Before Uchiha Itachi could become alert, he saw those people bowing to him in unison.
"Master! You are here!"
???
Uchiha Itachi's eyes widened, but the children continued their welcome:
"Master! I didn't expect to be able to enroll with you! I'm so happy!"
"Master! Could you please teach me that move - Ouch."
A boy with shining eyes wanted to ask for advice, but was hit on the head by the girl next to him.
"Idiot! How can you come up and say that? What if the master thinks we are not sincere?"
That's right, the reason these people made such a big fuss was that they wanted Uchiha Itachi to teach them the techniques of making syrup.
Although the "Sugar Syrup Competition" has passed, the events that took place at the competition and the various wonderful performances are still talked about with relish.
The climax techniques displayed made the children envious.
Originally they thought it was great if they could create a graphic or a three-dimensional shape.
How could I have imagined it could be so cool?
Of course you have to learn this.
How can I not learn?
In particular, Yuyue Store has specially prepared a [Ranking List].
In fact, the popularity of Ugetsu Mito Syrup has not yet subsided, so they simply put up a sign next to the store.
It says 'Tangxi Heroes List' on it.
You can compare anything.
Since everyone likes it so much, why shouldn't she add fuel to the fire and give them a goal to strive for?
No one doesn't like to be recognized.
Especially in the areas that you like and are good at.
So after discussing with others, the 'Sugar Hero List' of Yuyue Store was born.
Scores are given based on cleanliness and difficulty of styling, and are updated weekly. The top three people will receive a 'one-week syrup supply voucher', a 'three-day syrup supply voucher', and a 'one-day syrup supply voucher' respectively.
Of course, one week and three days do not mean unlimited supply, but it is limited to once a day, about the size of a baby's fist.
If you must say so, this just saves them the money of buying syrup three days a week. If they want to do something big, they may have to add some money.
But even so, it was enough to make the kids cheer. The joy of getting something for free has always been so straightforward.
crisp.
Besides, is this just a matter of getting syrup for free?
Of course not, it is a symbol of honor.
The point is that the whole village can see the glory of their skills.
Isn't this much better than bragging about it everywhere?
As long as the name is put on it, it is ironclad evidence of strength.
He reveals the aura of a strong person in a low-key manner, and inadvertently shows it off to others.
Adults will be addicted to this cool feeling, so how can children refuse it!
So when they heard that Uchiha Itachi, who was famous in the sugar syrup world, was going to enter school with them, they were so excited that they couldn't even sleep the night before.
Today, before dawn, they gathered together to discuss how to give Master Uchiha Itachi an "unforgettable" welcome ceremony, so that the other party could feel their intentions and then teach him the "secret" ultimate move.
Yes, the children all believed that Uchiha Itachi, who was the first to teach the art of making sugar syrup, must have his own hidden "trump card".
As long as they learn a little bit, they can become the best in the village.
In this way, they will definitely surpass their neighbors Xiaohua and Taro on the next street and become the king of children that everyone pays attention to.
“First of all, it has to be shocking.”
"And you have to be polite."
"Momentum! The most important thing is momentum!"
Some people proposed this, some people proposed that.
Of course, there will be opposition.
However, because everyone had clear and highly consistent goals, they finally reached a preliminary consensus after a heated debate.
Based on this premise, they drafted three or four different welcome ceremonies, and finally, after several votes, they chose the current one.
The children all wore clothes similar to those Uchiha Itachi usually wore (in order to show respect), and lined up in two neat rows (for momentum), and finally bowed and chanted the same slogan. (Courtesy and momentum)
After rehearsing several times, they finally achieved this welcoming style that satisfied them but left Uchiha Itachi overwhelmed.
Although the Uchiha are often described as having extreme emotions, they appear to be restrained and subdued most of the time.
Words like "like" and "love" are not on their lips.
The word "great" is already a very high level of compliment.
For Uchiha Itachi, the "team building" specially prepared by Miss Ugetsuki for him was already extremely
To.
I never expected that there would be a scene like today.
As a result, he lost the ability to react for a moment and didn't know what to do.
It was not until the children started to make noise again that he finally recovered like a cat from its fright. He breathed a sigh of relief, looked at his classmates quietly, and said stiffly:
"If it's after school."
Speaking of mentoring, Uchiha Itachi is considered a veteran. In addition, working at the Ugetsu store was his first job in his life, so he actually has some feelings for the job of "mentoring".
So he is not opposed to teaching everyone more syrup making techniques in his spare time.
