Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Hisako Niito was convinced. Compared to this dish, her claim of bringing out the full flavor of taro was a joke; her strategy was flawed from the start.

　"Eating this in the summer is so satisfying!"

　Beside her, Megumi Tadokoro showed an expression of enjoyment as she tasted Hisako Shinto's dish. The sweet taste and silky texture were simply wonderful!

　In the sweltering summer, no one can resist a bowl of taro dessert like this!

　Megumi Tadokoro's eyes flickered slightly, clearly wanting to comfort Hisako Shinomiya. Of course, the taro dessert was also genuinely delicious.

　"I lost this match, so you have to win the championship in return!"

　As she spoke, Hisako Shinoto grasped Megumi Tadokoro's hand and said earnestly, word by word.

　"I will try my best."

　Looking at Hisako Shinoto standing in front of her, Megumi Tadokoro nodded seriously. She didn't make any promises, but she was very satisfied.

　As students taught by Bai Yuan, in order not to embarrass him, at least one of them had to win first place. This was a decision they made together before participating in the competition.

　Chapter 207 The Theme of the Finals

　"I'm relieved to hear you say that. At least one of us has made it to the finals. I hope you can win the championship."

　Hisako Shirato nodded slightly, showing no sign of disappointment and exuding a carefree air, which ironically made people a little uneasy.

　"It's getting late, I need to go back and prepare dinner. Otherwise, Lady Erina will be starving when she gets back. I'll take my leave now."

　After speaking these words quickly, Dojima Gin left through the contestants' passage before announcing the theme of the finals, and disappeared in no time.

　"Fei Sha..."

　In the VIP room, Erina Nakiri saw Hisako Shinoto say a few words and then leave, causing her heart to race again. She hurriedly left the room to search for her.

　Before long, she saw Hisako Shinodo by the pond outside the moonlit sky. He was resting his hand on the railing, gazing into the distance. Her hurried steps slowed down, and her anxious heart finally settled.

　"Hey beautiful, are you alone?"

　Stepping forward and patting Hisako Shinoto on the shoulder, Erina Nakiri naturally stood beside her, following her gaze into the distance.

　The lotus flowers stand tall and graceful, while black swans frolic in the pond.

　Everything was so peaceful. If it weren't for the fact that it was nighttime and their limited vision meant they could only see the scene illuminated by the streetlights, everything would be peaceful.

　"Erina-sama...

　I'm sorry to have disappointed you.

　Turning her head, she saw that it was Erina who had come. Hisako Shinoto, who had finally managed to control her emotions, couldn't hold back any longer and immediately bit her lower lip.

　No, you did it.

　Very good. Victory and defeat are common in war. Losing doesn't mean you didn't try. If even you fall into self-doubt, wouldn't those who lost to you be even more likely to want to commit suicide?

　Erina Nakiri said jokingly that she knew Hisako Shirato's abilities better than anyone else; she was a genuine first-class chef, and her dishes were no problem, but her skills were just not as good as others'.

　This is perfectly normal. After all, there are so many amazing chefs in the world. Before you've truly mastered the craft, who would dare say they're better than anyone else?

　While it's not common for a chef who hasn't reached the Special Grade level to defeat a Special Grade chef, there are quite a few instances of a Special Grade One-Star chef defeating a Special Grade Two-Star chef, or even a Special Grade Three-Star chef.

　The reason for this is that the difference in quality between dishes in the later stages is not that significant. It is very likely that a small detail is overlooked, which will cause the dish's quality to drop, leading to the final defeat.

　"But..."

　Hearing Erina Nakiri's words of comfort, Hisako Shinoto wanted to say something, but she was stopped by Shinoto's hand covering her lips.

　"There are no buts. What you need now is not to dwell on the failure, but to find a place to rest, recharge your energy, and get back into the right mindset before continuing to work hard."

　Thinking back to the first time she was defeated by Alice Nakiri, she realized that Alice was very similar to Hisako now, always in a state of disorientation.

　However, this condition usually improves after a good night's sleep.

　"I'll do as you say, Lady Erina."

　She opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but seeing Erina Nakiri's serious expression as she offered her advice, Hisako Shinoto finally nodded.

　She didn't want Erina Nakiri to worry. As her secretary, her job was to share her burdens and solve her problems. It would be unacceptable for her to make her worry!

　"Hmm, what would you like to eat tonight? How about trying one of my newly developed dishes?"

