Gojo Kaigetsu didn't rush Pakura back to his pleasure den. Instead, they went to an ice cream shop on the new commercial street and settled into a quiet corner.

"Are you curious why a book can be so expensive?" Gojo Kaigetsu picked up the menu and casually ordered two of the cheapest sodas.

Judging by the way Pakura couldn't take her eyes off the book…

Putting aside the way her thighs gripped the Sunagakure headband as she walked, it was clear Pakura genuinely loved books.

As an elite Jonin of Sunagakure, even though her income was slightly less than ninjas of the same rank in other villages, she still belonged to the high-income bracket.

In Gojo Kaigetsu's words, she was a classic example of a sophisticated shinobi elite-the primary target audience and consumer base for "Three Years in the Ninja Academy" and "Iki."

"If you want to read it, go ahead and open it~"

At his words, Pakura carefully removed the plastic film from the collector's edition, her fingers tracing the embossed texture of the cover. She marveled at Konoha's advanced development and flourishing commercial economy.

With this level of craftsmanship, even in the harsh desert winds of Sunagakure, the book would remain pristine.

'Even the cover of a book is made with such exquisite detail.'

'Konoha's craftsmanship is unimaginably advanced, and the people who buy these books are truly extravagant.'

Back in Sunagakure, they were lucky to have any books at all, let alone ones protected with such elaborate techniques.

Pakura opened the book to the title page, which listed the numerous revision dates of the "Collector's Edition: Three Years in the Ninja Academy." She realized the book had been published less than a year ago, with the most recent revision just a few days prior.

She had been completely unaware of this.

Gojo Kaigetsu took a sip of his ice-cold soda and casually remarked, "'Iki' is a specialty of the Land of Fire, produced here but banned for domestic sale. It's only sold abroad. 'Three Years in the Ninja Academy' is also a local specialty, sold only within the Land of Fire. Outsiders can only purchase it with a temporary green card~"

Of course, Gojo Kaigetsu wouldn't tell Pakura the true difference between the two books.

The former was a weapon for cultural export, while the latter was a shield for promoting morality and virtue within the nation.

Pakura nodded subconsciously and looked at the newly added article in the latest revision: "A Bowl of Plain Ichiraku Ramen"

A faint smile played on Gojo Kaigetsu's lips.

This was a gift he had written for Teuchi a few days ago. In the special edition, he specifically swapped its placement with "Not Stealing Soldier Pills Out of Hunger."

Since other villages had no connection to the Uchiha clan, placing the "Soldier Pills" article too prominently might be exploited by those seeking to promote the "Three Years in the Ninja Academy" threat theory.

Pakura's gaze moved down the page:

[Shortly after the Second Shinobi World War ended…]

[A long-established ramen shop called Ichiraku Ramen, located on Konoha's old commercial street, was about to close for the night when a shabbily dressed mother and her two shivering children entered.]

[The three of them ordered only one bowl of plain ramen. The owner, Teuchi, didn't discriminate against them but welcomed them warmly and treated them with respect. He even kindly added extra noodles without their knowledge.]

[The mother, tears streaming down her face, savored the ramen without any seasonings or toppings. She praised Teuchi and his daughter's smiles and respect as the most delicious seasoning.]

[…]

[On New Year's Eve the following year, the mother and her children returned. From their conversation, Teuchi learned that the mother had been working tirelessly and scrimping on everything, wearing shabby clothes, to save money to repay the debts her husband had incurred before dying in the war.]

[Her husband, in order to defend the village against the invading Sunagakure forces, had borrowed money from friends and family before departing with the ninja troops to purchase essential ninja tools and the "glorious" explosive tags.]

[Upon hearing their story, Teuchi sighed and added a sausage and an egg to their ramen.]

[From then on, every New Year's Eve, Teuchi would reserve their table, waiting for their arrival.]

[However, for many years, the mother and her children didn't reappear at Ichiraku Ramen. Yet, Teuchi firmly believed they would return. Even during the Third Shinobi World War, he kept their table untouched. This "table of happiness" patiently awaited its "guests."]

