Chapter 11: Ramen Revolution
Keima strolled through the aisle, searching for games to buy. He carried a stack of games on his arms. Kumuro followed behind Keima, staring at the pamphlets. His eyes were wide open. His mouth dropped down, releasing his drool from captivity. His eyes glimmered, staring at bowls of ramen scattered across the pamphlet.
"Mmm… Ramen…"
Keima turned his head, glaring at Kumuro.
"Oi! You're being too loud!"
He strolled towards a shelf, pulling a game out of it and laid it on his growing stack. He stared at the pamphlet Kumuro's holding.
"What are you reading anyway?"
Kumuro lowered his pamphlet.
"Ramen shops around this city… We should go there!"
Keima strolled away from Kumuro. Kumuro glared at Keima.
"You know. It's always good to stop playing games once in a while…"
Keima rolled his eyes.
"It's not my fault a lot of games came out in summer. These games beckoned me to play."
Keima stood near the counter, placing the games on it. The shopkeeper lifted each game off the stack, scanning the codes quickly. Keima turned around, staring at Kumuro.
"Besides, if I don't pick the games carefully, I would be constantly buying a lot of games forever."
Kumuro lowered his eyelids. But you've been buying games non-stop…
Suddenly, Kumuro's stomach grumbled. Kumuro crossed his lips, feeling his head spinning around.
"How about going to a ramen shop. I'm hungry."
The shopkeeper placed two bags of games on the counter. Keima picked them up and turned around.
"You go ahead. I'm gonna buy more games."
Kumuro grabbed Keima on the shoulders, dragging him out of the shop.
"Oh come on buddy! You're not gonna ignore your stomach!"
Keima gritted his teeth, feeling violated.
"Oh come on!"
Kumuro strolled towards a ramen shop. His eyes widened. His mouth opened widely. His heart thumped. This is so awesome! After 3 years without ramen… I'm gonna taste its succulent deliciousness! Suddenly, he got pushed to the side. He groaned in pain, feeling his arms throb from collision. He turned his head, finding the culprit. His eyes widened, finding Sumire sitting next to the ramen chef. Her black short hair glimmered from the lights. Her silky red dress glimmered. His cheeks reddened, feeling his heart thumping. He watched her slamming her arm on the table.
"Ramen and Shio Ramen! Then some Tsukemen!"
The chef turned his head around.
"Three?"
Sumire nodded her head. The chef placed the dishes near her. Keima entered inside, gazing upon her. Sumire carefully examine them. She took a sample from a dish, tasting its delicious noodles. She pulled a notepad form her bag, writing notes down.
"The soup is tonkotsu… from the pork loins…"
Sumire placed the notepad and pen on the table. She consumed the rest of the dish inside her mouth. She moved another dish near her, dragging the noodles inside her mouth. She lifted the notepad and pen again, writing more notes.
"Tsukemen… made in brackish water…"
Keima turned his head, gazing upon Kumuro's love-struck face.
"You're gonna order or what?"
Kumuro shook his head, snapping out of his daydream.
"Right…"
He walked towards the chef, placing his arms on the table.
"Two bowls of Ramen please."
The chef sighed.
"Sorry. This o-ne-san had the last bowls."
Kumuro moved his lips around. His eyes were watery. Sumire turned her head around, pressing her hands against each other.
"I'm sorry! This is my fault!"
Her eyes glimmered form the light. Kumuro formed a cheery face, smiling at her cute face.
"It's fine. I'll go find another shop."
He grasped Keima, dragging him out of the shop. Keima growled at him.
"Why am I getting involved?"
"You need food to live! Be glad that I'm looking after your health at least!"
Kumuro smiled, finding another shop. Sumuri charged past Kumuro, beating Kumuro at a race. He widened his eyes with shock. What the? He entered the shop, finding her sitting at a table. She turned her head, looking at a chef. She lifted her hands up, grabbing his attention.
"Ramen and Miso Ramen! Then Umihiyashi Tsukemen!"
The chef carried three dishes to the table. Kumuro's body shook, staring at the delicious scent of ramen being consumed by Sumire. He turned his head around, finding the chef returning to his kitchen. He lifted his hands up.
"Two ramen please!"
The chef sighed.
"Sorry. They were the last bowls."
His face covered in shadows. Sumire turned her head, finding Kumuro standing near her.
"Sorry about that! It's just…"
Kumuro smiled at her, shrugging off the disappointment.
"It's no big deal! There are plenty of ramen shops I can go to!"
Kumuro cried outside of Billy Jeans Coffee, resting his arms and head on the table.
"That damn bitch is always getting in the way! Why? Why does she have to eat too many! Why can't I get my ramen?"
Keima stared at his PFP, pressing buttons on it.
"I don't know… Nowadays, there are only a few people who bear strange and outrageous things."
Keima turned his head around, finding Sumire sitting far away from them. She took a sip of coffee from her mug. She tilted the cup slightly, staring at the black liquid. She placed her mug down, staring at her notepad. Kumuro turned his head around, blinking at Sumire. She lifted a cup of noodles, smiling at it. She stared at the coffee standing near her. She opened the cup packet, lifted the mug up and pouring liquid inside it. Kumuro scratched his head. Who the hell would do something like this? She lifted the noodles up with her cup, consuming it whole. She dropped it out of her hands, placing her head on it.
