Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"I've told you how to make dumplings and the precautions for steaming and boiling them. The rest is up to you to figure out. I hope you do well."

　Of course, these are all basics.

　It's not wrong to try something new; you don't have to limit your cooking methods to steaming and boiling. But before you start innovating, you must first master the basics.

　Steam for 12 to 15 minutes, or boil for 7 to 8 minutes. Dumplings of this size generally cook in this time. Don't overcook them, as this will affect the taste.

　Before the dumplings were even cooked, Bai Yuan felt he had said everything he needed to say, so he took off his apron, said goodbye, and left.

　That's all he can do.

　The opponent is not strong, and their understanding of dumplings is even more superficial. If no one teaches him these things, tomorrow's game will be a foregone conclusion.

　As a teacher and as a spectator, he didn't want to see such a match.

　"Teacher Baiyuan..."

　Watching Bai Yuan's dashing departure, Ueno Sugi's expression became subtle before he turned his gaze back to the dumplings in front of him.

　Dumplings filled with pork and scallions.

　What will it taste like?

　In Japan, spicy food is not popular, so he had never eaten dumplings filled with pork and green onions.

　However, since Teacher Baiyuan used this as an example, it must have its own unique advantages!

　Smelling the enticing aroma in the air, Ueno Sugi waited silently.

　The dumplings were the first to cook. Watching one dumpling after another float to the surface, Ueno Sugi quickly picked them up from the pot and placed them on a plate.

　Without hesitation, I picked one up and tasted it.

　Because the meat filling is 30% minced and 70% thick, the lean meat is not only tender and juicy, but also not greasy, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

　The scallions are fresh and crisp, and their unique pungent aroma permeates the pork's savory flavor, creating an incredibly rich and complex taste experience.

　This is raw scallion.

　Cooked scallions, after being heated, have a much milder spiciness than raw scallions, instead releasing a more mellow and sweet aroma.

　The heat of the oil fully releases the aroma of the cooked scallions, creating a striking contrast with the raw scallions and adding another layer of flavor to the dish.

　"Is this Teacher Baiyuan's cooking?"

　A faint golden light seemed to shimmer in my mouth. It was just an ordinary dumpling, yet it brought such a rich and wonderful flavor. It was truly amazing!

　Steamed dumplings are made after boiled dumplings. Steamed dumplings have less moisture than boiled dumplings, and the outer skin is soft and chewy, which perfectly wraps the filling.

　"However, upon closer tasting, one can discover that steamed dumplings and soup dumplings are not only different in cooking methods, but also in how they are made."

　The dumpling wrappers are large and thick to accommodate the expansion that may occur during the steaming process.

　The wrappers of soup dumplings are relatively thin so that they can cook quickly and absorb the broth when boiled.

　Besides the fillings, steamed dumplings have a relatively light flavor, while soup dumplings have a richer flavor. No wonder Chef Bai Yuan divided the ground pork into two portions when making the filling; it was to season them separately.

　Savoring the difference between steamed dumplings and soup dumplings, Ueno Sugi lowered his head and pondered for a moment before revealing an expression of sudden realization.

　Although Master Baiyuan didn't explicitly mention these details, the dish had already given him the correct answer!

　"I understand. The key to making good dumplings is the wrapper and the filling. From now on, everything will revolve around these two points."

　As long as you make the perfect crust and filling, you're sure to satisfy the judges!

　Having grasped the crux of the matter, Ueno Sugi's eyes grew brighter and brighter, and he began kneading the dough according to the recipe given by Shirobuchi.

　This is a basic dumpling.

　He plans to start by studying the dumpling wrapper, then adjust the filling, and step by step create his own unique and innovative dumplings!

　·

　·

　The next day, under the moon.

　"I've kept you waiting for a long time."

　"The first match of the first round of the summer selection competition is now beginning."

　Hearing Kawashima Rei's voice as the host, Bai Yuan curiously scanned the scene.

　Compared to the venue for the qualifiers, the space between the Moon and the Sky was more than twice the size, and the chairs for the front-row audience had been replaced with luxurious sofas that were incredibly comfortable.

　And he, Bai Yuan, now sits beside Nakiri Senzaemon, surrounded by big names in the Japanese culinary world, figures from the same era as the school's headmaster.

　He was also one of the five judges.

　Invited by Senzaemon Nakiri and out of personal interest, I came here and, following the host's lead, sat to the old man's right.

　At this moment, these veterans of the Japanese culinary world were all looking at him with curious eyes.

　"The first to appear is Soma Yukihira, who advanced from Zone A in the preliminary rounds with a sixth-place finish."

　"Go, Yukihira!"

　"Crush the enemy!"

　As Kawashima Rei finished speaking, Yukihira Soma walked in from the contestant entrance, all the lights shining on him. The members of Polaris Dormitory waved their flags and shouted encouragement.

　"Then, his opponent was..."

　Also in Zone A, Ueno Sugi advanced as the eighth-place finisher.

　"Ueno, show the transfer student what you're made of!"

　"I believe you can win! Don't forget how we climbed out of there!"

　On the other side, the cheers were equally loud, but upon closer inspection, it could be seen that most of these people were those who had participated in the hellish training camp.

　Although the number is not large, there are still several.

　"Yukihira-kun, we had a match when we first entered the school. Although it was mostly Tadokoro-kun who won, you guys definitely won."

　This time, I won't lose again. Get ready!

　Seeing Yukihira Soma staring at him with a serious expression, Ueno Sugi responded with the same serious attitude and bluntly delivered his pre-battle declaration.

　"They came out with such a powerful presence."

　"Although we're down by more than ten points, I feel this will be a good game."

　"With dumplings as the theme, I'm curious to see what kind of dishes they will serve."

