The bustling streets of Sunagakure were alive with activity, a sea of people flowing through the vibrant marketplace. The air was filled with the harmonious sounds of vendors shouting their wares, children laughing, and the occasional clatter of carts. Stalls displayed an array of goods, from colorful fabrics to exotic spices, creating a kaleidoscope of sights and smells.
Han felt overwhelmed, his eyes darting from one stall to another. This was his first time entering Sunagakure, and compared to Iwagakure, it felt far livelier, more dynamic, and full of energy.
"Oh! It's Master Bunpuku! Hello, hello!"
"Master Bunpuku, good day!"
"Out shopping today, Master Bunpuku?"
"Yes, just picking up a few things."
"Ah, Master Bunpuku, come here! I've got fresh apples from the Moon Lake District. Take some—they're as fresh as they come."
"Oh, no need, no need. You're too kind. Thank you for your generosity."
Han noticed that Bunpuku was extremely popular in Sunagakure. Almost everyone greeted him warmly, from young children to elderly villagers. Some even handed him food as offerings, which Bunpuku accepted graciously before passing them on to Han. Before long, Han's arms were overflowing with fruits and vegetables.
"Grandpa Bunpuku! Grandpa Bunpuku!"
A group of children suddenly ran up, clutching plush dolls of Shukaku or wearing masks modeled after the tailed beast.
"Amitabha, little ones. What brings you here?"
Bunpuku's face radiated kindness.
One boy, his nose dripping, mustered the courage to speak timidly:
"Can we see Shukaku? We really like him."
"Yes, can we see him?"
"Please, Master Bunpuku, just for a moment!"
The children's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Ah, so that's what you want."
Bunpuku pondered briefly.
Suddenly, his expression changed. Half of his face transformed into sand, revealing Shukaku's ferocious visage and sharp fangs.
He let out a thunderous growl.
But instead of fear, the children erupted into cheers and applause.
"Shukaku is the best!"
Even Shukaku seemed pleased, letting out a laugh that sounded like scraping the bottom of a pot.
The children were ecstatic, clapping and shouting in delight.
Han was stunned. What's wrong with these people? Aren't they afraid of tailed beasts?
Bunpuku led Han to a small shop with a sign that read "Spicy Hotpot."
The shop was modest in size but bustling with customers. Every seat was taken. When the patrons saw Bunpuku enter, they quickly stood up to greet him, and Bunpuku returned their gestures with a polite bow.
One diner, wearing a whirlpool-patterned mask, hurriedly finished his meal and mumbled through a mouthful of food:
"Here, Master Bunpuku, take my seat. I'm done and need to get back to work."
Bunpuku smiled and bowed slightly.
"Thank you. Sorry for the trouble."
He then pointed to the wall of ingredients and said to Han:
"Grab a basket. Pick whatever you'd like to eat, and the owner will cook it for you."
Han looked at the wall, which was filled with a variety of options—meatballs, skewers, vegetables, tofu, and more. Eagerly, he began grabbing items at random, quickly filling his basket to the brim.
Bunpuku didn't intervene, selecting only some cabbage and wood ear mushrooms for himself.
"I know, I know. Clear broth for you, Master Bunpuku—no beef oil, I promise."
The owner was enthusiastic, clearly accustomed to Bunpuku's preferences.
Soon, two steaming bowls of hotpot were brought to their table.
Han sniffed deeply, the aroma intoxicating. He quickly picked up a beef meatball and popped it into his mouth.
The meatball fell back into the bowl, splashing broth everywhere, eliciting laughter from the surrounding diners.
"It's very hot. Don't rush—take your time."
Bunpuku wiped his face and calmly picked up a piece of wood ear mushroom, blowing on it before eating. Han imitated him and was soon captivated by the spicy, savory flavors. He dug in enthusiastically, devouring his meal.
Before long, Han was stuffed to the brim.
"That was delicious! Burp! I'm so full."
Han patted his rounded belly, letting out a satisfied burp.
The owner refused payment, but Bunpuku insisted:
"If you don't take my money, you're telling me not to come back."
Reluctantly, the owner accepted.
After their meal, the two strolled leisurely back to the Sand Temple, letting their food digest. By the time they arrived, it was already evening.
Back at the temple, Han's stomach had settled, and he watched Bunpuku meditating before the Buddha statue, lost in thought.
"Master Bunpuku, why do the villagers respect you so much instead of fearing you?"
Han finally voiced the question that had been on his mind.
"Heh heh, they used to be afraid, but not anymore—not in recent years."
Bunpuku turned and smiled.
Bunpuku replied calmly:
"The villagers were never truly afraid of me. They feared Shukaku."
"Of course—I know that. But now they don't fear Shukaku either."
"That's right. It's because Shukaku no longer harms them. Instead, he protects and helps them."
"No way! Shukaku looks so fierce."
"Heh heh, that's just his appearance. Shukaku is actually quite lovable."
Bunpuku chuckled and continued:
"Over the years, the Third Kazekage has worked hard to develop the village. Shukaku and I have helped the villagers by building bridges and roads, among other things. Through these interactions, they've come to accept us. Fear has turned into understanding. To me, tailed beasts are not monsters."
"Tailed beasts can be ?"
"Why not? As I've said before, tailed beasts are like people—they need care and recognition. If we change our perceptions, humans and tailed beasts can coexist peacefully. If your heart is filled with resentment, the world will seem full of resentment. If your heart is filled with hatred, the world will seem full of hatred. But if your heart is filled with love, the world will seem full of love."
"If your heart is filled with love, the world will seem full of love..."
Han murmured to himself.
Aside from the few years his mother was alive, Han had never truly experienced love. It was intangible, invisible, yet he could sense it in the eyes of Sunagakure's villagers. Love seemed like a wonderful thing—something he wanted to have.
"Master Bunpuku, can you teach me? I... I want to learn."
Han's words were clumsy, but Bunpuku understood perfectly.
"Of course. But this is like eating hotpot—you have to take it slow."
Bunpuku nodded with a smile.
Han bowed deeply to Bunpuku.
"I don't mind the trouble. Master, please accept me as your disciple."
"Haha, you're a promising student. Let's begin with an initiation ceremony."
Bunpuku pulled out a razor from seemingly nowhere.
"Huh? What ceremony? Master, why are you holding a razor?"
"Shaving your head, of course."
"What? Can we skip that part?"
Before Han could protest further, Bunpuku swiftly shaved a strip of hair off his head.
"Oops, you spoke too late, and my hand was too quick. Well, there's no fixing it now—might as well shave it all off. Otherwise, it'll look ridiculous."
"Sigh... Fine, shave it then."
Han sighed in resignation.
From that day forward, the Sand Temple gained a new young monk.
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