"Is the Rare Ingredients Research Society really that strong? They defeated the leaders of three research societies simultaneously!"
"Is this truly a newly established society with only four members?"
"And Sui didn't even participate directly—he just sent three members, and they still won?"
The audience was in shock.
Initially, many believed Sui would need to participate personally to secure a victory. Yet, he only sent three members, and they managed to defeat three formidable research societies.
Although the Chanko Nabe Research Society was in a pitiful state, it was still a well-established society with deep roots. Most of its members were second-year students who had survived Totsuki's brutal elimination process, making them far from weak.
"All three Shokugekis have concluded, and the victors are all from the Rare Ingredients Research Society," announced Rei Kawashima, the host. "The defeated societies must vacate their respective activity rooms within three days, or face penalties from the Shokugeki Management Bureau."
"Damn it... Has our Chanko Nabe Research Society fallen so low? How could first-year students defeat us?" muttered Gouda Hayashi Kiyoshi, kneeling on the ground, his expression dark and grim.
"If you hadn't used that special ingredient, there's no way you would have beaten me!" Takumi Aldini complained to Subaru, who had used the almond cabbage provided by Sui. From the start, Takumi had lost in terms of ingredient quality.
"Hah, even if you had the same ingredients, you still wouldn't have beaten me," Subaru responded calmly, not bothering to explain further.
"Sui actually won," Hisako remarked in amazement. She had been worried about Sui's bold decision to challenge three research societies at once.
"Humph, opponents of that level are hardly worth worrying about," Erina said with a cool snort. "Let's go. I still need to practice my cooking."
"Ah, yes!" Hisako quickly followed, a little puzzled. Lately, Erina-sama had been unusually focused on her cooking practice. What's gotten into her these past few days? Hisako wondered. Why is she working so hard?
"I'll never lose again after tonight," Erina thought to herself, her face flushing slightly as she recalled her recent humiliations. And I won't let you into my room tonight, either!
Meanwhile, Sui thanked his victorious teammates. "Thank you for your hard work."
"It was nothing," Miyoko replied with a light smile. "As a member of the research society, it's my duty to help it grow and thrive."
"That's right," Nao added, smiling. "Especially when it's a task assigned by Sui. I'll always give my best."
The two women exchanged glances, their eyes narrowing slightly.
"Well then, should I send over some ingredients later?" Sui asked.
"Really? That would be amazing!" Both Miyoko and Nao's eyes lit up. Having used those rare ingredients earlier, they fully understood their value.
"But this is just the beginning," Sui said with a grin. "There are seven more societies to challenge."
Hearing this, Megumi, Sōma, and the others were left speechless. Is he really planning to wage war against all the research societies?
As Sui returned to the activity room, Alice stormed in, visibly upset.
"Sui, this is outrageous!" she shouted angrily.
"Hm? What's wrong?" Sui asked, confused. After all, he hadn't challenged the Molecular Cuisine Research Society, had he?
"Something this exciting, and you didn't even tell me?" Alice pouted. "I don't care! My Molecular Cuisine Research Society will ally with yours, and together, we'll dominate Totsuki!"
Sui: "..."
This girl really just wants to stir up trouble! Sui thought, realizing how eager Alice was to throw herself into the chaos.
"Well, sure," Sui shrugged. "How many members are in your research society?"
"Right now, it's just me and Ryo-kun," Alice replied cheerfully.
Sui was speechless.
"What, are you underestimating us?" Alice playfully punched his arm with her small pink fist.
Sui, defeated, relented. "Alright, do whatever you want."
"Great! Ryo-kun, let's go! We're going to war and take over Totsuki together!" Alice cheered, grabbing her battle flag and dashing out the door.
Sui could only watch as Alice charged off, waving a flag she had hastily made. Written on it were the words 'Dominate Totsuki!', catching the eyes of passersby.
"The Molecular Cuisine Research Society will win!"
"Dominate Totsuki!"
As Alice shouted her slogans, she marched confidently, a wide smile on her face as she hummed a tune. She was clearly having the time of her life.
"Well, who should we target?" she mused excitedly.
---
Meanwhile, in a shabby little wooden building, the members of the Chanko Nabe Research Society were huddled together, holding an emergency meeting.
"This place is practically abandoned… Let's use it as our base for now," Gouda Hayashi Kiyoshi said dejectedly.
The other members wore similar expressions of despair. The once-proud Chanko Nabe Research Society had fallen so low!
"It's all that couple's fault!" one of them spat bitterly.
Suddenly, a surprised voice called out from outside. "Wow, I didn't expect to find a research society in a place even dogs wouldn't want to live!"
Gouda and the others glared, their faces livid. What do you mean, a place even dogs wouldn't want? We didn't want to end up here either!
When they saw who had spoken, they were shocked. "Nakiri Alice?!"
"Yes! Now, let's have a Shokugeki! This is the first step for the Molecular Cuisine Research Society to dominate Totsuki!" Alice declared, her expression serious.