Chapter 57: Pakura is Washing Dishes
"That's right! Soon I will be able to cook too! After all, I'm a smart person!" Makima said confidently, her proud smile widening. Then Makima straightened her back as if to prove to herself that she could really do it someday.
"Yeah! Yeah..." Souta laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head with his right hand. He felt a bit confused by Makima's great enthusiasm, but it also warmed his heart.
"So... Souta, what about you? Can you cook?" Makima asked, looking at Souta, her eyes radiating genuine curiosity, but there was a hint of worry behind that gaze, as if she was waiting for an answer that wouldn't disappoint her.
"Of course I can, it's just that money is often a constraint, so I can't make my own food every day. The prices of ingredients in Sunagakure are quite high, especially with the village often experiencing drought. Food spoils quickly if not stored properly, and I can't buy it in large quantities."
"If only I had something like a storage fridge that could keep the ingredients fresh, then I could manage everything better without worrying about it going bad before I get to use it," Souta explained, looking at Makima seriously, his eyes reflecting the difficulties he faced.
Souta's movements were a bit hurried, as if he didn't want to make Makima feel sorry for him, but he still tried to be honest.
"Is that so? I understand now, so that's why there's a pretty big fridge in the kitchen, to store various ingredients so they can last longer!" Makima finally nodded her head in understanding.
The expression on Makima's face showed relief, as if she had received an explanation that cleared up her confusion all this time. She even imagined how all those ingredients could last longer, thanks to a fridge that might only be available to those who could afford it.
"Good to know you understand," Souta smiled with satisfaction, though he felt a bit embarrassed. But he felt relieved to explain something that might help Makima understand how difficult life was for him in Sunagakure.
While waiting for Pakura to finish washing the dishes, Souta and Makima continued their conversation. They began talking about various light topics—from Makima's parents' jobs, which they rarely discussed, to issues at the Ninja Academy that sometimes couldn't be understood by outsiders.
They shared small laughs discussing the difficulties they faced in learning, until occasionally Makima stole glances at Souta, as if wanting to learn more about him.
The conversation flowed casually yet comfortably, until a little while later, Pakura came out of the hallway quickly, carrying clean dishes that she had placed on the rack. Pakura looked a bit tired, but her smile still lingered on her face, even though there were slight bags under her eyes indicating how hard she had been working.
"Are you done?" Souta asked, glancing at Pakura, his eyes focused on her movements that seemed full of responsibility.
"Yes, I wash dishes quite often. After all, I frequently buy cooking ingredients and cook, so washing dishes has become a normal thing. Unlike someone who buys food outside every day," Pakura replied, shooting a sharp glance at Souta, though a small smile could still be seen at the corner of her lips. The statement felt like a jab, even though Pakura's tone wasn't too loud.
"Is that sarcasm?" Souta stared at Pakura with a shocked expression, feeling a bit confused by the meaning behind her words.
...
Chapter 58: Pakura Wants to Work Too
"Hmm... What do you think?" Pakura raised an eyebrow, giving a thin smile that carried a challenge, as if she knew Souta would respond in a funny way.
"Heh? Is that sarcasm?" Makima asked with a confused expression, clearly not understanding what had just happened. Souta and Pakura fell silent for a moment, puzzled by the question that had arisen.
"No, it's nothing," Souta smiled awkwardly, trying to ease the suddenly tense atmosphere. He blinked, feeling a bit tricked by the way Pakura expressed something light yet felt so serious.
"Ah! It's almost evening! It's time for me and Pakura to go home," Souta said while glancing at the darkening sky, the sun that had been setting was now gone, replaced by a deep blue sky enveloping the village.
"Eh? Are you guys going home already?" Makima asked with a hesitant look, her eyes showing a hint of disappointment, as if she didn't want their conversation to end just like that.
"Yeah, it's getting late, we have to go home," Pakura replied with a thin smile, though she seemed a bit reluctant to part ways. Pakura's steps seemed to pause for a moment, but she turned away with determination, despite a slight impression of reluctance.
"Well then, we'll be off, thank you for the meal," Souta nodded sincerely, even though in his heart he felt very appreciated.
"Not a problem! Come by often, okay?" Makima replied with a wide smile, her eyes sparkling, and her cheerful voice warmed the increasingly quiet evening.
Makima walked them to the front of her house, accompanying them to the gate that was dimly lit by the moonlight. After that, Souta and Pakura began walking together on the quiet streets of Sunagakure, adorned with dim streetlights.
"Hey, by the way..." Pakura asked, glancing at Souta from the corner of her eye, her voice sounding a bit hesitant, but there was a clear desire behind her question.
"What is it?" Souta turned, curious about what Pakura wanted to say.
"Can I get a job at your workplace?" Pakura suddenly asked in a serious tone, her eyes focusing on Souta's face, as if she wanted an answer that could help her.
"I don't know... After all, I just applied for a job at the Puppet Arts Performance Theater today, so I can't be sure yet, but if you want to try applying there, go ahead. If I succeed, doesn't that mean you could succeed too?" Souta replied with a smile, trying to encourage and motivate Pakura.
"You have a point... Alright, tomorrow I'll try to apply for a job there," Pakura said with a thin smile, her eyes looking a bit brighter than before.
"But why all of a sudden?" Souta asked, his curiosity deepening.
"... You know, we're both orphans. I'm also short on money. I hope that by getting a job, I can earn enough to buy ninja equipment and food supplies."
"The monthly subsidy from the village government isn't enough for that," Pakura replied, her smile this time looking a bit bitter, but she still tried to remain optimistic. However, her eyes showed deep concern, as if she felt the weight of the future ahead of her.
"I understand. In that case, let's go there together tomorrow after we get back from the Academy," Souta said, his smile warm and light, as if everything could be resolved with good intentions.
"Yeah, tomorrow." Pakura nodded slowly, her voice sounding calm but with a hint of enthusiasm sneaking through her flat tone.
Souta tilted his head, looking at Pakura with a gaze full of curiosity. "By the way, aren't you curious about how I passed? Or how to get accepted?"
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