Anko came in while Kurenai was testing. She looked at Renji curiously.
"Did you do that for my hair too?"
Renji shook his head, "Not yet. I'll apply it after you've decided on a hairstyle."
She looked thoughtful, "I want to try a new hairstyle, but I'm pretty attached to my old one. Can you first do my usual hairstyle, do your thing so it would be easier to redo later, and finally, restyle it to a different style just for today?"
Renji understood her requirement. He nodded and got to work as Anko replaced Kurenai and sat in the chair.
He did her usual hairstyle first, applied some watery substance, which literally was just scented water, to put on a show. Using his power, he made the hair remember the current hairstyle. Then, he undid it and following her instructions, did a side braid with patterns made of smaller braids.
Anko was thoroughly satisfied with her experience today. She got to try all these new things, ate a lot of snacks, even gossiped with other customers while waiting for Kurenai to finish. She decided she'd be coming back in the future.
Still, she wasn't done yet. She dragged Kurenai to a sofa in the waiting area, chatting and snacking.
Renji then asked for Ayame, who came in with Teuchi. Renji smiled at them.
"Ayame-chan, Teuchi-san, thank you for coming today."
Teuchi pat Ayame, "Of course we wouldn't miss it!"
"Yeah Renji! I even brought some my best friends!" Ayame pointed at two girls in the waiting room.
Renji knelt beside her and pat her head, "Thank you, Ayame-chan. And good job!"
"Hehe"
Teuchi looked a bit hesitant, but in the end, he asked about the steep prices.
Renji gave him the prepared excuse, "I'm confident in my skills. I don't remember everything, but I remember mom teaching them to me as a kid, letting me practice with her hair. I didn't realize then how good I really was! But the response from others when I made Ayame's hair made me realize it's worth."
"I assure you, Teuchi-san, the services I provide would justify the prices. You'll see in the future."
Teuchi knew his parents, but not enough to confirm the story. Not that he was doubting it. Seeing Renji so confident, he just gave him a shoulder pat with a wide smile.
"That's how it should be! A man must have confidence!"
With that, Renji styled Ayame's hair in to an elegant high ponytail with patterns on the side, at her request. Happily, she gave him a hug and skipped out to show it off to her friends.
Renji wanted to give her the full course of services, but Teuchi noting the growing number customers told him they'd do it when it's not so rushed.
After that, Renji worked on Ayame friends, styling their hair as they liked, free of charge as promised. He didn't bother absorbing the energy in their hair though. It was too little compared to kunoichis'.
Their parents thanked him and they all left to go on with their day.
Renji continued to work with his other waiting customers, mostly civilians, and an occasional Genin. Every time, he would work on their hair and absorb a major portion of the demonic energy they have.
Nobody else used the premiums services after Ayame and her friends. Even with the flyer that entitled them to 50% discount, the prices were still a bit much. He even noticed some leaving after seeing them.
Still, every one of the customer that used a service left satisfied. After all, even the basic haircare services he provides surpass the results of a professional one back on Earth!
By afternoon, he only worked on 6 other women's hair, with one genin. He got around 12 units of energy from her hair. Still, it's better than nothing.
Renji was wondering if Mikoto would show up at all, when he felt her energy signature enter his [Demonic Energy Sense] range. She seemed to be coming towards his salon.
After a little while, she entered the salon with her two sons. Noticing her, the few civilian women in the waiting room looked surprised, and some looked uncomfortable. Mikoto noticed that, but couldn't say anything. After all, Uchiha reputation was very poor the past few days.
Renji held her the replica representing her hair in his mind space, reading her emotions. He could feel she had another purpose, other than due to his invitation.
'She seems to want to try to connect with other customers using this chance. Feel out what the villagers think about the Uchiha, and improve their image if possible. Still, her pride isn't making it easy. She seems to be very hesitant to make the first step.'
While thinking this, he approached her with a pleasant smile as the employees welcomed her in.
"Thank you for coming today, Mikoto-san. It is an honor to have you here. And Itachi-kun and Sasuke-kun are also here! Welcome!"
Itachi nodded coolly, while Sasuke, as a toddler didn't care. Mikoto gave a small smile, "Thank you for inviting us, Renji-san."
He then gave a them a tour of the salon, and finished in the waiting room. He then introduced Teuchi, Kurenai, Anko, and Mikoto to each other. He figured the Kunoichi would make comfortable company, while Teuchi as a civilian would help in her quest. Mikoto didn't realize his thinking, but she was quietly grateful for this.
"Mikoto-san, could you wait for a bit? There are still other customers who are waiting for a while."
The other people eavesdropping on them were surprised. This is the wife of the clan head of Uchiha! They were expecting to be pushed back to accommodate for her first.
Even more surprisingly, Mikoto didn't make a scene! She calmly accepted his request, and sat on one of the sofas with her sons.
Itachi was also surprised by Renji's boldness. No normal business would push a clan member, one from a powerful clan, back in line this way. He didn't dislike it though.