Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 258: Tsunade and Jiraiya's Bet, Haneda's "My Struggle" Completed

"Do you want to go see him?" Haneda asked.

"No, I'll just say goodbye to Tsunade and head to the Land of Frost. They need me more there."

Jiraiya waved dismissively, leaving behind his silhouette as he walked away.

He felt that now wasn't the right time to meet Naruto.

Besides, interrupting him now might stir resentment—at the very least, that tsundere kid Sasuke would definitely give him a grumpy look.

...

In a small tavern, Tsunade and Jiraiya sat across from each other.

There were no snacks on the table, only bottles of sake.

Tsunade raised her glass and downed her drink with a smug expression.

"Do you remember the bet we made a few years ago?"

"Of course. Back then, you claimed Minato would be the 'Child of Prophecy.' But now, it seems that title belongs to Haneda instead."

"He's already become the Fifth Hokage and has changed the village. His next step is likely bringing peace to the ninja world, right?"

"I still remember when Haneda came all the way to the Land of Hot Water to lecture me. He said, 'If you're dissatisfied with this world, then change it. Don't just avoid it or complain about it.'

"Now he's done it. Konoha has changed a lot because of him."

"Looks like you've lost, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya smiled faintly, his thoughts drifting to another disciple of his—Nagato, who bore the legendary Rinnegan.

With a mysterious smile, he said, "Not necessarily, Tsunade. Unlike you, my prophecy isn't pinned on just one person. I have two 'Children of Prophecy.'"

"Two?" Tsunade asked, intrigued.

"Yes, the other one is in the Land of Rain. Though I haven't been there in a long time, I still believe in him."

"Tch. That brat Haneda had it right. Instead of waiting for some 'Child of Prophecy,' why not believe in yourself?"

Jiraiya couldn't find the words to refute her. In truth, he was beginning to waver in his belief in the prophecy.

Perhaps, as Tsunade said, the so-called "Child of Prophecy" wasn't someone far away but someone right in front of him.

Maybe it was Haneda.

Jiraiya recalled the Great Toad Sage's prophecy from three years ago and chuckled:

"The Great Toad Sage predicted a flash of golden light in the future that would illuminate the path for the ninja world.

"That light would bring peace to a crying nation and lead the ninja world toward eternal harmony."

"The crying nation must be the Land of Rain. While Haneda is incredibly talented, I still place my faith in Nagato."

Ignoring Tsunade's mocking expression, Jiraiya grabbed a bottle of sake and took a big swig.

As he got up, Tsunade seemed to realize something and asked:

"You're leaving? To the Land of Frost?"

"It's about time to set out."

A flash of worry crossed Tsunade's eyes. Wars were unpredictable, and no one could foresee what might happen.

"Take care of yourself. You're a Konoha elder now."

Jiraiya walked a few steps, then turned back with a grin:

"Don't worry. Haneda plans to personally lead the campaign. He's just sending me to stabilize the situation over there."

"Oh, and that kid is so worried something might happen to me that he's assigned a little guy to accompany me.

"Can you believe it? I, Jiraiya of Mount Myōboku, being babysat by some young punk."

He paused dramatically before smirking: "But, if you're so concerned about me, why not follow the script of a romance novel and give me a farewell kiss?"

"Get lost!"

"Fine, fine. Let's go, Uchiha Shisui. I was hoping for Tsunade's blessing, but I guess this will have to do."

...

After dispatching Jiraiya and Shisui to the Land of Frost to fend off the Hidden Cloud's invasion, Haneda felt assured that the situation there was under control.

His life returned to its usual rhythm—splitting his time between writing and training.

By early September, Haneda finally wrote the last character of My Struggle.

He looked up at the clear blue sky and couldn't help but smile.

"It's finally done. Just need to check for typos and polish the wording a bit before publishing."

Haneda realized it was already September 13th. In just two days, it would be Kakashi's 18th birthday.

He hesitated over what to gift him: a collector's edition of My Struggle or a collector's edition of Icha Icha Paradise.

Haneda remembered how, as a child, Kakashi had once snuck a book into his room, hiding it from Sakumo.

It turned out to be one of Jiraiya's infamous erotic novels.

Worried that Kakashi might end up as awkwardly obsessed as in the original timeline, Haneda had promptly incinerated the book with a Fire Release.

Now that Kakashi was about to become an adult, perhaps giving him a new copy could make up for that childhood regret?

Shaking his head at the thought, Haneda activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and appeared in his office in an instant.

Shikaku, already accustomed to Haneda's sudden appearances, didn't even look up as he continued working on paperwork.

After months of working together, Shikaku was certain that Haneda's visits were rarely for work. More often than not, it was to delegate new tasks.

As expected, Haneda cheerfully placed a manuscript of My Struggle on the desk.

"The book is finished. Help me arrange for its publication, and while you're at it, check for typos and polish the wording. Thanks!"

Shikaku's hand instinctively gripped his pen a little tighter. "Got it."

Haneda grinned. "Oh, and Shikaku, Kakashi's birthday is in two days. I plan to give him a copy, so try to have it ready by today or tomorrow."

Shikaku, grinding his teeth, replied, "Understood."

Sensing the murderous aura emanating from Shikaku, Haneda decided it was best not to linger. With another use of the Flying Thunder God, he disappeared.

The moment Haneda left, Shikaku's lips curled into a sly smile.

He summoned an Anbu operative and instructed, "Fetch Elder Asuma and tell him the Hokage's manuscript is ready. Ask him to handle the proofreading and publication arrangements."

"Yes, Lord Shikaku," the Anbu replied before vanishing.

Shikaku couldn't help but chuckle.

He had discovered that anything involving the Hokage instantly piqued Asuma's enthusiasm.

Taking advantage of this, he passed the task onto Asuma without hesitation.

Still, the Hokage's book…

Curious, Shikaku opened the first page and was immediately struck by the opening line:

"Capital enters the ninja world, dripping with blood and filth from every pore."

I thought this was supposed to be an autobiography… How did it turn into a book on political economy?

Turning to the second page, Shikaku realized it was indeed an autobiography as it recounted Haneda's childhood pranks with Obito.

But as he read on, the chapter about the rumors surrounding the White Fang of Konoha surfaced, making him uneasy.

Haneda had mercilessly exposed the secrets of the Third Hokage and Danzo.

"In my youth, the entire village buzzed with rumors about the White Fang of Konoha.

"I clenched my fists and questioned:

"Why were the people of Konoha so foolish as to believe such lies?

"Why didn't they dare challenge or overthrow the hypocritical world constructed by the upper echelons?

"If the people united to overthrow unjust tyranny, would the elite still dare to act so corruptly and arrogantly?!"

Shikaku quickly closed the book, deciding to finish his official duties before reading further.

At that moment, Asuma burst into the room, his eyes immediately locking onto the manuscript of My Struggle on Shikaku's desk.

...