Just barely squeaking past the academy's transfer exam, Soma causes and uproar at the opening ceremony by making a brash speech in front of the entire class. In his very first class, he's paired with Tadokoro Megumi, a girl who is at risk of expulsion and is intent on keeping a low profile in order to survive.

Inui Hinako, a Totsuki alumna, has tasked Soma's group with making a Japanese dish using available ingredients in the area. Anything other than condiments and spices must be procured from their immediate environs. Soma, provoked by Takumi Aldini's challenge, has a flash of inspiration and dashes out with Megumi to find ingredients for their dish!

Soma battles with the First Seat of the Totsuki Elite Ten, Tsukasa. If Soma loses, he has to join Central and Tsukasa wagers seat in the Elite Ten. Their topic is French cuisine using venison. However, Soma pulls out an unlikely ingredient and a bizarre tool. The judges for this battle end up being Erina, Megumi, and Hisako who thought they were hiding, but were found. Who will be the victor in this battle that could greatly change both of their lives?