Chapter 66: The Rich Lady's Long Black Silk Legs

Chapter 66: The Rich Lady's Long Black Silk Legs

"It seems like I need to move up the timeline for my hybrid rice research," Kenichi scratched his head.

His earlier conversation with Nagato wasn't fruitless. At the very least, Nagato showed a sliver of interest, although Kenichi would still need to present some experimental results to make progress.

It was no different in his previous life. You had to paint a grand picture first to secure enough funding. Capital never makes a move without assurance, after all.

Relying on the Akatsuki organization was part of Kenichi's plan from the beginning. Experiments cost too much money. Having an organization to back him up would be the best approach.

The support from Root also allowed his teacher to develop his own lab, reducing a lot of hassle. Kenichi planned to replicate that success for himself.

Moreover, the Akatsuki had plenty of talented individuals and research materials.

Looking at the piece of Zetsu's skin in his hand, Kenichi smiled.

"Kenichi, do you really think that AI you mentioned is possible?" Sasori's curious voice brought Kenichi back to reality. He remembered that he wasn't alone.

"It's called Artificial Intelligence, Sasori. And feel free to just call me Kenichi," Kenichi patiently explained to the inquisitive Sasori.

Sasori was a ninja obsessed with eternity, and his unique perspective made him somewhat of an unorthodox scientist. Kenichi thought bringing him into his fold would be a good idea.

Not to mention, Sasori's future power was quite impressive, even though he hadn't yet transformed himself into a puppet.

"Alright, Kenichi. So, how exactly would this artificial intelligence work?" Sasori quickly accepted the idea, focusing only on the concept that intrigued him most—AI.

Kenichi scratched his head. Earlier, to find some common ground, he had casually shared his thoughts with Sasori.

In his previous life, when it came to puppetry, robots were the pinnacle. Although they didn't have chakra strings to manipulate them, the basic idea could still be borrowed.

And when robots were mentioned, the inevitable topic was artificial intelligence—a subject thoroughly debated in the realm of science fiction.

Things like the crisis of intelligent machines or "The Matrix" often explored the potential threats of advancing computer technology on humanity.

However, in the ninja world, this idea was far ahead of its time.

"This would require further research. First, we could start by using chakra to provide an energy source, allowing the puppet to move through chakra," Kenichi said, using the scientific knowledge from his previous life to bluff his way through the explanation.

"Then we'd design a behavioral logic system. That part is a bit tricky," Kenichi said as they walked through the streets of Amegakure. Sasori listened intently.

This gave Kenichi an odd feeling, like a teacher lecturing his student.

When he thought of AI, Kenichi's expression became more complex. Frankly, he had never fully understood the technological level of this ninja world.

He knew for sure that computers existed, as he had seen one in Konoha before. It was a rare sight.

However, why hadn't they used the network to connect the world and develop more things based on computers?

Kenichi also remembered that, in the future, his teacher Orochimaru had developed a ridiculous thing called "Mecha Naruto," which could absorb the Nine-Tails chakra and become a jinchuriki. It was simply absurd.

His teacher truly held the core of the ninja world's technology.

"Well, if that's the case, I think we could give it a try, though it's quite complex," Sasori said, visibly excited.

For a puppeteer, the idea of machinery operating on verbal commands, or even acting autonomously without direct control, was extremely tempting.

"Will you work with me?" Kenichi asked, feeling conflicted. Having Sasori by his side could be beneficial, but he wasn't sure how his teacher would feel about it.

If he really brought Sasori to his teacher's lab, there might be some objections.

"Yeah, since I've joined the Akatsuki, I plan to establish my own base here in the Land of Rain. Kenichi, you wanna join me?" Sasori asked enthusiastically.

Kenichi glanced at Sasori. Right now, Sasori was still talkative and expressive, which might change after he modifies his body. Could the future transformation affect his personality?

"Building a base costs a lot, doesn't it?" Kenichi asked, slightly envious. He had some money, but not enough for something like that. Besides, he still had an unfinished elective task to complete—establishing his own lab. The Land of Fire didn't seem very safe, but the Land of Rain was a good alternative.

In the future, this place would face minimal conflict until the Akatsuki's exposure attracted attention from other villages.

It wasn't too far from the major countries either, making it convenient.

"I have plenty of money," Sasori replied casually. Kenichi remembered that Sasori owned a puppet of the Third Kazekage. He was skilled at earning money, after all.

Speaking of which, how did the Third Kazekage die in Sasori's hands? Kenichi couldn't quite recall.

"Friend!" Kenichi clapped Sasori on the shoulder. He was determined to maintain this friendship!

Of course, Kenichi wasn't just looking to cozy up to a rich benefactor. If he really wanted that, why not get closer to Konan and her stunning black-silk-clad legs?

Konan was quite wealthy. Kenichi even suspected she had a way to mass-produce explosive tags; otherwise, how did she come up with six billion of them?

Even if Kakuzu was constantly working for the Akatsuki, that number still seemed over the top.

For now, Kenichi politely declined Sasori's invitation. He planned to return and report today's events to his teacher. He also needed to visit the lab and separate Zetsu's genes, hoping to uncover what made the Otsutsuki clan so special.

He also had to continue researching thermobaric bombs. And the hybrid rice research had to be moved up as well. He didn't need immediate results, but just enough to show Nagato.

All in all, he had a lot on his plate. But the thermobaric bomb research took priority.

After all, the war between Kumogakure and Konoha was a rare opportunity. Missing out on testing the bomb's power would be a waste.

"Teacher, I'm back!" Kenichi pushed open the door to the lab, only to see his teacher holding an arm and staring at him.