Another World

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

She stood on a wide main thoroughfare, her gaze sweeping over the rows of bustling shops, the endless stream of people, and the myriad novelties she had never seen before, causing ripples of emotion to stir within her heart.

If only the Land of Rain and Amegakure could one day possess such a scene.

Konan pulled back her thoughts and continued along the street.

The log mentioned that Fujikaze Yukie was an actress. Though she did not fully understand what an actress was, she guessed from the name that it was a profession related to performance, likely similar to a geisha; as long as she found the venue where she performed, she would find her.

After some inquiries, Konan followed the directions of a passerby and arrived in front of a certain location.

A cinema. So, the place where actors performed was called by this name.

It was an imposing three-story building with several giant posters plastered across its cream-colored exterior walls, each displaying different promotional art in vivid colors.

Konan paused at the entrance, her gaze firmly captured by one of the posters.

In the center of the poster was a young girl dressed in a gorgeous kimono, her long, raven-black hair cascading down like a waterfall. A hint of melancholy lingered between her slightly furrowed brows, yet her eyes were exceptionally resolute.

Bold red characters on the poster read: "Princess Gale Chronicles — Starring: Fujikaze Yukie."

This must be her.

Konan stepped slowly into the cinema.

The spacious lobby was paved with polished marble tiles, exquisite decorative paintings hung on the surrounding walls, and several sets of leather sofas were placed in the lounge area, where many patrons were already waiting.

What should I do next?

Konan thought it over carefully. Geishas primarily provided performance services to guests through dance, song, and music. If one wanted to request a famous geisha, it usually required extra payment; an actress... should be similar, right?

Scanning her surroundings, she spotted a counter directly opposite the entrance with the words "Ticket Office" hanging above it.

As soon as Konan approached the counter, a young receptionist immediately greeted her enthusiastically: "Hello, is there anything I can help you with?"

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

Hearing that name, the receptionist's eyes instantly sparkled.

"Oh, so you're a fan of Miss Yukie too?!" she said, her tone rising with excitement. "You've come at the perfect time! Miss Yukie's new movie is showing today—it's 'Princess Gale Chronicles,' and they say it's the start of a series!"

A fan? What does that word mean?

Judging by the other person's expression, it likely referred to an admirer of Fujikaze Yukie, an identity she might be able to utilize.

With that, Konan nodded slightly: "Yes, give me a ticket."

The receptionist operated the machine on the counter and handed over a slip: "Five hundred ryo."

Konan was slightly taken aback. It was... actually this cheap?

"Your seat is in the central area of the second floor; it has the best view. The movie starts in ten minutes, so you can go in now. Enjoy the show!"

Taking the ticket, Konan turned and walked toward the screening hall. Stepping inside, the space opened up before her; rows of seats extended upward in tiers, and a massive white screen hung directly ahead, shimmering in the dim light.

Many audience members were already seated, chatting in low voices in small groups, and a sweet fragrance drifted through the air—that food was apparently called popcorn.

Konan found her seat and sat down, unable to help but look around.

Seeing the packed house, she finally understood why the ticket price was so low. Yet, looking at the limited stage space in front, she couldn't help but feel puzzled: in such a cramped venue, how could an actor perform?

As she pondered, the lights in the hall dimmed one by one, and images began to appear on the screen.

Konan widened her eyes in surprise: "So... this is what a movie is?"

Had the world outside the ninja villages really become like this?

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

"Haa..."

Konan steadied her breathing and continued to watch the film.

The story in the movie was simple, detailing how a princess, due to war, grew from an innocent and carefree girl into a warrior fighting for her country.

Just as people had said, Fujikaze Yukie's performance was indeed outstanding; it was no wonder she had become a red-hot star in the Land of Fire in just one year. Her portrayal of the princess, in particular, was famous for its realism.

"Princess..."

Konan heard the discussions around her.

The audience likely had no idea that Fujikaze Yukie was actually a princess of a nation herself; the flawless performance they saw was merely her past daily life.

The lights in the screening hall came back on, and thunderous applause echoed through the space. Then, the audience began to rise and leave, but Konan remained seated until the last person had departed and a cleaner pushed a utility cart inside.

"Miss, the screening is over. Why are you still here?" the staff member asked, puzzled.

Konan looked up at him: "Does Fujikaze Yukie not come to this cinema?"

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

"Then how can I see her?"

"Well..." The staff member scratched his head in embarrassment. "To be honest, actors are usually very busy, especially big stars like Miss Yukie. It's very hard to see her..."

His words suddenly cut off, his gaze gradually unfocused, and he stood frozen in place like a puppet.

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

"Actors usually have agents to arrange their schedules and work, and the theater typically only communicates with the agents. Our boss might have the contact information."

"Where is your boss?"

"In the office area on the third floor." The staff member dazedly raised a hand to point upstairs.

A few minutes later, Konan appeared outside the target door.

Inside the office, a middle-aged man was hunched over his desk writing furiously. Hearing the sound of the door opening, he looked up, a look of surprise appearing on his face.

"Who are you? This is a private office, unauthorized personnel are not allowed. Audience members should go to the screening hall downstairs."

Konan formed hand seals. Although she was not skilled in genjutsu, it was more than enough to deal with an ordinary person.

"I need Fujikaze Yukie, or the contact information for her agent."

The middle-aged man pulled open a drawer with a vacant gaze, took out a small notebook, opened it, and pointed to one of the pages.

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

Konan walked over and noted down all the key information. As she turned to leave, she paused at the door and looked back: "You will not remember that I was here. After I leave, you will continue your work as if nothing ever happened."

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

"Strange..." he whispered to himself, his gaze falling back onto the documents on his desk, "Why did I suddenly zone out?"