Sayonara Sakura? (Part II)

After Sakura finished work, she met up with the gang near the post-office to discuss.

"So, Sakura," began CJ, "How was your first day at work?"

"Hang on," said Curt, as he whipped out his phone, "Smile!"

Curt then wrapped his arm around Sakura and snapped a quick selfie.

"Looks great!" he said, as he examined the phone's camera.

"What the hell are you taking pictures for, Curt?" asked Sakura.

"For that photo album I'm making," said Curt, "Even with all the photos I dug up, there are still some blank pages in the book, so I decided to fill in those blanks myself."

"Yeah," said Sakura, unamused, "Good luck with that."

"I think what Curt's doing is nice," said Lindsay.

"Thank you, Linds," said Curt, "Now smile!"

Curt snapped a photo as Lindsay struck a quick pose.

"Anyways," began CJ, "You didn't tell us how your day was!"

"Oh," said Sakura, "Well, I…It went well. They seem to like me!"

"What do you do exactly?" asked CJ, "Clean tables? Serve food?"

"A bit of everything," said Sakura, nervously.

Unsurprisingly, Sakura was ashamed to admit what she did.

"Yo," said Curt, "We gotta eat there one day! Did you ask them about 'friend discounts' or something?"

"Um," said Sakura, "Well, you see…I don't think you guys wanna eat there. Just today I saw this big-ass cockroach and um, yeah!"

"Aw, fuck that shit," said Curt.

"Wow," said Lindsay, "You should report that to the manager or the restaurant could get in trouble from the health inspector!"

"I know," said Sakura, "I will…Tomorrow!"

"Oh well," said CJ, "I guess we can always get sushi from somewhere else…Like that restaurant, Phuck Yu!"

"I don't trust sushi that comes from a non-Japanese place," said Curt, "Isn't Phuck Yu Thai? Or Laotian? Why the hell would they even serve sushi?"

"It's all the same continent," said CJ.

"Yeah," agreed Curt, "But do Chinese people actually eat Japanese food on a regular basis, and vice-versa?"

"Well," began Sakura, "If it means anything, I did have an eggroll last week…"

"But that was just takeout," said Curt, "Like, did your mom ever prepare Chow Mein when you were growing up?"

"Ugh," said Sakura, "You guys and your fucking questions!"

Sakura stormed off.

"What's eating her?" asked Curt.

"Did we offend her?" asked CJ.

"She's probably just stressed from work," said Lindsay, "Let me talk to her."

Lindsay ran after Sakura and eventually caught up.

"Sakura," she began, "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," replied Sakura, "It's just that…"

"Look, if you come back with me, I'm sure CJ and Curt will apologize for what they said…"

"Forget it. They're not worth it."

"Is something bothering you at work?"

"Linds, you can't tell anyone about this okay?"

"My lips are sealed!"

"Good. They have me working as a greeter over there. I was too ashamed to say anything."

"Is that why your upset?"

"No…Well, sort of."

"If it's bothering you so much, maybe you should quit! I'm starting to feel bad for recommending that place."

"Don't feel bad, Linds. Actually, there is one thing I like about working there: There's this guy, a chef, and…"

"Awww, do you like him? Hee-hee!"

"Maybe, I don't know. He's decent-looking. And he's quite possibly the most interesting man I've ever met. I've never spoken to anyone like him before!"

"Oh, well that's really sweet! It's up to you if you wanna keep working there, Sakura. Just let me know how things go with this guy!"

"I sure will!"

"No problem! And your secret's safe with me, okay?"

"Thanks a lot, Lindsay! You're a good friend!"


It was another day at work for Sakura and she had just finished seating a small family. Almost immediately afterwards, two familiar faces entered the restaurant.

"Kon'nichiwa," began Sakura, "Welcome to…"

"Well, well, well," said Cookie, "Lookie here, Limberg! The bitch finally made herself useful…Somewhat."

The two then laughed. Sakura gritted her teeth, but was forced to remain polite.

"If you two are interested," began Sakura, "We have a special lunch deal going on and…"

"I bet the reason they put all that makeup on her is because her ugly face was scaring all the customers away! HA!"

"Good one," chuckled Limberg.

