Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　The only solution is to cook the dish again and have it evaluated once more. Anyone who sabotages another's cooking will be expelled from the school. This will serve as a deterrent to other students, preventing them from doing something that violates the ethics of a chef.

　Therefore, Bai Yuan had included this as part of the assessment from the very beginning, but he did not expect it to go too far than he had anticipated.

　Since that's the case, let's overturn everything and start all over again!

　Once the chef finishes cooking, he will disregard time factors and make a final evaluation based solely on the taste of the dish.

　"With four hours left before the cooking session ends, the students will use the remaining ingredients from the river as a natural ingredient repository to complete their dishes."

　There are at least a hundred dishes that can be cooked during this time period.

　Now, everyone involved in the riot has been expelled from school. The rest will continue with their assessments!

　"Haha, you guys are just like me, it seems we really are good friends!"

　"The courage to face setbacks..."

　Seeing the gloating look on Ryūmoto Masao's face, the people who participated in the riot collapsed to the ground as if they had lost all their strength.

　He muttered to himself, repeating Bai Yuan's words.

　Did they go wrong the moment they were instigated by the hook-nosed man and began trying to solve problems with force?

　This is a cooking assessment; the chef should be wielding a cleaver, not swinging his fists like a brute.

　"The motto of Totsuki Academy is competition. If you are not satisfied with your score, you can challenge those with higher scores to a food battle to steal their points."

　These are all things permitted, even encouraged, in the assessment process, not the use of such despicable means that violate culinary ethics to achieve one's desire for promotion and retention! You bastard!

　As Bai Yuan spoke, he walked towards the hook-nosed student who had previously suggested destroying other people's food, and punched him in the stomach, causing him to collapse to the ground.

　"Clear out the unimportant personnel!"

　Looking at the sun in the sky, which was shining brightly, Bai Yuan spoke to the security personnel who had arrived at the scene at some unknown time.

　"Yes."

　Four people participated in the riot, and six people had their dishes destroyed. Only Mito Ikumi managed to protect her dish.

　Looking at the perfectly cooked stewed fish in front of her, a look of relief appeared on her face.

　"Others can cook the food again, and the remaining ingredients can be used by the cook. The inspection will be conducted four hours later."

　This time, there will be no time score; the score will be based solely on the taste of your dishes. I hope you can demonstrate your true abilities.

　Turning his gaze to the remaining students, Bai Yuan announced the new assessment rules.

　Four hours are all allotted for a limited-time cooking activity using ingredients from trainees who have already passed the on-site assessment, along with the river itself.

　"Phew, I understand, Professor Bai Yuan."

　He let out a long breath, recovering from the anger of having his meal ruined.

　As the four dropouts were being dragged away by security, the girl who had previously mustered up the courage to ask if she could have another serving of sashimi spoke up.

　She had thought about why the assessment was so long. Despite the strict conditions, it gave students plenty of choices, allowing them to give full play to their abilities.

　“I remember you. You told me your name, Anzu Yasuda.”

　Looking at the girl speaking in front of him, Bai Yuan spoke slowly.

　He vaguely remembered the person in front of him; his cooking skills weren't very strong, in fact, they were weak. The person asked him many basic questions, almost like a beginner.

　Just now, this guy was the first dish to be overturned.

　He may not be particularly talented or capable, but he is diligent in his studies and has extraordinary endurance.

　Such a student shouldn't be at the bottom of the class. After all, even if someone has poor talent, they should be able to make up for it with hard work.

　"Four hours, I will not let you down."

　Upon hearing that Bai Yuan remembered her name, Yasuda An smiled, then looked at the messy cooking scene behind her.

　"Go for it, Xiaoxing."

　Anzu Yasuda clenched her fists, knowing that her cooking skills were poor and that even if she made a dish, she would definitely not get a passing grade.

　But she was determined to do it!

　The teacher in front of me is a good teacher. No matter how basic the question is, he will not be impatient, but will explain and analyze it in detail.

　When talking about the higher-ups, he would even personally demonstrate.

　Due to a family crisis, she hadn't cooked for two years, and when she returned to Totsuki Academy, she had no intention of staying any longer.

　But before leaving, she still wanted to give it her all to finish her retirement match, so that at least she would have chased her dream.

　With that in mind, Anzu Yasuda took a firm step.

　"Four hours, but the conditions are much better. Let's do it again if we have to. We'll only do better next time."

　The boy, who had been spending time asking Shirabuchi about basic cooking techniques with Yasuda An earlier, and only recently started cooking, thought to himself, "It's because my skill level is not high."

　"Perhaps I shouldn't have been so fixated on making it perfect, getting hung up on those so-called details, which only made the food worse and worse..."

　Let this dish be the final course in this assessment!

　After tripping and falling, the boy lay on the dirt, pondering whether it was right for him to keep remaking his dishes in order to get a high score, resulting in them getting worse and worse.

　"Starting over, beginning all over again, is a cruel reality."

　However, I accept this challenge!

　As Bai Yuan said, those who have delayed in completing their dishes all have various reasons that are difficult for others to understand.

　This extra time is intended for these types of students.

　In an instant, the scene, which had become lifeless due to the destruction of the food, burst forth with new vitality.

　"Mito, please bring up your dish."

　After a quick glance at the scene, Bai Yuan turned his gaze to Mito Ikumi, who was standing not far away. She was currently standing in front of her dish, and upon hearing his words, a look of joy immediately appeared on her face.

　"Okay! Hiss..."

　As they spoke, Mito Ikumi opened the casserole dish in front of her, came to his side, and gasped almost imperceptibly, which was heard by Hakugen.

