Kirito had originally planned to submit his manuscript after finishing the first arc, but if the Novel Store really was having financial problems...
"No!" Kirito suddenly blurted out, startling himself.
Mitarashi Anko looked at him, puzzled. "What's wrong? Why are you shouting like that?"
Wrong!
From what Kirito remembered of the Naruto timeline, Intimate Paradise continued serialization for years, and the Novel Store's reputation remained strong—on par with Iwanamisha!
So even if there were temporary financial issues, the Novel Store would survive just fine.
That realization made Kirito more determined than ever to submit his work there!
Mitarashi Anko noticed his changing expressions and asked curiously, "What's going on in that head of yours?"
Kirito snapped out of it, shrugged, and said, "I thought about it carefully. I've decided to go with the Novel Store!"
"Huh? Why?" Anko looked genuinely confused.
Kirito smiled, knowing she was worried for him, and explained, "Sister Anko, I think the Novel Store will pull through. After all, it's the leader of the publishing industry in the Land of Fire—it has the strength to withstand a crisis."
Anko thought about it and nodded. "That's true. With their reputation, they should be able to handle a funding issue."
Hearing that, Kirito added confidently, "If my novel becomes a hit, it'll actually help them recover faster. Isn't that perfect timing?"
"This novel will be a huge hit!" Anko said, grabbing his shoulders firmly. "You better not give up! I'm waiting for the next chapter!"
Kirito's mouth twitched—her grip really hurt!
But there was no need for her to worry. Giving up had never crossed his mind.
He gently freed himself and said with a smile, "Sister Anko, don't worry. I won't give up. I'll write a story that everyone will love."
Anko sighed in relief. "That's the spirit. No matter what, keep going! I'll always be cheering for you."
"Thank you," Kirito said sincerely. This was the first time someone had called themselves his fan.
Anko looked up at the darkening sky. "It's getting late. I still have patrol duty tonight."
Kirito felt a little guilty as he tucked his notebook away. "Thanks again, Sister Anko. See you next time!"
"If you haven't finished the next chapter by then, you're on your own!" she teased, raising a fist before walking away.
Women really are scary… Kirito thought to himself with a sigh.
After parting ways, Kirito returned to the Sakura Flower Forest—his favorite spot for writing.
At noon, he joined Ino for lunch and ran into Chōji and Shikamaru as well.
"By the way," Ino turned to Kirito, "what time are you working today?"
"Hm?" Kirito mumbled through a mouthful of rice ball. "Around nine, why?"
Shikamaru yawned lazily. "There's a bonfire party tonight. Lots of food. We should all go together."
Chōji's eyes sparkled. "Yeah! I heard they're grilling meat this time! I can't wait!"
Kirito stared at Chōji's round belly and sighed silently.
After lunch, he went back to writing, completely absorbed in his work.
By three or four in the afternoon, he had finally completed the first chapter.
He stretched and decided to take a break. After all, slacking off a little was still part of working hard!
When he reached the school festival's main venue, he walked around aimlessly.
"Little Kirito!"
That voice—Mitarashi Anko!
Kirito turned and saw her lying lazily on a tree branch, chin resting on her hand as she waved at him with a smile.
Kirito waved back. "Sister Anko, what are you doing up there?"
Anko jumped down from the tree and landed gracefully in front of him. Stretching, she said, "I like sunbathing in trees. So? How much have you written now?"
Of course—she wanted updates!
Kirito chuckled, took out his notebook, and said, "Here, the first chapter's done! Try not to worship me too much!"
"I already do!" Anko grinned, kissed the notebook dramatically, and suddenly picked him up and spun him around in the air.
Kirito's face turned crimson. He'd just been lifted by a woman—in public!
After landing, he snapped, "Mitarashi Anko! I! Am! A! Man!"
Anko burst out laughing at his flustered expression, then slyly snatched the notebook back. "Hmph! You little brat, trying to challenge me?"
Ignoring his protests, she opened it right away.
Kirito tugged at her sleeve helplessly. "Sister Anko, you're supposed to be on duty! Standing in the middle of the street like this isn't appropriate. How about you read while patrolling?"
"Fine," Anko said breezily. "You walk, I'll follow."
Kirito: "…"
The two of them walking side by side drew quite a few curious stares. Soon, they ran into Ino, Chōji, and Shikamaru.
But Ino didn't look pleased at all…
After a while, Anko stopped walking, slammed the notebook against Kirito's head, and shouted, "Mikami and Satomi kissed! Why is Maruko heartbroken?! Shouldn't he be with Rika? What are you thinking?!"
"Ouch!" Kirito rubbed his head, rolling his eyes. "Sister Anko, a real fan shouldn't interfere with the author's vision!"
"But what about Miss Rika?!" Anko protested anxiously.
Kirito just pursed his lips and stayed quiet.
Looking at her, an idea suddenly came to him. "Sister Anko, can I ask you a favor?"
Anko blinked. "What is it?"
"Could you help me submit my manuscript to the Novel Store?"
"Me?" Anko pointed at herself in surprise. "Why can't you go yourself?"
Kirito explained, "Because you're a Special Jōnin—you have status in the village. If you submit it, they'll take it seriously."
He wasn't trying to hide his intentions—he needed her influence.
As an outsider, his work might be dismissed no matter how good it was. But if someone with authority submitted it, his chances would double.
Seeing his hopeful expression, Anko grinned mischievously. "Sure, I can submit it—but what's in it for me?"
"No problem!" Kirito said immediately. "As long as Sister Anko helps, everything else is negotiable!"
He was completely broke anyway. Once his novel became popular, she could take a share—it was only fair.
Anko laughed, flicked his forehead, and said teasingly, "You little fool. I was just joking! You actually believed me?"
End of the chapter.