"Disgusting!"
Keima widened his eyes. This is beyond borderline sickness! Kumuro's stomach growled, making his head spin around. Voices shouted inside his head, making him scream. His body distorted and grew, ripping his shirt apart. He formed demonic wings on the back. Horns popped out of his head. He breathed fire out, raising his arms out.
"RRRRAAAAAAAAAAMMMAAAAANNNN!"
Kumuro zoomed out of his table, running through the streets and dragging Keima with him. Keima screamed, feeling his body gripped tightly by Kumuro's demonic claws. Why do I have a ramen-freak as my friend? WWWHHYYY? Kumuro gritted his teeth in rage. His mind spoke, sounding like a demonic warlord. I had enough of this annoying insect thwarting my plans to eat ramen and rule the world! I won't let this bitch get in my way! His eyes widened, targeting the last ramen shop. This is it! The last confrontation! Kumuro frowned at Sumire overtaking him. Blood boiled on his head. You won't get away this easily, mortal!
Kumuro's body shrunk, forming back into his puny little self. He pointed his fingers at some random shop, shouting out loud.
"Ooo! There's a shop with free ramen!"
Sumire stopped moving, turning her head around.
"Where?"
Kumuro entered the shops with Keima, chuckling like a little kid. She turned her head to the shop, widening her eyes.
"Two bowls of ramen please!"
Sumire entered the room, watching a chef placed two bowls on a table.
"Here you go!"
Kumuro drooled, gazing upon the steamy ramen. The steamed formed into a huge arm, beckoning him to eat the bowl. He pulled strings of noodles out of its habitat, being devoured alive by Kumuro.
"Mmmm… Ramen…"
Keima stared at the bowl, watching the steam beckoning him to eat.
"What's so good about it?"
He picked the noodles up, placing them in his mouth. Sumire walked towards the counter, standing near the chef.
"Excuse me. One ramen and-"
"Sorry miss. We ran out of stock."
She widened her eyes, feeling shocked. She turned away, strolling out of the shops. She tilted her head in defeat.
Keima glared at Kumuro, feeling annoyed at him.
"Jesus Christ! You want another bowl?"
Kumuro's stomach grumbled.
"I'm still hungry…"
Keima sighed. Great… At this rate, I won't get any more hours of games thanks to this idiot… He stared at a ramen shop, pointing his fingers at it.
"Fine! We'll go in there for your sake!"
Kumuro clapped at him, feeling excited. Keima rolled his eyes as he strolled towards the shop. Suddenly, the door slid open, revealing Sumire. She smiled at them, making Keima and Kumuro widen their eyes.
"Welcome to Uemoto's! What would you like?"
Kumuro's face distorted, creating a disguise. Keima widened his eyes, finding Kumuro with black skin. Kumuro lifted his hands up, speaking with a different accent.
"Two ramen, ya!"
Sumire turned her head towards the kitchen.
"Understood! Two ramen!"
Keima and Kumuro retreated to the table. Keima blinked at Kumuro's darkened body.
"What's with the disguise?"
Kumuro held his hands out, whispering to him.
"Dude. I don't wanna get spotted! Why aren't you putting a disguise on?"
Keima sighed. His face distorted, shrinking his body.
"You're happy now?"
Sumire placed two bowls on the table.
"Here's your awaited ramen!"
Keima and Kumuro stared at the bowls. The generally chopped pork cutlets complimented the bland green vegetables floating above. The standard strings of noodles submerged inside the dull greyish-brown soup. Kumuro blinked at his meal, expecting more from its appearance. It looks ordinary… Keima followed Kumuro's actions. For a ramen shop, it doesn't seem exciting. Kumuro shrugged as he lifted the noddles up. He opened his mouth, devouring it whole. Keima followed Kumuro again, tasting the noodles. (Kumuro) Oh… My… God! This is so freaking delicious! (Keima) This actually tastes decent!
Sumire closed her eyes, smiling at the boys.
"How does the ramen taste?"
A voice shouted form the kitchen, forcing her to turn around.
"Cut it out Sumire!"
She frowned at a chef, witnessing him having his back turned against her.
"If you keep pestering them like this, the customers won't eat!"
She strolled towards a chair, sitting away from him. She turned her head to the side.
"Take a good look! There are only two customers for dinnertime. I've done some research around this city, and most of them are flashy! Who would come here and eat this if it's fucking plain like plain soy sauce?"
Keima and Kumuro stared at the Chef, waiting for his response.
"I never needed your help! Its fine the way it is!"
Keima and Kumuro broke sweat on their heads, watching two fierce lions fight against each other.
"Listen, you stupid geezer! You're making this store go into ruin!"
"Sumire, leave that damn shit alone for god's sake!"
"What are you afraid of exactly? You're afraid of change? Is that it?"
Kumuro crossed his lips. This isn't really a good time to say something to this damn cute girl… But then again, she might take toll if I became her boyfriend… Oh well. Maybe I should do something a bit risky for once… Kumuro drank the whole bowl, making his skin pale. He stood up and walked towards the chef. Keima widened his eyes. What is this guy up to now? Kumuro closed his eyes and smiled.
"Excuse me. My buddy and I would like to work at this store!"
