Chapter 27

Danzo Shimura, along with his Root members, headed to Shinmeigawa.

Accompanying them were several members of the Hyuga clan, including Hyuga Kazushi.

Whether or not they would engage in a transaction, the clan head's presence would surely soothe the increasingly agitated branch family.

Haruki did not join them.

He went to the basement of the research institute.

About a week had passed, and the ninjas from the Oshima Trading Company should have all arrived by now.

"Master Haruki, long time no see."

"Hira Shinsi? I didn't expect Oshima Yoshiyuki to send you over."

Haruki was somewhat surprised to see the young man before him.

Hira Shinsi was considered the strongest fighter of the Oshima Trading Company, possessing the Ice Release kekkei genkai, and hailing from the distant Land of Snow.

"Chairman Oshima said that you need me more, Master Haruki."

"True. How are things now?" Haruki stopped dwelling on the issue.

"This time, we brought a total of fifty-eight ninjas. Three were chosen by Danzo Shimura and joined the Root, while ten were accepted by Hiruzen Sarutobi's Anbu due to their slightly more lenient requirements. The remaining forty-five are all in the research institute."

"Better than I expected."

Haruki was satisfied. It wasn't easy to raise so many ninjas in three years.

"Give me the list of those in the research institute."

"Understood."

After a moment, Haruki opened the roster and selected twelve individuals.

"Call them over."

"Yes, sir!"

Hira Shinsi glanced at the circled names, slightly puzzled.

All these ninjas were Genin, older, with average talent, originally sent over as assistants or for menial tasks.

But he didn't question it and quickly relayed the order.

"Omiki, from now on, you will be in charge."

Haruki named an experienced ninja and said:

"Initially, your task won't be difficult. Open or acquire a publishing house and bookstores in Konoha using legal means."

"Understood!"

Omiki responded immediately.

He and the other ninjas owed their lives to Haruki and were treated equally, whether civilian or ninja, under his command.

He himself had worked in agriculture for six months and didn't mind engaging in regular industries.

"Alright, your first task today is to send people, or hire them, to public places like restaurants, ramen shops, and hot springs. Spread a rumor that the Hyuga main family caused the death of forty branch family ninjas by refusing to negotiate for hostages."

"Understood!"

"Remember not to be too detailed; it should feel like hearsay—mysterious and exaggerated. Also, to avoid Anbu's attention, each person can only appear once."

Haruki pondered and added more instructions.

Rumors spread the fastest.

With half-truths and explosive content, Konoha, a village with little entertainment, would buzz with excitement in the coming days.

Especially involving the prestigious Hyuga clan.

"Once the publishing house and bookstores hold at least one-fifth of Konoha's market share, we will publish a new book."

Haruki said with a smile, "The first promotional content will be an adventure novel said to be written by the legendary Sannin Jiraiya himself."

Thinking of his past life, Haruki felt a sense of ease and nostalgia.

Konoha had bookstores, but their promotion was lackluster. Unless one specifically visited a bookstore, it was hard to know what novels were available.

Just the name Jiraiya should ensure a best-seller.

"Master Haruki, should we change the name of our publishing house and bookstores?"

"New Konoha. Additionally, prepare for Konoha Daily. Early content should avoid sensitive topics and recruit editors and reporters."

"Understood!"

"That's all for now. Report any difficulties to me immediately."

After leaving the basement, Haruki thought for a moment. It might not be wise to visit Tsunade.

He had just bid her farewell two days ago and returning so soon might feel like toying with her emotions.

So, he headed to the Ninja Tools Division.

Their current task was to assist with the research of a new long-range weapon using Byakugan.

"Master Haruki."

The head of the Ninja Tools Division, Muramasa Ichiro, greeted him. His ancestors were blacksmiths, forging weapons for generations.

"Yes."

Haruki nodded, surveying the surroundings.

The heat from the forge was intense.

"You plan to make a hand crossbow?"

"Yes. The Byakugan's wide field of view makes a long-range weapon like a hand crossbow ideal."

Muramasa Ichiro displayed a finished product, worn on the right wrist.

"Compared to regular hand crossbows, ours is more compact, resembling a bracelet. When Chakra flows through it, the iron arrow is triggered, flying out like lightning, three times the range of a shuriken."

"And the drawbacks?"

"There are two. First, the long-range requires more Chakra than a shuriken. Second, replacing the bolts creates a gap."

Haruki thought for a moment and said, "No bolts, use explosive tags. Wrap the explosive tags into pellets to replace bolts."

"Explosive tags? Wouldn't that be too expensive?" Muramasa Ichiro hesitated.

Explosive tags were special paper infused with Fire Release, versatile and powerful but costly.

Even in the original series, Shikamaru complained about their expense.

Regular Genin could hardly afford them.

"No problem, the Hyuga clan is wealthy."

Haruki dismissed the concern. "At worst, the Hyuga can make their own explosive tags."

Muramasa Ichiro was speechless. Only Haruki would dare suggest the Hyuga clan take on such tedious work.

"Explosive tags ensure the hand crossbow's power. More Chakra can support long-range shots. Your only task is to ensure the explosive tags don't detonate prematurely."

Haruki pointed to a small space behind the crossbow.

"That will be the magazine."

He drew a rectangular magazine on a piece of paper.

"In short, I need you to load the explosive tag pellets into the magazine. Replacing bolts with magazines eliminates gaps."

"This… this is genius design!"

Muramasa Ichiro was thrilled.

Given the limitations of ninjas, the mere existence of a hand crossbow was fortunate. As for repeating crossbows, they were non-existent.

Haruki's idea was unprecedented.

No wonder he was so excited.

"Don't get too excited yet."

Haruki patted his shoulder. "Explosive tags are inherently dangerous, so you have much to do. For example, designing a unique safety mechanism that only activates the tag when fired."

"I understand!"

Muramasa Ichiro remained enthusiastic, eager to start.

Full of energy.

Haruki couldn't help but smile.

"Master Haruki, what shall we name it? Calling it a hand crossbow seems inaccurate."

Another name?

Haruki scratched his chin.

He wasn't good at naming things. He used to spend half an hour just choosing a game ID.

"Heavenly Fire."

Haruki recalled something and said, "Let's call it Heavenly Fire."