TPMITWON Chapter 45: News About the Puppet Arts Performance Theater

Makima.

Makima's face was slightly puffed up with annoyance, and her arms were crossed in front of her chest. From Makima's expression, it was clear that she had tried several times to call Souta, but the boy was oblivious to her.

"Are you not listening to what I'm saying?" Makima asked in a protesting tone.

Souta blinked a few times, trying to remember what had just been discussed. He was completely unaware of anything.

"I... no. I'm sorry," Souta said with a slightly confused expression. "What did you say earlier?"

Makima let out a long sigh and glanced at the other girl sitting to Souta's right.

The girl, Pakura, did not show the same annoyed expression as Makima, but her gaze was serious. With her short dark green hair and sharp eyes, Pakura looked at Souta attentively.

"You've seemed very busy these past few days, even daydreaming a lot," Pakura said in a flat tone. "What’s really going on?"

Souta paused for a moment. He didn't answer immediately, but his gaze softened a bit. After a while, Souta finally turned to Pakura and expressed what was on his mind.

"I’ve been thinking about how to learn Kugutsu no Jutsu," Souta said directly.

Pakura and Makima looked a bit surprised by that answer.

"Eh? But isn’t that taught in the fourth year?" Makima asked, tilting her head.

Souta nodded slowly. "That's right," he said. "But I want to learn it earlier. Because of that, I've been busy looking for ways to practice creating my own Chakra Threads."

Makima still looked a bit confused, but Pakura nodded in understanding.

Pakura had known Souta for eight months. In that time, she had come to understand the boy's personality quite well. She knew how stubborn Souta could be when it came to things he wanted to learn. If Souta said he wanted to master Kugutsu no Jutsu faster, it meant he would do everything he could to make it happen.

"I see..." Pakura murmured softly. She looked at Souta with a slightly softer gaze and then nodded.

...

...

...

"Kugutsu no Jutsu, huh..." Makima murmured quietly, her eyes narrowing, and her head tilting slightly as if she were recalling something important.

Souta, sitting next to Makima, furrowed his brow. "Yeah, what’s up?" he asked curiously.

Makima sighed before answering, "Near my house, on the way back from the Ninja Academy, there’s a big building called the Puppet Arts Performance Theater. From what I know, that place is used for puppet art performances. If they really use Chakra Threads in their shows, doesn’t that mean you could learn something from them?"

Makima looked directly into Souta's eyes, ensuring he understood her point.

Souta paused for a moment, thinking.

"Yesterday, I saw a notice board in front of that building. It seems they are short on staff. I heard someone at the market say they need people to help with cleaning. This is a great opportunity, isn’t it?" Makima continued enthusiastically.

Souta's eyes widened. He could feel the excitement within him starting to ignite. "Really?!" Souta exclaimed, his voice slightly louder than intended.

Makima chuckled before nodding firmly. "Yes!"

Souta swallowed, trying to calm himself. If what Makima said was true, then this could be a chance for him to get closer to the world of puppet arts and learn about Chakra Threads directly.

"Then, can I work there?" Souta asked, his voice now more controlled, but his enthusiasm was still clear.

"About that, I’m not sure," Makima replied, this time with a more thoughtful expression.