C10 Ninja Break Spheres Publishing

Even when Russell deliberately slowed his pace, he breezed through the five hundred laps in no time.

"Whew! Whew! Whew! What kind of monster is this guy? He hasn't even broken a sweat!"

"Forget sweating, he's not even out of breath. Running five hundred laps didn't tire him out at all!"

...

A group of kids, unconvinced of Russell's prowess, sprawled out on the ground to rest, glaring at him as he stood unfazed, not even panting.

Russell was indifferent to their stares; he was too busy admiring his attribute panel.

Host: Russell

Strength: 29

Speed: 52

Physique: 50

Spirit: 27

Chakra: 1012

Talent: Space Talent Level 3

Taijutsu: Basic Shuriken Level 2, Basic Taijutsu Level 3, Severe Leaf Hurricane Level 4.

Ninjutsu: Great Fireball Technique Level 5, Earth-Style Wall Level 4, Earth Dragon Bullet Level 3, Body Replacement Technique Level 6

His speed and stamina had more than doubled, each breaking the fifty-point threshold.

Now, even without tapping into his Chakra, Russell's body was strong enough to spar with an average Genin.

For a moment, Russell found the sight of the kids lying defeated somewhat endearing. But his mood soured when he caught the intense stares of the young girls. Their fiery gazes were so intense they nearly set his clothes ablaze.

If he showed them any kindness, wouldn't they swarm him in an instant?

The spectators on the elevated platform took in the children's performance, and it was clear to them that Russell hadn't given his all.

"Sarutobi, I'll take the boy who came in first. Root is the ideal place for him to grow," Danzou declared.

Upon hearing Danzou's words, the onlookers gave him incredulous looks. Russell's reputation was well-known among Konoha's elite; what was Danzou playing at?

Besides, this was the Yondaime's adopted brother, a staunch ally of the Sandaime. How could he possibly hand him over?

Yet, to everyone's surprise, the Sandaime didn't immediately reject Danzou's claim. Instead, he sat there, deep in thought.

"In your dreams!" Kushina erupted, her crimson hair billowing as if alive. She warned with a fiery gaze, "If you even think about laying a finger on Russ, I'll dismantle Root myself!"

"Kushina, please, calm down!" Minato interjected, gently taking hold of her delicate hands. He turned to Danzou with an icy tone, "I will handle my brother's future as I see fit. There's no need for you, Lord Danzou, to concern yourself."

Danzou's face contorted with displeasure upon hearing their words. He hadn't anticipated that, in a mere two months, Minato and Kushina would stand against him over an orphan.

Yet, he didn't relent, shifting his gaze to the Sandaime, knowing well the Third's reservations, which is why he chose this moment to speak.

"I'll take care of the kid's future. Don't overstep, Danzou. You can pick a couple more for Root, if you like."

It was only after witnessing Minato and Kushina's resolute stance that the Sandaime finally spoke up.

"Hmph, Sarutobi, you're going to regret this," Danzou sneered, his face now a shade of deep blue as he internally berated the Third's hesitancy.

He had been so close to curtailing Minato's influence, to maneuver himself into a position of power behind the scenes, yet he had missed this golden chance.

Russell might be weak now, at the age of five, but what about in ten years? Danzou wondered how Sarutobi Hiruzen would fare then.

With a heavy sigh, the Third watched Danzou's retreating figure. He hadn't expected such firm opposition from Minato and Kushina, or else he might have conceded to Danzou's demands.

Anything to diminish Minato's influence, he would pursue relentlessly, as evidenced by the fact that the original Minato's three guards were merely Chunin.

Of course, Russell was oblivious to these machinations. But he couldn't help but speculate, catching glimpses of the shifting expressions around him.

"Now, if I may have your attention, Lord Sandaime will address us," Harayama announced, signaling the end of the break and calling everyone to gather.

"Congratulations to all of you for joining the Ninja School. Starting today, you are prospective ninjas. Going forward..."

Russell found the Sandaime's speech as appealing as an old lady's foot binding cloth—both foul-smelling and interminably long, lulling listeners into a stupor.

"Where leaves dance, the fire burns eternal. Its glow shall keep our village lit, nurturing the sprouting of new leaves."

Two hours later, the speech mercifully concluded, and Russell eagerly joined in the applause.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

The Sandaime departed amid the clapping, his face graced with a kind, benevolent smile, having charmed a host of adoring young fans—Russell not among them.

"Now, I will announce the class assignments! For the Elite Class: Russell, Uchiha Kei, Hyūga Hizashi, Akimichi Chōza, Nara Shikaku, and others, totaling twenty-eight students!"

"The Ordinary Class: Passerby A, Passerby B, Passerby C, and so on, with thirty-three students in total!"

"Ordinary Class Two: …"

Russell tuned out everything beyond the elite class. True to his prediction, it was mostly comprised of clan heirs, with just a handful of commoner kids.

Following the announcement, Harayama-sensei dismissed the class, instructing them to arrive at school on time the next day.

Aware of his class placement, Russell promptly exited the school, heading to the gates to meet Minato and Kushina.

"I'm heading out first!"

Back home, Russell grabbed his prepared copy of Ninja Break Spheres and stepped out the door. With time to spare today, he intended to find a publisher for his book.

Konoha Books.

Russell strode confidently into his chosen publisher, exuding the flair of his brother, the future Yondaime Hokage.

Knowing he couldn't outmaneuver these leeches on his own, he'd have to leverage Minato and Kushina's influence.

"Hey there, young man, what book are you looking to buy?"

"I'm the younger brother of Jonin Namikaze Minato, here to get a book published!"

With the swagger of an heir, Russell slapped his manuscript into the hands of the proprietor.

He had done his homework; this publisher, backed by ninja, was notorious for pushing authors around.

Therefore, it was essential to make a strong impression on the other party. Otherwise, Russell doubted whether he'd even receive a tenth of the royalties from Ninja Break Spheres.

"Okay, okay, I'll take care of it right now!"

Upon hearing this, the boss showed no hesitation. His voice quivered as he agreed, not even broaching the subject of payment.

He was merely an average Jonin, lacking the strength to contend with Minato. Besides, no one at Konoha dared to falsely claim kinship with Minato.

Minato himself wasn't feared, as he was known to be reasonable. What truly terrified the boss was Kushina!

Years prior, Jiraiya had gifted Minato a copy of Icha Icha Paradise, and in a fit of rage, Kushina had reduced his shop to rubble, sternly warning against further publication.

"Wait a moment, let's settle the matter of payment first," Russell interjected, halting the boss who was ready to leave with the book. "I'm not here to take advantage, so how about I take 70% of the royalties and you keep 30%?"

"Agreed, it's a deal!" The boss, in no position to argue, promptly signed the contract with Russell and escorted him out the door.