harmony with nature, to the point everyone could feel they were interacting with the venison in it's habitat. While Soma's dish was good, Tsukasa's was far superior in depth and balance.
- It's All About Me: Eishi decides to null the duel terms because he considers that Soma's rebellious attitude wouldn't make him a good aide.
- Pragmatic Adaptation: In the manga, Azami goes to the Polar Star dormitory when the residents are celebrating Soma's victory over Eizan. This time, the celebration is for Megumi, Marui and Ikumi's victories against Central, which for narrative purposes fits for the Mid-Season finale.
- Season Finale: This is actually the Mid-Season Finale since the series takes a break in the middle, ending with the cliffhanger of Soma revealing his roots to Azami and Erina.
- Supporting Leader: Both Kanachi and the leader of the Regional Cuisine RS, despite being the captains of their clubs, take a back seat to support Ikumi and Megumi, who manage to defeat Mea and Shigemichi 3-0.
- The Reveal: Azami reveals that he isn't a Nakiri by blood, his actual name was Nakamura, was the former Third Seat during Doujima's time as First Seat, and he was actually a former resident at Polar Star.
- Took the Wife's Name: Azami's original last name is "Nakamura", but he took the Nakiri family name.
- Wham Line: Both from Azami and Soma.Azami: Besides, that's rather cold, considering an alumni from this dorm has come to visit.Soma: So, uh... I'm not sure if you know this but, Jouichirou Saiba, he's my dad.
