Chapter 45: News About the Puppet Arts Performance Theater
Makima.
Makima's face was slightly puffed up with annoyance, and her arms were crossed in front of her chest. From Makima's expression, it was clear that she had tried several times to call Souta, but the boy was oblivious to her.
"Are you not listening to what I'm saying?" Makima asked in a protesting tone.
Souta blinked a few times, trying to remember what had just been discussed. He was completely unaware of anything.
"I... no. I'm sorry," Souta said with a slightly confused expression. "What did you say earlier?"
Makima let out a long sigh and glanced at the other girl sitting to Souta's right.
The girl, Pakura, did not show the same annoyed expression as Makima, but her gaze was serious. With her short dark green hair and sharp eyes, Pakura looked at Souta attentively.
"You've seemed very busy these past few days, even daydreaming a lot," Pakura said in a flat tone. "What's really going on?"
Souta paused for a moment. He didn't answer immediately, but his gaze softened a bit. After a while, Souta finally turned to Pakura and expressed what was on his mind.
"I've been thinking about how to learn Kugutsu no Jutsu," Souta said directly.
Pakura and Makima looked a bit surprised by that answer.
"Eh? But isn't that taught in the fourth year?" Makima asked, tilting her head.
Souta nodded slowly. "That's right," he said. "But I want to learn it earlier. Because of that, I've been busy looking for ways to practice creating my own Chakra Threads."
Makima still looked a bit confused, but Pakura nodded in understanding.
Pakura had known Souta for eight months. In that time, she had come to understand the boy's personality quite well. She knew how stubborn Souta could be when it came to things he wanted to learn. If Souta said he wanted to master Kugutsu no Jutsu faster, it meant he would do everything he could to make it happen.
"I see..." Pakura murmured softly. She looked at Souta with a slightly softer gaze and then nodded.
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"Kugutsu no Jutsu, huh..." Makima murmured quietly, her eyes narrowing, and her head tilting slightly as if she were recalling something important.
Souta, sitting next to Makima, furrowed his brow. "Yeah, what's up?" he asked curiously.
Makima sighed before answering, "Near my house, on the way back from the Ninja Academy, there's a big building called the Puppet Arts Performance Theater. From what I know, that place is used for puppet art performances. If they really use Chakra Threads in their shows, doesn't that mean you could learn something from them?"
Makima looked directly into Souta's eyes, ensuring he understood her point.
Souta paused for a moment, thinking.
"Yesterday, I saw a notice board in front of that building. It seems they are short on staff. I heard someone at the market say they need people to help with cleaning. This is a great opportunity, isn't it?" Makima continued enthusiastically.
Souta's eyes widened. He could feel the excitement within him starting to ignite. "Really?!" Souta exclaimed, his voice slightly louder than intended.
Makima chuckled before nodding firmly. "Yes!"
Souta swallowed, trying to calm himself. If what Makima said was true, then this could be a chance for him to get closer to the world of puppet arts and learn about Chakra Threads directly.
"Then, can I work there?" Souta asked, his voice now more controlled, but his enthusiasm was still clear.
"About that, I'm not sure," Makima replied, this time with a more thoughtful expression.
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Chapter 46: Towards the Puppet Theater
"But how about we go there after school and check it out? If you get hired, maybe you can learn how to use the Chakra Threads faster."
A mischievous smile appeared on Makima's lips before she added, "Oh, and we can also go to my house! Every time I asked you out, you guys always refused. Now you have no excuses, right?"
Souta scratched his cheek awkwardly. "About that..."
"I don't mind, what about you, Souta?" Pakura finally spoke up, her voice soft yet firm. Where Pakura glanced at Souta, as if waiting for Souta's decision.
Souta glanced back at Pakura and Makima. After a few seconds of thinking, Souta nodded firmly. "If Pakura agrees, then I agree too!"
"Alright! It's decided, huh!" Makima said in an excited voice, Makima's eyes sparkling with joy.
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After School.
The atmosphere outside the Sunagakure Ninja Academy was much calmer than it had been in the morning. The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, blanketing the village in a warm golden light. The shadows of the tall sand buildings stretched across the narrow streets, giving it a slightly dramatic feel.
Souta, Pakura, and Makima walked together along the cobblestone streets that stretched between the typical Sunagakure buildings. The desert wind blew gently, bringing with it the distinct scent of dry sand. Their footsteps echoed softly on the streets, while the voices of vendors still selling their afternoon wares could occasionally be heard in the distance.
They chatted casually throughout the walk, discussing everything from their lessons at the academy to their favorite foods.
Soon, a large building came into their view. It had two floors and, like most buildings in Sunagakure, was made entirely of sand. However, there was something different about this place—right above the entrance, a large plaque read "Puppetry Theater."
Makima pointed excitedly toward the entrance. "Look! That's the building!"
Souta turned his attention to the noticeboard next to the entrance. It was also made of sand, but the letters carved into its surface were clearly visible despite being covered in a bit of desert dust.
"Come closer," Souta said before stepping forward.
Whereupon Souta squinted and read the writing on the noticeboard in a low but firm voice:
"Required workers with strong physical strength and high stamina. The Puppet Theater is looking for workers to help clean the theater area. If you are interested, please come in and register."
Makima turned to Souta with a satisfied expression. "See! I wasn't lying, was I?"
Souta nodded slowly, then grinned. "You're right, but we still don't know if I'll be accepted or not."
"At least you can come in and try it yourself, right?" Pakura said in a calm tone, but there was a hint of a supportive smile on her face.
Souta took a deep breath, then nodded. "You're right, Pakura. Can you guys wait here for a moment? I'll go in and find out."
"No problem!" Makima nodded quickly.
"Good luck," Pakura said with a look of conviction.
Souta took another breath before stepping forward, carefully pushing open the theater door.
As soon as Souta entered, his eyes widened in surprise.
The inside of the building was far more beautiful than Souta had imagined. Despite the structure being entirely made of sand, the interior exuded an air of utter luxury. Tall pillars carved with intricate patterns supported a ceiling adorned with crystal chandeliers. The dim light from colored glass lanterns created a mysterious yet elegant atmosphere.
Along the walls, there were various doll statues of varying sizes. Some of them looked like regular performance puppets, while others had more sinister designs, with weapons hidden inside their bodies.
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