Chapter 74

This isn't even the most surprising part.

You should know that in the Rain Country, it rains heavily all year round. There are no tents on the battlefield for resting; essentially, you find a spot and rest wherever you can.

So, when did he find the time to write a book?

Where did he create?

The manuscript is still pristine, untouched by the relentless rain.

Shinki truly admires Jiraiya.

For the sake of his writing and portraying the character of the emperor's uncle, he's gone to great lengths.

He came back completely soaked and immediately pulled out a stack of handwritten pages. How did he manage that?

"Ahahaha..."

Seeing Shinki give him a thumbs-up, Jiraiya grinned sheepishly.

If anyone deserves admiration, it's Jiraiya. Now, let's see this manuscript... No, let's review it.

Shinki picked up the manuscript and read it intently.

After going through it several times, he looked up at Jiraiya, then back down at the manuscript.

Jiraiya suddenly felt a wave of nervousness. Did I write poorly? Or is the plot too incoherent? I thought I set up Bai Jiejie, the pure young woman of the ninja world, perfectly.

After reading a few more pages, Shinki handed the manuscript back to Jiraiya decisively:

"It's well written. Keep going. Once you finish, you can send it to the publishing house. I believe it will be popular in the ninja world."

Jiraiya was indeed an expert in writing stories about the emperor's uncle. His writing was exceptional, though the main male character seemed strangely familiar.

"Really?" Jiraiya's heart, which had been in his throat, leapt with excitement.

"Yes, really. Believe in yourself and in my judgment. If you don't trust me, show it to Orochimaru."

"Alright, I'll go find that arrogant Orochimaru, and when I finish, I'll have someone send it back to the village. No, that's not safe—I'll have a toad deliver it to ensure it's printed and published."

Clutching the manuscript, Jiraiya happily ran off.

Shinki raised a hand to rub his face, trying to stay alert: "I hope this guy doesn't get beaten up."

Rushing into the morgue where Orochimaru was resting, Jiraiya put on a proud expression and presented the manuscript:

"Here's my new book. Shinki said you might want to take a look."

"???"

A new book? Didn't you just come off the battlefield? Where did you find the time to write this?

Like Shinki, Orochimaru had questions.

If Jiraiya had asked for help directly, Orochimaru would have refused without hesitation. But since Shinki had suggested it, Orochimaru felt compelled to glance at the manuscript.

His expression changed immediately after scanning a few pages.

*Thwack!*

He slammed the manuscript down on the table, emanating an intimidating aura: "Explain to me why the main character is named Orochimaru."

Jiraiya explained enthusiastically: "He's a genius, just like you—a multifaceted person. According to Shinki, he's a hexagonal warrior. Only a strong figure like that could catch Bai Jiejie's interest. Isn't it great? He's modeled after you."

"Get out!!!"

Orochimaru kicked Jiraiya out of the room.

You wrote a story with the emperor's uncle using me as inspiration and made me the protagonist, didn't you?

Orochimaru couldn't remember the last time he'd been this angry.

Jiraiya, this fool, not only made him the main character but depicted him in such an embarrassing way...

"Don't be mad, give me back the manuscript! Arrogant Orochimaru, my manuscript!!"

"Get out! Take this thing and leave!!"

"Calm down, I'll even share some royalties..."

"Get out!!!"

A furious Orochimaru chased Jiraiya out and beat him. But thankfully, the manuscript was unharmed. Despite the beating, Jiraiya was delighted, albeit with a bruised face.

To him, Orochimaru's reaction confirmed that he'd nailed it. The character portrayal was so spot-on that it touched a nerve.

Rushing to the command center, Jiraiya eagerly asked: "Senior Shukaku, do I have any missions coming up?"

"There are missions, but I think it's best for you to rest for now."

Looking at the bruised and battered Jiraiya, Nara Shukaku suppressed a sigh. This guy had been beaten up badly but still thought about work.

"That's perfect. I need some time to complete my writing. Senior, I'll be going now."

With time to rest, Jiraiya planned to finish the remaining chapters and send them back to the village for printing and publication.

Nara Shikako: "..."

The Hokage's disciple seems to have some issues. Should I report this to the Hokage?

Jiraiya found an unoccupied tent and settled in. Without even changing out of his wet clothes, he grabbed a pen and paper and continued writing. Inspiration was pouring out of him.

The Rain Country was in chaos, and so was Konoha.

The declaration of war from the Rain Village had thrown everything into disarray, placing the ball in the court of the three major ninja villages.

Sand Village, which previously harbored concerns, now felt free to act, while Konoha was less than pleased.

Konoha had been on the defensive, pinned with the stigma of instigating war by the Sand Village. Now, with the Rain Village's declaration, Sand no longer needed to worry about being labeled as the aggressor.

"Everyone, the Rain Village has declared war on us. How should we respond?" 

The Third Hokage, visibly more haggard, had lost even more hair due to the stress.

Why, Hanzo, did you choose now to intervene and side with the Sand Village? This reckless move made things difficult for Konoha.

War had broken out, and the Rain Country was now the target. Its destruction was only a matter of time. But instead of enduring Sand Village's pillaging, Hanzo took this drastic step.

The Third Hokage felt cornered by this situation. Hanzo's unexpected move put Konoha in a tough spot.

"If the Rain Village dares declare war on us, as one of the five major ninja villages, we must respond with strength."

Koharu Utatane, still as fiery as ever, couldn't tolerate such a slight.

If the Rain Country suffered looting, they should target Sand Village. Why involve Konoha?

"I believe Sand and Rock Villages share the same thoughts. The pride and boundaries of the five great ninja villages cannot be crossed!"

"I agree with Koharu," said Mitomon En, who rarely spoke at these meetings.

The Rain Village had passed the ball to Konoha. Not responding would only make Konoha seem weak.

The Third Hokage looked at Akimichi Tofu, who patted his large belly and said with a smile:

"Koharu is right. Whatever the reason, now that Rain has declared war, we must respond."

"But I suggest waiting a moment."

"What do you mean?"

Akimichi Tofu opposing us now?

Koharu Utatane was not pleased.

>>>>>

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