"Didn't you say I was supposed to cut these people's hair for free?"
Sasori frowned slightly. "What does 'lifetime free' mean? Wasn't it supposed to be free anyway?"
"They don't know that yet."
Takumi said quietly, "This is about attracting customers. After all, they don't know how skilled you are yet. If we don't let them try it out this way first, how will they know your skills are good?"
"My skills?"
Sasori thought his skill in manipulating puppets was strong.
But as a barber, shouldn't the most important thing be designing hairstyles?
"Don't worry, I'll provide you with a few samples."
Takumi saw Sasori's confusion and guaranteed it.
It was just a matter of a few handsome and beautiful hairstyles; he could easily draw dozens without repeating.
He believed that after being influenced by these hairstyles, with Sasori's talent, he would definitely be able to develop even more styles.
Unknowingly,
Sasori also silently accepted his identity as a barber.
At least he was starting to ask questions.
However,
Takumi confidently awaited the arrival of his first customer.
But something caught him off guard.
He wasn't sure if it was his imagination,
But he felt the crowd that had just been gathered around was slowly drifting away.
Soon he knew it wasn't his imagination.
The crowd really was silently retreating.
"I told you, your idea wouldn't work."
Sasori said calmly, "They trust you, but how can they trust someone of unknown origin who was previously bound in chains like me?"
"In that state, it was obvious I wasn't a good person. They're naturally wary of me."
Sasori's words suddenly woke Takumi up.
"What a mistake!"
Takumi covered his face with his hand.
He had forgotten to establish Sasori's identity and image.
He had brought him directly here, so the first thing everyone saw was Sasori as a prisoner.
How could they possibly accept a prisoner cutting their hair?
Wasn't that handing their lives over to him?
Moreover, they didn't know his skill level yet; they needed to observe first.
Hairstyles are more important than life itself.
They naturally had to be more cautious.
As for safety concerns,
Although they were worried, they were more willing to trust Takumi.
They believed Takumi could save them before Sasori killed them.
So, they adopted a wait-and-see attitude, waiting for someone brave enough to be the first guinea pig.
"Your plan has failed. There's no way they'll let me cut their hair."
Sasori stated flatly and turned to go back inside.
Standing there with Takumi earlier, subject to everyone's attention, had already made him uncomfortable.
He wasn't someone who liked being in the public eye.
As a puppeteer, he was always hidden behind the scenes, using the threads in his hands to control the course of events.
Whether in battle or in scheming,
When a puppeteer reveals their position, it means they are in danger.
"Don't give up so easily."
Takumi lowered his hand, his face regaining its confident expression. "With me here, things will definitely go smoothly."
"What are you going to do?"
Sasori turned back to look at Takumi.
His gaze was filled with calm.
"I'll do a demonstration first!"
Takumi declared confidently.
"You're going to let me cut your hair first?"
Sasori turned around curiously.
Was Takumi planning to put his head in his hands?
Sasori naturally knew that scissors couldn't harm Takumi.
But the confidence to put his head in his hands like this was enough to surprise Sasori.
"No."
Takumi shook his head.
Although he was confident Sasori couldn't hurt him,
He also didn't plan on letting Sasori cut his hair.
He was very satisfied with his current hairstyle.
If Sasori messed it up, the loss would outweigh the gain.
He had to protect his own hair himself.
"Then what do you mean?"
Sasori became even more curious. "A demonstration for whom?"
"For the villagers, of course."
Takumi said, "But I'll be cutting their hair, to show everyone that this is indeed a place for haircuts, not some strange establishment."
"Your wording makes it sound like this is some place unsuitable for children."
Sasori couldn't help quipping, then asked, "Do you even know how to cut hair?"
"What's so hard about that?"
Takumi puffed out his chest. This was simple for him.
Moreover, he had another purpose in proposing this idea.
Because he spotted Konan hidden in the crowd.
Although Konan had changed into inconspicuous clothes, let down her usual hairstyle, and even wore colored contacts to hide her eye color,
For Takumi, Konan had simply changed her look. She was still the flower of the Akatsuki, shining brightly no matter where she was.
"Everyone, to put your minds at ease about getting your hair cut here, I'll do a demonstration first."
Takumi loudly announced his decision.
"What is Takumi planning to do?"
Neji's expression changed. "He's going to put his head in that guy's hands?"
"No way!"
Sakura was nervous. "That's too dangerous!"
"With Takumi's strength, that guy can't hurt him."
Naruto, however, was carefree, putting his hands behind his head. Having witnessed Takumi's fight with Sasori, he didn't think Takumi would lose to him.
"Takumi's thoughts definitely aren't that simple."
Shikamaru stared with lifeless eyes. "All his actions are well-considered. He definitely wouldn't do something that reckless."
Down below,
Takumi waited a few seconds for everyone to hear his words before continuing.
"I will select one customer and personally cut their hair. Then you'll know this is a place for haircuts!"
As his words fell, the crowd erupted.
"I told you so."
Shikamaru said, "He wouldn't just put himself in danger..."
But before he could finish, the two women beside him rushed out like the wind.
Not just Sakura and Ino, every woman present went crazy.
To have Takumi personally touch their hair, even just a touch, would be worth it,
Let alone having him personally design a hairstyle!
How could they possibly miss this opportunity!
The women immediately transformed into devout pilgrims, frantically pushing forward.
The men in the crowd were knocked down and trampled.
Takumi was startled.
He had forgotten about his appeal in the village, especially among women.
Looking at the hands reaching out futilely from the ground, hoping for rescue, he quickly shouted.
"Everyone, stop pushing! Anyone who pushes will be disqualified!"
As soon as he spoke, the crowd immediately quieted down.
"What a tragic scene."
Shikamaru's eyelids twitched. Beside him, Naruto, Lee, and the others were also shaken.