Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"Yes, I look forward to your performance, Hisako."

　Reaching out to gently stroke Hisako Shinoto's cheek, Erina Nakiri's eyes were filled with encouragement. As her secretary, she had to make it to the finals!

　"I'll do my best!"

　After saying that, Hisako Shinto walked towards Venue A without looking back. In any case, the first step was to qualify for the next round.

　It wasn't just for Erina Nakiri, but also for Hakubuchi.

　Having diligently studied and practiced under Bai Yuan for so long, if he can't even pass the preliminary rounds, his opponent will probably feel very embarrassed.

　At that time, out of consideration for Bai Yuan, she might not say anything, but she would definitely not be able to get over this hurdle in her heart, and thus the master-disciple relationship might come to an end.

　Therefore, this is a qualifying match that cannot be lost!

　With a determined look in her eyes, Hisako Shinoto stepped into Zone A, her indomitable aura causing those around her to instinctively shift their feet and avoid her.

　·

　·

　"Let's start cooking!"

　With all the trainees in place, the giant clock hanging high above struck 11.

　Suddenly, Senzaemon Nakiri's face appeared on the large screen above everyone's heads, and he shouted passionately to the people below.

　It was at this moment that all the trainees on site sprang into action, each focusing their attention on the cutting board and diligently preparing the dishes they had been researching during this period.

　Since they weren't competing, Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri sat calmly in their VIP box, observing everything that was happening below.

　"They're really full of youthful passion, it's a pity I can't compete with them on the same stage."

　Alice Nakiri crossed her legs, her voice tinged with regret; it had been a long time since she had enjoyed a truly exhilarating battle.

　I understand a little better now what Bai Yuan's loneliness is like.

　A thirst for... battle.

　"How about Erina, we go down and have a match later, just as a spectator game?"

　Turning to look at the somewhat helpless Erina Nakiri beside her, Alice Nakiri excitedly spoke as if she had just thought of something.

　"If you really want to compete, it's not too late to compete when you get back. This is the Summer Selection, and we are not the main characters."

　Hearing the chatter around her, Erina Nakiri felt a little helpless and couldn't help but wonder whether it was right or wrong to let her come up.

　at the same time.

　The sound of high heels rang out.

　A woman dressed in a white corset-style dress, with a purple scarf around her neck and sunglasses, walked in, giving off a mysterious vibe.

　"Welcome, but I remember our agreed time was eleven o'clock, and the students also started cooking at eleven o'clock."

　Eizan Etsu also asked with a forced smile.

　"Are you saying this because you don't know how precious our time is? Hmm? Lord Eizan?"

　With a playful look, Chihiro Natsume glanced at the speechless Eizan Ezuya, her voice carrying a hint of questioning.

　"Senpyū Natsume!"

　"The Curry Queen who reigns supreme in the world of Japanese curry!"

　The audience erupted in cheers when Chihaya Natsume appeared.

　Most of the people who come here to watch the competition are well-known figures in the culinary world, but only the most influential figures above them can shock them so much.

　"I was tricked into coming here by Ruishan's sweet talk, but I don't know if the student can make me happy."

　However, I heard that Totsuki Academy implemented an even more rigorous elimination system this year, resulting in a significant improvement in the quality of students. I wonder if that's true or not.

　"It's clearly just a matter of paying money."

　Upon hearing Chihiro Natsume's pointed remark, Eizan Etsu, who was serving nearby, curled his lip with a hint of disdain on his face.

　"What did you say?"

　"It's nothing, please enjoy the summer selection tournament to your heart's content, Lady Natsume."

　Eizan Etsu also showed a respectful expression, then stepped back and remained silent.

　"While watching the contestants compete, our academy's teacher, Hakuyuu, prepared top-quality lamb dishes for all the audience members and judges present."

　Suddenly, Kawashima Rei's voice rang out from below.

　At the same time, staff members dressed in black suits walked in carrying trays and distributed the freshly baked whole lamb shumai.

　"Top-notch lamb dishes? Are we going to start our meal with the teacher's cooking before the students' formal meal? This is the first time I've been here like this."

