Due to Konan's slip of the tongue, Shigeo Aburame unexpectedly became known as "Master Shi."
This fortunate mistake worked in his favor.
Shigeo had no intention of using his real name anyway, so he simply went along with it, adopting this new identity with ease.
Soon, Konan returned with a group of little girls, all orphans without exception.
Each of them was dressed in rags, their faces gaunt with hunger, their arms and faces bearing bruises and scars.
It was clear that life in the refugee camp was brutally harsh for them. Just a small mishap could easily claim their fragile lives.
Seeing their timid expressions, a trace of pity flashed across Shigeo's eyes. He spoke gently to them with a warm smile.
"Hello, little ones. Can any of you sing?"
Sensing his kindness, the little girls gradually let go of their fear and nodded one after another.
Shigeo immediately broke into a smile.
"Wonderful! From now on, you'll sing with me. I'll get you tasty food and pretty clothes. How does that sound?"
"Yes!"
The girls nodded eagerly, their dirty faces lighting up with smiles of joy.
Witnessing this, the surrounding refugees looked on with envy.
They all understood—this moment had changed these girls' fates forever.
They wouldn't have to struggle to survive in the refugee camp any longer. Instead, they would move to Amegakure and live a stable life.
Amidst the envious gazes, Shigeo once again instructed the musicians to start playing. Meanwhile, he led the girls in singing.
Konan joined in as well, her clear, melodious voice standing out beautifully in the chorus.
Noticing this, Shigeo promptly included her in the performance.
The combination of male, female, and child vocals created a dynamic harmony that not only avoided chaos but enhanced the overall effect.
To emphasize this, Shigeo revised the singing arrangement:
- He sang the first verse,
- Konan took the second,
- The girls sang the chorus alone,
- Everyone joined together for the third verse.
The effect was immediate—elevating the performance to a whole new level.
More and more refugees gathered to watch, and even a Rain ninja from nearby came over.
Sensing the moment was right, Shigeo approached the Rain ninja with composed humility.
"Excuse me, I need a favor. Could you please report to Lord Hanzō that the Salamander Band is ready? To enhance the unity and morale of the Land of Rain, we request permission to perform in Amegakure."
With that, Shigeo motioned for Konan to hand over the document recording the musicians' identities.
"This is the list of everyone in the band. Please deliver it to Lord Hanzō as well."
The Rain ninja took the document with a strange look on his face.
He had already listened to the song several times. While he deeply respected Hanzō, even he had to admit the lyrics were… a bit much.
On top of that, the band was called "The Salamander Band." Everyone knew Hanzō's summon was a giant salamander.
A band named "The Salamander" singing songs that glorified Hanzō? This was either an extreme show of reverence or something Hanzō himself had orchestrated behind the scenes.
The former seemed unlikely; the latter, far more plausible.
With this in mind, the Rain ninja's gaze toward Shigeo shifted.
He tentatively asked, "Sir, you are…?"
"I am Shi," Shigeo replied with a faint smile, waving dismissively.
"My identity is unimportant. Like you, I serve Lord Hanzō, though in a different way. Please, leave this task to you."
"Yes, Master Shi!"
The Rain ninja bowed deeply and, holding the document, vanished with a burst of body flicker.
---
A few minutes later, the document reached Hanzō.
"The Salamander Band? To enhance unity and morale in the Land of Rain?"
After hearing the report, a flicker of doubt crossed Hanzō's face, but it quickly turned into a smile.
"Interesting. Let them perform in the village."
"Yes, Lord Hanzō!"
The Rain ninja left respectfully.
Once alone, Hanzō, accompanied by a guard, headed toward Amegakure's gate, his curiosity piqued by this so-called "Salamander Band."
Before long, Hanzō arrived and saw the band in action.
At that moment, the musicians had just begun to play, and Shigeo, surrounded by his ensemble, immediately caught Hanzō's attention.
"So, it's him?"
Hanzō narrowed his eyes slightly, though he made no move, choosing instead to observe quietly.
Under his watchful gaze, Shigeo began to sing.
**"His strength leads Amegakure to greatness.
His life bears the weight of our nation's fate.
Our dreams and hopes, he makes them bloom and thrive."**
As he reached this part, the group of little girls joined in.
**"Great leader, Lord Hanzō, none can compare.
Great leader, Lord Hanzō, to you, we pledge our loyalty."**
Hanzō: "…"
The lyrics… were good. The band… was excellent.
A satisfied smile spread across Hanzō's face.
Letting this band into Amegakure seemed like a wise decision after all. Any group capable of such stirring performances surely harbored no ill intent.
As the first verse ended, Konan took over.
**"Brilliance is the ideal we aim for.
Our commander's resolve is Rain's victory.
He guides us forward, sweeping like a storm."**
The girls echoed her.
**"Great leader, Lord Hanzō, none can compare.
Great leader, Lord Hanzō, to you, we pledge our loyalty."**
The band's music grew more intense. Shigeo, Konan, and the girls sang together in unison.
**"No matter the storm, you're our only one.
Together in life and death, we follow you always.
Great leader, Lord Hanzō, none can compare.
Great leader, Lord Hanzō, to you, we pledge our loyalty."**
As the song ended, the musicians halted their playing. Shigeo raised his fist into the air.
"Victory to Lord Hanzō! Victory to the Land of Rain!"
The crowd echoed him, their cheers growing louder.
"Victory to Lord Hanzō! Victory to the Land of Rain!"
"Victory to Lord Hanzō! Victory to the Land of Rain!"
"Victory to Lord Hanzō! Victory to the Land of Rain!"
Watching this uplifting scene, a gleam flashed in Hanzō's eyes. His smile deepened.
"This young man is impressive. Bring him to me. I'd like to speak with him."
Startled, the guard hesitated momentarily before dropping to one knee.
"Yes, Lord Hanzō!"