"Sort of a Totsuki Culinary Academy student?"
Soma Yukihira's words left the Polar Star Dormitory members looking utterly confused.
Either he was or he wasn't—what did "sort of" mean?
Could it be that Soma Yukihira's childhood friend had originally been a middle school student at Totsuki Culinary Academy, but failed the advancement exam when moving up to high school, which was why Soma called him "sort of" a student?
"My childhood friend never took Totsuki Culinary Academy's Entrance Exam, but for certain reasons, he earned the approval of Erina Nakiri's grandfather and became a 'special student' at Totsuki Culinary Academy."
"Erina Nakiri's grandfather... isn't that Totsuki Culinary Academy's Headmaster?"
Yuki Yoshino was the first to react, letting out a startled cry. Like Soma Yukihira, she was a student of the 92nd class and a first-year high school student this year.
With chestnut-colored hair tied into twin buns, she was just as energetic as she looked. Compared to Ryoko Sakaki, who was the same age, the two hardly seemed like they belonged to the same generation.
"So the recent rumors about a 'special student' at Totsuki Culinary Academy were actually true?"
Before Soma Yukihira could answer, a black-haired boy wearing glasses, who looked exceptionally scholarly, pushed up his spectacles and spoke.
Marui Zenji, one of the Polar Star Dormitory members, was also a student of Totsuki's 92nd class, just like Soma Yukihira and the others. Though usually inconspicuous, he possessed a wealth of knowledge. He was passionate about researching and analyzing food-related materials and knew quite a bit about the information circulating within Totsuki Culinary Academy.
Seeing everyone's curious gazes, Marui Zenji said, "A rumor suddenly appeared at Totsuki Culinary Academy some time ago. Supposedly, our class has an unprecedented 'special student.'
"It was said that his cooking had earned the