Hideji quickly joined his palms together in a show of gratitude for the meal, then lifted the lid from the earthenware pot. Fragrant steam billowed out. Reaching for the celadon spoon, he began by sipping the broth. He gave a deep nod, then turned his attention to the udon, raising them from the bowl with his chopsticks before slurping them loudly. They were so hot he almost spluttered. Next, he fished some of the negi onion out from the bottom of the pot, arranged it on the noodles, and inserted them into his mouth. He savoured a bite of chicken, then nibbled on the sliced kamaboko.
