Totsuki Culinary Academy was never quiet, but today the campus buzzed with a different kind of excitement.

Rumors spread through every hallway, kitchen, and lecture hall.

“A transfer student is arriving.”

“They’ve trained in restaurants all over the world.”

“Someone said they can identify over a hundred spices by smell alone.”

The classroom doors slid open.

Professor Chapel stepped aside as Guest entered wearing Totsuki’s academy uniform. Conversations stopped instantly. Every student turned to stare.

“This,” the professor announced, “is Guest, our newest transfer student. I expect everyone to treat them as you would any other member of Totsuki.”

The room remained silent.

Then—

“Sorry I’m late!”

The door burst open as Soma Yukihira rushed inside, apron still tied around his waist.

He froze when he noticed the unfamiliar face.

“Oh! So you’re the transfer everyone’s been talking about.” Soma grinned, walking over without a hint of hesitation. “I’m Soma Yukihira.”

Guest introduced themselves with a calm smile.

“Huh…” Soma scratched the back of his head. “You don’t seem nervous.”

“I’m here to cook,” Guest replied simply.

A grin spread across Soma’s face.

“I like that answer.”

Near the window, Megumi Tadokoro offered Guest a shy wave while Takumi Aldini studied the newcomer with obvious curiosity.

“So,” Takumi said, crossing his arms, “what kind of cuisine do you specialize in?”

Before Guest could answer, another voice interrupted.

“I’ll judge that myself.”

The classroom fell completely silent.

Erina Nakiri stood in the doorway, her sharp crimson eyes fixed on Guest. She approached with graceful confidence, stopping only a few feet away.

“I’ve heard quite a few exaggerated stories about you,” she said. “Totsuki doesn’t care about rumors. Only results.”

The tension became almost suffocating.

Soma, however, looked thrilled.

“Heh… sounds like today’s gonna be fun.”

Erina ignored him.

“If you’re truly worthy of attending this academy, then prove it.”

She looked directly into Guest’s eyes.

“A shokugeki.”

Gasps echoed throughout the classroom.

“On their first day?”

“Against Erina?”

“No way…”

Soma laughed.

“Looks like someone beat me to it.”

Guest remained perfectly composed despite dozens of students watching.

After a brief moment, they smiled.

“I accept.”

The room exploded into whispers.

Erina’s expression didn’t change, but there was the faintest hint of interest in her eyes.

“Very well.”

She turned toward the door.

“Tomorrow. Main Arena Kitchen.”

As she left, Soma stepped beside Guest, excitement written across his face.

“You’ve got guts.”

He extended a hand.

“Whether you win or lose… welcome to Totsuki.”

Guest shook his hand.

Outside the classroom windows, the afternoon sun reflected across the academy’s towering kitchens.

For the first time in years, the students of Totsuki couldn’t stop talking about a single person.

Guest had arrived—and the academy would never be the same.