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The Uchiha clan compound.
Ken's residence.
He sat under the warm sunlight, calmly flipping through the latest volume of Icha Icha Paradise.
Most of the time, Ken trained hard without slacking off, but every now and then, he liked to broaden his horizons through reading. It was one of the best ways to build knowledge.
A cup of tea.
A good book.
Refreshing to the soul.
Comforting in any season.
No wonder Kakashi was so obsessed with Icha Icha Paradise, practically glued to it. There really was something to it.
This book had substance.
And quite a lot of it...
Just as Ken was reading intently, a knock came at the door. He raised a brow and said, "Come in."
The door opened, and Itachi walked in with a displeased expression.
"Oh? If it isn't the Uchiha clan's elite prodigy. What brings you here?" Ken took a sip of tea, teasing casually.
He didn't even need to guess.
It had to be about the other day, when Itachi got caught red-handed by Izumi while sneaking a look at Icha Icha Paradise. He was obviously here to settle the score.
Itachi sat down beside him, looking pained. "Ken, I never thought you'd be this kind of person!"
"What kind of person?" Ken asked, puzzled.
"You actually go out and buy books like Icha Icha Paradise to read!"
"That's morally corrupt!"
Ken rolled his eyes. "The shop sells it, I buy it. What's the problem?"
"But we're still kids! We shouldn't be reading stuff like that!" Itachi argued, clearly hoping to guide him back onto the "right path."
Ken shook his head. "You think I'm reading Icha Icha Paradise for those messy scenes and pictures? That's a pretty narrow way of thinking."
"This book contains cultural customs and daily habits from all kinds of countries and villages across the ninja world. It's actually a valuable source of external intelligence."
"And yet you think so poorly of me. I'm honestly hurt."
Itachi froze, then asked cautiously, "Really?"
"Of course." Ken's firm tone made him hesitate.
Could it be… he really misunderstood?
Ken flipped the book open and started explaining.
"Look here. This character description is simple but profound. It uses small details to reflect the harsh realities of surviving on the battlefield."
"And here—rogue ninja roaming freely in broad daylight. A good reminder to stay alert when traveling outside."
Ken kept talking with a straight face, spouting nonsense as if it were gospel.
In the end, he patted Itachi on the shoulder. "With our relationship, why would I lie to you? Here, I'll even give you a copy. Take it back and study it carefully."
Staring at Ken's completely serious expression, Itachi fell into deep thought.
Is this really reliable?
Even so, he accepted the book, comforting himself internally.
This is for gathering intelligence. Nothing else.
I'm completely innocent.
Just after seeing Itachi off, another knock sounded.
Ken raised an eyebrow.
What's with all the visitors today?
Pretty lively.
This time, Uchiha Yashiro walked in—along with someone Ken didn't expect: Kakashi.
The moment Kakashi saw Ken close his copy of Icha Icha Paradise, his irritation flared up. Yashiro noticed instantly and let out a cold laugh.
"Kakashi, this is Uchiha territory. Don't think being an ANBU captain lets you do whatever you want."
"If you cause trouble here, I guarantee that Sharingan of yours won't be leaving with you."
Although Fugaku had previously allowed Obito's Sharingan to remain with Kakashi, some clan members were still dissatisfied. To the Uchiha, their bloodline limit was extremely important. Having the Sharingan in an outsider's possession was a risk.
Not to mention, Kakashi worked for the ANBU.
And the Uchiha hated the Root… followed closely by the ANBU.
Yashiro turned to Ken, who was basking in the sun. "I spotted him sneaking around during patrol. After questioning him, he said he had urgent business with you."
Then he leaned closer and whispered so only Ken could hear:
"Provoke him. Leave that Sharingan in the Uchiha."
Yashiro was part of the clan's hardline faction.
He had always wanted to destroy Kakashi's Sharingan.
Ken shook his head slightly. "Not the right time yet."
Kakashi's identity was too sensitive.
He was directly under the Third Hokage and also the Fourth Hokage's disciple. If they really gouged out his eye, it could enrage Hiruzen immediately.
Things hadn't reached the point of no return yet.
Seeing Ken's response, Yashiro said no more. He knew Ken's intelligence was practically monstrous. He must have his own plans.
Ken stood up, stretched lazily, and looked at Kakashi.
"So, Captain Kakashi. What can I do for you?"
Kakashi let out a cold chuckle. "Was it you who bought up every copy of Icha Icha Paradise in the village?"
"Yes." Ken didn't deny it. He had bought them all precisely to bait someone—and now the fish was biting.
Kakashi took a deep breath, forcing his expression to relax. "Sell me one."
"Fifty thousand ryo."
"Fine, I'll—wait, what?!" Kakashi blurted out in shock.
One book.
Fifty thousand ryo?!
Was Uchiha Ken insane?
Ken explained calmly, "I bought out the entire latest batch in the village. It cost me quite a bit."
"The nearest place to get it now is the Land of Wind, across the desert. If you want it, feel free to go there yourself."
If Kakashi really wanted to make that trip, Ken didn't care.
After all, thanks to his real estate ventures, he had more than enough money.
Filthy rich.
And Konoha ninja couldn't just casually travel to other villages anyway. Kakashi had missions to deal with, so he definitely couldn't leave for long.
Other than Ken, there was basically no way for him to get a copy.
Kakashi suppressed his rising anger and forced a stiff smile. "Twenty thousand per book."
"I refuse." Ken took another sip of tea, not giving him an inch.
"Fine. Just you wait!" Kakashi gritted his teeth and stormed off.
Less than five minutes later—
He came back.
With a thick stack of cash.
Compared to money, the latest volume of Icha Icha Paradise was more important to him.
Still, fifty thousand ryo hurt.
"Looking forward to doing business again," Ken said with a grin, honestly surprised Kakashi would actually pay that much.
"Generous!"
He happily handed over the book.
Kakashi grabbed it tightly, clearly reluctant to let go, then vanished on the spot.
…
Kakashi's home.
On his bed.
He stared intently at the book, completely absorbed in the thrilling plot. The story moved him so much that he clutched a tissue tightly in his hand.
It was too good.
"…Huh?"
Just as he was about to turn the page—
He froze.
The most exciting part had been torn out.
What Ken sold him was a damaged copy.
"AHHH!!!"
"Uchiha Ken, you petty bastard!" Kakashi howled, pounding his head.
…
Itachi's room.
Fugaku and Mikoto stood there, looking at the copy of Icha Icha Paradise hidden under his pillow.
They exchanged a glance.
It seemed…
Their son had grown up.
"....."