"Okay Master, no problem Master!"
"We will never delay your studies!"
"We will arrange the time. Master, you just need to come and give us some pointers when you can spare some time! If you can come a few more times... Ouch, why did you hit me again!"
The boy who was the fastest talker at the beginning was hit again. This time, it was not just one person, but many fists fell on him.
The girl quickly smiled:
"Master Itachi, he's talking nonsense. You just need to find some free time. It doesn't matter how many times you do it. We'll be very happy if you're willing to guide us!"
The girl forced herself to smile like a flower. At the same time, several hands reached out and tacitly pulled the boy behind to block him.
It’s better not to let such a talkative person appear in front of Master Itachi.
"We are all classmates. You can ask me anytime if it does not affect your studies."
The young man with a low ponytail considered his words and tried to ease the atmosphere. He felt that what he said was quite standard, but he was greeted with a new round of flattery.
"As expected of Master Itachi! He has a broad mind!"
“I am so touched!”
"How generous! Such a nice person!"
Children learn to boast in an exaggerated way from what they hear from adults.
They may not all understand what these compliments mean, but who cares? As long as they are compliments, it is enough.
Who doesn’t like to be praised?
If they praise Master Itachi enough, they can get more guidance.
Of course, not everyone thinks this way. There are also children who can't stand seeing Uchiha Itachi being so successful.
It's just that they are weak and don't dare to jump out and sing a different tune at this time.
In fact, in addition to envying each other's popularity, children
They don't have any deep hatred with Uchiha Itachi.
If I really have any aversion, it's just that I heard it too much from my parents at home and it's inherited.
So to be honest, rather than saying that they 'hate' Uchiha Itachi, it would be better to say that they 'dislike' Uchiha along with their parents.
But this "hate" is not enough to make them resist the majority of people regardless of the consequences.
So they can only hide in the corners and complain quietly.
The first day of school ended peacefully (?).
Back home, Uchiha Mikoto, like all parents sending their children to school on the first day, asked about what happened at school.
Countless images flashed through Uchiha Itachi's mind in an instant.
But in the end he just spoke carefully:
“The classmates…are all very enthusiastic.”
"Passionate...huh?"
This is really an unexpected adjective. Especially when it happens to Uchiha.
"Um."
Uchiha Itachi nodded seriously.
"Very enthusiastic...Mother, can I come back later after school?"
Thinking of his promise to his classmates, he asked.
"It won't delay training."
“Sure.”
Uchiha Mikoto bent down and gently touched her son's head.
"Go play with your classmates."
The reason why he was treated so strictly was because of the war and because the atmosphere in the village was not right.
But now everything is getting better, so naturally there is no need for such strict requirements.
Uchiha Mikoto really likes the current atmosphere in the village.
Not only did the vague sense of opposition in the village almost disappear, but even the tense emotions within the Uchiha clan dissipated unconsciously.
Now even many people who live nearby choose to come to Uchiha Street to buy milk tea.
Although you can see that everyone is still very reserved.
But it is still much better than the past when there was a clear distinction between the two.
“…Not for fun.”
Uchiha Itachi gave a brief explanation, then narrowed his eyes and enjoyed his mother's caress.
“Yes, yes.”
Uchiha Mikoto responded with a smile.
"Our Itachi was delayed. It must be because of something important, right?"
Itachi didn't speak.
But he did not deny her guess.
It can be seen that he really regarded this matter as an "important matter" in his heart.
As a mother, Uchiha Mikoto was of course aware of this, so she smiled and joked:
"Do you need some snacks?"
The boy's face flushed slightly and he raised his voice, which was rare.
"Mother!"
On the other hand, at about the same time as Uchiha Itachi entered school, another major event occurred.
That is, the competition for the Fourth Hokage has almost reached a fever pitch.
In fact, the decision should have been made earlier, but there have been many things going on in the village, and the Ugetsu's syrup competition and a series of subsequent impacts interrupted the original plans of the Konoha top leaders, until today.
To this day, the competitors on both sides are evenly matched and there is no clear winner.
Namikaze Minato is a war hero, and so is Orochimaru, one of the 'Three Ninjas'. Moreover, he was already famous long before the Fourth Hokage became famous.
Orochimaru developed the popular "Hero Egg"? But the reception and negotiation with the Third Kazekage was hosted by Minato Namikaze.
Is cooperation with the Ninja Village not important?
Besides, the planning and creativity of the Hero Egg didn’t come from Orochimaru, right?
