The songs of the Land of Rain are generally melancholic and reserved, reflecting the nation's long history of strife and suffering.
So when Shigeo Aburame passionately sang his song, the crowd was utterly stunned.
Lines like *"Leading Amegakure to greatness"* and *"The dreams and hopes of tomorrow"* felt almost absurd in a country as poor and chaotic as the Land of Rain. Was this blind praise for Hanzō even appropriate?
Wasn't this just outright lying?
Of course, Shigeo Aburame had no idea what everyone else was thinking. And even if he did, he wouldn't care.
After finishing his song, he addressed the crowd.
"This song has three verses, but the melody stays the same. As you heard me sing it, you just need to play it with your instruments. Who wants to go first?"
"I'll go!"
Before his words had even faded, a man who had previously accepted food from him stepped forward, holding a flute, and began to play.
The sound of the flute flowed smoothly. The melody was accurate, and the rhythm was well controlled.
Shigeo found no faults and nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. I knew you had potential when I saw you. What's your name?"
The middle-aged man, overwhelmed with excitement, immediately knelt down. "Sir, my name is Inada!"
"Inada, is it? Very well, I'll remember that!"
Shigeo nodded, then turned to Konan beside him.
"Konan, go and record his details. Name, gender, age, where he lived before, and who his family members are—write it all down."
"Yes, sir!"
Konan responded promptly, pulling Inada aside to record his information.
Seeing this, the other musicians grew even more excited.
If personal information was being recorded, it had to mean the rumors were true—Hanzō was indeed recruiting musicians!
Filled with hope, a man holding a pipa pushed through the crowd and approached Shigeo.
"Sir, let me try as well!"
Shigeo nodded. "Alright, go ahead."
"Yes, sir!"
The man, holding his pipa, knelt and began playing.
When he finished, he set the pipa aside, prostrated himself, and placed his forehead on the ground in a traditional dogeza—a sign of utmost respect in the ninja world.
Shigeo was momentarily taken aback before breaking into a smile.
"You've seen the world, haven't you? Alright, go get registered!"
"Thank you, sir!"
The man thanked him profusely before running over to Konan for registration.
After he left, the remaining musicians stepped forward one by one, each playing their piece for Shigeo.
Since it was a one-on-one audition, only those with real talent dared to perform. Everyone's execution was flawless.
As for those who had hoped to fake their way in, they quietly slipped away.
Soon, only one man with a drum remained, looking awkward and uncertain.
"Sir… about my instrument…"
Shigeo noted that drums couldn't be played solo in the same way, so he waved his hand dismissively.
"Don't worry. When they perform as an ensemble, just keep the beat. As long as your rhythm is steady, you'll be fine."
"Yes, sir!"
The man quickly set his drum on the ground, took out his drumsticks, and prepared to play.
By this time, Konan had finished registering the musicians who passed. There were twelve of them in total, and with the drummer, the group now numbered thirteen.
Shigeo gathered them and spoke.
"The song is the one I just performed, but this time I want you to play it as an ensemble. Figure out the arrangement yourselves; I only care about the result."
"Yes, sir!"
The musicians answered in unison and began discussing their parts—who would start, who would play which sections, and how they'd coordinate.
After finalizing the arrangement, they began rehearsing.
At first, their performance was disorganized, but after several corrections, the ensemble gradually came together.
This attracted the attention of nearby refugees and even some of the Amegakure ninja stationed in the area.
Shigeo, however, paid them no mind and didn't interrupt. Instead, he smiled, watching the musicians perform while subtly moving his lips.
He was practicing syncing his singing with their accompaniment.
After about two hours, he raised his hand to signal them to stop and addressed the group.
"Alright, your ensemble meets my expectations. Now for the final step: accompany me as I sing."
Adjusting his sunglasses, he smiled slightly.
"Don't worry; I'll follow your accompaniment. Just play as you did earlier. Let's begin."
"Yes, sir!"
The musicians started playing again.
As the intro concluded, Shigeo began to sing:
*"His strength leads Amegakure to greatness,
His life bears the destiny of the nation.
He brings our dreams and hopes to bloom,
Turning them into radiant light..."*
…
After singing the song five times, Shigeo's throat began to ache. He finally signaled the musicians to stop.
"Alright, everyone, take a break. Konan, give them some food."
The musicians were overjoyed and immediately expressed their gratitude.
"Thank you for the food, sir!"
"Sir, you're so kind!"
"Thank you so much, sir!"
While the musicians feasted, the nearby refugees looked on with envy.
However, under the watchful eyes of the Amegakure ninja, they didn't dare approach, even as hunger gnawed at them.
Eventually, a frail little girl pushed through the crowd and timidly approached Konan, her face filled with pleading.
"Big sister, please share some food with me. I can be useful—I can sing!"
Konan's face softened.
The girl reminded her of herself three years ago, of the day she, Yahiko, and Nagato had met Jiraiya.
She turned to Shigeo with a look of silent appeal, asking for permission to give the girl food.
Reading her thoughts, Shigeo smiled and nodded.
"Give her some food. I could use a few sweet voices for backup singers anyway. Konan, I'll leave the task of finding them to you."
Where possible, he didn't mind indulging Konan's kindness.
Overjoyed, Konan nodded eagerly.
"Thank you, Mast—uh, sir!"
Catching herself mid-sentence, she hurried off to select more children.
Seeing this, the musicians began praising Shigeo.
"Sir, you're such a kind-hearted person!"
"Indeed, sir, you're truly merciful! And Lady Konan as well!"
"Yes, thanks to you and Lady Konan, these children will finally have a chance to survive…"
*Master?*
Hearing their praise and the title they'd begun to use for him, Shigeo blinked in surprise.
*(End of Chapter)*