Pakura, Kushina Uzumaki, and Obito along with the other two heard Shindai's plan to exploit the charity event and ask villagers for donations, instantly giving him looks of disdain.
Pakura scoffed, "You've been living it up every day and sleeping like a baby—do you really have the nerve to ask for charity? Orphans suffer so these events happen. What do you need donations for? Come on, it won't kill you to be a little more modest!"
Shindai snorted, "What do you mean I don't live in hardship? Back when I was a kid, I had to chew on a rock-hard bun while clutching it tightly, drinking water mixed with yellow sand! What shame should I feel?"
Rin Nohara asked curiously, "But didn't you say that was during your childhood? You're living pretty comfortably now, aren't you?"
Shindai argued firmly, "Does having a good life now erase all my past suffering? Save your breath—my mind's made up. I'm definitely participating in this charity event. My start-up fund for my shop depends on raking in some cash there, then getting a bit of investment, and finally opening my business.
So now your job is just to listen carefully to my speech, give me your opinions afterward, and tell me whether it's emotionally compelling—does it stir feelings, does it move people at all?"
Obito and the other two wanted to speak but were stopped by Kushina Uzumaki.
Kushina Uzumaki crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back on the sofa, looking at Shindai with an expression three parts mockery and seven parts contempt. "Let him finish performing first," she said.
Shindai coughed once, clearing his throat before beginning to read aloud.
"Eh, I'll skip the self-introduction part and go straight into the story. My parents were elites among elites in Sunagakure, loving me dearly. Every time they returned from missions, they brought delicious treats for me—we lived very happily together. However, this bliss didn't last long. Five years later, my parents sacrificed their lives protecting the entire village for our homeland…"
Kushina Uzumaki quietly whispered to Pakura beside her, "Didn't Shindai say earlier that his parents died on a mission when he was barely two years old? Where did this five-year claim come from?"
Pakura was equally confused. "I don't know either."
The rest of Shindai's recited story was basically adapted from Naruto Uzumaki's tale.
[Kekkei Genkai] made him a target—he was treated like a monster, constantly bullied—even stray dogs chased him away—and he tried gaining acceptance through pranks, which only made people hate him more instead.
Though life knocked him down hard, he never lost his love for life and always dreamed of contributing to the village.
Eventually betrayed by the village itself, utterly heartbroken, he thought his life was over.
But just when all hope seemed gone, a new path opened—he was saved by the current Hokage, Minato Namikaze, found redemption, and joined Konoha, a warm and loving big family.
Shindai spoke passionately, "Therefore... I've resolved to serve Konoha wholeheartedly! To repay Hokage-sama! To thank Konoha! And to show my gratitude to all the villagers!"
"Giving my all to Konoha! If I could receive your generous donations, I could serve Konoha even better!"
"What do you think? Doesn't it sound powerful and full of manly spirit? Makes you really want to donate, right?"
Pakura, Kushina Uzumaki, Obito, and Rin exchanged extremely odd looks.
If they hadn't known what was really going on, they might've actually believed him.
Pakura exchanged glances with the other four members of the five-man team.
At that moment, the five-man team shared a brief telepathic connection, instantly understanding each other's thoughts.
All five nodded simultaneously—they had reached a shared decision.
Kushina Uzumaki smiled at Shindai without warmth and said, "Shindai, we're so glad you let us hear your speech first."
Shindai asked expectantly, "Was my speech good? Any parts need improvement?"
Pakura also gave a half-smile: "Your speech was absolutely brilliant—powerful and full of manly spirit. I was moved beyond words. No changes needed at all."
Kakashi sneered, "This genius truly shines in every aspect~"
Obito mockingly commented, "If Shindai becomes a great literary master someday, wouldn't getting his autograph today be quite valuable?"
Rin Nohara covered her mouth, almost hissing through clenched teeth, "Shindai... you go get 'em."
Shindai muttered to himself while tilting his head, "I'm really this amazing? Hmm... Well I am that awesome. Why should I doubt myself? So then..."
He reached into his pocket and said, "How about you guys donate some money first? I'll give each of you an autograph."
"Oh right, I haven't prepared dinner ingredients yet. I should go prepare them."
"Let me help you, Sister Kushina."
"I gotta train."
"Same here. Hey Rin, wanna tag along?"
"Sure."
In the blink of an eye, Kushina Uzumaki and the others were already off doing their own things.
Shindai's mouth twitched involuntarily.
So stingy! At least give me something!
"Tsk, as if I care about your small change! I'll revise my speech more and act even more pitiful next time—I'll collect even more donations then."
Shindai returned to his house next door, locked himself in his room, and prepared to thoroughly polish his speech draft.
The charity event day came before long.
"Hey Pakura, how do I look?"
Pakura took one look at Shindai and scowled, "What happened? Did someone beat you up?"
Shindai was wearing tattered, dirty clothes, appearing much like a wandering drifter.
Shindai said confidently, "That's the whole idea. I mean, who would donate to someone who looks well-dressed and clean? Oh, by the way, I rewrote the speech three times and added your backstory to make it even more heart-wrenching. Now, just watch me perform!"
Pakura pursed her lips slightly and said to Shindai, "Shindai, everyone is waiting for you in the next room. Go meet them first."
Still immersed in thoughts about his upcoming speech, Shindai nodded, "Okay, let them also give some feedback on my outfit."
Pakura led Shindai into the adjacent room. As soon as they entered, Pakura gave Kushina Uzumaki a meaningful glance.
Then, Pakura used the [Shifting Body Technique] and vanished from the spot.
"Eh?"
Shindai was momentarily stunned, not understanding why Pakura suddenly used the Shifting Body Technique.
Then Kushina Uzumaki appeared before Shindai using the [Shifting Body Technique], a mysterious smile playing on her lips: "Sorry, Shindai."
"Seal!"
With a slap to Shindai's stomach, Kushina triggered a Sealing Formula on him. Instantly, Shindai was paralyzed and cut off from his chakra.
Shindai fell flat onto the ground.
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