A/N:
To be honest, I initially wasn't planning on uploading today. Yesterday, I came across some comments in the previous chapter's comment section saying things like "this is getting boring" and "it's so slow." It made me consider skipping a day and using that time to work on another fic.
However, I soon realized that those comments were just opinions, and the comment section is a place for people to express their thoughts. Then a question arose in my mind: should I jump directly to the war arc? But there were certain elements that I had planned to use later in the story. So, summarizing it all in one chapter didn't seem like the right approach, especially since I had already written a few chapters ahead. As some of you may know, patrons are already five chapters ahead of everyone else.
Ultimately, I decided against skipping because this fanfic is meant to be comedic, slice-of-life, and focused on kingdom-building. It's simply a matter of preference; some people enjoy it, while others may not. Although I don't like disregarding the support I receive from my readers, I've chosen not to skip.
Fortunately or unfortunately (I'm currently unemployed, a Computer Science major btw), I have some free time now. For you guys, I'm going to dedicate this week solely to this fic. My original plan was to divide my time between this fic and my new one, releasing (4-5 of this one and 2-3 chapters of new one) per week and release new fic today. However, it seems that the release of the new fic will be delayed by a week.
To sum it up, you can expect two chapters a day (one during the day and one at night) this week. So, cheers!
p.s. - To be clear patreon will still remain 5 Chapters ahead of here 6 even. Oh, Also First 5 Chapters of my new fic already there. So you can support me on -
p@treon.com/Kaiszer
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"Do you understand the concept of fear?" Akihiko inquired, narrowing his eyes at Mubuki.
Mubuki squirmed uncomfortably under Akihiko's intense gaze and responded, "Well, you see, being a spy leader adds a touch of excitement to the book-selling business, don't you think?"
Akihiko let out a sigh and shook his head. "Must you make such a fuss over buying and selling books? It's a straightforward transaction."
However, as the words left his lips, Mubuki's expression transformed into resentment, and a tinge of fear flickered in his eyes. "Weren't you the one who advised me to exercise caution? You have reprimanded me before!"
Akihiko paused, reminiscing about the previous incident when he had caught Mubuki clandestinely handling a prohibited book. He had given him a stern rebuke, emphasizing the significance of upholding Kusagakure's principles and avoiding corrupting the younger generation.
Experiencing a twinge of guilt, Akihiko mustered a sheepish smile and cleared his throat. He then regarded Mubuki and inquired, "So, how did you come across one of the legendary Sannin from Konoha?"
"Oh, it happened yesterday! We discovered a shared interest, and he learned that I possessed a signed edition of Master Ekinu's book. Consequently, he purchased it from me," Mubuki explained, a touch of pride evident in his voice.
"You only discovered this yesterday?" Akihiko raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Did you notice any suspicious behavior from him?"
Mubuki nodded confidently. "Indeed! Never underestimate us Grass Shinobi. We are not mere purveyors of false information. Our abilities in intelligence gathering and counterintelligence are exceptional!"
Akihiko couldn't help but twitch his mouth slightly. He had almost overlooked the Grass Shinobi's proficiency in intelligence gathering. Despite being overshadowed by the Five Great Shinobi Villages, they possessed unique skills in this domain.
But then, why had Jiraiya come here? Could it be related to "Gambling Shadows"? Akihiko had employed that movie as bait for Tsunade, but where was she? Why hadn't she appeared yet?
Letting out an internal sigh, Akihiko observed Mubuki, who had settled down and poured himself a steaming cup of tea. With a playful roll of his eyes, Akihiko posed the question, "Do you have any insight into Jiraiya's visit?"
"Oh, right! I nearly forgot!" Mubuki exclaimed, lightly tapping his head as if recalling something of utmost importance. He promptly set down his tea cup and assumed a serious demeanor as he addressed Akihiko, "Leader, I have something crucial to share with you!"
Intrigued, Akihiko arched an eyebrow and encouraged him, saying, "Please, go ahead."
"I hope... I hope you can issue an order to locate Master Ekinu!" Mubuki exclaimed, his eyes brimming with excitement.
"What? Find who?" Akihiko was taken aback, caught off guard by such a request.
"Master Ekinu!" Mubuki enthused, his voice filled with fervor. "You won't believe it, Leader! Master Ekinu has gained immense fame in the ninja world. Even the Toad Sage Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, has traveled here seeking his literary guidance."
Mubuki's admiration for Master Ekinu shone through as he continued, "Who would have imagined that Master Ekinu hails from the Land of Grass? His literary prowess is extraordinary, and his works are captivating and inspiring! If we can locate him, we can request his contribution in writing stories and filming them right here in the Land of Grass, just as you proposed. The entire ninja world would adore them!"
