Thinking about it that way, publishing really did have plenty of potential. With the economic recovery at his back, if he could earn his first pot of gold by writing books, becoming a wealthy tycoon down the road wasn't out of the question.
Hibari rubbed his chin, thinking the idea had real promise.
He didn't chat with the shopkeeper any longer. After agreeing on a time, he left with little Tsunade.
Orochimaru was now beside them, though, carrying a huge stack of new books-ten in all. Rather than scold the boy for spending so much, Hibari smiled and asked, "Why aren't you going to hear Lord Hokage's speech?"
Orochimaru didn't even look up. His voice was soft. "You can hear the broadcast throughout the village. The Hokage Building must be packed by now. There's no need to join the crowd."
"Really? In such a hurry to get back to your books?" Hibari asked.
"Yes," Orochimaru answered without hesitation. "School might be on break, but I still want to learn more."
"Looks like I spoke too soon before." Hibari chuckled and reached out to ruffle Orochimaru's hair. "You're not just a genius, kid. You're a genius who puts in the hard work, too!"
Since Orochimaru was eager to get back and bury himself in his books, Hibari didn't insist on dragging him to the Hokage Building. They parted ways en route, with Orochimaru returning to his lodgings while Hibari continued on with little Tsunade.
It was exactly as Orochimaru had said. The area around the Hokage Building was a sea of people, shinobi and ordinary residents mingling together and surrounding the building so tightly that there wasn't a gap to be found.
But things were different now. In the past, Hibari had come and gone here as the young master of