　Looking at the exquisite round tray placed in front of her, Chihiro Natsume's voice was filled with doubt, but she still reached out and lifted the lid, revealing a whole lamb shumai emitting steam inside.

　"Is this the top-grade mutton dish provided by Totsuki? It looks like an extremely ordinary mutton shumai."

　Before Chihiro Natsume could speak, the Mediterranean man sitting next to her spoke first.

　The more you expect, the more disappointed you will be. The man didn't hold back in complaining. He thought it would be a dish he had never seen before, but it turned out to be just mutton shumai.

　The others remained silent, but their expressions betrayed their true feelings; they were clearly not satisfied with the appetizer.

　"Could this be...?"

　Because the venue was brightly lit, no one noticed the fleeting glint of light on the whole lamb shumai, but Chihiro Natsume did.

　At first, she thought she was seeing things, because it was too unbelievable. But as she focused her attention, the light appeared in her eyes again, which shocked her greatly.

　This is actually a top-tier seven-star dish, a luminous delicacy!

　"After being frozen, it can still reach the level of a luminous dish when cooked again. What an amazing dish! Truly worthy of Master Bai Yuan!"

　In the VIP box, Erina Nakiri swallowed hard as she looked at the whole lamb shumai in front of her, but still held her breath and forced herself to hand it to Alice Nakiri.

　It's one thing for her to embarrass herself, but if the power of "giving clothes" affects the audience, it will ruin the reputation of Totsuki Academy!

　Chapter 170 Each with Their Own Charm

　"If you don't want to eat this, you can give it to me. I overslept today and didn't have time for breakfast, so I'm starving."

　Noticing that each person only had one whole lamb shumai, Chihiro Natsume suppressed her excitement and casually remarked to the balding man next to her who was constantly complaining.

　"You didn't have breakfast? Here, take it. I'm not really interested in shumai anyway."

　Upon hearing Chihaya Natsume's words, the Mediterranean man waved his hand dismissively and pushed the plate in front of him away, clearly not interested.

　Chihiro Natsume was secretly delighted, but she remained outwardly calm: "Thank you."

　Meanwhile, the audience members in the stands were gradually given whole lamb shumai. Although they thought it was ordinary, they didn't mind since it was almost mealtime and picked it up to eat.

　"It's actually a dish made by Teacher Baiyuan himself! It was definitely worth coming today!"

　In a corner of the audience, Kobayashi Rindou, who had come over just to join in the fun, looked excitedly at the whole lamb shumai on the plate.

　Reaching out, he picked it up, dipped it in the sauce on the side of the plate, and took a big bite, a look of pure bliss on his face.

　"What is this smell?!"

　Someone carelessly stuffed the whole thing into their mouth, and when the scalding hot soup flowed out and filled their mouth, they couldn't help but let out a gasp.

　"It's just an extremely ordinary mutton shumai, so why is it so delicious?!"

　"I can't believe that such a small shumai contains so many different textures. Every time I chew it, I can experience a completely different flavor!"

　Looking at the sliced ​​shumai in her hand after taking a bite, Chihiro Natsume showed a shocked expression.

　The fillings here look uniform in color, but you can still see the differences if you look closely.

　Because it uses meat from different parts of the lamb, some of the meat in the shumai is darker in color, while some is lighter in color.

　Its layers are incredibly distinct.

　"It's like a Pandora's box, every chew is a completely new experience, it feels like you've got a whole sheep inside."

　"Yes! That's right! It's a whole sheep!"

　I was wondering something was off about why a simple mutton shumai could have such a rich texture; now I see!

　A casual remark from someone nearby made the clever people present realize something, and they looked at the shumai in their hands with thoughtful expressions.

　The textures and flavors presented in these small shumai are just like those of different parts of a sheep, aren't they?

　For a time, cheers and exclamations of praise filled the air. Many men and women had rosy cheeks and, after finishing their own food, wanted to grab food from those around them.

　However, because each person only received one, by the time they finished theirs, there wasn't another whole lamb shumai to be found.

