Chapter 2 - Second Day

I didn't expect this to get popular and hope to see more of your reaction. I just want to remind you that I don't have a perfect memory and rely mostly on the wiki. 

Anyway, the first half is similar to Isekai Restaurant but the rest is mine. 

- Zyon - 

Second day! My parents went back to the underworld leaving to take care of the restaurant while Yasaka was busy working for her faction and Kunou still had school to study for.

I'm starting to consider hiring some waitresses in the future but let's focus on getting more customers. 

I've also discovered that my restaurant is able to magically convert money since Trish's world has a vastly different timeline than mine. Our year is 2019 while Trish's world is set around 2008, more than a decade difference. It's rather convenient that this was the case. 

As I was inspecting my restaurant, the door opened and the first customer to arrive was a towering fair-skinned man with blue-eyes and blond hair. 

His hair reaches mid-back and also sports a chest-length beard, macho mustache, and strands forming a thick antenna-like shape hanging in front of his face.

[ Image here ]

My instinct told me that he was easily comparable to someone like Vasco from the Vatican. I could see that he has centuries of experience meaning even if someone physically stronger than him would be able to fight them rather well. 

"Hahahaha is this a new restaurant in the neighborhood? The atmosphere looks quite nice." He spoke in a friendly manner and I could feel the urge to respect the old man. 

"Welcome to Devil's Feast. What can I get you, sir?" I said in a respectful manner. My mother did her best to ingrain discipline into my life. 

"Oh, lay off with the formalities. My name is Furinji Hayato. Just call me Hayato, Mr. Neighbor." He said, giving a hand gesture. 

"I'm Zyon Belial. Since I'm still making a promo for the entire week. You can get a 50% discount." I said, surprising the old man. 

"Oh how generous. How are you sure about this, Zyon?" He asked, stroking his beard and I smiled.

"Of course, money isn't an issue and I am just satisfied to make meals for my customers." I said. 

"Then Katsuro-kun, bring me a large serving of Soba Noodles and a Sukiyaki. When did you open this restaurant? I don't remember one in Osaka the last time I visited." He looked around as he sat down to his table while I poured him some water and appetizers. 

I nodded respectfully to Hayato before heading into the kitchen to prepare his meal. The sound of sizzling pots and the aroma of rich broth filled the air as I worked swiftly, my hands deftly slicing vegetables and layering ingredients with precision. 

The soba noodles were cooked to perfection, their texture firm yet smooth, while the sukiyaki was a balance of savory and sweet, the beef tender and marinated in the perfect blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.

After plating the dishes with care, I brought them out to Hayato, placing the large serving of soba noodles and steaming sukiyaki before him.

"Here you go, Hayato-san. Enjoy your meal."

Hayato clasped his hands together and said, "Itadakimasu!" before digging in. Watching him take his first bite, I waited anxiously for his reaction. His eyes lit up, and a wide grin spread across his face. 

"This is incredible!" he exclaimed, setting his chopsticks down momentarily.

"The flavors are perfectly balanced. You've got some serious talent in the kitchen, Zyon-kun."

"Thank you," I said with a slight bow. 

"I'm glad you enjoy it."

As Hayato continued eating, he glanced at me with a sharp, discerning eye. 

"You know, your movements are something else. The way you handled those ingredients with such precision... it's not just the skill of a chef. You've been trained in combat, haven't you?"

I stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by his observation. Hayato chuckled, sensing my hesitation. 

"No need to be shy about it. I've been around long enough to recognize someone with fighting instincts. So, tell me, Zyon, where did you learn?"

I sighed, deciding to answer honestly. 

"My parents. They were very strict about teaching me how to protect myself. But I don't fight unless I have to. It's just a skill I use for self-defense." 

Frankly, the world is a dangerous place and I've gotten strong enough to be able to handle myself. Hayato nodded, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

"A wise choice. But tell me, have you considered honing those skills further? I run a dojo, and I'd be happy to train you. You have great potential." I smiled politely and shook my head. 

