Konoha, Literary Delight House, inside the abandoned publishing house.
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the dusty windows, cutting shafts of light through the air.
Countless tiny specks of dust danced in those beams, like spirits startled awake after years of slumber.
The publishing house had stood abandoned for far too long, with yellowed manuscripts piled everywhere.
The air smelled of old paper and ink. A few aging printing presses stood in the corner, covered in dust.
The publishing house's former owner, a weary-looking merchant, stood bowing and scraping before several distinguished visitors, his face wreathed in a grateful smile.
"My lords, all the equipment here, the deed, and the few veteran craftsmen who stayed behind are yours from now on."
He offered the thick contract with both hands, his voice full of relief.
"To be honest, I couldn't keep this business going any longer. If you hadn't stepped in when you did..."
Tianyi nodded, took the contract, glanced over it, and handed it to Tsunade beside him.
After thanking them profusely, the merchant withdrew, his footsteps fading into the distance.
The moment the door closed, Tsunade pulled a neatly folded contract from her cleavage and spread it across the dusty table.
Jiraiya's eyes instantly fixed on her. Tsunade shot him a glance with a hint of menace.
Jiraiya immediately straightened his back and cleared his throat with a solemn expression. "Yes, good. Very good."
Holding back a laugh, Tianyi took the contract and read it carefully. There, stamped upon it, was the vivid red seal of the Land of Fire's daimyo.
He nodded in satisfaction, then turned and laid the contract flat on the table so everyone could see the seal that represented the Land of Fire's highest authority.
"Everyone," he said, his gaze sweeping over each person present, "this