CH - 187 Obito Working for Family?

"Selling scientific ninja tools like this?" Pakura expressed concern, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Akihiko responded with a nonchalant shrug, "No choice, after all, we need to make money."

In the warehouse, there was a pile of these tools originally intended for release during the Third Great Ninja War when the demand was high.

However, unexpected incidents occurred. As the five major ninja villages were engrossed in their battles, they suddenly turned their attention toward Grass Village. Despite the misunderstandings from the rest of the ninja world, Grass Village, with its commitment to peace, didn't mind. They hoped that one day, the truth would be understood, considering the misunderstanding as a minor hurdle.

Yet, as the war ended, the misunderstanding persisted, and the stockpile in the warehouse kept growing. Now, the third-generation scientific ninja tools were perfected, and even more advanced tools were in development. If they didn't sell them now, these tools would eventually become obsolete. Additionally, despite increasing research funding, not a single scientific ninja tool had been sold.

This situation created anxiety within the research institute regarding the growing stockpile of tools in the warehouse. If this trend continued, the approval for their funds from Kakauzu might be in jeopardy.

Therefore, To boost bonuses and funds for the research institute, Yoshinori, the director of Grass Village's research institute, made a special trip to Konoha. Aside from checking on his clan members, he also had a specific plan in mind: to sell Grass Village's advanced battlefield weapons to their dear friends in Konoha.

These high-tech weapons, meticulously researched for years, were considered precious assets. Grass Village intended to make Konoha appreciate and value these cutting-edge tools. To achieve this, Grass Village deliberately set a durability limit on the scientific ninja tools. After ten uses, they would become unusable, and any attempt to dismantle them would trigger an explosion. This not only added an element of strategic usage on the battlefield but also allowed Grass Village to collect valuable data.

"If we don't sell them soon, we'll have to find another way to use them, or maybe melt them down. Of course, making money is one thing, but most importantly, Grass Village…." Akihiko passionately declared. "loves peace!"

As he spoke about selling weapons to maintain peace, Pakura looked at Akihiko with a speechless expression. Can such a statement be made so naturally and with such pride? Clearly, he was fittingly the leader of Grass Village.

Pakura hesitated for a moment before asking, "Aren't you concerned that Konoha will decipher our scientific ninja tools?"

Akihiko responded casually, "Nope. Even if they decipher them, it doesn't matter. It's bound to happen sooner or later."

Grass Village's scientific ninja tools were developed based on the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques, and Konoha already possessed complete sealing techniques. Given Konoha's strong foundation, deciphering them within a few years was inevitable. Moreover, Cloud Village was even more powerful as they had developed the Chakra Cannon in the original future.

Thus, In the grand scheme of things, the five major ninja villages were all capable of researching these tools sooner or later. Selling them now, despite potential deciphering, was a practical decision.

Besides, For a ninja, personal ninja training took precedence, and the current generation of Konoha, much like Future Naruto, will look down on scientific ninja tools. Considering the low power and strict limitations of these tools, they might only be used briefly before being discarded in the ongoing small-scale conflicts. Ultimately, peace talks were expected, and the three generations of Hokage were likely aware of this.

Therefore, starting a large-scale war now wasn't practical; it would essentially be allowing other villages to develop and reap the benefits. Konoha's current focus was likely on stabilizing and addressing the Uchiha issue, as well as researching Wood Release. They didn't have the resources to divert their attention to studying Grass Village's scientific ninja tools.

Similarly, Grass Village was balancing the development of scientific ninja tools with a strong emphasis on individual training. They had robust support, making it challenging for the five major ninja villages to catch up with them unless a genius like Orochimaru started researching.

Grass Village has made significant strides in recent years, developing medical, military, and civilian scientific ninja tools. They were gradually perfecting these areas, and ongoing research included bloodline-related scientific ninja tools. In comparison to other villages, Grass Village was notably ahead in their advancements.

Akihiko leisurely sipped his hot tea and directed his attention to Pakura standing before him. "So, what brings you here today?"

"Forgetting it's time for this year's year-end exams?" Pakura rolled her eyes. "Since Principal Yoshinori isn't available, I had to come and ask you. Also..." She seemed to recall something. "This year, there's a new transfer student... Black Zetsu."

Letting out a slight sigh, she shook her head. "I need to inform you about something. The teachers at the academy have unanimously remarked that Black Zetsu exhibits poor academic performance, especially in the basics. It's almost as if he lacks a foundation and isn't taking class seriously, much like Obito used to. However, Obito has shown improvement recently."

Pausing for a moment, she resumed, "Nevertheless, there's concern that Black Zetsu might have a negative influence on Obito. You see, Obito has only recently begun to take his studies seriously this year. They are particularly worried that Black Zetsu might lead Obito astray. Consequently, they hope that this kid can strengthen his fundamentals. There's even talk of considering having him put into the first grade instead of admitting him to the second grade directly, as he's currently doing. After all, it's seen as an impractical move that contradicts Grass Village's educational philosophy."

