Chapter 123. Jiraiya's New Book

Chapter 123. Jiraiya's New Book

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It had been some time since the last major event, and the atmosphere of peace in the village was growing stronger. Especially with the recent wedding of Namikaze Minato-sama and the return of the main forces, it had caused everyone to cheer in celebration.

It truly seemed like there was no need for war anymore.

As a result, the village had become much livelier and the overall mood had greatly improved.

Of course, his daily earnings had also increased significantly.

Ever since an unusual surge in profits at a certain time, Yuto had noticed that the business would experience a clear boost in sales at the same time every day thereafter.

What did that mean?

Repeat customers!

And even wealthier repeat customers!

They came every day to buy from him, and all seemed to concentrate around a few specific stores in towns near the Land of Earth or the Land of Wind, which made Yuto wonder.

These areas... were close to the battlefield, so the economy wasn't particularly developed. After all, one wrong move and a group of ninjas could launch a surprise attack, bringing destruction to small villages or towns.

And yet, these customers were so wealthy?

Were they businessmen from a big city developing their hometowns?

But, in the end...

As long as the money kept flowing, Yuto didn't pay much attention to it.

"Add the taro balls and tapioca pearls, and a scoop of cream, please pack them separately."

Hearing a familiar voice, Yuto looked up in confusion, spotting the silver-haired, spiky head of none other than Jiraiya.

Today, since he had nothing to do, he was helping out in the store, so he was staying in the lobby. As for his secretary... Suzune, she was still quite busy. Although the system was helping keep the business stable, there were still many issues in the ninja world, even though peace had returned for a while.

For example, you might run into someone holding the milk tea you sold and then aggressively demanding protection fees. If you didn't pay, they'd stand outside blocking the door with milk tea in hand.

Many of the store managers had been sending him messages, complaining that while using the Uchiha name had made some things more convenient, it also attracted trouble from people who didn't know their place. Besides... most ninjas would not meddle in other people's business unless they were given a mission. Therefore, as long as the protection fee was lower than the commission fee, basically no one would hire a ninja.

But what kind of business was Yuto running?

A legitimate one!

Based on love!

He would never compromise to evil forces threatening him!

So, he arranged for a mission through Suzune.

Of course, this wasn't the reason Suzune wasn't in the office to discuss business with him.

Thanks to the efforts of Konoha's third (or was it fourth?) Hokage, Yuto's land was secured, and construction was already underway. Suzune was overseeing it.

So, his secretary was still pretty busy.

Yuto yawned, picked up the milk tea beside him, and glanced at Jiraiya, who was sitting opposite him, eating porridge. He asked, somewhat irritably, "Went to peep in the dance hall again?"

"Don't talk nonsense! This is research! It's serious business! After all, art is close to life! Didn't Yuto say that art comes from life!" Jiraiya laughed awkwardly, then shamelessly added, "And the dance hall is full of old women. What would I, the Toad Sage, be doing there spying on them?"

"... Hehe."

At first, Yuto was confused. But after hearing about a young man named "Jiraiya" who had shown up at the dance hall—handsome, a good dancer, and also a great writer—many of the older women had started pushing their daughters toward him. Yuto had a good idea of what was going on.

If Jiraiya worked in sales... his performance would probably be great.

Of course, Jiraiya was just talk. He was more of a "puppy dog" to women, enjoying the process of chasing after them. If he actually agreed to anything, the women would likely be too scared to even go through with it.

Just look at the situation in Nadeshiko Village—they gave everything to him, and yet they were so scared they packed up and ran away overnight.

Spying, after all, could easily get you killed.

Recently, there had been rumors circulating the village about a certain high-ranking official being a secret voyeur. As a result, the business at the bathhouse had plummeted, and the owner was now thinking about tearing down the wooden partitions and replacing them with steel panels and bricks.

Looking at Jiraiya, who was comfortably eating his porridge, Yuto suddenly recalled something and asked, "Are you free later?"

"Hmm? What's up? Yuto, are you planning to join me to collect materials too?"

"Can... cough, cough, our paths and ideals are different! I'm not that kind of person!"

"???"

"But I have a friend who wants to ask when? What does he need to bring?"

"Any time is fine, right at the entrance of the village." Jiraiya seemed to understand, leaning forward with a sly grin. "Just bring money."

"Forget it, my friend said it's too close and he doesn't want to go!!"

"…"

Not honest at all!

Jiraiya shook his head helplessly and took another sip of his milk tea. "Tell me, what's the matter?"

"Isn't your [Tale of Ninja Perseverance] finished now?"

As expected of the literary giant of the ninja world, managing to finish his manuscript even during the war. Could it be that the battlefield didn't offer any material, so he had to patiently type up his words instead?

Anyway, the book [Ninja Breaks Through the Hea]—Ahem, [The Tale of Ninja Perseverance] is already complete. The main character ends up becoming the Ninja God, defeating the Grim Reaper who harvests souls, saving his father, and living a shameless life.

The response to this book is quite good. Maybe it's because the war was too depressing, so many people enjoy these kinds of feel-good stories. Plus, with Jiraiya's literary talent, multiple female heroines, great character descriptions, and unique traits for each one, it's become quite popular.

So, it's been a bestseller.

Yuto looked at the smug Jiraiya and said, "So, we're going to hold a fan meeting and ask you to sign autographs and stuff to continue stimulating sales."

"No problem! But it has to be soon; I'm probably going to leave the village in a while."

"Mm."

Yuto nodded, not asking further.

He was just an ordinary businessman. Why would he interfere with a traveling toad searching for the destined child of prophecy?

As long as Jiraiya keeps writing, that's enough!

Talk about money, and nothing else.

However, just as Jiraiya, who was looking forward to the female fans coming to the book signing event, seemed to recall something, he suddenly said, "Oh, I prepared another book."

"No problem! Sign it! A full set of books on sale!"

"It's just some inspiration right now, I haven't started writing yet. I'm planning to add some time-travel elements, and I figured I'd ask Yuto, the editor, for advice!" Jiraiya said seriously. "The story is about a genius from a certain world who travels to a ninja-only world and ends up living in a small village with his father. At a young age, he starts looking after his alcoholic father, and then, through his mastery of hidden weapons and family training techniques, he eventually becomes a god. What do you think of the title [Ninja Continent]?"

"...Sounds good."

This story feels a bit familiar!

Yuto's lips twitched as he looked at the serious-faced Jiraiya.

Come on!

You're a time traveler too, aren't you?!

When are you going to write [Konoha;Gate]?

"You think it's good too! This is a work I'm confident in~" Seeing Yuto's approval, Jiraiya chuckled happily. "We must be serious about it. Let's start collecting materials tonight! I'll continue collecting materials after I leave the village!"

"…"

Turns out, searching for the child of prophecy was just a side quest after all.

Yuto gave a helpless smile, shook his head, and continued drinking his milk tea.

At that moment...

"Yuto-senpai... Huh, Jiraiya-sama?"

A young and excited voice came from outside the door, as if seeing an idol in person.