Two weeks had passed since Ryo stepped in to help Hana's struggling ramen shop. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. The building itself was renovated with a perfect blend of modern and traditional Japanese architecture, drawing the attention of passersby even from a distance.
The outside was now adorned with wooden beams, a sliding door with intricate bamboo carvings, and soft lanterns that glowed warmly in the evening light. The sign above read "Shiawase Ramen", simple but elegant, with a touch of calligraphy that gave the shop a timeless feel.
Inside, the decoration matched the exterior's charm. The walls were lined with dark wood panels, and soft ambient lighting created a welcoming atmosphere. Low wooden tables with tatami mats were available for customers wanting the traditional dining experience, while modern seating options were there for those who preferred the comfort of chairs. The centerpiece of the shop was the open kitchen, where Hana could be seen working her magic.
The menu, now displayed on a beautifully designed board, was much more varied than before. The two ramen dishes she once served were now joined by trendy foods like omurice, unique ramen options with inventive toppings, and even a sushi section that boasted flavors not typically found in the area. Soba, pork cutlets, fried rice, Gyduon, Curry and other Japanese staples completed the menu, appealing to both young customers seeking excitement and older patrons looking for traditional tastes.
The quality of the raw ingredients also increased because Ryo contacted the best dealers he could ask for, so he could have the best ingredients to make the food.
It was mid-afternoon, and the shop was bustling. Hana moved quickly in the kitchen, her hands working with precision as she flipped gyoza on the stove and ladled rich broth into bowls of ramen. Her face was flushed from the heat, but there was a bright smile on her face as she worked.
Kaede, her daughter, darted between tables, carrying trays with a grace that belied her age. She wore a cute apron that matched the new aesthetic of the shop, and her big, bright eyes and shy smile had already made her the favourite of many customers. Every time she passed a table, customers couldn't help but compliment her.
"Kaede-chan! You're doing such a great job! Can I take a picture with you?" one of the customers called out, a young woman who was dining with her friends.
Kaede blushed but smiled brightly. "O-Okay, just one," she said shyly, setting down her tray before posing for the photo.
In the kitchen, Hana chuckled as she watched the interaction. She turned to Ryo, who was leaning casually against the counter, surveying the scene with a satisfied look on his face.
"I can't believe how quickly everything's changed," Hana said, her voice filled with gratitude. "We've had more customers in the past two weeks than we've had in months. And it's all thanks to you, Ryo."
Ryo shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I just pointed out what needed to be done. You did the hard work."
Hana wiped her hands on her apron and leaned against the counter for a moment, looking out at the busy shop. "The new menu is a hit. The young people love the omurice and the ramen we're offering. I didn't expect sushi to be this popular, but it's bringing in a lot of new customers."
She paused, watching Kaede laugh with the customers. "And Kaede... I never thought she'd take to serving this well. She's becoming the little mascot of the shop."
Ryo chuckled. "People love her. She's cute and polite. Perfect for a place like this where people come to eat good food and relax."
Hana nodded, still amazed by the change. "And the renovations... The new look has really helped. It feels more inviting, more... professional. People see it now and think it's worth stopping by."
A couple of teenage girls walked in, excitedly pointing at the trendy new dishes displayed on the menu board. "Oh my god, they have omurice! I saw this on internet!" one of them said, rushing to the counter.
Ryo glanced at them, then back at Hana. "See? The advertising is working. People are talking about your shop online. That's how you get the younger crowd."
Hana smiled softly. "You've really thought of everything, haven't you? The new dishes, the renovations, even the online presence... It's more than I could've imagined."
Ryo crossed his arms, his eyes scanning the busy restaurant. "You've worked hard for this place. You deserved the chance to see it thrive."
Hana's face softened as she looked at him. "Thank you, Ryo. I know you said I'd have to pay you back, but you've done so much more than just help the shop. You've given me hope again."
Ryo shrugged, brushing off her gratitude with his usual nonchalance. "Just keep up the good work. And remember, there's more to come. We're just getting started."
Kaede rushed back to the counter, her cheeks flushed from the attention. "Mother! They said they love the food! I brought them extra napkins just in case."
Hana smiled, patting her daughter's head. "You're doing great, Kaede-chan. Keep it up."
Kaede beamed, then turned to Ryo with wide eyes. "Big brother Ryo! Do you think we'll keep getting more and more customers?"
Ryo smiled down at her. "If you keep being such a good server, I'm sure the whole city will hear about this place."
Kaede giggled, her face lighting up with excitement before rushing off to help more customers.
Hana watched her daughter go, her heart swelling with pride. "She's so happy... I haven't seen her like this in a long time. I think... she's starting to believe in the future again."