Sakura growled.

"Hey aren't Geishas like, prostitutes or something?" asked Limberg.

"I guess that's why they gave a whore like Sakura a job like this, huh?" suggested Cookie.

Suddenly, Toshi intervened.

"Now, now," said Toshi, "You two are just misinformed. Geishas are strictly entertainers. Any prostitute who claims to be a Geisha, is not."

"Who asked you?" demanded Cookie.

"Why, you did," began Toshi, "When you walked in here with the same kind of western ignorance that has soiled the image of Japanese culture since World War II!"

"You're not even Japanese," said Cookie, "What do you care?"

"Just because I look like a Cat," began Toshi, "It doesn't mean I'm not…Aw, forget it."

"Yeah," said Limberg, "Plus, isn't Animalia like, east of Japan?"

Cookie just stared at Limberg.

"Ugh," she muttered, "Whatever. It's obvious Sakura has found herself a little boyfriend to protect her. Let's go somewhere else!"

"But I wanted some maki," cried Limberg.

"Sayonara!" said Sakura, bowing, "Thank you for coming to Hara-Kiri sushi!"

Cookie said nothing. She simply raised her middle finger in the air.

"That was awesome," said Sakura, "Thank you for defending me like that! Those fuckers are always out to make me miserable!"

"It was nothing," said Toshi, "As with the legend of the Kappa, the trick to beating your foes is not hostility, but politeness."

"Yeah," said Sakura, "But I'm a little concerned..."

"About what?"

"When Cookie said you weren't Japanese, you looked a little, er, flustered. Is something the matter?"

"I have to get back to work," said Toshi, flatly, "Sorry. I'll talk to you at lunch!"

Sakura watched with concern as Toshi returned to the kitchen.


For the next few days, Sakura continued to work at the sushi restaurant, greeting customers. Every day, at lunch, she spoke with Toshi and learned a lot about cuisine, as well as his travels and experiences abroad. He hardly opened up about his personal life, however.

With a full week of work under her belt, Sakura began to really get the hang of the job. She still disliked being a greeter, but the restaurant culture fascinated her deeply.

"With just five minutes left," began Toshi, "You can bet your claws I was stressed! Somehow, I managed to win that competition. The judges really liked my dumplings!"

Sakura and Toshi were discussing outside the restaurant on their lunch break, as they did every day.

"Amazing," said Sakura, as she flicked her cigarette a bit, "I could never survive a cooking competition. And it's not just 'cause I'm a lousy cook. I don't work well under pressure."

"It's not for everyone," said Toshi, "But you do get a good experience out of it, win or lose."

"I bet," said Sakura, "You're so interesting. The guys I hang out with are alright, but I've never met anyone quite like you!"

"And I've never met anyone quite like you," laughed Toshi, "It's a shame we only ever see each other at work. Perhaps you and I would like to have supper together somewhere. Not here, of course."

"Oh," Sakura appeared nervous, "Sure! When?"

"Tomorrow night," suggested Toshi, "If that's okay. You know that Italian place in Acre F-1?"

"I'd like that," said Sakura, dreamily.

"You and I are both getting paid today," chuckled Toshi, "Might as well take advantage and celebrate, right?"

Toshi looked at his watch.

"Damn," he said, "Gotta go. Let me give you my number…"

"Thanks," said Sakura, "I can't wait!"


Later, at the Roost:

"And he asked you out," began Lindsay, "Just like that?"

"Yeah, but," began Sakura, "It's nothing, really. I just..."

"You're telling me there's no attraction?" chuckled Lindsay, "Come on!"

"Alright," said Sakura, blushing, "Maybe a little. But we work together, technically, and I don't want things getting complicated."

"I understand," said Lindsay, "But you should always follow your heart! It's good that you find someone, especially if he's handsome, smart, and knows how to cook!"

"Right," laughed Sakura, "Because I suck at it, right?"

Lindsay chuckled.

"I just don't know much about him personally," said Sakura, "He loves to talk about food and cuisine…But I think he's hiding something from me. I don't know anything about where he's from or what he did."

"That's why," said Lindsay, "Tonight's the night. If he wants things to get serious with you, he'll tell you!"

