TPMITWON 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?"