Chapter 154:

[A-N: The goal wasn't achieved, but here are five chapters as a consolation.]

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Afterward, the three of them went to a store to buy school uniforms.

In Japan, students purchase their school uniforms from designated stores, unlike in some countries, where uniforms are custom-made and distributed directly by the school.

This practice also helps to prevent any potential collusion between schools and suppliers.

Next, they headed to the mall to buy a school bag.

Upon arriving at the mall, Tohru looked unusually serious, with a trace of fear on her face. The place reminded her of a paladin's castle, making her cautious throughout. She held Sui's hand tightly, which left him feeling helpless.

In the end, Kanna picked out a red school bag.

In Japan, school bags are notoriously expensive, with some costing thousands of dollars, and the more luxurious ones reaching tens of thousands. There's even a saying that a person uses only one school bag in their lifetime. Of course, the quality is top-notch, making them durable enough to last a lifetime.

Fortunately, Sui wasn't short of money.

"As expected of Kanna," Tohru remarked, eyeing the red bag. "She's got good taste—it's like she picked a cursed item that drains human blood."

"A cursed item that drains human blood?" 

Emi, who had been stealthily trailing Sui and the others, overheard the comment. Her face turned serious as she ground her teeth. "I knew it! The Demon King is up to no good again! Sending a magic dragon into the school—he must be planning to secretly drain the blood of the elementary students, or maybe curse them!"

If Sui had known what she was thinking, he would have been utterly speechless.

Kanna, however, was thrilled with her new school bag. She spent the rest of the day running around with it strapped to her back and even refused to take it off when she went to bed.

Since Sui had just deepened his relationship with Tohru the previous night, he didn't go for his usual cooking duel with the tsundere girl. Instead, he stayed with Tohru.

Sui had come to accept the fact that Tohru wasn't the same species as him, but their connection was undeniable.

Although Tohru had an unusual tail, her overall appearance wasn't much different from an ordinary girl. At first, Sui found it strange, but after getting used to it, it was kind of refreshing.

Plus...

Tohru's tongue had a fascinating flexibility—able to stretch or shrink, grow big or small. It was remarkably versatile.

The next day, Sui accompanied Kanna to her school.

Thanks to Tohru's magic, Kanna now had a forged identity and was officially enrolled.

Dressed in her school uniform, Kanna had her horns and tail neatly hidden. She wore the yellow helmet typical of elementary students and carried her red school bag. She looked absolutely adorable.

On the way to school, Kanna held Sui's hand, humming happily.

"Well, Kanna, study hard," Sui said as he waved her off at the school gate, smiling.

"Mhm," Kanna nodded in response.

After a brief pause, Sui added, "Oh, and try not to destroy the school or harm any of your classmates."

Nearby, several parents cast confused looks at Sui. What was he talking about?

Kanna, however, nodded seriously. "Got it, Sui."

"Did he say destroy the school and harm the students?!"

Emi, who had been eavesdropping from a distance, was stunned.

"I knew it! Running that shop is just a cover. His real goal is to destroy the world!" she whispered, gritting her teeth.

She had made up her mind—she would visit Sui's shop every evening to "keep an eye" on him. And as for Kanna, she would watch her every move at school too.

Meanwhile, Kanna entered her classroom.

"Class, we have a new student today, Kanna Mizushima."

The teacher introduced Kanna to the class.

For school purposes, Kanna had adopted Sui's surname, making her full name Kanna Mizushima.

When Tohru heard this, she immediately declared she wanted to take Sui's last name too, calling herself "Tohru Mizushima," which left Sui utterly speechless.

After dropping Kanna off at school, Sui returned to Totsuki Academy.

Erina was waiting for him in the living room, as the two of them usually went to school together.

"Oh, by the way, the candidate list for the Autumn Selection has been posted," Erina said.

"Autumn Selection?" Sui echoed. It seemed about that time.

"Are you participating?"

"I'm not," Erina replied. "The Autumn Selection is managed by the Elite Ten. They handle the recommendations and organize the event, and since I'm one of the Elite Ten, I'm just running the show."

Sui nodded. His name wasn't on the list because no one from the Elite Ten had recommended him.

In their eyes, Sui was already on their level, so there was no need for him to prove himself in the Autumn Selection.

At that moment, Sui received a new mission.

"Host has received a new mission. 

Mission: Choose a friend and help them achieve a high rank in the Autumn Selection. 

Rewards: 

- Top 16: Random C-grade ingredient pack 

- Top 8: Random B-grade ingredient pack 

- Top 4: Random B-grade ingredient pack + Kitchenware pack 

Time limit: One month."

"Help someone else reach a high rank, huh?" Sui mused, wondering whom he should choose.

"What are you mumbling about, Sui?" Erina asked, puzzled.

"Hehe, nothing," Sui replied with a smile.

Once in class, Sui saw Megumi looking pale and shaking with fear.

Concerned, he approached her. "Megumi, what's wrong? Were you bullied?"

"It's because of the Autumn Selection," Yoshino chimed in.

"I don't know what to do, Sui. Compared to everyone else, I feel like I'm just filling a spot," Megumi said pitifully.

"I didn't expect to be selected at all," she added.

"Yeah, how did she get picked? My grades are better than hers! It's so unfair," some nearby students muttered.

Sui asked, "Did everyone in the Polar Star Dormitory get selected?"

"Yep!" Yoshino grinned, flashing a victory sign.

"By the way, Sui, I didn't see your name on the list," Sōma remarked.

"I wasn't recommended by the Elite Ten," Sui replied.

"You've already beaten members of the Elite Ten! There's no need for you to compete in the Autumn Selection—you're bound to join them soon anyway," Ryoko said with confidence.