Me and My Manager!

Chapter 18: Dismissed

"Here we are," Ryu announced reaching Kudos Cabin, his voice barely audible.

Natsu nodded, his expression impassive.

"Please be professional," Ryu reminded him, a hint of concern in his voice.

Natsu simply nodded in response.

Together, they approached Kudo's cabin and knocked on the door.

"Come in," Kudo's voice called out from inside.

Ryu entered Kudo's cabin first, his demeanour respectful. "Sir, Miss Lara's manager is here," he announced, his voice filled with a hint of nervousness.

Kudo, seated behind his desk, nodded in acknowledgment. "Let him in," he instructed, his tone commanding.

Ryu gestured for Natsu to enter, and the latter complied, bowing slightly as a sign of respect.

Kudo examined Natsu from head to toe, his gaze lingering on the other man's appearance. "Not bad," he commented, his voice carrying a hint of approval.

"You go and give Miss Lara a tour. I want to talk to the manager alone," Kudo instructed Ryu.

Ryu bowed in acknowledgment. "Hai, sir," he replied, turning to Natsu and giving him a thumbs-up gesture discreetly. "Good luck," he mouthed silently, hoping to boost Natsu's confidence.

With a final nod to Kudo, Ryu exited the cabin, leaving Natsu alone with the manager.

Kudo turned his attention back to Natsu. "What's your name?" he asked, his voice firm.

Natsu responded simply, "Natsu."

Kudo nodded, his expression impassive. "Have a seat, Mr. Natsu," he invited, gesturing towards the chair in front of his desk.

Natsu sat down in the chair across from Kudo, his posture straight.Kudo asked Natsu about his qualifications.

"High school," Natsu replied.

"And?" Kudo pressed.

"I studied till high school only," Natsu clarified.

Kudo raised an eyebrow. "You mean you have no higher education? Well, what do you do for a living? Any jobs you've had before? Any experience you have that would qualify you for this manager position?"

Natsu remained firm. "Did some Part-time jobs at restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and others," he replied.

Kudo leaned back in his chair, considering Natsu's qualifications. "You're saying you don't have higher education nor a good job experience, and you expect to get this job as a manager? That's kind of bold of you to assume that," he commented.

Natsu sat still, his expression unchanged.

Kudo continued, "You said you work part-time for a living. So why this job? What do you expect to earn now?"

Natsu replied without hesitation, "Money."

"Kudo leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Money, huh? That's all you care about?" he asked, his voice laced with contempt. "You think you can just waltz in here, with no qualifications, and expect to be given a managerial position? You're a dreamer, boy."

Natsu held Kudo's gaze, "I'm not a dreamer, sir," he countered, his voice firm. "I need this job and the money. But I promise I'll work hard and prove myself as a good manager, capable of holding this position. I just need a chance."

Kudo scoffed. "You mean I should risk our big project in the hands of an incapable, inexperienced guy who needs a chance? Don't make me laugh."

Natsu felt his patience wearing thin. "Sir, with all due respect, I understand your concern," he said, his voice calm despite the rising frustration. "But I'm confident in my abilities. I can learn quickly and adapt to any situation. Give me a chance, and I won't let you down."

Kudo studied Natsu for a long moment, a flicker of doubt appearing in his eyes. "That's what I hear every time," he said finally, his voice low. "And then what? A disaster. You need this job for money, you say. You'll probably ask for an advance when you get the money, then rub away. I know people like you, who brag about doing their best at first, then give up, huh?"

Natsu straightened in his chair, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and determination. "I'm not like those people," he said, his voice rising slightly. "I know the importance of this job. It's not only about you or this studio's future, but also mine. I desperately looked for a job and asked for a chance, but always they said the same thing as you did. I know I may not be qualified or experienced like others, but I am way more dedicated and determined than them because I know the importance it holds to you all and me!"

Kudo gazed at Natsu narrowly. "That was a nice speech. Now, before I say something else, you may leave," he said, dismissing Natsu.