Konoha: Tsunade, I am the Hokage

The person who found it hardest to accept it was Rina herself.

Looking at her paralyzed puppet, she almost cried, but considering the current situation, she forced back her tears and said, "This isn't puppetry at all!"

Upon hearing this, Yamato retracted the puppet arm and looked at her strangely.

"I never called this a puppet technique. Any technique or ninja tool, as long as it can defeat the enemy and is useful enough, is fine. Why be so fixated on what it is?"

His words were very direct, leaving everyone in Sunagakure speechless.

Especially Rina.

She was initially furious, thinking that Konoha was not a place for puppetry, but upon closer reflection, she realized that the other party had never said that he would demonstrate puppetry.

and.

Isn't puppetry used to kill enemies?

According to Yamato, there really is no problem.

"Hokage, this puppet... no, I think it's more like a special kind of ninja tool, this kind of ninja tool..."

Luo Sha really wanted to ask "How much?" directly, but he forcibly held back the words.

There were children present!

It's not good to talk about these materialistic things directly, and it will affect his image as the Kazekage.

but.

Despite having so many puppet techniques, Sunagakure couldn't create something as powerful as Konoha's.

In comparison.

Konoha's research into puppetry probably hasn't been going on for very long, yet it has already reached such an incredible level.

and……

Their puppetry is completely different from that of Sunagakure; it is indeed a different direction.

"It really does look more like a ninja tool."

Tsunade didn't explain further, she just smiled and waved for Yamato to leave.

Maki really wanted to call out to the other person.

however.

Considering his opponent's age, he realized that even if he defeated him, it wouldn't prove anything.

not to mention.

In terms of puppets and ninja tools alone, the opponent's creations are indeed superior to theirs.

That terrifying power...

What exactly happened?

All the ninjas of Sunagakure were pondering and trying to figure out how Konoha could create such exquisite and powerful ninja tools.

Of course, Luo Sha had the most complicated feelings.

He still had an unresolved deal with Konoha—

Exchange a mine for a puppet ninja tool.

Tsunade didn't force him to sign the contract before, but now it seems she's not afraid he won't agree.

Rasa was in a state of confusion and lost all interest in the rest of the tour. He had no idea what Tsunade was talking about with his subordinates.

Several minutes passed before he gradually came to his senses.

……

On the rooftops of tall buildings in the distance.

"This time, Luo Sha should take the bait willingly, right?"

"He is a cautious yet daring person. He would definitely have to carefully calculate even something as simple as a ninja tool, but if it were a full-body puppet, he would agree."

Jingyan smiled.

The Hashirama Cell Edition will definitely not be sold to outsiders, and even if it were, Sunagakure would not actually be able to control such a powerful creation.

They are still researching the standard version, but the basic chakra gathering and enhancement patterns are very simple.

As long as you have the metal to make chakra armor, you can complete the production.

Later, when Sunagakure realizes the benefits, they will sell the second-generation puppet ninja tools to them...

Thinking of this, a bright smile appeared on his face.

"Are you sure that area has this kind of chakra metal?"

"Yes, the intelligence ninjas have sent back information confirming the existence of such resources over there, while reconnaissance is still underway in other areas."

Jingyan nodded.

"Great! That's wonderful!"

Mitokado also had a bright smile.

According to Jingyan, technology can be iterated and upgraded, and outdated and ancient technologies will eventually be eliminated by more powerful ones.

but.

Resources are non-renewable.

Even if Sunagakure possesses Magnet Release technology and can mine large quantities of minerals, it will eventually run out of resources.

Exchanging basic weapons technology for a valuable mine would definitely be more profitable for Konoha!

Meanwhile, in Konoha...

With more chakra metal, more of these ninja tools can be manufactured.

Thinking of this, Mitokado Homura immediately said, "Kyohiko, don't forget to stall for time, lest Sunagakure realize the importance of the mineral resources!"

"It's already being done."

Jingyan nodded slightly.

Mito Menyan was indeed rather muddle-headed in certain areas in the past.

But recently, ever since Mitokado Enoki has been cooperating and learning more with him in education, his mind has become increasingly sharp, showing signs of an old tree coming back to life.

As for Hiruzen Sarutobi, he also got the most suitable position—

Ninjutsu research!

Research on psychic arts has recently begun to be implemented in the Dark Side, and it will take at most two months to complete all iterations.

After that, all you need to do is keep increasing the number of members in the summoning beast family.

