It's completely different from all the toys he had played with before.
No, he had never seen anything like this outside either, but this thing immediately caught his eye and captivated him, immersing him in it.
"Do you like what's inside, Asuka?"
Hakushi gently stroked Asuka's small head.
"Yes, I like it."
Asuka looked up and nodded earnestly at Hakushi.
He could tell that the adults surrounding that iron toy were working with an extremely serious attitude.
They were fully immersed in their work, completely unaware that someone not far away was inspecting their research work.
This spirit of full dedication deeply moved Asuka.
These adults must be seriously building the best 'toy' in their minds.
It's like finding a kindred spirit.
Looking at his slightly excited son Asuka, Hakushi also nodded slightly.
Ever since he learned that Asuka's Ninja talent was very limited, he consciously wanted Asuka to take another path.
There are many paths in this world; becoming a Ninja isn't necessarily the only way to achieve success in others' eyes.
Devoting oneself to one's career and ideals, in Hakushi's view, is also a great success.
The most important thing is not comparing oneself to others or caring about how one appears in others' eyes, but constantly pushing oneself and knowing what one's heart truly desires.
In Hakushi's view, Asuka possesses this quality.
Not changing due to others' opinions, maintaining a pure nature, and seeking things of personal interest in this world.
Interest is one of the hardest subjects to cultivate.
This is also the true reason he brought Asuka here this year.
Ichihime has already found her path, and Asuka needs to find his own path as well.
Next year, Aya will officially start school, and it's still unclear where his talents lie. However, based on Hakushi's observations, Aya's Ninja aptitude, although not as outstanding as Ichihime's, is quite remarkable.
"This is one of our most important research bases in the Land of Demons, primarily focused on developing military and civilian equipment. If you want to be a part of this and research your own favorite 'toys,' you must continuously accumulate knowledge and hone your practical and creative skills. This is why I've asked you to solidify your foundational knowledge over these two years. The study of Chakra is a very important field."
Many things in the Ninja Realm are tied to Chakra.
The researchers here, they might not be powerful ninjas, or they might not even know how to use Ninja Techniques, but their understanding and broad use of Chakra is not something ordinary ninjas can compare to.
For scientific workers, the study of Chakra is a necessity.
Understanding the structure of Chakra, breaking down its mysteries, and not just seeing Chakra as a form of energy for launching Ninja Techniques.
This perception is actually very one-sided.
For truth-seeking scientific workers, understanding the structure of Chakra, rather than merely sticking to the form of 'techniques,' is what they pursue.
Unfortunately, such people are not particularly valued in the current Ninja Realm, and not many support their research.
Ninjas overly pursue the power of 'techniques' themselves, forgetting that Chakra can bring more conveniences.
This is also what Hakushi sees as a kind of 'revolution.'
Chakra can be a tool for killing, but it can also benefit humanity.
Just like Natural Energy.
The difference in such things lies in how humans use them.
"I'll do it, Dad."
Asuka responded seriously.
This was the first time Hakushi saw Asuka respond so earnestly.
"Then let's look forward to your performance. As per the agreement two years ago, I'll find you a teacher to enlighten you in this knowledge, but don't neglect the school's curriculum. Of course, the Ninja exam can be taken lightly, as long as you pass the practical test."
Hakushi deliberately lowered the performance requirements for Asuka in the Ninja practical test, but didn't want to set the bar too low, otherwise Ruri might have an opinion.
Asuka doesn't completely lack Ninja talent; he's just not as outstanding compared to those geniuses.
"Okay."
Asuka nodded firmly.
"Alright, feel free to observe at your leisure here, but don't disturb the employees' work, and observe from a distance. I'll come to pick you up and take you home in the evening."
Hakushi patted Asuka's head and left with a smile.