The bookstore owner frowned, unwilling to concede defeat in front of a child.
"What do you know, kid? Most beauty in the world is the same; it's only our thoughts and circumstances that make it different. Jiraiya's works are more realistic—that's why they stand out!"
The man nodded firmly, convincing himself even as he spoke, "Yes, that's it! Jiraiya's works reflect real life better than anything else."
Uchiha Kage shook his head, his small frame radiating an air of maturity. "Sometimes, reality isn't beautiful. That's the message I want to convey through my work."
He didn't argue further. Instead, he stood on tiptoe and placed the manuscript of his adapted story, School Time Stop, on the counter. With a confident gesture, he indicated the owner should read it.
The bookstore owner raised an eyebrow. "You?"
His tone carried skepticism, but he decided to humor the boy. Picking up the manuscript, he intended to skim it quickly, mock it, and dismiss Uchiha Kage's childish ambitions.
But after only two pages, his expression shifted.
Initially dismissive, his face became serious. His eyes focused as the story drew him in. The humiliating opening, where the protagonist faced relentless bullying, was unremarkable. But the narrative shifted dramatically after the protagonist gained the ability to stop time. The powerful vengeance scenes, the crushing of the arrogant class monitor, and the humiliation of the overbearing teacher captured his imagination.
The rise of the downtrodden protagonist was nothing short of exhilarating. The bookstore owner's breath quickened. The story resonated with his frustrations, making him feel alive and vindicated.
And then came the bold twist: the protagonist seizing control of the world with their time-stopping ability. The sheer audacity of the plot sent shivers down his spine.
"This… this is a masterpiece!" The bookstore owner gasped, still trembling from the emotional high. "This can create a new era of literature!"
He put the manuscript down with shaking hands and stared at the small boy in disbelief. "Did you really write this?"
"Yes," Uchiha Kage replied, crossing his arms confidently. "I've only scratched the surface of my talent, but even that surpasses the limits of this era."
The bookstore owner's jaw dropped. For a child to create such a groundbreaking piece—this was a natural-born genius. His attitude shifted instantly. He locked the manuscript in his safe with urgency, his greed bubbling beneath his awe.
"My little master," he said, his tone obsequious, "please, allow me to publish this masterpiece. I'll give you a fair price—no, a generous one!"
The owner's 200-pound frame clambered over the counter with surprising agility, his enthusiasm palpable.
Uchiha Kage smirked, pushing the man's fat face back with disdain. "Don't even think about trying to cheat me. You see this emblem?" He gestured to the Uchiha clan crest on his back. "If I find out I've been shorted even a single ryo, you'll get to experience why the Sharingan is feared across the ninja world."
The bookstore owner gulped, breaking into a nervous sweat. "I wouldn't dare!"
Satisfied, Uchiha Kage nodded. "Good. I'm not unreasonable—do your job well, and you'll earn every coin you deserve. The manuscript is yours."
The man sighed in relief, then began explaining the complexities of publishing. In this era, new authors were rarely given royalties and often had to self-publish to gain recognition. Even established authors typically earned no more than 30% of the net profit.
After an intense negotiation, Uchiha Kage secured an unprecedented 35% royalty. While his story's potential ensured its success, he knew the market would soon be flooded with imitations. Striking quickly was critical.
For Uchiha Kage, the money was secondary. His true goal was to inspire the literary world, prompting great writers to craft emotional, high-quality works that would fuel his own creative process.
The bookstore owner's eyes sparkled with admiration. "You're like a natural-born Riku—a prodigy beyond anything I've seen!"
With the publishing deal secured, Uchiha Kage returned to the Uchiha compound. Realizing there was still time left in the day, he decided to visit the clan's training grounds.
"In this world, relying on a single skill isn't enough," he mused. "Even with my golden finger, comprehensive development is the key."
The Uchiha compound offered various training areas tailored to different personalities. There were secluded spots for loners, bustling arenas for social types, and everything in between.
Uchiha Kage headed to the large public training ground. He had a plan: to find a skilled clan member willing to train him.
It was time to start building his reputation. His name—Uchiha Kage—would soon be known far and wide.