The research and creation of the Five Elements Puppets can greatly enhance Konoha's strength, and will be of great use in the future whether dealing with White Zetsu or the ninja armies of other ninja villages.

The power and efficiency generated by this kind of cooperation are far superior to the past war model that relied on sheer numbers to win.

Now we just wait for the results!

……

When Sarutobi Shinnosuke returned from outside the Sarutobi clan's territory, he was somewhat surprised to find his mother, Biwako, and his father, Sarutobi Hiruzen, both at home.

"Has your father been home every day lately?"

"Not every day."

Sarutobi Biwako was washing vegetables when she couldn't help but chuckle.

?

Sarutobi Shinnosuke looked puzzled.

What's so funny?

He was on a mission recently, so he was unaware of the changes in the situation within Konoha, and even less aware that Hiruzen Sarutobi had just returned from his trip...

Sarutobi Biwako has a kind smile.

"Your father finished a research project that Tsunade gave him, and went to Tsunade excitedly, only to come back with another research project."

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Shinnosuke froze for several seconds, then couldn't help but laugh. "Isn't this something Tsunade-sama and Kyohiko did on purpose?"

"Hahaha!"

Sarutobi Biwako finally couldn't hold back.

A violent coughing sound came from inside the room, followed by a voice.

"What's so funny?"

"I'm doing this for the village; what do these trivial matters matter?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked out in a bad mood.

He glared at Sarutobi Biwako, and then looked at Sarutobi Shinnosuke.

"I remember you should have passed through Kyoto on this mission, right? Did you check on Asuma's situation?"

I saw it from afar.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke nodded, then smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about him. That kid has his own friends now."

"Why……"

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

He wasn't worried about friends or social interactions, but about other things.

but.

He knew it too.

Asuma left Konoha simply because he didn't want to have any deep ties with him; his grudges with that kid were secondary.

He didn't say anything more and changed the subject.

Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly slapped his forehead.

"By the way, your earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of technique) is pretty good, let's take a look together."

He pulled Shinnosuke into the house.

A moment later, Sarutobi Shinnosuke looked surprised.

This puppet technology is unheard of.

If this can really be achieved, such a weapon, at least like the summoning beasts of the Three Legendary Sannin, could change the course of the battlefield to some extent.

If it can be successfully made, it will be Konoha's secret weapon.

"Father, this research is very meaningful!"

"Yes, you study the Earth Release techniques, and I'll study the others. Let's work together to conquer all five patterns!"

"OK."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke looked excited.

Outside, Sarutobi Biwako smiled helplessly.

Father and son are two of a kind!

……

"Rasa, how is it? Are you satisfied with our ninja academy after seeing it?"

"Satisfied, of course I'm satisfied!"

Luo Sha nodded repeatedly.

Then, after a moment's hesitation, he said, "I just don't know how much the tuition will be?"

"Our Konoha provides substantial subsidies to its ninjas, so the tuition fees for children are relatively low. It's definitely not as cheap for you from Sunagakure to come to school."

Tsunade answered.

Afterwards, she deflected responsibility by claiming that "education finances" were controlled by the three advisors, and that she had no authority to interfere.

Let Luo Sha argue with the three advisors about this!

Anyway, they've gotten used to it.

Tsunade thought to herself.

She smiled and said, "Rasa, we've been ninjas for years, so let's skip the formalities and get straight to the point."

"About that ninja tool..."

Luo Sha was very tempted.

But the price is the resources of a whole mine!

Although they had already mined a significant portion of the mine, leaving less than half of the resources, it was still a valuable mineral.

He gritted his teeth and said, "I'm very tempted, but I want to know, is this the kind of puppet our Sand Village has obtained?"

"Of course not."

Tsunade shook her head.

Luo Sha was stunned for a long time, his face showing confusion and bewilderment.

Tsunade's answer was both expected and unexpected—

He hadn't expected Tsunade to answer so readily, without any attempt to hide anything.

Aren't you going to put on an act at all?

Tsunade smiled and said, "Rasa, this puppet device is very special. You've probably already figured out its core, haven't you?"

Amplify the power of chakra.

Luo Sha Secret Passage.

He paused for a few seconds, then nodded slightly: "Yes."

"The basic principle is to amplify the effect of chakra and enhance its power. On top of that, different functions can be added, such as the five basic ninjutsu."

Tsunade's lips curled into a slight smile. "Besides, who told you this kind of ninja tool only has one hand?"

"What?"