Keima dropped his jaws, taking off his disguise. OH MY FUCKING GOD! WWWHHYYY? Sumire widened her eyes, staring at Kumuro's gleaming face.
"This taste of ramen had moved me. My friend and I had always dreamed of working at a ramen shop like this, and…"
"Why are you doing this without my consent?"
Kumuro turned around, finding Keima gritting his teeth. Kumuro hugged him tightly, making him gasp for air. Kumuro scratched his head.
"Oh, Keima buddy! I should've asked you if this is the right shop first… But you know, it is a perfect place, eh?"
Kumuro bowed his head down, lowing Keima's head without consent. Keima groaned from his head and neck throbbing.
"So please. Please take us!"
Sumire glared at Kumuro, pointing her fingers at him.
"Hey! You two were from that ramen shop!"
She glared at Keima, making him sweat in fear.
"I recalled you saying "what's so good about ramen?", right?"
Keima and Kumuro gulped. Sumire repeatedly bashed her fist against Keima's head. Keima screamed in pain, having his eyes watery.
"There's no way we would hire scumbags like the lot of you, especially when you don't know how to cut pigs properly!"
Kumuro chuckled nervously.
"Your waitress is so energetic, eh?"
He stared at the chef, waiting for his response.
"Come tomorrow."
Sumire widened her eyes.
"We don't need any more employees! I'm fine by myself!"
"You should be more focused on your school work!"
Sumire widened her eyes, dropping her jaws. Kumuro sighed, witnessing her disappointed look. I may have hurt her right now… So this could be harder than I thought.
Keima yawned, sitting on the train seat. Kumuro sat next to him, twiddling his thumbs. He crossed his lips feeling nervous. A few people sat around Keima and Kumuro. A man in his black suit lifted his newspaper up, reading the pages. A shady-looking man pulled his hands inside his pocket, acting suspicious. An old lady held her bag, smiling at the window. Keima placed his hands inside his pocket, finding his PFP. He sighed, realising that he had left it behind. He turned his head around, staring at Kumuro.
"Why did you drag me into this? It's about 4:30am, and I still have a few more games before sleep time!"
Kumuro lifted his eyebrow at him.
"You sleep around 5?"
Kumuro shook his head, focusing on the tasks ahead.
"Look. I need you help this time."
Keima sighed. So many times…
"Is this about getting that damn girl?"
Kumuro slowly nodded his head. Keima placed his hands on Kumuro's back.
"I don't know what made you choose her, but this may not be a good person to fall in love with."
An image of Sumire eating a billion ramen appeared in his mind.
"I don't really care about those kinds of flaws… I…"
He tilted his head, staring at the ground.
"I just hope that I could get her…"
Keima stared at Kumuro's cheeks reddening.
"So… What is it you need from me this time?"
Kumuro turned his head around, staring at Keima.
"I want you to be my wing man."
Keima scratched his head.
"Wing man?"
Kumuro nodded his head.
"You see. The last two attempts had been a fail, probably because I had almost no one to turn to for support."
He clipped his hands together, weaving his fingers around each other.
"If I had you as my wing man, I can turn to you for immediate support. That way, I might be able to gain an edge."
Keima sighed. If I do refuse, he's gonna pester me to oblivion. I guess I have no choice in this matter…
"Fine… I'll do what I can…"
Kumuro hugged him tightly, making him gasp for air.
"Thank you, Keima buddy! You really are my beeest friend!"
Keima and Kumuro chuckled together, holding brooms in their hands. Their white clean sheets covered their hair. Their shiny white uniforms sparkled around the room. They closed their eyes, putting up a heart-warming smile. (Keima) I can't believe I have to put up with this ridiculous façade! Well… At least it'll be temporary. (Kumuro) Huge smiles… check! Keima putting up a performance… check! Brooms with us… check! Looks like this is smooth sailing for us! Kumuro turned around, watching Sumire march towards them. Her frown intimidated Kumuro, sending him in a whimpering state. Why does she have to be like this?
She pointed her hands at him, grunting at him.
"What? You two are actually willing to work?"
Keima turned around, smiling at her. Kumuro stared at Keima. He's kinda creepy smiling like that. Oh well… regaining confidence, Kumuro smiled at her. Sumire's blood boiled, disgusted of their faces.
"Some people, like the two of you, are only hindrances."
She clenched the bowl tightly using both hands.
"We're very strict you know! You must put your whole heart into it! Even with cleaning! If you don't…"
She turned her head around. Her eyes widened, finding the floors sparkling from the lights. The shiny surfaces on the table counter glimmered brightly. What the? The whole room's clean? She turned around, staring at the chef. His back turned against her.
"Muhara and Katsuragi came in at 5. They've been cleaning this damn place since this morning."
Sumire widened her eyes in astonishment.
"5 am? I've been sleeping in my room at that time!"
Keima chuckled, making his cheeks reddened.
"Force of habit from mine! I've been cleaning my mother's café every day before I came here…"
Following Keima, Kumuro scratched his head and chuckled.
"Well since my mum's very strict, I've been working like a horse every day. I guess that makes two of us!"
The chef placed a few huge spoons of soup into the pot.
"These boys seemed a lot more disciplined then I first thought."
She turned away from her father, gritting her teeth. Kumuro chuckled nervously at her. Am… Am I doing this right?
