Looking at the sea of somewhat uneasy students below the stage, Senzaemon Nakiri paid no attention to their growing anxiety. He had seen that specific expression of dawning realization every year for decades.
"Congratulations on your advancement to the advanced division, everyone," he began, his voice carrying without the need for a microphone. "During your three years in the elementary division, you learned the basic skills of cooking. You deepened your understanding of various ingredients. Your practical training in cooking goes without saying, and you also acquired comprehensive theoretical knowledge in various fields—culinary theory, nutrition, public health, cultivation principles, and management. And now, you are able to stand at the door of the advanced division."
Listening to Senzaemon Nakiri's speech from the wings, Ryusei felt a genuine sense of admiration for the institution. Totsuki Academy truly excelled in providing a rigorous foundation.
It struck him that even if these students were eventually expelled, the education they received here would make them formidable chefs in the outside world. However, the path ahead was no longer about education; it was about survival.
"The test you will face from now on," Senzaemon continued, his tone shifting to something colder and more predatory,
"is not skill or knowledge. It is the will to survive as a chef. Ninety-nine percent of you are merely pawns born to hone the other one percent. Of the 812 first-year students last year, only 76 successfully advanced to the second year. The incompetent and the mediocre will be ruthlessly discarded. Of a thousand first-year students, only a hundred will remain by the time they advance. As for how many will actually graduate, you could count them on one hand!"
Senzaemon suddenly pointed a massive finger at the crowd. "And you, you, could very well become one of those last few chefs!"
This ignited a sudden, fierce excitement in the students. Their fear transformed into a competitive hunger. Ryusei calmly observed the plaza from behind the curtain. He knew that despite their momentary motivation, most would be utterly crushed.
He understood that at Totsuki, the gap between people often couldn't be bridged by effort alone; it required a fusion of talent, luck, and an almost monstrous obsession. He felt his own Gourmet Cells react to the competitive atmosphere, a subtle hum of energy under his skin.
"Study hard! I'm done." With those brief words, the Gourmet Demon King stepped down.
"Finally, let me introduce two transfer students who started their studies today," the host announced.
Ryusei and Soma Yukihira walked onto the stage. Ryusei had specifically requested to go first. He had no desire to be caught in the splash zone of the chaos Soma was about to ignite. He stepped to the microphone with a polite, measured expression.
"My name is Ryusei," he said, his voice calm and professional. "I like food and travel, and I believe my cooking skills are... adequate for this institution. I'm very happy to be able to study at Totsuki Academy, so let's work hard together from now on. My goal is to become part of that one percent."
His introduction was brief and gave the students no reason to hate him. He stepped down and returned to the backstage rest area, where he encountered Erina Nakiri.
"Long time no see, Ms. Erina," Ryusei said.
"Hmm." Erina nodded coolly, though her eyes betrayed a deep conflict. She had spent the last week searching every database for "Spider Eagle" or "Dream Eggs" and had found absolutely nothing. It was as if the ingredient didn't exist on this planet. Seeing Ryusei now, she wanted to demand answers, but her pride kept the questions locked in her throat.
Ryusei, however, wasn't looking at Erina. He was watching the monitor with a grin. Soma Yukihira had just reached the microphone.
"Ah, um... I'll just say a few words briefly," Soma started, rubbing the back of his head. "My name is Soma Yukihira. To be honest, this school is just a stepping stone for me. I didn't even expect to get in, but I won't lose to a bunch of guys who've never even faced a customer before. As for what I want to say? In short, now that I'm here, I'm going to be above everyone else. Please take care of me for the next three years."
Soma bowed as the audience exploded into a riot of boos, insults, and even thrown objects. He simply walked backstage, completely ignoring the fury of a thousand students.
"I said it fluently, didn't I?" Soma arrived at the lounge, looking immensely relieved. "Honestly, Ryusei, you didn't even say you'd wait for me out there."
"I value my safety, Soma," Ryusei chuckled.
Soma then noticed Erina standing there. "Ah, you're that... you're Nakiri, right? Oh dear, I was so nervous! I've never had any awards or anything like that since I was little. How did I do? Was there anything strange?"
"You said you'd be above everyone else!" Erina snapped, her face flushing with anger. "Don't make me laugh. Everyone who came through the internal exams has received the most advanced elite education in the world. An outsider like you, a commoner from a diner, has no chance of surpassing them."
Soma's expression shifted. The playful light in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp intensity that Ryusei recognized as the look of a true professional.
"I first held a kitchen knife when I was three years old," Soma said quietly. "For the next 12 years, I spent my life in the kitchen. I've fought for my survival against customers every single day."
He looked Erina directly in the eye. "I don't consider myself inferior to anyone just because they read more books than I did."
Erina's expression turned slightly serious as she looked at him. For a split second, she saw a shadow of the same intensity she had sensed in Ryusei. However, she still didn't see Soma as a true threat to her throne.
She turned her gaze to Ryusei, who was leaning against the wall, observing the exchange like a spectator at a play.
"And you," she said to Ryusei. "You spoke with more humility, but your 'Dream Egg'... don't think you can hide behind rare ingredients forever. Totsuki will demand more from you than just a lucky find."
Ryusei pushed off the wall, his own presence expanding slightly, a hint of his Nen-fortified willpower leaking out. "I'm looking forward to it, Ms. Erina. I didn't come here just to pass; I came to see how far my cooking can go when pushed to the limit."
He turned to Soma. "Come on, Soma. We should find our dorms. I have a feeling our first class tomorrow is going to be... eventful."