With the graduation exams over, the entrance to the Ninja Academy was lively again as parents lined up to pick up their children. Naruto Uzumaki initially planned to leave, ignoring their curses, but Menma stopped him.
"Use their insults to temper your heart," Menma told him. "That's how you'll learn to control Kurama's chakra without losing control."
Determined to master Kurama's power and become the Fifth Hokage, Naruto pushed his way into the crowd, enduring their insults while trying to stay near the parents.
A comical scene unfolded at the Ninja Academy as a large group of people cursed Naruto as he chased them around the courtyard. Menma fed on the negativity, gaining a significant amount of energy.
[Corruption Points +600]
[Current Corruption Points: 2200]
After the morning's verbal assault, it was noon. Following Menma's plan, Naruto went home to grab his manuscript, then headed straight for Ichiraku Ramen with money in hand.
"Yo, Naruto! Good afternoon! Here for ramen?"
Teuchi banged his ladle against the pot, his face beaming. The warmth of his smile washed over Naruto, chasing away his grumbling, and he laughed heartily.
"Yes! I'll have a Deluxe Signature Ramen from Uncle Teuchi!"
Ayame, standing behind him, widened her eyes. "A Deluxe Ramen for 100 ryō? Did you find money on the street today?"
Naruto chuckled, scratching the back of his head with pride. "I got first place in my graduation exam today! I finally became a full-fledged ninja!"
Both Teuchi and Ayame looked genuinely surprised, then expressed their happiness with genuine smiles.
"Congratulations! After repeating for two and a half years, you finally graduated!"
"This bowl is on me today. Consider it a graduation gift!"
Naruto automatically ignored the jab about repeating classes and happily accepted Teuchi's kindness. "Thanks, Uncle Teuchi! But could you replace all the other toppings with narutomaki?"
"Make sure you ask Ayame for help," Menma's voice echoed in his mind.
Naruto's happy expression froze. He awkwardly looked at Ayame, embarrassed to show her the novel Menma had written.
Seeing him staring at her, Ayame touched her cheek. "Is there something on my face? Or is something wrong, Naruto?"
As she spoke, Ayame slid a fresh bowl of ramen in front of him. The aroma was intoxicating. To be able to afford this every day... he finally made up his mind and slid the manuscript across the counter.
"Uh, um... this is my novel. I was wondering if you could help me submit it."
"A novel!?"
Ayame reached out and took the manuscript, peeking over her shoulder as she began reading.
" 'Young Naruto'," she asked with a mischievous smile, "is this a story you wrote based on yourself?"
"No, no! It's just a coincidence that we have the same name!" Naruto waved his hands frantically.
But remembering the content, he looked at them with a pleading expression. "Could you please not look inside? At least... not right now..."
Seeing his troubled face, Teuchi laughed. "Alright, alright, we won't look. Let's eat before it gets soggy."
Ayame pretended she hadn't heard and hid in the kitchen. Naruto's expression intrigued her; she had to see it first.
"Ayame-nee..."
Looking toward the kitchen, Naruto could already imagine the mockery awaiting him. He channeled his anger into his appetite and slurped down the ramen.
"Slow down, slow down! You'll choke!" Teuchi shouted, quickly ladling out a bowl of tonkotsu broth and sliding it over.
Ten minutes later, the large bowl—broth and noodles alike—was empty.
Ayame emerged from the kitchen, her face flushed. She had read ten chapters—20,000 words—in about ten minutes.
"So, Ayame," Teuchi asked, not noticing his daughter's odd behavior, "do you think Naruto's writing will be accepted by a publisher?"
"Hmm..." She glanced shyly at Naruto, her voice soft. "It's... not bad. Quite good."
She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "I never expected Naruto could write a novel like this. No wonder he's always sneaking into the women's bathhouse and reading adult magazines at the bookstore..."
Ayame was clearly captivated by the story. The first-person perspective, though male, drew her in completely.
"Sneaking into the women's bathhouse? Reading adult magazines?" Teuchi looked confused. "What does that have to do with his novel?"
Ayame wanted to say more, but Naruto interrupted decisively.
"Ayame-neechan, stop! Let's hurry up and go. I have to finish the manuscript this afternoon if it gets approved!"
Ayame realized he was right. She took off her white apron and headscarf and walked out with him.
"Remember to show it to me first after you're done, okay? I can check for typos."
The 20,000 words had already captured her heart. Naruto had gained his first follower.
"I know! I promise I'll show it to you first, Ayame-nee!"
Satisfied, Ayame headed off down a side street.
Shueisha Co., Ltd.
Naruto didn't have to wait long before Ayame emerged with a man wearing a fawning smile.
"Look," the man said, "he wrote the novel about the boy you all call a monster."
"What monster! Don't talk nonsense! I never called him that!"
The man's smile remained unchanged as he eagerly approached Naruto.
"You must be Naruto-sensei, the author of the 'Young Naruto' novel? It's an honor to meet you. My name is Kishimoto Hirohiko, and I'll be your editor."
As a veteran editor, Kishimoto felt this 'Young Naruto' was a worthy competitor to the wildly popular Make-Out Paradise. Even if Naruto was called a monster—or was one—Kishimoto wasn't afraid.
"Hello, Mr. Kishimoto," Naruto said. "So... my manuscript is approved?"
Kishimoto bowed deeply. "Yes, yes! Your work is truly excellent, sir. Let's hurry inside and sign the contract."
While respectfully guiding Naruto inside, Kishimoto showered him with compliments. "It's such an honor that you chose our publishing house! I can guarantee your book will receive our full promotion. It'll be a huge hit, perhaps even surpassing Make-Out Paradise!"
Hearing the flattery, Naruto puffed up with smug pride.
Menma received a message from the system.
[Trust Level: 40%]