Yamanaka Inoichi crossed his arms and rubbed his head.
"Whatever else you say, these kids are far better at making money than we ever were."
"Mhm~ They really found a lucky break."
Akimichi Choza beamed as he watched his son Choji on the construction site. As a father, he couldn't be prouder.
"This new generation of Konoha shinobi is truly impressive. Just in terms of skill and execution, they've outdone us. Hah, how about a drink?"
"Hahaha, sounds good—on you. Your son's raking in the most cash!"
"Exactly! I'm ordering the jumbo barbecue plate this time!"
The older Ino–Shika–Cho trio had come to check on their kids. What they saw left them pleased—and reassured.
---
Hokage's Office
"I'd like to submit a hundred D-rank missions, each involving distributing flyers in major cities across the Land of Fire to promote Fox's Tale's exclusive distribution in Konoha. Deadline: ten days. Here's 500,000 ryo as an advance. The rest will be paid upon completion."
Shino placed a box of money on the counter, his expression serious. His assignment this time was handling Fox's Tale's public relations—specifically, issuing mass flyer distribution requests through the mission center.
In simple terms: mass advertising.
"Oh... Understood. Uh... any other conditions?"
Mission clerk Izumo Kamizuki looked stunned. It wasn't every day someone funded low-rank missions with such extravagance.
"No. Flyers will arrive daily. Assign as appropriate."
With a nod, Shino left. Izumo and Kotetsu stared at each other in stunned silence before shrugging.
---
With the factory and promo duties assigned, it was time for less public matters.
True to form, Deidara and Sasori—despite their rogue status—delivered results. In just one day, they returned Hinata's contract from the Fire Country publisher. Whether that involved explosions was a detail Hinata chose to ignore.
"This it? Told you it was easy. Hmph~"
Deidara passed her the envelope.
"Tell the author—no need for missions. Just say the word next time."
"I'll be sure to pass that along."
Satisfied, Hinata knew the Fox's Tale copyright was now hers again—Konoha was its sole legal publisher.
"Now, to business. Here's the author's signed 'Merchandising Rights Agreement.' From this point on, we're the exclusive producers of Fox's Tale figurines and merchandise. Would you like to review it?"
Hinata snapped her fingers. Sai, acting as her aide, pulled out the document. Deidara waved it off, uninterested. Sasori took it and read carefully.
"No problems with the contract... What's the plan?"
"We're holding a release event in three days when the next volume of Fox's Tale launches. It'll be just outside Konoha. You'll each present your figurines. Sales will be managed by our team. The results will show if your art has commercial value."
Hinata laced her fingers, smiling confidently.
"If it's a success, we'll bring in investors and establish a formal production facility."
The business talk made both artists tilt their heads—clearly, they cared little for profits and only wanted to share their art.
"Well then. Come to the event in three days, with your work. Bring someone to help with accounting if you like. Just disguise yourselves—those rogue-nin outfits are too flashy."
Seeing their disinterest, Hinata sighed inwardly. Artists uninterested in money made ideal business targets. But since they were from Akatsuki, she decided—for once—not to exploit them.
"Oh, and if it helps, we'll list this as a mission—technical consultants for figurine development. That way, it won't affect your activity log."
Flushed with funds after her recent capital round, Hinata nodded to Sai, who pulled out another 1.5 million ryo. For her, it was worth it.
"Ahh~ You're too generous. Hmph~"
Even Deidara seemed momentarily bashful. But both he and Sasori were still bound to Akatsuki—they had little choice.
"No need to thank me. After all, art is priceless, isn't it?"
With a radiant smile, Hinata stood.
"I'll be waiting for you at the event in three days~"
---
Akatsuki HQ Meeting
Amegakure was always damp. Constant rainfall filled the village with massive pipes and ducts. Even when dry, the air remained thick with moisture.
Not ideal for storing books.
Konan, dressed in her black cloak and signature paper flower, carefully retrieved an oilcloth-wrapped book from her shelf. After confirming no damage, she opened it. The title Fox's Tale gleamed on the cover.
"Konan."
A calm voice came from the doorway. She looked up.
"What is it, Pain?"
The orange-haired man stood firm, his rippled eyes unmistakable. He was Pain, Akatsuki's leader.
"Deidara and Sasori have something to report. I'm gathering everyone. Join us."
"Yes, Pain."
She carefully rewrapped the book and followed.
Using the Phantom Projection Technique, Akatsuki members began appearing—hazy illusions around the meeting point.
"This meeting was requested by Deidara and Sasori. They've got something special to report. Let's hear it."
Pain looked around.
"Well, well. Rare to see the art duo so proactive."
Kisame smirked. "Hope this isn't another avant-garde lecture."
"Bet it's Deidara showing off his mud-puppet art again."
Hidan laughed. "What, did you invent a new clay flower or something?"
"Bastard! Want me to blow you up? Hmph?!"
"Try me, I dare you~"
As the bickering began, Sasori growled, "Enough! Deidara, we didn't call this meeting to argue!"