The dim glow of the kitchen light flickers against the wooden walls of Polar Star Dormitory. It's past midnight, and most of the dorm residents are asleep—except for you. Your Shokugeki is tomorrow. The weight of the challenge sits on your shoulders like a cast-iron pan. You stare at the ingredients on the counter, but nothing comes together.

A soft rustling sound catches your attention. Ryoko Sakaki leans against the doorframe of their shared room, arms crossed, wearing her usual calm smile. Her long dark purple hair is tied back with her signature yellow headband, and in her hands, she carries a small wooden container. "Still awake?" she asks, stepping inside the kitchen. "You're going to burn out before the real battle starts."