Chapter 4: The Craftsman’s Craft

"Two days have passed since ordering the sign"

I've been working on sorting the books into two categories, good and bad condition, then arranging them on the shelves in alphabetical order by genre. However, it's taking quite a while. The large number of books is one thing, but the trickiest part is sorting them by genre. Novels and picture books are straightforward, but some books have unfamiliar terms, and I have to read a bit to figure out where they belong.

"This looks like a study on poisonous plants. It should go in the flora and fauna section."

I put the book in its place on the shelf and continued with the sorting.

Thinking about the over 1,000 books I still need to sort, I'm starting to feel a bit down. However, when I was about to pick up a new book, I hear a knock on the shop's door.

There's only one person who comes to visit me at this time when the shop isn't even open.

Anyway, I open the door, and there he is as expected.

"Are you busy?"

"Well, sort of. It looks like you don't have the sign with you, though. Did something happen?"

"No, the sign is outside. I think it turned out quite well, but have a look. If you're satisfied, I'll start installing it."

I was a bit worried, thinking he didn't have the sign with him because it wasn't ready yet, but it seems there's no issue.

Following his words, I step outside to check the sign.

There are two signs outside the shop, a large one and a smaller standing one. The standing sign is facing forward, but the large sign is facing the other way, so I can't see it at a glance.

For now, I focus on the standing sign that's visible.

It's a reversible sign with four stable legs. The characters are well-balanced, with 'book' highlighted slightly to make it clear that they deal with books. It's a great standing sign.

Now, I turn my attention to the main shop sign.

"I'm going to flip it over now, so stand back a bit."

Following his instructions, I take a step back. The sign maker places his hand on the lower part of the sign and tosses it upwards.

I'm caught off guard by his sudden action, but I watch as the sign spins in the air.

Perhaps it was easier for him to flip it in the air due to the missing arm?

As I'm pondering this, the sign miraculously lands face-up.

"W-what is this!?"

"How is it? I'm pretty satisfied with how it turned out."

The sign had a rectangular frame, and inside, in regular script, were the characters '古本屋 本の宿' (Used Bookstore Inn). The design was simple, but the wood grain on the frame highlighted the characters inside, making it an excellent sign.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder as I imagined this sign hanging outside my shop.

I had no idea how long I'd been looking at it, but when I turned around, I realized the sign maker had been watching me, not the sign itself.

"Uh... What's the matter?"

"Well, I like seeing the satisfied expression of the person who commissioned the sign. Knowing that my work has brought happiness to someone becomes my motivation. It gives me a sense of purpose to do my best next time. So, I was watching... Is it alright now?"

"I see. Yes, it's perfect. Thank you!"

"Alright, I'll start installing it then."

With these words, he had about ten nails in his mouth and used his foot to kick the sign nearly a meter above his head. Simultaneously, he spat the nails out, driving them into ten almost invisible spots on the sign, securing it in place. While a few nails weren't entirely flush, it didn't seem to affect its stability.

He jumped up to the eaves and used a hammer to complete the installation. In no time at all, the sign was securely in place, and my shop, '古本屋 本の宿' (Used Bookstore Inn), was finally complete.

"My shop... I'll do my best."

"This is the only used bookstore in Konoha, so you'll get some customers. Just do your best. As for the payment..."

"Right, it's 3,300 ryo, correct?"

"Exactly."

I took the payment from my wallet and handed it to him. It felt like a small price to pay for such a wonderful sign.

Without counting the money, he simply said, "Thanks as always," and started to leave.

I felt it would be rude not to express my gratitude to someone who had done more than just create a sign for me. So I raised my voice and spoke to his back.

"Thank you for making such a wonderful sign!"

While he didn't stop walking, he turned around and lazily raised his hand in response to my words.

If by some chance, in this vast yet small village of Konoha, we ever meet again, I'll treat him to a meal as a token of my appreciation. As I thought about that, I returned to the shop and resumed sorting the books.

Maybe it was the excitement of the new sign, but before I knew it, I had been working for nearly three hours straight. My focus had improved, and there were only a few unsorted books left.

"With this, I should be able to open the shop tomorrow. Well, I don't plan on advertising, so I doubt many customers will come."

Besides, I won't have much free time in the shop unless customers show up. I plan to spend most of my time reading the textbooks used in the ninja academy.

I don't know why there are ninja academy textbooks here, but I assume it's some considerate gesture by the administrator.

With thoughts of the content of the ninja academy's textbooks that I hadn't finished reading yet, I continued organizing the books, and by the time the day changed, I had finally finished tidying up.