Shisui's Strange Experience (Part Two)

Ren certainly had an ulterior motive behind his actions, and that was, of course, to integrate himself into Konoha.

The Uchiha Clan had made enormous sacrifices for Konoha during every Great Shinobi War, yet no one ever saw it.

The loss of friends and family only made the Uchiha more reticent. The proud Uchiha Clan disdained to offer explanations or clamor for credit. When faced with the mockery of villagers who didn't know the truth, the Uchiha's retaliation was blunt and direct: they would beat the offenders up and toss them into the Konoha Military Police Force for brawling.

As a result, the villagers of Konoha felt no gratitude toward the Uchiha; they simply found the Uchiha annoying.

Ren was willing to explain, willing to claim credit, and willing to let the villagers know about the Uchiha's contributions to Konoha.

The tragic part was that, as a member of the Uchiha, no one would believe a word he said.

Public opinion was a powerful weapon, but to wield it, one needed an audience willing to listen.

The striking good looks of the Uchiha Clan showed him a possibility; the principle that one's values follow their aesthetics held true in the Shinobi World as well.

In his past life, even highly educated people would argue until they were red in the face for their idols. Creating a group of idols from the Uchiha Clan was the fastest and most effective way to change the villagers' perceptions.

Acting like a performer in front of commoners was something most ninjas, let alone the proud Uchiha, could not accept—at least, not until they realized the power of an idol.

That was why Ren chose Shisui. He wasn't as arrogant as most Uchiha, and more importantly, Shisui was his friend!

For the time being, no one could guess what was on Ren's mind.

As the music stopped, Shisui's dancing figure came to an abrupt halt.

With the end of the dance, Shisui felt extremely unaccustomed to the gazes of the crowd, most of whom looked as if they wanted to devour him.

However, there was no hostility or disgust in those fervent eyes. Shisui's heart, which had been hanging in his throat, finally settled, and even his internal sense of shame diminished significantly.

"Dance again!"

"I want to keep watching, do it one more time."

"So beautiful, I want more."

The crowd's enthusiasm threatened to drown him.

Shisui didn't start the next performance immediately, instead recalling the special training Ren had put him through yesterday.

"Ren, what does this 'idol' thing even mean?"

"An idol means a powerhouse."

"Then what about this part? Why do I have to say I have no money?"

"Do you really have money? You've been on missions for half a year; have you received your mission pay?"

"I did, but my teammates sacrificed themselves for me, so I gave my share to their families."

"So, have you earned a single cent in the last half-year?"

"No, but my grandfather has money."

"Your grandfather's money is your grandfather's money. You have no money, Shisui."

"But if I don't say anything, no one will watch my performance. Even if they do, if I ask them for money, they might be unhappy. Besides, it feels like begging."

"There are no 'buts.' People will definitely watch you. As for giving you money, they'll actually be happier. You don't understand the mindset of a fan, Shisui. Listen to me!"

"What is a fan? And are you sure this isn't just begging?"

"Why do you ask so many questions? Think about your ideals, Shisui!"

Ren hadn't answered directly. Was it begging? Perhaps. But Shisui, since we're friends, I'll never tell you that.

Seeing Ren fall silent, Shisui knew he wouldn't get any more out of him. "I understand, Ren."

"If you understand, then hurry up and memorize your lines!" Ren roared.

The sound of Shisui reciting echoed through the training ground.

"No, there's no emotion! Do it again!"

"No, it's too exaggerated! Do it again!"

"You have to put your heart into it! Do it again!"

"Ren, I hope you aren't lying to me." Shisui cleared his throat.

"Did everyone enjoy the dance just now?"

"We loved it!"

"I absolutely adore it!"

"It was amazing!"

"I will sing a song for you all, but before that, I would like to say a few words."

Shisui said with a shy expression, "My name is Uchiha Shisui. I was born in the 42nd year of Konoha, and I am 15 years old this year. I am a Konoha ninja, and also an idol who has just debuted after two and a half days of practice."

"Ah! I'm in love!"

"He looks so cute when he's shy."

"..."

Shisui ignored the surrounding voices and said calmly, "I was born into the Uchiha Clan. My grandfather was once a student of the Second Hokage and a classmate of the Third Hokage. He sacrificed himself for Konoha before my father was even five years old."

"Wow, his grandfather was actually a classmate of the Third Hokage."