"I appreciate the offer, Hayato-san, but I'm not interested. My focus is on this restaurant. It's my passion, and I'm content with the life I'm building here."

Hayato grinned again, clearly not offended. 

"Fair enough, Zyon-kun. A man who knows what he wants and sticks to it is admirable. But if you ever change your mind, my dojo doors are always open to you."

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind," I replied, pouring him another glass of water. As Hayato ate his meal, I heard the door open and turn to see the new customer. 

[ Image here ]

He had a ponytail, a thick beard, and stretched earlobes with two piercings in both ears. He was wearing a traditional men's kimono and a pair of geta with one ha (tooth).

"Hohoho~ I didn't know there was such a place in swardini city."

"How strange, I haven't heard of someone like you arriving in Swardini City?" Netero said, walking over to Hayato who was confused.

"Swardini City? I don't know what you're talking about. This place is from Osaka." Hayato's responses while Netero also became confused.

"Excuse me, allow me to explain." I chimed, garnering the attention of two old men who have more vitality than an average person.

Seriously, these old men are horrifying! 

"Truth to be told this place is…" 

I began to explain the two men while I placed the meal of Hayato who became intrigued hearing what I said.

"Hohoho~ another world you say? How interesting. It is like venturing into the dark continent." Netero said.

"Hahahaha but isn't this a great opportunity? To meet and see the people of other worlds and get to know them." Hayato laughed out loud.

"Indeed, to meet someone like you does brighten my day." 

Netero said as the two old men decided to share a meal while chatting about their own world along with their philosophy.

It was then a person came and we were taken aback by his appearance as he was wearing what seemed to be protective gear with respiratory.

He removed the gear and revealed an average young man with unkempt hair like a typical copy and paste anime protagonist but his eyes seem dead. 

[ Image here ]

"Welcome to Devil's Feast," I said, masking my unease at the third new arrival. His disheveled appearance and vacant eyes sent a chill through me, but I kept my tone professional. 

"What can I get you?"

The young man surveyed the room briefly before responding. 

"Chicken curry... a simple serving, please." His voice was flat, devoid of enthusiasm.

"Of course," I replied, jotting down his order before retreating to the kitchen. The sound of the two older men chatting animatedly filled the air as I began to prepare the dish. 

The smell of spices soon filled the kitchen, mingling with the faint aroma of Hayato's sukiyaki and Netero's tea. I focused on every detail—dicing the chicken, simmering the curry sauce until it was just the right consistency, and ensuring the rice was fluffy and aromatic. 

As I plated the dish, I couldn't help but glance toward the dining area. The young man sat silently, his demeanor unchanged despite the lively energy of the two older men. There was an air of mystery about him, and I couldn't shake the feeling that his story was one I might not want to uncover. 

Balancing the tray carefully, I stepped out of the kitchen and made my way to his table. 

"Here's your chicken curry," I said, setting the plate before him. 

"Thank you," he muttered, his gaze briefly meeting mine. His eyes held a depth of pain and weariness that only reinforced my initial unease. 

"...This is really good." He quietly said as he began to eat his meal. 

"Say, what's your name?" I wondered who he was since he looked like typical Japanese but my intuition told me that he was someone important.

"Ah, Suzuki Satoru." 

"Zyon Belial, it may sound like a surprise but this restaurant is special…" I began to explain what the restaurant was surprising him with.

"C-Connected to another world?" He repeated in disbelief.

"That's right, my world, we have hunters and an ability known as nen." Netero said who sat nearby with Hayato.

"For me we're just normal martial artists!" He remarked while Netero chuckled.

"Normal? You're almost as strong as I am." 

Netero said sensing that they weren't far from each other with him slightly stronger due to having some other abilities. 

"That's…I don't want to say, I am just an average guy from Japan." He said while I got curious.

"You sure? Me and Hayato-san are from Japan but we don't wear that protective gear….wait what year do you think it is? " I said while he tilted his head..

"2137?" Hayato and I were clearly surprised to hear this.

"So you're in the future? My world is currently 2019 here." I said while Hayato was surprised.

