Chapter 38

The news of the victory in the war quickly returned to Konoha. Without the need for Haruki's promotion, Minato Namikaze, one of the main characters, became extremely popular, no less than the three legendary Sannin at their peak.

Mainly because Minato was too young.

A top-notch genius is always a hot topic no matter when or where.

Just like the top scorer in the college entrance examination in the previous life.

After another two days, the peace agreement book from Sunagakure was delivered to Konoha, symbolizing a temporary arrival of peace.

Following this was a meeting similar to a distribution of spoils.

The main issues were the exchange of prisoners and compensation.

Haruki did not participate, but under his hint, the Hyuga clan suggested engaging in relevant commercial trade with Sunagakure in exchange for the loss of forty ninjas.

To appease and win over the Hyuga clan, Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed to this request.

Besides, there had always been certain transactions between the two countries and villages.

Although it was unclear why the Hyuga clan made such a request, the impoverished Sunagakure naturally would not refuse.

How poor was it?

Back in the day, the first Kazekage dared to propose swapping tailed beasts for the Land of Fire's territory and demanded thirty percent of the money other countries paid for tailed beasts at the Five Kage Summit in front of Hashirama Senju and others.

By the time of the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, he had to rely on selling gold dust with his Magnet Release to make a living.

Their frequent initiation of wars was also due to poverty.

They took big risks for potentially big rewards but unfortunately failed every time. Finally, during Gaara's time, they clung to Konoha's support to barely make progress.

The commercial trade Haruki valued involved gold dust and other desert industries like grapes.

In his view, just selling gold dust was a huge waste.

Turning it into jewelry could bring exponential profits, especially since this world had nobles.

Creating the concept of luxury goods to make money was quite easy.

Sunagakure wanted money, and Haruki was willing to give it to them.

Adapting to local conditions and economic trade was what his homeland excelled at in his previous life.

He didn't believe that with such great benefits, Sunagakure wouldn't lean towards him.

"Teacher? What kind of animal is this? It's so cute!"

Kushina Uzumaki entered and saw Haruki stroking a furry creature.

It was reddish-gold in color, resembling a small dog but with larger ears.

"A fennec fox, also known as a desert fox, brought by Sunagakure."

Seeing her gaze fixed on the little fox, Haruki stepped aside.

Kushina immediately approached and picked it up.

Her expression was serious and focused, her eyes seemed to sparkle.

Indeed, girls couldn't resist cute little animals.

"Teacher, why are you keeping it?"

Kushina gently stroked its soft fur.

The little fox seemed to enjoy it too, occasionally lifting its head to nuzzle her hand, making cute noises.

"For experiments. I need a subject for my medical class, and Sunagakure just happened to send a fox."

"What?"

Kushina looked up and pouted at Haruki, "Teacher, that's too much!"

"No worries, don't you trust my medical ninjutsu? Even if it dies, I can bring it back."

"No way!"

Kushina protected the little fox as if guarding her own child.

Seeing her determined look, Haruki felt like a villain.

"So, what do you want to do?"

"Of course, I'll keep it."

"You? Keep it?"

"I will!"

To show her determination, Kushina straightened her body, looking very resolute.

"A fox isn't a cactus, it needs more than water to live. Feeding it is very troublesome. Plus, it might be quite temperamental, and you could end up with scratches on your pretty face and tender skin." Haruki said while stroking his chin.

Kushina first looked conflicted but then glared, "Teacher, don't lie to me! I'm a ninja, how could it hurt me?"

Haruki thought for a moment and smiled, "Since you like it, I'll give it to you."

"Really?"

Kushina leaned forward slightly to confirm, "Teacher, you're one of Konoha's Twin Pillars, you can't go back on your word!"

"Of course not."

"Thank you, teacher!"

Kushina immediately smiled brightly, hugging the little fox, and happily hopped out of the office.

Haruki, infected by her joy, couldn't help but smile.

Hopefully, she will also like the Nine-Tails in the future.

It was a coincidence.

He didn't plan this.

The Sunagakure leaders, to gain an advantage in negotiations, brought some special products for the major clans.

Haruki picked up the medical textbook written by Tsunade and started his first lesson.

With the end of the war and ninjas returning to Konoha, soon he and Tsunade would no longer need to teach personally and would enjoy uninterrupted couple time.

After the class, he received a notice from Omiki.

Jiraiya's new book sample was ready.

"That was quick."

Haruki picked up the new book, and the cover was much simpler compared to the poster.

This one was specially made.

The material was not cheap.

Flipping through it casually, it looked good.

So he didn't say much more and went to the Hokage building.

Because of the peace talks preparations, it was a busy scene.

After waiting for a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally had time to see him.

"Lord Hokage." Haruki greeted.

"Haruki, what brings you here?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze fell on the book in his hand, "Have you written another masterpiece?"

"This time you guessed wrong." Haruki handed the book over, "It's Jiraiya's masterpiece."

"Jiraiya?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was surprised to hear the name of his wandering disciple and couldn't help but laugh, "That guy has time to write novels but no time to return to Konoha."

"He's also collecting information for Konoha." Haruki said, knowing that in the original story, Jiraiya not only went out to gather material or search for the prophesied child.

Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't blaming him.

He liked his three disciples very much, especially Orochimaru.

Even when Orochimaru violated the rules for human experiments, Hiruzen didn't kill him immediately.

Hiruzen Sarutobi flipped through a few pages and smiled, as expected of Jiraiya.

The protagonist's character was somewhat similar to him, inheriting the Hokage's will and wanting to change the ninja world.

"I'll read it when I have time." Hiruzen Sarutobi closed the book, "You didn't come here just to give me a novel, did you?"

"Indeed, I need a small favor from Lord Hokage. Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and I opened a bookstore, and this book is our first novel. I hope Lord Hokage can help promote it."

"Me?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was curious but didn't refuse, "How do I promote it?"

"Just mention it casually at the next Jonin meeting."

"That simple?"

"I also need a photo."

Haruki immediately took out an old-fashioned camera from a storage scroll, "Please pose as if reading."