　He then glanced at Alice Nakiri standing beside him. She nodded, indicating that she had received his message, and jogged away from the scene.

　"Is it stewed fish? With the wild ingredients you found, stewed fish is indeed a good choice."

　As the lid was opened, a rich aroma wafted out along with the steam, causing Bai Yuan's tightly furrowed brows to relax slightly.

　"That's right, because I wanted to use all the ingredients I found, otherwise it would be too wasteful, so I slow-cooked this braised fish."

　Mito Ikumi nodded, then began to introduce her dish: "This braised fish uses wild chrysanthemum greens and elm mushrooms, cooked with salt, ginger slices, scallions, and other ingredients..."

　"It's clear that you've done your best."

　Hearing Mito Ikumi's introduction and looking at the dishes in front of him, Shirabuchi nodded.

　Given the level of skill Mito Ikumi demonstrated in Food Wars!, this dish should have already reached her current limit.

　"This is the dish I'm most capable of making right now, but I'm sure I'll be able to make even better dishes in the future!"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Mito Yumi nodded, her breathing slightly quickened, her eyes filled with anticipation, yet also showing a hint of weariness.

　This fatigue was generated from concentrating and running hard just now, and after surviving the ordeal, this feeling of exhaustion was amplified to the maximum.

　"The stewing method emphasizes stewing, allowing the fish to fully absorb the essence of the broth. In addition, it takes a lot of time, so the texture is very delicate."

　However, this also puts the selection of ingredients to the test.

　You catch fresh crucian carp in the river and harvest wild chrysanthemum, elm mushrooms, and akebia quinata on the riverbank.

　Ingredients that grow in the same environment are interconnected, allowing them to blend together better and create a harmonious flavor.

　Bai Yuan picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks, closed his eyes, and began to taste it.

　The fish is tender and has a rich flavor.

　The first thing you taste upon entering is a salty and savory flavor, which comes from the salt, elm mushrooms, and the fish itself.

　Next comes the sweet and sour flavor, which is entirely derived from the akebia fruit.

　Although only a small piece was used, it gave the soup a subtle yet perceptible sweet and sour taste, along with a faint aroma of akebia fruit.

　Finally, the aroma of soy sauce is added, making the whole dish rich and flavorful, which is the soul of the stewed fish.

　Salty and savory, sweet and sour, with a savory sauce flavor.

　The three flavors blend perfectly together. The fish absorbs all three flavors, and each bite is like a firework bursting open, exceptionally bright and colorful!

　"Plop, plop."

　Mito Ikumi looked at Shiroyuki nervously, expecting his answer while also feeling a little scared. Her already pale face became even more bloodless.

　What kind of evaluation will he give to the dish that I have put my best effort into making?

　This thought lingered in Mito Ikumi's mind for a long time.

　"First of all, I must commend your creativity. The dish uses all the ingredients that were found by the river and are suitable for this dish, and they are perfectly combined."

　This dish undoubtedly achieved the purpose of the assessment.

　Let me think. Although it took a long time, it was so delicious that it met my minimum standard of 60 points.

　After thinking for a moment with his eyes closed, Bai Yuan finally gave Mito Ikumi a score of 60.

　Although the cooking techniques are still somewhat raw, the taste of the dishes is already considered to be of medium to high quality among second-class dishes.

　This dish is good enough to pass the test.

　"60 points, great!"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Mito Ikumi excitedly raised her hand and punched the air several times.

　After cooking for so long, she also saw the results of the others. Apart from Erina Nakiri and the other two, the highest score was still far from passing.

　In other words, Bai Yuan's rating is extremely valuable!

　Despite scoring only 60 points, he still ranked fourth among the fifty-odd students, even with Erina and Alice both present during the assessment.

　And this is just the beginning...

　Although it was only half a day of cooking, she could clearly feel her skill level improving. If she stayed in this state for a month, it's hard to imagine how much progress she could make!

　"Alright, the cooking review is over. Now sit down in that chair over there and lift your leg up. I'll take care of your wound a little."

　Seeing Alice Nakiri running towards him with a first-aid kit in her hand, Bai Yuan sat back down in his chair and began to fulfill his duties as a teacher.

　If a student gets injured during a cooking assessment, he naturally has to treat their wounds.

　Since I didn't have any suitable tools on hand, I'll start by evaluating the dishes.

　Now that Alice Nakiri has returned with her tools, he naturally has to disinfect and treat Ikumi Mito's wounds.

　If a wound along the riverbank becomes infected and is not properly treated, it will definitely have a significant impact.

　"No need, I can handle it myself when I get back, no need to bother."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Mito Ikumi blushed, and her previously tired demeanor instantly brightened.

　Come.

　Let... let Bai Yuan treat her wounds.

　Although it was just an extremely ordinary little thing, because of my admiration for Bai Yuan, I felt inexplicably ashamed.

　Especially considering that Bai Yuan is a man...

　The shame rushed to her head, making her hesitate to lift her foot.

　"Don't worry about anything, and don't feel pressured. For me, it's just fulfilling my duty. All you have to do is let me treat your wound."

　Seemingly sensing Mito Ikumi's doubts, Hakugen spoke softly.

　"Okay...okay."

　Hearing Bai Yuan's words and seeing his pure and unadulterated gaze, Mito Ikumi finally gave in and slowly lifted her foot from the chair.

　"It's white, which is a bit unexpected."

　The moment he lifted his foot, Bai Yuan couldn't help but sigh inwardly, then reached out and grasped Mito Yumi's wheat-colored foot.

　Because of running, her big toe and the front of her foot were cut by a sharp stone, and blood was seeping out.

　The sudden grasp, though gentle, made Mito Ikumi grit her teeth and clutch her clothes tightly.