Nine

When he picked up the phone the next day, Inuyasha had the strangest feeling that something was going to go terribly wrong once he called. However, he shrugged and dialed the number, determined to get to the bottom of his disgusting batch of noodles.

Seriously, who screwed up ramen?

"Moshi, moshi! Jakotsu speaking, how may I serve you today!"

Oh, damn. He had hoped that someone other than Jakotsu might be working the desk that day. But, he said, "Yeah, Jakotsu, this is Inuyasha—"

"Ohhh, Inu-muffins!" Jakotsu giggled. "You're such a naughty, naughty boy! Hanging up on me yesterday, but don't worry, I know that you were only trying to tease me!"

"Uh," Inuyasha blushed. Again, he was rather glad he had waited until after every one had left. "That's not why I'm calling."

"Oh, do you want some more ramen! Here, I'll tell—" Jakotsu's voice grew distant, as he shouted into the background on the other end of the line.

"Jakotsu," Inuyasha finally snapped, "I'm calling to complain."

"Complain?" Jakotsu asked, bewildered. "Whatever for?"

"Whoever made my ramen yesterday did something to it," Inuyasha growled, "and it tasted nothing like beef ramen should. And trust me, I know what beef ramen should taste like, since I've ordered from your shop for about two weeks now."

"Oh, well… um, I'm not quite sure what was wrong with it," Jakotsu said slowly. "Mukotsu made that batch and he's our best cook. I told him to make it with extra care, and no one else complained…"

"You can come over and try mine if you want," Inuyasha suggested. Though, truly, he did not want that man anywhere near his home.

Jakotsu became serious, saying, "That won't be necessary. I'll just get you another order of ramen for free, since you weren't satisfied with your order last night. But, remember, I'm only doing it this once and you'll have to call immediately after if you have anything else you'd like to discuss."

"You don't have to give me—"

"No, no! It's policy! Bankotsu and Renkotsu stated very clearly that the customer is always right and that anyone who complains should get a bowl to replace the one they lost," Jakotsu replied. "So, don't think that I'm just trying to be kind to you, Inu-muffins, though I would like to—"

Inuyasha coughed suddenly, violently. "Uh."

Jakotsu giggled, saying, "I told you, you're a naughty boy! Now, your ramen will be there in twenty to thirty minutes! Ohh, Hojo will be so happy to see you again!"

"R-right," Inuyasha said slowly.

"Oh! Another call! Goodbye, Inu-muffins!"

Inuyasha sighed in relief, as he placed the phone back down on the receiver. That had gone much better than he could have imagined. Really, he was not sure why his gut began to twist up in knots, silently telling him that something bad was going to happen to him.

Shaking his head, Inuyasha contemplated what he was going to do now.