Inside the newly expanded Konoha territory, within the TV station building just completed one year ago.
Shen, who hadn't left the Laboratory since last week after celebrating Nayou's birthday, had today suddenly gotten curious and decided to come here looking for some novel and interesting programs. He also figured it was a good chance to show off his presence, as deputy station manager and all.
In the recording studio, Jiraiya, who was working part-time as an assistant production manager, raised his hand and gave him a thumbs-up upon seeing his arrival.
Shen really wanted to pretend he didn't know this guy. Last year it was this persistent bastard who had begged to work here part-time. At that time, Jiraiya had been weeping bitterly, making it sound like if not for this job, he'd have to beg on the streets of Konoha.
Unable to bear seeing someone homeless, Shen had agreed on the spot to let him work here as staff. Only afterward did he learn what that smile from Jiraiya before leaving truly meant.
This perverted immortal crap, this lecherous young man had actually come here because he saw the TV station's female hosts were attractive, planning to openly "loaf around"!
"I said, Uncle Jiraiya, after more than a year, how come you still haven't gotten tired of watching?"
"You're still young, kid. You don't understand the pleasures us real men seek," replied Jiraiya casually.
Now he finally understood why Jiraiya had been chasing after Tsunade for decades without success. Could childhood friends really lose to sudden newcomers? Was it because the guy himself is too lecherous?
Being the nice guy that he was, Shen thought he should at least give him a heads-up: "Uncle Jiraiya, I tell you what. A few days ago at Commercial Street, I seemed to see a guy with light blue hair hitting on Big Sis Tsunade. Why don't you check it out?"
"Who cares what that woman does. Let them flirt all they want. Who could possibly tolerate her temper?" Though saying this, Jiraiya's inexplicable displeasure clearly showed his true feelings.
Shen, self-proclaimed life mentor, felt it was his duty to school him: "Uncle Jiraiya, do you know the only way to win over a goddess is to be her loyal puppy, right?"
Jiraiya scoffed disdainfully: "I'm so close with Tsunade. Do you think she would run off with some unknown punk?"
"That guy looks pretty handsome, probably no bad habits either, and seems rather gentle."
After hearing this, Jiraiya's facial features immediately twisted together: "So what? Can he handle Tsunade's temper? I bet that guy will get knocked halfway across the room once and then won't dare again."
Wordlessly, Shen pulled a book from his bag, handed it over, and gave Jiraiya's broad shoulder a friendly slap: "Go home and study carefully, Uncle Jiraiya. Your many years of bachelorhood weren't without reason."
When Jiraiya took the book and saw its title, his eyes nearly popped out like copper bells: "[How a Devoted Puppy Can Win Over a Goddess]!? Kid Shen, does this book even work?"
"Just listen to me. Once you master it, that guy won't be your rival anymore," Shen guaranteed confidently.
Flipping through a few pages, Jiraiya started thinking—maybe there really was something to this. Being a devoted puppy sure beats trying and failing to suck up like a total loser.
Shen, who had long kept his achievements hidden from the public eye, silently approved of Jiraiya's request for leave today. After all, he was the third-in-command at Uchiha TV; granting himself a few privileges wasn't excessive at all.
"Jiraiya-jisan's dog-like fawning must be properly recorded."
He thought to himself, I'll save this little treasure for 20 years—Minato and Naruto will see exactly what kind of face their teacher really wears.
"Suck-up dogs never get any. And behind every goddess hides a—" Shen stopped himself mid-commentary, not wanting to risk getting punched into next week.
Walking out of the TV station building, Jiraiya suddenly wanted to check who exactly authored this book as he closed it shut.
"Shinko Otsutsuki? Hmm, haven't heard of him before." He believed he had previously underestimated the entire shinobi world. How could such a talented writer remain completely unknown?
(The grumpy Sage of Six Paths walked away while casually wandering around.)
"What's that kid's name with the light blue hair again—Katou something? Whatever, better go back home and study properly."
Jiraiya thought that such a seemingly flawless competitor would definitely be a scheming villain behind the scenes.
Katou? Just the sound of that name made it obvious this wasn't someone reputable.
Filled with strong motivation to learn, he immediately left this newly developed land in Konoha.
After dismissing Jiraiya, Shen picked up the program schedule to browse through it.
"The prime-time ratings are decent enough, but what the hell is 'Konoha Evening News'? Who would actually watch such a serious program?" Throwing aside the schedule, Shen summoned the person responsible for this particular show.
Coincidentally, this individual was one of the former high-ranking officials recently driven out of the office by the Third Hokage.
"Deputy Director, how may I assist you today?" Said Ryuichi Higashikawa—one of the current program directors at the TV station and formerly among Konoha's upper ranks—with flattery written all over his face.
Though satisfied with this man's obsequious attitude, Shen suddenly slammed his hand on the desk furiously. "Ryuichi! Seriously?! It's been a year already, yet the evening news still looks like this pile of crap? If no one wants to watch formal stuff, why not produce something less formal then? What exactly have you been doing?"
Trembling with fear, Ryuichi barely dared breathe. His whole posture exuded nothing but deference: "But Deputy Director, if we make things too unorthodox, won't our programs get banned?"
"Start thinking! Audiences don't want serious news topics all day long. Why not add a small segment? Why not shoot more interesting daily stories about regular people in Konoha?"
"But do you think anyone will actually watch that?"
Seeing this subordinate actually dare question him, Shen lifted his head and stared directly into the other man's eyes. "The new segment will be called '1818 Golden Eyes,' and I expect it to air next week."
Quaking with terror, Ryuichi immediately straightened his back and swore fervently. "Please rest assured, Deputy Director! Even if it costs me my life, the show will definitely broadcast on time!"
"I'm looking forward to your performance," Shen said coldly before rising and walking out of the studio.
As soon as his figure disappeared from the doorway, all the staff members who'd stood quietly with bowed heads began whispering amongst themselves.
"The Deputy Director is so damn impressive! He says jump, we ask how high—it's freaking legendary!"
"Right, right, right! And he's from the Uchiha household too—young, rich, and absolutely a perfect god-like figure."
"Oh please, like he'd ever look your way. Do you really think a guy would go for someone like you—the nagging type—when he's only twelve?"
"Pfft, don't assume all men like your eighteen-year-old looks. Real men appreciate a woman with experience, like me."
From their conversation alone, you could tell—they were clearly female employees gossiping. Their overly flirtatious chatter was anything but professional.
Meanwhile, the guys' chats were a lot less scandalous.
"Deputy Station Director can instantly spot any issues with a program. No wonder he's long been known as a child prodigy."
"With the Deputy Station Director leading the charge, this station is bound to hit new heights and spread its programs throughout the entire shinobi world!"
"1818 Golden Eyes? Although I don't know exactly what it means, there must be something meaningful behind it."
To them, Shen—who had originally just wanted to create an inside joke—had inexplicably become a sharp-eyed, insightful leader.
It seemed that the professional quality among Konoha citizens had indeed improved greatly.
Shen hadn't even made it home after briefly showing his face at work when several Anbu officers surrounded him in the middle of the street.
"I mean, come on now, guys, that's not how you call someone over, is it? If you show up like this, how am I supposed to face people tomorrow?"
The lead Anbu officer ignored his complaint and calmly stated their purpose: "Shen Uchiha, you are summoned by the Third Hokage."
A sudden chill ran down Shen's spine—he had the feeling that something big was about to go down in Konoha.
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