In the Land of Water's royal palace council hall, the morning light streamed through the carved window lattice, casting a warm golden glow on the novel sample of "The Legend of Madara and Hashirama" on the long table.
The cloud patterns hot-stamped on the edges of the pages shimmered in the light. In the center of the cover, the red armored silhouettes of Madara and Hashirama stood facing each other, like a chasm of a thousand years of grievances, yet also holding the ideals of the two.
Shun held a finalized page between his fingertips, his gaze sweeping over Minato, Hiashi, Shikaku, and Tetsu, who were seated around him.
"Today, we must finalize three things: the promotional rhythm, obstacle countermeasures, and pricing system. These three works are not ordinary entertainment products. They are the keys to promoting unification to end the war, and every step must be firm."
Tetsu was the first to stand, distributing neatly bound novel scrolls to everyone. Beneath the hot-stamped golden titles on the covers, the silhouettes of Madara and Hashirama were exceptionally clear in the morning light.
His tone carried a hint of relaxed excitement. "The novel has been proofread three times, and the illustrations have been added. The original plan was to release it simultaneously across the entire Ninja World, but considering the dissemination effect, the rhythm still needs to be adjusted."
Shikaku opened the novel, his fingertips pausing at the chapter "Negotiations for Clan Village Establishment."
He looked up and said, "I think it can be split into three progressive volumes. The first volume would tell of Madara and Hashirama's childhood friendship and the roots of the thousand-year feud between their clans. Ten days later, release the middle volume, focusing on the ideals and disagreements of founding the village, and introducing the core conflict of 'temporary peace vs. permanent unification.' Then, ten days later, the final volume would conclude, detailing the specifics and regrets of the Valley of the End showdown. This way, each volume can spark a round of discussion, and the buzz won't die down."
"On the day the novel concludes, the manga will immediately launch. Two chapters per week, continuously for thirty days. Focus on the battles."
"Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands must be drawn larger than mountains, and when Susanoo's sword strikes down, the effect of it cleaving mountains must be shown. Nine-Tails' Tailed Beast Ball must convey a sense of pressure that pierces through the page. The images readers imagine while reading the novel will be provided by the manga, hooking them to wait for the movie."
Finally, Shikaku unrolled a scroll, revealing a hand-drawn timeline.
"In the third month, the movie will be released. This forms a closed loop of 'novel tells the story, manga displays the visuals, movie creates the shock.' By then, we won't need to push it. Readers themselves will drag people to watch."
Minato's eyes lit up. He casually drew a timeline on a piece of paper and said, "This rhythm is good. When I was in Konoha, I noticed that Academy students love to follow serialized works."
"After finishing the first volume, they look forward to the middle volume. After finishing the manga, they look forward to the movie. When the movie is released, they will definitely drag their family and friends along, doubling the spread."
"But there's a tough bone to chew on the path of dissemination."
Tetsu frowned, pulling out a document marked with various country symbols.
"The Land of Fire and many small countries are not a problem but the three great nations of Wind, Earth, and Lightning are different. Shun-sama, you previously deterred the three great nations to mediate the Land of Fire's war, and they are already wary of the Land of Water's actions. They might impose bans for various reasons."
Hiashi's tone was deeper than usual. "It's not just the three great nations, the nobles of various countries will also obstruct. If the Ninja World is unified, their fiefdoms and privileges will be gone. They might even unite to prevent merchant caravans from entering cities."
The atmosphere in the council hall instantly grew heavy, and even the birdsong outside the window seemed to quieten a little.
Shun's fingertips tapped lightly on the table, his gaze sharp as he said, "There are two types of bans, and the countermeasures must also be different. If we encounter unofficial obstructions, such as local thugs or ninjas making trouble, we'll send Konoha ninjas to deal with it. The reason will be 'to protect the dissemination of Ninja World historical works,' which gives us a legitimate cause and also leverages Konoha's influence to suppress those petty actions."
He changed his tone, adding a touch of certainty. "If we encounter direct official obstruction, such as a Daimyo ordering a raid or banning sales, then I will send official letters to all large and small countries in the Ninja World in my capacity as the Daimyo of the Land of Water."
"The letters will state that these three works were created 'to record the deeds of ancestors and reflect on the pain of war.' If they dare to obstruct, I dare to start a war."
Hiashi nodded upon hearing this and said, "Some things, the more they are banned, the more they spread. So, if they don't obstruct, the works can be disseminated smoothly. If they do obstruct, it will make the public curious, and private circulation will only become more rampant."
Tetsu timely brought the topic to the implementation level, "Pricing must also consider different groups of people. Ordinary citizens have limited income, so if it's too expensive, they can't afford it. But if the price is too low, nobles and rich merchants will feel it's not high-class enough."
Shun had already planned it, raising his hand and drawing three lines on the table.
He said, "Novels will have three tiers. The low tier is 90 ryo, with only text and a few scene illustrations, targeting ordinary citizens. The middle tier is 180 ryo, with added character close-ups, such as Madara and Hashirama. The high tier is 360 ryo, with numerous battle illustrations and more exquisite illustrations of beautiful female characters, sold to nobles and rich merchants."
He looked at the manga manuscript and continued, "Manga is highly visual, so the pricing will be slightly higher. The low tier is 180 ryo, black and white print with three color pages. The middle tier is 360 ryo, with key chapters in full color and a bonus Ninjutsu Analysis Card. The high tier is 600 ryo, including a large 'Valley of the End Showdown' poster and a movie discount coupon, allowing those who buy the high-tier manga to secure their movie tickets in advance."
Tetsu quickly jotted notes. He did some calculations in his mind and said, "This covers all demographics from commoners to nobles. It ensures sales and also allows the works to circulate in high-society circles through the 'collectible attribute' of the high-tier editions. Their attitude has a greater impact on ordinary citizens."
Shun said, "Then proceed with this plan."
Shun stood up, the morning light falling on him.
"Shikaku is responsible for drafting official letters and coordinating trade routes with various countries, Minato will coordinate Konoha ninjas to deal with obstructions, Hiashi will dispatch spies to monitor the three great nations, and Tetsu will oversee printing and pricing."
"In three months, I want everyone in the Ninja World to be discussing the story of Madara and Hashirama, and to be wondering if there would have been no war if unification had been chosen back then."
"Understood."
Everyone responded in unison, each picking up their plans and sample books, quickly leaving the council hall. Their footsteps gradually faded, yet it was as if they were striking the prelude to a "storm of unification" across the Ninja World.
Inside the council hall, the morning light remained soft, and the novel sample on the long table lay quietly. The silhouettes of Madara and Hashirama on the cover seemed to come alive in the light.
Shun walked to the window, looking at the cherry blossom tree in the courtyard, a smile on his lips.
In three months, people across every land in the Ninja World would be discussing these two names, discussing that regret, and discussing the possibility of unification.
This cultural strategy had only just begun.
By then, it would also be time to visit Amegakure and meet Nagato and Konan.
***
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