If you say so, then can Miss Ugetsuki also be included in the list of candidates for Hokage?
——That’s not interesting.
So everyone tacitly avoided these and continued to tear them apart one by one.
You said he was 123, so I listed 456.
As a result, the entire ninja village was filled with discussions about this matter.
The Yu Yue store, which is already full of people lingering to buy blind boxes and syrups, has become a gossip hub.
There are endless rumors, such as news about my second uncle's aunt's daughter-in-law's sister, etc.
Later they said Orochimaru had been chosen.
Then it turned out that Minato Namikaze had already secretly taken over, but it was not announced.
There are even reports that Jiraiya came back just to join the competition for the Fourth Hokage.
In short, there are all kinds of speculations.
But for Ugetsu, there was only one thing to do.
“Increase publicity.”
"What?"
"The promotion of the products - especially the display of the hero eggs and the Namikaze Minato dolls - I remember Scorpion made a few more and sent them over, right?"
"Take these to the Fire Nation capital and display them. Oh, and remember to put together some beautiful backgrounds. Make them as stunning and exquisite as possible."
Ugetsu issued new instructions.
"As for the hero eggs, the merchants in the Fire Nation can ask them to pick up more of them and emphasize how valuable and rare the 'hidden version' is."
"This is……"
Uchiha Shisui nodded and raised his eyebrows.
He could vaguely sense that these instructions must have a purpose, but he found it difficult to say what it was specifically for.
"You have to give someone a big gift."
After laying the groundwork for so long through the distribution of goods, it is time to detonate it.
And it's not just in Konoha Village.
She wanted to make the name 'Namikaze Minato' familiar to everyone in the Land of Fire, from commoners to nobles.
It doesn't matter if you don't know who 'Namikaze Minato' is, just associate him with a very positive word like 'hero'.
In this way, even if people don't know what Minato Namikaze did, as long as they are familiar with it, they can leave an impression and think of it first at the critical moment.
"Ah, this is talking about the hero."
In this way, whether it is a public opinion poll or a decision by middle and high-level officials, 'Namikaze Minato' is definitely the one they are most familiar with.
As long as it can be slightly influenced when making a decision, that's enough.
The best thing to do is to use it on the blade.
Doing key things at important nodes can not only achieve twice the result with half the effort.
It can also kill with one blow.
——Of course, if this is not enough, she also has other means.
Such as campaign slogans, manual publicity...you can even organize some joint activities.
For example, a chance to win a lottery or a voucher for voting.
Recruiting people is not a big deal, you can do it.
"A great gift... is it said to be for Minato-sama?"
Uchiha Shisui tried to think along the lines of Ugetsu and seemed to understand it a little better.
From his perspective, Miss Ugetsu and Lord Minato have always had a good relationship.
Lord Minato and Lady Kushina have always provided a lot of help, so it makes sense for Miss Ugetsu to return the favor with a "big gift" at this time.
It is more normal to lend a helping hand at this time.
"more than."
Yu Yue looked at Uchiha Shisui, and seeing the puzzled look on the boy's clean and delicate face, she couldn't help but feel itchy, so she raised her hand and touched his soft curly hair.
This chief assistant of mine is indeed useful, but he is still a little inexperienced when it comes to this kind of hair-tearing.
"This is a question for you to ponder. Who else could be the recipient besides Minato-san? You can tell me when you figure it out."
Of course, Minato Namikaze was the recipient of the gift.
But it’s just one of them.
Yu Yue sneered in her heart.
The main target, of course, is that old guy Danzo.
Dare to put eye drops on her?
Then don't blame her for giving him a 'frustrated' gift.
Ultimately, the selection of the Fourth Hokage is based on performance and popularity.
Even if there is no performance, Yu Yue can still bring people up by providing performance, not to mention that the other party is a person with real talents and achievements.
As for popularity.
This Yu Yue still dared to pat his chest and say that there is no one in Konoha who knows how to create momentum and promote better than himself.
I'm sorry Orochimaru though.
But compared to Orochimaru who is supported by Danzo coming to power, it would certainly be more beneficial for him if Minato Namikaze came to power.
Yu Yue has always been very clear about the crux of her cooperation with the Ninja Village and the difficulties she faces. In fact, when facing business opponents and traps, she actually has a set of skilled methods to deal with them, allowing her to calmly crush them one by one.
But here, she is not a ninja.
There is a natural gap between me and ninjas.
She can hire ninjas and work closely with them.
But there is no way for her to become a 'family' directly.
