25 Soma Joichiro (2/2)

”You are alright lad!! We are on a ship to Gourmet Island.” said the old man while smiling ”I found unconscious and injured in a crater. You have been asleep for four days now.”

”Where are you taking me?!! I have nothing with me?!! Please leave me alone?!!” whimpered Soma while crying still traumatized by the recent incident.

”It's alright lad!! Don't worry..no one is going to hurt you.” said the old man sympathetically while ruffling Soma's hair ”The island we are going to..Gourmet Island, it's peaceful and safe. You don't need to worry about your safety. Now I will go and get some more of the soup for you as might still be hungry since you haven't eaten for a long time.”

After the old man walked out the room to get more soup, Soma was alone in the room. He was scared and the same time hopeful that he could escape from the hell he was in. He hoped whatever the old man said was true but he was also worried that all this was just a dream after all he has experienced the cruelty of humans knew how much of detestable species they where.

Soma spent few weeks on board the ship, first few days where hard as he could barely move his body. He found out that it was a passenger ship and most of the crew and passengers where amiable, the old man though passenger seems to help out as one of the chefs in the ship. His food was highly praised by everyone on the ship and Soma knew why after he tried it. It was beyond delicious and when he felt the burst of flavors he was mind blown by the fact that something could be as delicious.

Later when he asked few of the crew men he came to know that the old man's name was Joichiro and he is one of the most famous chefs in North Blue and runs a famous restaurant in Gourmet Island. Soma was inspired by the fact that cooking could bring about such happiness and wanted to be a part of it, but he felt indebted the old man and thought that it will be preposterous to take advantage of his kindness.

And just like that they reached Gourmet Island, it was their destination and everyone exited the ship. Soma felt lost he didn't know where to go and what to do. Although he escaped from the hell he was in, he was still just a kid he didn't know how to start living in this new town. It was then the old man walked up to Soma and asked him.

”Hey lad!! Why don't you come with me, I could use your help at the restaurant too.”

”B-but I don't know anything!! Is it alright?!!” asked Soma with tears in his eyes

”Hahaha!! If you don't know then you can learn..Your still young.” said the old man with a kind smile. ”My name is Joichiro and since you will be living with me why don't you tell me your name?”

”M-my name is Soma!!”