"If my fantasy training works, our chances of defeating Kinokuni Nene should increase significantly," Subaru said, a confident smile playing on his lips.
"In that case, I'll leave it to you," Sui responded with a nod.
"Haha, don't worry. This is what I'm here for," Subaru replied, his smile widening. "Wait right here."
Everyone watched in anticipation as Subaru disappeared briefly and then returned, donning a Totsuki girls' school uniform. He wore round glasses, and his hair was braided into small pigtails with a flower tucked in, mimicking Kinokuni Nene's distinctive appearance.
"My name is Kinokuni Nene, and I hail from the prestigious Kanda Soba House. You think you can challenge me in a Shokugeki?" Subaru said, pitching his voice high and adopting an air of disdain that closely resembled Kinokuni Nene.
Sui: ...
Everyone: …
"Is this what you call fantasy training?" Sui asked.
"Exactly," Subaru answered, returning to his normal voice. "I've undergone fantasy training for each of the Elite Ten. I'd say I can now replicate about 50% to 60% of Kinokuni Nene's abilities."
Sui: ...I see.
With that, Sui and Subaru began a mock Shokugeki with Soba as the central ingredient. Miyoko, Sōma, Megumi, and the others took on the roles of temporary judges.
After three rounds, Sui won all of them.
Panting, Subaru said, "I haven't done much fantasy training against Kinokuni Nene specifically. At best, I'm replicating half of her level. Keep that in mind."
It was clear that even Subaru's fantasy training was physically exhausting.
"Yeah, I understand. Thanks for the help," Sui said, nodding gratefully.
Those three practice battles were incredibly beneficial, and Sui had already formulated some ideas for the upcoming match.
"Haha, no problem. I hope you win," Subaru said with a nonchalant smile.
---
After returning to the mansion, Sui was immediately approached by Erina.
"I heard you're going to have a Shokugeki with Kinokuni-senpai?" she asked eagerly.
"Yeah," Sui replied, nodding.
"I think you're being a bit too hasty," Erina said, frowning. "With your current skill level, challenging Kinokuni-senpai, especially in soba, is risky. She's practically unbeatable when it comes to soba, given her family's mastery."
"I still think it's worth a shot," Sui said confidently.
Changing the subject, he asked with a teasing smile, "By the way, Erina, are we continuing our competition tonight?"
Erina's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She lowered her head and mumbled, "Not today."
Seeing her bashful expression, Sui nodded in understanding. Girls do have their inconvenient days each month, he thought.
"But I won't lose to you again!" Erina suddenly declared, her determination flaring.
Sui: …Got it.
Despite her fierce words, this was something she said every day. Yet, every day, Sui managed to defeat her in their private cooking duels, ultimately carrying her to her bedroom as she resisted in vain.
---
The next day, as Sui, Erina, and the others arrived at the teaching building, Sui received a text message from the school:
"Your Shokugeki application with second-year student Kinokuni Nene has been approved by the Shokugeki Administration. Please report to Venue A by 9 a.m."
"You go ahead; I'll meet you there later," Erina said.
"Alright," Sui nodded and made his way to the designated venue.
By the time he arrived, the venue was already packed with students.
"You're seriously having a Shokugeki with Kinokuni-senpai? You're asking for trouble!"
"Yeah, crush him, Kinokuni-senpai!"
The crowd cheered loudly for Kinokuni Nene, especially the members of the Soba Noodle Research Society.
On the other side, Sui's supporters weren't about to be outdone. Megumi, Yoshino, and the other members of the Rare Ingredients Research Society rallied with flags and drums. They were even joined by the Molecular Gastronomy Research Society.
"Go, Sui! Let's conquer Totsuki together!" Alice cheered, then turned to her follower with a frown. "Ryo-kun, you should shout too!"
"...Go, Sui. You're the best," Hayama Ryo muttered.
The atmosphere was electric.
"The terms of the match have been approved by the Shokugeki Administration. The theme is Soba. Now, let the Shokugeki begin! Please welcome the contestants to the stage!" Kawashima Rei announced as she stepped onto the stage.
Sui and Kinokuni Nene walked up to the platform amidst the excited murmurs of the crowd.
"And now, let's welcome our judges!" Kawashima Rei continued.
Senzaemon, Dojima, and Chef Chapelle made their way to the judges' seats, prompting even more excitement from the students.
"It's the Demon of Gourmet again!"
"Wow, he's really paying attention to that transfer student. Do you think that guy already earned Miss Erina's grandfather's approval?"
Senzaemon rarely served as a judge for school matches, but every time Sui participated in a Shokugeki, the commander-in-chief seemed to be watching closely. This level of attention from such an influential figure filled the students with envy.
"Let the Shokugeki officially begin," Senzaemon said calmly.
"I've heard a lot about you lately—defeating Eizan and making quite a name for yourself," Nene said, her red eyes gleaming coldly as she stared at Sui. "Now, show me if you're really as good as they say."
With that, the battle commenced.
"I didn't expect the theme to be Soba," Dojima remarked, his expression tense. "If I recall correctly, the Kinokuni family has specialized in soba noodles for generations. Kinokuni Nene's skills in this area, honed since childhood, are unparalleled. I'm afraid Sui is at a serious disadvantage."
"I believe he'll surprise us," Senzaemon responded calmly.
Dojima and Chapelle exchanged glances, surprised by the commander-in-chief's confidence. Could his expectations for Sui really be that high?
Meanwhile, Nene was kneading dough, casting occasional glances at Sui. Why did he choose Soba as the theme? she wondered. Does he have some kind of secret plan?
Sui, on the other hand, was focused on his preparation. He knew he couldn't beat Nene when it came to traditional soba noodles, but Soba didn't have to be limited to noodles. He had something else in mind.