Chapter 112

The Sunagakure Weapons Experimental Field is a training stadium constructed with iron sand, reinforced and enhanced through Sealing Jutsu, and fortified with additional "hard" attributes.

According to Ninjutsu rankings, destroying this experimental field would require S-Rank Ninjutsu.

Currently, Hitoshi is on the testing field, engaged in a "hands-on" session with a three-meter-tall Tegada.

With a thunderous rumble, Hitoshi took a punch from Tegada head-on.

Feeling the force emanating from his hand and the speed of Tegada's movements, Hitoshi furrowed his brow and countered with a powerful punch, sending Tegada flying.

"Chiru, you're a Jonin, and yet so slow?" Hitoshi called out to Tegada.

Inside Tegada, it was Sasori's father, Chiru, who controlled its movements.

"Kazekage-sama, this is already the fastest speed. If we increase it any further, it will be fifty steps away from being a Chakra car," Chiru explained helplessly. He had given his all to maximize Tegada's speed, and its current performance relied heavily on Magnet Release.

Without this support, a few-kilogram object would require an immense amount of power to maintain its fighting capabilities.

"Alright, I've had enough close combat practice. Let's move on to the energy attack test," Hitoshi dismissed Chiru's concerns and glanced at Sasori, who was diligently taking notes by his side. He secretly nodded, pleased to see Sasori's hard work.

"Kazekage-sama, be careful. We'll begin with a regular attack," Chiru warned as he raised Tegada's hands, unleashing waves of energy bombs.

With his Eye of Clear Sight activated, Hitoshi instantly assessed the energy's intensity and lazily activated his shield to withstand the explosion.

After the blasts subsided, Hitoshi remained unscathed.

"Now, we'll move on to a high-intensity attack. In the previous test, this type of energy attack had the power equivalent to A-Rank Ninjutsu. It can be launched approximately thirty-five times, depending on the user's Chakra reserves," Chiru's voice echoed as he focused on sensing Tegada's energy source.

Each A-Rank energy attack had a one-minute interval between them.

"This combat method is excellent. By incorporating advanced attacks within the intervals of regular attacks, it also allows for energy storage. It poses a significant challenge," Hitoshi nodded, pleased with the results.

"Next, we'll move on to S-Rank Ninjutsu attacks. With external assistance, this attack can be used three times," Chiru's voice resounded ten minutes later.

Upon hearing the mention of S-Rank Ninjutsu attacks, Hitoshi's demeanor grew serious. Chakra enveloped his body, forming a protective cloak.

In Hitoshi's eyes, three miniature cannons appeared behind Tegada. He raised his right hand, grasped one of the cannons, and assumed a projectile stance.

Witnessing this scene, Hitoshi's right eyelid twitched.

He had a foreboding feeling reminiscent of a certain electromagnetic cannon.

True to his instincts, energy circles began rotating around the miniature cannon, visible one after another.

In an instant, the projectile shot towards Hitoshi at supersonic speed.

With a deafening boom, a small mushroom cloud emerged on the testing field.

However, the onlookers from Sunagakure showed no expressions or signs of panic. They knew what had just occurred and how to proceed.

Even Chiru, who controlled Tegada, remained at his post, assessing the damage. Hitoshi's safety was not their concern.

"What an astonishing power! This concentrated attack is truly formidable. With a little more strength, it could surpass the power of S-Rank Ninjutsu," Hitoshi's voice resonated before the smoke cleared.

The clear tone of his voice suspended in the air reassured everyone that Hitoshi was unharmed and in good health.

"That concludes the test. Rest up and prepare for deployment on the battlefield," Hitoshi's voice rang out once the smoke dissipated, revealing a thick purple Chakra surrounding him. He still held the miniature cannon in his right hand.

The only difference was the appearance of small scales on Hitoshi's right arm.

Upon hearing Hitoshi's words, Chiru disengaged from Tegada and hopped out, while Sasori leaped down from the nearby spectator seats.

"Kazekage-sama, are you satisfied?" Sasori inquired with a mischievous smile.

Hitoshi wasn't sure if he was satisfied, but he believed that the performance was adequate.

"I'm satisfied, but there's still room for improvement. It functions well as a mobile turret, but in a battle against skilled opponents, it would be dismantled within minutes," Hitoshi pondered, considering the development of this series.

"What about the reward you mentioned?" Sasori eagerly asked, bouncing up and down.

Although Sasori had long known that Hitoshi's mobile turret wouldn't be able to compete with experts, he didn't need to investigate its close-combat abilities.

In his vision, the first series of Tegada products should focus on high destructive power, defense, and energy capabilities to maximize survivability. As for experts, as long as it possessed high destructive power, wide cannon fire coverage, and the ability to eliminate waves of enemies, it would be sufficient.

Observing Sasori's excitement, Hitoshi shook his head, knowing that Sasori would soon face hardships.

"As for the reward, it's simple. We'll increase next year's research funding, and the Uchiha Clan and Kurama Clan will collaborate with us to produce a Genjutsu video. It'll be a TV series featuring the Tegada series, with you as the protagonist," Hitoshi revealed, smiling at Sasori.

"Is it similar to the popular Ninjutsu instructional videos in the village?" Sasori inquired eagerly.

"Something like that, but even better," Hitoshi replied with a smile.

The Uchiha Clan and Kurama Clan were experts in Genjutsu, and they had already developed Genjutsu editing technology. The previous popular batch of videos, based on Uchiha Madara's powerful Ninjutsu skills, couldn't be easily replicated.

"Don't get too excited, young Sasori. Now, go and repair the other Tegada units with your father. They will be deployed to the frontline soon," Hitoshi chuckled, suggesting that Sasori would face challenges in the future.

Sasori looked at Hitoshi's departing figure with confusion, unsure of what he meant.

"You naive boy, let's go and inspect the others. Your performance in this war will determine your recognition. If you fail to impress, no amount of promotion or reward will salvage your reputation," Chiru patted Sasori's shoulder, offering an explanation.

In the eyes of the common people, Chiru may appear to be at fault. However, among the upper echelons of Sunagakure, Sasori's achievements were largely attributed to Chiru's assistance.

Chiru couldn't help but feel torn between laughter and tears. Hitoshi had given Sasori a chance to shine, earning him a place in the eyes of the upper echelons.

If Sasori couldn't perform well, his status as a second-generation genius would be undermined. At best, he would be known as a troublemaker.

As a precious genius, Sasori quickly turned around.

"Father, what should I do?" Sasori asked Chiru in horror, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure.

"Don't worry, my son. Your father is here. Kazekage-sama won't leave you alone," Chiru comforted Sasori with a smile, though his eyes betrayed his underlying worries.

"It seems I'll need to find a few top-tier Puppeteers to control these units. It's all about human ability," Chiru sighed inwardly.

Few top-tier Puppeteers were willing to take on this responsibility, given that it involved working with a new technology.

A few days later, outside Sunagakure, ten carts transported twenty Tegada units to the seaport.

Meanwhile, Hitoshi sat in Kazekage's Office, perusing the list of Tegada operators provided by Chiru.

"Tsk tsk, I never expected that Sunagakure possessed so many talented Puppeteers. It's truly remarkable," Hitoshi marveled as he read through the list, surprised by the unexpected talents he had discovered.