The "Three Character Classic" phenomenon plunged the ninja world into an unusual state.
Previously, it was a cycle of conflict and quiet preparation. Now, a learning craze swept the land.
Ninjas, officials, even rural civilians devoured the text, each nation's daimyo promoting their own edited versions.
They weren't fools. They understood: ingrain the book's ideals, and their rule would solidify.
Konoha, Hokage's Office.
The Third Hokage gazed at the "Literary Master" plaque, its golden characters gleaming. He savored the sight.
Funded by various daimyo, their seals adorned its base.
He relished the admiration he received.
"Bang!" A white-haired figure crashed through the window.
"Jiraiya, I've told you, use the door!"
The Third Hokage, facing Jiraiya's nonchalance, struggled to suppress his irritation.
"As the saying goes, 'If a teacher is not strict, the student will be lazy.' I've been too lenient. You don't act like a student of the Literary Master at all…"
Jiraiya, anticipating a lecture, quickly interrupted.
"Alright, Sarutobi-sensei, I was wrong."
He even offered the Third Hokage a seat.
Since his teacher's "Literary Master" ascension, he'd grown fond of displaying his knowledge.
A window entrance now warranted a lengthy moral lecture, complete with "Three Character Classic" quotes.
Tsunade avoided the office entirely. Only dire circumstances forced Jiraiya's presence.
Seeing Jiraiya's compliance, the Third Hokage nodded.
"So, what brings you here? You've been neglecting your teacher."
"Yes, yes, I'll tell Tsunade and Orochimaru to visit more. I was rushed this time."
Jiraiya dared not argue. He'd pawn off the visits.
The Third Hokage, pleased, didn't notice the loophole. "Good!" He relished his teaching role.
Jiraiya, sensing his teacher's good mood, broached his request. "Um… Sensei, can I borrow some money? Yuta's moving into a new house, and I need a gift."
Anticipating the Third Hokage's anger, he added, "Tsunade borrowed all mine…"
The Third Hokage sighed. His star students were a constant source of frustration.
He reluctantly gave Jiraiya money, sending him away.
Watching Jiraiya leave, the Third Hokage's gaze darkened. "Does he truly not care? Or is he feigning indifference?"
He knew the "Literary Master" title's origins. He needed its influence and to curtail Yuta's rising prominence.
He was aware of the disdainful looks from Danzo and Tsunade.
But prestige and Yuta's containment outweighed their opinions.
"This is for Konoha." he declared, though the statement felt hollow.
Yuta's new home buzzed with activity, children's laughter mingling with adult chatter.
Kiko, radiant with pregnancy, prepared for the housewarming celebration.
A scene of idyllic joy, smiles gracing every face.
Ganta, Jiro, Yuto, Nawaki, and the village's younger children played together.
Yuta had invited Sarutobi, but he declined, citing "official duties," promising a lavish gift instead.
Yuta knew Sarutobi felt awkward. The "Literary Master" incident had greatly benefited the Hokage, not the true architect.
Yuta was unconcerned. The gift mattered, not the presence. An absent Sarutobi avoided any potential tension.
Might Duy, Hatake Sakumo, and Ryuken gathered in the yard, admiring Yuta's new home.
Yuta, disliking traditional Japanese architecture, had replicated a Jiangnan garden's layout.
The guests marveled at the scenery.
Kiko, having finished her preparations, entertained the female guests.
Their conversations centered on Kiko's health and prolific fertility. Five children in a few years, with two more on the way.
Jiraiya arrived with Tsunade and Orochimaru, meeting Yuta at the entrance.
Jiraiya had planned a solo visit, but Tsunade and Orochimaru intervened. Tsunade, having squandered their funds, fretted over a gift.
Orochimaru, equally broke, had sought repayment. The outcome was predictable.
Seeing Jiraiya's carefully chosen gift, they joined him, sharing the cost. Jiraiya, outvoted, reluctantly agreed.
Orochimaru offered an awkward greeting. Yuta, noting their empty hands and Jiraiya's flushed face, understood the situation.
But Yuta didn't mind. Their presence was a courtesy. He wouldn't have expected gifts, unlike from Sarutobi.
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If this fanfic can get into the top 10, I will release some extra chapters. We are just 3 spots away.
Early chapters: patreon.com/Reborn_noob
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