"The content in these books doesn't seem that complicated," kagero casually picked up a book on steelmaking. "This one explains how to smelt pig iron."
"Since the molten iron contains impurities like carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus, which affect strength and brittleness, it must be re-refined to remove these impurities."
"But it doesn't mention adding silicon or manganese to adjust the composition—refining it again forms steel!"
"Also, there's no mention of stamping techniques or molds; everything is done manually by hammering. It's extremely laborious and needs improvement."
Jiraiya and the others watched kagero take notes continuously, completely dumbfounded.
He knew about steel—after all, ninjas use it—but as far as he knew, steel production was extremely limited!
Hearing kagero speak like this, it seemed like mass production could be achieved!
"Stamping techniques? Molds? Isn't weapon-making just hammering? Swinging a big hammer?"
"Why does hammering seem so primitive now?"
Jiraiya couldn't help but ask, "Mr. kagero… you really understand all this?"
"Of course I do," kagero replied confidently. "I mentioned before that my comprehension is high. For these books, I feel I need to study the content even deeper."
"After all, only by surpassing everything now can we form our own advantages!"
"Once rice yields reach a thousand jin per acre, producing handguns and AKs using stamping and molds is far stronger than swords. That way, civilians can stand up!"
kagero chuckled, extremely pleased.
Jiraiya nearly fell over at the mention of rice yields and then couldn't comprehend hearing "handguns" and "AKs"!
Then he found the only book related to weapons among the ones kagero had flipped through: Cold Weapon Forging and Parts Fabrication.
He flipped through the entire book but found no mention of handguns or AKs!
"Ah, no need to flip further. From reading this, I already know how to make handguns and AKs. My comprehension is extraordinary!" kagero said with a grin.
Jiraiya was dumbfounded.
And this was before knowing the actual destructive power of these weapons—he would probably think all his Jutsu training was useless!
Outside, the carriage driver silently thought: "The ninja really knows a lot… impressive!"
"That eight-year-old is the real leader!"
"What are handguns and AKs? Stronger than swords? Incredible."
"But the part about civilians standing up—even if I don't fully understand it, it feels so inspiring!"
Everyone watching the eight-year-old kagero, casually referencing books and discussing their pros and cons, was utterly shocked.
"This world actually has someone with such comprehension. Incredible!"
Nagato could hardly accept it.
Previously, kagero's aptitude for Jutsu already made him feel inferior.
Now, his extraordinary comprehension of knowledge itself surpassed understanding.
He could extract knowledge from books and continuously improve upon it—a terrifying ability far beyond his recognition.
Jiraiya: "This is unbelievable! He can understand and enhance any knowledge!"
Senju Hashirama: "I can't even imagine. I am certain he will become a legendary figure, surpassing even me!"
Senju Tobirama: "Terrifying ability to improve from learning… that's the key difference. Others just learn, but he learns and grows! Completely different concept!"
Orochimaru: "Hahaha, finally, a kindred spirit, someone born for research! I wish I could dive into this screen and have a proper discussion with him!"
"Another world's me is so lucky… but another world's Jiraiya really hit the jackpot too."
Naruto: "What? What? I don't understand, but why does it feel so amazing?!"
Hinata Hyuga: "This… he must be smarter than Shikamaru, right?"
Shikamaru Nara: "I… I can't compete. His talent is ten times, a hundred times mine!"
The spectators were all shocked.
Shikamaru was already the son of the Nara clan head and considered one of the smartest in the ninja academy—likely top three in intelligence in the ninja world.
And yet this child surpassed him tenfold… even a hundredfold.
That meant kagero was nearly superhuman in intellect.
As for Nagato—the leader of the Akatsuki in this parallel world—his intelligence, talent, and comprehension lagged unimaginably far behind.
Fourth Raikage: "Handguns? AKs? Are you saying civilians can gain power from these? Stronger than swords?!"
Finally, someone paid attention to weapons—the battle-minded Raikage.
Uchiha Madara: "Absurd! Such things don't exist. I won't believe it!"
"Even if they do exist, swords are toys; Jutsu is everything! No piece of metal can match the power of Jutsu!"
Ōnoki: "Even if they exist, they're useless compared to the decisive power of battle-hardened ninja!"
Tsunade: "Indeed, only a few civilians might wield such weapons. It cannot compare to ninja."
Gaara: "Cold weapons indeed… I think Mr. kagero may be making a miscalculation this time!"
Every ninja present could not believe that any weapon could threaten them.
At most, such weapons might empower a very small fraction of civilians.
A nation's military power still depends on ninja numbers, quality, and tailed beasts!
Uchiha Madara: "If you want to change the world and give civilians power, relying on weapons is the wrong path!"
"Remember, we once drove tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of troops to slaughter indiscriminately!"
"Back then, their cold weapons were more than just swords! kagero's revolution cannot succeed!"