"Hiroshi, I never imagined there would be so many fun things here! Most of these are things we only get to see during the New Year festival back in our village. I really wonder why it's like this here—it's absolutely amazing!" Harumiko said with a bright smile.
Hiroshi nodded, smiling back. He had noticed the same thing. Many of the stalls and games were exactly like the ones set up in Konoha only during festivals. But here, everything was available all year round. That really was a big difference from their home village.
"You're right. But in Konoha, it feels special precisely because we only get to enjoy these things once a year. If they were here every single day, it wouldn't be nearly as fun or exciting anymore, would it?" Hiroshi replied.
"Still, there are so many people here today. It looks like almost all the visitors have gathered around this area. I guess this is the busiest time of the day," Harumiko said, glancing around at the crowds.
Hiroshi looked around too. Most people around them were travellers from outside the village, all coming just to see the famous Lake of Mirrors. It really was a remarkable place.
"Time really flies, doesn't it? Feels like we've already been here for ages! And the accommodation in this village... wow, it's nice, but definitely expensive! Haha," Hiroshi joked playfully.
Harumiko nodded slowly. She stood up and looked around to see what else was going on, then pulled Hiroshi along to explore both sides of the bank, eager to find more interesting things.
"We can't just sit around resting all day! Come on, let's go see what else there is to do. Honestly, I think this place is way more fun than Konoha—after all, you have this amazing scenic spot right here!" Harumiko said with a laugh.
Hiroshi shook his head helplessly, but followed her anyway. And indeed, there were so many different things to do and see—most of which they had never encountered before.
"Hiroshi, how about we play the balloon game again? This time I want that blue Totoro plushie!" Harumiko said, stopping in front of the same stall and smiling at him.
Hiroshi glanced at the blue plushie and nodded confidently. "Sure, no problem. I'll knock them all down and win that blue Totoro for you. Though I have to say, the prices here are outrageous! They're definitely overcharging us outsiders!"
He then negotiated with the owner, paid the fee, and received fifteen shuriken.
"I can't believe how expensive these fifteen shuriken are. And to win that blue Totoro, I have to hit every single one without missing. But this guy clearly underestimates me—look at that smug look on his face while handing these over. I'll make sure to wipe that smile off his face in a minute!" Hiroshi said to Harumiko with a grin as he stepped up to the throwing line.
Harumiko nodded in agreement. She also thought the price was totally unreasonable. But there was no way around it—if they didn't pay, they couldn't play.
"Alright then, let's teach him a lesson! I saw that smirk he had—he obviously doesn't believe we can hit all fifteen balloons. Probably just thinks we're two little kids," Harumiko said with a mischievous smile.
Hiroshi nodded, adjusted his stance, and focused on the row of balloons in front of him.
"As long as these balloons and shuriken are normal, I will definitely win that blue Totoro for you," he thought to himself.
Suddenly, in one quick motion, he threw five shuriken at once. Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Five balloons burst instantly.
The shop owner was absolutely stunned. He never expected such accuracy and skill from someone so young.
"Great, so the balloons and weapons work fine. Now I'll just finish the rest in one go!" Hiroshi said softly, his confidence now even higher after that perfect start.
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