This meant that she could only influence the ninjas' decisions, but could not directly specify their decisions.
Therefore, a good partner with whom you can achieve mutual benefit is extremely important.
——And given that her talks with Danzo had already broken down, Namikaze Minato was almost her only choice.
Therefore, Yu Yue will spare no efforts to help him get to the top.
Because this is equivalent to protecting one's own interests.
As she thought so, she touched Uchiha Shisui's fluffy curly hair again.
Ah, it feels really good.
"Shisui, what shampoo do you use?"
She wanted to use it too.
However, the boy who was asked tilted his head:
"…Wouldn't it be enough to use soap together?"
Ugetsu: ...
Although she is his most capable and favorite person, this kind of Versailles statement of natural beauty is really annoying.
Damn it, wait until she finds a technique to compete with me before confronting me again!
After all, the level of natural beauty is limited.
But the potential of technology is unlimited!
...Or should she ask Ms. Yakushi Nono first, or... Orochimaru?
In the evening, at the desk.
Jiraiya encountered the biggest career crisis since he entered the industry as a writer.
His outline was rejected.
“The story is too vulgar.”
“The plot is too old.”
"Only the combat is interesting, but combat is an important part but not everything. The proportion needs to be adjusted."
"How can villains be so monotonous? Are the enemies you ninjas usually encounter all cut from the same mold?"
"Think about it carefully."
The words "Think about it carefully" hit Jiraiya's head like a hammer.
As an author who became a bestseller as soon as he debuted, Jiraiya has always had smooth sailing and can write whatever he thinks of.
How does he know what is technology and what is old-fashioned?
When it comes to writing, isn't it enough to just write the plot and the story?
Jiraiya really couldn't understand what the difference was, or how to 'catch the reader's attention' and 'make them unable to stop reading'.
In his opinion, everything he wrote was pretty good.
Doesn’t the popularity of “The Legend of Strong Perseverance and Ninja” prove this point?
What exactly is wrong?
He rubbed his face, which was still swollen, and grimaced in pain.
Because pharmacist Nono helped him with the second treatment, he couldn't refuse even if he wanted to use the excuse that he was seriously injured and couldn't write.
But Yakushi Nono's treatment only healed those injuries that looked serious (and were actually serious).
For example, the bruises on his face and body that didn't actually affect his movements were still there. And he didn't know if it was his illusion.
I always feel that these wounds left behind are much more painful than expected.
I can't write sitting here anyway.
Something coming.
Jiraiya put down his pen.
Get ready to go out for a walk.
The atmosphere in Konoha Village was peaceful when there was no preparation for war - even better than Jiraiya had imagined.
He had originally thought that the village would be even more depressed and tense because of the war that had just ended not long ago.
The wounds of war are never easy to heal.
This is true even for those who have long been accustomed to war.
After all, ninjas are also human beings.
A person who can cry, laugh, and be sad, who will bleed when hurt, and who cannot get over the difficult-to-heal wounds in his heart.
But now it looks pretty good.
Even though Jiraiya didn't have such deep feelings for the village, it was after all the place where he was born, and no one wouldn't want the place where they were born and grew up to be good.
"Jiraiya-sama, please don't embarrass us in a place like this anymore."
Just as Jiraiya was staring into the distance in a daze, a male voice appeared behind him.
"…Fugaku."
Jiraiya recognized the other person's identity without even turning his head.
"How did you..."
"Mikoto told us to be more careful when we are on patrol." Uchiha Fugaku's serious face showed a hint of embarrassment, "I hope Master Jiraiya will not appear where he shouldn't be."
In the past, Uchiha Fugaku would definitely not say such words to Jiraiya, one of the Three Ninjas. Whether it was out of respect for the other party or considering the relationship between the Uchiha and the village.
He would never say such impolite words directly.
——Of course, Mikoto would never ask herself such a request in the past.
Thinking of his wife's instructions to him with a terrifying smile, Uchiha Fugaku couldn't help but shudder.
Compared to the 'Three Ninjas', Mikoto with her terrifying smile is scarier.
"So, please don't stay in a place like this."
Where?
Jiraiya was stunned for a moment, then he realized that he had habitually walked towards the direction leading to the bathhouse.
——Although the two sides are still far apart, you can still see the bathhouse buildings if you look from a distance.
But then again.
“Isn’t this too strict?”
"Is it still far away?"
"This is also the majority of women in Konoha
We all share this common goal, and we ask for your understanding.”
