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

"I don't specialize in teaching Sichuan cuisine, but I know all the cuisines in China, so you can consider me a Sichuan cuisine teacher."

Bai Yuan shook his head and then said.

"So, if I lose, I'll leave Totsuki Academy. What will you do if you lose?"

"I lost…"

"A food battle can't happen without an equal wager."

Seeing that Kuga Terunori had suddenly hesitated, Bai Yuan did not rush to urge him, but simply looked at him indifferently and waited for him to make a decision.

Because he arrived early, while the others wouldn't arrive for at least another hour or two, he was genuinely bored.

As a senior, it's perfectly acceptable for him to accept a challenge from a junior when he's bored; he's never been one to shy away from battle.

The battle was divided into sparring and food fighting, and since the opponent was coming on strong, he naturally wouldn't give him a friendly look.

The fact that he can speak with a smile now means he's in a good mood.

If he's in a bad mood, he might just physically kick people out. A seven-star chef, how dare you, a mere Karami, provoke him?!

"If I lose, you can do whatever you want with me."

After pondering for a long time, he realized that he had nothing that could interest Bai Yuan, so the challenge was impossible.

Since that's the case, then he'll risk everything! If he loses, he'll accept whatever punishment comes his way, whether it's dropping out of school or something else.

"Is it really worth risking everything for a casual competition?"

Upon hearing Kuga Terunori's words, Bai Yuan looked at him seriously for a moment, his voice filled with surprise.

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 am currently the fourth seat of the Elite Ten. You can call me Kobayashi or Rindou. I am 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 now he was truly standing right in front of 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 might have the courage to give it her all in a duel against a Special Grade opponent, but as for her to fight against a Five-Star Special Grade opponent, 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."