Chapter 74 "Number One" Cosplayer

"Drawing stuff like this in public... how could he even think it's acceptable..."

"He's supposed to be the Third's student!"

"What a disgrace."

When Hiruzen appeared, the onlookers immediately started scolding him, clearly distancing themselves.

"So what if he draws this? It's art!"

Jiraiya turned red with anger, then launched into some complicated talk about "natural beauty" and "human art."

"Jiraiya, aren't you supposed to be training!"

"Yes, sensei."

Faced with Hiruzen, Jiraiya could only reluctantly pack away his tools.

"Having goals and determination is good, but it should be directed toward the right path."

Hiruzen said patiently.

"I understand, sensei."

Head lowered, Jiraiya wore a face of apparent remorse.

"Go train. If you don't keep training, you won't even keep up with Orochimaru and Tsunade."

"How could I ever fall behind Orochimaru!"

Jiraiya instantly flared up indignantly, declaring, "I'll go continue my training at Mount Myoboku later today!"

"Oh? There's a Chunin Exam coming up in ten days. If you're so confident, prove yourself during the exam."

Hiruzen smiled as he spoke.

"This great man will definitely surpass Orochimaru!"

Still fuming, Jiraiya grabbed his manga and original drafts, then stormed off directly.

"So naive..." 

Akaba sighed helplessly.

The Third knew Jiraiya too well; a small provocation was enough to send him rushing back to hard training.

"Just like Naruto, isn't he?"

Puffing calmly on his pipe, Hiruzen smiled slightly, then looked toward Akaba and the fourth volume of the manga.

He hadn't read the latest update yet. But since Uchiha hadn't caused any trouble the day before, the Third wasn't exactly sure what had transpired between them. However, since Uchiha had been quiet since yesterday, he assumed things had settled down—no need for him to intervene anymore.

Therefore, he picked up the manga simply intending to see what Akaba had drawn.

Although earlier he'd glimpsed some scenes using the Telescope Technique, seeing clearly from that distance still proved difficult.

"Hmm… Passing out after using just a few ninjutsu… wouldn't that make the Hatake Clan look bad too?"

Suddenly, he muttered this after only a few moments.

"That's the cost of power!"

"Hahaha, I'm just joking casually—don't take it seriously."

As Hiruzen continued flipping through the pages, he paused at a particular page. As if aware of Akaba's gaze, he gave a light cough and absently patted his pockets.

Tsk... That teacher-and-student duo...

Hmm?

The Third's expression stiffened slightly as he pulled his hand back and tapped the pipe.

"If you don't have money, sensei, consider this one a gift."

Akaba smiled faintly.

"Tsk—Money should still be paid! I'll have someone bring a hundred taels over later."

Hiruzen blushed slightly.

Since he was a Multiple Shadow Clone, he hadn't brought any money when leaving home. He'd reflexively touched his pocket, only remembering this fact just now.

Then, lifting his pipe slightly, he signaled that he needed to leave.

"Please go safely, teacher."

Bowing respectfully, Akaba saw him off. After the Third left, several people came out of the store.

They watched the departing figure of the Hokage and exclaimed with surprise, "Even the Hokage enjoys manga! Never would've expected!"

"Of course! I'll be sure to submit each new volume to the Hokage for review first."

Akaba wore a proud expression.

These customers gave him an idea — next time, he'd definitely add something like "The Hokage's favorite manga!" to his ads.

Impressive! That'll totally win them over!

"Boss, ten manga volumes please."

Suddenly, a voice from outside drew everyone's attention. All turned their heads toward the entrance.

Proud posture with that iconic fan symbol on his back.

Akaba eyed him curiously. The face looked familiar; they might have even fought before. But try as he might, he couldn't recall this person's name.

The other glanced at him briefly, then deliberately looked away, feigning indifference.

"Uchiha Ryo, right? Here are your ten manga volumes."

Sakuma Yunlang warmly grabbed ten copies from the shelf, stacked them neatly, and handed them over.

Hearing the name jogged Akaba's memory.

This guy had actually come to cause trouble when the shop first opened, but after some reasonable persuasion, he changed his ways. Now, clearly, he'd become an avid manga reader.

"And give me a few of the first three issues too."

Ryo spoke a bit faster, stammering slightly, and turned his body aside to avoid Akaba's gaze.

Akaba found this expression incredibly relatable.

Most otaku probably wore similar faces when encountering acquaintances on the street — himself included, even in his past life.

"Sure thing! Ten copies each, coming right up!"

"Mm."

Ryo grunted and dropped 4,000 ryō coins on the counter.

Sakuma smiled even wider, becoming more energetic. Buying ten full sets of four different manga volumes at once — the Uchiha clan really was loaded!

Still, there was something oddly peculiar about Ryo's outfit.

Akaba eyed him curiously.

Ah!

Black hair, blue shirt, white pants.

Except for being held back a year (thus lacking a forehead protector), his appearance was virtually identical to Sasuke Uchiha's.

So basically, this guy was a cosplayer!

Realization hit Akaba, who suddenly felt great respect for Uchiha Ryo.

"These are your ten sets of manga."

Sakuma bundled up the remaining volumes, wrapping them in cloth until it formed a thick stack.

This many?

Ryo hesitated momentarily before clenching his teeth, grabbing the package, and trying to act casual as he headed toward the Uchiha district.

"Yunlang, does he come here often?"

Akaba asked curiously.

"Yes, every time there's a new release he comes by."

Sakuma answered.

"When did he start dressing like that?"

"Oh you mean the clothes? He started wearing them a few days ago."

Sakuma recalled after a moment.

"A few days ago already — definitely a cosplayer!"

Akaba sighed thoughtfully, struck by a sudden realization.

If more people in Konoha came to love manga, maybe they could host a manga con someday.

"Master, what is a 'coser' exactly?"

Sakuma asked curiously.

"It means someone who's really into manga."

Akaba offered a rough explanation while deep in thought.

The more he considered it, the more feasible it seemed — ninjas already have access to Transformation Jutsu — it goes without saying they'd be naturals at cosplay.

"After finishing business in the Wave Country, maybe we can try organizing such events."

The idea of holding a comic convention in the ninja world thrilled Akaba, even if it sounded like a lot of hassle.

There was way too much to do as the event organizer, and most importantly, there were still eight chapters left in the Wave Country arc!

"Never mind, Yunlang. I'm heading out—you can handle things here. When you get a chance, settle the profit split with the factory."

Akaba waved his hand.

After one or two days of nonstop work, Volume 5 had finally been finished on time. He definitely deserved a short break.

"Master, leave everything to me."

Sakuma Yunlang replied while organizing the freshly collected money.

Honestly, Akaba had no idea how much money the Manga Shop made every day—it was all handled by Sakuma Yunlang.

Most people wouldn't have been able to handle it.

Luckily, he had managed some finances for his clan before, so dealing with money came naturally to him. It didn't take long before he figured out the ropes. Now, all profits and distributions from the manga business went directly through him and the factory, saving Akaba a lot of trouble.

Otherwise, having to deal with such tedious stuff himself would probably drive him crazy.

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