Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　He originally thought that once he stated these conditions, the guy would back down, since losing meant being at the mercy of others, and winning wouldn't bring any benefits.

　It doesn't seem like a good deal no matter how you look at it.

　"Even so, I still don't want someone who's just a charlatan to be a teacher in Totsuki!"

　If you can defeat me, it proves you truly have the ability, and perhaps you can help Chinese cuisine flourish in Totsuki. Even if I have to leave Totsuki in the end, I will have no regrets!

　The boy's eyes burned with passion, like a protagonist in a shonen anime, fighting for the future of a cuisine.

　According to the plot of the shonen manga, he should now be defeated by the mysterious teacher Hakugen at an absolute disadvantage, then be taken as a disciple, and the two of them should join forces to revitalize the Chinese food culture of Totsuki Culinary Academy.

　"The assessment is that it's somewhat self-indulgent."

　A slightly magnetic voice rang out from outside the window, followed by footsteps, and a red-haired girl walked in through the doorway.

　Hello, you two.

　Seeing that they were all looking over, the pretty red-haired girl raised her hand in greeting with a big smile, revealing her cute little tiger teeth.

　"Tsk, what brings you here?"

　Looking at the girl at the door, Terunori Kuga couldn't help but click his tongue, clearly not expecting her to appear here.

　"Hey, hey, hey, that's incredibly cold-hearted! I was just worried about you!"

　Seeing Kuga Terunori's indifferent expression, the red-haired girl couldn't help but take two steps forward, clench her fists, and press them inward on his head.

　"I don't need your concern, and it hurts like this!"

　Feeling the pain in his head, Terunori Kuga struggled frantically and finally managed to break free from the red-haired beauty's grasp. He then took two steps back and shouted at her.

　"Who told you to come and do such an unreliable thing? You get no benefit from winning and you're at the mercy of others when you lose. Aren't you being a bit too self-absorbed?"

　Seeing Kuga Terunori retreat, the red-haired beauty did not pursue him. Instead, she stood still with her hands on her hips and spoke in a slightly disdainful tone.

　"Let me introduce myself. My name is Kobayashi Rindou, and I'm currently the fourth seat of the Elite Ten. You can call me Kobayashi or Rindou. Hakugen-sensei~"

　As he spoke, Kobayashi Rindou turned to look at Bai Yuan and extended his hand to him, his smile even brighter than before.

　"Kobayashi Rindou? Nice to meet you."

　Bai Yuan was somewhat surprised by this newly emerged woman, but not too astonished; upon closer examination, it made sense.

　In the original work, she and Terunori Kuga had a good relationship, and she felt more like an older sister and younger brother. She would definitely come to help in this kind of situation.

　"So let's forget about the bet and just have a normal sparring match."

　After all, teacher, you simply can't lose. You're a super genius who created glowing dishes before you were even twenty!

　Although he tried to keep his voice as calm as possible, Kobayashi Rindou couldn't help but tremble when he actually said those words.

　A five-star chef under twenty years old—even online novels wouldn't dare write something like that, yet it's a real thing now.

　He appeared before her.

　It was only because of that clueless idiot, Kuga Teruyuki, that he dared to provoke the new teacher without even figuring out his background.

　If she hadn't gotten the news from Isshiki Satoshi and rushed over immediately, this guy might have really been in trouble!

　Ugh, having such an unreliable person is really a headache!

　"It seems you've found out a lot about me, Kobayashi."

　Bai Yuan looked at Kobayashi Rindan with a half-smile. This guy was really good-looking, with a delicate face, red hair, and slightly loose clothes.

　I have to say, there are so many beautiful girls in this work!

　"There's no need to ask about this. The fact that Professor Baiyuan made glowing dishes has already spread throughout the school. Only some ignorant idiot doesn't care about what's going on outside."

　As he said this, Kobayashi Rindou couldn't help but glance at Kuga Terunori beside him, his voice filled with utter speechlessness.

　The only person who would dare to challenge someone without knowing their background is this idiot who spends all his time in the Chinese Cuisine Research Society!

　"Top-tier five-star... How is that possible? Why would such a skilled Chinese chef come to Totsuki Culinary Academy? And even become a teacher in the elementary school!"