"I hope you're right...By the way, how's Curt's album coming along?"

"I don't know, sometimes I see him sneaking around, snapping pictures of me and CJ. I think yesterday he staged a fake camping trip with Snake and Poncho or something."

"That guy's royally messed-up! You can't just fake memories like that!"

"Tell me about it! But I'm just happy to see Curt in such a good mood."

"Yeah."


It was late Saturday night, and Sakura and Toshi, having just finished their meal, headed for the town park, for a night walk.

"It's beautiful out," said Sakura.

"I agree," said Toshi, "I spent most of my life living in cities. You don't see stars in the sky the way you do out in the country."

"Tell me about it," said Sakura, "I grew up in the suburbs, far from the inner city. Me and my sister used to go camping a lot in the woods near our house; It was fun to look at the stars."

"That must have been a wonderful experience," said Toshi, "Were you and your sister close?"

"As close as we could get," said Sakura, "There's a bit of an age gap, though. I also have two older brothers. They all got jobs and moved out long before I did."

"And what made you leave?"

"Got bored at home, I guess. I thought it would be fun elsewhere. My parents are back in Tokyo now. Nothing for them in the U.S."

"I see."

Toshi and Sakura walked for a bit. Toshi remained silent.

"What about you?" asked Sakura, "Where are you from? Don't you have any family?"

Toshi sighed and stopped walking.

"I don't usually talk about it," replied Toshi, "But we've gotten to know each other quite well, so I guess it's only fair I tell you. I was born in Osaka to a human mother. She worked as a nightclub hostess. My father was a Cat from Animalia on business in Japan. He left the very same night he met my mother and I never got to know him."

"That's terrible," said Sakura.

"She was young and had to grow up fast because of me," continued Toshi, "She was mostly on her own; imagine how her family felt when their perfectly human daughter gave birth to a furball like myself."

"Yeah," said Sakura, "Plus, you grew up an Animal in a predominantly human country."

"Exactly," said Toshi, "We were both shunned; on our own. I spent a lot of time with my mother. She was a natural cook and passed down a lot of that knowledge to me. I eventually took my passion further."

"Well," began Sakura, "I guess we're both fish out of water, huh?"

"I guess so," said Toshi, "Thank you for listening."

"It's my pleasure Toshi," said Sakura, "You are literally the most awesome person I have ever met! I love my friends, but sometimes…Sometimes I think the only reason I hang out with them because they are Human, like me. Since moving here, I've never truly felt like I belonged…You must think I'm total bitch, huh?"

"No, Sakura, I understand. Your friends are reminders of the life you left behind. It only makes sense you would spend time with them for that reason."

Sakura did not know what to say. Between the pity she felt for Toshi and the regrets she had in life, Sakura felt like she was being consumed by her emotions. She slowly hugged Toshi, and in that moment, she felt like they were alone; just them two in the whole universe.

"Sakura," said Toshi, "I think it's time I told you…My mother isn't doing too well back home. She is very sick and does not have much time left."

"Oh," said Sakura, "I'm very sorry to hear that."

"It's okay. She has been ill for many years and I knew this time would come. However, this does mean that I will be leaving next week to take care of her in her final weeks."

"You're going back to Osaka?"

"Yes, Sakura. I've already given Mr. Donovan my two weeks notice. Now, don't take this the wrong way, but...If you truly desire, I can take you back with me. We can be together and you can be amongst your own kind again!"

Sakura backed off.

"Wait," she began, "You want me to travel to another country with you? I…I don't know what to say…"

"I understand it's a bit fast, but think about it! You won't be a 'fish out of water' anymore!"

"Look, I really have to think this through. This is a bit much!"

"You're right," Toshi smiled, "For now, let me take you home."


Sakura arrived to work Sunday morning. Mr. Donovan was standing at the door.

"Now, Sakura," he began, "You're five minutes late. I'm not…"

"Mr. Donovan," Sakura said boldly, "I'm not doing this shit anymore!"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I'm being exploited here! Every morning I put on that ridiculous get-up and act like I came off the fucking boat! I'm a living being, not your tool!"

