Compared to *Young Hanzō*, the content of *Young Danzō* was almost identical, with only one character difference in the protagonist's name. Many people even thought it was a printing error.
Since there wasn't much difference, who cared which one they read?
As a result, many who couldn't buy *Young Hanzō* flocked to bookstores to pick up a copy of *Young Danzō*.
Hanzō's clever diversion was a huge success.
Not only did it shift the attention of many of Amegakure's thirsty readers, but it also earned him a hefty royalty check.
Seizing the opportunity, he had the book mass-printed and sold in the Land of Fire, contributing significantly to Amegakure's strained military budget.
However, this move earned the ire of Danzō, who formally protested the defamation in a letter to Amegakure.
But Hanzō had his defense ready.
*"Young Danzō* is the story of Amegakure's own young Danzō, not Konoha's Danzō. Konoha shouldn't take it personally."
That one sentence completely silenced Danzō, leaving him fuming as he secretly dispatched ANBU to investigate Konoha's bookstores.
But Hanzō's satisfaction didn't last long. The author of *Young Hanzō* released another book—*Middle-aged Hanzō*.
When Hanzō got his hands on the new release, he was furious!
"Unbelievable! You're not stopping, are you? A sequel? Fine. But involving me in messy romantic entanglements? And why Chiyo and Koharu of all people? Do you think they're worthy of *me*, the 'Demi-God of the Shinobi World'? Outrageous!"
In his anger, Hanzō gathered a team to quickly revise the protagonist's name and handed it over to Amegakure's publishers for immediate distribution.
Thus, *Middle-aged Danzō* hit the shelves and sold like hotcakes.
With another massive payout, Hanzō deployed his men to investigate, fearing the release of *Elderly Hanzō*.
Unfortunately, after a year and a half of searching, no clues were found. Thankfully, no further sequels appeared.
Finally, Hanzō was able to relax and refocus all his efforts on the war against Sunagakure and Iwagakure.
Meanwhile, the mastermind behind the whole saga, Shigeo Aburame, had no idea how much chaos he had caused for Hanzō.
At that moment, he was calmly holding an umbrella, watching Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato spar against Jiraiya's shadow clone in the rain.
"Water Release: Wild Water Wave!"
Yahiko launched the first attack, spewing a torrent of water toward Jiraiya's clone.
Konan and Nagato followed closely behind.
"Paper Shuriken!"
"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"
With their coordinated efforts, Jiraiya's shadow clone dispersed into a puff of smoke.
Excited, Yahiko shouted to Jiraiya, "How's that, Sensei?"
"Impressive. You've managed to defeat my shadow clone!"
Seeing the trio so thrilled, Jiraiya couldn't help but smile with pride.
"Looks like I can return to the village without worries now."
His words froze Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato, their joyful expressions replaced by uncertainty.
Jiraiya gave them a reassuring smile.
"From now on, you'll have to rely on your own strength. These past three years, you've worked so hard… Don't cry, Yahiko. People might call you a coward!"
After comforting Yahiko, he turned to Konan.
"Konan, you'll grow into a beautiful woman, won't you? Let's meet again when you're all grown up!"
His teasing was followed by a serious expression.
"This country is still impoverished, and there may be many hardships ahead. It's up to you to change this land. You've grown up, haven't you?"
With those words, Jiraiya turned to leave, signaling to Shigeo Aburame.
"Let's go, Shigeo."
But after a few steps, he noticed Shigeo hadn't followed. He stopped and looked back in confusion.
"What's wrong, Shigeo?"
"Jiraiya-sensei."
Holding his umbrella, Shigeo stepped forward and smiled at Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato.
"Konoha cannot lose a jonin like Jiraiya, but it can manage without a genin like me. For Yahiko and the others, I can stay and protect them in your stead."
"Shigeo, you're not saying—"
"I am."
Not waiting for Jiraiya to finish, Shigeo nodded firmly.
"I believe in the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, in your choices, and in your efforts. That's why I want to stay and witness the change the Child of Prophecy will bring to the shinobi world."
"Wait, the Great Toad Sage told you already?"
"Yes."
Shigeo's resolve was unwavering.
"A student should carry the teacher's burden. Protecting your ideals is my shinobi way. This time, let me step up, Sensei!"
Moved, Jiraiya stayed silent for a moment before nodding.
"I see. Then I'll leave things here to you. I'll explain to the Third Hokage. If you need anything, you can summon Gama Kōsuke to reach me. Take care."
"You too, Sensei!"
With a casual wave, Jiraiya walked away, a faint smile on his face.
"Protecting my ideals… what a dependable student, Shigeo."
Just as he was feeling proud, Shigeo shouted,
"If Jiraiya-sensei has the guts, Lady Tsunade will be on maternity leave next year. Go for it, Sensei!"
"Thud!"
Caught off guard, Jiraiya tripped and fell. Furious, he turned back and yelled,
"Stay out of my business, you brat!"
"Bwahahaha…"
Jiraiya left, his disheveled figure disappearing into the rain.
As his silhouette faded, Yahiko couldn't hold back his tears and hugged Shigeo tightly.
"I'm sorry, Senior Brother. I misjudged you all this time. I'm so happy you stayed!"
"You're celebrating too soon!"
Shigeo grinned and rapped Yahiko on the head.
"Ow…"
Yahiko crouched, clutching his head and glaring resentfully at Shigeo.
Ignoring him, Shigeo opened his arms toward Konan, who quickly dove into his embrace.
"Thank you, Brother Shigeo."
"Of course."
He smiled and gently patted her back.
"Sensei said you'd grow into a beauty. If I left, wouldn't that leave you to Yahiko? Not happening!"
Blushing furiously, Konan buried her face in his chest.
Meanwhile, Yahiko stood up and shouted,
"I'll become even stronger and have a dozen curvy, beautiful wives like Hanzō. Konan can be yours; I want none of her!"
"What the—!"
Shigeo stared at him in shock before giving a thumbs up.
"Yahiko, you're bold. I admire you!"
Yahiko grinned smugly.
But before he could savor his victory, Konan lunged at him, biting his hand.
"Ow! Let go, Konan!"
"..."
(End of Chapter)