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The next morning.
Ken, ever the diligent "working man," was up bright and early.
Over the past two years, the Uchiha clan's real estate projects had taken off at an incredible pace. As the one who originally proposed the idea, Ken had been generously rewarded by Fugaku. His share of the profits alone amounted to several million ryō—more than enough to live comfortably without worrying about food or money.
As for Ichiraku Ramen, he could eat there as much as he wanted.
Of course, he didn't mind having a few "unlucky brothers" foot the bill either.
Like Sarutobi Kei.
Or little Naruto.
Ken mulled it over.
His current pool of "suckers" felt a bit small.
Maybe he should expand it?
Fugaku, Itachi… or even little Sasuke?
After all, Sasuke and Naruto were destined "bonded brothers." If Naruto had already been squeezed once, wouldn't it be unfair if Sasuke didn't contribute too?
Equal opportunity, after all.
After getting up, Ken started making breakfast. He cracked an egg into a frying pan.
The egg had been thrown at Naruto by villagers the day before. Ken had picked it up and, sticking to his "no wasting food" principle, decided to cook it.
Once he finished eating, he strolled toward the clan's training grounds. Daily training was the only way to keep strengthening his body.
"Ken! Had breakfast yet? Come try some of my flatbread!" Uchiha Teyaki called out with a laugh, glancing up from his newspaper as Ken passed by.
"Come on, it's still hot!" his wife added warmly.
"Thanks, Uncle Teyaki, Auntie Uruchi, but I've already eaten!" Ken replied with a smile.
The real estate business had brought in serious money for the Uchiha. Life had improved, and people smiled a lot more these days.
By the time he reached the training grounds, several clan members were already there.
Ken followed his usual routine: running, push-ups, then lifting iron weights. Before long, he was drenched in sweat.
Using chakra to enhance a Sage Body could strengthen the physique, sure. But only through consistent, controlled training could he truly master his muscle power and chakra flow—unlocking his body's full potential.
Two hours later, training was done.
After heading home for a quick shower, Ken set out again.
He had something to take care of.
Not long after leaving, he ran into Itachi and Sasuke.
Itachi had graduated from the Ninja Academy a year ago and was now a genin, Konoha forehead protector tied neatly in place. Aside from being a bit shorter and less handsome than Ken, he hadn't changed much.
Sasuke, on the other hand, had grown quite a bit. The three-year-old was noticeably taller now.
"Big Brother Ken!" Sasuke shouted, running straight at him and launching himself into his arms.
Among everyone, aside from his parents and Itachi, Ken was one of the people Sasuke felt closest to. Even though Ken used to pinch his cheeks all the time, Sasuke had clearly forgotten about that.
"Ken," Itachi greeted with a small smile.
Thanks to Ken's repeated "brainwashing"—and the earlier attack from Root shinobi—Itachi had begun reflecting deeply. He'd grown skeptical of the so-called Will of Fire preached by Konoha's higher-ups, seeing it as hollow and unrealistic.
Now, Itachi had formed his own worldview: protect your family first, then your clan, and only then expand outward to protect the wider world.
Ken nodded back in greeting.
"Brother Ken, where are you going?" Sasuke asked, tugging curiously at his sleeve.
"I'm going to buy some books,"Ken replied with a smile, giving Sasuke's chubby cheek a light pinch.
"We're coming too," Itachi said immediately.
He knew that back in the Academy, Ken practically lived in the library.
Sometimes, Itachi wondered if Ken's innovative ideas—like installment-based housing and the "Young Eagle Program"—came from all that reading.
He wanted to follow in his footsteps, broaden his horizons, and deepen his thinking.
"You sure?" Ken asked, giving them a strange look.
After all… these "books" weren't exactly that kind of book.
"Absolutely!" Itachi and Sasuke answered in unison.
"Alright then." Ken shrugged.
Your choice.
Don't blame me later.
The three of them left the Uchiha district and arrived at a bookstore decorated in deep green tones.
The sign read: Jiying Hall.
Two shelves stood outside, displaying various books.
"Boss, the latest volume of Make-Out Paradise is in, right?" Ken asked.
The shop owner, a tall, skinny middle-aged man with dark circles under his eyes, shuffled out lazily. When he saw it was just three kids, his expression soured.
"Go, go, go! You're too young. Make-Out Paradise isn't for your age. I'm not selling it to you."
"I've got money," Ken said calmly.
The owner snorted. "Doesn't matter how much. I have principles! I won't sell out my morals or dignity!"
Ken slowly pulled out a thick stack of cash and smiled.
"So… are you selling?"
The owner froze.
Then his eyes lit up like fireworks. He grabbed Ken by the shoulders.
"Selling!"
Ken sighed. "Doesn't that trample your moral bottom line? Your dignity?"
"Not at all! The moment I saw you, I knew we were kindred spirits!" the owner said shamelessly. "How could I not sell to you?"
"Good," Ken said. "Pack up every copy of the latest volume and deliver them to this address."
He left his clan residence details.
Kakashi had been a bit too arrogant yesterday.
So Ken decided to buy out his favorite book entirely.
Not just this shop—he'd already arranged for clan members to clear out Make-Out Paradise from nearby villages too.
Every new volume that came out, he'd buy them all.
Kakashi loved those books?
Then he'd make sure there were none left to read.
After all, Ken was absurdly rich now.
"Right away!" the shop owner beamed, practically glowing.
Itachi, meanwhile, was puzzled by all this—but didn't ask. Instead, he picked up a copy of Make-Out Paradise and began reading.
"…Huh???"
The further he read, the more something felt off.
The contents… were a little strange.
Young as he was, Itachi had never been exposed to anything like this before. His face instantly flushed red.
"Brother, why is your face so red?" Sasuke asked curiously.
"N-no…" Itachi glanced at Ken.
Only to find him standing there, eyes lowered, acting like he saw absolutely nothing.
Hey, you're the ones who insisted on coming.
What's it got to do with me?
"Itachi-kun, I didn't expect you to like reading too. What are you buying? Let me see!"
Uchiha Izumi, carrying a yellow bag, happened to pass by. Spotting them, she walked over with a smile.
She stepped behind Itachi and glanced down at the book in his hands.
The illustrated content hit her instantly.
Her face turned bright red.
"Itachi-kun… so this is what you're into? I misjudged you!"
Flustered, she turned and ran.
"Izumi, wait! Let me explain!" Itachi panicked and chased after her.
Ken and Sasuke exchanged looks.
Even Ken had to admit… her timing was impeccable.
Sasuke tugged on Ken's clothes. "Brother Ken, I want to read books too! I want knowledge!"
Ken knocked lightly on his head.
"Not happening."
If Fugaku found out he'd let Sasuke read Make-Out Paradise, he'd definitely get beaten up.
Better not invite trouble.
"Hmph! Fine, I won't read!" Sasuke puffed up, clearly sulking.
Suddenly, a sly smile appeared on Ken's face.
"Sasuke, don't be mad. Want to go eat Ichiraku Ramen?"
"…Yes!" Sasuke's eyes lit up instantly. He even licked his lips unconsciously.
"Then let's go," Ken said with a grin…
"....."