No one anticipated the explosive influence of the "Three Character Classic" and its rapid spread.
The Fire Nation Capital, Daimyo's Palace.
"Gentlemen, examine this text. Share your thoughts. I intend to make it the official enlightenment textbook for the entire Fire Nation." The Daimyo presented a copy of the "Three Character Classic."
An elderly, dignified minister took the book first, scanning it quickly.
As a general advising the Daimyo, he possessed keen political instincts. He immediately grasped the book's potential to bolster public loyalty and solidify the Daimyo's rule.
However, the text heavily praised the Hokage, neglecting the Daimyo's achievements. The Hokage's sections needed removal, replaced with the Daimyo's legacy.
Yet, as the leading official, he couldn't voice his concerns directly. He passed the book to the Minister of Culture, feigning contemplation.
The Minister of Culture, a learned scholar, initially scoffed. Why convene all officials for a mere textbook?
But as he skimmed the pages, he became engrossed.
The court watched as the Minister of Culture excitedly muttered to himself.
Upon finishing, he held the book aloft. "A masterpiece! The Third Hokage is a genius!"
He bowed to the Daimyo. "Your Highness, entrust me with this book's dissemination. Such a work should reach the masses."
The Daimyo smiled. As Fire Country's ruler, he was no political novice.
Though Konoha held his safety hostage due to his own greed, he understood the value of the "Three Character Classic."
Like the general, he noted the overemphasis on the Hokage.
While it fostered national identity, it risked shifting loyalty to the Hokage.
But he couldn't voice this directly. He waited for another to speak.
Faced with the Minister of Culture's fervor, the Daimyo promised him the book's distribution, calming the old man.
Then, a minister interrupted. "This is wrong! Your Highness, this book cannot be promoted as it is!"
The Minister of Culture bristled. "Inappropriate? Explain yourself, or I'll immortalize your ignorance!"
The Daimyo intervened, then subtly encouraged the dissenting minister.
Emboldened, the minister addressed the court. "I don't deny its merit. But the Daimyo's contributions are absent. Is it wise to proceed?"
The other ministers, "suddenly enlightened," glanced at the ninja guards, their thoughts concealed.
Finally, they debated how to edit the text.
The general proposed a solution: retain the original content but add the Daimyo's achievements before each Hokage's entry.
Thus, the "Three Character Classic," initially a personal teaching tool, spread across the ninja world, edited and revised.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's reputation as a "Literary Master" was cemented.
Reports circulated of frequent pen holder replacements at Root headquarters.
Daimyo from various lands sent "royalties" to Sarutobi Hiruzen, and even the Kage of other villages sent supplies, showing their respect.
Yuta stared at the dozens of "slightly" altered "Three Character Classic" copies before him.
Beyond the historical edits, his authorship credit varied wildly. The Konoha version correctly listed him as co-author, but others demoted him to third author, or outright erased him.
"Politics, as expected…" Yuta sighed.
He gathered the diverse volumes and headed for the Hokage Building.
…
"Sarutobi, you'll regret this!"
Yuta overheard Danzo's trademark threat as he approached the door, which then swung open.
Danzo, seething, glared at Yuta. "Hmph!"
Yuta wasn't surprised. Danzo's animosity had intensified since their last encounter.
"Yuta's here, please, sit." Sarutobi greeted him warmly.
The Third Hokage was riding high. His "Literary Master" title resonated across the ninja world, solidifying his position and rivaling even the second Hokage's legacy.
The narrative had shifted. The First was the "Military Hokage," conquering with force, while the Third was the "Civil Hokage," leading Konoha to prosperity through benevolence and political skill.
The influx of "royalties" eased Konoha's financial strain.
Sarutobi knew Yuta was the source of this windfall.
His wife's recent pregnancy further cemented his gratitude.
He was exceptionally cordial.
Yuta skipped pleasantries. He dumped the altered "Three Character Classic" copies before Sarutobi, offering only a silent, pointed stare.
'So, he's here,' Sarutobi mused, recognizing Yuta's purpose.
He took a long drag of his cigarette. "Five thousandths?" he ventured.
Yuta remained silent, settling onto the sofa, his gaze unwavering.
After a period of "amicable negotiation," Yuta secured 10,000 square meters of land near his new home.
Combined with his Senju clan purchase, his estate now spanned 13,000 square meters.
The village would fund construction, while Danzo's "compensation" would cover decor.
Coupled with three S-rank missions and the seal book access, these were Yuta's gains from the "Literary Master" incident.
Though he felt slightly shortchanged, he had secured a future ninjutsu source justification.
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If this fanfic can get into the top 10, I will release 4 extra chapters.
Early chapters: patreon.com/Reborn_noob
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