Chapter 271: Let's Take a Hot Spring Bath Together

After hearing Sui's words, the group couldn't help but admire Sōma's feat.

In Japan, 'Osechi' cuisine is typically prepared several days in advance, with great care. Yet, Sōma managed to prepare an impressive version of it in just one hour, using inexpensive ingredients from convenience stores, all of which earned recognition from Dojima Gin. Truly extraordinary.

"Besides, he must have figured out the key techniques. Otherwise, even 'Osechi' cuisine wouldn't have been priced at 25,000 yen by Chef Dojima," Erina remarked casually.

"Hahaha, at least I didn't hold everyone back," Sōma said with a laugh, scratching the back of his head.

He glanced around at the others, observing the reactions from his peers.

"Who said it was a tie? Don't forget, we started with negative 1,500 points, so technically, we still won," Akira commented nonchalantly, waving his hand.

"Exactly."

The atmosphere around them grew lively, with the competition still very much in the air.

"These three are always at it with each other," Megumi commented, smiling awkwardly.

"Competition within a team can be a good thing," Erina responded.

Thus, the first day of exams came to an end, and the results for each group were tallied.

First-Year Group: Sui: 50,000 yen, Erina: 45,000 yen, Alice: 30,000 yen 

Second-Year Group: Isshiki: 45,000 yen, Kuga: 30,000 yen, Eizan: 30,000 yen 

Third-Year Group: Eishi: 50,000 yen, Rindō and Momo: 40,000 yen, Tōsuke and Saito: 35,000 yen 

Even after subtracting Sōma's starting penalty of 1,500 points, the first-year group secured a narrow victory.

"Impressive, it's incredible that a few students were able to make such an impact," remarked a student, clearly in awe.

"Damn it, why did I end up with fewer points than Erina?" Alice pouted, visibly annoyed.

"Now you see the downside of relying on molecular gastronomy. It's too dependent on equipment," Erina commented, sounding every bit like the older sister, imparting wisdom.

"It's alright, Alice. This test wasn't meant to showcase everyone's full strength," Sui reassured her.

Indeed, this type of exam wasn't particularly favorable for Alice, whose culinary style depended heavily on equipment. Similarly, it wasn't easy for Sōma's set meals or Tōsuke's ramen to fetch high prices.

After hearing Sui's words of comfort, Alice's mood improved slightly.

"So, it looks like we, the first-years, won? That's awesome!" Sōma exclaimed with a wide grin, brimming with pride.

"Annoying brat," Eizan grumbled, clearly displeased. Turning to Isshiki and the others, he said, "It's embarrassing to lose to the first-years like this. We'll have to step it up for the next exam."

"Agreed," chimed in Kuga and Nene.

Isshiki, however, simply smiled. "Does it matter? As long as we pass the exams."

Suddenly, Eishi waved to Sui and the others enthusiastically, "Hey, Sui, Miss Erina, how about we all hit the hot springs together?"

"Sounds good," Sui agreed, and the group's eyes lit up at the idea.

With the day's exam behind them, it was time to relax.

Soon, they all arrived at the hot spring bathhouse. To Sui's disappointment, though, he found himself sharing the bath with a group of men instead of enjoying a soak with Erina. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret, hoping for a chance to bathe with her during the exam period.

"Ah, it feels amazing to soak in a hot spring when it's cold outside," Eishi said with a long, contented sigh.

"No kidding," Kuga chimed in, his eyes closed as he soaked in the warmth.

Just then, Isshiki entered, wearing swimming trunks. Without hesitation, he jumped into the hot spring and began swimming.

"Ah! Look, it's Isshiki-senpai in his second form!" Sōma exclaimed, pointing at Isshiki.

"Second form? What's his first form, then?" Eishi asked, intrigued.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the bathhouse, Sui noticed something interesting. "Saito-senpai, what's in that case? Is there a knife inside?"

Saito Sōmei, who carried a mysterious case even into the hot spring, nodded. "Yes, it's a kitchen knife."

"Now that you mention it, I've got a kitchen knife too. It's a pretty good one," Sui said, curious.

"Oh? I'd love to see it sometime," Saito Sōmei responded, clearly interested.

Meanwhile, in the women's bath:

"Ahh, I feel like I could run for three days and three nights after this," Rindō said, submerged up to her eyes like a crocodile, eyes narrowed in satisfaction.

"No kidding," Alice agreed, with a towel perched on her head. Her rosy cheeks and relaxed expression made her look even cuter than usual.

Erina had tied her long, golden hair behind her head, a soft blush spreading across her snow-white face as she soaked in the hot spring. She couldn't help but wonder what Sui was doing at that moment. Was he trying to peek over at them?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Rindō's curious question. "Hey, Erina, how far have you and Sui gone?"

Everyone turned their attention to Erina, intrigued. Among the group, only Erina was in a relationship, after all.

"W-what do you mean? There's nothing going on! Stop making things up!" Erina stammered, her face flushing a deep red as she turned away, clearly flustered.

"Really? Well, if you're not interested, how about I develop a relationship with Sui?" Rindō teased with a mischievous grin.

"Wait, Rindō-senpai, are you serious about Sui?" Megumi asked, clearly surprised and taking her words seriously.

Rindō chuckled, baring her sharp canine teeth. "I don't see why not. A relationship with a younger guy could be fun. And besides, it's always nice to have access to premium ingredients!"