Another World

The capital of the Land of Fire was far more prosperous than Konan had imagined.

She stood on a wide main road, her gaze sweeping over the rows of shops on either side, the endless stream of people, and all the wondrous things she had never seen before. Waves of emotion stirred within her.

If only the Land of Rain and Amegakure could one day enjoy a sight like this.

Konan gathered her thoughts and continued down the street.

The log mentioned that Fujikaze Yukie was an actress. Konan didn't understand exactly what an actress did, but judging by the name, it was probably a profession related to performing—more or less like a geisha. She just had to find the place where Yukie performed, and she would be able to find her.

After making a few inquiries, Konan followed directions from passersby to a certain location.

A movie theater. So that was what they called the place where actors performed.

It was an imposing, three-story building. Several enormous posters were plastered across its cream-colored exterior walls, each brightly displaying a different promotional image.

Konan stopped at the entrance, her gaze drawn to one poster in particular.

At its center stood a girl in a gorgeous kimono, her long black hair cascading down like a waterfall. Her brows were slightly furrowed, giving her a melancholy air, but her eyes were exceptionally resolute.

The poster bore large, eye-catching red lettering: "Princess Gale Chronicles—Starring: Fujikaze Yukie."

"It must be her."

Konan stepped slowly inside the theater.

The spacious lobby had polished marble floors that gleamed like mirrors. Elegant paintings hung on the walls, and several leather sofas sat in the lounge area, where quite a few patrons were already waiting.

"What should I do now?"

Konan thought it over carefully. Geishas mainly entertained their clients through dancing, singing, and playing instruments. If someone wanted to book a famous geisha, they usually had to pay extra. Actors... were probably much the same.

Her gaze swept around the lobby. Directly opposite the entrance was a counter with the words "Ticket Office" hanging above it.

As soon as Konan approached, a young woman at the counter came over with an enthusiastic smile. "Hello! How can I help you?"

"I want to meet Fujikaze Yukie. How do I buy a ticket?"

At the sound of that name, the young woman's eyes lit up.

"So you're a fan of Miss Yukie too?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with excitement. "You're just in time! Miss Yukie's new movie is showing today. It's Princess Gale Chronicles, and I hear it's going to be the start of a whole series!"

A fan? What did that word mean?

Judging by the woman's expression, it probably meant an admirer of Fujikaze Yukie. Perhaps Konan could make use of that.

So Konan gave a slight nod. "Yes. One ticket, please."

The young woman worked the machine on the counter, then handed her a ticket. "Five hundred ryō."

Konan paused, slightly surprised. Was it really... this cheap?

"Your seat is in the center section on the second floor. It has the best view. The movie starts in ten minutes, so you can head in now. Enjoy the show!"

Taking the ticket, Konan turned and walked toward the screening room. She stepped inside, and the space opened up before her. Rows of seats rose in tiers toward the back, while a huge white screen hung at the front, faintly glowing in the dim light.

Quite a few people were already seated, chatting quietly in small groups. A sweet scent drifted through the air. The food was called popcorn, she thought.

Konan found her seat and sat down, unable to resist looking around.

Seeing the theater packed, she finally understood why the tickets were so cheap. But the stage in front of her was so limited in size that she couldn't help wondering how the actors managed to perform in such cramped quarters.

As she pondered this, the lights in the theater gradually went out, and images began to appear on the screen.

Konan's eyes widened in surprise. "So... this is what a movie is?"

Had the world beyond the shinobi really changed this much?

The image of Amegakure flashed through her mind. It was hard to imagine that these two places belonged to the same world. And in the even more distant future, Amegakure would become worse still.

"Phew..."

Konan steadied her breathing and continued watching.

The story in the movie was simple. It told how a princess, caught up in a war, grew from an innocent girl into a warrior who fought for her country.

Just as people said, Fujikaze Yukie's acting was truly superb. No wonder she had become a hugely popular star in the Land of Fire in only a year. Her portrayal of the princess was especially renowned for its authenticity.

"Princess..."

Konan heard the discussion beside her.

Those viewers probably had no idea that Fujikaze Yukie was a princess herself. The seemingly flawless performance they admired was simply the life she had once lived.

The lights in the screening room came back on, and thunderous applause echoed through the space. The audience rose and filed out, but Konan remained seated, just as before. She stayed there until the last patron had left and a cleaner pushed a cart of supplies into the room.

"Miss, the screening is over. Why are you still here?" the worker asked in confusion.

Konan looked up at him. "Doesn't Fujikaze Yukie come to this theater?"

"Of course not." He chuckled. "Why would an actress come to a movie theater?"

"Then how can I meet her?"

"Well..." The worker scratched his head awkwardly. "To be honest, actors are usually very busy. It's especially hard to meet a big star like Miss Yukie..."

His words abruptly trailed off. His eyes grew unfocused, and his entire body stiffened like a puppet.

Konan used genjutsu to hypnotize him, then asked, "How can I meet Fujikaze Yukie?"

"Actors usually have managers who arrange their schedules and work. The theater only contacts their managers. Our boss might have their contact information."

"Where is your boss?"

"The office on the third floor." The worker raised a stiff hand and pointed upstairs.

A few minutes later, Konan stood outside her target's door.

Inside the office, a middle-aged man was bent over his desk, writing furiously. When he heard the door open, he looked up, a surprised expression on his face.

"Who are you? This is a private office. Unauthorized visitors aren't allowed. Patrons should go to the screening rooms downstairs."

Konan formed Hand Seals. She wasn't skilled at genjutsu, but it was more than enough to deal with an ordinary person.

"I need Fujikaze Yukie's contact information, or her manager's."

The middle-aged man blankly opened a drawer, took out a small notebook, and flipped it open to a page.

"This is the contact information and address for Fujikaze Yukie's manager, Asama Sandayu," he mumbled.

Konan walked over and memorized all the important details. As she turned to leave, she paused in the doorway and looked back. "You won't remember that I came here. After I leave, you'll carry on with your work as if nothing happened."

The moment the door closed, the middle-aged man shuddered and looked around in confusion.

"Strange..." he murmured, his eyes returning to the papers on his desk. "Why did I suddenly lose focus?"