　Seeing Hisako Shinoto's brow relax, and thinking that her comforting words had worked, Erina Nakiri looked deeply into her eyes and said...

　"We have to try it!"

　Hisako Niito nodded enthusiastically in response.

　·

　·

　"The final will be held a week later, at the same venue, Moon and Sky, with the theme of 'Loach'."

　Loach is a nutritious and delicious ingredient, known in Chinese folklore as "the fallen dragon." Summer is the season when loach is at its fattest and most delicious, making it perfect for cooking into a culinary masterpiece...

　Holding a microphone, Dojima Gin looked at Liu Yu, who was walking out from the back dressing room and standing next to Tadokoro Megumi, and began to talk about the theme of the finals with great enthusiasm.

　"Loach? This is a rather uncommon subject. Its flesh is firm and elastic, with a delicate and delicious taste, possessing a unique umami flavor."

　However, if not handled properly, it can have an exceptionally strong bitter and fishy taste, making it quite an interesting ingredient.

　Upon hearing the theme of the finals, Bai Yuan's expression became subtle. He tapped the armrest of the chair next to him lightly with his fingers. The theme of the finals was actually loach. It seemed that the contestants were going to be tested on their ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

　"Everyone is tired of the common things, so the finals will definitely have to be something uncommon. We don't usually use loach as an ingredient, so it will be novel."

　Alice Nakiri propped her chin on her hand, trying to figure out what the organizers were thinking.

　Chicken, beef, lamb, pork, and fish—these ingredients have appeared so many times in previous competitions that the audience has become somewhat immune to them. Introducing something different can liven up the atmosphere and test the contestants at the same time.

　For example, right now, after hearing that the theme of the competition was "loach," the audience erupted in heated discussion, while the contestants on the field began to think.

　loach...

　What kind of dishes should they cook...?

　Tadokoro Megumi pursed her lips, lost in thought, standing motionless. Liu Yu turned and left with Wang Jing, who was waiting for her at the entrance of the Moonlit Room.

　"Let's go to the countryside again."

　Tadokoro suddenly looked up. Like taro, loach is also a common ingredient in folk cuisine. Asking those old men for advice is definitely the right thing to do!

　Lost in thought, I lost track of how much time had passed.

　When she came to her senses, a puzzled pretty face appeared in front of her. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was Yoshino Yuuki, with Sakaki Ryoko standing next to her.

　At this moment, the crowd dispersed.

　There were hardly any people left in the vast moonlit sky.

　"Yuuki, do you know where there are a lot of loaches?"

　Looking at that familiar face, and remembering that Yoshino Yuuki was an expert in aquaculture and probably had a considerable understanding of loaches, Tadokoro Megumi couldn't help but ask.

　"If we had to name a place where loaches are farmed, Akita Prefecture and Tottori Prefecture would have the most. Akita Prefecture farms loaches in boxes, which saves a lot of space, while Tottori Prefecture has established farms."

　However, if you want to buy good loach, I suggest you go to Gunma Prefecture. Although it is not as large as the two prefectures mentioned earlier, it has the most advanced breeding methods.

　They utilize the terraced fields in the mountains for rice-fish and loach farming. Because they have conducted research on water flow, volume, and temperature changes, the loaches they raise are large, plump, and very popular.

　As expected of Yoshino Yuuki, she was an expert in this field. After thinking for a moment, she gave Tadokoro Megumi a very pertinent opinion when she asked her question.

　"Gunma Prefecture? I understand. I'll go there this week for a field investigation. Since it's the place where the ingredients are produced, the locals should also like to eat loach. I hope I can find something useful there."

　Upon hearing Yoshino Yuuki's suggestion, Tadokoro Megumi also thought for a moment, then nodded and decided to buy a ticket to Gunma Prefecture the next day.

　since

　It's a place where loaches are raised, so they must have unique insights into how to raise loaches. I might have been able to learn something from them in the past.

　the other side.

　After leaving the Moon Sky Pavilion, Liu Yu and Wang Jing were also thinking about what kind of dish to make. In the end, instead of returning to their dormitory, they opened a map app and searched for shops selling loach dishes in Tokyo.

　Summer is the season when loaches are at their fattest and most delicious. Although not many people in Tokyo like to eat loach, there are quite a few shops that sell it. A search revealed more than a dozen.

　"Starting with this one, I should be able to try all the loach dishes in the Tokyo area in three days, and then I'll do a more thorough study."

