Sankai brought the caravan to the training field.
He looked around before his gaze settled on a corner near the entrance. "If you just need a small area, this spot will work well."
Although it was a corner by the entrance, the training field was used and cleaned daily, so even the corners remained quite clean.
However,
They'd brought such a large group that they immediately drew the attention of ninja from other countries who were watching the training.
"This place is fine. Thank you very much."
Akaba wasn't particularly demanding when it came to location.
As long as it wasn't next to a bathroom or trash heap, it was fine with him.
Hearing that, Sankai nodded. He glanced at the genin still practicing in the field and hesitated briefly before saying, "By the way, if possible, I hope you won't make too much noise."
"Hey, we're not charging you guys anything, so what do you have to complain about!" Jiraiya snapped angrily.
In Jiraiya's eyes, they were being given comics to read for free, yet still acting suspicious. It was utterly ridiculous!
Akaba didn't speak, but his expression had already answered.
"My apologies; I shouldn't have said that." Sankai gave a slight bow without showing any real remorse.
"Oh right, would you like to take a look at our work?"
Sakuma Shanyuan started promoting their content.
"No thanks. I'm not interested in your stuff. Compared to that, the training here is more interesting."
Then he sat down nearby.
"Everyone, tidy up and set up the stands."
Not surprised at all, Sakuma Shanyuan waved his hand and gave the signal to start setting up.
"Just be careful not to disturb our friends from Sunagakure."
Akaba whispered softly, then carried over some stools, letting Jiraiya and Shinku Yuhi sit down.
Shinku Yuhi hesitated briefly and leaned over to ask, "So what are we going to do?"
"Draw manga. Just focus on your own drawing. Don't worry about the content—just follow your heart."
Akaba shot a special glance at Jiraiya.
Indeed, this last line had been meant for him.
"Really? You mean I can really do whatever I want?"
Jiraiya sounded somewhat surprised.
Back in Konoha, under Tsunade's influence as the main force enforcing censorship, his talent had never been fully appreciated.
"Believe in yourself! The fire of youth burns bright and never gives up!"
Akaba gave a thumbs-up, striking the same pose as Guy.
"I didn't expect you to also have the courage to devote yourself to art. [*Sniffling dramatically*]"
Finally, someone saw my true genius!
Filled with motivation, Jiraiya received the sketchpad, brushes, and ink Akaba handed him. He took them and then pulled out a piece of torn scrap paper from his robe, cradling it like it was some kind of sacred artifact.
Akaba's face darkened.
Why does he still have that drawing...
Shinku Yuhi didn't know what was going on and curiously leaned over to look as well. After glancing at it, she asked doubtfully, "It's just Mr. Akaba's drawing. Why do you treasure it so much?"
"This isn't drawn by Mr. Akaba."
Jiraiya shook his head.
Akaba frantically shook his head in warning, but Shinku Yuhi didn't see it. She confidently stated, "Besides Mr. Akaba, who else in this world could possibly draw such exquisite patterns?"
"Well, when you put it that way..."
Jiraiya's expression stiffened as he turned his head to stare at Akaba.
"Cough... I got drunk one day and accidentally drew it without thinking."
Akaba casually lied.
"It was really drawn by you!"
Jiraiya's voice shot up three octaves, his face full of shock.
"Yeah, it was me."
Akaba felt extremely awkward but nodded stiffly.
Beside him, Shinku Yuhi rubbed his nose. He realized Akaba probably didn't want to reveal the truth to Jiraiya.
At this moment, he also noticed the content of the drawing.
Hmph, no wonder!
Shinku Yuhi suddenly realized his mistake and quickly stood up, wanting to slip away quietly.
"Mr. Shinku, don't rush off," Akaba said with a smile, pressing his hand on his shoulder. Then apologetically toward Jiraiya, he continued, "I shouldn't have hidden the truth from you. Well then, I'll teach you how to draw them."
Who in their right mind would wanna learn *this*!
Shinku Yuhi inwardly roared, but he didn't dare to rise.
That smile—too sinister, too terrifying.
In contrast, Jiraiya reacted completely differently.
His face lit up with excitement, instantly brushing off any earlier disappointment.
Ever since he got this drawing, Jiraiya had cherished it like a treasure, diligently studying its essence.
Unfortunately, the scroll was too damaged.
No matter how much he studied, he couldn't gain any new insights, which led to a period of confusion.
Now, the original creator appeared, offering to pass down such divine skill—who could possibly refuse?
Deception?
No way. That's just modesty and detachment from fame—he simply didn't want to show off his talent!
In Jiraiya's heart, he'd already become a devoted fan, automatically coming up with excuses for his idol, nodding nonstop so vigorously he feared Akaba might change his mind.
Meanwhile, Shinku Yuhi sat beside them in panic, afraid Akaba would settle scores later. Of course, he wouldn't dare shake his head in refusal.
"First, you need to figure out the highlights—the appeal points of this kind of artwork," Akaba said, pulling over a small stool and sitting down.
He paused, then asked, "Jiraiya, back when you were collecting material—when were you most excited? Before your subject showed up, the instant they appeared, or after?"
"Obviously the instant they appeared."
Jiraiya answered without hesitation.
"Exactly. Capture that feeling and draw it out. Add various plot elements, and you'll create a perfect piece of artwork."
Akaba smiled slightly, concluding his lesson.
Shinku Yuhi thought it over, then gave a hesitant nod, only half-understanding.
Jiraiya was different.
This guy had extraordinary insight and grasped the core principle immediately.
Inspiration suddenly surged like a waterfall, ideas gushing forth uncontrollably. Without delay, he grabbed his brush and began drawing feverishly.
On the other side, Sankai wore a completely bewildered look.
While Akaba was teaching, Sankai strained to catch every word, yet although he understood each phrase separately, the whole thing still made zero sense to him.
Highlights?
Collecting material?
What did those even mean? And weren't they supposed to be spreading books? Why had they set up that weird thing instead!
As a Sand ninja, none of it made sense to him.
Sankai was curious and eager to learn more, but due to his position, he had to restrain himself, sitting there patiently and occasionally glancing in their direction "casually."
Akaba caught every move and smirked silently to himself.
Young man, you're too naive!
Seeing Jiraiya start drawing actively, Akaba also sat down to begin sketching. To ensure someone could "accidentally" see clearly, he deliberately chose to sit sideways.
With just a few strokes, a rough image instantly started to come into view.
Sankai caught sight of it and couldn't tear his eyes away.
Each stroke brought the painting to life more and more, until finally a flicker of shock showed in his eyes.
Inside that painting was none other than their very own Sunagakure (the Hidden Sand Village)!
The longer Sankai stared, the more stunned he felt—this painting was so realistic it practically recreated Sunagakure on the canvas.
"Who the heck are these people?"
Sankai shot a glance at the books Sakuma Shanyuan's group was bringing in, dying to take a closer look.
"I must resist! These things won't tempt me!"
He clenched his jaw and forced himself to look away.
Then, surprisingly, to his own surprise, Sankai didn't even sneak a second peek, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the training field instead.
After drawing for a while, Akaba noticed that Sankai hadn't taken another look and felt genuinely surprised.
Even though he was obviously curious, he actually held back—no wonder he's got real potential!
But I still have another trick.
Akaba smirked slightly, grabbed another piece of paper, scribbled something down, and quietly passed it to Sakuma Shanyuan.
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