Chapter Nineteen: The Novel's Publication (Vote Request)

"Good, good, this is truly an excellent book!" The owner of Spring Blossom Bookstore in the capital of the Land of Fire was utterly absorbed when he received the manuscript from Karn. Only after finishing the first volume did he suddenly exclaim, breaking free from the spell of the story. Embarrassed, the bookstore owner, Mr. Mikki, smiled apologetically at Karn.

Reluctantly, Mikki asked, "Karn, is there a sequel to this book?"

"Of course. I've already finished writing it. But, Mr. Mikki, shouldn't we discuss business first?" Karn raised an eyebrow, confident in the novel he'd brought. The shinobi world was now a cultural desert; before coming to the Spring Blossom Bookstore, Karn had browsed several bestsellers, but none were worth reading.

They were full of encouragement and praise, headache-inducing, lacking the thrill and desire to continue. In summary, they failed to captivate. So when Karn produced a masterpiece from another world, there was no doubt it would be profitable. Even the bookstore owner was so engrossed; the novel was destined to become a sensation.

"Of course, we must discuss business. With your skill, Karn, I can offer you a 20% share..." Karn shook his head before Mikki could finish, interrupting him. "That's not very sincere, Mr. Mikki. I’ve read your so-called 'bestsellers'—frankly, they are lacking. I have two more novels, both of equal quality to the one you just read. If your offer remains the same, I’ll have to take my leave."

"Wait, wait," Mikki quickly stopped Karn. "You said you have two more books of similar quality. May I take a look?"

"Certainly, but you’d best not read them all at once. Otherwise, you won’t have enough time," Karn replied.

He pulled the first volumes of the other two novels from his backpack and handed them to Mikki. Mikki eagerly began reading, immediately drawn in by the plot. A bookstore owner must have some discernment, and Mikki was confident in his taste.

After a while, prompted by Karn’s cough, Mikki sheepishly smiled and picked up the last novel. Once he'd finished reading, Mikki had to let out a long breath. If only he had more time, he would have devoured the remaining chapters in one go. It had been ages since he’d been so engrossed in a novel.

"A 37% share, Karn. This is my utmost sincerity. I assure you, nowhere in the shinobi world will you find a better offer," Mikki said solemnly. The usual share for novels here was between 10% and 22%; offering 37% and covering costs himself was a clear display of goodwill.

If he weren’t certain these three books would be bestsellers, Mikki would never make such an offer.

"Then it's settled, Mr. Mikki. Once we sign the contract, I'll hand over the first three volumes," Karn replied with a smile. As for a handshake, he declined—he preferred not to shake hands with someone who had once carried a gun.

Soon after, Karn and Mikki signed the contract, and Karn delivered the content of the first three volumes. He also suggested Mikki open a bookstore in Konoha; with its population, there was a sizable market.

Jiraiya had earned at least several hundred million with three books; Karn saw no reason to forgo such profits. With a wave of his hand, money would flow in endlessly.

After settling with Spring Blossom Bookstore, Karn wandered around the capital. Compared to Konoha, the city was dozens of times more prosperous, with a population far exceeding Konoha's.

Accompanied by two squads of Konoha shinobi assigned to protect him, Karn enjoyed several good meals during his stay. Although the chunin leader tried to refuse, Karn and the four genin persuaded him. As long as they refrained from drinking, enjoying some food was not against the shinobi code—especially since the capital was not a dangerous place. A little relaxation was permissible.

Having accepted Karn's hospitality, as long as their consciences remained intact, these shinobi would not exaggerate their reports upon returning, and might even embellish them slightly.

After two days in the capital, Karn gained a clear understanding of the shinobi world's current economic characteristics and development. Overall, it resembled the early stages of industrialization in the 1970s—many resources were scarce, and industry was just beginning. However, this was not a major concern; the nobility and daimyo cared little for the potential of industrial growth.

This presented Karn with many opportunities. The confectionery factory was the first step; next, he would focus on controlling grain and labor. Once he had built sufficient strength in the Land of Fire, he would expand to the small nations without ninja villages, where he could easily seize power.

Leaving the capital, Karn visited many thriving towns throughout the Land of Fire, taking notes as he traveled. Eventually, he returned to Chuanmu Town, deciding to establish the confectionery factory there.

It was neither too close nor too far from Konoha, within a safe radius and free from bandits or thieves. The town had a large civilian population; Karn could easily recruit workers for his factory. As for management, he planned to hire several members of the Senju clan, like Natsukawa. The Senju, trained from childhood and shaped by their family legacy, were unlikely to produce truly evil individuals; the rest was just professional training.

The confectionery factory needed to be established quickly. Upon returning to Chuanmu Town, Karn contacted local officials, purchased a sizable plot, and hired a construction crew to build a large factory and warehouse according to his vision.

Buying land and constructing the factory and warehouse alone cost him several million ryo. He had yet to purchase equipment, and upon inquiry discovered that the shinobi world lacked the machines he needed. He planned to return to the Marvel world to buy production equipment—models from twenty years ago would suffice. The nearby fields of Chuanmu Town could also be used to plant cocoa trees.

Karn stayed in Chuanmu Town for three more days. As the deadline for his commissioned task approached, he finished overseeing the factory’s construction. When the time came, only inspection remained.

With nothing else to do, Karn returned to Konoha.