　Kobayashi Rindou's words made Kuga Terunori break out in a cold sweat. He just challenged a top-tier five-star chef? Really?!

　Nobody told him this before he came!

　"Because there are people I want to see, and I'll take this opportunity to nurture you new generation."

　Even if it's just a stepping stone, it can still be very frustrating if it's not high enough.

　For once, Bai Yuan answered Kuga Terunori's question with a plausible reason, which was indeed the purpose of his visit.

　"It seems you already know this school's motto: 'The weak are the stepping stones for the strong.' Those who are specially trained by you are truly fortunate!"

　Kobayashi Rindou's words came from the bottom of his heart; being noticed by a five-star chef was indeed a great stroke of luck.

　As long as one's talent isn't too bad, at the very least one will become a master chef.

　Even if an ordinary chef only learns one percent of the secrets of a five-star chef's teachings, it will be enough to benefit them for a lifetime!

　"Don't be envious. You can also become someone I train. Even if you are used as a stepping stone, I will not show favoritism or withhold your true knowledge."

　Hearing Kobayashi Rindou's words, Bai Yuan shook his head. He actually hoped that these people would grow up and become as strong as him.

　He also wanted to go all out in the competition and improve his skills in the cooking contest.

　Unfortunately, after traveling for so long, he still hasn't met anyone with whom he could give his all.

　The only thing that piqued his interest was a hermit monk who lived deep in the mountains and fed on nature. The two then competed using plants from the mountains and forests.

　At that time, he still had a slight advantage.

　There's no other reason than his extraordinary sensory talent for discerning the nuances of any dish; it's simply too incredible, making it virtually impossible for him to lose under equal conditions.

　"That's great! I'll ask you any questions I don't understand from now on!"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's blunt words, Kobayashi Rindou suddenly revealed a sly smile, as if this was her true purpose.

　"Kid, do you want to continue the match?"

　Ignoring Kobayashi Rindou, Bai Yuan turned his gaze to Kuga Terunori, who was already in a daze, his voice tinged with amusement.

　"I want to compete! I want to see if the gap between me and a five-star chef is really as big as the legends say!"

　Bai Yuan's voice brought Kuga Terunori back to his senses, and he looked at him. The boy's eyes were still burning with passion, and he was clearly not intimidated by the five-star chef.

　If he doesn't even have the courage to bare his claws at someone stronger, then what makes him think he can lead the Chinese Cuisine Research Society to its peak?!

　"Are you an idiot?"

　Upon hearing Terunori Kuga's words, Rindou Kobayashi couldn't help but slap his forehead and complain.

　So all that she just said was for nothing, right?

　"That's good. I appreciate your attitude. It's much better than those guys who cower and run away at the mere mention of my name!"

　Seeing the spirited Kuga Terunori, Bai Yuan stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder, his voice revealing a hint of approval.

　"Let's stop the bet. Show me your full strength and let me see your determination to revitalize Totsuki Chinese Cuisine!"

　Seeing the burning passion in the boy's eyes, Bai Yuan suddenly thought of himself when he was a child.

　Back then, he faced one strong opponent after another with his kitchen knife, constantly challenging them, which is how he climbed to the top.

　He's been beaten up quite a few times for this, since it's taboo for the weak to challenge the strong, no matter where you are, as it makes the strong feel looked down upon.

　"Hey, you two are really going to have a competition?!"

　Seeing the two suddenly become so enthusiastic, Kobayashi Rindou couldn't help but shout, his face once again showing surprise.

　It's one thing for Kuga Teruki to act recklessly, but why is Bai Yuan joining in?! Are all five-star chefs this idle?!

　"Of course we should compete, Xiaolin. Your attitude is not good. If you give up when you encounter someone stronger, you will never be able to climb to the top."

　"Of course I know that principle, and I'm not afraid to challenge the strong, but the gap is just too big!"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Kobayashi Rindou was momentarily at a loss for words.

　She was still...

　I'd be brave enough to give it my all, but as for having her fight against a top-tier five-star, forget it!

　Once the glowing dish is presented, even if the judges close their eyes, they can choose the brightest spot right under their eyelids, leaving them with absolutely no chance of winning.

