Volume 13 Chapter 398 Shirogane Aqua, Restaurant Tomarigi
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Ever since I received permission to use the name “Tomarigi” as a spin-off, I’d been quietly refining a plan. It was an idea that first took root when I began establishing the Beryl retreat here in Ishikawa Prefecture. Today, that vision finally became a reality.
”Alright! That should do it!”
I finished mounting the sign in a prominent spot by the entrance. I had crafted it myself, upcycling materials gathered during our group beach-cleaning trips.
[Restaurant Tomarigi]
I couldn’t help but smirk at the hand-carved lettering. The weathered, rustic texture of the wood gave it a certain character. I stepped back, surveying the entire building. It was an old folk house located just a short distance from the retreat; I had purchased it while it sat vacant and handled the renovations myself.
Technically, it was a restaurant, but my hope was that whenever I wasn’t around, it would serve as a sanctuary – a place where the neighbors could gather and relax freely. As I stood there, a look of quiet satisfaction on my face, the front door creaked open. Kokona poked her head out, her face bright after finishing the interior cleaning.
”Aqua-kun, I’m all done with the cleaning!~”
”Thanks, Kokona,” I said, giving her head a gentle, appreciative pat.
”Ehehe, it was nothing! We were the ones who insisted on helping, after all. Oh! Look, it’s Uruha-chan and Lisa-chan! Heyooo!”
Uruha and Lisa were trudging back, looking a bit wiped out while hauling heavy cardboard boxes overflowing with fresh vegetables. The moment I saw them, I moved in, effortlessly taking the boxes from their arms and hoisting them onto my shoulders.
”Thanks, you two. Sorry about that – I really should have been the one to go.”
”Don’t be silly,” Uruha replied. “We’re the ones who barged in and demanded to help. You don’t need to worry about a thing, Aqua-kun.”
”Exactly~desuwa. Besides, experiencing the harvest firsthand was quite the education.”
I noticed the two of them eyeing Kokona’s head with a hint of envy, so I used my free hand to give them both a quick, reassuring pat.
”Well, let’s get ready for the grand opening. Everyone, go get changed.”
”””Okaaay!”””
I headed inside and changed into my Noto Jofu¹ kimono – a gift from the local residents. While high-grade hemp is technically for summer wear, the heating in the restaurant was top-notch, and the breathable, crisp fabric made it much easier to move around the kitchen. I tied my sleeves back with a tasuki cord to keep them out of the way.
”Better get started on the prep work before the doors open.”
I fell into a rhythm, working in silence. Eventually, the three girls emerged from the back, all dressed in the same Noto Jofu fabric.
”Aqua-kun, well? Doesn’t Uruha-chan look stunning in a kimono?”
Uruha looked down, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Seeing her like that brought back a flash of memory – the first time I’d ever seen her in traditional dress. Sorry, Uruha, I thought. Back then, I actually doubted you were my classmate. I couldn’t believe a girl that alluring could possibly be the same age as me.
”All three of you look wonderful,” I said. “Truly beautiful.”
They all flushed at the compliment. That kind of genuine, fresh-faced innocence was absolutely priceless. With their help, we polished the final details until everything was perfect. Finally, the clock struck the hour. It was time for Restaurant Tomarigi to officially open.
”Excuse me… are you open yet?~”
”We certainly are. Welcome,” I replied.
A pair of young women came in, looking around the shop with wide, curious eyes as I led them to the counter.
”Um, the auntie at the inn we’re staying at told us about this place…”
”Ah, Towako-san. I’m glad to see her word-of-mouth is working.”
Before the official opening, I’d hosted a small dinner for the locals, and Towako-san, who runs a nearby guesthouse, had been one of my guests. Uruha stepped in to explain the menu. Since I only offer a single “Shirogane Aqua’s Whimsical Lunch,” the ordering process basically consisted of us asking about allergies or dislikes.
”You haven’t posted about this on social media, have you?” one of the girls asked.
”Ah, no. I can’t be here full-time, so I’ve kept the promotion strictly local.”
I began plating the Hassun² – the seasonal appetizers – onto a long, partitioned tray of Kutani porcelain.
”Here is your first course.”
