Hyuga Kazushi suddenly looked up at Haruki.
Hiashi Hyuga, standing beside him, made almost the same movement, his face full of shock and unease.
At their level, becoming the Hokage was no longer just a goal for young and passionate ninjas. It was a matter of life and death in the cruel battles, and one wrong move could lead to the clan's downfall.
But when Haruki said it so casually, as if asking what to eat today, Hyuga Kazushi even felt that the Hokage was no different from a stray cat or dog on the street.
Thoughts flashed through his mind.
Based on just this one sentence, he could report this to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Tanzo Shimura.
Haruki's future life would be extremely difficult.
However, what was the point?
What could the Hyuga clan gain from it?
The Hokage lineage relied on the Hyuga clan because they knew their place.
But Hyuga Kazushi believed that once the Hyuga clan became powerful, the Hokage would be the first to feel the threat.
He glanced at Hiashi and saw the solemnity in his eyes.
Somehow, he had an illusion that the times had changed.
These young people nowadays were really something.
"Lord Haruki, do you want to become the Hokage?"
Hyuga Kazushi asked slowly and seriously.
"Not me, it's Tsunade."
"Princess Tsunade?"
Hyuga Kazushi was immediately stunned. This was completely different from what he had expected.
Although he knew Tsunade was Haruki's girlfriend, considering that the Hokage was one of the most powerful positions in the ninja world, he could hardly believe that anyone could be unmoved by it.
For a moment, he hesitated.
If it were Haruki, based on his performance today, he would be willing to build a good relationship.
As for betrayal, it wasn't really the right word.
The Hyuga clan was loyal to the position of Hokage, not Hiruzen Sarutobi himself.
But there was always something lacking about Tsunade.
Maybe it was the stereotype associated with Medical Ninjas, or perhaps it was because this princess of the Senju clan was overly fond of gambling.
"I don't need your loyalty."
Haruki saw through his thoughts and said with a smile, "As the saying goes, 'There are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.'"
Hyuga Kazushi's eyes showed a different look.
This saying was quite interesting.
"How to cooperate?"
After hesitating for a moment, he said this, which meant he was tempted.
"It's a long story, and there's no need to rush. I'll come to discuss it with you after I draw up the terms."
Haruki told the truth.
He hadn't anticipated that the Hyuga clan would side with him so soon.
And the terms involved many future matters, so he couldn't be hasty.
"I was too hasty."
Hyuga Kazushi smiled.
If Haruki had presented the terms right away, he would surely have suspected that everything in the past few days had been pre - planned.
He stood up, bowed, and said, "Today's strategy has really enlightened me. My lord is a man of great talent and wisdom, and I'm truly in awe. If our Hyuga clan thrives in the future, as long as my lord gives the word, we'll spare no effort!"
Haruki smiled faintly.
As expected of an old fox.
This speech was quite pleasant to hear, but the conditions were clearly stated.
In simple terms, it was just a useless piece of nonsense.
After seeing off the Hyuga father and son, Haruki welcomed Tomomi Koki.
"The first - stage promotion of Jiraiya's new book begins today."
"Yes."
"But not by spreading rumors about the Hyuga clan."
Haruki wore a somewhat sarcastic smile. "Now, that Tanzo Shimura must be going crazy trying to find you guys."
Tanzo Shimura is not only seeking revenge but also eager to obtain the long - desired Wood Release.
Using the same method again would be underestimating Root.
They'd be caught within a day.
"Use flyers and posters," Haruki said.
What matters is not the novelty of the method but its effectiveness.
Making a wide announcement is the simplest and most effective way of promotion.
"You hire a group of people to distribute flyers at every intersection. At the same time, negotiate with hot springs, restaurants, etc. We'll pay, and they'll allow us to hang posters."
"Yes," Tomomi Koki replied. "Should the content say 'The Chosen One, a genius ninja saving the ninja world' as you said, sir?"
"Yeah, but the key is the promotional picture. Has the painter I told you to find last time arrived?"
"I'll call him in."
Tomomi Koki stood up. A few seconds later, a middle - aged man appeared.
He was wearing a black kimono, standing upright with his hair neatly combed as if he'd used hairspray.
Haruki nodded slightly.
He looked the part, all right.
"Sir, his name is Isamu Takeshita. He's a very famous painter in the big cities of the Land of Fire, specializing in portrait painting," Tomomi Koki introduced.
"Sir Haruki," Isamu Takeshita greeted as well.
"Please, Master Takeshita."
Haruki trusted Tomomi Koki's ability and didn't bother to verify his identity. He started to explain his requirements.
Isamu Takeshita, who had been looking cold, gradually became hesitant as Haruki spoke.
He looked at him with a strange look and asked, "Sir, what you're asking for is a bit too... uh, revealing?"
After hesitating for a moment, he didn't say "indecent".
"I think it's okay."
"Ah... Let me confirm again. The cover features one handsome blond young man and six girls: one with cat ears and black stockings, one with a human upper - body and a snake lower - body, one in a geisha kimono, one in a tight latex suit, one in a miniskirt and white - stocking school uniform, and one in a bare - foot evening dress, holding red high - heels in her hand?"
"Yeah, it's good."
Haruki held back his laughter. This is what he called cover deception (a marketing tactic where the cover of a product is made to look more attractive than the actual product).
It was just like instant noodles in his previous life. They smelled great but tasted a bit off.
Please refer to the actual product.
Isamu Takeshita twitched the corner of his mouth.
He felt that his reputation might be ruined.
"Master Takeshita, don't you want to paint it?"
Haruki noticed his hesitation and asked.
It's difficult to find a three - legged toad, but there are plenty of two - legged painters.
If he didn't want to, just replace him.
Isamu Takeshita thought for a moment and said seriously, "You need to pay more!"
Haruki was stunned and looked odd.
He didn't expect this master to be so unorthodox.
"Money is not an issue."
Haruki waved his hand boldly and said, "As long as you can satisfy me."
With the cover issue settled, all that was left was to see how it would turn out.
After Isamu Takeshita left, Tomomi Koki asked again, "How should we handle the public opinion about the Hyuga clan?"
"
"No need to handle it."
Haruki said with a smile on his lips, "People usually have the memory of a goldfish when it comes to things that don't concern them. It's already really rare for them to stay interested for a whole week. And now with the promotion of our new book, a new wave of popularity will take its place."
This was the reason he chose such a groundbreaking cover: to directly detonate the hype.
The simple-natured Konoha.
Tsk, it always gives off a feeling of a creepy uncle.
However, he believed in the power of the lechers.
The cover Haruki designed, with handsome guys and beautiful girls, was a hit with both genders.
It also took into account many special needs.
All in all, the door to a new world was right in front of them.
"Let's make the first round of promotion last for a week."
Haruki pondered for a moment. An overly long promotion period wasn't good for maintaining the hype, and he still had two more rounds of promotion planned.
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