TPMITWON Chapter 23: Practicing Chakra Control Using Leaves

Souta's eyes widened slightly, and a memory flashed in his mind. "Ah! That's right!" Souta said excitedly. He suddenly remembered that this training method had indeed been shown in the anime Naruto.

Without hesitation, Souta took a leaf from Pakura's hand and immediately pressed it to his forehead. However, as soon as Souta removed his fingers, the leaf fell off.

Souta stared at the leaf with vacant eyes, then sighed. "It seems this will be harder than I thought..." Souta murmured.

Souta tried again. He pressed the leaf on his forehead and then channeled Chakra to hold the leaf in place. However, each time he did this, the leaf still fell.

Fifteen minutes passed with no results. However, on yet another attempt, something finally changed. For the first time, the leaf stayed in place for two seconds before falling again.

Souta gasped and then smiled slightly. "I'm starting to understand how it works..."

Souta's enthusiasm reignited. He kept trying, repeating and repeating, gradually improving his control over Chakra.

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Time passed quickly. The sun that had been hanging high in the sky had now turned into an orange hue. Souta continued to practice, and finally, he managed to keep the leaf on his forehead for thirty seconds.

However, before Souta could try further, Pakura's voice interrupted him.

"That's enough. Let's call it a day."

Souta turned, slightly out of breath. "Huh? Why?" Souta asked with a confused expression.

Pakura glanced at the sky. "Do you still need to ask? Look, it's already evening. We'll continue tomorrow."

Souta lifted his head and saw the sky had changed color. He paused for a moment and then smiled faintly. "Ah! Sorry, I was so focused that I didn't notice..."

Pakura just sighed lightly before turning and starting to walk away. "Alright, let's head back."

Souta quickly followed behind Pakura. They walked side by side, taking the same path as yesterday.

Along the way, Souta observed the atmosphere around them. Just like the day before, several people seemed to be out for dinner. The aroma of food wafted through the air, tempting Souta's stomach, which was starting to feel empty. Souta briefly thought about asking Pakura if she would also go out to eat, but after reconsidering, he chose to remain silent.

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After walking for a while, Souta and Pakura finally arrived at the apartment building where they lived. The building was simple, with walls made of the characteristic sandstone of Sunagakure, looking sturdy yet slightly dull from the constant desert winds carrying grains of sand. A narrow stone staircase led to the upper floor, where their rooms were located.

Pakura ascended the stairs first with a calm stride, her movements graceful yet firm. Souta followed behind, watching how Pakura's orange hair fluttered slightly each time the desert wind blew through the gaps in the building.

When they reached the second floor, Pakura stopped in front of her room door. Before entering, she turned to Souta, who was still standing in the corridor.

"Thank you for today," Souta said, his voice sounding sincere, accompanied by a faint smile.

"You're welcome," Pakura replied in a flat tone, and without much more conversation, she opened the door and entered her room.

Souta watched this and smiled slightly before finally entering his own room. Once inside, Souta immediately took off his slightly dusty outer robe and walked to the bathroom to clean himself after a day of activities.

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After finishing his shower, Souta felt refreshed. He walked over to his bedroom window and pulled aside the slightly dusty thin curtain. The night air in Sunagakure felt cooler compared to the scorching daytime. The night sky stretched wide, adorned with twinkling stars that seemed to shimmer among the thin clouds.