I explained the dishes as I set them down. On the far left was Nakajima-na, pickled in a blend of vinegar and soy sauce. I’d used a slightly sweeter soy sauce to mellow out the natural bitterness and heat of the greens. Next was a small serving of Kintoki sweet potato kanro-ni, simmered in syrup; I’d kept the sugar low so it would function as a refreshing palate cleanser. Beside that was Kaga thick cucumber in a savory starchy glaze – a light but elegant dashi to be savored. Finally, the sashimi of kelp-cured Spanish mackerel, offering a rich, umami-heavy flavor and a velvety texture quite different from standard raw fish.
”Wow, it’s gorgeous! The colors are so vibrant!”
”Th-this is it… the actual cooking I see Shirogane Aqua-kun doing on the news…!”
The girls took up their chopsticks and began to eat, savoring every bite. Honestly, there’s nothing better than watching people enjoy a meal. It makes all the sweat in the kitchen feel worth it.
”And here is your freshly fried seasonal tempura. I highly recommend the butterbur sprouts; they’re just coming into season. I’ve also prepared an assortment of sashimi caught this morning at the local port. Please enjoy it with our local Ishikawa rice, steamed in a clay pot.”
Their eyes literally sparkled. Yeah… seeing that expression alone made the whole endeavor a success in my book.
”Oh, they’re open!”
”Good morning!”
The next wave was arriving. Time to get busy. I’ll show you to your seats! Right this way!”
The neighbors must have been doing some serious PR for me. Customers began pouring in one after another. I shifted into high gear, plating and serving at a frantic but controlled pace.
”Haa… that was incredible.”
”That final dango and tea… I feel so relaxed. It was perfect.”
I saw off my first two customers with a smile. A short while later, during a lull in the rush, a very familiar figure marched through the door.
”I’m coming in to bother you!”
”If you’re here to bother me, please leave,” I replied with a perfectly straight face.
Kohina-senpai huffed, looking indignant. “Hey! I went through all the trouble of dragging her here, and that’s the greeting I get?”
Her? I looked past Kohina-senpai. My eyes met Mikunimom, who was timidly peeking out from behind her back.
”Um, well… I heard Shirogane Aqua-kun had opened a restaurant, and I was just so worried…”
”And so,” Kohina-senpai interjected, “I took it upon myself to bring this moping woman all the way out here.”
I see. So that’s what happened. I showed them to their seats.
”Well, since you’re here, you might as well try my food.”
I served them both a spread of the freshest fish and vegetables Noto and Ishikawa had to offer. Feast your eyes – and your palates!!
”Nn… it’s actually good. Well, I wasn’t worried about the taste, considering it’s you.”
Hearing that kind of indirect trust from the habitually blunt Kohina-senpai actually made me a little happy. Damn it! To think I’d almost wag my tail at a comment like that… I’m such a soft touch!!
”Th-this is…!!?”
Mikunimom took a bite and froze, her shoulders beginning to tremble as her eyes snapped wide open. I actually flinched.
”Mikunimom, is something wrong? Did I mess something up…?”
If she just didn’t like the taste, that was one thing. But if it was a hygiene issue or a technical blunder, that was a major crisis. I braced myself, standing tall like a professional chef.
”Such refined… such elegant seasoning…! The dashi is subtle yet possesses incredible depth, perfectly harmonizing with the natural character of the vegetables without overpowering them!”
Kohina-senpai and I just stared at each other. Uh… what’s going on here?
As we stood there puzzled, the other customers in the restaurant began to buzz with excitement.
”It’s here! The legendary ‘Mikunilin³‘ review from Mikuni-sama herself!”
”So this is the fabled Mikunilin Guide…”
”Her word carries more weight than any professional food critic!”
”I can’t believe I’m seeing a live Mikunilin rating…”
Mikunilin? What the hell is that?
As I stood there like a statue, Lisa leaned in and whispered in my ear.
”It’s Mikuni-sama’s restaurant critique – shortened to ‘Mikunilin’~desuwa. She did it once on a TV program and it became an instant legend. Any restaurant she gives a high score to is guaranteed to become a top-tier hotspot overnight~desuwayo.”
