Konohagakure.
Research Laboratory.
After the injection of funds and the integration of resources, the research institutions of present-day Konohagakure had grown increasingly standardized and expansive, and the security classification had been raised accordingly.
After Hiruzen carried two crates of milk to visit Mito, he openly relocated the facility to a site not far from Mito's residence.
When the old lady did her morning exercises, sweeping the area once with Mind's Eye of the Kagura was like a humanoid super-radar…
And there was also her nearly passive aura of malicious intent detection.
Compared to Senju Tobirama, Hiruzen had spoken openly and aboveboard with Uzumaki Mito…
He had never had any interest in Kinjutsu!
If it were not for the sake of the village, Hiruzen stated bluntly that in this lifetime he would never have taken the lead in conducting research—it was exhausting!
Mito, however, smiled and acknowledged Hiruzen, and also reminded him that if he needed her help, he should not be reserved and should come ask boldly…
Because she could see the tangible results.
Hiruzen had indeed turned research results into gold, calling for the shinobi to hurry home and collect it…
Mito had naturally received hers as well.
It came from the pension for Senju Hashirama, the assistance funds for elderly people living alone… and it was the same standard as other shinobi.
In addition, she had also heard of the recent heated atmosphere within the village.
With everyone having a guaranteed baseline, their hearts were much more at ease.
Because she was raising Yamato as her adopted grandson, she had also paid attention to some matters at the Ninja Academy…
Shinobi parents who had strength contributed strength, those who had money contributed money, making the Ninja Academy flourish; the children ate until their mouths were greasy and studied extremely well…
The activity of Namikaze Minato facing off against the elite class had already begun to take on the feeling of a "Ninja Academy Sports Festival" or a "Parent-Student Gathering"…
Mito planned to go and take a look as well, to get some fresh air after a long while.
And with all these matters layered together, the old lady was quite moved, and said the following:
"Hiruzen, although you are Tobirama's disciple, you are more like Hashirama in some ways."
"Keep it up. Although your sensei was also a good Hokage, but…"
"In any case, I support you. Do your best!"
In response, Hiruzen could only smile in agreement; it was not convenient to speak ill of his teacher.
One cannot criticize the one who feeds and supports him…
After all, he was still counting on Tobirama to serve as a nuclear-powered research machine and an Uchiha peace ambassador!
...
Wearing a white dustproof suit, Hiruzen inspected this research complex of Konohagakure, followed behind by Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Hiruko.
"Security work must be done well. This is of utmost importance."
"The transformation of research results requires the expenditure of a great deal of Konohagakure's manpower and material resources. We must never allow external forces to reap the benefits. This point must be strictly implemented."
As he walked, Hiruzen lightly pointed with his finger and spoke in this manner.
Behind him, Orochimaru and Tsunade were quite relaxed—after all, they were family.
But Hiruko seemed somewhat unnatural.
He followed closely behind Hiruzen step by step, his expression solemn. In his hands, he also held a notebook, constantly writing down something, making a scratch-scratch sound.
"Hokage-sama is absolutely right! We will definitely place emphasis on this point, strengthen it, and implement it vigorously…"
"Thank you for helping us connect with Mito-sama. It has relieved a great deal of pressure from our work…" Hiruko said with complete sincerity as he continued taking notes.
Orochimaru and Tsunade exchanged a glance at the side, and both could see the emotion in each other's eyes.
It was not that they looked down on Hiruko.
Rather, the two of them realized more deeply that their everyday life was something other people simply could not imagine…
For the three of Sarutobi's team, passing by Hiruzen's home when they were hungry, knocking, going in to grab something to eat, and then leaving was entirely normal.
Biwako would stuff them with a pile of tasty food—maybe they would even get a red envelope…
"The ones who work hard are you. I'm just doing some logistical support for you…" Hiruzen said with a smile, while also casting a subtle glance at Hiruko's notebook.
This kid wasn't just doodling random scribbles to fool him, was he…?
But with one look, Hiruko's notebook was filled with Hiruzen's exact words, and he had even linked them together using a mind map.
Hiruzen gave a light cough.
Even for him, that was somewhat gratifying.
"Hiruko, if you have any needs in terms of resources, you should bring them up to me directly…" Hiruzen said, patting Hiruko on the shoulder in encouragement.
"What can be solved will be solved immediately; what can't be solved, I'll coordinate and pool efforts and think of a way."
"Don't keep it bottled up and say nothing. I know how hard you research personnel work."
"Take security, for example—needing to second the Barrier Team or the ANBU is perfectly normal. People's energy is limited; don't try to take on everything and carry all the responsibility on your own."
