"Hmph~ So that's the gist of it, yeah~"
Deidara, driven by artistic pride, restrained himself from fighting Hidan and—along with Sasori—explained the entire situation. As Akatsuki members, they knew this kind of development had to be formally reported.
"So~ We've decided to collaborate with that adorable girl who respects our art. Through figurines, we'll share our vision with the entire shinobi world! Hmph~!"
Proudly lifting one of his handcrafted clay models, Deidara beamed.
"She even said we should bring someone good with numbers—to track just how popular our art is, yeah~"
To everyone's surprise, the usually volatile Akatsuki members fell quiet. Even Hidan held his tongue.
Why? Simple: none of them understood this "merchandise business." And shinobi instinctively avoided discussing what they didn't understand.
"Uh... Deidara-san seems thrilled." "But this whole thing sounds... ridiculous."
Eventually, Zetsu broke the silence, his contrasting personalities creating just enough levity to get the room talking again.
"You talk a good game, but I still don't buy it."
Kisame shrugged. "We've never had anything like figurines or merchandise. Besides, we're rogue ninja. This kind of merchant nonsense isn't our game."
Fair assessment. Akatsuki was full of destroyers, not entrepreneurs. Even Kakuzu, their most finance-savvy member, only understood bounties and currency flow.
"That's why we accepted her commission. We're attending the release event tomorrow to evaluate things ourselves. If you want a full report, this is the chance."
Sasori revealed one of his wooden figurines. Pain frowned.
As leader, Pain's job was managing the team and morale. From the look of it, Deidara and Sasori were going regardless. Stopping them would only cause friction.
Besides, Pain had picked up on a key detail: the girl they were working with promised this figurine project could bring in unprecedented profits.
Akatsuki needed funds. If this worked, he didn't care how.
"That figurine—is it from Fox's Tale?"
Itachi's flat voice cut through the room.
"Looks like Lady Higan."
"Wait—is the book's author the one who commissioned you?"
Konan spoke up, drawing everyone's attention.
"You're serious? Deidara—that's one of the new characters!"
Realizing it, Kisame leaned in for a better look.
"Well well... If it's that book, The Fox's Tale is the current bestseller in the Fire Country."
Even Kakuzu perked up. Clearly, Deidara had buried the lead.
"Yep~ It's a The Fox's Tale figurine! Our lovely collaborator said these figures will carry art across the world! Hmph~!"
Now beaming, Deidara raised his clay sculpture high. This time, everyone stared with a new appreciation.
"Even if it is from The Fox's Tale, who's gonna buy clay dolls? Only kids like that stuff. You planning to rob kids of their lunch money?"
Hidan smirked.
"You bastard! Want to die?! Hmph?!"
"Bring it, I dare you~"
As they argued, Sasori growled, "Enough. We didn't call this meeting to bicker."
Pain narrowed his eyes. His instincts told him this might be a real opportunity.
"Kakuzu—you're best at finances. You and Hidan go with them. Evaluate whether this 'figurine business' is worth our time."
He made his decision. Missions could wait—opportunity wouldn't.
"Heh. If it's the bestselling book, it might turn a decent profit."
Kakuzu nodded. Orders were orders—and the Fire Country was full of bounty targets anyway.
"This meeting is adjourned. Keep working toward Akatsuki's goals."
Pain vanished, ending his projection.
"Well~ Best of luck. It's a great read—don't embarrass the author."
Kisame chuckled and logged off with Itachi. Zetsu followed.
Only the "Art Duo" and "Immortal Duo" remained.
"Let's see if your little dolls fetch big bucks—bwahaha!"
With mocking laughter, Hidan vanished.
"Tomorrow, at the Fire Country border. Don't waste our time."
Kakuzu disappeared, leaving Sasori and Deidara fuming.
"Idiots! They just don't understand true art! Hmph!"
Deidara opened a crate and admired his clay figurines—his passion project.
"Then let's show them. Through results."
Sasori opened his puppet shell, revealing his true form. With care, he examined his own box of wooden figures.
One way or another, tomorrow's event was highly anticipated.
---
Few things simplify life like money. And when there's plenty of it, problems tend to disappear.
Thanks to a full-scale promotional blitz, the entire Fire Country quickly learned that Fox's Tale would now be distributed exclusively through Konoha.
To thank loyal fans, the new publisher planned a release event just outside the village—avoiding security hassles by setting up a temporary market in a forest clearing.
This kind of open bazaar was rare for Konoha. Though the most progressive of the ninja villages, it remained a military base. Hinata's choice to hold the event offsite pleased the Third Hokage, who ordered Asuma and a team of chunin and genin to handle setup and security.
Konoha merchants, like the Ichiraku Ramen owner, jumped at the chance—staking out booths to serve the influx of fans coming from across the Fire Country.
"Hmm... Still seems too small..."
Standing on a nearby ridge, Asuma wiped his brow. He'd planned generously, but the turnout still far exceeded expectations.
The ten-hectare venue was packed—families, travelers, even foreigners. And food vendors filled every remaining space.
"Seriously? My first mission outside the village is... this? Also, who are you? You look weirdly familiar."
Shikamaru squinted at Asuma, who wasn't in disguise.
"Ahem... I'm Sarutobi Asuma. Appointed by the Hokage. Today's head of event security."
---
Sus