The grand banquet was bursting with life.
Except for a few ninjas on security duty, nearly all the villagers had come.
Even the Hyūga clan members who had gradually integrated into the village showed up as well.
After all, in Konoha, low-status Branch family members weren't even allowed to attend grand events like this.
An eye for an eye, a favor for a favor. In response to the Uchiha Clan's warm welcome, these Hyūgas also expressed their goodwill.
So too had the children from the Orphanage.
Over a thousand people gathered in the square, dancing joyfully and making merry.
Twelve enormous bonfires burned fiercely.
Their warm glow illuminated everyone's faces, creating a festive atmosphere.
And best of all? It kept most of the winter chill at bay.
For the Uchiha clan, mastering [Fire Release] techniques was practically effortless.
Tonight, as long as one Uchiha ninja stayed awake, those flames would never die!
In addition,
all around the vast plaza, tables overflowed with all kinds of delicious food.
The rich aroma of delicacies filled the air, making mouths water.
After a full day's work, most laborers couldn't resist the steaming-hot buffet spread.
Especially since the meals were mostly personally prepared by the skilled Aunt Hazuki, assisted by a group of Uchiha housewives who had cooked in advance.
They were seriously delicious—everyone's mouths were watering.
Meanwhile,
at the absolute center of the square, a dance performance proved especially eye-catching.
More than a dozen graceful Uchiha kunoichi danced beautifully, swaying to the rhythm.
But the dancing itself wasn't really the main draw.
The real highlight was that these female ninjas wore dance outfits and colorful stockings designed personally by Young Master!
Black thigh-highs, pale nylons, skin-tone tights, fishnets… you name it!
A dazzling array of choices, offering a feast of uniform allure.
There was literally *nothing* you couldn't imagine that wasn't right there for the world to see!
Before long,
this fresh twist blended perfectly with artistic appreciation.
It drew hordes of excited young guys crowding around, eyes popping, drool dripping—it was pure enchantment.
Even Zabuza was left speechless, staring blankly.
His companion, Haku, instinctively bit her lip and tugged nervously at her sleeve.
She even started thinking about secretly ordering a few custom sets from the Homura Hidden Village later.
What's more,
numerous married middle-aged men were also watching intently,
quietly asking around where they could buy such garments inside the village.
Of course,
the outfits and stockings made by Shimoku weren't just meant for his own enjoyment.
Actually,
the reason for having them wear these new outfits and perform dances at the banquet
was to test how readily people accepted these novel ideas.
Clearly,
the stockings succeeded!
The uniform allure also succeeded!
It just goes to show — no matter where you're from, shinobi or civilian, it works!
Their pursuit of this artistic beauty was unanimous! It was immortal!
This further proved his plan was right on track.
Next up, he'd start mass-producing all kinds of stockings, women's lingerie, and sexy outfits...
and then gradually export them throughout the entire Ninja World.
Though similar garments had already occasionally appeared in the Ninja World,
they were nowhere near widespread.
Compared to the dazzling variety of styles from Shimoku's past life, they were still extremely scarce.
There was still a massive market waiting to be developed!
Besides, selling weapons, supplies, medicine, and so on...
might raise alarms and resistance from major nations.
But if he sold clothes, sold stockings—who would possibly resist that?
Resist what exactly?
Could black stockings kill someone?
Or could you eat them?
Those pigheaded noble families from the great nations would be more than eager to import some exotic treasures!
This kind of "great product" that simultaneously fulfilled both spiritual and physical desires—
he was certain they'd be more than eager to embrace it!
How could they possibly resist?
The world was just too dangerous; only black stockings could offer true safety!
Shimoku believed it wouldn't be long now.
These novel fashions would soon become exclusive specialty items of their Hidden Village,
quickly sweeping across the entire Ninja World.
In this way, while expanding the influence of Homura Hidden Village, it would also bring endless income to the village!
After all, as everyone knew,
underwear, black stockings—these were consumables, easily torn...
demand was naturally huge!
As for whether counterfeits or pirated goods would appear soon,
Shimoku had no concerns at all.
After all, this was the Ninja World!
Want to try copying us?
Go ahead—just ask our [Susanoo] if it agrees first!
...
"Crunch—"
Shimoku sat at the edge of the plaza, chewing noisily on a large drumstick in his hand while watching the dance performance at the center of the square.