Ryo glanced at Hana, his expression softening for a moment. "That's what this is all about, isn't it? Building something for her... and for you."
Hana met his eyes, feeling the weight of his words. "Yes," she whispered. "That's exactly what this is all about."
***
Late in the evening when Hana heard the familiar sound of her husband stumbling up the path to their home, the loud clinking of bottles confirming his drunken state as usual. She sighed, her heart sinking. This had become routine for her—waiting for him to return home, knowing he would be in no condition to act like a husband or father.
Tonight, however, something was different.
As Hana peered through the curtain, her heart skipped a beat. Her husband wasn't alone. Three men followed him, each one larger and more intimidating than the last. One of them, standing slightly ahead of the others, wore a sharp suit and carried himself with an air of authority that sent chills down Hana's spine.
The Kurosaki family.
Quickly, Hana rushed to the back room where her daughter, Kaede, was reading her school work which she never attented. "Kaede-chan," she whispered, trying to keep her voice calm despite the fear gripping her heart. "Go into your room and stay there until I come get you, okay?"
Kaede, sensing something was wrong, nodded and disappeared into her room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Taking a deep breath, Hana moved back toward the front door. The men were already inside, seated casually in her living room. Her husband, as usual, had collapsed in the corner, grinning stupidly as if he had done something impressive by bringing these men here.
"Ah, Hana, you should be more polite," her husband slurred, slumping onto the couch. "These men... important people. Very important... Kurosaki family..." He giggled, proud of his connections despite his drunken state.
Hana's stomach twisted. The Kurosaki family. Just hearing the name was enough to send waves of fear through her. She bowed her head slightly, trying to compose herself.
The man in the suit, clearly the leader, glanced at her with a calm yet unsettling expression. "I'm one of the commanders of the Kurosaki family," he said smoothly, his voice like silk. "And also the owner of Kurosaki Real Estate. You've probably heard of me."
Hana nodded, her throat too tight to speak. She was trembling, though she tried her best to hide it.
Behind the commander, the two men accompanying him stared at Hana, their eyes raking over her in a way that made her skin crawl. She could feel their lecherous gaze, and though she wanted to shrink back, she forced herself to stand tall, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
"Your shop," the commander continued, his tone casual as if they were discussing the weather. "I've heard it's been doing quite well lately. The renovations look impressive. You've turned it into quite the attraction but how did you do all this?"
Hana swallowed, her mouth dry. "Yes, we've had more customers recently," she managed to say. "Thanks to... some help."
The commander leaned back, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Help, huh? Good to hear. Now, let's not beat around the bush, Hana-san. I'm not here for tea, though I appreciate the offer." His eyes darkened, and the room seemed to get colder. "I'm here because I want this land."
Hana blinked, her heart pounding in her chest. "This... land?"
The man nodded, looking around the room as if inspecting it for the first time. "Yes. You see, this plot of land is... valuable. It used to belong to one of the other commanders in the Kurosaki family, but your parents bought it a long time ago. It was never meant to be sold outside the family, though and our leader wants it back."
Hana felt a lump forming in her throat. She knew the history of the land well, but she never imagined it would come back to haunt her like this.
"Of course," the commander continued, "I'm willing to pay a considerable amount for it. It would help with the debts your husband has accumulated with the Kurosaki family, you know. I could even put in a good word for you."
Hana's hands shook, but she quickly clenched them into fists, hiding her fear. "I'm sorry," she said firmly, her voice wavering slightly but filled with determination. "I can't sell this place. It's... it's too important to me and my family."
At her refusal, her husband, drunk and angry, lunged toward her. "How dare you refuse!" he shouted, raising his hand to strike her.
But before his hand could reach her, the commander's voice cut through the air like a whip. "Sit down."
The sharpness in his tone made her husband freeze in place. He blinked, confused, and then obediently sank back onto the couch, like a dog being commanded by its master.
Hana stared at her husband in disbelief, the disappointment and disgust she felt toward him deepening. Even in this moment, he was nothing but a coward, willing to sell his family for his own selfish desires.
The commander stood up, his expression unreadable. "I see," he said calmly. "The shop and the land mean a lot to you. I can appreciate that. But business is business."
He bowed slightly, surprising Hana with his gesture. "Thank you for your time, Hana-san."
With that, he turned to leave, his two lackeys following him. They paused at the door, casting one last, hungry look at Hana before stepping outside.
As they walked down the path, one of the men leaned in toward the commander, confused. "Are we really going to leave this place alone? Just like that?"
The commander smiled, a cold, sinister smile. "Of course not. She and her daughter... they need to die. Calmly."