TPMITWON Chapter 6: Souta Waits

There wasn't much sunlight directly hitting the ground, making the sand beneath Souta's feet feel cooler than what he usually stepped on in the village streets.

This courtyard wasn't very large, but it couldn't be called cramped either. It was an open space surrounded on three sides by buildings, leaving only one direction open to the street from which Souta had come.

With the tall stone walls surrounding it, this place felt like a small oasis protected from the scorching heat of Sunagakure.

The cool morning air slowly began to change. The sun rose higher, and the dry wind typical of Sunagakure started to blow, carrying small grains of sand that rustled along the streets. Although not as strong as a sandstorm, this wind was enough to make someone squint and pull their collar tighter.

Yet, this place remained quiet.

There were no sounds of merchants offering their goods. No sounds of children playing. No bustling village noise like what was usually heard in Konohagakure.

And it was at that moment that Souta became aware again.

Sunagakure was indeed a poor village.

Compared to other larger villages, the population of Sunagakure was much smaller. This was not only due to its arid and inhospitable terrain but also because life here was too harsh.

Kumogakure, despite being in a mountainous area, still had land for farming and livestock. Kirigakure was surrounded by the sea, giving them access to fish and other seafood. And Konohagakure? No need to ask. That village was the most fertile of them all, surrounded by dense forests with land rich in resources.

But Sunagakure? Sand.

Just sand as far as the eye could see.

This land couldn't be cultivated, water sources were very limited, and trade with other countries was not always reliable. That's why the population of Sunagakure was smaller compared to other villages. Although it wasn't completely empty, it was still hard to say that this was a 'lively' village.

And due to the limited resources, life here was tough.

If someone wanted to survive in Sunagakure, there were two main options: trade or become a ninja.

Trading could earn money, but not everyone had goods to trade.

Becoming a ninja could provide a decent income, but that job was full of risks and there weren't always missions available. If conditions worsened, many ninjas were forced to remain unemployed for long periods, or—in the worst-case scenario—forced to take on missions that were far more dangerous than they should be.

That was the reality of Sunagakure.

Souta clenched his fists tightly. He didn't want to live like that.

Souta didn't want to live in uncertainty, always depending on circumstances.

Souta wanted to be stronger. Souta wanted to survive.

And the only way to do that was to learn to use chakra.

Souta's gaze returned to Pakura, who was still meditating peacefully in the shadow of the building.

If there was someone who could teach Souta, it was Pakura.

But...

Souta bit his lip, feeling hesitant for a moment.

Would Pakura be willing to teach him?

Souta was nobody. He had no great name, no connections to anyone. Just an ordinary boy in the midst of this harsh Sunagakure.

However... if Souta didn't ask, he would never know the answer.

Souta took a deep breath, trying to calm his anxiety.

He then decided to wait.

Souta would not disturb Pakura while she was meditating. But once the opportunity arose, he would try to ask.

With his determination growing stronger, Souta stood still in his place, patiently waiting in the shadow of the building, hoping that Pakura would provide the answer he sought.