After entertaining the citizens of Sunagakure with his amazing dance moves, Shishiō exits the stage, with applause and laughter echoing behind him. His way of connecting with the people seems to have had a positive effect, showing them that he can enjoy himself just like they do and does not look down on those around him. Shishiō stands out as both a leader and part of the community, not seeing himself as more important than the citizens. However, unknown to them, several ANBU members are hidden among the people and shadows, watching over Shishiō.
Walking among the residents, Shishiō goes to a vendor selling various types of food. Even though he holds the title of Kazekage, he doesn't shy away from bargaining. He and the seller argue back and forth, but Shishiō stands his ground and ends up getting cactus juice for half the original price. Before he was given the title and responsibilities of Kazekage, Shishiō lived on the streets of the old city, where stealing food and bargaining were part of everyday life for him.
With a happy sigh, he tilts his head back, removes his hat, and holds it at his side.
"This brings back memories of a time before all the responsibilities, when I only had myself and my puppets to think about. Sunagakure is always just as joyful during a festival in the city's honor" He says to himself before continuing to drink his cactus juice in peace. A short distance away, an ANBU member is talking to a shinobi, a courier from the Gold District. The courier requests to deliver a message to Shishiō, the newest Kazekage, but the ANBU member doesn't let him pass easily. After showing the message, the ANBU and courier head to Shishiō together. They land in front of him, and the courier holds out a scroll. Shishiō asks him to read it aloud. Sipping his cactus juice, he listens carefully.
When the messenger finishes, Shishiō places his hat back on his head.
"Say hello to President Gizoku and tell him..." He pauses before continuing.
"Holding on is believing that there’s a past, letting go is knowing that there’s a future." He takes one last sip of his cactus juice before bending down and placing it on the ground.
"May all who come as guests leave as friends. Sincerely, Kazekage Shishiō." With that said and written down, the ANBU member follows the messenger to the village's outer gate, ensuring President Gizoku and those he may bring with him know they are welcome in Sunagakure and that Shishiō hopes they remain allies and friends.
Shortly after they leave, Shishiō returns to his thoughts, but his peace of mind doesn't last long. In the distance, he hears children's voices arguing over a toy outside one of the stalls. He rolls his eyes before heading back to the crowd. Approaching the scene, the commotion quiets down as he stands in front of the two children, one older and one younger, who both want the same toy.
"All this fuss and tears over a toy?" He remarks. The younger child looks up at him with tears streaming down his cheeks but stops screaming. Shishiō signals the seller to give him a similar toy, which he then hands to the younger child.
"It's a festival, there is no reason for tears of sadness here on our streets. Now go to your parents." The boy stops crying, thanks Shishiō, and runs off with his sibling.
Now surrounded by people, Shishiō can't avoid small talk. Their conversations range from village plans and hobbies to his leadership intentions. Almost forced to answer all the questions, Shishiō tries to satisfy them while keeping an eye on a man walking through the crowd toward him. It turns out to be Oboro, a Jōnin of Sunagakure and one of his soldiers. Just as Oboro is about to address him, Shishiō puts an arm around him and starts walking away from the crowd, shouting. "Sorry everyone, I have important things to discuss with Oboro, you know, Kazekage stuff!" As they walk to a more open and less crowded area, Shishiō whispers,
"Thanks for the save, Oboro. I owe you one.”
