Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

Frankly speaking, based on their current strength, they can already secure a place among the top ten heroes, or even rank among the best.

Compared to the original work, after Bai Yuan's various training sessions, their strength increased much faster than before; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they experienced a leap in power.

"Top ten is fine, top ten is fine."

Having received a positive reply from Hakugen, Senzaemon Nakiri felt reassured.

As for the suggestion that he should stop at the top ten, he didn't care at all. After all, according to his initial plan, as long as he made progress today, he would consider it a success.

Now, Bai Yuan says he can get into the top ten.

The top ten can bring significant improvement to Totsuki Academy. Then, we can use Shirai Abyss's training method to cultivate them and create a snowball effect.

In just a few years, Totsuki Culinary Academy might even become one of the top three culinary schools in the world...

A multitude of thoughts flashed through his mind. Senzaemon Nakiri picked up his teacup, took a sip, and suppressed all the joy in his heart.

"Is the Dark Cuisine World also planning to participate in the Academy Exchange Competition this time? I wonder if you have any connections? If not, I can introduce you."

If someone gives you a peach, you should give him a plum in return.

Hakugen has helped Totsuki so much, it would be difficult for Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri to maintain their relationship. If they only take without giving back, it will only deplete their relationship.

Senzaemon Nakiri was not someone who cared about petty gains.

If you have connections, smoothing things over doesn't require much resource, but entrusting this to Bai Yuan requires a lot more effort.

There's nothing more cost-effective than using something you can easily do to gain someone's favor.

"Then trouble you."

"Easy to do."

Hakugen did not reject Senzaemon Nakiri's overtures. After all, he had done so much for Totsuki and deserved some reward.

"Drink tea."

"They're finally gone. I hope there will be more strong competitors in this competition, otherwise it will be too boring."

After Senzaemon Nakiri left, Alice Nakiri put down her tea set, lay lazily on the tatami mat, and wore an expectant expression.

“There will definitely be strong people, and there will be many of them. Don’t underestimate the heroes of the world.”

Listening to Alice Nakiri's casual remark, Bai Yuan spoke with a serious expression.

"I know that I am still in the growth stage and my strength is not very strong. I have many opponents, and we have different strengths. I have never underestimated them. I just look forward to the competition."

Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Nakiri Alice waved her hand.

She never underestimated the heroes of the world, but she couldn't find a worthy opponent for a long time, so she inevitably felt a little lonely and bored. No one of her age could beat her.

"I believe in you. There are still half a month until the exchange competition. During this time, you will come back to the Dark Cuisine World with me for special training. You can also invite Xiaohui and the others along."

Hakubuchi naturally believed Alice Nakiri's explanation.

Considering the prestige of the academy exchange competition and the potential presence of many top competitors, he decided to gather everyone together for intensive training before the competition.

After a year of instruction.

The weakest among the group of people around him had already reached the pinnacle of first-class chefs.

Half a month, if used well, can transform a person. The difference between a first-class chef and a master chef may seem huge, but in reality, there is only a thin layer of barrier.

Once you cross that threshold, the world will be your oyster.

You can never become a master chef if you can't overcome this hurdle.

"Back to the Dark Cooking World? Fine! Come to think of it, I'm clearly the matriarch of the Dark Cooking World, yet I've never even been there. Is that even fair!?"

As if she had thought of something, Alice Nakiri looked at Shirai Abyss with a subtle dissatisfaction.

As the matriarch of the Dark Cuisine World, she should theoretically be in the Dark Cuisine World at all times. However, after so much time has passed, apart from meeting a few people from the Dark Cuisine World, she doesn't even know where the Dark Cuisine World is.

Who would believe that if this were told to others?!

"Ahem, I'm taking you this time, aren't I? I promise you won't be disappointed!"

Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Bai Yuan thought about it and realized it was true. He then coughed awkwardly twice before speaking in a righteous tone.

"I hope so, but I have been looking forward to going to the world of dark cuisine for a long time. It's just that you haven't said anything, so I can't force you to take me."

Looking at the ceiling, Alice Nakiri spoke her mind.

Going to the world of dark cuisine is, in a sense, a form of recognition. Although, given their current relationship, whether or not they receive this recognition is irrelevant, Alice Nakiri still wants it.

It has nothing to do with anything else; it's just possessiveness.

“I see. If you had told me when you were in Fuzhou, I would have taken you there.”

Hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Bai Yuan couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. If she wanted to go to the Dark Cuisine World, why didn't she just tell him directly?

“That wasn’t your choice to take me there; it felt like I forced you to, which felt a bit off.”

Alice Nakiri stood up on her arms and said in a muffled voice.

