With the Stagiaire program requiring students to take up residence at various restaurants outside of the school while also leaving their own impression, Soma ends up getting paired with Hisako, who has been feeling inferior since losing the Autumn Elections, as they are sent to the Mitamura Western restaurant. Right away, they discover that the restaurant is struggling to keep up with the barrages of orders from commuting customers, but Soma manages to use his experience to take control and keep everyone organised. Meanwhile, Erina and Megumi are sent to a French restaurant, where Erina instantly takes command of the kitchen, while Megumi finds her own way to make improvements. As Hisako gets used to the job, Soma notices that the restaurant needs to change, so that they don't struggle again once the Stagiaire is over. With the staff unwilling to cut down their large menu, Soma suggests that they try switching to a reservations-only basis, allowing them to better cater to their customers. After passing the first stage of the Stagiare, Soma encourages Hisako to stop feeling ashamed of her defeat and return to Erina's side, aiming to stand alongside her rather than only follow behind.