"I can see you've gotten thin from exhaustion. Come to my house for a meal some day—I'll have my wife cook for you and help you build yourself back up!"
Hiruko inhaled deeply in great enjoyment, a faint blush rising on his face.
This earnest, caring heart of Hokage-sama's really was just as Hizashi had said—like drinking fine wine!
"Then I shall accept your kindness rather than refuse, Hokage-sama! It's just that my appetite is big—I'll have to eat three large bowls…"
"I'll prepare ten large bowls for you!" Hiruzen laughed heartily.
Tsunade and Orochimaru chuckled as well. Watching Hiruko, who looked as if he were practically pouting, they both felt like laughing.
Poor old classmate…
But they were also happy for Hiruko, because he truly had ability, and now he had received the village's recognition.
"Today I came here so we can hold a brief coordination meeting."
"First, it's about the issue Tsunade mentioned regarding the medical unit…" Hiruzen's tone shifted.
"As for first-aid training for squads, this part can be implemented… After the subsidies are distributed, the shinobi's survival pressure will lessen; they'll have time, and can also voluntarily and proactively accept it."
"Given the current population, we should primarily use 'medical scrolls' to replace 'medical-nin'…"
Tsunade nodded.
"Sensei, that's my line of thinking as well… Compared to cultivating a general-purpose medical-nin, overcoming the universality of 'medical scrolls' has broader applicability. I've already begun working on it."
After the injection of one billion in funding, Tsunade was able to purchase large quantities of finished scrolls as consumable materials, in order to research the issues of medical chakra infusion and controlled release.
Although the funds were not all for her alone to spend, it was still a strong boost.
"Second, regarding the issue of the First-sama's cells."
"On this point, we must learn from past lessons. We must not be impatient; the greatest standard is controllability."
"We must clearly recognize that reducing the virulence of the First-sama's cells will certainly lead to a high probability that the recipient cannot use Wood Release, but this is entirely acceptable."
"Increasing vitality and enhancing the overall chakra volume already brings immeasurable benefit to the village."
Hiruzen emphasized this point in particular.
If the finished product of the research proved unstable, it would be a disaster.
Wood Release was indeed powerful, but the one who was truly powerful was Senju Hashirama.
Although it had special effectiveness against Tailed Beasts, in the end it was still only a Kekkei Genkai.
It was not as though possessing Wood Release made one invincible in the shinobi world…
"I will take note of it, Sensei."
"At present, we are using Uchiha cells to neutralize the virulence of the First-sama's cells. We can preliminarily see some effects…"
"Fūinjutsu also shows some response, but it is not very obvious."
Orochimaru spoke slowly, "If only we had more Uchiha cell material…"
Tsunade gave Orochimaru a strange look. Was he relapsing again?
Orochimaru waved his hand. "Don't always look at people with old eyes. I mean through proper channels!"
Hiruko pondered, "Although the relationship between the village and the Uchiha has improved somewhat, it still…"
Hiruzen smiled inwardly.
The moment Hiruko said that, it showed that his way of thinking had already been assimilated by his camp.
The first word out of his mouth was the village…
"There is no need to rush this issue. I will think of a way."
Hiruzen said calmly, "Use the materials for now. How long before they are exhausted?"
Orochimaru nodded. "There will be no problem within a year and a half. At present it is a small-dose pilot. We are still exploring some properties of the First-sama's cells…"
"Very well." Hiruzen steadied himself inwardly. "Rest assured…"
In a year and a half, someone should be able to preliminarily integrate the Uchiha Clan. When that time came, cooperation would suffice.
Orochimaru looked at Hiruzen curiously.
He was wondering what method or benefit Sensei would use to persuade the Uchiha.
For the moment, he truly had no clear idea…
But judging by Hiruzen's composed demeanor, he must already have an effective solution in mind, right?
'I still have much to learn…' Orochimaru sighed inwardly.
"Reducing the virulence of the First-sama's cells is one aspect. The issue of chakra interference from other shinobi cells can also be carried out together with this project."
"Reduce the chakra interference of the original cells, and through environmentally directed differentiation of the cells to form limbs, allow disabled shinobi to regain a certain degree of mobility."
"Even if the chakra within them is suppressed, having something is better than having nothing," Hiruzen said seriously.
"In scientific research, even a small breakthrough may become the opportunity for an entire line to be fully broken through in the future."
"At the same time, burning money and resources, and not seeing returns within a certain period, are all normal."
"There is no need to worry about criticism from outsiders. I will stand behind you."
