CHAPTER 5: THE HOPE

"You’ve got a big mouth, kid. Anyway, his name is Sensuke. He’s seventeen years old. Nine years ago, I was closing up and I saw this little boy just staggering through the street. Poor little guy, his clothes were rags and he was shivering. So I took him in. He wanted to thank me some how so I decided to let him work in my restaurant. Of course, in the beginning he was a little clumsy but he learned. Still though, he feels he owes a life’s debt so that’s why he’s so protective of me and my restaurant."

"So that’s why he got mad when I yelled at you. My father cares more about money than me so I ran away." Kai said.

"I take it he’s rich, that’s why you have nicer clothes." said Mr. Akama.

"Thanks, I guess."

"So when are you going to return to your family?"

"I don’t know but, until then I’ll have to live on the street."

"No you won’t." said Mr. Akama

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"How about I offer you the same deal as Sensuke. You work for me and I’ll provide shelter until you decide to go back to your father."

"Okay, it’s a deal. When do I start?" asked Kai

"You’ll start both training and working today. You get a break at 12:20pm, after the lunch time rush. On weekends, we close early at 7:00pm so you get about three hours to yourself. Here’s a spare key for getting in after hours." said Mr. Akama.

"Okay. Thanks a lot." said Kai.

"Oh, by the way. What’s your name?" asked Mr. Akama.

"It’s Kai."

Kai left the storage room and went into the restaurant. Mr. Akama followed.

"Now the first thing to learn, is balance when carrying trays." said Mr. Akama

He went over to a cart and took out a tray. He handed it to Kai.

"You have to remain calm and relaxed while staying alert."

"Got it." said Kai.

"That man over there, go take his order. I’ll be watching." ordered Mr. Akama.

Kai went over and talked to the man. After taking his order, Kai returned to Mr. Akama.

"Now, what do I do?" asked Kai.

"Go to the kitchen and put the orders on the counter and wait. You take what they give you and you take it where they say to go."

Kai went to the kitchen and placed the sheets of paper on the counter. He waited. Then a lady handed him a plate of sushi.

"Over there in the corner." said the lady.

Kai walked slowly remembering Mr. Akama’s advice. He successfully delivered the order without spilling anything. Kai was looking at Mr. Akama.

"Well done, follow me." said Mr. Akama.

Kai followed Mr. Akama in to the kitchen area.

"Now, keep in mind that you won’t always be taking orders. When you not taking orders, you’re making them." said Mr. Akama "Do you know how to cook?"

"I learned how to cook in school." said Kai.

"Good enough. Now, when you’re making some of the sushi don’t put too much wasabi in it, understand? No one likes a fried customer. Be sure to use a firm grasp when putting the sushi together or else they’ll fall apart. Most important, never forget special orders. Got it?"

"Got it."

Kai continued throughout the day will a flawless performance. At 10:00pm. It was time to go to bed. Mr. Akama gave Kai a blanket and pillow.

"I forgot to tell you, my house only has enough beds for my wife and I. Is it all right if you sleep in one of the booths in the restaurant?" asked Mr. Akama.

"Yeah, it sure beats the hell out of living on the street." said Kai

"Good but, no more of that language in my presence. By the way, Sensuke has to sleep in the restaurant too. So maybe you guys can clear up the whole mess earlier today and get to know each other better." said Mr. Akama

Mr. Akama went upstairs to his house while Sensuke got his blanket and pillow ready.

Sensuke took a few chairs and made a bed out of them.

"So um, Sensuke. Mr. Akama tells me you were here since you were eight right?" said Kai.

"Yeah. Mr. Akama’s like a father to me. We went through thick and thin together. That’s why I’m came so close to beating your face in when you yelled at him." said Sensuke.

Kai saw a large gash on Sensuke’s arm.

"Hey, what happened to your arm?" asked Kai.

"Oh, this thing? I got that when some armed bastard tried to rob us. I tried to stop him and I got the cut during the fight.

"Did you get him?" asked Kai

"Yep, I busted his nose and called the cops." he chuckled.

"Cool. Well, I have to get to sleep. I have to work tomorrow." said Kai

"Same, see you in the morning. Good night."

"Good night."

Sensuke fell fast asleep in his bed of chairs while Kai struggled to get to sleep in the booth. Eventually, Kai fell asleep.