Feeling content.
Okay, maybe it wasn't as entertaining as the internet back in his past life;
but the current life was much better than when he was in Konoha.
Seeing his clansmen joyfully singing and dancing—it brought him great happiness already.
All of this had been fought for by himself!
A strong sense of pride rose within Shimoku...
Of course, during such a joyful moment,
if any fool dared to attack the village,
Shimoku wouldn't mind showing off a bit and immediately activating [Baryon Mode],
sending them straight to the afterlife!
"Master!"
At this moment, dressed in festive robes, Nonou quickly refilled Shimoku's cup with watermelon juice.
She combined traditional elegance with an air of intelligence, making her truly a delight to behold.
Shimoku took a sip of the watermelon juice but found it somewhat bland.
One of the three ninja taboos was simple: minors couldn't touch alcohol.
That was how strange the customs were in the Ninja World.
Though the Three Taboos were self-imposed regulations among ninjas, they had long become customary norms for mutual supervision.
Even those few like Riyō, who were devoted to Shimoku, would bravely confront and scold the Young Master if they caught him drinking alcohol.
Forced Shimoku to settle for various fruit juices instead.
Meanwhile, on Shimoku's right side.
Dressed in a maid outfit illuminated by the festival lights, Konan stood there quite stiffly.
One on each side, they were like two radiant companions.
At this moment, half of Shimoku's dream of being surrounded by beauties had finally come true.
Too bad he was still too young.
Even if he wanted to act on impulse, he'd have to wait at least another two years.
It was truly a simmering frustration inside him!
"Nonou."
"Master, I'm here!"
"Why don't you go keep those orphanage kids company?"
"It's rare to have such a special party night. It'll help them become more familiar with our clansmen and build closer relationships."
"Understood!"
Without hesitation or delay, Nonou got up and left.
An experienced maid, she knew exactly when to comply and when to politely step back.
Moreover, she genuinely cared about those orphans.
With her guidance, building connections between those children and the Uchiha clan became much easier.
After all, even though she lacked formal authority,
Just the title of head maid in the Young Master's household made most Uchiha treat her warmly.
...
"What do you think? Why not go dance a bit and relax?"
Shimoku turned his head and asked Konan on his right.
Konan pursed her lips, saying nothing.
She held deep contempt for Shimoku's luxurious lifestyle.
Yet objectively speaking, she envied the warm and harmonious atmosphere of *Homuragakure*.
She envied the close bond between Shimoku and his clansmen.
Unlike her own *Rain Hidden Village*, where despite everything she and Nagato had done,
They could only rule through strict policies, never hosting such joyful, peaceful celebrations.
Of course, she never forgot either,
That her presence here was entirely for revenge.
Certainly not for indulgence in pleasure!
Therefore, no matter what treatment she received, she could endure it!
All for the day she would kill Black Zetsu and achieve vengeance!
"Eventually, when Rain Hidden Village is incorporated into ours, many issues will inevitably arise."
"If you keep maintaining this aloof attitude, you won't be able to mediate conflicts effectively in the future."
"Just consider it a gesture toward the villagers of Rain Hidden—why not get acquainted with everyone..."
Shimoku advised calmly.
This was also an unavoidable challenge ahead.
Once absorbing Rain Hidden's population and technology, various minor problems were sure to follow.
At that time, having Konan handle matters would definitely be the safest approach.
This was also one reason why Shimoku was willing to keep Konan by his side—
Certainly not just for that symbolic gesture...
Regarding this, Konan remained silent as always, lips pursed, unmoving, saying not a word.
Still wearing that cold, stubbornly proud expression,
And staring fixedly at Shimoku, as if declaring:
[As long as I have you, everything will fall into place.]
She wasn't foolish; she'd already thoroughly analyzed priorities, benefits, and consequences.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have directly sought out Shimoku.
Seeing this, Shimoku subtly recoiled and decided not to press further.
After all, pressuring her any more would accomplish nothing.
Konan lunged forward.
He couldn't just say no, could he?
That'd be totally humiliating!
...
"Cough cough—"
Shimoku chugged a mouthful of watermelon juice, faked a cough, and looked away.
At the same time, another figure quietly approached.
Itachi took the initiative to sit down on Shimoku's left side, helping ease the awkwardness.
Then, the two quickly struck up a casual conversation.
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