Nene Kinokuni belongs to the 91st Generation at Tōtsuki Culinary Academy. She hails from the esteemed Kinokuni family, renowned for their traditional Japanese arts mastery, specifically soba noodle craftsmanship. From early childhood, rigorous training consumed her days, encompassing classical dance, calligraphy, judo, and naginata, leaving scant free time. The Kinokuni family's close ties to the Isshiki family led to Satoshi Isshiki residing with them per tradition. Observing Satoshi effortlessly master skills she painstakingly acquired fostered deep-seated resentment and a competitive drive directed at him. As a second-year student, she initially held the Sixth Seat of the Elite Ten Council, the highest rank among her peers. Her culinary focus lies in traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly the handmade soba noodles that are her family's generational specialty. She perfected the exacting techniques of soba preparation, eliminating all superfluous movement – a skill central to her reputation and Elite Ten status. Taciturn and blunt, she frequently expresses disdain for those she deems unserious or dismissive of protocols. This strict adherence to rules fueled her enforcement of Central's directives after aligning with Azami Nakiri's administration. She participated in Director Senzaemon Nakiri's ousting and supported Central initiatives like the Survivor's Purge, defeating members of resisting cooking societies. During the Régiment de Cuisine's first round, confident in her soba's superiority, she faced Sōma Yukihira. However, Sōma's innovative barley-flour soba overcame her traditional approach, exposing her rigidity when unexpected high humidity compromised her dish. This defeat rattled her, surfacing insecurities about her worth compared to natural talents like Satoshi. Satoshi intervened afterward, acknowledging her dedication and encouraging pride in her relentless perfectionism, marking a pivotal moment in regaining perspective on her culinary path. Following Central's defeat, she lost her Elite Ten seat but reclaimed a position as the Ninth Seat in her third year. Her relationships remain defined by rivalry: frequent clashes with the boisterous Terunori Kuga and a complex dynamic with Satoshi Isshiki, whom she once dismissed as a "freeloader" but later acknowledged as an inspiration. Though initially belittling Sōma, she recognized his abilities after their match.