Keima stood near Sumire, smiling at a customer. She stared at the numbers on the cash register, trying to remember the prices in her head.
"Umm… 2 Bowls of Ramen… Fried Rice…"
"3420 Yen, thank you!"
The customer nodded his head, handing out a note to Sumire. She gently pulled the note from him, opening the tray. She smiled at him while giving him some change. How can he think so fast? The custmomer strolled to his table, waiting for his order. She turned her head, watching a plate being pushed off the table by a little boy. She rushed for the broom and dustpan, picking them up off the ground. She turned around, noticing Kumuro cleaning the mess up. Another customer picked her son up, facing Kumuro.
"I'm so sorry about it."
Kumuro closed his eyes, smiling at her.
"It's fine. Did you get hurt?"
The customer shook her head. Kumuro opened his eyes, gazing upon the little boy.
"Well your child seems lively, eh?"
He turned away from her, finding a bin to dispose his wastes. The bell rang from the kitchen, commanding her to stand near the table counter. She pivoted her head around, examining the two bowls careful.
"Shit! Which one's the menkatayude?"
Keima strolled past her, carrying two bowls of ramen.
"On the right. Next to it is the large bamboo shoots."
Kumuro strolled past her, carrying a dish of fried rice.
"And the one next to that is chasumen with extra servings of noodles and onions."
She turned around, growling at Kumuro.
"Jesus Christ! You guys talk too much, tonkotsu men!"
Kumuro placed the dishes next to a few customers, smiling at them. They smiled back, appreciating his services. He strolled towards Sumire, smiling at her.
"You can never talk too much! This place is best used for eating happily and within a friendly environment. My buddy and I aim to be the best servicemen this restaurant can provide!"
Sumire's cheeks reddened, gazing upon Kumuro's confident face. Kumuro closed his eyes, laughing happily. Am I taking this thing too far?
Kumuro sat next to Keima, staring at him playing his PFP. He placed his elbows on the table, resting his hands on his cheeks. He sighed, thinking about today. I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I thought I'm supposed to win her heart… Yet I'm trying to gain her father's respect… Well… At least I got Keima buddy to turn to right now… Mari lifted her wok up, stirring the vegetables around it. She hummed to a song she heard on the radio. Keima lowered his PFP down, staring at Kumuro.
"Is there something wrong?"
Kumuro sighed again.
"Am I doing things right?"
Keima blinked at him.
"What dya mean?"
Kumuro spoke, repeating what he had said inside his mind.
"All I have been doing for the past few days is gaining her father's respect. I'm supposed to actually gain her heart, right?"
Keima placed the PFP on the table.
"What you were doing then…"
Kumuro bit his lips together. Oh god… Keima placed his hands together, weaving his fingers around each other.
"…is completely fine."
Kumuro cocked his eyebrows. This… This is something different from what Keima might usually say…
"Since you were fortunate enough to come in when their relationship is rocky, you were able to impress her father. If you think about it, this isn't like school where you know students fairly well. You would have to earn people's trusts in that ramen girl's world before you can begin your mission."
Kumuro nodded his head.
"I get it now… But how would I win Sumire's heart afterwards?"
Keima sighed.
"Allow me to explain."
He grabbed a piece of paper on the table, pulling out a pen from his pocket. He drew diagrams of Sumire's heads, placing circles inside it.
"This is called the compatibility strategy. You first make an event that has nothing to do with love… Then you can eventually turn it into love."
Kumuro scratched his head.
"So you're not gonna explain how you do that?"
Keima lowered his eyelids. He is one hell of a thick guy!
"What I'm saying is that sometimes bad impressions can turn into good impressions. Once we earn maximum points for her father's trust, we'll decide what to do from that point onwards."
Kumuro placed his head on the ground.
"Why do I get a bad feeling about this?"
Keima rolled his eyes. Kumuro, you are so naïve. One day you'll thank me once you actually do get her. Mari turned her head, facing the boys.
"Dinner's ready! Set the tables will ya?"
Keima picked up his PFP, resuming his game.
"Sorry! Too busy! You can get Kumuro to help you though!"
Mari growled at Keima. She picked up a metal pot and threw it at his head. Keima fell to the ground, lying on the carpet.
"Eating is too bothersome! I'll be fine with raindrops. Raindrops! Raindrops!"
Kumuro blinked at him.
"Is his brain starting to rot from playing too much?"
Keima and Kumuro strolled through the streets. Keima tilted his body forward, dangling his weak arms towards the ground. My body… It's not designed to get up early… At this rate, I might die from a lack of playing games… Kumuro placed his hands on his head, smiling cheerfully at the city buildings. Tis another great day for working! Maybe I should come to this place for part-time jobs. The boys turned around, strolling towards the shop. Suddenly, they stopped moving, staring at the note: I messed up the soup, so the store is closed for today. Owner. A huge shout boomed out of the shop.
"Temporarily close? Again, that geezer!"
Keima and Kumuro turned their heads around, staring at each other. Kumuro shrugged as he entered inside. Keima followed after him. The two noticed Sumire gritting her teeth in rage.
"Don't you even consider how this shop will be affected? Don't you know how your old ideas, old taste and that damn old store will make us into ruins?"