　After leaving Totsuki Academy and boarding a bus, Liu Yu looked at the shop names on the map app and quickly planned her time.

　The first three days were spent exploring the stores, and the next four days were spent researching them.

　Before long, Liu Yu and Wang Jing arrived at a small corner shop. The shop was very small, with only an old man wiping a table clean with a rag.

　"Famous Loach House"

　The shop's name is written directly above it.

　Clearly, this is a shop specializing in loach dishes, but judging from the dismal business, it's easy to see that loach dishes here are not popular.

　"Two guests, what would you like to eat? The menu is on the wall. We have loach noodles, spicy loach, braised loach slices, loach tempura..."

　When he finally saw a customer arrive, the old man immediately put down the rag in his hand and stepped forward with an expectant look to introduce the place.

　"Uncle, give us a serving of loach noodles."

　My eyes scanned the shop. It wasn't a big place, but the menu on the wall had a wide variety of dishes, more than a dozen in total.

　The boss was an elderly man in his sixties. Although he was old, he walked steadily and looked very capable in his white clothes.

　"It will take a while, about 20 minutes, is that okay?"

　"Sure, we're not in a hurry."

　Hearing Liu Yu's words, the old man nodded, then put down the tablecloth and went inside to prepare loach noodles for them.

　"Although I know it might be unreasonable, could we please watch from the side? We are very curious about how loach noodles are made."

　"Come on in if you're curious."

　Seeing the curiosity on the two girls' faces, the old man stopped, thought for a few seconds, and nodded in agreement. They were just ordinary techniques, nothing to hide.

　Moreover, he didn't think these two delicate little ones could learn his skills.

　"it is good."

　Liu Yu and Wang Jing exchanged a glance, both seeing the excitement in each other's eyes.

　Although the other party is not a particularly skilled chef, they do run a restaurant specializing in loach dishes, so they must have unique insights in this area.

　Soon, the two followed the old man into the kitchen.

　The small shop's kitchen was clean and tidy, small but complete, with everything it needed. The most eye-catching feature was the wood-fired stove.

　It's hard to imagine that in today's electricity-dominated society, a small shop still has a wood-burning stove with some chopped firewood next to it.

　"We use small loaches to make noodles here. Compared to large loaches, the meat of small loaches is more delicate and firm, making the noodles especially delicious."

　By the way, our loaches are all freshly killed. This whole tank is enough to guarantee their freshness, but it takes a relatively long time, and customers don't like to wait, so there aren't many people.

　As the old man scooped loaches from the fish tank, he introduced them to Liu Yu and Wang Jing, who were standing behind him watching him, his voice tinged with bitterness.

　Because of his insistence on the quality of the dishes, the service time here is relatively long, and the fast pace of today's society results in a small number of customers.

　"Do we have to process every single loach here like this? Isn't that a bit too much trouble..."

　Watching the old man pick up the loaches and process them one by one, Liu Yu frowned slightly. No wonder the old man said it would take some time; with such a slow processing method, it was impossible for the process to be fast.

　"That's right. It's actually quite troublesome for ordinary people. Few people have the patience to handle loaches while they're alive. They're slippery and slippery, and if you're not careful, they can fly out and you can't control the force afterward, which can easily lead to you getting cut by the knife."

　When Liu Yu asked the question, the old man answered with a smile.

　The real challenge in making loach noodles lies in the preparation of the loach. Most people would never want to handle it, which is also the key to his success in opening the shop.

　Therefore, he didn't mind Liu Yu and Wang Jing coming in to see his work, so they would feel that the price was worthwhile and come back next time.

　"I see."

　Liu Yu nodded slightly, then watched silently as the old man processed the loaches. It took about ten minutes for the old man to finish processing the eight loaches.

　"Alright, sir, we'll head out now."

　"Okay, you guys wait outside. Cooking is actually a very boring thing, it's just repeating the same action over and over again, so I'll speed things up a bit."

　As they spoke, Liu Yu and Wang Jing went outside, their faces showing no emotion. The old man, however, continued talking incessantly, busying himself inside.

　"The next store is here. Just walk straight ahead and turn right. It's about a kilometer away from this store, so walking is the fastest way."

　"Okay, let's leave after we finish our noodles."

　After watching the old man slaughter the loach, the two lost their expectations for his cooking and realized that there was a reason why the restaurant was so quiet.