Oh. Right. I was a bit taken aback by this unexpected side of Mikunimom. She finished every scrap of food, took a sip of tea, and looked up at the ceiling with a look of pure enlightenment.
”Aqua-kun… it’s a perfect score. This meal is a Mikunilin seven-star. The way you honored the local ingredients was simply magnificent.”
”Ah… thank you.”
Honestly, I had no idea if a seven-star rating was even possible, so I just stood there with a deeply conflicted expression, not sure if I should be celebrating.
”Seven stars!!?”
”She gave him seven stars when the scale usually caps at five!?”
”This is unheard of…”
”Honestly, I thought it was just the ‘Aqua-sama Effect’ making me think it was delicious, but it really was that good!”
”I know, right? I thought it might be a placebo effect because he’s so handsome, but the food is legit…”
The customers actually stood up and started applauding. Okay… I guess I should be happy? I did a series of awkward bows, trying to convey my thanks.
”Hey, you! Don’t cause a scene and bother the other customers!” Kohina-senpai barked at Mikunimom. “Look at him – he’s completely bewildered because you started acting like a crazy person out of nowhere!”
”Ah… m-my apologies. I simply got swept up in the moment…”
Properly scolded, Mikunimom sat back down and tried to make herself look as small as possible. Looking at them, I realized that despite their constant bickering, they’d actually become quite the duo.
”Well, I’m just glad you both enjoyed it. Since you’re here, why not take a stroll around the area after you’re done?”
I handed them a “Stroll Map” I’d designed with the local kids. It wasn’t your typical tourist map; it featured scenic spots the kids and I loved and quiet corners where you could just breathe.
”Hmm. Might be good for burning off some of these calories.”
”I want to see the Beryl retreat you all worked so hard on! I’m definitely going for a walk!!”
2 they said, paid their bill and headed out. The proceeds from today were all going toward making the area barrier-free and improving the local playgrounds.
”Excuse me! Table for two?”
”It’s fine. Come on in!”
The rush continued. We worked together as a team of four, successfully navigating the non-stop flow of customers until the end of the day.
”Uruha, Lisa, Kokona – great job today. I’m going to take some of the leftovers and drop them off for the neighbors who helped with the renovations and the opening. You guys take five.”
I packed the food into a delivery box on the back of my bike and set off. I couldn’t help but think… if my career as an idol ever went south due to some scandal, a life like this wouldn’t be half bad.
As I pulled up to a red light near the retreat, I spotted a police officer questioning two familiar figures: Kohina-senpai and Mikunimom.
I have no idea what they did. And honestly? I didn’t want to know. I looked straight ahead, pretending I was a complete stranger, and gunned the engine.
”HEY! YOU! WAIT A MINUTE!” Kohina-senpai’s voice drifted over the wind. “I SAW YOU LOOK AT US! HELP US OUT HERE! GEEZ!!”
Sorry, Senpai. Whatever trouble you’re in, you’re on your own!
I accelerated right up to the speed limit, leaving the shouting Kohina-senpai behind until she was nothing more than a tiny speck in my rearview mirror.
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Summary:
Aqua successfully opens his seaside restaurant, ‘Tomarigi’, with the help of Kokona, Uruha, and Lisa. The shop becomes a local hit immediately, punctuated by a surprise visit from Kohina-senpai and Mikunimom. Mikunimom, a famous critic, gives the food an unprecedented seven-star rating, causing a scene before being questioned by police for unknown reasons.
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Trivia:
- Aqua used upcycled beach trash to make the restaurant sign.
- The restaurant is intended as a community center for neighbors when Aqua is away.
- Aqua is wearing a high-grade Noto Jofu kimono gifted by locals.
- The term ‘Mikunilin’ is a play on the Michelin Guide.
- Aqua explicitly ignores his friends when they are caught by the police at the end
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Character Insight:
Aqua shows a deep desire for a simple life, musing that he wouldn’t mind being a local chef if his idol career ended. Mikunimom reveals a professional side as a powerful food critic, contrasting her usual timid personality.
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Behind the Scenes:
The setting is Ishikawa Prefecture, and the food items mentioned (Nakajima-na, Kaga-futokyuri) are actual traditional ‘Kaga Vegetables’ from the region.
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TL Notes:
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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