Sui pondered for a moment and said, "Let's skip the Local Cuisine Research Society and the Donburi Research Society."
The Local Cuisine Research Society was where Megumi belonged, and the Donburi Research Society was currently led by Mito after her defeat with Sōma, a follower of Erina.
"And let's avoid the Chinese Cuisine Research Society," he added. The Chinese Cuisine Research Society, led by Kuga, was a strong one. And with their friendship, he didn't plan to attack it.
"Alright then, let's make the Rare Ingredients Research Society renowned throughout Totsuki!" Miyoko's eyes glinted with interest, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
"Exactly. Let's conquer the campus for our research society!" Nao echoed her excitement, eager to help Sui.
"By the way," Sui interjected, "we should get someone else to help us."
Suddenly remembering someone, he dialled a number, and soon enough, Subaru Mimasaka picked up the call.
"Challenging research societies? No problem. You know I told you to call me if you ever needed anything," Subaru agreed without hesitation. After all, he had previously lost to Sui and had promised to serve as his ally.
Shortly after, Subaru arrived at the activity room.
Surveying the three figures in front of him, Sui nodded in satisfaction. These three were no weaklings among the first-year students—especially Subaru. Few could best him, and even Sōma would likely find the battle tough.
Despite the Rare Ingredients Research Society being a new group, it had quickly amassed some of the strongest talent on campus.
——
At a somewhat dilapidated facility, a group of sumo wrestlers sat around a large table, feasting on hot pot.
"Dammit," grumbled Gouda Hayashi Kiyoshi, the leader of the Chanko Nabe Research Society. "Ever since we lost to Erina, we've been stuck in this miserable room."
"Yeah, it's pathetic. Why don't we challenge another research society and take over their space?" one of the members suggested.
"Hmm, not a bad idea. But which group should we target?" Gouda mused.
At that moment, the door swung open with a loud crash.
A tall girl with striking features and dressed in a red cheongsam entered—Miyoko Hojo.
"Who the hell are you? How dare you barge into our Chanko Nabe Research Society!" Several sumo wrestlers stood up, glaring at her.
"This room is worse than ours," Nao remarked disdainfully as she glanced around.
"It could serve well as a storage closet for junk," Subaru added with a smirk.
Miyoko nodded. "It's not much, but we can make do."
Enraged by their comments, Gouda Hayashi Kiyoshi growled, "Miyoko, right? Is this a provocation against our society?"
Miyoko narrowed her eyes and smiled. "Not a provocation—it's a formal challenge. How about a Shokugeki, with our research societies' rooms on the line? Do you accept?"
Gouda snorted, "A Shokugeki, huh? Fine by me. We were looking to challenge someone anyway."
---
Afterward, the group marched to the Italian Cuisine Research Society's headquarters.
"This room is nice, much more spacious than ours," Subaru observed, nodding with approval.
"Who are you?" The members of the Italian Cuisine Research Society glared at them.
"We're from the Rare Ingredients Research Society, and we're interested in your room," Miyoko stated boldly.
The students of the Italian society stiffened at the mention of Sui's research group. His reputation at Totsuki, as one of the top first-year students alongside Erina, was well-established.
"Do you dare face us in a Shokugeki? I'll be the one to challenge you," Subaru said with a grin.
"Hmph, arrogant first-years." The tension relaxed slightly once they realized Sui himself wasn't participating. Though wary of him, they weren't as concerned about the others.
"Alright, we accept. The stakes will be our rooms," Takumi Aldini, a prominent member, declared, throwing his glove to the floor. "Pick it up if you accept the duel."
Subaru chuckled and picked up the glove, signaling his acceptance.
——
The trio then proceeded to the Dairy Research Society, where Nao would compete this time. With each research society they visited, they submitted official Shokugeki applications to the school's administration, all of which were swiftly approved.
The news of the Rare Ingredients Research Society declaring war on three societies at once spread like wildfire across the campus.
"What? That transfer student declared war on three societies at the same time? Is he out of his mind?"
"Yeah, he's way too arrogant!"
"But I heard his group includes Miyoko Hojo and that witch Nao Sadatsuka, and they're both pretty strong."
Gossip filled the halls as students marveled at Sui's audacity. While Shokugekis were common at Totsuki, it was rare for one research society to challenge three at once.
---
At Venue A, where the Shokugekis would take place, a crowd began to gather. Among them were Sōma, Megumi, and a few others.
"Sui, I heard you declared war on several research societies?" Sōma asked with a grin.
"That's right," Sui replied, smiling.
"Haha! You're amazing, man. Declaring war on three groups at once. If you need help, just let me know!" Sōma laughed, and the group made their way into the venue as the Shokugekis officially commenced.