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Chapter 131 Unsold Books and Idealism
Chapter 131 Unsold Books and Idealism
Konoha's commercial street.
Snowflakes fell on the bluestone slabs and were quickly trampled into mud by the footsteps of pedestrians.
In a corner of the bookstore, there was a stack of new books that no one seemed to care about.
The cover features the bold and unrestrained title: "The Tale of Genjiro Ninja".
Author: Jiraiya.
This is Jiraiya's first official publication.
It is said that this hero, one of the three legendary ninjas, was conceiving this book while traveling in the Land of Rain, and even on the battlefield.
However, the market response was extremely lukewarm.
In the bookstore, this book was placed in the most prominent position and promoted for half a month, but almost no one paid any attention to it.
In these turbulent times, people are more willing to spend money to buy a "Wilderness Survival Guide".
Such idealistic novels, which tell stories of protagonists who never give up and pursue peace, are considered to be nothing but foolish daydreams.
But Sosuke bought a lot. A full five hundred books.
He practically emptied the bookstore's inventory.
At that moment, he was sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace, holding a book in his hands, reading with great interest.
"Although the writing is rough and the plot is old-fashioned."
Sosuke turned the page.
"But it is indeed a good book."
Bring peace to the world.
What a grand yet empty proposition.
This is Jiraiya's reflection on this cursed world.
Though naive, this was the only attempt to light a beacon in the darkness.
Ryoma Aburame sat to the side. He also had a book in his hand, which Sousuke had forcibly shoved into his hand.
"Takaya Jonin, I don't understand."
"The protagonist of this book, the ninja named Naruto, does not follow the survival rules of a ninja in his behavior."
"Do not kill the enemy who murdered your loved ones. Choose forgiveness in the face of betrayal."
"Such a person simply doesn't exist."
"You're a rational person. Why would you like this kind of...fairy tale?"
Sosuke closed the book and thought about it carefully.
"Probably because it's scarce."
He took a sip of hot tea.
"In this world, hatred, killing, betrayal—these things are everywhere."
"But forgiveness, understanding, and the spirit of never giving up—are so rare."
"It is precisely because such ideals are impossible in reality that they are so precious."
Ryoma fell silent. He still couldn't understand.
But he understood Sosuke better.
Is this his perspective? Having seen through the cheapness of life, he understands better how to appreciate those precious sentiments?
At that moment, Kaori Uzuki walked in.
She had just picked Xiyan up from school.
"Boss, I've already had Mr. Hubu prepare your red bean soup."
"Thanks for your hard work."
Sosuke picked up a book and handed it to Kaori.
"Give."
"What is this?" Kaori took the book.
"Jiraiya-sama's new book. Take a look; it might be helpful."
Kaori opened the book and glanced at it casually.
Her gaze lingered on a passage:
This cursed world—I will break this curse. If peace truly exists, I will seize it and show it to you!
Kaori's fingers trembled slightly.
She thought of the Land of Rain, and of the three children who longed for peace.
"Break the curse—"
Kaori murmured to herself.
"If such a world really existed—"
Her gaze softened.
"Thank you, boss. I will read it."
She carefully tucked the book into her bosom.
evening.
Red Fan Street, [Ganwei Place].
As darkness fell, lanterns along the streets lit up, casting warm yellow glows onto the snow.
The store is still doing brisk business.
The members of the Uchiha clan have a habit of coming here to sit after a day's missions.
Today, the Uchiha who came to eat dessert each had an extra item on their table.
A book titled "The Tale of Genjikazu".
"What's this? A free gift?"
A Chunin Uchiha picked up the book and casually flipped through a few pages.
"Never give up perseverance — pshaw, can that kind of thing stop a kunai?"
L
He chuckled, tossed the book aside, and continued eating his tricolor dumplings.
For the Uchiha clan, who revered power and pragmatism, this kind of idealistic preaching was utterly boring.
Uchiha Kaito sat in the corner; he was one of the few people who were seriously looking through the pages.
By this time, he had already read half of it.
His one arm was pressed against the pages of the book, his brow furrowed.
The protagonist of the book, the ninja named Naruto, is shouting at the enemy:
I will never give up! This is my ninja way!
How foolish. How dazzling.
The Uchiha clan is a cursed clan.
They possess the most intense love, which, once lost, transforms into the most intense hatred. This hatred is both the source of their power and the root of their suffering.
They are trapped in the fate of the Sharingan, trapped in the village's suspicion.
They yearn for understanding and to break down this barrier more than anyone else.
The protagonist in the book is doing what they want to do but dare not do. With an almost foolish persistence, he is breaking down the walls between people.
"Break the curse—"
Haidou muttered the line to himself.
His eyes felt a little hot.
He thought of his comrades who had died on the battlefield, and of his own severed arm.
If the world could truly understand each other, if war were truly unnecessary—
"This is so well written!"
He sighed softly.
In the ninja world filled with killing and scheming, someone who can write such words must have a pure land in their heart that has not been polluted.
Jiraiya-sama, though lecherous and improper.
But he saw the world's ills more clearly than anyone else.
However, his prescription was too bitter, and people didn't like to take it.
"Boss."
Haidou closed the book and looked up.
"Is there still any of this book left?"
"have."
Sosuke pointed to the shelf.
"I want to buy a few copies. I'll take them back for my son to read."
Haidou took out some money from his pocket.
"No need to pay. It's a gift for you."
Sosuke poured him another cup of tea.
"Books are meant to be read. If they can bring you even a little comfort, then their value has been realized."
Thank you.
Haidou solemnly put the book away.
