TPMITWON 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.