Chapter 46 — The Great Writer
Kinoshita Hikaru walked along the streets, observing Konoha with a completely different perspective. Unlike before, when he simply admired the scenery, today he was searching for business opportunities.
He needed to pick a good location—he planned to open a newspaper office. Although he couldn't defeat Danzo yet, that didn't mean he had to let him have it easy.
Now that he had apprenticed under Orochimaru, he had established a direct connection with the Hokage. Things he once wanted to do but didn't dare to—he could now begin doing.
For example, opening a newspaper.
With that, he could control the power of public opinion. While it wasn't as immediately satisfying as stabbing Danzo a few times, it was far more lethal. It could strip away Danzo's disguise and turn him into a rat everyone despised.
After all, when used well, the power of public opinion was no less than a Tailed Beast Bomb.
Not only that, it would also solve his financial problems.
Otherwise, with his appetite, his future would be nothing but doing missions to eat, and eating to do missions—an endless loop.
Speaking of making money…
In a supernatural world like the ninja world, the ways to earn money were essentially the same: clothing, food, housing, transportation, weapons, ninjutsu, and intelligence.
A newspaper was also a form of intelligence—transparent intelligence.
With his foresight, he was certain he could earn a fortune.
After all, while this world relied on strength, there was another kind of power—money.
Tsunade was once chased by debt collectors, and later even hospital director Sakura had to pay off a mortgage.
Immortal Kakuzu worked like a slave, Konan burned money on explosive tags.
Orochimaru constantly needed funding, and Danzo was stressed to the point of tears.
Everything revolved around money—Hikaru couldn't help but sigh at how difficult the ninja world was.
Moreover, this would also help him build fame.
Kinoshita Hikaru had a perfectionist personality—he preferred to plan before acting.
Take becoming Hokage, for example.
Ever since he made that decision, he had been working toward it step by step.
First, he helped neighbors and built the image of someone kind and helpful.
This unknowingly gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a good impression of him.
At the Ninja Academy, he directly consumed the Rubber Fruit, showcasing his genius.
That further reinforced Hiruzen's impression: a talented civilian ninja with a kind heart.
Through his rubber bloodline ability, he made the major clans view him favorably rather than reject him, allowing him to interact with their young heirs.
Then, by gathering everyone together through humor, he created bonds and further strengthened Hiruzen's impression—someone with leadership qualities.
Now, by becoming Orochimaru's disciple, he had become Hiruzen's grand-disciple—a direct lineage worthy of heavy cultivation.
Kinoshita Hikaru wasn't like those fools who gained a bit of strength and became arrogant, challenging the heavens and earth, believing that accumulating battlefield achievements alone would make them Hokage.
What was the Hokage's creed?
It wasn't that one becomes acknowledged after becoming Hokage—but that one becomes Hokage only after being acknowledged by everyone.
But how does one gain recognition?
There were many ways—but the first step wasn't recognition.
It was being known.
If people didn't even know you, how could they acknowledge you?
…
This world had paper, bounty notices, and small books—but no newspaper.
That meant Kinoshita Hikaru was about to become the very first newspaper publisher.
As long as he remained impartial in the early stages and ensured everything reported was truthful, he could establish authority.
He would create the illusion among Konoha's citizens that—even if the entire world lied to them, the newspaper never would.
At that point, controlling public opinion would be as simple as saying whatever he wanted.
Even if the "Konoha's Shadow" Danzo slandered him endlessly, all he needed was a single newspaper to clear his name.
Wouldn't that drive Danzo to vomit blood?
"Geigeigei…"
Soon after.
He found a storefront. The location was excellent—right next to the Police Force headquarters. Being neighbors with those hotheaded fellows would help prevent Root from launching sneak attacks, ensuring safety. A sign above read: For Sale or Rent.
It was a space over a hundred square meters, well-lit, with good airflow.
A middle-aged man sat in the corner drinking sake, looking utterly dejected. Crumpled papers were scattered all over the floor.
Kinoshita Hikaru wasn't sure if this man was the landlord—or just a vagrant.
"Excuse me, are you…?"
Aneki took another swig of sake, his eyes half-closed in drunken haze.
"Go, go, don't play around here."
(︶︿︶)=凸
"Doesn't your sign say it's for rent or sale?"
"It's not for rent. Only for sale."
Hikaru felt a bit annoyed. The sign clearly said both, yet now he was told it was only for sale. Was this guy trying to bully him because he was young?
He narrowed his eyes. "Then why write 'for rent or sale'? That's dishonest. As a Konoha citizen, your behavior is unacceptable. I'm going to beat you."
Bang! Bang!
Two punches sobered Aneki up instantly.
"Why are you hitting me?!"
Though he shouted, he didn't dare fight back. Even as a civilian, he could see that this kid's arms could stretch.
"As a practitioner of the Will of Fire, I cannot tolerate lies."
Bang! Bang!
Two more punches—giving him panda eyes.
"Hey! Stop! The Police Force is right next door—I'll report you!"
"Report me for what?"
"You hit me! Look, I'm bruised. Come with me to the police—we'll settle this!"
Hikaru ignored him, grabbed him, and green chakra appeared in his hand as he used the Mystical Palm Technique. Five seconds later, the injuries disappeared.
"What about now?"
"You think you can get away with it just because you healed me? I'm still reporting you!"
Bang! Bang!
Two more punches—then healed again.
"What about now?"
"Y-you—"
Another two punches.
Aneki was completely broken. This kid had no sense of honor—beating him while healing him at the same time. Who could endure that?
"Stop hitting me! I'll rent it—I'll rent it!"
Bang! Bang!
Two more punches.
"Why are you still hitting me? I already said I'll rent it!" Aneki said, holding his panda eyes, looking aggrieved.
Hikaru grinned, showing eight gleaming teeth. "I'm not renting. I'm buying (*ω)╰ひ╯"
Aneki: "..."
Where did this little monster come from? This was way too shameless. If you're buying, why beat me?!
Did I say something wrong?
Or did I drink too much and mix up my words—saying "only rent" instead of "only sell"?
At that moment, Aneki began to question his life.
Still, as the owner, he forced himself to raise three fingers.
"Th-thirty thousand ryō!"
Hikaru nodded. The price was fine—not just fine, but even a bit low.
"I don't have that much money (ω)."
At that moment, Aneki completely lost it. Not caring whether he could win or not, he lunged forward to fight.
This was too much!
When he said only for sale, he got beaten.
When he said he could rent, he got beaten.
Now that he said he could sell, he was told there was no money.
So this kid wasn't here to buy a property—he was here just to beat him!
"Calm down. I mean I can pay a deposit first and give you the rest in a few days."
Hikaru realized he shouldn't push further and explained his plan. Then he noticed the scattered papers on the ground.
"Did you write these?"
"Yes."
Aneki wanted to stop him, but didn't dare—he was afraid of getting beaten again. Kids like this were the worst.
Hikaru spread the papers out and found that it was actually a novel. Although it was… adult content, the writing was quite good.
"It's not bad. Why throw it away?"
Aneki's face turned red. He snatched the papers, tore them apart, and even stomped on them.
"It disgraces literature."
Hikaru's interest was immediately piqued. This guy clearly had a story.
"Tell me—how did you write it? No, I mean… what exactly happened?"
***
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