"Ridiculous, the point is that his grandfather was a student of the Second Hokage. How could the Second Hokage take someone from the Uchiha clan as a student?"

"What's wrong with the Uchiha Clan? Little Shisui is also an Uchiha."

"..."

Shisui continued his speech, his voice choking up slightly, "My parents sacrificed themselves on the battlefield when I was two years old because of the war, protecting our home and Konoha. Only my great-grandfather and I were left to rely on each other."

"Don't cry, little Shisui, you still have us!"

"Brother Shisui, I will protect you."

"Kid, your whole family was great. They are heroes of Konoha!"

"..."

After he finished, Shisui seemed to recall something he was proud of, and his tone grew high-spirited. "I've taken my elders as my role models since I was a child. When I grew up, I became a ninja and participated in the war against Kirigakure. In over two years, I killed over 300 Kirigakure genin, more than 70 chunin, and 16 jonin!"

"Even if I die now, I can proudly tell my grandfather and parents that I have become someone like them. I have guarded Konoha for them once again!"

"Ah!!! That's too cool. From today on, you are my idol, Shisui."

"Didn't you say yesterday that your idol was Lord Hokage?"

"Lord Hokage is my idol too, but Brother Shisui is not only powerful, he's handsome too!"

"..."

Shisui continued his speech, his tone gradually turning somber, "After the war ended, I became a mission-based ninja again. But half a year ago, because of me, our unit was ambushed by the Kirigakure Assassination Squad. All my companions died. I regret so much why I didn't die on the battlefield. It was me who killed my teammates." At this point, tears welled up in Shisui's eyes.

"Brother Shisui, it's not your fault. You are a hero of Konoha."

"It's not your fault, it's all those damned Kirigakure ninjas!"

"..."

Shisui finally responded to the crowd, "Thank you all for your encouragement. After returning to the village and reflecting on my experiences, it took me a long time to recover. But I discovered that there are many families in the village who, like me, can never see their loved ones and friends again because of the war."

"That is why I decided to debut as an idol. I hope this next song, 'Blue Bird,' can bring strength to everyone!"

Hearing this, Ren pressed the switch in his hand, and immediately, an intro full of freedom and passion began to play.

"If I could fly, I'd decide not to look back."

"Aiming for that blue, blue sky."

As Shisui's singing began, the previously noisy crowd fell silent.

Everyone listened quietly. Many projected themselves onto the blue bird in the lyrics, soaring through the sky along with the song.

Some were reminded of their own family and friends by Shisui's earlier words, and before they knew it, they were lost in a trance.

As the song ended, some remained immersed in that beautiful world, while others had tears on their faces, but their eyes held no sadness—only a sense of release.

The music stopped, and Shisui was still lost in the moment until Ren coughed from the side to bring him back to reality.

Ren frantically signaled to Shisui, but Shisui, still dazed, suddenly remembered something, and his face turned red again.

Ren continued to hint, but seeing that Shisui still made no move, Ren realized that Shisui had actually moved himself to tears and no longer wanted to follow through with the plan.

With no other choice, Ren stepped forward himself. "Everyone, was the song 'Blue Bird' sung by your idol Shisui just now good?"

"It was great!" the crowd responded, and then someone realized something.

"Huh? Who is this guy?"

"I don't know, but he seems to be with Shisui."

"I see. Let's listen to what he has to say."

"As you all know, Shisui isn't currently on missions, and he hasn't had any income for a long time. So, if you like Shisui, those who have money, please support him with a contribution; those who don't, please give our Shisui a round of applause!"

It wasn't that Ren was truly desperate for the money or really needed the applause, but he knew that the joy or emotion brought by entertainment could easily fade.

However, once a person had given away their own money—even if it was a small amount—they would remember it longer and care more about the person who brought them that emotion.

As for asking for applause, Ren really felt too embarrassed to just say, "Everyone, please give him some money."

However, the crowd did not disappoint Ren. Konoha was worthy of being the number one hidden village; soon, one after another, people began throwing various amounts of coins into the equipment box. Not a single person just clapped.

Shisui, meanwhile, kept thanking everyone. Among them were some bold girls who wanted to step forward and hug him, and Shisui could only stiffly maintain his posture as he hugged them back.

Watching the flustered Shisui from the side, a smile like that of an old father appeared on Ren's face.