Kazushi Hyuga suddenly looked up at Haruki.
Hyuga Hiashi did almost the same thing, with shock and unease on his face.
At their level, becoming Hokage was no longer just a hot-blooded dream but a matter involving the survival of their clan, with risks of falling into a deep abyss if miscalculated.
However, when Haruki mentioned it so casually, as if asking about today's meal, Kazushi Hyuga felt like Hokage was no different from a stray cat or dog on the street.
Thoughts flickered through his mind.
Just based on this statement, he could report Haruki to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura.
Haruki's life would become extremely difficult afterward.
But what would be the point?
What could the Hyuga clan gain?
The Hokage line relied on them because they were sensible.
But Kazushi believed that once the Hyuga clan grew stronger, the Hokage would be the first to feel threatened.
He glanced at Hiashi and saw the seriousness in his eyes.
For some reason, he felt a sense of changing times.
Young people today are truly remarkable.
"Haruki-sama, do you want to become Hokage?" Kazushi asked slowly and cautiously.
"Not me, Tsunade."
"Tsunade-sama?"
Kazushi immediately showed a look of surprise, completely different from what he had thought.
Although he knew Tsunade was Haruki's girlfriend, the position of Hokage was one of the highest authorities in the ninja world, and he found it hard to believe someone wouldn't be tempted.
For a moment, he hesitated.
If it were Haruki, given today's performance, he would be willing to form a good relationship.
As for betrayal, it didn't come to that.
The Hyuga clan was loyal to the Hokage, not specifically to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
But Tsunade felt somewhat lacking.
Perhaps it was the inherent impression of medical ninjas or the fact that this princess of the Senju clan had a strong tendency to gamble.
"I don't need your allegiance," Haruki saw through his thoughts and said with a smile. "What I seek is cooperation. There's a saying: there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests."
Kazushi's eyes showed a different light.
This statement was interesting.
"How do we cooperate?" He hesitated for a moment, speaking up, indicating his interest.
"That's a long story, and there's no rush now. When I draft the terms, we can discuss it further," Haruki said honestly.
He hadn't expected the Hyuga clan to lean towards him so quickly.
And the terms involved many future matters, which couldn't be rushed.
"I was too hasty," Kazushi smiled.
If Haruki had presented it directly, he would surely suspect that recent events had been premeditated.
He stood up and bowed, saying, "Today's strategy has enlightened me. Your great talent and foresight command respect. If the Hyuga clan prospers in the future, we will go through fire and water at your command!"
Haruki smiled faintly.
Truly an old hand.
His words sounded comfortable but clearly stated conditions.
In short, it was a useless empty promise.
After sending off the Hyuga father and son, Haruki welcomed Omiki.
"The first phase of Jiraiya's new book promotion starts today."
"Yes."
"But not by spreading rumors about the Hyuga clan," Haruki said with a mocking smile. "Right now, that Danzo must be going crazy trying to find the culprit."
Danzo was not only bitter about his loss but also eager to obtain the long-coveted Wood Release.
Using the same method again would severely underestimate the Root.
They would be caught within a day.
"Use flyers and posters," Haruki said.
The method doesn't need to be novel, just effective.
Publicizing widely is the simplest and most effective promotional method.
"Hire a group to distribute flyers at various intersections, and negotiate with bathhouses and restaurants to allow us to hang posters in exchange for payment."
"Yes," Omiki responded, "Should the content be the same as what you said, 'the child of destiny, the genius ninja saving the ninja world'?"
"Mm, but the focus isn't on that; it's on the promotional image. Have the artists I asked you to find arrived?"
"I'll call him in," Omiki said.
A few seconds later, a middle-aged man appeared.
He wore a black kimono, stood upright, and his hair was meticulously styled as if with gel.
Haruki nodded slightly.
He looked decent.
"Master Haruki, this is Takeshita Isamu, a well-known artist in the metropolitan area of the Land of Fire, specializing in portraits," Omiki introduced.
"Haruki-sama," Takeshita Isamu greeted.
"I'll leave it to you, Master Takeshita."
Haruki trusted Omiki ability, so he didn't verify the identity and began explaining his requirements.
The previously indifferent Takeshita Isamu gradually looked hesitant as Haruki spoke.
He looked at Haruki strangely and asked, "Sir, isn't what you're suggesting too... um, revealing?"
After a moment's hesitation, he refrained from using the term "indecent."
"I think it's fine."
"Ah, um... let me confirm. The cover will feature one handsome blonde boy and six girls, right? The girls will be: one in black cat ears and stockings, one with a human upper body and snake lower body, one in an oiran kimono, one in a tight latex suit, one in a short skirt and white stockings school uniform, and one barefoot in an evening dress holding a red high heel?"
"Mm, that's correct."
Haruki held back a laugh. This was called a deceptive cover.
Just like instant noodles that smell great but taste rather bland.
"Master Takeshita, you're unwilling to draw it?" Haruki asked, seeing his hesitation.
Three-legged frogs are hard to find, but there are plenty of two-legged artists.
If unwilling, he would just find another.
Takeshita Isamu thought for a moment and said gravely, "It'll cost extra!"
Haruki was taken aback, his expression odd.
He didn't expect this dignified artist to be not so serious.
"Money isn't an issue," Haruki said generously. "As long as I'm satisfied."
With the cover settled, he waited to see its effect.
After Takeshita Isamu left, Omiki asked, "How should we handle the Hyuga clan's rumors?"
"No need to handle it," Haruki said with a smile. "People generally have the memory of goldfish for unrelated matters. Maintaining a week's heat is rare, and now with our new book promotion, a new wave of interest will replace the old."
He chose such a futuristic cover for this reason.
To directly explode in popularity.
Pure-hearted Konoha.
Tsk, it felt like being a bad uncle.
However, he believed in the power of lsp (light-speed promotion) enthusiasts.
Haruki's designed cover, with handsome guys and beautiful girls, would appeal to both men and women.
It also considered various special preferences.
In summary, a new world was about to open up.
"The first round of promotion should last a week," Haruki thought briefly. Too long wouldn't be good for maintaining heat, and he had two more rounds of promotion planned.