At this moment, several Uchiha clan members were also quietly putting the books away.
They might not admit it verbally, but their cautious actions betrayed their true feelings.
On this cold winter night, this unsold book found resonance in the hands of the proudest and loneliest group of people.
Night fell. The guests gradually left.
The snow on the streets was falling heavier and heavier.
"Maki, Jin, pack up and get ready to close."
Sosuke told the two children to tidy up.
He sat alone behind the counter reading a book.
"jingle."
The wind chimes rang.
Are there still customers at this time?
Sosuke looked up.
A woman was standing at the door.
She wore a dark purple coat and a white scarf that covered half her face, revealing only a pair of gentle black eyes.
She held an oil-paper umbrella in her hand, its surface covered with a thin layer of snow.
Uchiha Mikoto.
She folded her umbrella, gently shook off the snowflakes, her movements as graceful as a painting.
"Welcome, Mikoto-sama."
"6
Sosuke put down his book and walked out of the counter.
"It's so late, why did you come in person?"
Misa's belly was already slightly protruding.
She is pregnant.
That future genius, Uchiha Itachi, is growing inside her.
"Sorry to bother you."
Mikoto smiled and walked to a table to sit down.
"I suddenly have a craving for something sweet. But homemade food always feels like it's missing something."
"That would be my honor."
Sosuke went into the kitchen himself. Kebu had already gone home.
A moment later, he brought out a small tray.
A bowl of steaming red bean soup with a few glutinous rice balls added.
There was also a small dish of pickled plums on the side.
"This is a sour plum. I think its sour taste might help whet your appetite," Sosuke said thoughtfully.
Mikoto was somewhat surprised.
"You are so thoughtful, Mr. Sosuke."
She took a sip of red bean soup and ate a sour plum.
The combination of sweet and sour flavors is sure to whet your appetite.
"It's delicious." Mikoto's eyes relaxed.
She glanced at the books on the counter.
"That's... Jiraiya-sama's 'The Tale of the Rooted Ninja'?"
"Yes."
"You read this book too?"
Mikoto was somewhat surprised.
"I bought five hundred copies of Jiraiya-sama's books."
Sousuke said with a smile.
"I felt sorry for the bookstore owner, so I helped him clear out his inventory."
Sosuke picked up a book and handed it to her.
"This is a complimentary gift for our guests. Would you like to take a look?"
Mikoto took the book.
"Kushina also gave me a copy."
"Have you finished reading?" Sosuke asked.
"I finished watching it. That night, I watched it all night—"
I really like this book.
"No matter what difficulties the protagonist encounters or how many people misunderstand him, he will never change his ninja way."
That kind of purity—can no longer be seen in the current Uchiha clan.
Sosuke remained silent for a while.
"Perhaps it is precisely because we cannot see it that it is so precious—" he said.
Mikoto raised her head, and in her dark eyes, there was the tenderness of a mother, as well as worry about the future.
"Mr. Sosuke, what do you think—"
Will the peaceful world described in the book ever come to pass?
This is a serious problem.
As the matriarch of the Uchiha clan, she understood the clan's current predicament better than anyone else, experiencing a sense of crisis akin to walking on thin ice.
Sosuke sat opposite her and poured himself a cup of tea.
"Lady Mikoto, I am a merchant."
Sosuke's voice was soft, echoing in the quiet shop.
"Businessmen view the world through the lens of probability."
"The probability of complete peace is almost zero, because human desires are limitless."
"but----"
Sosuke looked at Mikoto's abdomen.
"Because of the birth of new life, because of the existence of fools like the protagonist in the book who never give up."
"Although peace is far away, at least we can make this world a little less terrible."
"However, it's difficult to believe that this future will come."
"If you walk in the dark for too long, you will forget what light looks like."
"That's why we need books like this. At least it lets people know that light exists."
Mikoto listened quietly.
The firelight from the fireplace reflected on her face, adding warmth to her gentle features.
She looked at Sosuke.
"Mr. Sosuke."
"Um?
'
"You are a very special businessman."
Mikoto smiled from the bottom of her heart. It was a beautiful smile, radiating maternal warmth.
Everyone says you always do things for profit.
"But I think—"
"You understand what is precious better than many people."
Sosuke was slightly taken aback.
Do you understand? Maybe.
As an outcast struggling to survive in this world, he naturally yearned for peace.
Mikoto closed the book and hugged it to her chest.
"May I take a few more copies of this book back with me? I want to share them with my people."
"Of course." Sosuke then handed her a few more books.
"When my child is born, I want to read it to him."
"This is the best education."
Sousuke said with a smile.
"This order is on the house."
Mikoto smiled, put away her wallet, and stood up.
"Mr. Sosuke, thank you for the red bean soup, and thank you for your book."
"I should go back now."
Sosuke escorted her to the door.
The wind and snow continue.
Mikoto opened her umbrella and stepped into the snow.
After taking a few steps, she turned around.
"Mr. Sosuke."
"Um?"
"If one day, the Uchiha clan really reaches the edge of a cliff—"
Mikoto's voice was very soft, almost drowned out by the wind and snow.
"We hope that you can still give us a bowl of hot soup and a book, just like you did today."
After saying that, she turned and left without waiting for a reply. Her figure gradually disappeared at the end of the street.
"On the edge of a cliff—"
Sosuke sighed.
He knew that day would eventually come.
The night of the Uchiha clan massacre. It was a turning point that could not be avoided.
but.
"I am no longer a bystander."
97
Sosuke touched the snake's eyes under the blindfold.
"I will try to change."