Chapter 67: Ayaka Blushes
After a few seconds, Ayaka opened her mouth, her voice sounding slightly louder, although there was an awkwardness in her tone.
"Did you finish that so quickly?" Ayaka asked, her eyes sharp and probing, as if trying to uncover something hidden. "Don't just focus on speed. You need to be more meticulous when gathering those parts. Make sure nothing is missed, especially the small fragments from the Wooden Doll or wood shavings that could get scattered."
Even though Ayaka spoke in a tone that seemed scolding, there was a subtle vibration in her voice that made Souta feel that, despite being a bit harsh, it was Ayaka's way of showing she cared.
Souta looked at Ayaka seriously and replied, "I understand. I will be more careful." Souta's face appeared calmer, and he knew this was an opportunity to show that he could do better.
Ayaka lowered her head, a bit embarrassed, and her usually cool cheeks began to flush. "I... I'm not angry, okay? I just want you, Souta, to do it right, so there won't be any problems," Ayaka said, her voice softer and quieter than usual.
Souta smiled awkwardly, feeling something warm his heart. "I understand, Ayaka. Thank you for reminding me."
For a moment, there was silence between them, not entirely awkward but also not completely comfortable. However, Souta could sense a new understanding emerging between them, even though it was still far from being close.
Not long after, Tsukimi appeared with a calm stride, her face showing a tranquility that contrasted with the tension still hanging in the air. Without hesitation, Tsukimi interrupted their conversation, her calm and clear voice managing to ease the atmosphere.
"Those on the evening shift, or those working two shifts, from morning to evening, are allowed to go home," Tsukimi said, her voice flowing gently yet authoritatively, as if giving an order that could not be disputed.
Souta, Ayaka, and several other workers began to prepare to leave. They wiped away the sweat and fatigue from the heavy work. Meanwhile, Okabe and the workers who were on the night shift continued to persevere, diligently finishing their tasks.
Souta and Ayaka walked out of the Puppet Arts Performance Theater. They stepped through a narrow corridor filled with dim hanging lights, casting long shadows on the walls.
Upon reaching the exit, Souta gazed at the night sky of Sunagakure, filled with sand and twinkling stars that seemed so far away yet still calming. As Souta looked around, he did not see Pakura anywhere.
"Maybe Pakura went home earlier," Souta thought, a faint sense of relief washing over him. It had been several hours since he last saw Pakura, after his friend applied for a job at the same place.
Perhaps Pakura went straight home after finishing the selection test, without waiting for Souta to finish working. That might have been a better choice, Souta thought, as he felt bad if Pakura decided to wait for him. After all, Souta didn't want to make Pakura feel burdened waiting in a quiet place.
When they reached the exit door, Ayaka gave a slow nod as a farewell sign. Souta responded with a small smile, albeit a bit awkward. No more words were exchanged, just a brief nod that felt like a shared understanding.
Then Souta walked down the sandy streets of Sunagakure, his steps appearing calm yet steady. A thin smile lingered at the corners of Souta's lips, not from great happiness, but from a small satisfaction that settled in his heart—today was a new beginning for Souta, as he had successfully completed his work well.
...
Chapter 68: Souta's Earnings
The desert night wind blew gently, carrying fine grains of sand that danced in the air, slipping into the gaps of clothing and hair, greeting Souta's skin with a cold touch.
The sky above stretched wide, adorned with clusters of stars that appeared so bright without the light pollution of a big city. A few thin clouds drifted slowly, almost invisible to the naked eye, but Souta noticed everything—he loved nights like this, when the world seemed to slow down, giving time to think.
Along the streets of the district near the Puppet Arts Performance Theater, nightlife moved in a gentle rhythm. Some stalls were still open, paper lanterns swaying softly in the wind, the shadows of pedestrians dancing on the walls of buildings.
Little children ran around laughing joyfully, mothers called them from the front of their houses with a tone of mild annoyance. An old man sat on a stone bench, playing a bamboo flute with a low and melancholic tune.
Souta walked slowly, letting the atmosphere seep in. But his steps soon halted as the aroma of grilling wafted into his nose—the smell of meat, spices, and charred charcoal was enticing.
On the right side of the street, under a worn fabric tent supported by four wooden poles, an old man with a gray beard was grilling skewers over a charcoal grill. The small flames flickered, reflecting light onto the wrinkled yet spirited face of the old man.
Souta then walked closer. His stomach responded with a soft rumble.
"Hello, young man!" greeted the vendor with a hoarse yet warm voice, his eyes squinting with a smile. "Are you interested in some grilled intestines? They're still hot. I just took them off the coals."
Souta nodded slowly, then immediately focused on the skewers arranged on a wooden tray. Oil from the meat dripped onto the coals, producing a sizzling sound and an even more tempting aroma.
"How much is it, Uncle?" Souta asked, as his hand slipped into the pocket of his trousers, feeling the bills inside.
"Seventy-five Ryo for one skewer. But if you buy two, I'll give them to you for one hundred forty. Special discount tonight," replied the vendor, pointing to two thicker skewers.
Souta nodded again, this time wider, and then handed over his money. He received two steaming skewers of intestines, and the aroma of the spices immediately assaulted his sense of smell—spicy, sweet, and slightly bitter from the perfect char.
Souta then took a slow bite of the end. The texture was chewy, the heat spreading in his mouth. It felt just perfect for him.
Souta chewed while continuing to walk. In his mind, numbers began to dance. His salary as a cleaner: 4000 Ryo a month. Monthly assistance from the government: 10000 Ryo. Total: 14000 Ryo. Enough to get by, even to save a little bit.
A mid-quality kunai could be bought for 3000 to 5000 Ryo. A basic set of Genin equipment could reach 20000 Ryo. Still far off. But not impossible.
In this world, even a D-rank mission could yield 5000 to 30000 Ryo in one go, if done correctly. However, Souta had not yet reached Genin, but he still had time. He still had plans.
Souta's steps slowed again, his thoughts began to outline his daily schedule: academy from morning until three in the afternoon, then straight to work until eight-thirty in the evening, six days a week.
Sunday? Training. Physical. Concentration. Studying chakra pathways, throwing precision, and much better chakra control techniques. Souta knew this world was not a safe place. The future he knew from his previous knowledge… waited in the dark.
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