"But Sakura, this is your culture! You should…"

"First of all, it's not! This is a fucking joke! Secondly, I don't care if it's my culture! I live in Animalia now and you're singling me out like some foreigner!"

"But I…"

"I want a real job! Let me wash dishes, clean tables…Anything is better than being your sideshow!"

"Oh dear," Donovan rubbed placed his hand on his beak and shook his head, "Look, I'm sorry. Please don't file a complaint against Hara-Kiri! I wasn't trying to make you my sideshow! Let me go to my office and see what other openings there are for you!"

As Mr. Donovan left, Toshi approached Sakura.

"That was pretty ballsy," he laughed.

"Yeah," said Sakura, "Well, after our talk last night, I realized I'm tired of being treated differently!"

"It's okay Sakura," said Toshi, "You did good!"

Toshi hugged Sakura.

"Listen," began Toshi, "I'm sorry about last night - You know, when I asked you to leave with me - That was way out of line and..."

"I get it," said Sakura, "You were just trying to help me. I appreciate that! But there is something you should know…"

"Yes?"

"I didn't tell you the whole story…Of my life, that is. And I think it's only fair I tell you since you were so open with me!"

"What is it?"

"I swear to God, I've never told anyone before. Not even my closest friends. You see, my father and I never got along. He was always comparing me to my siblings, reminding me of how I could be so much better at this and that. The last straw was when I flunked out of college. We had an argument, and I…Told him to 'fuck off and die'. And that was the last time I ever spoke to him."

"You left after that?"

"I gathered every single penny I had and bought a plane ticket out of the country. Animalia was the closest, so I went there. No money, no direction, and no place to live. I hopped on board the next train heading west. I was lucky to have met my friends on board that train. I followed them here. I owe them so much."

"It sounds to me like you do have somewhere you belong," said Toshi, "Your friends are wonderful people and you should never take them for granted."

"I agree," said Sakura, "My friends aren't reminders of my old life; they're reminders of my new life! In the end, Hell is the place where I've felt happiest…Not Japan, not Hawaii, but right here!"

Toshi smiled. Donovan reappeared, smiling nervously.

"Ahem," said Donovan, "I'm afraid there are no other jobs available at this time. But I can assure you that…"

"Forget it," said Sakura, "I quit."

"What?" demanded Donovan, "No! You can't! Look, I'll increase your wage!"

"Sorry," said Sakura, "This really isn't the job for me. I'll have to look for something else."

"Aw, fudge!" snapped Donovan, "First you, then her! How is my business supposed to survive?"

"You can always learn to cook yourself!" suggested Toshi, "I'll teach you!"

"I need you to make sushi, Mr. Bakeneko," demanded Donovan, "Not smart comments!"

"Yessir," said Toshi as Donovan stormed back into his office.

As Sakura headed for the door, she turned around one last time and smiled at Toshi, who smiled back. She then walked out and began walking towards her house.

"Sakura!" called Curt, "Sakura!"

"Yo, Curt," said Sakura, "What's up?"

"I was on my way to the restaurant to see you," began Curt, "How come you're not there?"

"I, um, quit," said Sakura, as she rubbed the back of her neck.

"Ah," said Curt, "Those roaches finally got to you, eh? Anyways, check this shit out!"

Curt held up the binder he was carrying and Sakura took it.

"It's the photo album I've been working on all week," continued Curt, "I already showed CJ and Linds and they love it!"

Sakura grabbed the book and began flipping through the pages. It was filled with the photos of the gang throughout their two years in Hell, as well as some of the recent photos Curt took.

"Wow," said Sakura, "You actually did a good job…"

One photo caught Sakura's attention as she continued flipping through the pages. It was the photo of the gang sitting together in their booth on the train ride. At that moment, a single tear splashed onto the page. Sakura immediately closed the book and wiped her eye.

"Are you crying?" asked Curt, bewildered.

"No," snapped Sakura, "What are you talking about?"

"Yeah, I think I saw…"

"I got wasabi in my eye, alright? Now, let's go find Lindsay and CJ. I wanna treat all you guys to dinner later!"

"What's the occasion?"

"To celebrate your, um, project coming together…"

"Sounds good to me! You're the best!"

And another episode comes to an end! Stay tuned for more! So long!