Chapter 50: Another World
The Fire Country capital exceeded anything Konan had imagined.
She stood on a wide main thoroughfare, her gaze sweeping across the countless shops lining both sides, the constant flow of people, and strange new things she'd never seen before. Each sight sent ripples through her thoughts.
If only the Land of Rain, Hidden Rain Village, could have something like this someday.
Konan pushed the thought aside and continued down the street.
The journal mentioned that Fuji Kazue was an actress. She didn't fully understand what that meant, but judging by the name, it seemed related to performance. Perhaps similar to geisha. If she found where this actress performed, she'd find the woman herself.
After some inquiry, following directions from locals, Konan arrived at a specific location.
Movie theater. So that's what they called the place where actors performed.
The building stood three stories tall and impressive. Its cream-colored exterior walls displayed several massive posters, each showing different promotional artwork in vivid colors.
Konan paused at the entrance, her attention drawn to one particular poster.
At its center was a young woman wearing an elegant kimono. Her long black hair cascaded down like a waterfall. Her slightly furrowed brow carried traces of melancholy, yet her eyes held remarkable determination.
Bold red text declared: Princess Gale Chronicles - Starring: Fuji Kazue
"That should be her."
Konan stepped into the theater's interior.
The spacious lobby featured polished marble floors that reflected light like mirrors. Decorative paintings hung on the surrounding walls. The waiting area held several sets of leather sofas, already occupied by numerous waiting patrons.
"What should I do next?"
Konan considered carefully. Geisha primarily provided entertainment through dance, singing, and musical performance. If you wanted a specific famous geisha, you typically paid extra. Actors should work similarly, right?
She scanned her surroundings. Directly opposite the entrance stood a counter with a sign reading Ticket Sales.
The moment Konan approached, a young woman behind the counter greeted her enthusiastically. "Hello! How can I help you?"
"I want to see Fuji Kazue. How do I buy a ticket?"
At the name, the attendant's eyes lit up.
"Oh, you're a fan of Kazue too?" Her voice rose with excitement. "Your timing is perfect! Her new movie is premiering today - Princess Gale Chronicles. They say it's the beginning of an entire series!"
Fan? What did that word mean?
Based on the woman's expression, it probably referred to someone who admired Fuji Kazue. An identity she might be able to use.
Konan nodded slightly. "Yes. One ticket, please."
The attendant operated a machine on the counter, then handed over a ticket stub. "Five hundred ryo."
Konan hesitated. That's... incredibly cheap?
"Your seat is in the second floor central section - the best view in the house. The movie starts in ten minutes. You can head in now. Enjoy the show!"
Taking the ticket, Konan turned toward the screening room. Upon entering, the space opened before her. A vast area held rows of seats arranged in ascending tiers, extending upward. At the front hung an enormous white screen, glowing faintly in the dim lighting.
The room already held many patrons, conversing in small groups. A sweet aroma filled the air - some food called popcorn, apparently.
Konan found her seat and sat down, surveying her surroundings.
Seeing the packed house, she finally understood why tickets cost so little. But looking at the limited stage space ahead, confusion arose. How could actors perform in such cramped quarters?
While she pondered this, the lights gradually dimmed. Images began appearing on the screen.
Konan's eyes widened in surprise. "So that's what a movie is?"
Had the world beyond ninja changed this much already?
Her mind flashed to Hidden Rain Village. Hard to believe these two places existed in the same world. And in the even more distant future, Rain Village would become even worse.
Konan steadied her breathing and continued watching.
The movie's story was simple. It told of a princess who, because of war, grew from an innocent young girl into a warrior fighting for her country.
As people said, Fuji Kazue's performance was truly exceptional. No wonder she'd become such a sensation in the Fire Country in just one year. The princess she portrayed was especially famous for seeming real.
"Princess..."
Konan overheard nearby discussions.
These audience members would never imagine that Fuji Kazue actually was a princess from another country. What they saw as flawless acting was simply her everyday life, once upon a time.
The screening room lights returned. Thunderous applause echoed through the space. Patrons began standing and filing out. Only Konan remained seated, waiting until the last audience member departed and cleaning staff entered with their carts.
"Miss, the screening ended. Why are you still here?" the worker asked, puzzled.
Konan looked up at him. "Won't Fuji Kazue come to this theater?"
"Of course not." He laughed. "Why would an actor come to a movie theater?"
"Then how can I meet her?"
"Well..." The worker scratched his head awkwardly. "Honestly, actors are usually very busy. Especially big stars like Miss Kazue. They're very hard to meet..."
His words cut off abruptly. His eyes glazed over, his entire body freezing in place like a puppet.
Konan used a genjutsu to hypnotize him, then asked, "How can I meet Fuji Kazue?"
"Actors usually have managers who arrange their schedules and work. Theaters typically only contact the managers. Our boss might have contact information."
"Where is your boss?"
"Third floor office area." The worker raised his hand stiffly, pointing upward.
Several minutes later, Konan appeared outside her target's door.
Inside the office, a middle-aged man hunched over paperwork. Hearing the door open, he looked up, surprise crossing his face.
"Who are you? This is a private office. No unauthorized entry. Patrons should go to the screening rooms downstairs."
Konan formed hand seals. Though she wasn't skilled at genjutsu, dealing with ordinary people posed no challenge.
"I need contact information for Fuji Kazue or her manager."
The middle-aged man's gaze went blank. He pulled open a drawer, extracted a small notebook, and flipped it open, pointing to one page.
"This is Fuji Kazue's manager, Sandayu Asama. Contact information and address." His voice came out monotone.
Konan approached and memorized the key information. As she turned to leave, she paused at the doorway. "You won't remember I was here. After I leave, you'll continue your work as if nothing happened."
The instant the door closed, the middle-aged man shuddered. He looked around in confusion.
"Strange..." he muttered, his gaze returning to the documents on his desk. "Why did I space out just now?"
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