Su Mu and Chang'e finally returned to the Eight Treasures Glazed Tower.
Business was booming more than ever.
That evening, Jiraiya drank himself into a stupor, tears of remembrance in his eyes.
"The Dragon Returns to the Sea" had become the story that weighed most heavily on his heart.
The next day.
The publishing house simultaneously distributed large quantities of "Pokémon" and "Shading the Heavens" series books to the various countries of the Ninja World.
The moment the storybook appeared, everyone went into a frenzy.
In just one hour, all three hundred thousand copies were sold out.
At least several million people clamored that they had not managed to get one.
"What! Mr. Su actually went to Konoha to tell stories!"
"Why has 'Shading the Heavens' only released the prologue!"
"Why didn't anyone tell me Su Mu would be telling stories in Konoha!"
"'Shading the Heavens' is another masterpiece after 'Eternal Life'!"
"When will 'Shading the Heavens' have its second session? I can't wait!"
The story of "Shading the Heavens" once again caused a massive uproar in the Ninja World.
Everyone who finished reading it was completely captivated.
Compared to "Eternal Life," the Nine Dragons Pulling a Coffin in "Shading the Heavens" held even greater mystery.
Cultivation instantly became a topic of discussion throughout the entire Ninja World.
After reading "Shading the Heavens," Orochimaru cultivated even more diligently. Although it was only a short prologue, he could already sense the grand and magnificent scenes of the story's world.
However, what was even more shocking than this was "Pokémon."
The storybook clearly described the situation at the scene.
Aside from Konoha and Sunagakure, the other three great nations were utterly stunned.
"Was it during our pursuit of Deidara that the Nine-Tails was captured by that sphere?"
In Iwagakure, Onoki sat in his chair, looking in shock at Kurotsuchi, who had come to report.
Kurotsuchi nodded slowly, "That's right. The situation was extremely tense then, and the Nine-Tails within Naruto Uzumaki was almost breaking free from the seal. So, Princess Tsunade of Konoha proactively sought Su Mu's help."
"And it was at that moment that Su Mu casually told a story."
"'Pokémon.'"
"He's truly a talented individual..." Onoki said faintly, looking out the window.
"Third, should we still continue to search for Deidara?" Akatsuchi beside him suddenly asked.
Onoki's anger flared at the mention of Deidara's name.
"That damn kid! He almost self-destructed last time!"
"Put Deidara's matter aside for now. The most important thing currently is Su Mu."
"Everything he says in his stories is true. If we can truly win him over..."
Thinking of this, Onoki turned to Kurotsuchi, "I have a mission for you. From now on, no matter what Su Mu does, you must keep an eye on him."
"Try to foster good relations with Konoha during this period. Konoha now has Su Mu backing them, so we cannot offend them."
"Especially that Poké Ball. Find a way! Whatever it takes, find out where Su Mu got it from!"
"That's all for now. Kurotsuchi, you must keep a close watch on Su Mu. Don't let other great nations snatch this prize away! Report any special circumstances to me promptly!"
Kurotsuchi nodded heavily, "Understood, Third!"
The wind howled, and sandstorms filled the air.
After Gaara returned last time, he was pushed by everyone into the position of the Fifth Kazekage.
"From now on, any situation that arises at the Eight Treasures Glazed Tower must be reported to me immediately."
"I owe Mr. Su a favor..."
"Sunagakure withdraws from the Ninja World 'Weapon Ranking' search plan and fully supports Konoha!"
"If that Poké Ball is real, it might help change the entire situation for Sunagakure..."
Gaara stood atop the Kazekage building, gazing at the swirling sand, and spoke slowly.
Beside him, Temari nodded slightly, "You can rest assured about this. Has your injury from last time recovered?"
"Yes, I wonder how Naruto is doing now."
Short Shan Street.
Today was Su Mu's storytelling day.
Jiraiya sat alone on the sofa, gazing out the window, clutching "The Dragon Returns to the Sea" in his arms, reluctant to put it down.
"What are you thinking about, great author?"
Su Mu walked over with two cups of wine and sat opposite Jiraiya.
Casually, Su Mu saw "The Dragon Returns to the Sea" in Jiraiya's arms.
Su Mu had also read the books distributed these past two days: "Pokémon" and "Shading the Heavens."
It seemed "The Dragon Returns to the Sea" was not among them.
So, Su Mu asked with a smile, "Isn't this story your favorite? Why hasn't it been published?"
Jiraiya lifted his wine cup and took a large gulp, his face immediately showing a bitter expression. "This Erguotou of yours tastes good, but it burns the throat a bit when you drink it."
Su Mu simply smiled at Jiraiya, still waiting for him to answer his question.
"Alas, I really wanted to publish this story, but I'm afraid everyone would think the protagonist was a complete sucker."
"People don't understand him, but I do. Even though he has regrets, he accepted them willingly. Based on that alone, there's no regret!"
"Perhaps it's my own selfishness, fearing that others wouldn't appreciate it."
Jiraiya's face was flushed red. He patted "The Dragon Returns to the Sea" in his arms and said with spirit.
Su Mu smiled and shook his head, then raised the wine glass on the table, "Come, cheers!"
"To the protagonist of 'The Dragon Returns to the Sea'!"
The two clinked their glasses, and Su Mu downed the strong white wine in one gulp.
Perhaps influenced by Jiraiya's emotions, Su Mu immediately recited with gusto, "A dragon returns to the sea! Why don't you welcome me..."
At this point, Su Mu suddenly paused.
Jiraiya looked at Su Mu with confusion, "Why did you stop?"
"Right, you never told me the protagonist's name!"
"I asked you last time, tell me quickly!"
Su Mu turned and picked up his wine cup, leaving. The strong white wine surged from his blood to his brain, filling him with bitterness.
The person before him knows not what lies before him...
Guests outside the restaurant began to arrive one after another.
As usual, it was bustling and crowded. Amidst the throng, a familiar figure could be seen.
Su Mu opened his fan and slowly walked towards the elevated stage.
The restaurant was completely filled.
At a table by the railing on the second floor, Might Guy flashed Su Mu a friendly smile.
Jiraiya, somewhat dejected, patted Might Guy on the shoulder from behind. "Why are you here alone?"
Might Guy was startled, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and explained, "I had a mission nearby, and I wanted to train Lee and Neji, so I sent them to handle it."
"I'm here to listen to a story!"
Jiraiya looked at Might Guy with amusement. "You don't seem like the type to listen to stories. In your eyes, isn't Kakashi the most important thing?"
"Could it be you came specifically to find Su Mu?"
Might Guy, who couldn't lie, was completely seen through by Jiraiya at a glance.
Especially with his insightful eyes.
Anyone could guess he had something on his mind.
Might Guy, before doing anything, always tried to be clever about it, afraid others wouldn't see what he was up to.
"Everyone, it's time for storytelling!"
"Apologies for the wait! We continue from where we left off!"
"In 'Shading the Heavens,' who exactly was lying inside that Nine Dragons Pulling a Coffin?"
"Allow me to elaborate..."