Spoiling the plot? Over my dead body. As a responsible manga artist, Akaba would never do such a thing—even if the other party was one of the strongest figures currently in Konoha Village.
Akaba stood firm without wavering.
Mito Uzumaki sighed regretfully but didn't press further with questions.
In the small courtyard, Mito Uzumaki continued reading the manga. Akaba noticed then that she hadn't even finished the very first chapter at the beginning—only now had she reached the part where Konohamaru appeared.
"So sixty points wasn't even half of the first chapter!"
He glanced again—the system panel showed eighty-eight points already!
A sudden realization struck him—he understood everything immediately.
Back when he'd been chatting earlier, Kurama had suddenly become violent. That must've meant that while Mito Uzumaki read this manga, Kurama could see it too.
Being a jinchuriki definitely had its perks—double points!
Suddenly, Akaba's gaze toward Mito Uzumaki became noticeably warmer and more eager. This was definitely their highest-quality customer.
"Hahaha, this Konohamaru really is interesting."
After finishing the second chapter, Mito Uzumaki couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh softly. Then she turned to him, "You brat, using such a ridiculous technique like the Sexy Technique. You actually thought of it yourself? Kids your age shouldn't even know about things like that book."
"Cough..."
Akaba blushed slightly, awkwardly brushing off this topic. In the Naruto series, the Sexy Technique played quite an important role—it wouldn't be right to simply remove it entirely, right?
No choice—he bravely shouldered this burden.
After finishing the second chapter, Mito Uzumaki gave a slight sigh and closed the manga.
"Granny, you're not going to keep reading?"
Akaba blinked in surprise.
"Tsk, all because you brat refused to tell me what happens next. If I finish it all today, tomorrow there'll be nothing left to look forward to."
Mito carefully slipped the manga volume inside her robe. For someone like her who had experienced so much in life and couldn't easily leave the village, this rare manga truly was the perfect way to pass time. Her self-restraint deeply impressed Akaba.
Of course, Akaba himself completely lacked such restraint. Every day after returning home, he'd swear to work hard on drawing the next chapters, yet his body always had other ideas and urged him to just lie in bed and relax instead.
Someone else watching this scene couldn't help but feel conflicted. Seeing how precious Granny treated this volume, there was no hope now of getting their hands on this out-of-print manga copy.
"Granny, don't worry—you'll get another copy soon once my manga shop officially opens. I'll personally deliver one plus a special limited poster featuring Naruto Uzumaki."
While comforting her, Akaba cleverly promoted his upcoming business. Sure, giving away one was just a polite gesture—but considering that Granny Mito was now essentially the top figure among the Senju clan, others would rush to buy copies just to please her.
Yet as soon as he finished speaking, Tsunade responded cheerfully but firmly, "I'm definitely getting one of those posters too, right?"
"Y-yes! Of course!"
Akaba hurriedly agreed—refusing probably meant failing to leave the Senju territory safely.
"Now that's what I like to hear."
Nodding in satisfaction, Tsunade commented, "Mmm, very good. Young man, you certainly have potential."
Mito Uzumaki was quite satisfied. She accepted Akaba's "offer" while also giving some benefits in return. "Our clan still has considerable capability in various domains. If you need mass printing for your manga, we can assist."
"That would be greatly appreciated. I've already completed the first five chapters for the first volume and am just in need of large-scale printing to prepare for the grand opening in a few days."
Akaba readily agreed.
Although the Senju clan no longer interfered with Konoha's internal affairs, their reputation within the village remained unparalleled. Getting on their good side ensured that anyone thinking of causing trouble after the manga shop opened would have second thoughts.
Mito Uzumaki nodded, her beautiful face carrying a faint smile as she held up a token. "This token carries my full authority. You can use it at any of the Senju clan's establishments and request assistance—they will help you."
"Thank you kindly, Lady Mito."
Akaba spoke sweetly; after all, he was just a child.
"All right, you two kids go play. Don't bother this old lady anymore. Take advantage of these days off to rest well. Once you have a teacher, you'll be quite busy."
Mito Uzumaki gently stroked Akaba's head and stopped them from staying longer.
Old woman?
Looking at her face, Akaba thought that term didn't suit her at all. The Yin Seal really is some freaky jutsu, no doubt about it.
To prevent premature aging, such a powerful tool definitely needed to be mastered. Otherwise, if he were to feel pain and fatigue after walking only a few steps in the future, he'd probably fuse with the damn bed forever.
"Well then, Lady Mito, we'll take our leave. Akaba is going now—don't disturb my lady's rest."
Tsunade gestured for Akaba to rise, stood up herself, and walked toward the exit.
"Lady Mito, I'll come visit again later."
Holding tightly onto the token, Akaba bowed respectfully before leaving the courtyard.
"My, what a polite child."
Mito Uzumaki's smile lit up her whole face—utterly charming.
They both left the Senju compound and returned to the village of Konoha.
As soon as they stepped onto the street, Tsunade looked left and right and suddenly seemed to remember something, heading into an alleyway.
Akaba originally wanted to go straight home without walking more, but as Tsunade continued forward, he sensed something was off.
This path...
Sure enough, not long afterward, a shop appeared before them: Saiming Casino.
"Tsunade, where exactly are you going?"
Akaba immediately called out to stop her.
"Hehehe, I'm just going to play around."
Tsunade took out her wallet, pulled some money, and grinned proudly.
"You're throwing away the money you *just* got?!"
Akaba's expression became increasingly odd. Ever since Tsunade developed a gambling habit, the Senju clan had imposed financial restrictions on her.
Needless to say, this money was definitely swindled from Akaba using the manga he gave her.
"No way—I'm going to win!"
Tsunade declared confidently, "My gambling skills are superb. As for the casino..."
Then, she formed hand seals with both hands and instantly transformed into someone else's appearance, preparing to strut boldly inside the gambling house.
Akaba had no words.
Doesn't she realize how bad her luck at the tables is?
Well, otherwise, there wouldn't have been so many debts later on.
Akaba sighed inwardly, then gave her a warning look. "If you insist on gambling, don't expect me to deliver the posters or give that big present."
"What?! Akaba, how could you treat me like this!"
Tsunade's delicate face flushed with anger.
"I asked you to deliver the manga to Granny Mito, but instead you swindled her money for gambling! If you go gamble again, I'll report on you!"
Akaba added fiercely.
"I didn't! I didn't do anything! Don't make things up!" Tsunade denied frantically, yet her flustered expression confirmed Akaba's suspicions.
She feared nothing and nobody — except her grandmother Uzumaki Mito. Though Mito always seemed gentle and amiable, her mastery of sealing techniques (powerful magical methods for binding enemies) was unparalleled — exactly what terrified Tsunade most.
"So what now?"
"Fine, fine."
Tsunade walked forward hesitantly, looking reluctant. However, after a few steps, Akaba suddenly paused, then formed hand seals and rushed into the casino. He caught Tsunade just as she used a clone technique and tried to sneak inside with the [Shifting Body Technique].
"You—how come you're so fast?!" Tsunade exclaimed in surprise and frustration.
If only Akaba had figured it out a little later — she could've at least played a quick game. Then, even if caught, she would've been satisfied. But now, half her foot had barely stepped in before being pulled back out.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** on the weekend!