TPMITWON Chapter 5: Souta's Decision to Ask

Souta's mind drifted to various possibilities. This world was not just a fantasy or a story he had ever watched. It was a harsh reality, a place where death could come at any moment. If Souta did not have power, sooner or later, he would just become forgotten dust in this desert.

Slowly, Souta stepped forward, looking at the view of Sunagakure Village. His gaze swept over the landscape of Sunagakure from the second floor of his small apartment.

This village... is truly sad.

The standing buildings looked simple, made of sand and clay arranged into dome-shaped and square houses. Most of them had already eroded due to the constant sandstorms that plagued this village.

The streets were filled with sand blown by the wind, and only a few people were seen passing by, most of them wearing long robes and head coverings to protect themselves from the scorching sun.

Compared to other villages in the Naruto world, Sunagakure was clearly the weakest and the poorest. There were not many resources, the land was barren, and the climate was harsh. Souta truly could not understand how the people here managed to survive.

However, amidst the desolate scenery, Souta's eyes caught sight of a figure that piqued his interest.

Not far from Souta's apartment, in a small yard surrounded by low walls, a girl was sitting cross-legged on the ground, her back straight, and her hands resting on her thighs. Her eyes were closed, and her face looked so serene.

Pakura.

Souta recognized her immediately. Pakura's distinctive green hair was tied into a high bun with long hairpins piercing through it, with several strands of long and short hair with orange tips framing her face. Pakura's rather revealing clothing showcased her petite athletic body, but what caught the most attention was the atmosphere surrounding Pakura.

Souta observed closely. There was something vaguely flowing around Pakura's body, something invisible but palpable.

Chakra...! Pakura can use chakra!

Souta's heart raced. If Pakura could use chakra, it meant Souta had a chance to learn. This was the world of ninjas, and chakra was everything. If Souta could not use it, then he would have no hope of survival.

However, even as hope surged within Souta, a doubt began to emerge.

"Will Pakura teach me?"

From what Souta remembered in the original Naruto story, Pakura was not someone who was easy to approach. Especially for Souta, who always felt awkward when facing others.

Souta bit his lip, his hands clenched tightly. He had to do it. If he wanted to survive in this world, he had to find a way to become strong.

With determination growing stronger, Souta stepped down from his apartment, carefully descending the stairs to avoid making noise. The dry morning air greeted him as soon as he stepped outside.

The sand whispered beneath his feet as Souta walked slowly toward the yard where Pakura was meditating. The closer he got, the clearer it became how focused the girl was.

The shadow of the tall buildings protected Pakura's small body from the scorching sun, providing shade that made her look like an unshakeable statue.

Souta swallowed hard.

He remained silent. Although Pakura had opened her eyes and glanced in Souta's direction, she did not say anything. Pakura simply took a slow breath, then closed her eyes again, continuing her meditation as if Souta's presence was not something to be acknowledged.

And Souta understood. Pakura did not want to be disturbed.

Souta chose to remain standing in his place, just observing Pakura from a distance while waiting.

The shadow of the tall buildings around the yard made the air here cooler than in other parts of Sunagakure.