Academy Grades Weren’t Exactly…
Jiraiya strode straight up to Hideki Sato and glared at him with wide eyes.
“This is art!
Art, do you understand?” “What does a brat like you know?” “All you do is criticize from the sidelines.” “If you’ve got the ability, then write a novel yourself!” Hideki didn’t answer.
Instead, he calmly tossed a notebook toward him.
Jiraiya caught it and immediately began reading under his breath.
He intended to thoroughly criticize whatever this arrogant kid had written for daring to belittle his masterpiece, Icha Icha Paradise.
“‘A certain student named Abin had rather poor grades at the Ninja Academy…'” The disdain on Jiraiya’s face slowly disappeared.
As the story progressed…
His expression gradually became more and more serious.
Compared to Young Abin…
His own Icha Icha Paradise had been utterly outclassed.
After skimming through a considerable portion of the manuscript, Jiraiya quietly slipped the notebook into his pocket.
He planned to find some time later to “carefully study” this masterpiece.
Looking at Hideki with a complicated expression, he sighed.
“You really are a once-in-a-generation genius.” “Someone with your talent becoming a shinobi is honestly a waste.” “I’ll keep this manuscript for now.” “I’ll find a publisher and get it printed.” “Do you have a pen name?” That was exactly what Hideki had been aiming for.
Thinking about his future…
Completing missions simply wasn’t a fast enough way to make money.
Seeing how successful Jiraiya’s Icha Icha Paradise had become had given him an idea.
If he could become a famous adult novelist throughout the shinobi world…
Wouldn’t money come pouring in?
Unfortunately, the entertainment industry in this world was still rather underdeveloped.
Hideki couldn’t even find a suitable publishing house to submit his work to.
Even if he did…
There was no guarantee a respectable publisher would accept this kind of novel.
That was precisely why he had handed Young Abin to Jiraiya.
As eccentric as Jiraiya was…
Hideki trusted that he wasn’t the type to steal someone else’s royalties.
“My pen name…” Hideki answered without hesitation.
“‘Darkness of the Shinobi World.'” It wasn’t exactly a title anyone would be proud of.
So he might as well borrow Danzo’s infamous nickname.
After all…
Not everyone could shamelessly treat writing erotic novels as something worth bragging about the way Jiraiya did.
Jiraiya nodded approvingly before turning toward Minato.
“Alright, Minato.” “I’ve got something I need to take care of.” “You go train on your own.” Before Minato even had a chance to respond…
Jiraiya disappeared in a blur.
Leaving Hideki and Minato staring awkwardly at one another.
After a long silence…
Minato was the first to speak.
“Hideki…” “You’re amazing.” “I never knew you had such talent for writing.” “I’m honestly a little jealous.” Looking at Minato’s sincere expression, Hideki asked curiously, “Do you actually know what Jiraiya writes?” Minato shook his head.
“Jiraiya-sensei said that my priority right now is becoming stronger.” “He told me I shouldn’t let unnecessary distractions influence my training.” Hearing that answer, surprise flashed across Hideki’s face.
He hadn’t expected Jiraiya to be so…
Responsible.
Originally, he’d assumed Jiraiya would drag Minato along to spy on women’s hot springs.
It seemed that Konoha’s infamous trio of “drinking, gambling, and perversion” was still in its relatively innocent stage.
They hadn’t yet reached the completely shameless level they would become known for in the future.
Several days later…
Hideki looked at the familiar face standing before him with complete despair.
Meanwhile…
The White Fang wore a brilliant smile.
“Long time no see.” “I’ve got another job for us.” “An elite Sand shinobi puppet squad has infiltrated the Land of Fire.” “Our mission is to eliminate them.” “Oh, and one more thing.” “You’re the one I specifically recommended for this mission.” The moment Hideki heard those words…
His expression became even more miserable.
His recent life had actually been quite enjoyable.
During the day, he would chat with Jiraiya about writing.
At night…
He would spend time with Tsunade.
Life had been peaceful.
Who would have thought the White Fang wouldn’t let him enjoy that peace for long?
And…
The target of this mission…
Could it possibly be Sasori of the Red Sand’s parents?
The highest-ranking commander of the Sand at the moment was Chiyo.
If she learned that her son and daughter-in-law had died at the hands of Hideki and the White Fang…
Wouldn’t she come after them with everything she had?
Hideki let out a deep sigh.
“There are so many Jonin in this camp.” “So why did you have to choose a mere Chunin like me?” The White Fang smiled as he patted Hideki’s head.
“Because you’re the person here I’m most familiar with.” “And I know you won’t slow me down during the mission.” “Of course…” “You can refuse.” “This assignment isn’t mandatory.” Since the White Fang had put it that way…
There was no way Hideki could back down.
Besides…
If something truly went wrong…
Charizard could always carry him away.
After all…
There weren’t many people in the entire shinobi world capable of matching Charizard’s flying speed.
“I’ll accept the mission.” “But I’d like to recommend someone.” “I think he’d make an excellent addition to the team.” “My classmate…” “Minato Namikaze.” Although Minato still officially held the rank of Genin…
Hideki knew that his actual combat ability had already reached the level of a Jonin.
Combined with his exceptional tactical intelligence…
He would undoubtedly be a valuable teammate.
The White Fang nodded.
“I’ve heard of Minato Namikaze.” “If you’re recommending him so highly, I’ll invite him as well.” “Tonight.” “Eight-thirty.” “We’ll meet at the main gate of the camp.” As soon as he finished speaking…
The White Fang vanished in a blur.
Hideki, meanwhile, headed straight toward Tsunade’s tent.
Inside the tent…
Tsunade was sorting through bottles and medicine containers.
Most of them appeared to be healing ointments and antidotes.
Walking up behind her…
Hideki wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Sensei…” “I’m leaving on a mission.” Tsunade paused for several seconds.
Then…
She quietly resumed what she had been doing.
She already knew.
The White Fang had informed her beforehand.
At first…
She had firmly opposed the idea.
The mission sounded far too dangerous.
However…
After the White Fang had asked her a single question— “Can you protect him for a while…
but can you protect him for the rest of his life?” —she had ultimately agreed.
The medicines she was preparing now…
Were all for Hideki.
After all…
Aside from their puppets…
The Sand’s puppet masters were most feared for one thing.
Poison.
( End of Chapter ) CREATORS’ THOUGHTS imyou23 Have some idea about my story?
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