Welcome to the fifth installment of Sakamoto's Life Story! Now that Sakamoto is a young adult, he will have to go through the ups and downs of growing up, but he'll get through it really well.

Sakamoto's Life Story: Growing to Adulthood

by: Terrell James

Chapter 1: Graduating Apprentice

Weeks went by quickly after Sakamoto's 18th birthday and he's fully embracing every second of it and he's been hard at work taking care of the wood shop with his dad; just keeping them clean, knowing all the ins and outs of handling the place and that definitely made Oak Sung trust in his son to keep it in tip top shape and Sakamoto took pride in what he did.

Throughout the time he works for his dad, he's been making some original figurines and other stuff and he does have an awesome knack for wood art, which really impressed his dad a whole lot more since he was an apprentice for a couple of years and it's like he knows plenty enough to keep it running for the long run.

Sakamoto was busy carving another flute in a brown wood and wanted to make it look like it's his best one he had ever carved and he definitely shaped it up a little bit from all the other flutes he had carved before and that sets apart from others. Minutes go by and he had already completed the flute and he took one look and saw it's in perfect structure and he added a few last touches by carving an 'S' to ensure that he made it himself.

Oak Sung comes in the room and he sees Sakamoto's latest work and he grew impressed with what he's done so far and he said, "Very good, Saka. This is...definitely different from what you usually do with other flutes."

"Yeah, I thought I'd use some brown wood. It's kinda risky, but you know I'm always one to take challenges and tackle them head-on." Sakamoto replied, with a chuckle.

Sakamoto did have a point with this and he really is happy for what he's accomplished and he said, "Wonderful. Have you put every part of the wooden figurines in the wooden toys section?"

"Yep. All in color and alphabetical order." Sakamoto replied.

"Swept the floors?"

"Yes, sir."

"Cleaned the windows?"

"Yep."

Oak Sung can tell that he's got everything down pat for keeping the wooden shop straightened up and he lets out a chuckle and said, "I have taught you well."

"Thanks, dad."

Just then, Oak takes Sakamoto to his little work area and sat down with him and he asked, "You know I have told you that I wanted you to take the reins for keeping this shop up, right?"

"Yeah." Sakamoto replied.

Oak nodded his head after his son's enthusiasm and he said, "You've been a very good apprentice working at my shop, Saka. And I know I can deeply trust you to keep it running...so much so that you are going to another level. When you're 21 years old, I want you to have this shop and it's your duty to keep it going."

That really excited Sakamoto to hear that he'll have the entire shop when he turns 21 and he said, "Thanks, dad. I promise you that I won't let you down."

"When have you ever?" asked Oak, smiling.

"Never. I understand it's a whole lot of responsibility to keep it going, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes." Sakamoto added.

"Very good. Until then, you will continue to help me run the shop until I retire." Oak added.

Sakamoto nodded his head and even though it'll take a few years, he's already determined to make his dad proud to run this wood shop and soon after, he took himself a little break and he saw his friends heading to lunch and he caught up with them and Shin Hai was the first one to notice him coming by and he said, "Saka! How's the wood business treating you?"

Sakamoto walked by and followed them and he said, "It's going good...really good."

Azuko could tell from that smile that something awesome was happening and he said, "Saka...you're making that face. Something's up."

"Really? My dad told me that I'll take over the wood shop when I turn 21." Sakamoto replied.

All of them were in deep surprise and got awestruck by that news and Toshi chuckled with excitement and said, "Really? That is great news!"

"You gonna be the boss, huh?" asked Shin Hai, excitedly.

Sakamoto chuckled softly at Shin Hai's comment and he said, "Chill, guys. I have to keep it running for my dad because he's gonna retire soon."

"Aw, okay. Well, that's cool though. You planning on seeing Bao-Yi?" Shin Hai teased.

"After work." Sakamoto replied.

Shin Hai was dumbstruck after Sakamoto's answer and Toshi laughed at the grey wolf and said, "You got owned by a panda."

"Figures..." Shin added.

Awesome beginning, huh? Stick around for more surprises!