24 CH - 24 Scientific Ninja Tool

The Uzumaki Clan had suffered a great tragedy, and only a few shinobi remained, bringing them to the brink of extinction. However, these few shinobi were considered valuable assets for the Land of Grass, particularly in the field of sealing techniques. Despite their small numbers, the Uzumaki Clan's natural talent and expertise in sealing made them a valuable addition to the Land of Grass, filling crucial gaps in their capabilities.

While the Land of Grass had executed their plan of acquiring the Uzumaki Clan's talent discreetly, it was challenging to conceal their distinctive red hair, especially in a small country like the Land of Grass, sandwiched between two major nations. Should they consider dyeing their hair or changing their last name to create a different identity? Even if they agreed to such measures for a stable life, Dyeing their hair or changing their last names wouldn't be enough to hide their true identity, as their chakra and sealing skills would inevitably attract the attention of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

Therefore, it was essential for the Land of Grass to establish sealing barriers, remain vigilant, and ensure the security of their nation. They needed to take proactive measures to safeguard their interests.

As for the Chinoike Clan, renowned for their expertise in psychological stimulation and genjutsu, it presented an excellent opportunity to establish the Land of Grass Security Department. With the ongoing reconstruction and internal issues, it was impractical to send shinobi every time to address civilian security and affairs. Thus, the Land of Grass required a dedicated team, an enforcement squad, to handle these matters effectively.

"I will provide you with the necessary enforcement regulations and requirements later," Akihiko said, looking at the relieved Takeshi with a smile. His tone turned serious as he continued, "And it's not just the Chinoike Clan, other shinobi will also join. But remember, the Land of Grass Security Department is not solely for the Chinoike Clan. It serves the entire Land of Grass."

Takeshi nodded earnestly, expressing his understanding. "The Chinoike Clan understands. As shinobi, we will carry out any orders from the leader with utmost seriousness."

Having come to the Land of Grass, Takeshi felt a sense of responsibility to fulfill the obligations bestowed upon the Chinoike Clan. The leader had fulfilled his promises, and now it was their turn to fulfill their duties. They enjoyed the rights granted to them by the Land of Grass, but they also had corresponding responsibilities.

Indeed, the leader had made an excellent decision in recruiting both the Uzumaki Clan and the Chinoike Clan. His broad-mindedness was unparalleled.

Observing the serious demeanor of Takeshi, Akihiko nodded and felt a sense of satisfaction within his heart. It seems Takeshi seemed to understand the weight of the responsibility entrusted to him and his clan but it looks like he seemed unaware of the situation of the Uchiha Clan.

Akihiko couldn't help but recall the fate that had befallen the Uchiha Clan in Konoha, thanks to the Konoha Security Department. If given the choice to join the security department again, the Uchiha Clan would undoubtedly shake their heads without hesitation.

Akihiko mused on the Uchiha Clan's decision to cooperate with Minato and even naming their youngest son Sasuke, imitating the flattery of Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Become a great shinobi like your father, Sarutobi Sasuke!"

Akihiko couldn't comprehend the tradition of naming one's own child after someone else's father, considering it a form of admiration. In his eyes, the Second Hokage's legacy in Konoha should have been sufficient, but it seemed the Uchiha Clan had a different perspective on the matter.

Pondering over the situation, Akihiko couldn't help but think about the peculiarities of naming one's own son while beating and scolding him repeatedly, saying "my son, Sasuke." It would undoubtedly provoke frustration and confusion. However, these personal matters had no direct relation to the Village Hidden in the Grass. Observing the contentment of the Uzumaki Clan and Chinoike Clan upon accepting their missions, Akihiko let out a sigh of relief.

With the Uzumaki Clan and the Chinoike Clan officially becoming part of the Land of Grass, the next step would involve education. Just as Konoha had the Will of Fire, the Village Hidden in the Grass had its own revised and adapted version known as the Spirit of Grass. Additionally, efforts were needed to develop the entertainment sector. Cultural output not only generated income but also occasionally yielded unexpected benefits.

Akihiko smiled and shook his head, thinking about Konoha's criticism of the Village Hidden in the Grass. The Five Great Shinobi Villages still prioritized cultural output to a lesser extent compared to the Land of Grass. This was an advantage the Village Hidden in the Grass possessed.

