Under the Third Hokage's pained gaze, Shin Uchiha casually stuffed the copy of Icha Icha Paradise Jiraiya had given him into his Ninja Tool Pouch.
With his business here finished, Shin Uchiha said goodbye to the Third Hokage and left the Hokage Office. The Third Hokage raised a hand, still hoping to ask for Icha Icha Paradise back, but before he could get the words out, Shin Uchiha was already gone, leaving him standing there in a daze for a long time.
After leaving the Hokage Building, Shin Uchiha did not hurry on his way. Instead, he took out Icha Icha Paradise and read as he walked.
Jiraiya certainly knew his way around this sort of thing. Although the story was rather clichéd, in the culturally impoverished ninja world, it could already be considered a rare gem.
What was more, the copy Jiraiya had given the Third Hokage was a first edition of Icha Icha Paradise, complete with Jiraiya's autograph, so it had some collector's value too.
Shin Uchiha did not visit Tsunade again. They met every night anyway, so he could tell her about Jiraiya then. Instead, he returned straight to the Uchiha Clan's Uchiha District and headed toward Mikoto's house.
Unexpectedly, before Shin Uchiha reached Mikoto's house, someone the Elder had sent to find him caught him on the way, saying there was something to discuss.
Shin Uchiha had little choice. The Elder had just given him two pretty young maids, so he felt awkward refusing. He followed the messenger straight to the Elder's house.
It was the same familiar Reception Room. Ever since Shin Uchiha had awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan, he had become a regular visitor here, and this was also where matters concerning the Uchiha Clan, great and small, were discussed.
Shin Uchiha could more or