What is the conflict in the master puppeteer?

In "The Master Puppeteer" by Katherine Paterson, the central conflict revolves around the protagonist, a young boy named Nishimura, who struggles to support his family during a time of poverty and societal upheaval in Japan. As he becomes involved in the world of puppetry, he faces internal conflicts between his dreams and the harsh realities of life, as well as external conflicts involving the oppressive authority of the local government and the challenges posed by rival puppeteers. Nishimura's journey highlights themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the quest for personal identity amidst adversity.