"Moving fast is certainly a good thing, but the highest priority is to move steadily!"
Hiruzen emphasized: "The expanded reproduction of 'Sage Region Pills,' and the cosmetics project derived after breakthroughs in medical scroll technology—these profits will be preferentially allocated toward scientific research…"
"We hold the advantage, and this advantage will continue to expand, so there is no need to be impatient."
After these words were spoken, Orochimaru—who had been inwardly amused at Hiruko being hooked like a fish with its mouth upturned—found the corners of his own mouth lifting as well.
Sensei truly understood them enough and cared for them enough!
At the mention of "criticism from outsiders," a certain unpleasant face immediately surfaced in Orochimaru's mind.
That was Shimura Danzō!
He understood absolutely nothing, yet whenever a bit of research funding was requested he would nitpick endlessly, and was always micromanaging…
Cooperating with him had truly been extremely unlucky!
Orochimaru could hardly remember now how he had ever thought of working with that fool in the first place.
And now, Orochimaru felt even greater disgust toward Danzō.
Because the research department had received one billion in funding, and it was visibly clear that more would be added later…
If even the slightest part of the funds could not be clearly accounted for, and if Danzō seized upon that handle, Orochimaru believed that Danzō would definitely press him to death over it!
There were traps everywhere within this…
Fortunately, Sensei stood on his side.
"Sensei, everything will be strictly handled according to your instructions," Orochimaru spoke, his voice slightly hoarse.
"Sensei, you've worked hard!"
Tsunade said sincerely, "You mustn't exhaust yourself too much! Everyone is relying on you now!"
Hiruzen smiled. "If being Hokage weren't tiring, then it would be time to step down…"
"Hokage-sama, may I make a request?" Hiruko suddenly spoke up.
"Of course. Go ahead…"
"The material you previously provided, called Earth Grudge Fear—can we obtain more of it later?"
Hiruko said seriously, "The structure of this material is intricate and fascinating, but it is somewhat difficult to disassemble, and the preliminary consumption is relatively large."
"I am confident that I can use it to develop limb-fusion technology… to reconnect hands and legs for shinobi who have lost their limbs!"
But after saying this, Hiruko felt slightly uneasy.
That thing, like a monster, was clearly something rare and hard to come by, wasn't it?
Requesting batch supply seemed somewhat unrealistic.
It wouldn't be because of this one sentence that Hokage-sama would think he was asking for too much and stop letting him go to his house for meals, would it…
Although he was now already a 'Konohagakure Committee Member.'
Hiruko, however, was always in the habit of overthinking, because he was afraid of losing the life he currently had.
So he hurriedly added, "This is not absolutely necessary, Hokage-sama… I have other methods…"
"Be at ease."
Hiruzen smiled. "Just as I am considerate toward you, I also believe that you will be considerate toward me."
"This is originally a matter of speaking freely. Do not be bound by worldly etiquette. If it cannot be done, I will say so directly."
Hiruko felt much more at ease and nodded.
He truly would be considerate toward Hokage-sama; that was the truth.
"However, the material you mentioned will be supplied in batches in the future."
Hiruzen spoke unhurriedly, clasping his hands behind his back as he walked toward the door. "Wait to receive it—it will even be fresh…"
"Work well. No need to see me off!"
Hiruko was stunned. Tsunade and Orochimaru were somewhat surprised as well.
The exquisite nature of Earth Grudge Fear was something the two of them naturally understood, but they truly had not expected it to be supplied in batches.
Was Sensei really that capable of solving problems?
"Hokage-sama is truly a charismatic person. I understand Hizashi more and more…" Hiruko muttered as he gazed at Sarutobi Hiruzen's departing figure.
"Alright, stop staring. It's time to work…" Orochimaru shook his head with an amused expression.
"In a few days, there will be the event between Namikaze Minato and the Ninja Academy students. Shall we go together? Everyone is very interested. Let's work overtime and finalize the plan…"
Hiruko shook his head. "No, I'll keep working!"
"You have to go…" Orochimaru said in a mysterious tone.
"How can you always be alone? Let me tell you—going is for selecting a disciple. Sensei values inheritance. One must pass down one's ninjutsu."
Hiruko suddenly understood and nodded.
He was even thinking that if he could take Asuma as a disciple, wouldn't that be an instant rise?
Of course, that possibility was not very great…
"You're still thinking of me, old classmate…" Hiruko thanked Orochimaru.
At the side, Tsunade chuckled softly and went about her research on her own.
Sensei and Orochimaru together were drawing Hiruko's heart in…
That could also be considered the good fortune of this old classmate of hers.
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