Naruto : Konoha Light

"Which schoolmate wants to join our gourmet society? We have top-tier barbecue masters from the Akimichi clan!"

"For those who love insects, come over here! Our president is an insect-hatching expert from the Aburame clan!"

As they walked through the festival, the academy buzzed with activity. Everywhere they looked, there were new and interesting things to see. The lively atmosphere gradually eased any tension from the earlier events, allowing the new students to immerse themselves in the collective energy of the event.

"I want to establish a service society to help everyone!" Obito declared with enthusiasm. Then, suddenly, he asked, "WWhat kind of society did Shimizu establish?"

Zhihui pointed in a direction and sighed helplessly. "See for yourself."

Following Zhihui's gaze, Obito spotted a club surrounded by dozens of female students. Above the booth, a sign read clearly: "Psychology Society."

At that moment, Obito felt a pang of jealousy. "Why are so many girls gathered there? Do they actually like this kind of boring club?"

"No, they don't," Zhihui replied.

"Then why are they all crowded around?"

Zhihui patted Obito on the shoulder and spoke in a serious tone. "Because Shimizu is the president."

"What?!" Obito nearly doubted reality. "Even for something like this?"

Unwilling to accept the truth, he rushed forward to take a closer look. And he had to admit—Shimizu did have a certain grace about him, something that set him apart.

If white-haired Kakashi was like the cold moonlight, then Shimizu was the warm sunlight.

"Bah, why am I even comparing the two? It's not like Rin is that superficial..."Obito reassured himself, feeling comforted—until a form was suddenly pushed into his hands.

Looking up, he saw Rin standing before him, her face slightly flushed.

"Obito, let's join the Psychology Society together and support Shimizu!"

At that moment, Obito swore he heard something shatter inside him.

Meanwhile, Zhihui struggled to push his way into the crowd.

"Excuse me, let me through."

"Can I squeeze in?"

"I need to get inside."

"Make way for me!"

"I'm the great campus delinquent, Uchiha Zhihui!"

His voice grew more irritated, but against the wall of frenzied female students, it had no effect. No matter how much he struggled, he was completely blocked.

"Wait a minute... am I really the so-called campus tyrant?" Zhihui thought to himself. Then, suddenly, a realization struck him. "If I hadn't lost to Shimizu last year, wouldn't I be the one in that position now?"

The mere thought sent a shiver down his spine. As if making a firm decision, he cleared his throat and shouted, "Hey! Shimizu dropped his key on the ground!"

"Where? Where?!"

Instantly, the crowd dispersed in a frenzy.

Zhihui seized the opening and leaped forward.

"Hah, I finally made it in."

Opposite him, Shimizu smiled faintly. "What's wrong? Did you come to challenge me for the honor Uchiha lost?"

Zhihui's face reddened slightly. "No... my faith is different now!"

"Oh?"

"During our fight three months ago, you told me that the Uchiha clan is the one that understands love the most. But... that love can be dangerous. Before, I didn't understand anything but still blindly believed that everything I did was for the honor of the Uchiha."

"That's why ideological training is important," Shimizu thought to himself. In his opinion, this wasn't just an issue with the Uchiha—it was a widespread problem among all ninja clans.

In a world where children went to war at the age of twelve, their mental growth was naturally distorted.

Even worse, many so-called "thinkers" in this world preferred to isolate themselves, never exchanging ideas, convinced they had grasped the ultimate truth.

But no one was omniscient. Even the greatest minds were shaped by the collision of ideas.

A narrow worldview inevitably limited one's thinking. Some believed they had grasped the mysteries of the world simply by watching a few flowers bloom and wither. It was ridiculous.

But when those people also possessed overwhelming power, the ridiculous became terrifying.

That was why, long ago, leaders proposed an excuse: "A ninja is just a tool. Tools should not have their own thoughts."

But in doing so, they stifled ideological exchange altogether.

Seeing that Shimizu seemed lost in thought, perhaps even agreeing with his views, Zhihui became even more passionate. "There were many extreme people in the Uchiha clan like me before. I can't change them overnight. But if I rise in rank, I can slowly influence them. That's why I have to become stronger!"

Zhihui understood perfectly. If Shimizu hadn't defeated him, he would never have had this realization.

After all, who would listen to the ramblings of a loser?

Shimizu nodded. "If that's what you've decided, then fine.

"But let's wait until after today's academy festival to settle things."

"Why not now?"

"Because if you turn around, you'll see that you have a more immediate problem to deal with."

Zhihui stiffened. Slowly turning his head, he saw a group of furious girls cracking their knuckles and glaring at him.

"Wait, wait! I'm the infamous campus delinquent—give me some respect! Don't hit my face!"

And so, a long, pitiful wail echoed through the academy.

Later, after finally handing out all the flyers, Asuma slumped down beside Shimizu, groaning. "Ugh, why do so many people want to participate in these clubs? This whole thing is so boring!"

Shimizu smiled helplessly. "You're saying that right after I just established one. Isn't that a little disrespectful?"

"Haha, what does that have to do with me?" Asuma chuckled, casually throwing an arm around Shimizu's shoulders. "To be honest, I thought you were going to start a medical society."

Shimizu sighed. "I considered it at first. But seeing Mizuki and Zhihui made me change my mind. If people have a place to express themselves, maybe things will turn out differently for them."

Noticing the slight shift in Shimizu's mood, Asuma quickly clapped his hands together. "Oh, right! I heard a trade caravan from the Hidden Cloud Village just arrived in town. After the festival, let's check it out! I've never seen people from another village before—maybe they have cool souvenirs from the Land of Lightning!"

"Hidden Cloud?" Shimizu's eyes flickered slightly. Then he teased, "The Land of Lightning's most famous export is bars and alcohol. If Lord Hokage hears about this, his blood pressure is going to skyrocket."

"Tch! He can spy on women in the bathhouses, but I can't—"

"Hey!"