Her father stood still, staring at the string of noodle he picked up. Sumire sighed, facing away from him.
"What will happen to us… if the store got ruined?"
Kumuro sighed. Poor girl. Maybe… Maybe I could do something… Kumuro sat near Sumire, staring at her face. He took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. Okay Kumuro. You can do this!
"Say… I haven't seen your mother. Is she doing another job?"
Sumire sighed.
"A lot had happened… And so she ran away."
Kumuro crossed his lip. Shit! Did I make a mistake? Sumire pinched her dress, pulling it up.
"This uniform is actually my mothers. It used to be worn for advertisement…"
Kumuro smiled at her.
"Somehow, you seemed to look like your mother!"
Kumuro blinked at her, watching her face changed. Did she ignore my comment? She clenched her fist.
"I can't leave this up to my father anymore! I need to do something!"
Kumuro closed his eyes, smiling at her.
"You can only do your best, Sumire-san. Maybe my buddy and I will take over the store."
Sumire widened her eyes.
"You got something in your mind, eh? I guess you don't just like ramen because you eat a lot of em…"
She turned her head, gazing upon Kumuro's face. His bright bubbly smile filled the room with fresh air of niceness. She stood up from her chair. She turned her head away from him, watching her bag being lifted onto the counter. Keima watched Sumire and Kumuro together, wondering what they're doing. Somehow, Kumuro's doing a good job… She pulled out a flask from her bag, making Keima cock his eyebrows.
"I'm gonna make ramen!"
She turned around, staring at her flask.
"Father doesn't acknowledge me. Not even a little! He even told me women can't make ramen!"
Sumire sighed. She turned her head, staring at Keima.
"On the contrary, he planned to hire you tonkotsu guys and drive me out of this business!"
Kumuro's body shook. Why do I get a bad feeling about this? She clenched her fist, raising it above her.
"Just wait! I'm gonna take over this damn store!"
She moved her body out of her seat.
"I'm gonna make ramen, more delicious than father's!"
She stood still. Silence filled the room, making Kumuro formed goose bumps. She sighed, turning her head away from Kumuro.
"Say… T1… Would you like to taste my ramen?"
Kumuro widened his eyes. Oh my god! This is it! MY chance to get closer to her! Keima folded his arms, staring at Kumuro turning his head. I guess I should applaud him for make at least this far…
Keima and Kumuro sat on their chairs, watching Sumire chop some pieces. The bowls and bots boiled the soup, forming steam out of it. She glared at the vegetables, thinking about her masterpiece.
"The ultimate ramen… After countless hours of study and research…"
She turned around, lifting the vegetables up and placing them into a bowl. She chucked a string of noodles into the soup
"When my father eats this, he'll acknowledge me and give the respect I damn well deserve! I'll make my father's plain ramen redundant!"
Keima stared at Sumire. After the two of us become employees of this store, it only took a blink of an eye to hear her worries… Kumuro sighed, gazing upon her face. His cheeks reddened, feeling his heart beating. She definitely is a passionate lady. Maybe dating a ramen enthusiast isn't really bad after all… Keima witnessed Sumire gasping from the raging boiling soup roaring at her. I'm gonna assume that her ramen will be bad. With this, Kumuro will definite take his next step… He imagined Kumuro and Sumire standing next to each other. Kumuro knocked the bowl away, scolding at her.
"This bowl tastes shit!"
Sumire widened her eyes.
"You got to be kidding!"
Kumuro grabbed her hands.
"Let's make ramen together! With my taste and your passion! We can do this together!"
Keima snapped out of his daydream, watching Sumire place the bowl near Kumuro. She turned away from him, having her cheeks reddened.
"To tell you the truth… this is the first time someone has came to taste this... I… I still have confidence though…"
Kumuro picked up a piece of meat, studying it carefully. Keima widened his eyes, staring at its colourful yet strange texture.
"This one looks like a melon…"
Sumire turned around, smiling at him.
"It is a melon!"
Kumuro placed it back in the bowl. Okay… Okay… This is normal in most food dishes. It's only one piece of sugary stuff… I'll have a look at the next one… Kumuro picked up another piece, gazing upon it.
"This looks like an orange…"
Sumire nodded her head.
"It is an orange!"
Kumuro dropped his jaws. What the fuck? What has this god forsaken world come to? Sweet and savoury on a whole new insanely different level? Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my GOOOD! Keima dropped his jaws, staring at the bowl of ramen. This is insane! Thank god I'm not tasting that crap! Sumire leaned forward.
"Hurry up and dig in, T1!"
Kumuro whimpered, staring at the bowl. The noodle Loch Ness emerged out of the bowl laughing at him. He beckoned him to eat him, making him suffer. Kumuro gulped, bracing for impact. He slowly lifted the noddles up, placing them in his mouth. Two crosses appeared on his face. Kumuro's body shook, feeling his head spinning around. Oh my god! I'm going around in circles! Sweetness, sourness and bitterness! They're all fighting on the turfs of my tongue! Oh my god! MAKE IT STOP! Kumuro placed his head on the table, resting his dizzy head. Keima patted him on the back.
"There there. There there."
Sumire scratched her head, closing her eyes.
"Well… You see… You already have plenty of "cold", "thick", "meaty" and spicy kinds around this town. I just wanted something a bit different… Something fresh…"
She lifted her arms up in the air.
