Yakushi Family Tales: Kisho Yakuhsi

//Said I'd make some story posts for Asuka's family members, so here's the first of the three. The sun has not yet risen over Ponyville, and the lights inside the small restaurant between the 'Haysea Corp' offices, and the Biglow Department store have just come on. Inside stands an older stallion (mid 50's) already hard at work preparing for the day ahead. Kisho Yakushi was always the first one to come in for work. As the restaurant's owner he had to set a good example for his employees. As other ponies were just starting to wake up Kisho was offloading the fresh meats from today's delivery. As others made coffee Kisho set out cookware, and prepared tables for dining. As others put on their work clothes Kisho donned an apron, and chefs hat. The first employee entered the store at 7 AM. Despite Kisho's work there was still much to do before the store opened. "Good morning Mister Yakushi." The young stallion smiles at his boss. Kisho looks up from his current task to smile back. "Good morning Kanel. Are you ready for another great day?" Learning Equestrian was difficult for Kisho, but he'd become fluent in the language long ago. Despite this, his accent was still very prominent. "Yes sir! Always." The young stallion beams as he enters the kitchen. Together the two work tirelessly to prepare the kitchen, dining room, and serving areas. 30 minutes later another employee enters. She's much shorter than the two stallions in the kitchen. "Good morning everyone." The mare calls out as she dons an apron. "Hey! Stellar! You're back!" Kanel's voice is filled with excitement. "Yep. Like I'd let a sprained hoof keep me from working with my favorite people." The small mare pulls a step stool out from under the serving area's counter, and sets it in front of the register. She then goes about preparing the area to take orders. The last employee to arrive shows up only 30 minutes before the store is to open. He's an older stallion (about 40 years old). When he speaks, a very strong 'Louisiana' accent obscures his words. "Moawnin' y'all." His deep, grumbley voice cuts through the sounds of the kitchen equipment. "Good Morning Sam." Kisho greets the man with a smile. Sam hobbles his way to the kitchen where he dons an apron, and sets to work on preparing broth for later. Sam had been working for him ever since Kisho opened this restaurant. Sam's unique build, and mannerisms made finding work hard, but none of that mattered to Kisho. Sam was a hard worker, and an all around caring man, and that's all Kisho wanted from his employees. Before long the customers began coming in. Stellar took the orders up front, made drinks, and brought food to customers. Kisho and Sam made the food, and prepared it for consumption, and Kanel handled to-go orders. It was a busy day today, but the crew never missed a beat in their work. Every customer got what they wanted, exactly how they wanted it, and never had to wait long. Even with the chaos of a busy work day the crew kept their spirits high. They conversed with customers, made jokes, and actively encouraged each other throughout the day. It wasn't until shift change at 4 PM that Kisho got his first break. He ate a quick meal in the back of the store before heading back to the kitchen to help the night shift crew. By the time the sun was down the customers stopped coming in, and the crew began their closing duties. Kisho helped the kitchen crew clean, and restock the kitchen. The waitress up front cleaned the dining room, and the to-go runner helped wherever he could. When the clock struck 10 Kisho and his night shift cook were the last to leave. As Kisho begins to lock up the store the cook speaks. "Mister Yakushi, I have a question." Kisho locks the door, and turns to respond. "Yes?" "Every time I see you, it's always when you're working. You come in way before any of us, and you're always the last to leave. Do you ever get tired? I feel like you're working yourself to death. Why do that? Do you just want to make as much money as possible?" Kisho gives a warm smile before responding. "That is a great question." He pauses for a moment to think of what he's going to say next. "I work so hard because I want nothing more than to see smiling faces. From my customers, and employees. When I moved to Ponyville, I wanted to bring the joy of my county's food to the people here. I wanted to bring smiles to faces, and fill bellies with delicious food. I would make food for everyone, for free if there was just a way to do it." The cook stops for a moment. The look on his face tells Kisho he's deep in thought. "Thank you Mister Yakushi. You're the best boss I've ever had." With the work day done all that was left for Kisho was to return home to his loving wife. He may have loved making customers and employees smile, but they could never make Kisho feel the way his wife, and daughters' smiles did.