Sōmei Saitō, a third-year student of Tōtsuki Academy's 90th Generation, initially holds the Fifth Seat of the Elite Ten Council. His support for Azami Nakiri's appointment as academy director earns him promotion to the Fourth Seat. Standing at 1.86 meters, he is the second tallest Elite Ten member. His striking appearance features a mohawk with a black crest and gray sides, a horizontal scar across his nose bridge, and large earrings. He typically wears his Tōtsuki uniform coat draped over his shoulders like a cape and forgoes the standard tie. He wields Isanakiri, a specialized Maguro bōchō knife for filleting large fish. Sōmei's personality is strictly governed by the bushido code, emphasizing honor, fairness, and chivalry. He values skill over rank, never underestimates opponents regardless of their year, and openly praises adversaries who demonstrate talent, as he did with Subaru Mimasaka. However, he exhibits impatience towards childish behavior, exemplified by his low tolerance for fellow Elite Ten member Momo Akanegakubo's antics. His core ideal, "the strong must protect the weak," stems from witnessing his mother endure misogynistic discrimination at Shigarami Sushi, where she was relegated to household chores until collapsing from exhaustion. At age 15, Sōmei assumed leadership of their family restaurant, Saito Sushi. He defeated critics in sushi competitions, dominating the sushi world despite making traditionalists his enemies. During the Central Arc, Sōmei supports Azami Nakiri's vision for Tōtsuki, believing it offers equal opportunity. He participates in consolidating Central's power, voting to replace Director Senzaemon Nakiri with Azami and contributing to the Survivor's Purge to eliminate dissenting research societies. In the Hokkaido Promotion Exams, he defeats Hisako Arato in the third bout, resulting in her expulsion. Later, during the Régiment de Cuisine team Shokugeki between Central and the Rebel Alliance, Sōmei battles Subaru Mimasaka in the second bout. Though the tuna theme disadvantages Subaru, Sōmei lends him Isanakiri to ensure fairness, honoring his bushido principles. While initially impressed by Subaru's Perfect Trace, Sōmei loses the match. He faces Sōma Yukihira in the third bout and is defeated again, contributing to the Rebels' resurgence. Sōmei's culinary expertise lies in sushi craftsmanship, combining precision knife skills with innovative approaches that defy traditional norms. His philosophy extends beyond cooking; he views himself as a lone samurai refining his art to protect others, a direct response to his mother's suffering. This ideal drives his alignment with Central, as he perceives Azami's regime as a platform to uphold this belief, though he later respects adversaries who demonstrate resolve against Central's authority.