Subaru Mimasaka commands attention at Tōtsuki Culinary Academy with his imposing physique, distinctive braided hairstyle featuring shaved lightning bolt patterns on the sides, and multiple ear piercings. He favors a black athletic jacket adorned with chevron designs, its interior bearing his embroidered name—work likely executed by his own hand, showcasing his detailed craftsmanship. His cooking attire is a dark chef's uniform. Raised in his family's Restaurant Mimasaka, Subaru displayed an early aptitude for replicating and improving his father's recipes, particularly cakes, entirely self-taught. He sought paternal validation through these efforts, only to face criticism for lacking originality. A pivotal moment occurred during a VIP event when Subaru's enhanced version of his father's signature cake garnered superior praise. Humiliated, his father sent him to Tōtsuki, triggering a profound shift in Subaru's personality. At Tōtsuki, Subaru perfected "Perfect Trace," a method demanding meticulous study of opponents' cooking techniques, personal habits, and histories—sometimes involving stalking or cosplay—to replicate and enhance their dishes. This earned him the moniker "King of Stalkers." He initiated 99 consecutive Shokugeki (culinary duels), winning every one by surpassing opponents with their own refined specialties. Victories required forfeiture of the opponent's most prized kitchen tool, often knives, including emotionally significant items like one inherited from a rival's deceased mother. This ruthlessness attracted Elite Ten 9th Seat Etsuya Eizan, who recruited Subaru as an enforcer. During the Autumn Election, Subaru qualified for the main tournament by scoring 91 points with a curry dish. In the quarterfinals, he provoked opponent Takumi Aldini by defiling Takumi's mezzaluna knife and insulting his brother, Isami. Subaru replicated Takumi's semifreddo dessert, incorporating enhancements like biscuit-style whisking and mascarpone cheese. Despite Takumi's improvisation of a fourth layer, Subaru anticipated the change and secured victory, claiming the mezzaluna as his 100th trophy. Subaru next challenged Sōma Yukihira in the semifinals, wagering all 100 collected knives against Sōma's culinary career. Using data gathered by Sōma's supporter Mitsuru Sōtsuda, Subaru replicated Sōma's beef stew but was defeated when Sōma improvised during the match, creating an unforeseen variation. This loss shattered Subaru's worldview, leading him to contemplate quitting cooking. Sōma intervened, urging him to continue honing his skills. The experience tempered Subaru's sadism, and he returned the stolen knives to their owners. Subsequently, Subaru realigned his abilities toward collaboration. At the Moon Festival, he aided Sōma by using Perfect Trace to replicate Sōma's mapo tofu recipe at high speed, helping break Terunori Kuga's sales streak. He later joined the rebel faction opposing Azami Nakiri's regime. In the Régiment de Cuisine, he faced Elite Ten member Sōmei Saitō, employing "Flash"—a technique to instantaneously trace opponents without prior study. Though he replicated Saitō's sushi methods, a minor error led to his defeat. Post-battle, he assisted allies by simulating opponents' cooking styles for training. Subaru's meticulous attention to detail remains central to his character, encapsulated by his motto: "Right down to a gnat's eyebrow." While his appearance and initial methods intimidated peers, his post-redemption actions reflect a more honorable and supportive ethos, leveraging Perfect Trace to bolster others rather than crush them.