5 1E

A/N: I went back and switched the story to first person. Its easier for me to write this way. Nothing changed plot wise though.

E.

"That was one of the best salads I've ever had!" Ino said happily. 

"The cheeseburgers were amazing! The combination of bread, cheese, meat, and vegetables was perfect!" Choji agreed.

"It was ok I guess..." Shikamaru finished.

I frowned at that response. Did he not like it?

Ino grinned at me in reassurance. "Trust me, coming from a lazy ass like Shikamaru, that's high praise!" 

I was relieved to hear that. "I'm glad that you all liked it so much." I replied to them. It was nice getting such high praise from my first-ever customers. 

They weren't actually paying customers, but still…

The group of three stayed and chatted with me for a while after their meal. They gave me a rundown on their lifestyles and what was expected of them as Chunin and Jonin of the Leaf Village. Normally, as higher-ranking ninjas, they wouldn't have bothered ever taking the D-rank missions. Ever since the attack by Orochimaru though, there hasn't been as much work available to them all. They had to take what they could get.

"I'm definitely not disappointed with this D-rank though!" Ino said to me. "We got some delicious food, and I got to meet a new cutie like you!" Ino's shyness had gradually faded the more she and I talked. "I'll definitely be stopping by here whenever I can."

I blushed a bit at being called a cutie for the first time. "You're welcome to stop by anytime. Especially a cutie like you, Ino." If she was going to say it to me, then I'd turn it back on her!

Ino sputtered at my response with a red face.

Shikamaru grinned at Ino. "Whoa! Someone finally caught you off guard, huh?" 

"Those cheeseburgers were delicious and so filling! And I can't wait to try out your other foods as well! We'll be back!" Choji exclaimed as they walked out the door.

[Congratulations! Your first-ever Customers loved your food!]

[You have received 500 Points and a random Employee Voucher Coupon!]

"An employee voucher coupon? Is that like a summon?" I wondered out loud. I figured that I'd have to test it out later. With my three ninja guests gone, I settled behind the counter and pulled out a book as I waited for anyone else to stop by for the day.

…A few hours later.

I was sitting behind the counter reading the book I had picked up the day before. It was supposedly a super popular series in the Elemental Nations called Make Out Paradise. It was pretty mediocre in my opinion. The action scenes were alright, but the Jutsu's were hard to understand from someone who wasn't a ninja. I also thought that the love scenes were corny and poorly written. They were also completely filled with euphemisms that ruined them in my opinion.

"Guess no one else is coming today." I said with a sigh. I had hoped to prove that banker wrong too. I set the book on the counter and was about to close up the shop for the day. Before I did, the door opened, and a well-built man walked inside and looked around.

"Welcome to The Hidden Canopy restaurant!" 

That was the name of my restaurant. I liked it and it matched the theme of the Hidden Leaf Village.

"Oh? So this is a restaurant then? I just got done with a job and was almost home, but I was feeling a bit hungry." The man said as he walked over towards the counter. His body was rippling with muscles, and he looked like a real martial artist to me. The man also had long silver hair which gave me a very anime vibe.

"Yep. Today is the first day we're open. You're my fourth customer." I said.

The man chuckled. "The fourth huh…"

"Yeah, I had a group of ninjas in here earlier. They'd never had cheeseburgers before, but they seemed to really like them." I said before I remembered where I was. Although, This guy was probably from Konoha as well. I doubt he knew what cheeseburgers were either…

"Ninjas? So close to my home!?" The man asked before he smirked. "...I suppose they're here to try and infiltrate my manor then. Thanks for the heads up, young man."

"Sure?" I said questioningly. "They were just here doing some demolition for me though. I needed them to knock down a big wall that was surrounding the building." I said.

The man looked at me strangely. "Ninja's take such low-paying jobs now?" He asked in surprise.

I shrugged. "They've fallen on some hard economic times..."

The man nodded in understanding. "That's why I never work myself unless they are paying me at least a billion!"

I almost choked at the number. 

Holy crap! I have a seriously rich guy in my restaurant right now! I hope he orders a lot of food! 

I took a deep breath and collected myself. I needed the repeat business of a rich guy like this and didn't want to scare him off. "So what will you be having, sir?"

"Call me Silva." The man said while looking at the menu. "Oh! You have Baby Back Ribs here? I haven't had those in a while. Are they good?" He asked me critically.

"They'll be the best ribs you've ever had!" I replied confidently. It was a good idea that the first thing I upgraded was my cooking by two whole levels.

"The best I've ever had, hmm…" He smirked at me. There was a gleam in his eyes. "Bold words. I like them! Let's see how your skills stack up to the personal chefs in my home."

"Challenge accepted!" I went into the back kitchen to get the ingredients. I spent a few extra points and acquired the most expensive and tender rack of ribs I could afford without breaking my bank. It came from a breed of cow only found somewhere called the Gourmet World. The system shop had many more expensive meats, but those required Heaven Grade or even higher chef skills to properly prepare.

I came back out and fired up the grill. I placed the slab of meat over the flames. The smell that came off the grill was absolutely mouthwatering.

It was one of the most mouthwatering things I had ever smelled. I'd have to start getting all of my meats from the Gourmet World if they were all this amazing!

Even Silva, who was looking proud earlier, was on the verge of salivating at the smell.

While the ribs were cooking, I started preparing my sides. I prepared buttered mashed potatoes and a four-cheese macaroni blend. While not necessarily healthy, I was sure they would be absolutely delicious.

When the meal was ready, I placed the hot plate in front of Silva. "Let's see how your chefs can compare to me." I said boastingly.

Silva gulped as he looked down at his plate. "It seems that your boasts were not in vain." With that said, he started digging in with gusto.

I didn't want to be rude and stare at Silva while he was eating, so I started cleaning off the grill and washing my utensils for the night. 

XXX

Thanks for reading!