　“I know what you’re thinking, but I can tell you clearly.”

　Your method is how to become strong, while mine is how to become the strongest. The two are clearly different!

　Seeing the change in Kobayashi Rindou's expression, Bai Yuan knew exactly what she was thinking and immediately pointed out the difference between the two.

　One is a strong person, and the other is the strongest person.

　"Have you prepared all the ingredients?"

　After saying this, Bai Yuan turned his gaze to Kuga Terunori not far away, next to whom were two large white plastic bags.

　"I got up very early this morning to prepare."

　Considering you might also choose Mapo Tofu, I bought three or four portions of the ingredients, along with some other common Sichuan ingredients.

　Since Baiyuan is a teacher, and given his pride as a teacher, he would most likely not refuse a Sichuan cuisine theme, so Kuga Terunori bought ingredients used in Sichuan cuisine.

　And this is indeed the case.

　It must be said that this guy, despite his seemingly careless nature, was actually very methodical, which gave him a huge advantage in the battle.

　If the gap between the two wasn't so huge, an ordinary Chinese cuisine teacher who wasn't particularly skilled in Sichuan cuisine might have really failed.

　However, someone who fails at this level is indeed not qualified to become a Chinese cuisine teacher at Totsuki Culinary Academy; at most, they can become a minor subject teacher!

　Chapter Ninety-Four: The Dragon-Turning Pot, White Mapo Tofu

　"Tofu, beef, Sichuan peppercorns, peppercorns, Erjingtiao peppers, soybeans, and even half a chicken... You've really prepared everything."

　Looking at the ingredients that Terunori Kuga brought, Hakugen couldn't help but complain.

　If you really want to use these ingredients to make Sichuan cuisine, besides Mapo Tofu, you can only make some Sichuan dishes related to chicken, beef, and soybean residue.

　Spicy chicken, Sichuan-style saliva chicken, pickled pepper beef...

　Looking at the ingredients in front of him, Bai Yuan quickly formed a recipe in his mind.

　In fact, if he had soybeans, he could have used them to replace minced meat and made a magical six-flavor Mapo Tofu with the taste of his mother.

　This is also the dish that Little Chef made by using his mother's cooking techniques to defeat Shao An!

　However, looking at the half-eaten chicken, green Erjingtiao peppers, and Chaotian peppers in the ingredient bag, Bai Yuan suddenly had a different thought.

　"Mapo tofu doesn't take too long to make, and it doesn't require a high level of overall skill from the chef."

　To make things more difficult, let's start with the tofu-making step, Kuga-kun.

　Picking up the soybeans in front of him, Bai Yuan smiled and looked at Kuga Terunori.

　As he spoke, he released his hand, and the soybeans fell into the plate like beads, making a sound like large and small pearls falling onto a jade plate.

　"Starting with making tofu? I've never competed with anyone like this before, and no one has ever dared to compete with me like this. Okay, I accept this challenge!"

　To make good Mapo Tofu, a good piece of tofu is essential.

　Terunori Kuga was not a theorist; he once secluded himself for more than ten days to study and create the most suitable tofu for making Mapo Tofu!

　Because he was worried that Bai Yuan wouldn't know how to make tofu and wouldn't accept the challenge, he simply bought ready-made tofu from a tofu stall.

　Now that this guy has taken the initiative to ask, Kuga Terunori naturally can't refuse!

　Then...

　Let him see the strength of a so-called top-tier five-star!

　They divided the soybeans in the plate into two portions, and then went to their respective cooking stations.

　At this moment, nothing else matters. They both understand that only cooking can convince each other; everything else is meaningless!

　"Then let me be the referee."

　Looking at the two spirited individuals before her, Kobayashi Rindou's eyes revealed a strange glint; Bai Yuan's words had touched her deeply.

　To become a strong person, or the strongest person?

　Kobayashi Rindou couldn't possibly dismiss the words of a top-tier five-star chef as baseless. Did this mean she was at a disadvantage from the very beginning...?

　"Just you wait and see, I'm determined to revitalize the Chinese cuisine of Totsuki Culinary Arts!"

　Looking at Shiroyuki, who had already come to the kitchen counter, Kuga Terunori spoke to him earnestly, his body trembling slightly with excitement.