She wanted to go to the world of dark cuisine, but she didn't want to bring it up herself. She wanted Bai Yuan to offer to take her there, because that was the kind of recognition she wanted.

What kind of logic is this, demanding it yourself?

This conflicted feeling only arose after the two of them established a relationship.

“I see. You can’t do it this way. I’m not a god. I can’t guess everything so accurately. Just tell me what you want. That would make things much easier for both of us.”

Try that outfit on tonight, as punishment for wanting something but not telling me.

Having grasped the deeper meaning behind Alice Nakiri's words, Bai Yuan spoke with a slightly teasing tone, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Which outfit?

"It's that outfit you tried on halfway through, then immediately took it off and refused to wear it anymore. Your face was really red back then."

Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's question, Bai Yuan's lips curled up slightly as he spoke of the dress that made her feel ashamed, a dress she felt embarrassed to wear.

"You mean that one with hardly any fabric? Wearing that is worse than not wearing anything at all! At least when you're not wearing anything, you can be open and honest, without so much hiding and concealment."

After Bai Yuan's detailed description, Alice Nakiri finally unlocked that long-sealed memory and remembered what the other party had mentioned.

That shameful garment that she sealed away at the very bottom of her wardrobe!

Why is it considered a disgrace? The fabric covered less than 10% of the body area, and none of those areas were key points; they were all locations of unclear significance.

Besides, that thin, black silk-like material can't provide any concealment at all!

Thinking about all the bizarre features of that dress, Alice Nakiri didn't know where to begin her critique.

Wearing that dress is worse than not wearing it at all; it would be much better to show it off confidently!

Otherwise, covering up one part here and one part there will be completely useless!

"This is exactly the effect I wanted."

Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's protest, Shirobuchi revealed a meaningful smile.

Wearing socks on your feet is more alluring than wearing nothing at all; this is known in psychology and aesthetics as the partial camouflage effect.

Simply put, the presence of socks naturally guides the eye to the leg lines, forming a dynamic visual curve, and the brain pays double attention to the boundary between coverage and exposure.

At the same time, the contrast effect makes exposed skin appear more delicate and smooth, making it incredibly alluring.

"Brother Bai Yuan is a total freak!"

Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Alice Nakiri showed a subtle look of disdain on her face, but she spoke without the slightest hesitation.

Isn't that just utterly perverted?!

He used to be so serious.

How did it become like this?

"I don't deny that, but have you ever thought about why I'm only perverted towards you? It's because you're special to me."

If you're unwilling, I won't force you; it just means I'll have to find someone else.

As Bai Yuan spoke, a look of disappointment appeared on his face. While speaking, he glanced at Nakiri Alice out of the corner of his eye.

The other person sat up the moment he finished speaking, looking at him with a hint of resentment in their eyes.

"Wear it, fine, I'll wear it! Brother Bai Yuan just knows how to manipulate me, he knows I fall for that."

Alice Nakiri said sullenly, but she also had a bit of anticipation in her heart, hoping that Bai Yuan could show even stronger combat power with the help of the costume.

Wait! Bai Yuan's combat power is already formidable; what if it gets any stronger?!

Suddenly, Alice Nakiri realized what was happening, gasped, and turned pale.

She was already struggling with Bai Yuan's original fighting strength; if he continued to grow stronger...

Alice Nakiri dared not think any further.

But once a promise is made, it cannot be taken back.

For a moment, Alice Nakiri felt as if she had fallen into Shiro's trap.

"hey-hey."

Despite her slightly resentful gaze, Bai Yuan was in a good mood and chuckled, beginning to look forward to the beauty of nightfall.

For him, this was the happiest thing in life.

He's either cooking in the kitchen or sleeping with his wife in his arms.

Thanks to Alice Nakiri's delicate and supple body, he has been getting up later and later in the mornings lately.

This is not okay!

I must get up early tomorrow!

Thinking about his recent dejection, Bai Yuan secretly vowed to himself that he must get up at six o'clock tomorrow to go for a morning run to buy ingredients and make breakfast when he got back.

I can't keep sleeping until nine or ten o'clock like I have been lately, and having Tadokoro Megumi and the others bring me breakfast. It's just too decadent!

"Brother Baiyuan, let's invite Erina and Hisako over for dinner tonight. It's been a while since we've seen them."

As if she had just thought of something, a look of realization flashed in Alice Nakiri's eyes, and she offered her suggestion to Shirayuki while leaning on the tatami mat.

If you can't handle it alone, why not just find a few more allies?

Such shameful clothing should not be worn by her alone. Fortunately, there are several slightly different colors and styles in the closet that they can try on.