The story begins in Food Wars, when Alice took him home.

"Have it?"

Tadokoro was surprised.

"Yes! Xiaohui, you've become incredibly reliable. If you were a naive little sister before, you're now a mature big sister."

Seeing the subtle change in Tadokoro Megumi's expression, Yoshino Yuuki nodded firmly. She had noticed the change in the other person and was genuinely happy for her!

"No matter who the opponent is, just take them down! What's there to be nervous about?"

Listening to their conversation, Hojo Miyoko shrugged indifferently. Having been by Shirai's side for so long, she had developed her own pride.

Unless they suffer a crushing defeat, they will never admit that they are inferior to others, and even if they lose temporarily, they will try to win back their losses.

Naturally, she wouldn't feel nervous.

“It’s really exciting!”

Mito Ikumi didn't join their conversation, but instead looked ahead, and then was surprised to see a figure running onto the stage.

The next moment, the lights in the room suddenly went out.

At the same time, everyone's eyes were drawn to the only light source in the venue, namely the glittering golden stage located directly in front of the hall.

"I apologize for keeping you all waiting. Please look at the stage in front of you."

"Next, the school's headmaster, Senzaemon Nakiri, will deliver the opening address."

Holding a microphone, Kawashima Rei energetically stepped onto the stage and charmed the audience.

As soon as he finished speaking, Senzaemon Nakiri, who had been standing behind the scenes, slowly walked up. His gaze swept over the trainees in the audience, aided by the stage lights, and his aura grew stronger with each step he took.

“Nakiri Senzaemon…”

"The legendary Gourmet Demon King."

Upon seeing Senzaemon Nakiri appear, whispers arose around them, but no one showed any fear; instead, they were all burning with fighting spirit.

Looking at the students in front of him, Senzaemon Nakiri showed a satisfied expression, and at the same time, he exaggeratedly took a deep breath of the air in front of everyone.

"Breathing in the air here makes you feel a surge of energy within your body."

This venue, named "Moonlight Chamber," was originally reserved for the Elite Ten Food Wars. However, to show our respect for the previous winners of the first seat, we have a tradition of displaying their portraits here.

As Senzaemon Nakiri finished speaking, a series of flashes went off, illuminating the portrait hanging on the wall between the moon and the sky.

"Countless famous duels have taken place here, giving birth to countless famous dishes. As a result, what floats in the air here is the sediment of memories from years of battles!"

Next, the Summer Selection Tournament will be held here, where you will create new history. Let's meet here again!

"The 92nd graduating class of chefs from Totsuki Culinary Academy!"

As Senzaemon Nakiri finished speaking, a burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the crowd, igniting the calm atmosphere and making all the students' blood boil with excitement.

"Even if we can't win first place, we still want to give the audience a spectacular match!"

"I will definitely pass the qualifiers!"

"I'll slay gods and Buddhas alike! I'll definitely be on the list of winners of the preliminaries!"

After Senzaemon Nakiri finished his speech and stepped down from the stage, Rei Kawashima, holding a microphone, jogged onto the stage and stood in front of everyone.

"Next, let's go through the rules of this preliminary round."

As stated on the envelope, the topic this time is "Lamb," and the time limit is three hours.

Of the 54 participants in the preliminary rounds, 16 advanced to the knockout stage, meaning eight players will be selected from each of the two large groups.

Kawashima Rei made an eight gesture with her hand, her face revealing seriousness and earnestness.

"Why are there so few people..."

"To squeeze them to this extent in one go?"

Upon hearing Kawashima Rei's words, the surrounding students immediately began to discuss among themselves. However, no one backed down, and many even trembled slightly from excessive excitement.

"Please proceed to your assigned A or B group area as soon as possible. The group list has been sent to you via mobile phone. The preliminary rounds will officially begin at 11:00 AM."

"Let's go."

"Let's finish it off in one go!"

Cheers and encouragement like these continued, and the atmosphere became incredibly enthusiastic, with everyone on the scene wearing expressions of determination.

"I'm from venue A, Ryoko. See you at the finals!"

"OK Bye Bye."

Looking at Yoshino Yuuki, who had drawn venue A, Sakaki Ryoko waved goodbye to her.

"I'm from venue B, let's work together."

Looking at the message on her phone, Mito Ikumi jogged over to Sakaki Ryoko's side and invited her to join her.

"Sure, let's do it together."

Ryoko Sakaki smiled and took her hand, casually tossing her hair as she spoke, exuding a mature charm.

"Lady Erina, I'm going to take the test now."

"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 a top-quality lamb dish 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..."