TPMITWON Chapter 56: Eating at Makima's House

Souta knew very well that in Sunagakure—known as the poorest village among the five great villages—the prices of staple foods like rice and eggs were very high.

Especially rice, which had become a rare staple in this area. It was something that could only be afforded by certain circles, and seeing it served so casually made Souta truly shocked. It was as if Makima was ignoring the harsh reality surrounding them.

With a slight smile on her face, Makima calmly shook her head. "It's fine. After all, my friends only come here occasionally, right? You could even say that you are the first friends to visit my home," Makima said softly, looking at the two of them.

Souta felt warmth in Makima's words, despite the hidden tension behind his own smile.

Pakura, who heard this, fell silent for a moment and glanced at Souta. Their eyes met, and Souta responded with an awkward smile, unsure of what to say. "Is that so..." Souta murmured quietly, and he quickly nodded, trying to shake off the awkwardness within him.

Makima looked at them with an even wider smile, "So! Let's eat!" Makima's voice sounded full of enthusiasm, and her eyes seemed to sparkle. It was as if this simple meal was not just to fill their stomachs, but also to celebrate the newly formed bond.

"Yes," Souta replied with a nod, followed by a nod from Pakura. Without much more conversation, the three of them began to eat heartily, occasionally chatting, but for the most part, they simply enjoyed the food that had been prepared.

The atmosphere at the table felt warm and friendly, and even though the three of them came from different backgrounds, a bond was beginning to form through this simple meal.

After finishing their meal, Pakura and Makima carefully placed their empty bowls and glasses on a wooden tray. Pakura's hands moved quickly, as if she knew what to do next.

"Let me wash the bowls and glasses," Pakura said firmly, her eyes then looking at Makima, who appeared a bit confused.

"Eh? But you don't have to do that..." Makima immediately tried to refuse, her face showing concern, but Pakura had already anticipated Makima's response.

"Of course I will. You invited us to your home, provided us with food, and offered a comfort that we cannot repay with anything else. This is the simplest thing I can do," Pakura replied sincerely, lifting the wooden tray.

Makima paused for a moment, then broke into a wide smile. "Ugh, fine! Alright! I understand! Thank you so much, Pakura-chan!" Makima said earnestly, and she happily handed over the task.

"Just leave it to me," Pakura nodded confidently, and she quickly left the table, carrying the wooden tray with the empty bowls and glasses towards the kitchen.

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"By the way, who cooked the eggs?" Souta, noticing that Pakura had gone to the kitchen with a light step, finally decided to ask with a curious tone, his eyes following Makima's movements.

"Pakura cooked the eggs... Hehehe, I haven't learned to cook yet," Makima replied with a shy smile, her face slightly flushed, clearly a bit nervous as she admitted it. Makima's eyes seemed to avoid making contact with Souta, as if unsure whether that was a sufficient answer.

"... You can learn later, right?" Souta offered a warm smile, trying to encourage her. His eyes narrowed slightly as he observed how serious Makima was in this conversation.