　"Ah, this..."

　The Mediterranean man paused slightly when he saw the audience's frenzied reaction. He then turned to look at Chihiro Natsume, wanting to get his shumai back, only to find that she was flushed and clearly not in a good condition. The whole lamb shumai in front of him had already been completely devoured by her.

　"Truly excellent, as expected of Totsuki!"

　As the whole lamb shumai entered her stomach, a gentle warmth emanated from it. Chihiro Natsume's expression was slightly dazed before she uttered a heartfelt exclamation of praise.

　She closed her eyes, and images appeared before her.

　At this moment, she seemed to have become a sheep, living among a flock of sheep, and as she chewed and savored, the scene slowly began to move.

　It was a picture of a flock of sheep migrating!

　As you chew, the different cuts of lamb intertwine in your mouth.

　The scene then shifts to depicting the different terrains and climates experienced by the sheep during their migration.

　Yet, it remains a vibrant scene. It includes both the arduous journeys along rugged mountain paths and the free running across the plains.

　"So this is the life of a sheep..."

　Opening her eyes, Chihiro Natsume's eyes were initially confused, then brightened. Such top-notch cuisine was only an appetizer, which was surprising.

　Of course, what shocked her even more was the quality of this whole lamb shumai.

　She was certain she hadn't misread that faint ray of light; this tiny Far Moon Palace actually harbored a chef of this caliber. She had to meet him!

　Thoughts swirled in his mind, but his face remained calm and composed, maintaining the dignity expected of a judge.

　At the same time, in venue B.

　Chihiro Orie pursed her lips, crossed her legs, and her face was full of suppressed restraint, but in the end she couldn't bear it anymore and collapsed onto the table.

　Her beautiful, obedient face was pressed against the cold tabletop as she gasped for breath, her chest rising and falling, her eyes filled with something indescribable.

　"That's...foul."

　Lifting her face from the table and looking at the spotless plate in front of her, Chihiro Orie paused for a long time before gritting her teeth and speaking.

　Simultaneously.

　She also had the idea of ​​meeting the cook.

　Venue A.

　Looking at the young men and women who had been captivated by the whole lamb shumai and were slumped in their seats, Hisako Shinto had a knowing look on her face.

　On the cutting board in front of her was a plate of lamb chops with skin on, which she had ordered a few days ago from a lamb supplier.

　In his right hand, he held a blowtorch, from which roaring flames shot out, scorching the skin of the lamb chops and burning away any remaining hair.

　Cut the prepared black goat ribs into small pieces and soak them in cold water to remove the blood. Put them in a pot of cold water, add cooking wine and angelica root to blanch them, then rinse them clean and place them in a bowl for later use.

　Heat a frying pan over medium heat and stir-fry the lamb until it develops a milky aroma. Then transfer it to a clay pot and add hot water to cover the top of the meat.

　"To relieve dryness, use hairy root, sugarcane, and water chestnut. To moisturize dryness, use Solomon's seal and lily bulb. Codonopsis strengthens the spleen and replenishes qi. Red dates replenish blood, and angelica removes fishy odor."

　Hisako Shinto silently recited the medicinal properties she had read about in a pharmacology book, her eyes fixed on the clay pot in front of her, turning the heat down to a simmer when the water boiled.

　Unlike other dishes, medicinal cuisine requires a lot of time to accumulate, but it cannot be over-accumulated; it needs to be taken out of the pot at the right time.

　"Such a strong curry smell, is this for curry lamb? It's surprisingly ordinary..."

　With a slight blush, Chihiro Natsume, sitting on the judges' panel, squeezed her legs together, an unnatural flush appearing on her face: "This unique fragrance that lingers around me!"

　"They're actually kneading dough. Curry lamb with baked naan is indeed a good combination."

　Looking at Hayama Akira who was cooking, Roland Chapel crossed his arms and voiced his guess.

　"That naan...could it be...?"

　Sitting next to Roland Chapel is Shiomi Jun, a young genius professor in the history of Totsuki Culinary Academy, known as the "Spice Authority".