Time passed. Morning came.
Back at the Uchiha compound, the crew of Hinata's "production team" assembled once again—Kakashi included, still pretending to be a professional cameraman.
Lounging on cushions, Hinata scanned the group thoughtfully.
Main actors: Sasuke and Naruto—both physically ready. Even after getting beat unconscious the night before, Naruto had recovered quickly thanks to his Jinchūriki body and Ino's healing. He now sat brimming with energy, throwing smug glances at Sasuke.
Finance and voiceover: Shikamaru and Shino, the team's brains. She could leave logistics to them without worry.
Support and set crew: Ino, Sakura, and Chōji. Ino and Sakura handled decorations and extra roles; Chōji dealt with manual labor.
Hmm. Not bad. Still missing a few roles, but that could be filled later.
"No need for fluff talk," Hinata sat up. "Last episode performed extremely well, but that was just the prelude. Starting now, we're diving into the main arc of Fox Tale Chronicles. Everyone—give it your best."
"Hi~!" came the various replies, ranging from serious to half-hearted.
"I saw some girls from our class with copies!" Sakura beamed. "Looks like we're officially a hit!"
Just as Hinata had planned, the second issue removed any explicit adult content—opening it to a wider audience. That change, plus strong sales among both students and ninja, had turned it into a sought-after item.
"Publishers are milking it, though," Shikamaru muttered. "Price jumped to 1,500 ryō per copy. Aren't they worried about backlash?"
"Not really," Shino replied. "This version is labeled the 'Platinum Edition.' See the embossed seal? High-quality paper, too. That justifies the price."
"So that means—more profits!" Chōji gleefully crunched on his chips. "More money for snacks and BBQ!"
"Yeah yeah, our future's looking bright," Kakashi chimed in casually. "Heard even jōnin are buying copies."
It was true. Unlike the raunchier Icha Icha Paradise, Fox Tale Chronicles had more emotional depth—something even older ninja appreciated.
"All thanks to Sasuke-kun as the lead~" Ino cooed, clinging to his arm.
"Tch. You're noisy," Sasuke grumbled, scowling.
"I'm the other lead, okay?!" Naruto shouted. "Girls love mature, beautiful women—not brooding emo guys!"
"Shut it, Naruto! Sasuke's mine! Let go, Ino-pig!" Sakura snapped, her polite demeanor instantly crumbling.
Chaos erupted in the room.
Watching the scene unfold, Kakashi smiled faintly. The noise, the bickering—it reminded him of his own teammates, once upon a time.
"Yes, we have promise," Hinata said, waiting for the room to settle. "But promise alone isn't enough. Our future depends on collaboration."
She let her voice drop slightly.
"That's why… our next major scene is going to be…"
Hinata casually dropped a bombshell into the room: "A kiss scene."
Dead silence swept across the traditional room like a wave, then—
"EEHHHHHH?!"
The resulting outcry nearly blew the roof off the Uchiha compound. Birds fled the surrounding trees in panic.
"A kiss scene is the most honest and direct way to convey emotional connection between characters. I personally think it's the perfect transition into the next arc," Shino commented, the only one still composed.
Shikamaru was not so calm. "Wait wait wait! The male lead is Sasuke, right? But the female lead is... Naruto?!"
"I know," Hinata replied smoothly. "But Naruto's transformed into a woman in the script. The readers will accept it."
"You're missing the point entirely!! Are you seriously an airhead?!"
Shikamaru looked like his brain had short-circuited. Meanwhile, Chōji dropped his chips, utterly horrified. "Still, that means Sasuke and Naruto... have to KISS!?"
"Stop!! Sasuke-kun is puking!! Is he okay?!"
"Same with Naruto! Ew! Gross!!"
The room quickly became a scene of chaos and gagging.
As the stench of vomit filled the air, Hinata pinched the bridge of her nose in irritation.
"I thought you'd all be used to this by now. It's just a kiss, not like you're being forced into bed."
Another dry heave from Sasuke stopped her mid-sentence—he had clearly reached his limit.
"Please stop, Hinata! Sasuke-kun's dying!"
"I think Naruto's almost gone too..." Chōji added with a weak laugh, patting Naruto on the back.
"I wasn't wrong," Hinata muttered under her breath. "They should've gotten used to this."
Ino quickly slapped a hand over Hinata's mouth. "Please. Stop. Talking."