"Sui!"
As soon as he got out of the car, several people from Polaris Dormitory saw Sui and ran over.
"I say, this hotel is really luxurious."
Yoshino sighed.
The so-called Tōtsuki Resort actually does not just include a luxury hotel, but also includes more than a dozen restaurants, inns, and hot spring hostels nearby, making it a very large area.
"It really is a rich school," Megumi added, nodding. "They even have a hotel like this under their name."
Sui was speechless. 'Have they still not realized just how terrifyingly wealthy Tōtsuki is?' He thought to himself. 'Forget hotels, they even have their own trains!'
"Haha, at this point, nothing surprises me anymore," Sōma laughed, though his expression revealed that his young heart had taken a hit.
Suddenly, a notification appeared in Sui's mind—his system had issued a new task.
"New Mission: Pass the Rapport Training Camp with the highest score.
Mission Reward: A random silver-level recipe, a food ingredients pack (ingredients are randomly generated, with a small chance of receiving rare ones).
Mission Duration: Six days."
"A recipe and a gift pack of ingredients," Sui mused. "Looks like I'll need to complete this mission seriously."
Soon, the group entered the main hall, joining thousands of other Tōtsuki students who had gathered there.
"Hey, look, that's the transfer student everyone's talking about," one student whispered.
"Not only did he beat Eizan-senpai, but he also defeated Akanegakubo-senpai in the dessert challenge."
"That's not all. Did you hear? He arrived here in the same car as Miss Erina. They say they're already dating."
"Damn him," another student cursed under their breath.
Many students began whispering about Sui, casting unfriendly glances his way.
Initially, Sōma had been the most talked-about transfer student, thanks to his bold speech at the opening ceremony. But now, Sui had claimed the spotlight.
"Why are they all staring so fiercely?" Megumi shivered nervously.
"Haha, looks like we're all getting dragged into this because of Sui," Sōma laughed loudly.
Everyone shot him with side glances. Just a few days ago, he was the most unpopular student at school—didn't he have any self-awareness?
At that moment, Chapelle, the head of the academy, stepped forward to explain the purpose of the training camp. Shortly after, Dojima Gin and several Tōtsuki graduates, who were serving as guest lecturers, appeared.
When notable graduates like Shinomiya Kojiro and Inui Hinako took the stage, a wave of excitement rippled through the students.
Then it was Shinomiya's turn to showcase his authority.
"The boy in the ninth row with the scar on his brow—sorry, not you, the one next to you—you can leave now," Shinomiya said, his voice cold. "Using citrus-scented hair spray? You just masked the aroma of the food. Expelled."
"Even small things like this can make customers walk out. Do you want to destroy my restaurant?"
After this incident, the students became acutely aware of just how ruthless this training camp would be. Megumi clung to Sui's sleeve, her face pale with fear.
Before they even had time to unpack, the students were randomly divided into groups and the training officially began.
Half an hour later, Sui and his group arrived at a high-end restaurant under the Tōtsuki Resort's management. The guest lecturer for their class was a short-haired girl named Mizuhara Fuyumi. She sat perched on a chair, wearing a chef's uniform.
Despite her petite appearance, Mizuhara was a graduate from the 79th class, ranking second only to Shinomiya Kojiro. She specialized in Italian cuisine.
"My class is simple," Mizuhara announced emotionlessly. "Form pairs. Each pair is responsible for serving a table of customers. If your dish satisfies them, you pass. If not, both of you fail."
As soon as she finished speaking, the kitchen erupted into chaos as students scrambled to find partners.
Within moments, several first-year students knelt in front of Sui.
"Sui, please partner with me!" one begged.
"Boss Sui, I can't afford to be expelled. Please, help me!" another pleaded.
"Get lost! I asked Sui first!" someone else shouted.
Although many of them envied Sui for his cooking skills and his rumored connection with Erina, when it came down to it, they couldn't afford to be picky. They'd rather team up with him than let their jealousy stand in the way.
Sui sighed. This was going to be a hassle.
"Sui, thank goodness! We're in the same batch!" Megumi exclaimed, running over like a lost puppy that had just found its owner. Her face lit up with relief.
Since Megumi was someone Sui knew, he decided to partner with her.
"Sorry, I already have a partner," Sui told the other students, who left reluctantly, clearly disappointed.
Just then, a cold voice cut through the air.
"So, you're the transfer student everyone talks about?"
Sui turned to see a tall girl with short purple hair towering over him. Her sharp gaze was fixed on him, and she exuded an air of confidence.
"It should be me," Sui nodded.
"I'm Hojo Miyoko, a first-year like you." Her eyes gleamed with interest.
"She's the daughter of the chef from Hojo House," Megumi whispered in Sui's ear. "She's supposed to be amazing at Chinese cooking."
Sui nodded, then asked, "So, what can I do for you?"
"I heard you defeated Eizan-senpai. How about we compete? Let's see who gets the customer's approval first," Hojo proposed with a smirk. "If you lose, you'll have to join my cuisine society."
Sui chuckled. "Sure, but what if you lose?"