Zenji Marui, a first-year student at Tōtsuki Culinary Academy, resides in the Polar Star Dormitory. His short black hair, black eyes, and glasses frame a frail physique marked by low stamina, often leaving him visibly exhausted after exertion and occasionally reliant on a cane. Though lacking innate culinary talent or physical endurance, Zenji’s academic brilliance and photographic memory propel him through relentless study. As the ace of the Miyazato Seminar—a group dedicated to classical culinary philosophy and literature—he leverages meticulous preparation and encyclopedic knowledge to rival peers with greater natural aptitude. Intellectually driven yet socially reserved, Zenji initially resists the communal tendencies of Polar Star residents who gravitate toward his spacious dorm room. Over time, he cultivates reluctant yet genuine camaraderie, bonding closely with Shun Ibusaki. Beneath his scholarly demeanor lies a quietly supportive nature, evident during events like the Tōtsuki Friendship and Rapport Training Camp, where he pushes past physical limits to aid friends. At the Autumn Elections preliminaries, Zenji showcases White Potage Curry Udon, blending vichyssoise-inspired roux with udon. Judges commend its serene smoothness, awarding 88 points and an initial second-place rank. A subsequent competitor’s higher score drops him to fifth, eliminating him from the main tournament—a result he accepts with contemplative resolve, mirroring Shun’s quiet disappointment. Later narratives position Zenji as a watchful supporter, attending the Autumn Elections main tournament as an audience member. His Polar Star relationships remain pivotal, demonstrated through shared celebrations of peers’ successes and silent solidarity during setbacks. Persistent physical constraints contrast his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, cementing his role as a cerebral anchor within the dormitory’s dynamic community.