30. Rin, What Are You Doing?

Jiraiya walked into the bookstore without hesitation.

As one of Konoha's legendary Sannin, he felt it was his duty to investigate and critique this phenomenon.

---

"So crowded?"

Jiraiya looked at the bookstore packed with customers, his curiosity growing stronger.

It didn't seem like mere clickbait—there was substance here.

Weaving through the crowd, he quickly managed to grab a copy of the book.

His presence didn't cause much of a stir.

Despite his fame, in such a harmonious setting of mutual interests, his reputation held little sway.

When it came to matters like this, men shared a silent camaraderie.

---

Jiraiya casually flipped open Demon Slayer Ninjas and began to read.

Moments later, his expression changed.

It felt as if the door to a new world had been opened—he'd been missing out for 30 years!

In the ninja world, most popular novels were grounded in reality, revolving around standard ninja themes.

But Demon Slayer Ninjas was different, heralding a new genre.

Set in a near-future world with a sci-fi twist, it featured a bold, seductive heroine fighting unheard-of demonic creatures.

---

"This novel is absolutely delightful!" Jiraiya exclaimed with excitement.

It reminded him of the thrill he felt during his first visit to a tavern, accompanied by two lovely hostesses—anticipation, excitement, and irresistible allure.

---

"But what happens next?"

Reaching the end of the book, Jiraiya groaned in frustration. "Why isn't there more? This is unacceptable!"

After taking several deep breaths to calm himself, he reflected on his own writing.

Since publishing Tales of a Gutsy Ninja, he had been searching for inspiration for his next work but had been at a loss.

Reading Demon Slayer Ninjas had ignited a burst of creativity within him.

With newfound inspiration, Jiraiya left the bookstore, book in hand.

He was ready to start writing again.

---

At Konoha Hospital

Hanekawa paused his sword practice.

---

[E-Rank Talent Trait: Hero]

[Trigger Condition: Publication of Demon Slayer Ninjas]

[Effect: Enhances memory by 10%.]

[Note: Publishing more novels can promote the trait to D-Rank Novelist.]

This works too?

He couldn't deny it—everyone has moments when they long for a hero to appear.

The kind who leaves behind a trail of mystery before disappearing in style.

But just to clarify, no gourd babies or Journey to the West. Let's keep it unique.

---

Closing his eyes, Hanekawa noticed that previously vague knowledge had become clearer, and what he had already memorized now stood out in perfect detail.

Excellent.

Now he was confident he could secure the top spot in the upcoming theoretical exams.

"Done practicing?" Tsunade leaned out the window and asked.

"Are you going gambling again? Take a break for once," Hanekawa replied, unable to resist teasing her.

"You're so annoying, kid!"

Clenching her fist, Tsunade glared at him. "Are you coming or not?"

"I'm coming!" Hanekawa quickly conceded.

"Good boy."

Tsunade closed the window, stepped out in her heels, and approached him. "Shall we go now?"

"Wait, I have one condition."

Hanekawa suddenly had an idea. "Lady Tsunade, can you teach me how to use a scalpel?"

"A scalpel?"

Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "You're too young to be a lead medical ninja."

Medical ninja scalpels come in two forms: traditional scalpels and chakra scalpels.

The chakra scalpel, classified as an A-rank medical ninjutsu, was typically mastered only by Jonin-level ninjas.

"I don't mean for surgery. I just want to familiarize myself with its use in advance," Hanekawa clarified.

"Is that so?"

After a brief pause, Tsunade agreed. "Alright."

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Hanekawa breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

Anyone could teach the basics of using a scalpel, but learning from Tsunade herself carried a certain authority and trustworthiness.

---

That Evening

Hanekawa followed Tsunade home.

They had just left the casino and stopped for a feast along the way.

"The use of a scalpel isn't too difficult," Tsunade remarked.

Tsunade took out a scalpel and said, "What's difficult is precision, especially during surgery—you can't afford even the slightest deviation."

Hanekawa stood before her, listening intently and mimicking her movements.

Their practice subject? A live chicken Tsunade had bought earlier from a tavern.

After being meticulously cut apart, the chicken ultimately became their midnight snack.

Say what you will, but Tsunade's roast chicken skills were top-notch.

The kid approves, Hanekawa thought, silently giving her a five-star review.

---

The weekend passed in a blend of gambling and training.

A new week began.

The notable difference? It was now March—the final month of Hanekawa's first year at the academy.

In other words, Hanekawa was about to graduate from a first-year elementary student to a second-year one.

What a momentous occasion, he thought sarcastically.

Suddenly, Kakashi Hatake came to mind.

According to the timeline of the original story, Kakashi graduated from the academy in just one year, becoming a Genin immediately after.

With Hanekawa's current strength, he could also graduate early.

But that's way too dangerous.

Why did Kakashi graduate so quickly, yet still end up forming a team with Obito Uchiha and Rin Nohara later?

Because his earlier teammates… all died. Every single one of them.

Even without deep analysis, it was obvious that staying in the academy was the safer option.

Hanekawa made up his mind: Until I become a master swordsman, I'm not graduating.

---

"Hanekawa."

A familiar voice broke his train of thought.

Looking up, he saw Rin Nohara standing shyly in front of him.

"I don't understand this question," she said hesitantly. "Can you help me?"

One time turned into many.

Ever since Hanekawa had taught her four different writing techniques last time, she had come to him for help with difficult questions.

There was another reason, though—Tsunade.

"Let me see."

Hanekawa opened her notebook, thought for a moment, and said, "This one's a bit tricky. Listen carefully."

---

Meanwhile, in the hallway outside the classroom...

Obito Uchiha walked with excitement and determination.

He had arrived unusually early today.

The elderly woman he usually helped cross the street had no errands for him this morning.

"Rin is going to be so surprised," he thought, grinning broadly.

Quickening his pace, he entered the classroom—and froze.

Unbelievable!

Obito stared at Hanekawa and Rin, chatting and laughing together.

The smile vanished from his face.

Snapping out of his shock, he rushed over, asking urgently, "Rin, what are you two doing?"

"Obito?" Rin turned to him in surprise. "When did you get here?"

Hanekawa was equally taken aback. Obito Uchiha… not late for once?

"Hanekawa's explaining a question to me," Rin explained.

"Is he any good?" Obito frowned.

He recalled that in last month's theory exam, Hanekawa's scores were mediocre, far below Rin's.

"He's very good!" Rin blurted out, her sincerity showing.

"I can do it too!" Obito declared quickly, catching her expression.

"Huh?" Rin tilted her head, confused.

Obito was known as the class clown, consistently