Ep. 108: Kurita and Yamaoka help two children whose mother disappeared after her husband's death.
Tamayo, Kurita's grandmother, pressures Kurita to find a husband, making him relieved when Yamaoka calls for assistance. Yamaoka had encountered two young children whose mother vanished days prior, leaving them alone. The landlord informed him of this situation. Through Tamayo Kurita's connections, the children are placed in Mr Hatanaka's cram school. They later run away after refusing to eat umeboshi, leading Hatanaka to believe he was too harsh. Kurita and Yamaoka search the neighborhood and eventually locate the children, returning them to their apartment. Yamaoka discovers umeboshi pickled by their mother, noting its superior quality compared to store-bought versions. The mother then returns, explaining that she had struggled with unemployment and suicidal thoughts following her husband's death but chose to come back. Later, Yamaoka and Kurita learn she began working at Hatanaka's school and wonder about the children's well-being.
Episodes
- Ep. 104 · Yamaoka helps Norio Tsugawa revive his declining tempura restaurant Ginya with a new tsukemono menu.
- Ep. 105 · Shin faces Kizaki in a pasta duel to prove his culinary superiority and retain his wife and restaurant.
- Ep. 106 · Chef Terasugi reunites with former lover Sabine after a decade apart.
- Ep. 107 · Yamaoka prepares a special dish using small abalone to help artist Ginko Kiyotani recover his memory.
- Ep. 108 · Kurita and Yamaoka help two children whose mother disappeared after her husband's death.
- Ep. 109 · Toji and Water
- Ep. 110 · Yamaoka helps Ryoko make mackerel sushi using Kagoshima black vinegar
- Ep. 111 · Kichi confronts his artistic failures and decides to master culinary arts at Shibahama.
- Ep. 112 · Yamaoka reflects on his mother while helping Mrs. Kamura roast tea leaves.