Following the meeting, Akihiko requested Uzumaki Yoshinori to stay back for a moment. "Elder Yoshinori, how is the research progressing?"

With a hint of guilt, Uzumaki Yoshinori lowered his head and replied, "I apologize, Leader. I haven't made any significant progress yet."

"That's alright! Perhaps I was too hasty," Akihiko responded with understanding, nodding and smiling. "Thank you for your efforts. If you need anything, feel free to come to me or Kana."

"I will do my best, whether it's with sealing barriers or chakra capacitors!" Uzumaki Yoshinori vowed earnestly. "In gratitude for your kindness, the Uzumaki Clan will exert all their power to accomplish these tasks!"

"No need to be so overly devoted. It's almost the New Year! Take a good rest first," Akihiko dismissed with a wave of his hand. "Besides, your clan has just arrived, and they need your assistance. Take care of your clan's affairs first."

"Understood! The Uzumaki Clan will never disappoint the trust you have placed in us!"

After Uzumaki Yoshinori departed with Uzumaki Yunjin, Akihiko stretched and stood up. The Medical Research Institute of the Land of Grass had already been completed, and Kana had been busy preparing for the upcoming Medical Ninja Program. Akihiko couldn't even fathom replenishing his spirits. The only other person present was Mubuki, an experienced shinobi from the Grass.

Mubuki looked at Akihiko curiously and asked, "Chakra capacitors? Leader, what is that? Well, if it's a secret of the Land of Grass, there's no need to tell me!"

Akihiko glanced at him helplessly and replied in a slightly annoyed tone, "It's simply a type of scientific ninja tool."

"A scientific ninja tool?!" Mubuki is perplexed by the strange term.

"Well, how can I explain it?" The concept of scientific ninja tools hadn't yet emerged in the ninja world. After contemplating for a moment, Akihiko elaborated, "It's a ninja tool created using advanced scientific technology. It can partially substitute certain abilities of a ninja."

If the Land of Grass wanted to catch up with the Five Great Nations, they had to achieve a breakthrough. Although the higher-ups in Konoha, including Naruto, initially opposed the introduction of scientific ninja tools, Akihiko held a different perspective. To him, whether it was a black cat or a white cat, as long as it caught mice, it was a good cat. At most, they would ensure the fundamental qualities of a ninja and enhance their training.

"It can bring great convenience to both ninjas and ordinary people!"

Mubuki looked dizzy trying to comprehend this information. He sighed and said, "Forget it, Leader. You don't need to explain further."

"It's just a special ninja tool!"

"Just put it that way!" Mubuki responded, shaking his head. Then, he looked at the serene Land of Grass in front of them on that winter afternoon. "It sounds quite impressive. Could it make the Land of Grass stronger?"

"It should be able to!"

"Really?" Mubuki's shrewd face broke into a smile. "It seems that the Land of Grass will become a powerful nation one day too! Leader, do you know? When I first saw you, I knew you were extraordinary, so I immediately pledged my allegiance to you!"

There was a brief pause.

"And as expected, I didn't misjudge you! You brought an end to the wars in this land, eradicated corrupt politics, rebuilt the order of the Land of Grass, and devised a five-year construction plan, including the remarkable 'Talent Acquisition Plan.' That's why we have the diverse and vibrant Land of Grass we see today."

"I believe that under your leadership, the Land of Grass will undoubtedly become a powerful nation!"

Akihiko's eyelids twitched slightly as he listened to Mubuki's words. Even this shameless individual dreamt of a powerful nation. Well, it was true—ninjas from the Land of Grass, caught between two major nations, all aspired for their homeland to become a formidable nation.

However...

"I recall you were quite stubborn back then! If I hadn't held a shuriken to your neck, you would still be shouting and carrying a bunch of explosive tags, refusing to surrender and insisting on fighting me!" Akihiko remarked.

"Who? Who said that? Clearly, I surrendered on the spot when I witnessed your wisdom and extraordinary qualities, Leader. I greatly admired you for having the qualifications to unify the Land of Grass!" Mubuki exaggerated, attempting to save himself from being embarrassed.

Akihiko couldn't help but chuckle at Mubuki's exaggerated claims. "Oh really? I must have misremembered then," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But I appreciate your loyalty, Mubuki. Your support and dedication have been invaluable."