Upon hearing Pakura's words, Akihiko's mouth twitched, and he looked at her with a peculiar expression. This sudden development left him momentarily speechless.

Akihiko was already aware of the Black Zetsu situation. It seemed that Obito was quite disappointed with him because, considering that Black Zetsu claimed to be the will of his late Madara-sensei, he turned out to be rather dim-witted.

In Obito's perception, Madara-sensei was a highly talented, intelligent, and skilled teacher. But the book spirit he wrote for himself appeared to be quite the opposite.

Hence, considering Black Zetsu as a letdown to Madara's will, Obito had brought him to the academy for studies, perhaps hoping for improvement.

Certainly, Black Zetsu might be silently cursing in his heart. After living for over a thousand years, he now found himself attending the academy to study. What on earth? Moreover, being treated as a poor academic performer was simply outrageous.

At this moment, Pakura sighed once more, expressing, "By the way, Obito has appeared quite exhausted lately. Many teachers are unaware of his background, and they are genuinely concerned, suspecting that there might be some family issue or personal trouble. Speaking of which..." She furrowed her brow slightly, displaying her confusion. "He does seem unusually occupied these days. What could be the cause?"

"Perhaps..." Akihiko sighed, "Someone in his family is dealing with a severe illness, and they are struggling with insufficient funds for medical expenses. So, he's putting in extra effort to earn money."

"Huh?" Pakura became utterly perplexed, especially considering Obito's identity as a rogue.

…

As autumn settled in, the chill in the air intensified. At this moment, wrapped in layers of clothing, Obito squatted by the roadside, observing the lively passersby with a melancholic expression.

His frustration was boiling within him, aching to be released in a tirade against the responsible individual. However, all he could manage was an angry spit to the side, muttering, "Damn it!" The leader of Grass Village would pay for this deceit sooner or later.

Despite the successful rescue of Kushina-sama, she remained unconscious. The doctor explained that she had surpassed the critical stage, but her recovery required more time. Even upon awakening, extensive treatment and prolonged rest were necessary before she could regain normal mobility. The doctor emphasized that Kushina-sama was not only depleted of chakra but also life force as well, necessitating a gradual replenishment of her life force.

However, this could only be achieved if someone from a specific clan within the Grass Village willingly performed their clan's 'Dragon's Life Reincarnation Technique.' But, No one including Obito, could allow someone else to sacrifice themselves with such a technique. After all, Performing it meant sacrificing one's life. Hence, they were left with only the slow, gradual route for treatment.

Yet here was Uchiha Obito, a defector from Konoha and a second-year student at the Grass Shinobi Village Academy. Despite being hailed as the hero of Konoha and the prodigy with the awakened Mangekyō Sharingan, his reality at home was quite different. Under his bed, there were only stacks of exam papers, and his pockets were empty.

Actually, The upcoming medical expenses were a concern. Once Kushina-sama recovered, there would be additional costs for supplementary nutrition. As the one who promised Minato-sensei to take care of Kushina-sama, Obito had to bear all of these responsibilities.

For the previous medical expenses, he had already borrowed a sum from the finance minister of Grass Village. The interest on this loan was to be paid until a hundred years after his death – a truly heartless arrangement. While Obito didn't mind the money, the main issue lay ahead. Rin, due to her excellent grades, had skipped a grade and caught the eye of the Medical Department. In another year, she would graduate and start earning, while Obito would still be a student.

As the Uchiha prodigy, he couldn't let Rin support him. The bitter realization set in – in the previous year, he relied on Zetsu to pick up garbage for financial support. Now, it seemed Rin would be the one to support him in the coming years. It was an embarrassing situation, especially when he had once boasted to Minato-sensei about his comfortable life in Grass Shinobi Village. If Kakashi were to find out, he would surely mock him endlessly.

The mighty Uchiha prodigy, a former standout graduate of Konoha, inheritor of the late Madara-sensei's will, and the possessor of the Mangekyō Sharingan, now found himself in the humiliating position of relying on others for support. Therefore, Determined to change this, He, The Uchiha Obito wants to make money, a lot of money.

Squatting on the roadside, Obito, hands in his pockets, sighed and then turned to Black Zetsu beside him. Another sigh escaped his lips. "Black Zetsu, do you happen to know any ways to make a substantial amount of money?"

Upon hearing Obito's question, Black Zetsu shot him an irritated glance. He had to squat on the street in this cold weather and endure Obito's various mood swings – now, he was being asked about making money. Seriously?

In the end, Black Zetsu couldn't help but curse silently at Obito's behavior. 'You little sh*t, Do you know who I am?'