I read Volume 1 of this series a while back, but hadn't been keeping up with it. Spotted this volume at Barnes and Noble and picked it up as its volume number qualifies it for the current Tokyo Olympics release challenge.

This one has some darker elements than other books in the series - though they're mixed with the usual wackiness and also with a beach episode (cue most of the main characters in swimwear!). But a cadre of "cuisiniers noir" - "black cooks" - has been conducting a series of illegal "food wars" around the country, disrupting the schools' programs and concerning our heroes. But it seems the leader of this is bent on defeating the best chefs at the school - and winning Erina for his bride, lending an off-key "oh, really???" plot twist to the story. [Erina is apparently game for a contest, though what she'll do if he wins isn't clear...]

[There's a TV Tropes page on the series, and an anime adaptation.]

Guidelines for safely visiting and stocking Little Free Libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the LFL site here.

I left this book in this new-to-me Little Free Library with its book-shaped roof; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics challenge. ***