　As the two teams took to the field, murmurs and discussions immediately arose from the stands among the students and spectators.

　Everyone was really looking forward to this first match.

　"A chef from out of town like you has no idea what kind of tests we went through to stay here. Be prepared that your cooking will only be shown once!"

　Seeing the boy raising his hand to yawn, Ueno Sugi felt a surge of anger, thinking the boy was being disrespectful. He stared at the boy's face and said...

　"If you lose to me, you can watch from the audience starting the second round, right?"

　Soma Yukihira replied casually, because of the promise Bai Yuan had made to him a few nights ago: he would accept Bai Yuan's challenge if he could become number one.

　This was Soma Yukihira's long-held wish, so he came with an unwavering belief in victory.

　“I hope so.

　"But didn't you sleep at all last night? You're so tired, you might make mistakes when cooking."

　Seeing that Yukihira Soma kept yawning, Ueno Sugi finally realized something was wrong and asked him in confusion.

　“I was testing the dishes until very late yesterday, and when I came to my senses it was already dawn, but don’t worry, because this is just a regular occurrence for me.”

　Discerning diners, gleaming knives, and a full array of ingredients—but unlike usual, a formidable business rival stands across the table. "Today, I will absorb everything I gain from defeating you and make it my own!"

　He removed the bandages from his hands, which flew high into the air, swirling gracefully before being tied around his waist and head.

　A kitchen knife appeared in his hand, which Yukihira Soma gripped tightly, pointing directly at Ueno Sugi's face. The youthful spirit was displayed to its fullest extent at this moment.

　"It's a bit cringey, but I like it."

　On stage, watching this scene, Bai Yuan's face showed a hint of embarrassment, followed by a soft chuckle. That's probably what youthful arrogance feels like!

　He also went through a period like that. When he saw Soma Yukihira, he couldn't help but miss himself when he was a child. Back then, he wasn't so invincible. He faced opponents of equal strength everywhere, and he had to give his all in every battle. He couldn't bear the punishment for losing.

　But thinking about it carefully, those were his happiest times!

　"The first competition's theme is 'dumplings,' and the time limit is 2 hours."

　As Soma Yukihira finished speaking, the atmosphere reached its peak, and Rei Kawashima skillfully captured the mood by introducing the match to the audience.

　Seeing this, the shirtless, muscular man picked up a wooden stick and slammed it hard on the gong, which immediately made a loud noise.

　"Cooking, begin!"

　As soon as the gong sounded, Senzaemon Nakiri stood up, pointed in the direction of the competition venue, and shouted in a strong voice.

　The two people on the scene immediately took action.

　Inside the lounge, the other contestants, seeing this scene, also wore serious expressions, their eyes glued to the television screen broadcasting the event.

　Since one of the two contestants on stage will become their future opponent, understanding the cooking style in advance will be beneficial for the upcoming competition.

　"here we go."

　"Speaking of which, it's quite surprising that that arrogant guy actually made it through the qualifiers, and even finished sixth in his group."

　"He's only sixth in his group. I'll surpass him soon."

　"Hilarious! From last year's midterm exams until now, although you've made progress, your grades have consistently been at the bottom of the first-year class."

　If this continues, you might be the next one to be expelled.

　"There are only fifty people left. Teacher Bai Yuan wouldn't be so heartless..."

　There were quite a few people chatting in the stands, all curious about the outcome of the match. Some said the person upstairs was inferior to them, while others bluntly exposed their own opinions.

　"Dumplings originated in China, and after they became popular, they spread throughout Asia. Now, they have a considerable influence even in the world."

　The Confucian classic *The Book of Rites* states: "Two parts rice, one part meat, mix them together to make a filling, then fry it." This seems to refer to fried dumplings.

　As Yukihira Soma and Ueno Sugi prepared the food, Nakiri Senzaemon's voice rang out, introducing the origin of dumplings.

　"Later generations developed cooking methods such as boiling, steaming, frying, and roasting to express its deliciousness, and now even more cooking methods have evolved."

　"This is a battle I'm really looking forward to."

　Beside him, a short old man with a receding hairline, dressed in a pinkish-brown shirt, looked on with anticipation.

　As a specially invited judge, he was surprised that this year's selection was brought forward by several months, but that did not stop him from looking forward to it.

　"Look, what is that transfer student doing?"

　"That machine is..."

　Discussing arose from the audience, drawing the judges' attention to Soma Yukihira, or more accurately, to the machine in front of him.

　"You owe me a huge favor, Yukihira-kun."

　Pushing a large vacuum cleaner onto the counter, Alice Nakiri, wearing a baseball cap, smiled and spoke to Soma Yukihira, who was mixing flour.

　"Oh, I will remember that."

　Soma Yukihira nodded seriously, then began operating the vacuum machine in front of him. Seeing this, Alice Nakiri didn't say anything more and stepped back.

　The other party seemed to have a good relationship with Bai Yuan, so she didn't mind helping him out.

　Yesterday, I subtly told Yukihira Soma the best way to handle dumpling wrappers. That way, he should be able to get a lot of points just for the dumpling wrappers.

　"No wonder you were acting so mysteriously yesterday, turns out you were fiddling with this."

　"These things."

　Upon seeing Alice Nakiri suddenly appear on the stage, and the vacuum machine in front of Soma Yukihira, Hakugen revealed a thoughtful expression.

　He knew what Alice Nakiri knew, so he immediately recognized Soma Yukihira's cooking skills and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

　From this perspective, Ueno Sugi's chances of winning have decreased significantly.

　The game became a bit boring.

　Of course, he wouldn't blame anyone for this, since his teaching of Ueno Sugi, Nakiri Alice, and others to help Yukihira Soma was itself a reasonable use of the rules.

　"Ueno Sugi, how far can you go?"