Word of mouth — it really seemed to work, I thought, watching the sky darken outside. The clock showed around eight in the evening, and the streets were slowly emptying. The last customers were leaving Hagane Burger, leaving behind the scent of fried meat and the faint clinking of dishes.
I exhaled wearily and looked down at the tray of coins.
— Two hundred and forty orders… — I muttered, counting the earnings — Two hundred and forty ryō.
On one hand, not bad at all. For the first day, it was fantastic. But the costs… Meat, buns, vegetables, oil, spices, rent… The loss came to around three or four thousand.
I rubbed my temple.
— Well, if you call this an advertising campaign, it's okay. The client base is what matters — I told myself, closing the kitchen.
I stretched, flicked the lights off, and leaned against the counter.
The next problem was clear — staff.
I couldn't man the stove every day. Even with my skills and speed efficiency, the restaurant needed attention. And on top of that, there were missions and a promotion exam ahead. If I didn't find at least one chef soon, everything would collapse before I even had a chance to raise prices.
— I need someone with hands who can cook — I said, staring at the sign — But where in a shinobi village do you even find a chef?
I knew we had to open tomorrow. If I didn't find anyone today, I'd have to stand at the stove myself — no sleep, no missions, no chance to grow the business.
The market was still alive, even in the late hours. Konoha's evening market had its own rhythm: merchants shouting over each other, selling the last goods, and children weaving between the stalls.
Henge was still active, so I looked older. I approached one of the vendors and nodded.
— I'll take some tomatoes —
While the mustached vendor scooped them into a paper bag, I decided to get straight to the point.
— Excuse me, could you tell me where I might find a good cook in the village? —
He laughed, handing me the bag.
— If only I knew! — he said — Go to Hanako across the way. She sells fruit. Her nephew used to be a chef at Sakura restaurant, but he quit.
— Thanks! — I said, running in the direction he indicated. Why say you don't know and then say the opposite????
Hanako was a plump woman with a soft, gentle smile — the kind only people who've spent their lives working with food have. She smelled of ripe fruit. She was arranging tomatoes in crates, carefully wiping each one with a cloth.
— Are you Hanako? — I asked, approaching.
— That's me — she said, squinting slightly — Need something, dear?
— I heard you have a nephew named Sora. They say he used to be a chef at the Sakura tea house. I'm looking for a cook — urgently —
Hanako raised her eyebrows, then nodded approvingly.
— Yes, my Sora. Good kid, golden hands, just a bit hot-headed sometimes. Young and fiery. He's free now. Wait a moment, I'll call him —
— Quick to find, I thought, watching her disappear into the small house behind the stall.
Five minutes passed. I was starting to glance around, listening to the market noise, when the door finally opened quietly. A boy of about twenty stepped out — black, tousled hair, tired eyes. His apron was stained, and he smelled of fried and spiced food.
— Good evening — he said quietly, eyeing me — I'm Sora.
— Hi — I nodded — Kotetsu Hagane. I recently opened a small diner in the village center and I'm looking for a cook.
Sora frowned, crossing his arms.
— You're looking for a cook? — he asked.
— Yes — I confirmed — Urgently. Work starts in the morning. Pay isn't high at first, but it's steady. Experience and willingness are the main things.
He thought for a second, then smirked slowly.
— Experience I have, willingness… we'll see. What exactly do I need to cook? —
— Burgers — I said, smiling slightly.
He blinked.
— Bur… what? —
— A new dish. Bun, meat, sauce, vegetables. Quick and filling. I'll show you —
He looked at me with interest.
— If you show me, maybe I'll agree. I've got nothing to lose anyway —
Twenty minutes later, we were in the diner. I turned on the stove, laid out the ingredients, and showed him how to assemble a burger. He watched closely, humming, asking questions. Then he said:
— Let me try —
He grabbed a pan and started cooking. His movements were precise, confident — clearly not a beginner. A few minutes later, a burger lay on a plate, looking far more appetizing than mine.
I tasted it.
— Damn… good — I couldn't help smiling — You're talented —
He shrugged.
— Just experience — Sora said with a small smirk — Alright, I'll come tomorrow morning. But we need to talk about the salary first —
— How much do you want? — I asked, trying not to show nervousness —
— Fifteen thousand — he answered confidently —
I raised an eyebrow slightly. Not much, I thought, but honest.
— Fine — I said, stepping closer — I'll give twenty. But there's a condition: at first, you'll also work the register. If you can find another cook, manage supplies, and work efficiently, the rate stays the same —
Sora froze, arms crossed. His eyes widened, realizing the responsibility.
— So until I find someone else, I have to buy food, cook, and sell? — he asked —
— Yes — I nodded — But it's great experience. And decent pay —
He thought for a moment, weighing it all. Then he straightened and extended his hand.
— Alright. With this salary, I don't mind —
I shook his hand, feeling a small relief. Tomorrow, everything would go according to plan.
— Then eight in the morning, here — I said, letting go of his hand — I'll come myself at first to supervise —
Sora nodded. I caught a spark of curiosity and excitement in his eyes.
I left, closing the diner door behind me. Evening had settled over the village streets, lanterns softly lighting the sidewalks. The air smelled of fresh food, spices, and damp earth after the rain. I walked slowly, planning: I needed to find a second cook, organize supplies, and oversee Sora so he wouldn't slack off.
— Well — I muttered, reaching my room — The first step is done. Now to see who else can work with me. And most importantly — I can't let myself relax —
Thus ended the evening. My mind was full of plans for tomorrow: opening the kitchen, checking recipes, controlling supplies, and starting work with Sora. Small details, seemingly insignificant, could make all the difference. I was ready.
Menu prices before update:
— Burger (beef) — 15 ryō
— French fries — 10 ryō
— Juice — apple, orange, lemonade — 10 ryō