Gin Dojima secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the two had finally reached a conclusion.
He didn't know what capabilities Liu Ming had to say such things, but the opponent's top-tier culinary skills alone were enough to threaten Kojiro Shinomiya's restaurant.
Once a restaurant's reputation was ruined, it would be difficult to recover.
For Kojiro Shinomiya's sake, he had to be firm.
Although this approach was a bit unfair to Kojiro Shinomiya, he was the one who started the trouble, so it could be considered a small lesson for him.
Moreover, the female student Tadokoro Megumi was also very sensible, only asking Kojiro Shinomiya to retract a single statement, which was not excessive.
Gin Dojima looked at everyone and then said, "I will preside over this Food War, but this is only a private competition and can only be considered a non-public Food War."
"Furthermore, in order not to delay the training camp schedule, this Food War will be arranged after the afternoon assessment ends."
He looked at everyone, and seeing no objections, he continued.
"If Kojiro Shinomiya wins this Food War, then Mr. Liu, you cannot pursue his issues with this matter again."
"Since this is Megumi's decision, I agree." Liu Ming nodded after a moment of silence.
Kojiro Shinomiya couldn't help but frown. He heard in Gin Dojima's tone that he seemed to be very wary of Liu Ming.
He couldn't understand what capabilities Liu Ming had that even Gin Dojima, the current Executive Chef of Totsuki Resort, would be somewhat apprehensive of him.
Was it just because the other party was a guest invited by the Director General?
No, it shouldn't be just that.
But why else?
Kojiro Shinomiya couldn't figure out the key to it no matter how hard he thought.
"If Tadokoro Megumi wins, then Kojiro Shinomiya must retract that statement slandering Mr. Liu."
"Actually, even without a Food War, I think you should retract that statement. It was truly too much and very tasteless."
Gin Dojima couldn't help but glare at Kojiro Shinomiya.
Kojiro Shinomiya rolled his eyes at him. In that situation, he had just blurted it out in anger, who would have thought that the other party would turn out to be someone he knew.
But the words had already been spoken, and with his proud personality, he would never easily take them back.
"What about the theme?" Kojiro Shinomiya asked with a calm expression. He didn't believe he would lose at all.
Although the dish Tadokoro Megumi had just made had the level of the Elite Ten, that was all it was.
And him?
He was a genius who graduated as the Elite Ten First Seat, and at a young age, he had already received the Pluvelus Purus Medal.
He wouldn't pay any attention to such a farce.
If it weren't for Mr. Dojima, he wouldn't have even agreed to it; it was utterly boring.
As for Liu Ming's threat, he didn't take it to heart. After all, he was Kojiro Shinomiya and wouldn't let anyone bully him without fighting back.
"Theme, you say?" Gin Dojima glanced around and saw that there were still quite a few ingredients left in the examination hall. However, if they used only these leftover ingredients, neither of them would be able to perform at their full potential.
He also really wanted to see what level Liu Ming's disciple's cooking skills could reach.
By observing a small part, he could infer the whole, which would allow him to roughly estimate Liu Ming's culinary prowess.
"Since this class of yours is about vegetable dishes, then your Shokugeki will be themed around vegetables."
"You can tell me in advance what ingredients you need, and I will prepare them for you. Let's see who can come out on top then."
"Mr. Dojima, isn't this clearly showing favoritism towards me? This isn't good, be careful others might have opinions," Kojiro Shinomiya said, his words laced with sarcasm, his gaze fixed on Liu Ming.
He had just been cornered by Liu Ming.
Gin Dojima also realized at this point that Kojiro Shinomiya was known as the 'Magician of Vegetable Dishes.' If they were to compete with vegetables, it would indeed be very unfair to Tadokoro Megumi.
However, his words were already out, and it seemed difficult to change them, so he could only look towards Liu Ming.
Liu Ming didn't speak. He left the decision to Tadokoro Megumi.
After all, she was the one participating in the Shokugeki.
Tadokoro Megumi certainly understood how advantageous vegetable dishes were for Kojiro Shinomiya, but she wasn't without a trump card. As long as she could complete that dish, she was confident she could win.
"I have no problem, let's compete with vegetable dishes," Tadokoro Megumi said seriously after a moment of silence.
"Heh heh," Kojiro Shinomiya chuckled disdainfully. Was this a provocation against him? She actually dared to agree.
Gin Dojima also looked at Tadokoro Megumi in surprise, but he didn't confirm immediately. Instead, he first looked for Liu Ming's opinion.
Liu Ming gave him an annoyed glare. Hadn't he just said it? Why was he still looking at him?
However, he also roughly guessed Gin Dojima's thoughts.
The other party was probably trying to make him genuinely approve of this Shokugeki, so that he wouldn't continue to pursue Kojiro Shinomiya later if he was in a bad mood.
He could only speak up, "Since Megumi has decided, I support her."
"Very well, then this matter is settled. The Shokugeki venue will be in the underground kitchen. You can go there yourselves when the time comes. Now, you are all dismissed."
...
On the way out, Liu Ming walked in front, with Tadokoro Megumi and Yukihira Soma following behind him.
Originally, this matter had nothing to do with Yukihira Soma, but he used Tadokoro Megumi being his dormmate as an excuse to stay in the examination hall, and Gin Dojima didn't chase him away.
"Master, I've disappointed you," Tadokoro Megumi said, following behind Liu Ming with a downcast expression, as if her confident demeanor from earlier was just an illusion.
Liu Ming paused, slowly turned around, and looked at the somewhat sad Tadokoro Megumi with a gentle expression.
He reached out a hand and ruffled her hair, slowly smoothing down her messy 'bird's nest' hairstyle.
"You've never disappointed me. Don't think so much, just gather your spirits and focus entirely on the upcoming Shokugeki."
"Also, don't be too careless. After all, that person was once the Elite Ten First Seat; he's not easy to deal with."
"Mm, I'm very clear about that, but I've already thought about what dish to make. As long as I can complete that dish, I have full confidence I can win," Tadokoro Megumi said, looking up seriously.
"Are you talking about that dish? Are you confident you can complete it now?" Liu Ming also sensed Tadokoro Megumi's intention. When it came to vegetable dishes, nothing was more suitable than that one.
Although Liu Ming had taught her all the steps and techniques, she had never truly succeeded before.
"Master, I'm not the same as I used to be. So much time has passed, I've definitely made some progress," Tadokoro Megumi quickly explained, to avoid making Liu Ming worry.
On the other side, Yukihira Soma looked blankly at the two people speaking in riddles. What were they talking about? Why didn't he understand anything?