Chapter 99

Haruki finally gained a preliminary understanding of the Hyuga clan's accumulated power.

All along, due to his own strength and the influence of the original work, he didn't think much of the Hyuga clan.

But in Konoha, and even in the entire ninja world, they could be considered giants.

After the meeting, Hiashi Hyuga took only an hour to complete the acquisition tasks assigned by Haruki.

No one took advantage of the situation to raise prices, nor were there any stubborn holdouts, and everything went very smoothly, saving half the cost Haruki had anticipated.

In truth, Haruki's thinking hadn't yet adapted.

This was, after all, not his previous life.

Afterward, Haruki and Tsunade went to the Hokage building to discuss this matter.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, as the actual administrator of Konoha Village, needed to be informed of major constructions to avoid any trouble.

When Sarutobi Hiruzen heard that the two planned to use the street for their engagement ceremony, he readily agreed without hesitation.

On one hand, it did not involve Konoha's interests, and on the other hand, it was because of Haruki and Tsunade's statuses.

Especially Tsunade, who was now the only visible descendant of the Senju clan. Even if not for her teacher Tobirama Senju, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't treat her poorly to avoid rumors.

With Sarutobi Hiruzen's permission, a unique street began to rise in Konoha.

Nearly a month's worth of construction was highly anticipated.

Because it was quite unusual.

Buildings with a sci-fi feel, a Sword Art Online-themed hotel, a Slam Dunk store, and a light novel amusement park were erected.

Named Akihabara by Haruki, the street became hugely popular even without publicity.

It could only be said that entertainment options in this era were too limited.

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"Two-thirds of Akihabara is now complete, and the remaining parts will be finished in a few days."

Standing in Haruki's office, Yoshiyuki Oshima reported, "Following your instructions, we have opened many facilities, and based on feedback, the response is very positive."

"Give me the specifics."

Haruki was curious to know which aspects the simple-minded villagers of Konoha preferred compared to his previous life.

"The most successful business is the Sword Art Online-themed hotel."

"That's surprising. I thought the amusement park would attract more people."

Haruki looked up in surprise.

After giving the orders, he hadn't been involved, so he wasn't sure about the specifics.

If he had to oversee every detail, he might end up like Zhuge Liang, exhausted to death.

Could the amusement park have been messed up?

"The amusement park is doing well too." Yoshiyuki Oshima chuckled, "But the themed hotel, well, we provided Asuna and Kirito cosplay costumes for every couple, and perhaps they prefer that otherworldly style."

"…"

Haruki twitched his mouth, understanding why the themed hotel was the most successful.

"Who came up with that idea?"

"Takeshita Isamu."

"That name sounds familiar." Haruki pondered, feeling he'd heard it somewhere before.

"The illustrator for the new Konoha bookstore, previously from a big city in the Land of Fire," Yoshiyuki Oshima reminded him.

"Oh, right."

Haruki recalled, it was the guy who demanded more money to illustrate the cover of Jiraiya's novel.

Indeed, no one could escape the truth of the famous philosopher Wang Jingze: people eventually come to appreciate what they initially refuse.

Having once refused to draw revealing covers, he was now proposing such ideas—a remarkable journey.

"Takeshita Isamu became the exclusive artist for the new Konoha bookstore long ago. After some time, Omoki promoted him to art director."

Yoshiyuki Oshima, seeing Haruki was not fully informed, explained the recent changes.

Haruki nodded.

After the organization was established, he reformed it along modern corporate lines.

Naturally, positions also changed.

But no matter what, they held more than half of the shares.

Other aspects might be delegated, but publicity couldn't be overlooked.

Haruki understood the power of media and promotion—the so-called silent killer, the uncrowned king.

"Haruki!"

A loud voice sounded from outside the door.

Before Haruki could respond, the person had already entered the office.

Tall, with white spiky hair and an oil forehead protector.

A unique outfit in the ninja world.

It was Jiraiya.

Yoshiyuki Oshima bowed slightly and immediately left.

"I thought you'd come back for my engagement ceremony."

Haruki smiled, got up from his desk, sat across from Jiraiya, and poured him a cup of tea.

Jiraiya drank it in one gulp and said, "Tea has no kick."

"In a few days, you can drink as much as you want, and I'll get you the best wine."

"Ha, that's why I like you. I saw your Akihabara on my way here; it's impressive, especially Asuna."

"Here." Haruki tossed him a black card with a red dragon flag on it. "All your expenses in Akihabara are on me."

"Great!" Jiraiya pocketed the black card immediately. "But I think Akihabara is missing something."

"What?"

"Hot springs." Jiraiya showed a look of delight. "Imagine how relaxing it would be to soak in a hot spring after a long day."

"Should I also include mixed bathing?" Haruki asked pointedly.

"Sure!"

Jiraiya blurted out before realizing, "Haha, I mean, mixed bathing allows everyone to help each other out, scrub backs and all."

Haruki shook his head. "If there were mixed bathing, you'd only see one thing: a bunch of burly men."

"…Never mind, I'll figure something else out."

Jiraiya shivered at the thought. "I wish I had Byakugan."

"If the Hyuga clan heard you, they'd probably be furious," Haruki teased.

Though he had similar thoughts in his past life, he never awakened any special eyes, whether Sharingan or Byakugan.

"Just kidding."

Jiraiya laughed and changed the topic, taking out a book and handing it to Haruki. "Here's your engagement gift."

"What… Icha Icha Paradise?" Haruki looked up, exasperated. "Are you serious? Giving me this book?"

"Isn't it perfect?" Jiraiya winked.

"Do I need your guidance?"

Haruki looked at him disdainfully and then, with a grand gesture, said, "To prevent you from corrupting someone else, I'll reluctantly accept it."

Jiraiya gave a thumbs-up. "You've truly mastered my shamelessness."

Haruki paused, and as they made eye contact, the office filled with laughter.

"Alright, I have to report to the teacher."

Jiraiya stood up, took a few steps, and said, "Tsunade is in your hands. I'll be watching you; don't disappoint me."