As soon as Eizan saw the man in front of him, his expression froze for a moment before his face darkened.
"You're... the man who was expelled from Tōtsuki! What are you doing here?"
Although he had never met this man, who had become somewhat of a taboo figure, Eizan had heard many rumors about him. But he never imagined that the person who had arranged this meeting was actually 'that' man.
This man was none other than Azami Nakiri, Erina's biological father, who had been expelled from Tōtsuki by Senzaemon!
"You must be Eizan Etsuya, the alchemist and current Ninth Seat of the Elite Ten, correct? It's a pleasure to meet you," Azami said with a faint smile as he took his seat.
"Hmph! What business do you, a man who was kicked out of Tōtsuki, have with me?" Eizan snorted, his tone icy.
"Simple. I'm here to return to Tōtsuki," Azami stated firmly, enunciating each word with precision.
"What did you just say?!" Eizan's expression shifted immediately. He stood up abruptly and sneered, "I'm not interested in teaming up with a stray dog like you."
At present, Senzaemon still firmly held the position of Tōtsuki's commander-in-chief. Under such circumstances, aligning himself with Azami would be tantamount to signing his own death warrant. Eizan wasn't foolish enough to take such a risk without seeing significant benefits first.
"Oh, how embarrassing," Azami remarked, his smile never wavering. "As the Ninth Seat, you were publicly humiliated by a first-year student and forced to kneel and apologize."
Eizan's face turned cold instantly. For him, that event was the single greatest humiliation of his life.
"I understand that the timing isn't ideal for you right now, and I'm not asking you to join me immediately," Azami continued calmly. "But I can assure you that when I reclaim the position of commander-in-chief, I can offer you far greater benefits."
These words made Eizan pause, his interest piqued. After all, the annual profits of the Tōtsuki Group were astronomical.
"We'll talk when the time comes," Eizan responded coolly, regaining his composure. He wouldn't rush into switching sides without a clearer picture of the situation.
Azami nodded. "By the way, if you're looking to get back at that first-year student, I know someone who could help. You might want to reach out."
"Who?" Eizan couldn't help but ask.
---
Meanwhile, Sui and Erina were completely unaware that Azami had already started privately reaching out to the Elite Ten, scheming to regain control of Tōtsuki.
"You used my toothbrush again!" Erina complained, glaring at Sui.
"And watch it with the water! Don't splash me!" she added, clearly irritated as they jostled for space in the bathroom.
Sui was speechless. He had thought that after what happened the previous night, Erina might soften up a bit. Yet, her attitude remained as fierce as ever.
However, despite her usual behavior, Sui noticed something subtle—when she kissed him now, she lingered just a little longer than before, her cheeks a shade redder.
After their morning routine, Sui, as always, didn't forget to make a large plate of Sinangag Fried Rice for Kanna and Tohru before heading out.
"I'm off," he said as he prepared to leave.
"Be careful!" Tohru replied, smiling warmly, like a competent maid.
After breakfast, Kanna flopped down on the sofa and promptly fell back asleep. That was her routine: either sleeping or playing games all day.
Hisako was already waiting downstairs for them. Noticing Sui and Erina's usual banter, she couldn't help but smile. Yesterday, she had been worried the two had quarreled, but it seemed everything was back to normal.
As usual, after finishing his morning classes in the teaching building, Sui made his way to his Rare Ingredients Research Center. He wanted to experiment with the honey from the Combees he had obtained the previous day.
The day before, Erina had been amazed by the juice from the Shuckle fruit and the honey from the Combees. Sui had even given her a small portion to take with her.
When Sui entered the club room, he found Miyoko and Nao already there.
To his surprise, the usual tension between the two was absent, and instead, Miyoko looked unusually downcast.
"Miyoko, is something wrong?" Sui asked.
"It's the Tracer," Miyoko replied through gritted teeth.
"The Tracer?" Sui repeated, confused.
"Yes, the infamous Mimasaka Subaru," Nao chimed in, her voice tinged with unease. "He's a formidable opponent when it comes to Shokugeki. Yesterday, he challenged Miyoko to a shokugeki and took her kitchen knife."
"Yeah... He showed up at my restaurant yesterday, challenged me to a Shokugeki, and took the knife I've used for years," Miyoko said bitterly, clenching her fists in frustration.
Sui nodded thoughtfully. Mimasaka Subaru was indeed a tricky opponent. His ability to perfectly replicate his opponent's cooking and then improve on it made him a force to be reckoned with. Among the first-year students, few could match him—perhaps only Erina was stronger.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.
"Is anyone here?" a voice called from the hallway.
Sui and the others turned to see a tall figure with braids standing at the door.
"So this is where you've been. Looks like the information Eizan -senpai gave me was spot on," the man said with a smirk.
"Did Eizan send you?" Sui asked, frowning.
"Not exactly. I'm just personally interested in you, and Eizan -senpai happened to provide some useful information," Mimasaka Subaru replied, his grin widening. "You've earned straight A's in all your classes, and you came first in the Rapport Training Camp camp. I'd say your kitchen knife is worth adding to my collection."
At his words, both Nao and Miyoko's faces darkened.
"Sui, don't accept his Shokugeki challenge," Miyoko urged, clearly worried. "You may be talented, but Mimasaka is a different kind of opponent."
Ignoring her warning, Sui smiled slightly and said, "So, you're the one who took Miyoko's knife? I was just about to go looking for you, but since you've come right to my door..."
Sui's smile grew wider. "Let's settle this with a Shokugeki."