This was a common request from Mikoto, Kushina, Nono, the pharmacist who is the director of the orphanage, and Ms. Ugetsu, the manager of the Ugetsu Store.
This number is enough to represent the "vast majority of female compatriots".
Uchiha Fugaku looked at the other party.
I hope he won’t make things difficult for me and make it hard for me to explain myself when I go back.
——This Konoha is becoming more and more magical.
Jiraiya opened his mouth but didn't refute.
Instead, he took two steps back, indicating that he would not come any closer.
Uchiha Fugaku saw this and nodded gratefully:
"Thank you very much for your cooperation."
“Really…”
Jiraiya found that Uchiha Fugaku did not leave, but continued to stare at him silently. He touched his head and turned away obediently.
Whether it is difficult or not...
The two of them were in a stalemate over the direction to the bathhouse, which was not a good idea.
If the old man knew about this, he would start nagging me again.
He is already such a grown-up, and it is not a good thing for him to be forced by the teacher to read to him all day long .
Jiraiya looked at the smoke rising from all over Konoha, tiptoed, and changed direction.
——Forget it, let’s go and see what the students are doing.
After beating herself up like that, Kushina should have calmed down now, right?
Really.
It's obvious that the child has never studied under Tsunade.
How come he has learned Tsunade's skills perfectly?
Thinking of the person in his memory after a long time, Jiraiya sighed and missed him.
——I wonder what happened to her now, as she disappeared on the battlefield a long time ago?
"Shizune, what are you doing?"
Because of the sudden chill, Tsunade decided to end her breakfast early and go back to rest.
But when she walked out of the pub, she didn't see any familiar figures. After looking around, she saw Jingyin with his back to her, busy with something in front of a shop.
"Shizune?"
I don't know what she was doing, she was even so focused that she didn't hear her own call.
Tsunade couldn't help but become curious and looked over.
"Ah, Lady Tsunade."
Shizune finally came to her senses and shrank her neck shyly.
She shyly hid the lottery ticket in her hand.
"What is this doing?"
Of course Tsunade would not blame the other party for such a small matter. Instead, she became interested.
I want to know what could have made her so distracted.
"It's... that... hero egg..."
The sound of silence became smaller and smaller.
Obviously, she was ashamed that she was so old and still accidentally indulged in such a toy-like thing. Although there were many people of the same age among the buyers, and many of them were even much older than Shizune.
But the girl still felt that as a ninja, being obsessed with these things... was a bit childish.
——Of course, this is only because she has not seen how popular these things are in Konoha.
But then again.
Shizune licked her lips.
This feeling of 'cultivating your own heroes' is really great.
Watching it take shape and grow little by little, the whole person will feel a special sense of accomplishment.
That's why Jingyin couldn't help but buy the new version after putting together a set.
She even bought a 'dream bag' specifically for this purpose, but unfortunately she has been following Lady Tsunade around lately and hasn't had much time to sit down and work on it.
Previously, she saw someone use the dream bag to assemble a complete set of scenery for his "hero egg", which was really beautiful.
The seaside looks so lifelike that even the waves are pieced together by him.
When the day comes that they can settle down, she will also go out to explore the mountains and seas!
How can our own children not have what others have?
"Is that the one you bought a lot of before?"
"Yes, but not exactly."
When it came to her area of ​​expertise, Shizune didn't care about being shy and immediately and happily explained it to Lady Tsunade.
He talked about one generation to the next, about similarities to differences, and he kept talking.
"——Anyway, this time, in addition to having different clothing colors and styles from last time, there are also hidden limited editions!"
"oh."
Tsunade responded with no interest.
What if I change clothes? It's still the same as watering the plants.
Probably only a kid like Shizune would like it.
"I heard that the hidden version of Minato Namikaze is a super rare treasure that can only be obtained by one lucky person out of ten thousand... no, one in a hundred thousand."
“I see…”
Tsunade's face lit up with interest.
She wasn't actually interested in such a trivial thing as raising hero eggs - heroes were just talk.
Those who want to be one are fools.
What she cared about were the words 'one in a million lucky ones' and 'ultra-rare treasure'.
Isn't this just like gambling?
What you are betting on is your eyesight and luck.
She smiled.
It's rare for Shizune to have something she likes so much, and...
"It just so happens that I'm getting a little bored with just the same old stuff."
Tsunade pushed past Shizune and stood in front of the stall.
He slapped a stack of money on the table with great pride and said:
"Give me fifty first!"
Look, I'll open it for you right now!!