Meanwhile, in Japan Natsu's humble apartment was a stark contrast to the excitement building up at KIDZ Studio. He was on the phone, his voice laced with desperation. "I promise I will pay soon, I will pay soon," he pleaded into the receiver.

The call ended with a heavy thud as he placed the receiver down. His face, etched with worry, reflected the stormy weather outside.

Grabbing an umbrella, he ventured out into the rain, the downpour mirroring the turmoil within him.

Natsu wandered the streets, from one shop to another, his hopes raised with each new prospect, only to be dashed by the cold reality of rejections.

"There is no job here. Leave, I have business to do," a cafe owner barked at him, his words like icy daggers. Natsu stormed away, his fists clenched in frustration.

The rain intensified, transforming the streets into a glistening river.

Seeking refuge, Natsu found shelter beside a closed shop. Leaning against the shutter, he vented his anger by punching it.

Ryu was about to exit the office canteen when his phone buzzed with an alarming message. His face turned pale as he read the contents.

Yuma and Uma, sensing his distress, rushed to his side. "What's that?" Uma asked.

Yuma leaned in to read the message, her expression turning from curiosity to shock. It was from Hondou, informing them that he couldn't come for a week due to a family emergency - his wife had just given birth.

"My my," Aya exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.

Ryu's face was a mask of despair. "The manager will kill me," he muttered, his voice trembling.

Yuma nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he will," she said, her tone sombre.

Realizing Ryu's growing stress

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"Well, sorry," she apologized, raising her hands in surrender.

Ryu's world seemed to crumble around him. "Now what will I do?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Yuma offered a suggestion. "Ask someone else," she said, her voice filled with hope.

Ryu shook his head. "Hondou was the only person free, that's why I asked him," he explained.

Uma's face grew serious. "Gotta find someone else fast. When is the author arriving?" she asked.

Ryu's heart sank as he realized the urgency of the situation. "Tomorrow, probably at 9 AM," he replied.

Yuma's voice turned into a whisper, each word carrying the weight of a thousand bricks. "And it's 6 PM now. No chances of getting a good manager now," she said, her words a stark reminder of their predicament.

Another blow landed on Ryu. "You might get fired," Yuma added, her voice barely audible.

Uma quickly intervened, sensing the downward spiral.

"Yuma!" she exclaimed.

"Sorry, sorry, my bad. Hehe, don't worry, everything is fine, Ryu..." she trailed off, realizing the futility of her attempt to cheer him up.

Ryu stood motionless, his mind racing. Aya, who was passing by stopped and spoke up. "Well, I remember your friend came desperately looking for a job. Why not ask him?" she suggested.

A spark of hope ignited in Ryu's eyes. "You think Mr. Kodu will agree?" he asked, hesitant.

Uma nodded. "If you tell him that your friend is good at the job, and moreover, we have no other choice for now," she explained.

Ryu's face lit up with determination. "That's right! I will ask Natsu!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with renewed hope. He shook Aya's hand gratefully.

"You saved me, Aya. Thank you, thank you!" he said, his voice filled with emotion holding Aya's hand she blushed slightly. Ryu rushed out of the canteen to find Natsu.

Yuma teased Aya, "Someone's blushing here," she said with a mischievous grin. Aya smiled shyly, her heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.

Ryu dashed through the rain, his umbrella struggling to keep pace with his urgent strides.

He frantically dialed Natsu's number, his heart pounding in his chest. "Natsu, pick up, save me!" he pleaded into the phone, but to no avail, Natsu's phone was switched off.

Desperation fueled Ryu's actions as he raced towards Natsu's apartment.

As fate would have it, he spotted Natsu standing under a shop's overhang, his figure drenched by the relentless rain.

Ryu's eyes lit up with relief as he waved and shouted Natsu's name, his voice barely audible over the downpour.

Natsu, startled by the sudden commotion, turned to face Ryu. His expression was a mixture of confusion and surprise.

Ryu reached Natsu, his breath coming in short gasps. "Thank god you're here," he exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency.

He placed a hand on Natsu's shoulder, his grip firm. "I need your help," he declared, his eyes pleading for understanding.