There was still some time before breakfast would be ready.
With nothing else to do, Uchiha Yusuke picked up a book to pass the time.
The title: Love Strategy.
Don't misunderstand—this was not a guidebook teaching people how to succeed in romance.
It was a "serious" novel… just one with a bit of color to it. The manuscript was still unfinished, as the author was in the process of gathering inspiration.
The author?
Jiraiya.
This copy of *Love Strategy* was only a draft and had not yet been published. It had ended up in Yusuke's hands entirely because of Jiraiya's request a few days earlier.
A few days ago—
Jiraiya, who wandered the shinobi world collecting "inspiration," intelligence, and amusement in equal measure, returned to Konoha and paid Yusuke a visit.
The two could be considered old friends.
And the foundation of that friendship—
Was Jiraiya's earlier masterpiece: *Icha Icha Paradise.*
Yes, the very same book Jiraiya had gifted Kakashi on his eighteenth birthday.
Back then, Yusuke had coincidentally run into Jiraiya while he was deeply immersed in "field research" for that novel.
As the head of the Konoha Police Force, Yusuke had naturally stepped in to "discourage such improper behavior."
Out of courtesy—and perhaps as subtle marketing—Jiraiya had generously handed Yusuke an unfinished draft of *Icha Icha Paradise.*
Curiosity led Yusuke to read it.
Afterward, he provided surprisingly precise and professional feedback.
Jiraiya's eyes had lit up.
It was as if enlightenment had struck him.
In that moment, he felt he had found a kindred spirit.
A true confidant was rare.
From then on, Jiraiya would occasionally seek out Yusuke to discuss how to craft the most explosive, irresistible, bestselling novels possible.
Their friendship was born from that collaboration.
Under Yusuke's guidance, *Icha Icha Paradise* was published soon after—
And it exploded in popularity.
It became a sensation not only in Konoha but across the entire shinobi world.
It sold wildly.
With this single work, Jiraiya firmly established himself as a bestselling author—
Even earning a place on Konoha's equivalent of the Forbes rich list.
The royalties were enormous.
Jiraiya had wanted to share a portion with Yusuke, acknowledging that the book's success owed much to Yusuke's professional input.
But Yusuke refused.
Not out of arrogance—
But because as the Clan Head of the Uchiha, wealth was hardly a concern.
If he wanted money, he would have it.
Still, Jiraiya refused to keep everything for himself.
After discussion, the two made a remarkable decision:
They established Konoha's very first charity foundation.
Using the book's profits, they funded:
Konoha Ninja Academy education programs
The Konoha Orphanage
Aid for underprivileged children
Financial support for families of fallen shinobi
At the time, Jiraiya had been deeply impressed by Yusuke's idea.
After the overwhelming success of *Icha Icha Paradise*—
And with fans across the shinobi world eagerly anticipating more—
Several years later, Yusuke and Jiraiya collaborated again on another phenomenon-level bestseller:
*Icha Icha Violence.*
Thus, the two had become something like unconventional literary partners.
This time, Jiraiya had returned to Konoha because of the news of the Third Hokage's death.
Orochimaru's Konoha Crush plan had succeeded in claiming the Third's life.
Jiraiya's former teacher had died protecting the village—killed by his own student.
The news had shocked him.
Yet, considering Orochimaru's long-standing resentment, it was tragic but not entirely unexpected.
After visiting the Third's grave, Jiraiya sought out Yusuke regarding the draft of *Love Strategy.*
Now—
As Yusuke carefully reviewed the manuscript—
He heard a door open upstairs.
Footsteps followed.
"Yo, you're awake, Mizukage-sama. Did you sleep well?" Yusuke asked casually without looking up.
Mei froze mid-step.
Her slightly pale, fatigued face flushed red.
Instantly, she remembered the relentless, deafening rain from the previous night.
Thinking about it made her nearly explode with frustration.
She clenched her teeth, glaring at Yusuke—who remained calmly reading.
With all that noise, how could I possibly sleep well?!
You two are outrageous!
She had barely slept at all.
Even now she felt exhausted.
If not for her physical conditioning as a shinobi, she likely wouldn't have managed to get out of bed.
Not receiving an answer, Yusuke finally looked up.
The sight startled him.
Dark circles.
Pale complexion.
Clearly drained.
"Terumi Mei… what exactly were you doing last night?"
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