"Oh, you're also ahead of us then? It's only 2001 in my place." Hayato said this only made the restaurant more lively. 

Suzuki was shocked and I showed him outside when I tried opening the door. He cried seeing the sky and fresh air. He explained his world had destroyed nature and we're forced to use special protective gear to simply go outside. 

Hayato comforted him seeing his distress and eventually calmed down and paid for the meal with the bill that came from the future and the same goes for Netero who paid with his world currency. 

Right now, I was simply waiting for a new customer to arrive. The layout of my Restaurant was that I have a counter that directly sees the entrance. I watched Hayato and Netero enjoying themselves while Suzuki enjoyed his meal.

The bell rang and a new customer arrived. It was a salary man and a person who worked at a nearby company. 

Their names were Mikami Satoru and Saitama. 

[ Image here ]

I won't go into details with their reaction but they simply shrugged it off while I prepared their meal.

I made their meal and served it to them with care. Mikami Satoru and Saitama both took their first bites, their faces lighting up almost simultaneously. 

"This is... amazing," Mikami said, adjusting his tie. 

"The flavor is so rich, and the ingredients taste incredibly fresh. You have a gift, Zyon." 

Saitama, who had been quietly eating, nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, it's good. Hits the spot." 

Their casual responses were stark contrasts to their earlier shock upon learning about the restaurant's interdimensional nature. It seemed food had a way of grounding even the most extraordinary experiences. 

"Thank you. I'm glad you enjoy it," I said with a polite bow. 

As the two continued their meal, they began to talk about their respective lives. Mikami explained his busy days as a salaryman, juggling tight schedules and deadlines. Saitama, on the other hand, mentioned his training to be a hero having quit his job. 

The atmosphere in the restaurant became lively, with the different customers sharing bits and pieces of their worlds. Hayato and Netero occasionally chimed in with their philosophies, and even Suzuki seemed to relax, listening to the chatter around him. 

I stood behind the counter, observing the scene with a sense of pride and fulfillment. This was exactly what I wanted for Devil's Feast: a place where people could come together, regardless of their backgrounds, and share a moment of peace and joy. 

Eventually, Yasaka and her daughter, Kunou, arrived at the restaurant. As soon as I saw them step inside, I quickly greeted them with a warm smile. 

"Yasaka-san, Kunou-chan! I'm so happy to see you both," I said enthusiastically. 

Kunou, her golden fox ears twitching with excitement, ran up to me with a cheerful.

"Zyon-nii!" I chuckled and patted her head gently. 

"How was your day, Kunou?" 

"It was fun! But tiring," she said, puffing out her cheeks. 

Yasaka approached with her usual grace and elegance, her nine tails swaying gently behind her. 

"It seems your restaurant is doing well," she remarked, her gaze sweeping across the room. 

"I noticed you've started to attract more customers." 

"Yes," I replied, gesturing toward the tables where Hayato and Netero were still engaged in a lively conversation while Suzuki quietly finished his meal. 

"It's been a busy day, but I'm glad things are picking up." Yasaka smiled warmly. 

"I'm proud of you, Zyon. It's not easy managing a place like this, but you've done an excellent job." Her words filled me with a sense of accomplishment. 

"Thank you, Yasaka-san. That means a lot coming from you." As Kunou tugged at my sleeve, I knelt down to her level. 

"What would you like to eat today, Kunou-chan?" 

"Can I have Kitsune Udon? Pretty please?" she asked, her eyes sparkling. 

"Of course! And for you, Yasaka-san?" I turned to her. 

"I'll have the same, thank you," she replied, taking a seat at a nearby table with Kunou. 

I headed into the kitchen and began preparing their meals, carefully crafting each bowl of Kitsune Udon with perfectly cooked noodles, savory broth, and sweet fried tofu.

As I worked, I could hear Yasaka and Kunou chatting softly, their voices blending into the warm atmosphere of the restaurant. 

When I returned with their food, Kunou clapped her hands excitedly. 