Luo Sha was first taken aback, then his eyes widened, unable to contain his shock. "You mean, it's actually a component?"

"Of course, as I said, this is a revolutionary puppet technique. Your Sand Village will definitely not lose out by buying it."

Tsunade said seriously.

Luo Sha's heart pounded like a drum. Even though he was very knowledgeable, he had never imagined that puppets could be designed in this way.

This is tantamount to using a person as a puppet and enhancing their ninjutsu abilities, which is more like...

Armor?

"Are you telling the truth? Then, what kind of ninjutsu does that child's puppet tool correspond to?"

"Considering you are our ally, I can reveal this to you, but you are not allowed to leak it out, otherwise..."

Tsunade gave a cold laugh, the threat clear.

Then, she paused, and said, "Wood Release!"

"Wood Release?"

Luo Sha's first reaction was "impossible," but then he remembered some information from a long time ago.

Besides Kyohiko, Konoha has a second ninja who has mastered Wood Release ninjutsu, and he demonstrated his abilities in the previous war against Iwagakure.

but.

Because it is impossible to determine whether it was Kyohiko in disguise, there have been many different opinions over the years.

This has now been confirmed—

it is true!

Konoha truly has a second child who has mastered Wood Release.

Rasa's pupils contracted, his thoughts quickly wandering as he further understood Konoha's attitude.

Show your strength!

Even though the child's strength was not as great as Jingyan's, with the addition of the special puppet armor, he still possessed immense power.

If Sunagakure wants to betray them, they'd better weigh the consequences.

Luo Sha nodded knowingly.

"I see!"

Wood Release is indeed special!

Even if Konoha were willing to give it to them, they wouldn't be able to control the power of these puppet ninja tools.

but.

Even so, as long as they obtain this puppet armor, Sunagakure will be able to study its structure and function, and then derive and develop new products.

Trading half a mine for technology is a sure-fire way to make a profit!

He answered immediately.

"I personally agree to make a deal with Konoha, but since it involves special resources, I need to consult the Daimyo."

"Of course, I don't expect to finalize it immediately, after all, our production also needs some time."

Tsunade tapped her fingers lightly on the table and said, "By the way, you want to join forces with Konoha for the Chunin Exams. Coincidentally, Amegakure has a similar idea and should be coming to Konoha soon."

"Rain Village?"

Luo Sha was slightly taken aback.

Unexpectedly, Konoha quietly got involved with Amegakure again.

This is the strongest village among the small ninja villages!

His heart was heavy, but he forced a smile and said, "If we could hold it together, that would be the best."

……

At this point, Yahiko and Konan were indeed close to arriving in Konoha.

Outside of Konoha.

"Yahiko, it's all your fault! You insisted on taking the long way to Tanabata Street. I never expected it to be such a place!"

Xiao Nan was furious.

Yahiko coughed lightly and said, "I never imagined that the good place Jiraiya-sensei mentioned would be like this..."

"What kind of 'good place' could he be talking about?!"

Xiao Nan snorted coldly.

Yahiko chuckled, then explained, "Actually, it wasn't that we gained nothing..."

"Oh?"

Xiao Nan glanced at it, clearly not quite believing it.

Yahiko pondered for a moment and said, "I heard that the Kazekage of Sunagakure has also come to visit Konoha this time."

"What does this have to do with us?"

Konan is quite strong, but her thinking in this area is clearly not on the same level as Yahiko's.

Yahiko is very patient.

"Our three-party alliance can easily establish a four-party co-governed zone in the south, near the land of rivers."

Quartet...

Naturally, this includes the land of rivers.

but.

As a country without ninja villages, the Land of Rivers only needs to ensure that the interests of the daimyo and the noble faction are not lost.

If such a town could be built, the Land of Rain would definitely have the greater advantage.

Xiao Nan heard this—

"I don't understand much, but I know one thing."

"What?"

Yahiko looked at her.

Konan smiled slightly and pointed in the direction of Konoha.

"No matter what you're up to, we have to consider Konoha's feelings, Sunagakure's feelings, and only then can we look to Lord Hanzo above us."

"Yes! I really miss the days when we were in the Bird Kingdom..."

Yahiko sighed.

In the village of the Bird Country, they basically call the shots, and Yahiko can do whatever he wants without any worries.

When they arrived at Amegakure, Hanzo claimed to trust him, but how much trust he actually had was uncertain, and the villagers did not truly respect him.

The task is arduous and the road ahead is long! (End of Chapter)