Oliver sat in the Hokage's office, arms crossed, as Hiruzen Sarutobi flipped through the scroll containing his book's proposal. The Third Hokage's face remained neutral, but Oliver could see the subtle tightening of his jaw and the slight narrowing of his eyes as he read through the chapters.
When he finally rolled up the scroll and set it down on his desk, Sarutobi sighed.
"This is… an impressive collection of knowledge," the old man admitted, resting his hands together. "You've clearly put a great deal of thought into it."
Oliver nodded. "I have. It's not just about techniques—it's about survival. There are plenty of genin and even chunin who get sent on missions they aren't prepared for. This book could help them."
Sarutobi gave him a knowing look. "And yet, you haven't included anything about the Will of Fire."
Oliver had expected this.
He respected the Will of Fire. He understood that it was what held Konoha together. But at the same time, he knew it was used as a tool for manipulation. A way to ensure shinobi sacrificed everything for the village, no matter the cost.
"I left ideology out on purpose," Oliver said. "This is a practical guide, not a history lesson."
Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, smoking his pipe. "That's exactly the problem, Oliver."
Oliver frowned. "How is that a problem?"
Sarutobi exhaled slowly. "Because Konoha does not train mercenaries. We train shinobi who fight for the village, not just for their own survival. The Will of Fire is what keeps our people strong. If a book like this spreads, it could encourage young ninja to think independently—too independently."
Oliver gritted his teeth.
So that was it.
It wasn't that his book wasn't useful—it was that it didn't push the village's ideology.
"You're saying that if I rewrote certain sections," Oliver said carefully, "and included passages about the Will of Fire, this book would be acceptable?"
Sarutobi nodded. "It would help."
Oliver refused to fake belief just to get approval.
His book was about survival, strategy, and intelligence. It wasn't a propaganda piece.
"Then I'll publish it myself," Oliver said.
Sarutobi sighed, shaking his head. "That would be unwise. The contents of this book contain information that could be considered a tactical asset. The village cannot allow such knowledge to circulate without oversight."
Oliver's stomach twisted. So they were banning it outright.
No appeal. No negotiation.
Just control.
The Hokage looked at him seriously. "You are a promising young ninja, Oliver. I don't want to see you go down the wrong path. If you insist on continuing this, it will not be tolerated."
Oliver clenched his fists but forced himself to remain calm.
This wasn't a battle he could win right now.
He needed another plan.