"Making sweet ramen is the perfect opportunity to win the crowd's hearts!"
Kumuro lifted his head up, forming a torment ghost-like face.
"I beg you! Stop! This isn't ramen! This is something more monstrous and horrifying than The Creature! Please! Don't be like Victor! Don't go to the dark side! Don't be rechristened as 'Daff' Vader!"
Sumire widened her eyes.
"Wa? No good?"
The door swung open, revealing her father walking towards her. Keima and Kumuro stared at him, watching him staring at the huge pot. He gritted his teeth at it, disgusted of the unfamiliar stench of sweetness. He lifted the pot up, pouring it in the sink. She widened her eyes, watching her research being destroyed. He slammed the pot onto the bench.
"Don't use the kitchen however you want! Stop making ramen!"
He left the kitchen, making Sumire shout.
"Hey! This isn't funny you know!"
He slammed the door, causing her to grit her teeth in rage. She turned around, staring at Kumuro. She moved towards him, grabbing his arms.
"Please make delicious ramen with me!"
Kumuro widened his eyes. I should've trusted my instincts! Why do I have to go through this damn torture! She lowered her arms, moving them away from Kumuro.
"I need a food sampler. In return, I'll… I'll acknowledge you working here."
Kumuro's body trembled. This seemed like the best way to get closer to her… But why do I have to do this! Sumire sighed, making her cheeks red.
"No good?"
Kumuro turned his head around, staring at Keima. If I'm going to fall, I'm taking my buddy with me! Keima widened his eyes. Oh no! No! No no no no no! You're not going to do that! Stop staring at me! I don't want to get dragged into this!
"Why did you drag me into your mess? I hate sweet things!"
Keima clutched the controller tightly, staring at two samurais fighting each other. Kumuro sighed, feeling his ears throbbing form Kumuro's whinging.
"Dude, she can't possibly make good ramen without another source of taster!"
Keima tapped the buttons fiercely, making his samurai chop Kumuro's samurai's head off.
"The whole point is that you alone are supposed to make your damn girl of your choice become impressed when you think it's eventually good!"
Kumuro sighed, placing the controller down.
"What about her father? If he doesn't like it, then it's almost useless and I will be at the end of the line."
Keima sighed. That damn Kumuro! Why do I have to suffer all of this crap? He stood up from the couch, walking out of the living room.
"You owe me big time! You hear me?"
Keima and Kumuro climbed through the stairs, following Sumire into her apartment. She opened the door, letting the boys in. The living room appeared small, carrying a table, an oven, a sink, a couch and a TV. Kumuro gazed upon Sumire putting on her apron. She seems very enthusiastic that I'm here. She turned around, smiling at Kumuro.
"Since we can't use the store kitchen, we'll use this instead for research. You two will be coming here during your breaks."
Keima turned around, trying to escape this room.
"I almost forgot! My break isn't on yet."
Kumuro grabbed Keima's arms, making him struggle.
"No it's not. Now stay here!"
She smiled at the boys. She moved around the table and lifted a few items from the bag.
"Let's make an extremely sweet ramen this time, using cola flavours!"
Keima and Kumuro widened their eyes, shouting at her.
"Oh my god! Why do you have to keep using sweet things?"
Keima and Kumuro lowered their eyelids, staring at their bowls. (Keima) After this, I am so gonna murder that damn Kumuro and chop him up into bits! (Kumuro) Why do I have to fall in love with slightly crazy people? Keima and Kumuro turned their heads around, facing each other. (Keima) This your fault! Why you drag me into your mess? Why you no do it yourself? (Kumuro) You no give me that look! You know me need you! You go taste bowl now! You help friend coz you friend of mine! They turned away from each other, facing the bowl. They sighed at the bubbling soup shouting at them.
They moved their chopsticks, pulling the noodles out of their hiding place. They devoured the noodles, tasting the bitter sweet taste of torture. Sumire smiled at them, placing her hands on her lap.
"I'm really glad to have food samplers around here. I get worried about the calories!"
She lifted a bowl up, placing it on the kitchen sink. She grabbed a bottle of cream, opening it up and pouring some on the bowl.
"If I use it, maybe it'll compliment the sweet things I put it inside it."
Keima held his hands out, having his eyes widened.
"Please... Stop..."
Keima and Kumuro's stomach grumbled, feeling their heads spinning around. They burped out experimental hazards, intoxicating the restaurant with dangerous stenches. They slowly moved around the restaurant, trying to sweep their mops around. Keima tiled his head down, staring at his stomach bulging out. Damn you sweet things! Why you create that? Kumuro's eyes were hazy, finding himself staggering through the floor. Why me feel sick? Me can't work properly that way! Why me no speak properly in my mind? The Chef turned his back on them, pouring soup into the bowls.
"Seems tough for you boys?"
Kumuro and Keima sighed.
"I'm fine."
"We've suffered a lot more before."
The chef nodded his head.
"You guys are more hard working than I thought, further butting into this matter, eh?"
Kumuro turned his head around, facing his boss. Keima followed Kumuro's actions.
"When Sumire's in the shop, it's noisy here. I guess it can't be helped..."
The Chef moved the spoon around, mixing the soup inside the pot.
"I guess she cared about the shop too much. It can't be helped unfortunately."