A mischievous spark danced in Mubuki's eyes. "And once we have him, I'll ensure he writes a hundred thousand words and creates ten chapters a day! Hahaha~"
Akihiko found himself torn, uncertain whether to voice his thoughts. He maintained an impassive expression as he called out towards the door, "Where are the guards? Where has everyone gone?"
In response to his voice, the guards, accompanied by Takeshi, swiftly entered the room, their faces reflecting confusion at the peculiar scene unfolding before them.
Akihiko's countenance remained cold, while Lord Mubuki wore a smug and conceited smile, as if he had stumbled upon something advantageous. What could have transpired?
Before anyone could inquire, Akihiko, still devoid of emotion, addressed them directly, "A report has been received, alleging that Advisor Mubuki intends to betray the country. Upholding the principles of fairness, justice, and transparency, although concrete evidence is lacking in the investigation, we cannot affirm Advisor Mubuki's innocence. Therefore, he will be temporarily detained until the truth is revealed."
"And during his detention... to uplift the morale of the cadre and reinforce their determination, as well as to foster deep reflection... ensure that he transcribes 'The Spirit of New Grass' a thousand times each day without respite until it is accomplished," Akihiko proclaimed.
Both Mubuki and the guard were dumbfounded, their perplexity evident as they glanced at their leader. What was transpiring?
Particularly Mubuki, who snapped out of his excitement and implored, "Leader, please don't subject me to this!"
Even Takeshi hesitated momentarily before speaking, "Leader..."
"Take him away! Take him away! I don't want to see him right now!" Akihiko impatiently waved his hand, and now even Takeshi understood. Lord Mubuki had likely... incurred the leader's displeasure!
Understanding this deep within, Takeshi swiftly gestured and called out behind him, "Guards! Escort Lord Mubuki away and closely monitor him while he transcribes! No meals until he completes the task!"
"Hey, release me!" Mubuki protested, but he was promptly restrained by several guards who complied with the orders despite their confusion.
Their movements were swift, overpowering Mubuki and rendering him incapable of resisting. Despite his desperate wriggling, Mubuki was dragged away.
"Let me go! Let me go! I have served the Land of Grass with unwavering devotion! I have shed blood for the Land of Grass! You can't treat me like this! Hey, it was I who introduced you to the leader! Ahhh! Leader! Leader! I still have two children to care for! I want to go home!"
However, his pitiful cries gradually faded until they ceased entirely, silenced by his captivity.
Takeshi stared at the leader, who now chuckled contentedly, wearing a perplexed expression. He hesitated for a moment and inquired, "Leader, what about Lord Mubuki..."
Interrupting him, Akihiko dismissively waved his hand, then crossed his arms and approached the coffee table. He picked up a teacup and spoke with conviction, "I am not singling him out, Advisor Mubuki~" He sighed in frustration, "He has severe ideological discrepancies!" His voice conveyed determination, demanding attention.
"If left unchecked, it will inevitably lead to significant issues in the future!" he added.
Takeshi suddenly grasped the situation, saying, "I understand!"
"Indeed! Keep a vigilant eye on him!" Akihiko leaned forward and whispered, "Two meals per day! Basic sustenance! Only release him once he has completed the transcription!"
"Yes!" Takeshi acknowledged the resolute order, his countenance grave as he exited the room. Akihiko nodded approvingly at Takeshi's firm demeanor as the Minister of the Guard.
Experiencing a myriad of emotions, Akihiko shifted his gaze to the window, observing the snow gradually melting. He muttered to himself, "The new year has arrived!"
The establishment of the Land of Grass... has embarked upon a new chapter.
…
Meanwhile...
"I apologize for the inconvenience. I am a friend of Lord Mubuki... and I can assure you that he is not a traitor. We are innocent!" Jiraiya pleaded, hoping to vindicate Mubuki's reputation.
"May I have the opportunity to see him? This matter is somewhat intertwined with me, after all," Jiraiya requested, presenting the visitation approval slip he had obtained.
Upon receiving permission, Jiraiya, wearing a complex expression, followed the Grass Shinobi and proceeded inside.
After a while, they arrived at a dimly lit room where they discovered Mubuki, his once vibrant and spirited demeanor now replaced by a vacant expression as he gazed at the ceiling. Jiraiya couldn't help but sigh, "I'm sorry! I never anticipated that the laws of the Land of Grass would be so stringent! No wonder you cautioned me to be careful back then!"
Who could have foreseen that the simple act of selling a book would be construed as an act of treason?
"And..." Jiraiya hesitated momentarily, then continued, "Am I still able to purchase that book?"
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