The 69th class of Tōtsuki Academy is considered the strongest in its history, with Gin Dojima, the current head chef of Tōtsuki Resort, regarded as the most outstanding graduate. He was the leader of this legendary class.
However, despite the high expectations surrounding other notable classes, Tōsuke Megishima believed that the 92nd class had the greatest potential to surpass the 69th class and become the strongest in Tōtsuki's history.
Erina, for example, possessed a natural talent that chefs everywhere dreamed of. She even made history by earning a spot as the Tenth Seat of the Elite Ten while still in junior high school.
Now, seeing Sui—whose talent was perhaps even greater than Erina's—Tōsuke couldn't help but be impressed. Cooking might seem unrelated to physical strength, but in reality, it requires considerable stamina. Many techniques and processes demand endurance and power, and Sui had both in abundance.
After witnessing Sui's sheer physical strength, Tōsuke began to entertain the idea that the 92nd class might truly surpass the famed 69th class.
The only thing that gave him pause was that Sui didn't specialize in ramen. If he were to dedicate his efforts to ramen, there was no doubt that his strength and skill would allow him to create the most exquisite ramen imaginable.
Soon, everyone's dishes were ready.
The main course was Tōsuke Megishima's pork bone ramen. Sui contributed a side dish of shredded pork with eggs, Kuga prepared mapo tofu, Erina made French-style beef stew, and Momo finished the meal with a cream honey cake for dessert. It was an extravagant feast.
Such a banquet, if sold in the outside world, would fetch an exorbitant price. Even if one could afford it, the opportunity to dine on food prepared by Tōtsuki's Elite Ten was rare.
The only one who hadn't contributed was Rindō.
"Rindō-senpai, are you just here to eat again?" Kuga asked helplessly.
"Of course! Eating is my job!" Rindō grinned mischievously, revealing two sharp fangs.
Soon, everyone started eating.
Among the dishes, Sui's shredded pork and eggs, and Momo's cream honey cake were the clear favorites.
"This shredded pork and egg is incredibly tender! Sui, are you sure you don't want to join my Chinese Cuisine Research Club?" Kuga exclaimed in amazement.
"The quality of this egg is outstanding, much better than your average scrambled egg," Rindō said, her mouth full. "And this cake..."
"Indeed, this egg is perfect for desserts," Momo murmured to herself. After a brief hesitation, she added, "Hey, Su Pan, would you sell me a few of those eggs?"
"What did you call me?" Sui asked, smiling slightly.
Momo gritted her teeth, her forehead starting to throb again. She turned her head away, unwilling to engage further.
Sui also enjoyed the meal. It wasn't every day one got to taste the creations of Tōtsuki's Elite Ten. While he often cooked with Erina, sharing each other's dishes, this was his first time experiencing the cooking of the other Elite Ten members. Whether it was Tōsuke Megishima's ramen or Momo Akanegakubo's desserts, every dish left a lasting impression.
After lunch, Sui bid farewell and left with Erina.
"Goodbye, Sui! You and Erina should visit more often!" Kuga waved with a reluctant smile.
"Who's a couple?!" Erina snapped, clenching her teeth in frustration.
Once again, it was all Yoshino's fault. That girl's loose tongue was the reason for all these misunderstandings!
At that very moment, somewhere in Tōtsuki, Yoshino, who had just finished her lunch, shivered as a sudden chill ran down her spine.
"Why do I feel like someone's harboring a grudge against me?" she muttered to herself.
——
After the afternoon classes, Erina had more food tastings to attend, so Sui returned to their mansion alone.
As soon as he entered his room, Tohru eagerly rushed over, her little fang showing in a cheerful smile. "Sui, you're back!"
"Mhm," Sui replied with a nod.
"Come sit down. I've prepared dinner for you!" Tohru said enthusiastically, guiding him to the table like a proper maid. She handed him a bowl of steaming fried rice.
"Wait... Tohru, you can cook?" Sui asked, surprised.
"Of course! I learned this afternoon just for you!" Tohru replied proudly, raising her hands in excitement.
Sui smiled and was about to take a bite when he noticed something suspicious in the rice. A few black lines appeared on his forehead.
"Tohru did you... mix your tail meat in here?" he asked, his voice filled with suspicion.
"W-What? No way! Why would I do that?" Tohru stammered, her guilty conscience showing.
Sui let out a sigh, picked out the suspicious meat, and said, "I'm not eating this."
"Ah! How did you figure it out, Sui?!" Tohru cried, looking defeated.
"Well, since you're here, how about coming with me to the restaurant tonight?" Sui suggested, changing the subject.
Normally, Erina would accompany him to help out, but she was busy today. Tohru, dressed in her maid outfit, looked like the perfect candidate for a waitress.
"Wait, I get to go to your restaurant? Sure!" Tohru agreed, her smile returning as she revealed her small fangs. "I'll work extra hard!"
The two of them headed out together. From the look on Tohru's face, this wasn't her first time out in the city.
"Tohru have you been exploring during the day?" Sui asked curiously.
"Yeah, I've been familiarizing myself with the surroundings," Tohru nodded.
As they passed a white department store, Tohru suddenly stiffened, her expression becoming serious.
"What's wrong?" Sui asked, puzzled.
"That building looks like the base of the Paladins. We should take another route," Tohru said nervously.
Sui was speechless for a moment. In Tohru's world, she was still considered a villain, constantly on the run from Paladins.
"Tohru have you done many bad things in your world?" Sui asked.
"Not that many," Tohru replied nonchalantly. "I've only destroyed a country or two and kidnapped a few princesses. You know, typical chaotic-neutral stuff."
Sui: "…"
Unbeknownst to them, a small figure was stealthily trailing behind as they walked.