The manga, for better or worse, really got these young ninja dreaming about what lay ahead.
Now that he'd set his sights on something, Akaba figured he ought to work just a little harder than usual.
Team assignments were coming up, and if he wanted to keep his genius reputation intact in front of the new instructor, he'd have to maintain appearances – after all, being famous sold manga no matter where you went.
He secretly planned within his heart: the fifth and sixth chapters depicted Kakashi testing Team 7. This section featured numerous new Ninjutsu techniques. Drawing chapter six early meant obtaining these abilities sooner, especially the Narakami no Jutsu.
"To obtain more Ninjutsu faster, I guess I'll just have to work overtime."
Akaba sighed inwardly. While the Narakami no Jutsu could indeed be learned from the Sakuma clan, suddenly mastering it at an expert level was practically impossible. Compared to continuously practicing ninjutsu skills, he much preferred picking up his pen and drawing extra manga pages.
Still, they'd only reached chapter four. Who knows how long it would take doing it alone? Fortunately, upcoming days had no classes, so shadow clones could handle the workload.
Now that was one perk of being a ninja worth appreciating.
Before he could draw several pages, students gradually returned outside the classroom. When the last two students came back, Sarutobi Nennosuke also entered the classroom.
"Today's comprehensive exams have all concluded. Except for Uchiha Ryo, I will score others appropriately. Those who have passed all courses will receive their forehead protectors."
"In the next few days, everyone can properly rest."
Sarutobi Nennosuke spoke calmly, though traces of melancholy could still be detected. After teaching them for several years, suddenly the children would leave; naturally, there'd be some attachment.
A break, huh? Perfect chance to let the shadow clones handle everything while he took it easy, sketching pages at his own pace. Without outside interruptions, it'd be a perfect vacation.
Awesome!
"Oh right, I should tell my parents I'm going into retreat mode and refuse visitors."
Thinking about Tsunade as a manga update enthusiast made him shudder.
He'd never cared when ordinary readers chased updates. But Tsunade was different—she was hot-tempered and powerful. Among peers, none matched her strength, and with noble origins, even seniors rarely dared intervene.
Meeting her really felt like bad luck from six lifetimes ago.
Akaba considered, thinking staying at home might still be unsafe. He'd need to find another secluded, secure location later.
"Well then, you're dismissed now."
Once spoken, the classroom instantly buzzed noisily. Students displayed various methods, rushing together toward the classroom door.
Within seconds, the previously crowded room became empty and quiet.
Sarutobi Nennosuke wore a somewhat desolate expression. Many of these students probably wouldn't interact with him much in the future.
"Huh? Mr. Akaba, why haven't you left yet?"
When everyone else had gone, looking up, he discovered there was still one person sitting below.
"Uh, Teacher, please don't misunderstand. I just feel physically weak today, wanting to wait until most people have left before heading out."
Akaba stood up, strolling slowly toward the exit.
Sarutobi Nennosuke's expression immediately froze.
"Oh right, Teacher, when you teach new students in the future, don't forget to help promote my manga."
Just after stepping out the door, Akaba suddenly came back, gave this reminder, then finally departed through the doorway.
Sarutobi Nennosuke let out a sigh after a moment of stunned silence. He really shouldn't have any expectations anymore—this kid still couldn't resist promoting his manga at a time like this. But truthfully, the boy's manga was genuinely good.
"Maybe Iruka felt the same way back then too!"
He murmured with another sigh, feeling an intense sense of connection to the characters in the manga.
Unfortunately, there wasn't another Mizuki in real life to add more drama.
After exiting the school gate, Akaba unusually paused for a while at the entrance.
He felt fortunate to have been reincarnated into a relatively peaceful era instead of being thrown straight into war like Kakashi's generation, where kids barely six or seven had already seen the battlefield.
Sure, you might rise fast—but your life could end just as quickly.
Akaba didn't care much for titles like Jonin—he just wanted an easy, steady way to grow stronger, enough to survive whatever major conflict lay ahead.
"Akaba, over here."
Hardly had he taken a few steps when Akaba suddenly heard his parents' voices.
Turning toward the sound, he saw Sakuma Chiaki and Sakuma Saiki rushing over immediately upon seeing him.
"You reckless kid—we told you not to overdo it! Why did you pick a fight with someone from the Uchiha family?"
Saiki was the first to reach him, grabbing Akaba's shoulders as she scolded him. His "adopted" father stayed silent but clearly showed his concern on his face.
"It's nothing serious—it was only Uchiha Ryo."
The battle roster had come out long ago. By now, three full hours had passed since the competition started with the first pair. If the Sakuma clan couldn't get such information, Akaba would've been surprised.
"Still… I never thought you actually defeated Uchiha Ryo—he used to be considered the top talent among this generation of the Uchiha family."
Chiaki said proudly, reaching out to hug Akaba.
Akaba glanced away on purpose, pretending not to notice, then asked, "Forget that. Father, how much money does our family have saved up?"
"Savings? Well, your old man has made a decent bit as a Tokubetsu Jonin over the years. What do you need it for?"
Chiaki naturally withdrew his hand. Both he and Saiki looked puzzled—what business would a kid have with savings?
"There's a small Nara-owned shop near our compound. I want to rent it and open a manga store for my comics."
Akaba stated his intention plainly.
He didn't have any money of his own, and making some himself would be way too much trouble. After all, he was still just a kid—it made sense to ask his parents for help.
Chiaki was speechless for a moment. Buy a shop? That wasn't just unexpected—it was unthinkable.
They were just ordinary members of the Sakuma clan—without Akaba awakening his Kekkei Genkai, they might never have gotten close to the upper ranks at all.
As for daily needs, Chiaki's income as a Tokubetsu Jonin was certainly sufficient. Buying property, however, was something entirely different—and Akaba's sudden request left him both shocked and troubled.
"Honey, you're about to become a Genin soon. You'll be taking missions all the time—won't running a manga shop just waste your time?"
Seeing her husband hesitate, Saiki gently voiced her concerns.
Akaba knew they shouldn't have this much money, so he revealed his true purpose. "Forget about that. The clan is swimming in money. A tiny little shop like this will get approved instantly once we notify them."
"That's easier said than done," his father replied.
"Father, I'm now the clan's genius—the only [Kekkei Genkai Awakener] in my generation. They'll definitely agree."
Noticing his father's hesitation, Akaba leaned in closer and lowered his voice.
"But isn't this inappropriate?"
Both of his parents seemed hesitant.
"What's wrong with it? Your son deserves support that matches his worth."
Their reluctance was simply because they'd always been ordinary members of the clan, unaccustomed to adapting to the power shifts brought by a changed status.
Akaba had no need for training resources like genjutsu or ninjutsu, so asking for money was completely reasonable. He wasn't about to show off his talents for free and get nothing in return.
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~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** on the weekend!