[Finally, ten years later, after the Third Shinobi World War ended, the two grown children and their mother returned to Ichiraku Ramen. They had persevered through difficult times, both children following in their father's footsteps and becoming Chunin after enduring the trials of war. They never forgot the ramen shop that had offered them warmth.]

[It was that bowl of plain Ichiraku Ramen that had sustained them spiritually, enabling them to repay their debts, overcome the most challenging period of their lives, and become Chunin through the trials of war.]

[The standard ninja tools and explosive tags that their father had to borrow money to afford were now, thanks to the efforts of the Fourth Hokage and his advisor, Gojo Kaigetsu, affordable even for normal ninjas.]

[Later, war orphans who had lost loved ones in the Third Shinobi World War heard this story and, with heavy hearts, came to Ichiraku Ramen. They would quietly ask Teuchi, "I… need a bowl of plain ramen." Teuchi, understanding their plight, would serve them a bowl of plain ramen with extra noodles, offering words of encouragement: "Everyone faces hardships in life. Forget the past, live in the present, and look forward to the future!"]

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

[May everyone remember the pain of war and cherish the present peace.]

[If… you are also facing difficulties in life, please don't give up. Perhaps, you can try finding a new direction in life at Ichiraku Ramen.]

[Upon hearing this story, Hokage Advisor Gojo Kaigetsu personally visited Ichiraku Ramen and awarded Teuchi two hundred thousand ryō, encouraging him with these words: "One day, a ninja stronger than even the God of Shinobi, will smile with happiness after enjoying a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen."]

After reading the last word, Pakura sighed deeply, her eyes slightly moist. She closed the book. Just the first story had moved her profoundly; the rest were perhaps best not read in a public setting.

Through the story of Ichiraku Ramen, she seemed to glimpse the beauty of humanity within Konoha and deeply empathized with the resilience of the mother and her children.

As for the later mention of the "strongest ninja… smile," Pakura naturally assumed it was artistic embellishment. What powerful ninja would find happiness in a bowl of ramen?

The spirit of rising against adversity and never bowing to fate… how similar it was to the ninjas of Sunagakure!

The harsh environment hadn't broken the spirits of Sunagakure's ninjas; instead, they fought tooth and nail to escape their barren land. Despite being a constantly defeated village, Sunagakure never stopped striving for progress.

Ironically, the hardships faced by the mother and her children in the story were a direct consequence of Sunagakure's invasion of Konoha during the Second Shinobi World War.

Had Sunagakure been wrong all along?

Pakura couldn't help but reflect.

Sunagakure's unfavorable geographical location dictated its path. If it didn't actively fight for survival, it would eventually be swallowed by other villages.

No matter how abundant its natural resources, other villages wouldn't allow Sunagakure the time to develop peacefully.

Like a fair competitive game, knowing the opponent was a late-game powerhouse, how could one resist harassing them early on? Even temporary peace was merely a temporary fix. Once a hawkish faction took power in another village, the attacks on Sunagakure would resume.

Currently, Sunagakure had a military alliance with Kumogakure and an economic and cultural alliance with Konoha, all for the sake of buying time. The ultimate goal was to achieve sufficient development before the next Shinobi World War.

Sunagakure had to prioritize military strength. For its villagers to thrive, avoidance wasn't a solution; actively striking out was the only way forward.

It wasn't Sunagakure that was wrong, it was this shinobi world!

Pakura's eyes hardened with resolve, but then dimmed again.

From her perspective, the village's current policy of reducing military spending was akin to slow suicide. However, her voice held little weight; all she could do was comply with the village's policies.

Moreover, in the eyes of her village, she was already dead. In Konoha's eyes, she had vanished from Sunagakure. And in her own eyes, Pakura had become a ghost drifting through Konoha…

"Pakura-san~ what are your thoughts after reading that?"

"Shouldn't you atone for the sins Sunagakure committed against Konoha?"

Seeing no one paying attention to them, Gojo Kaigetsu subtly tugged on the chain attached to her collar, reminding her of her situation.

Such words were, admittedly, a bit harsh.