"Itadakimasu!" she said before eagerly digging in. Yasaka took a more measured approach, tasting the broth first. Her expression softened as she looked up at me. 

"Amazing as always." 

"I'm glad you like it." I said, a genuine smile spreading across my face. Everyone in the restaurant were surprised to see Yasaka and his appearances as they began to share things about their world to her. 

Eventually, everyone left and they were done eating and chatting. The only people left in the place were me, Yasaka and Kunou. 

I washed the dishes, the clinking of plates and running water filling the quiet moments of the evening. With the number of customers today, it was clear—I needed help. After drying my hands, I finished tidying up and walked over to Yasaka, who was sitting at the table, patting Kunou's head as the little one focused on finishing her meal. 

"If you need a waitress, I can always send someone over," Yasaka offered casually, her golden eyes warm. 

I shook my head with a small smile. 

"I appreciate the thought, but you've already done so much. Letting me use this place rent-free is more than enough." 

"It's only natural," Yasaka replied with a light chuckle. 

"You've spoiled us with free meals, after all." 

"That's because I think of you as family," I said, grabbing a napkin and leaning down to wipe a bit of sauce from Kunou's cheek. 

"Hey!" Kunou pouted, squirming slightly. 

"I can do it myself, Nii-san! I'm not a baby anymore!" 

I laughed softly, leaning back. 

"You'll always be my cute little girl, though." 

Yasaka's gaze softened as she watched the exchange, a small smile gracing her lips. 

"Family, huh?" 

I nodded, glancing at her. 

"Yeah. You're like an aunt to me, and Kunou's my little sister." 

As the words left my mouth, I caught a subtle shift in Yasaka's expression. The usual warmth in her eyes dimmed slightly, and her smile faltered, replaced with something more complex. 

"Just an aunt?" she asked, her voice calm but tinged with something unspoken. 

I froze, the weight of her tone sinking in. The realization struck me immediately, and my mind raced. 

"I…" Before I could respond to it, I suddenly heard a bell. My eyes saw a young woman around her early to mid thirties. She has a noticeably light complexion, kind, dark purple eyes that appear a lighter color around the rims of their irises, and a small beauty mark located on the left of her face below her lower lip.

She had black hair, worn tied back in a messy bun with a few loose strands left to dangle over her face. Her eldest daughter Nezuko bears a striking resemblance to her, especially in facial structure and hair color.

She wore a purple and cream checkered kimono with a white and long-sleeved kappōgi over the top, she also sported a white tenugui cloth that she wears around her head, covering most of her hair.

[ Image here ]

She looked confused where she was and I noticed behind her was snow and an old traditional wooden Japanese house. There were also children that consisted of 3 boys and 2 girls ranging from 3 years old to the oldest being 13 years olds. 

"Uhm…what is this place?" 

- Unknown -

Ever since my husband had passed away, I had to do my best to take care of my children. People down the village also lacked the necessary food to feed themselves. I'm worried for my children. I can't let them starve to death.

"Kaa-san. I'm hungry." My youngest son said and I could only look at him trying to hide my worries. 

"Rokuta, just a little longer. We'll once your brother comes back." I had told my eldest son to check the village down the mountain if they had anything. My other children voiced their hunger while my oldest daughter comforted them. She distracted them by playing outside while I waited for my oldest. 

Eventually, my son Tanjiro came back and noticed that he didn't bring anything. 

"I'm sorry, Kaa-san. I tried but they also don't have enough." Hearing this made me feel like fainting but I held together for them. My son also appeared to be worried and I quickly comforted him.

"Don't be sad, Tanjiro. I'm sure we'll find a way soon." I prayed for Kami for a miracle to occur. 

"Kaa-san! Kaa-san! Come look at this! Something strange appeared at the back of the house!" My second oldest son, Takeo, hurriedly called out to me.

"Nii-san? You're back." 

"What's going on? Did something happen!?" I hurriedly went worried about the possibility of my children in danger. 

