Soma Yukihira began working at his family's Restaurant Yukihira at age three. His early culinary attempts, even in kindergarten, often produced inedible dishes that upset classmates, fueling his drive to improve. During elementary school, he earned a permanent scar above his left eyebrow at age ten while catching a live fish that nearly fell. By sixth grade, he started a long streak of cooking duels against his father, racking up 489 consecutive losses before enrolling at Totsuki Culinary Academy. His diner upbringing sharpened his efficiency under pressure and adaptability in high-volume service, skills crucial for Totsuki's challenges. Entering Totsuki marked a major shift. During his entrance speech, Soma declared his intent to use the academy and its students as "stepping stones" to surpass his father, a statement initially alienating peers due to his humble background. This perception changed as he formed friendships, notably supporting Megumi Tadokoro through confidence struggles, helping her gain resilience and eventually an Elite Ten Council seat. Residing in Polar Star Dormitory, his unpretentious nature and willingness to aid others—including former rivals like Ikumi Mito and Takumi Aldini—built mutual respect. His cooking prioritized innovation, incorporating unconventional techniques or ingredients, such as creating "Roast Pork, Just Kidding" from non-meat components during a restaurant crisis. Soma's personality blends relentless optimism with near-fearlessness. He thrives under pressure, viewing setbacks like near-expulsion or high-stakes shokugeki as growth opportunities rather than defeats. This stems from his father's teaching that panic and self-doubt are a chef's greatest weaknesses; Jōichirō once clapped Soma's hands during busy service to refocus him, a technique Soma later reused to calm allies. His catchphrase, "Happy to serve!", reflects his commitment to customer satisfaction over elitism. However, his straightforwardness sometimes manifests as bluntness or teasing, occasionally straining relationships despite good intentions. During his first year at Totsuki, Soma participated in pivotal events. He reached the Autumn Elections semifinals by showcasing creative dishes blending diverse culinary traditions. The Stagiaire arc saw him revitalize a high-end French restaurant's menu by integrating his diner-style accessibility. When Azami Nakiri formed Central to enforce rigid culinary standards, Soma joined the rebels. This conflict culminated in the Regiment de Cuisine team shokugeki. Facing Elite Ten members like Eishi Tsukasa and Saitō, Soma employed collaborative strategies—incorporating classmates' techniques into his buttered seafood rice bowl—securing critical victories. His win against Saitō exemplified growth through synthesizing peer lessons. Following the rebels' triumph, Soma became First Seat of the Elite Ten Council. Later challenges included confronting the noir chef organization "Les Cuisiniers Noirs" and their leader, Asahi Saiba, at BLUE. Unlike Asahi, who amalgamated others' skills via "Cross Knives," Soma relied on his distinct culinary identity rooted in experimentation and resilience. In the epilogue, after an indefinite leave during his third year, he returned to challenge Erina Nakiri to a final duel, aiming to elicit her acknowledgment of his dish as "delicious," underscoring his goal to surpass his father and redefine gourmet cooking.