He sightly moved his head, moving his eyes to Kumuro.
"Tell Sumire that she should stop making ramen."
Keima gazed upon Kumuro, studying his face. Kumuro stared at the chef, wondering what to respond. Kumuro turned his head, concentrating on the floor.
"Is that how you really feel?"
The Chef poured the soup into another bowl.
"Of course. There's a better life Sumire can go with."
Keima strolled towards the table, wiping the mess using a towel. Interesting enough, there wasn't really a bad relationship between those two. I don't know what Kumuro will do next... it's going to be difficult for him. Kumuro sighed, gazing upon the floor sparkling clean. Why do I feel that I'm reaching a dead end?
Sumire placed a bowl on the table, smiling at Kumuro sitting down. Keima sat next to Kumuro, staring at the bowl. I wonder... when will this nightmare end? I got less than 2 days left and I only done 100 hours. Why? Why does this have to happen to me? Sumire pushed the bowl towards Kumuro, gazing upon Kumuro's face.
"Here. Sweet ramen version 53!"
She held out chopsticks to Kumuro.
"I put some considerations into it, this time. I hope you'll like them this time, Kumuro."
Kumuro's cheeks reddened, enchanted by her saying his name.
"You sound beautiful when you say my name..."
Sumire widened her eyes. She turned her head away from him.
"Did… Did I actually do that, T1?"
Kumuro shrugged. Oh well. I've survived through the first 52 chambers of torture. Maybe I can go through a few more chambers before I die there. He picked the noodles up, devouring it whole. Suddenly, he widened his eyes, feeling enlightened by an unexpected taste. His tongue sizzled of the delicious scent of sweet and savoury. He body shook, feeling an energetic burst from the noodles. He imagined himself flying through heaven. He placed the chopstick back inside the bowl, shouting at the top of his lungs.
"Oh my god! This is the most awesome-est bestest delicious creation I have ever tasted!"
Sumire widened her eyes, surprised of Kumuro's reaction. He moved the bowl to Keima, making him blink at it.
"Keima buddy! Try this bowl! It'll blow your mind away with awesomeness!"
Keima grasped the chopstick carefully, pulling the noodles out of its hiding place. He opened his mouth, shoving them inside. Keima widened his eyes.
"Wow... It actually is delicious. This stuff could actually sell!"
Sumire's smile grew, staring at Kumuro.
"It's all thanks to you guys! I couldn't imagine how I would find the right stuff..."
She grabbed Kumuro's arms, making him blush. Kumuro smiled, forming goose bumps around his body. Wow... This is amazing!
"It's really brave of you to survive through 52 chambers of torture. Man I am really grateful the two of you have survived so far!"
Sumire blinked at Kumuro, realising she was close to him. She moved away from him, making her cheeks red.
"You... You think we will win against father?"
Kumuro placed his hands on his lips. Sumire formed a frown on her face.
"No... We will win for sure!"
She wiped the frown of her face, having something in his mind.
"K...Kumuro. What kind of ramen do you like?"
Kumuro turned his head around, staring at Sumire. Keima stared at Kumuro. I don't think the father-daughter relationship will matter at this time. Looks like Kumuro might just make it. Sumire placed her hands together.
"Well if I win against father... I will thank you and your friend... By making ramen that... that the two of you would like."
She turned her head, blushing at him.
"I'll make what the two of you will like."
Sumire's blush grew bigger. She stood up and turned away from Kumuro, hiding her blush.
"It doesn't have to be ramen though..."
Keima stared at Kumuro gazing upon her face. When the two aren't getting along... I guess maybe Kumuro had landed jackpot... But... Suddenly, Kumuro, Keima and Sumire stared at her father entering the apartment.
"You guys are still at this?"
Sumire glared at him.
"You came just in time."
She held out a bowl of ramen to her, bowing her head down.
"Please... Eat this ramen..."
Her father glared at the bowl, gazing upon the strange meat lying on the ramen. He pushed the ramen aside, breaking the bowl apart and scattering the food on the floor.
"Stop it. Stop doing such stupid things."
She clenched her fists in frustration.
"Why... Why aren't you acknowledging me...?"
Her eyes were watery, making Kumuro feel sorry for her.
"I... I want to be this store's... father's... strength..."
Keima gazed upon her father's strong gaze. Sumire makes ramen for her father. Her father refused her offer for her sake. The method to connect these feelings together are facing opposite directions. I hope Kumuro can make a common ground. I hope he had picked up all of the pieces... He lowered his eyelids, gazing upon the mess on the floor. Because I think I can see the ending... Tears poured out of her eyes.
"I had enough! I don't need this house anymore!"
Sumire ran away from her father, leaving the apartment. Kumuro chased after her, holding his hands out.
"Wait!"
She ran through the kitchen, trying to get away from her sorrows. Using immense agility, Kumuro dashed through the kitchen and grabbed her arms. She turned around, gazing upon Kumuro.
"Let go of me!"
Kumuro held her arms tightly.
"Please. Don't leave now!"
Tears continued pouring out of her eyes.
"What's the point? No matter what I do... I just keep getting screwed over!"
"Kumuro's right."
Sumire gazed upon Keima standing behind Kumuro.
"Besides, don't you want to make ramen for us?"