"We don't know but it simply appeared. Come and let me show." We quickly went to the back of the house and I was stunned for a moment seeing what seemed to be a wooden plank that was unfamiliar to me. 

"Stepped back everyone." I called out to them as I approached, unsure what it was. 

"Kaa-san, what if it's dangerous? let me be the one to check it." Tanjiro grabbed me, causing me to stop mid-step.

"No, Let me do it. I don't know why but something tells me Kami had sent this to us." I approached it and saw the words in front of it. Fortunately I knew how to read and write. 

"Devil's Feast? What's a devil?" I was unfamiliar with the word and strangely confused why I was able to read it since the written letters were different. 

My hands moved on their own and I did not know why but I somehow knew that it was suddenly turning what seemed to be metal and pushed it upon hearing a bell. 

I was preparing myself for something dangerous but what greeted me was a strange place with a completely unfamiliar atmosphere with lights hanging on the roof with chairs and tables completely different from what I know.

'I-Is that a Kittsune?' I saw a beautiful Kitsune with yellow nine tails and beside her was a younger Kitsune around. The age of the second oldest daughter. 

"Uhmm…what is this place?" I uttered and I saw someone sitting in front of the Kitsune standing up, turning to face me. I froze upon seeing a young man with long white hair who wore a foreign outfit. He was incredibly handsome and I felt ashamed staring! Gah! I shouldn't act this way. 

"This is my restaurant and I'm the owner, Zyon Belial. How about you come inside first since I can see It's cold outside. Choose a table as I bring warm towels. I'll answer your question once that's done." He gestured to me to sit.

"Are you sure? We don't have anything to pay you." I said since we only rely on saying wood and charcoal. This place appeared for only the rich. 

"Money isn't an issue. I can't simply allow you to leave without trying anything." He insisted and I reluctantly accepted. He guided us with a small to our table as my children looked around and I watched as the young man left 

"Hello there. I'm Yasaka and this is my daughter Kunou." Kitsune introduced herself and I was nervous since I only heard tales about Kitsune when I was young.

"Hi!" Her daughter waved at us with a smile.

"Woah a real Kitsune, Nii-san!" I heard my other son's Shigure comment and I wanted to apprehend them but saw that Yasaka didn't seem to mind the attention.

"I am Kie Kamado, and these are my children. From the oldest, Tanjiro, Nezuko,Takeo, Hanako, Shiguru and Rokuta." They wave at them and bow respectfully. 

"Uhmm…Yasaka-sama, forgive me for asking but…what is this place? Are you really a Kitsune?" I can't help but want to know what kind of place this was. She explained it to me the easiest way I could follow. I was overwhelmed by the revelation. Kami truly exist!? A different world? What does that mean? 

"Tell me anything about yourself." She said and I gave her everything about myself since I was worried that she wouldn't be pleased if I didn't tell anything interesting. Meanwhile, my children chatted and played with Kunou closely watched by Tanjiro. 

"Taisho era? That's quite far in the past huh? Japan's current era is called the Reiwa Era." Yasaka said and I was taken aback. That means it's been almost a century different from the time we have. 

"Still, it must be hard taking care of your children all by yourself. I can understand what you're going through and I was lucky I was the leader of the west Yokai faction at the time when I had my daughter." I could see it, she also lost her husband and wondered what happened to them. I learned that Kitsune ages like humans until they reach their prime and start to age slower. 

We talked more about ourselves until the handsome young man! Gaah! Stop saying that! 

"Here are some warm towels." He handed me warm clothes that were made from expensive material. 

Yasaka explains how this is common to her world and how the once expensive materials are now cheap because of easier transport. 

"Thank you." I called out to my children to take a seat giving them the towel that made them feel warm. 

"Now then, what would you like to eat? Or should I select for you?" He asked me to hand him what seemed to be a thin book and saw a painting of food that made my children drool. 

"I don't know any of this. Please select for us. But like I said before we don't really have a way to repay this." I said while he calmly smiled.

"And like I said it is fine. We can figure something out. For now, I'll make you something amazing!" He said with excitement as he left to make the meal.