The Fruit Of Their Efforts - Ramen

What had been placed before us was the ‘Golden Menma Inn’s ramen,’ a dish I had eaten countless times over the past twenty years.

Forks and spoons had also been set on the table, but all three of us picked up disposable chopsticks and snapped them apart. It was common knowledge that true ‘ramen connoisseurs’ used chopsticks, after all… Incidentally, these particular chopsticks had been handmade by Ouri.

I took a bite of the ramen and could not help groaning at how refined it had become.

Clear broth with a clean, refreshing flavor, paired with yellow, curly noodles fragrant with wheat.

Just the right amount of garnish, roast pork, bamboo shoots, and fish cake.

The chicken fat and seafood flavors blended exquisitely, while a sharp saltiness stood out against them.

I looked at Brad and smiled warmly.

“Brad-kun… you have improved yet again, haven’t you?”

Brad smiled as well and bowed his head.

“Thank you, Rinsir-san. But even now, I still haven’t reached Taisho-san’s ramen…”

When Ren tasted Brad’s ramen, he looked genuinely impressed.

“I’m amazed… This is proper old-fashioned Chinese-style ramen. Man, Brad-san, you’re one hell of a ramen craftsman! To build ramen from scratch in another world using nothing but your childhood memories… that’s incredible!”

Brad looked delighted.

“I’m glad to hear you say that. Taisho-san saved my life, and Father and Rinsir-san raised me. Creating delicious ramen and making the two of them happy is what gives my life meaning!”

Hearing that made the corners of my eyes grow hot.

After Taisho’s income disappeared, Ouri’s life suddenly became extremely difficult… Of the twenty orphans he had taken in, several had already reached adulthood, but more than half were still children.

On top of that, Ouri had begun obsessively gathering ingredients from all over the world in an attempt to recreate Taisho’s ramen. Naturally, I also gave my friend all manner of support… but until his adopted son Brad Duoall’s ‘Golden Menma Inn’ finally found its footing, they truly lived through difficult times.

They had supported one another even more closely than blood relatives as they continued walking forward together for twenty years… Anyone who ate this ramen could understand that.

Their meeting had truly been something of immeasurable value!

Brad looked at Ren, his expression turning serious.

“So, Ren-san. I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor? What is it? If it’s something I can do, just name it!”

Brad bowed his head deeply.

“Ren-san… please! As a fellow ramen chef, let me taste the ramen you make! I can’t stop wondering what kind of ‘ramen’ you, Taisho-san’s son, create!”

At those words, I spoke up.

“Oho… that sounds excellent! What do you say, Ren? Why not let Brad-kun taste it as well and have him judge whether what you made is ‘real ramen’ or not…?”

Ren drained the remaining broth from his bowl, stood up, folded his arms, raised his chin in his usual pose, and grinned at Brad.

“Sure, bring it on! Brad-san, I’ll let you taste the finest ramen I can make.”