After all, for the sake of Sunagakure, Pakura had willingly chosen to wear this humiliating collar.

But Pakura's expression remained unchanged. Even the shame and anger from earlier humiliations had vanished.

She simply raised her head, meeting Gojo Kaigetsu's gaze calmly. "I want to go to Ichiraku Ramen and have a bowl of noodles."

"After that, I will give you what you want."

"Oh? I want a lot of things." Gojo Kaigetsu raised an eyebrow, sensing the determination in Pakura's eyes. "Very well, your wish shall be granted~"

…

*Ichiraku Ramen*

Teuchi wiped the sweat from his brow, looking apprehensively at the crowd of Konoha locals and out-of-town visitors packed in front of his shop.

He pulled his daughter aside and asked in a low voice, "Ayame, what's going on lately?"

"Why are there so many customers? This is… unbelievable."

Ichiraku Ramen had always enjoyed good business, mainly from regular customers and word-of-mouth among Konoha's long-time residents. The younger generation tended to flock to the trendy spots in the new commercial district.

But since a few days ago, the number of customers at Ichiraku Ramen had multiplied several times over.

Business had never been this booming.

For days, Teuchi had been like a spinning top, working around the clock. Even late at night, the flow of customers never ceased.

There was even a ninja who looked like he had spent all his money on ninja tools and then gone bankrupt after a failed mission. He looked like he couldn't even afford a meal, his face flushed as he approached Teuchi and asked,

"Owner, can I have a bowl of plain ramen?"

How much could a bowl of plain ramen cost?

Usually, Teuchi might hesitate before serving such a customer.

But now, with business so brisk, he didn't even think twice about the cost of ingredients and simply gave the Genin two free bowls of plain ramen.

Unexpectedly… business exploded even further!

Apparently, Genin had their own communication channels.

Many Genin emerging from his cousin's ninja tool shop, Taiten Ninja Tool Shop, walked straight into Ichiraku, proclaiming, "I can't afford pre-paid ninja tools, but can't I offer pre-paid ramen?"

"Owner, give me ten bowls of deluxe tonkotsu ramen and put them on the… oh, there's no space on the wall. Just put them on the table!"

"Let the elderly and children eat first."

"Huh?"

Faced with such situations, Teuchi could only scratch his head in confusion, assuming it was due to the rapid development of the shinobi world and the ever-changing mindset of the villagers. Before middle-aged folks like him could react, the times had already changed.

Due to the excessive amount of pre-paid ramen, for the first time, Teuchi posted a request on Boss Zhipin in the Hokage Tower, commissioning Genin to distribute the pre-paid ramen throughout Konoha.

It was all so surreal.

Fortunately, Teuchi's daughter, Ayame, was more attuned to current trends. She explained to her father, "It's the new publication, 'Three Years in the Ninja Academy.' Someone wrote a story about our Ichiraku Ramen and sent it to the publisher, and it got published."

"These customers are probably here because of that."

Ayame briefly recounted the story to her father, then tapped her finger on her chin thoughtfully. "But… I don't remember a mother and two children coming to our shop for ramen ten years ago? And not recently either."

"Dad, do you remember?"

Teuchi: "Huh? Was that me making the ramen?"

"When did Advisor Gojo award me two hundred thousand ryō? I treated him to a twenty ryō soda that day."

Teuchi was completely bewildered, then subconsciously asked, "Then… what's with the pre-paid ramen?"

"That's from Uncle Taiten's ninja tool shop. They have a 'pre-paid ninja tools' system where Uncle puts free ninja tools on the wall for ninjas in need."

"Then, ninjas started buying two tools, one for themselves and one to give to a stranger."

Ayame's face was filled with admiration. "Uncle Taiten is amazing. Every day, I hear people praising him. The other day, when I passed by his shop, I heard a ninja tearfully expressing his gratitude."

"Ah… really? Taiten has really changed."

Without dwelling on the strange causality, Teuchi's thoughts were interrupted by the familiar voice of the Hokage's advisor at the entrance:

"Owner, one bowl of plain ramen!"