Tamako arrives at Ramen Akaneko, a ramen restaurant run by cats, for a part-time job interview. When asked by owner Bunzo if she likes cats, Tamako admits that she's more of a dog person. This gets her hired immediately, leading to the beginning of Tamako's new friendships with the other feline employees of the restaurant.

Tamako decides to create a poster promoting the Akaneko Special upon hearing from Krishna that the dish is not very popular with customers. Krishna is embarrassed about her photo being used for the poster, despite the idea being well-received by the other staff members.

A woman named Yoko visits the busy Ramen Akaneko out of the blue and refers to Hana as "Lovely Pipi-chan". The woman invites Hana, who is troubled by the sudden visit, to go home with her. It is then revealed that Yoko is Hana's previous owner.