Anomalies in the raw materials for the ninja version of instant noodles caused delays in its release. However, this did not affect the production and distribution of regular instant noodles.
The factory operated normally, with workers and machines producing bucket after bucket of ordinary instant noodles.
But the plainer white buckets looked too ordinary, attracting no attention whatsoever.
So Satori Hyūga turned his gaze toward Jiraiya, revealing his true capitalist nature.
"Master Jiraiya," he said, "you promised me a favor earlier. It's time to fulfill it now."
He studied Jiraiya closely with a calculating gaze, stroking his chin as if already scheming how to extract every ounce of value from him.
Jiraiya shivered involuntarily and wrapped his arms around himself. "What are you planning? I'm an entertainer—I don't sell my body!"
"You're not going to use my cells for experiments, right? Like turning me into some kind of oil?"
"Of course not! I've already decided to conduct research using ninja beast cells. You have a different role."
"Now come here." Satori grabbed Jiraiya and pulled him into another room.
Minato Namikaze and Kushina followed closely behind, curious about Satori's intentions.
Inside the empty room sat an artistically inclined ninja with a drawing board set up in front of him.
"Just strike a few poses for some promotional photos," Satori instructed.
"I heard Master Jiraiya is quite popular among the common folk. I want you to be the spokesperson for these instant noodles."
"All you need to do is stand here holding a bucket, smile, and make a few poses," he added.
Although this era was plagued by constant warfare, commerce had begun to emerge, showing early signs of capitalism.
To compete, merchants had already started hiring representatives to promote their products.
For Satori to choose Jiraiya as a representative wasn't unusual at all.
Previously, when selling the Ultimate Massage Chair, Satori had used Orochimaru and the Hyūga Clan as promotional figures.
But that approach wouldn't fit instant noodles. These were meant to be convenient food for everyday people. Having the noble-born Hyūga Clan promoting them just didn't align.
As for using Orochimaru—who was known for poisons and snake-based techniques—as a spokesman, that would likely backfire badly.
A good spokesperson could dramatically increase sales, while a poor choice might cause even a quality item to be disliked or abandoned.
Jiraiya came from a non-ninja upbringing and was relatable and approachable to the general public—making him the perfect fit.
"What? Me as a spokesperson? My fee will be expensive!" Jiraiya immediately straightened up proudly, hands on his hips.
He was one of the legendary Sannin, the famed Toad Sage Jiraiya, and future legendary hero!
"So what? You did promise me one favor earlier. Are you going back on your word now?"
"I guess I should spread the word that Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, doesn't honor commitments."
Satori shook his head with a sigh and gave Jiraiya a disappointed look, as if he'd misunderstood him entirely, then started walking away.
Quickly grabbing hold of him, Jiraiya gave a nervous grin. "Don't go! Alright, fine, I'll do it."
If others found out he was untrustworthy, how could he accept client missions in the future?
It's just striking a few poses and drawing some pictures. No big deal.
He stood in an open space while an artist held a brush, rapidly sketching onto blank paper.
The artist himself wasn't an ordinary person but a ninja skilled in art-based ninjutsu.
His drawing-based replication technique was highly advanced. Just like his eldest senior brother, he solemnly captured Jiraiya's posture and expressions onto paper.
After completing each pose, he moved on to the next. He drew seven or eight different stances before finally stopping.
"Lord, I'm done," the artist said respectfully as he stood up, addressing Boss Satori Hyūga.
Satori picked up the drawings and examined them. The illustrations of Jiraiya were lifelike, as if the real person had come to life on the parchment.
After flipping through them briefly, Satori nodded approvingly.
"Not bad. Proceed with printing based on these images."
As he spoke, he selected three of what appeared to be the best drawings and handed them back to the artist.
In this world where science fell short, ninjutsu filled the gaps.
This is why there's so much advanced technology—because ninjutsu breaks too many rules. Chakra enables people to exceed the physical limits possible in his previous life.
The development of scientific research also unintentionally benefited from the ninjutsu system.
Fire Release combined with Wind Release could produce ultra-precise microscopes and magnifying glasses.
Lightning Release could act as an energy battery, powering various tools and devices.
Though the ninja world's technology wasn't necessarily advanced, it certainly qualified as black tech.
No camera? Then use ninjutsu-based replication instead. Without a printer, they crafted woodblock printing plates using ninjutsu.
The printing plate itself was simple, similar to woodblock printing from his past life—engraving the image content backward onto stone slabs.
Once ink was evenly applied to the slab, pressing blank paper onto it produced scrolls bearing portraits of Jiraiya.
Seeing his face drawn holding a cup of instant noodles, Jiraiya beamed with delight.
Jiraiya himself had now officially become famous.
At this point in time, he had only just begun writing his first book and hadn't yet become the legendary author he would later be known as.
There was no "Make Out Paradise" yet. Currently, Jiraiya was merely known as one of the Sannin.
Compared to Tsunade, the legendary "Princess of Konoha," and the prodigious Orochimaru, Jiraiya appeared somewhat ordinary among the Sannin.
Now serving as a spokesperson, countless people might soon recognize him—he found the thought delightful.
Noticing Satori's composed expression, however, he quickly frowned and said, "I'm doing you a favor by being your spokesperson for free. Aren't you going to show a little gratitude?"
"At least treat me to a few bowls of instant noodles!"
Satori gestured broadly at the noodles and replied, "As our spokesperson, you can eat unlimited instant noodles from now on—all for free."
Already having convinced Jiraiya to serve as his spokesperson without cost meant he'd scored a major win.
To outsiders, Jiraiya—disciple of the Third Hokage—had now aligned his interests with theirs.
This arrangement came with clear advantages—it discouraged others from coveting or trying to steal their business.
After all, who would dare provoke someone backed by two Hokage apprentices?
Hearing about this added perk, Jiraiya grinned and readily agreed.
"Well then," he said with a grin. "Don't blame me if I eat too much and bankrupt you."
"No problem," Satori Hyuga replied with a calm, faint smile. "Feeding just one person isn't an issue."
How much could one person possibly eat? Not that much.
Satori had a long-term vision. He didn't care how many packs of instant noodles Jiraiya devoured—it was barely more than pocket change.
Forging a strong relationship with Jiraiya could pay off during the Third Great Shinobi War, when he would command the forces against Iwagakure. Satori might even become the village's supplier of military rations.
Then there was Professor Orochimaru—according to his memory, Orochimaru would lead the frontlines against Cloud Village.
It wouldn't take much—securing just those two fronts would allow him to feast endlessly, eating until he burst.
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