As soon as Sui walked out of the meeting room, Sōma, Yoshino, and the others were waiting for him. Megumi had already filled them in on what had happened.
"Sui, I heard that Eizan-senpai is planning to disband your research group?" asked Sōma.
"That's right," Sui nodded.
At that moment, Erina also stepped out of the room.
"Although I don't want to admit it," she began, "Eizan-senpai has the worst character among the Elite Ten. He holds grudges and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals."
"I'm so mad!" Alice stormed out as well, cheeks puffed in frustration, clearly fuming.
"Huh? Alice?" Erina blinked in surprise, realizing Alice's research group was also on the chopping block.
"This is all your fault, Erina!" Alice snapped angrily.
"What does this have to do with me?" Erina retorted, annoyed.
"Erina, you're part of the Elite Ten too! Do something and veto this ridiculous proposal," Alice demanded.
"There's nothing I can do," Erina said helplessly. "Most of the other members have already agreed. Unless..."
"Unless what?" Sui interjected.
"Unless Eizan withdraws the proposal himself. Then it would be null and void," Erina explained.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go make that despicable guy retract the proposal!" Alice fumed, marching toward Eizan Etsuya's office, the others quickly following behind her.
Soon, they arrived at Eizan's office.
"What brings you all here?" Eizan greeted them with a smile, clearly in a good mood.
"You! Withdraw the proposal, now!" Alice demanded angrily.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Miss Alice," Eizan replied with a smug grin.
"This is personal, isn't it? You're targeting me specifically," Sui cut in.
"Haha, you could say that," Eizan admitted with a triumphant smile. "I want to teach you what happens when you cross me."
Sui's eyes narrowed, his expression growing cold as his anger flared. "So, you're not going to retract the proposal?"
"That's right," Eizan smirked, clearly enjoying Sui's frustration.
"In that case, let's settle this with a Shokugeki," Sui said, his voice calm yet firm.
"Oh? You want to challenge me to a Shokugeki?" Eizan laughed, as if he had just heard the most absurd thing.
Even Erina and the others were taken aback by Sui's challenge.
"That's right. If you lose, you retract the proposal and..." Sui's voice turned sharp, "you kneel and apologize."
In truth, Sui had initially wanted to challenge Eizan for his seat in the Elite Ten, but the stakes weren't high enough for that yet, even with his access to rare ingredients. In Tōtsuki, the Elite Ten Council held supreme authority, capable of deciding even the position of the headmaster. Each seat in the council represented immense power and wealth, and Eizan was far too shrewd to gamble his position unless the stakes were significantly higher.
"How interesting," Eizan's expression turned cold. "Very well. But if you lose, you'll drop out of Tōtsuki."
"Deal. What's the theme?" Sui asked.
"I'll let you choose, so no one can accuse me of bullying you," Eizan replied confidently.
"Fine. Let's make the theme seafood," Sui decided.
"We'll hold the Shokugeki tomorrow, then," Eizan said coolly. "You don't have much time left."
After leaving Eizan's office, Erina couldn't hold back any longer. "Sui, don't you think you're being reckless? You're challenging an Elite Ten member with your current skills?"
"Yeah, Sui-kun," Megumi added, clearly worried. "You could still withdraw the challenge before it's officially submitted to the Shokugeki Administration."
"That's impossible. Once I've spoken, I won't take it back," Sui replied firmly.
He had been diligently completing his daily tasks, and his skills had improved dramatically since entering the academy. Facing the Ninth Seat, Eizan Etsuya, was a challenge he was now ready for.
"You've got guts, Sui," Sōma said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I haven't even had the chance to challenge the Elite Ten yet, but you've gone ahead and taken the lead. Guess I'll have to work even harder."
"That's right, Sui! You better win! My research group depends on you!" Alice cheered, playfully patting his shoulder.
"Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate your support," Sui said with a grateful smile.
Erina, still feeling the weight of the situation, sighed. "Why don't you all come to my place for a bit to relax?"
"Haha, it's no big deal. We're all good friends with Sui," Soma laughed.
"Exactly," Megumi agreed with a nod.
Soon after, they arrived at Erina's residence.
Just as they reached the front door, two adorable creatures—Miltank and Chansey—ran out to greet them.
"Eh? What are these little guys?" The group was immediately captivated by the two small spirits, especially Alice and Yoshino, whose eyes lit up with excitement.
"Erina, are these your pets? Can I have one?" Alice pleaded, putting on her best begging face.
Erina felt a sudden headache coming on. "They're not mine. They belong to Sui."
"Huh? Sui's? Why are his pets here at your place?" Alice asked, clearly puzzled.
Erina suddenly realized she had made a critical mistake! They didn't know that Sui was living with her. I hope they don't figure it out, she thought anxiously.
"Wait a minute, Erina! Are you and Sui living together?" Alice exclaimed in shock.
Erina: "..."
"Of course not! I'm just looking after them," Erina stammered, clearly flustered.
"Hold on, aren't those Sui's clothes drying on the balcony upstairs?" Soma pointed out, noticing the clothes on display. "Are you two really roommates? Otherwise, why are Sui's clothes at Erina-sama's place?"
Erina: "Q…Q"
"No way! Sui, are you dating Miss Erina?" Yoshino asked, eyes wide with curiosity. "Since when have you two been living together?"
In an instant, everyone began bombarding them with questions.
At that moment, Erina wanted nothing more than to disappear. If only I hadn't invited them!
Sui coughed awkwardly. "Well, for the time being, yes, we are living together. But I'd appreciate it if you kept this between us."
"Erina, you're too much! You act all prim and proper, but secretly you've been living with a boyfriend!" Alice said, half-angry, half-teasing.
"Who's pretending to be prim and proper?!" Erina shot back, red-faced and furious.
After some more playful banter, Sui invited everyone inside, offering them a large jug of freshly poured milk.