Kumuro released her arms, gazing upon Keima's face. Keima winked at him, making Kumuro blink at him in confusion.
"You did promise us to make ramen of our choice, right?"
Sumire's cheeks reddened.
"Well..."
Keima smiled at her,
"Can you make some for us then?"
The Chef poured a bottle of sake inside his glass, gazing upon the floor. He placed it on the table and sighed. The door slid open, informing him of Keima and Kumuro's presence.
"You boys came eh? The store's closed already."
Kumuro sneaked past the Chef, entering the kitchen. Kumuro held his thumbs up, signalling Keima. Keima nodded at Kumuro, watching him move a few things.
"We're both sorry, but we won't be working here anymore."
The chef sighed.
"Well... It was expected... You two saw a stupid pointless parent-child fight..."
Kumuro held his thumbs up again, placing everything he needed on the kitchen stoves. He sneaked past the Chef, joining with Keima again.
"We don't really need payment... Instead, my friend Kumuro wanted to eat a bowl of ramen from the boss."
The chef clenched his fist.
"Come tomorrow... The flames are out today."
Keima closed his eyes.
"Please do something about that!"
The chef smashed his fist on the table, making the sake bottle and glass tremble. Kumuro crossed his lips, feeling scared.
"Why the fuck do I have to keep repeating myself? There aren't any noodles or soup left!"
The Chef sniffed, finding something odd. He turned around, staring at the kitchen equipments and ingredients staring at him. He widened his eyes in disbelief. Keima stared at the pots cooking.
"There's still some left!"
"Im... possible! I just cleaned up!"
Kumuro smiled at him, removing his fear.
"There's too much for two people though... Would you like to join us?"
The chef gritted his teeth.
"What are you all planning this time?"
Keima and Kumuro find themselves a table to sit at. The chef got off his seat, attending to the meals.
"No matter what you do, it's a wasted effort! I will close this miserable store with my generation. Growing up in this dirty piece of shit, with no money, no mother..."
He carried a bowl to Kumuro, placing it on the table.
"There's a much better life for Sumire. I don't want her to inherit these problems I had..."
He turned away from Kumuro. Kumuro held out chopsticks to him.
"This is Sumire-san's answer. Please eat it."
The chef stood still.
"I said I won't eat it..."
Kumuro smiled at him.
"You're not feeling hungry?"
The chef's stomach grumbled. He sighed in defeat.
"Fine..."
He turned around and lifted the bowl up. He stared at the meal producing steam. He lifted the noodles up, devouring it whole. He widened his eyes, feeling surprised.
"What the... It tasted like my ramen... This can't be... I never taught her..."
"I also didn't think I could make it..."
Sumire emerged from the kitchen.
"But... I have been eating them since childhood... I must've inherited this ability..."
Sumire turned away from her father.
"I... I didn't know you were thinking about me so much... Thank you..."
She formed a frown on her face.
"But I don't need any great happiness! I will always be the daughter of a ramen chef no matter what! I still have my ambitions, so this store can live on forever!"
She leaned forward towards her father.
"I'm also fine making ramen with my father!"
The chef sighed. He formed a weak smile on his face.
"God dammit... It turns out that this child is like me... I feel so miserable now..."
He turned away from her, walking towards the exit.
"I don't have anything else to say... You can run the damn store all you want then..."
Sumire stared at him leaving the kitchen. Keima and Kumuro gazed upon her face, watching her shed a tear of joy. She smiled brightly, feeling victorious.
Keima and Kumuro stood outside the store, staring at Sumire. She held her arms around her back, smiling at Kumuro. Keima turned away from them, walking back to his house.
"It's getting late. I'll leave the two of you behind."
Kumuro smiled at Sumire, gazing upon her blushing cheeks. Thanks to Keima's hard work, now I might finally be able to score! This is it! The moment I've been waiting for... She moved closer to him, staring at his glowing eyes.
"If it wasn't for the two of you... I wouldn't be there."
She crossed her lips, thinking of something bad.
"I can't believe I made you eat bad ramen though..."
Kumuro shrugged.
"Well... I had worse stuff..."
Sumire giggled a bit.
"Will you come back to my store some day?"
Kumuro nodded his head.
"I'll try. After all, I looove ramen a lot!"
Kumuro and Sumire gazed upon each other's eyes. Their cheeks became redder, feeling their heart thumping. Goose bumps formed around their bodies. They slowly moved towards each other, embracing for something wonderful.
"Now I see why you were working for me..."
Kumuro widened his eyes, noticing Sumire's father standing behind him. She widened her eyes in fear.
"Father!"
The chef lifted Kumuro up, making him struggle.
"You overstayed your welcome! You're getting out of here, right now!"
The chef dragged Kumuro out of the store, making Kumuro whimper in sadness. Sumire crossed her lips, gazing at Kumuro leaving her behind. Awwh... I didn't even ask his phone number. Why does father have to interfere at this time?
Author's Notes: Well as you may have noticed, this chapter has a lot more comedic events than any other chapters. However, there's an interesting twist in this chapter (and that's obviously where Keima becomes Kumuro's wingman - soemthing that hasn't been done in the TWGOK series but thsi fits well in this chapter) As the conclusion to the summer vacation draws near, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and look forward to what will happen to the last day for Keima...