CHAPTER 98

Hatake Sakumo's greatest ambition before establishing the newspaper had been to publish stories that would genuinely benefit the Hokage and the village. But after hearing Fenghuo's words, he suddenly realized that newspapers could be a powerful tool to completely steer public opinion.

Fenghuo continued, "We can publish more heroic deeds of ninjas in the newspaper, increase their popularity, and turn them into idols in the hearts of the people!"

Hatake Sakumo's eyes lit up with renewed excitement.

Jiu Xinnai's gaze sharpened as she stared intensely at Fenghuo, like a flame fanned by the wind. She knew Namikaze Minato dreamed of becoming Hokage, but becoming Hokage wasn't easy. Even being Jiraiya's apprentice wasn't enough to guarantee it. However, if Minato became a village hero—an idol beloved by countless villagers thanks to the newspaper's influence—wouldn't that almost guarantee his path to Hokage?

The thought made Jiu Xinnai determined to build a strong alliance with Fenghuo.

"Brother Fenghuo~" she called teasingly.

Fenghuo shivered, goosebumps prickling his skin. "You— you flatter me too well."

Jiu Xinnai smirked, "Did you think I wouldn't?"

Suddenly, Hatake Sakumo stood up, interrupting them. "Fenghuo, there's one more thing—funding."

Mentioning money reminded Fenghuo of the large debts he owed Yaoshi Nonoyu and Xihi Zhenhong. Maybe the newspaper could be the solution? On the first day of the newspaper's founding, Fenghuo, now vice president, had already begun using public funds.

"Master Hatake," Fenghuo explained, "there will be a small upfront cost, but after that, we'll manage our own profits and losses."

"How much will the newspaper sell for?" Sakumo asked nervously.

"Ten taels per copy," Fenghuo answered seriously.

Hatake Sakumo silently drew the white blade hidden behind his back.

Namikaze Minato gave a wry smile. "Fenghuo, ten taels is way too cheap. Printing costs alone will exceed that. The more we sell, the more we lose."

Fenghuo smiled. "I originally wanted to give it away for free."

The white blade was half-drawn.

Fenghuo quickly added, "Okay, okay. Do you know where the real money comes from?"

Their puzzled looks encouraged Fenghuo.

"Advertisements."

"Advertisements? Like the signs outside shops?" Minato asked, showing his quick understanding.

"That's right. Think about it. A store's sign can only be seen by passersby, but if the advertisement is printed in the newspaper, the more newspapers sold, the more readers see the ad—and the better the store's business!"

The old fox Fenghuo grinned.

"Will anyone really pay for ads?" Sakumo asked, sheathing his blade hesitantly.

"As long as the paper sells well, advertisers will come. We can even auction the limited ad spaces to the highest bidders. That way, my debts won't be a problem."

Fenghuo's plan quickly won everyone over. Under his direction, they contacted a printing company and began adapting ninja missions into short urban suspense stories using Fenghuo's storytelling style. A few days later, the first issue was finally published.

Hatake Sakumo, Minato, and Kushina looked over the newspaper, their confidence wavering.

"Fenghuo, how many copies did we print for this first issue?" Sakumo asked uneasily.

"Ten thousand copies."

Sakumo quickly calculated: if all 10,000 copies sold at ten taels each, that would bring in 100,000 taels—before subtracting printing costs and debts. The newspaper office would still be 200,000 taels in the red.

He sighed. "Are you sure ten taels per copy is enough?"

Fenghuo replied, "If we price it low, more people will buy it. The more buyers, the more attractive it is for advertisers."

Sakumo nodded reluctantly.

Suddenly, Zilai appeared, grinning. "Don't worry! With my novel serialized here, the paper will definitely sell out! Hahaha!"

Fenghuo remembered he hadn't yet read Jiraiya's latest installment. He grabbed a paper and found the novel took up nearly half a page.

"Hmm..." Fenghuo skimmed ten lines.

"What do you think? This is a novel I carefully crafted—it's going to be the ninja world's bestseller, bar none! Hahaha!" Zilai laughed proudly.

Fenghuo's mood soured after reading it—not because the writing was bad, but because it was very well done: immersive, vivid, and almost as if the author had experienced everything firsthand.

For example, the episode about voyeurism in a woman's bathhouse was so detailed in action and psychology it felt real.

Fenghuo looked at Zilai thoughtfully: no wonder he could write "Intimate Heaven"—it's obvious the author draws on plenty of experience.

But Fenghuo had to be firm. "Master Zilai, the newspaper should teach kindness and promote positive values. Your writing doesn't comply with those standards."

"Rules? Who made the rules?!" Jiraiya exploded, white hair wild, cracks spreading in the earth beneath his fury.

"Heh," Fenghuo pointed at Sakumo Hatake.

Sakumo looked confused but patient.

After some negotiation, Zilai finally agreed to revise his manuscript, though it delayed the issue another day.

...

Meanwhile, Danzo had been closely monitoring the newspaper office. When he learned that not only Hatake Sakumo but also Minato, Kushina, and Jiraiya were involved, he became even more suspicious. There had to be something fraudulent going on.

"Master Danzo," a Root ninja reported breathlessly, handing him a slightly crumpled newspaper, "this is the first issue of the Konoha Newspaper."

Danzo took the paper calmly. It was large—about a quarter the size of the table—and densely packed with tiny characters on the front and back.

As he scanned the front page, his eyes narrowed:

Why does the old sow in the pig farm next door disappear so often?

On thunderstorm nights, why does the widow scream every evening?

Why is the old lady's little milk cat repeatedly attacked by shadowy hands?

Are these events caused by the corruption of human nature or the loss of morality?

Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, has written a masterpiece titled I Am the Savior.

Danzo's eyes burned with suspicion.

"What nonsense is this?" Danzo slammed the paper on the table. "How are the sales?"

"Master Danzo, sales are good," the Root ninja answered honestly. "The Konoha Newspaper has been sent to printing multiple times."

Danzo scowled. "From that, it looks like they're making money."

"Actually, sir," the ninja corrected him, "the newspaper sells for ten taels, which isn't enough to cover printing costs."

Danzo rolled his eyes but smiled slyly. An idea had formed. Soon, he went to meet Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing a sweet smile.

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