Minato Namikaze truly felt that Hiruko's vision was beautiful. He thought to himself that if these plans could actually be realized, the Ninja World might finally enter an era of authentic peace. From that moment on, Minato etched this proposal into his memory. He vowed that once he fully established his authority as Hokage, he would bring the idealized world described in those documents to life.
Looking at the blueprints, Minato understood that building such a massive infrastructure across the continent would cost astronomical sums of money. However, having seen the efficiency of Hiruko's scientific ninja tools and prosthetic technology on the battlefield, he knew the investment was worth it. As long as a shinobi survived, they could be fitted with cybernetic parts and return to the front lines—this alone had boosted Konoha's combat effectiveness by 30%.
Hiruko nodded with a smile. "Of course it's achievable."
He had to admit, Minato's desire for peace was genuine. According to Hiruko's original framework, if resources were no longer scarce due to global trade and transport, the root causes of war would wither. Of course, maintaining that peace would require a deterrent—a powerhouse on the level of Hashirama or Madara. Only when the "nuclear option" exists do the vested interests truly lay down their blades. After all, usually, it's only the "lowly" commoner ninjas who die; the Daimyos of the great nations never suffer, which is why their wars are endless.
Because of his own childhood experiences, Hiruko truly wanted to be "half a good person" and use science to fix this distorted world. He wanted to strengthen global connectivity and make prosperity the main theme of the era.
But he hadn't expected his very first step years ago to be shut down by the village elders. The world was too warped; the decay and incompetence of the older generation meant the plan was strangled in its cradle. Neither Danzo nor Hiruzen Sarutobi possessed a shred of scientific foresight.
"I was quite young then," Hiruko said dismissively. "The proposals were seen as a child's flight of fancy because they sounded too perfect."
At the time, Hiruko had intended to fund his research through these commercial ventures, but in the heat of war, no one listened. He eventually let it go, figuring he'd bring it up again when he had the power to flatten the Ninja World himself.
"The Third Great Ninja War is over. Even if there are frictions, they are localized. Konoha is entering a period of brief peace," Minato said, his smile bright and infectious as he extended his hand. "I believe it's time to bring your proposal back to the table. I want you to lead this project, Senior. Help me create a better world."
Though Hiruko had been hardened by the setbacks of two lifetimes and wasn't easily moved by such idealistic smiles, he decided to help. For the sake of the poor souls who were just like he once was, he was willing to try and make Minato's dream a reality.
Night fell over Hiruko's estate.
The moon cast silver slivers through the gaps in the curtains. The air was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs mixed with a faint, lingering incense—like the beginning of a secret ritual.
Nonō Yakushi stood at the door. She wasn't wearing the cold, sterile uniform of the Root; instead, she had changed into a black nun's habit. The fabric was soft but clung unexpectedly to her frame, tracing the subtle curves of her body. The collar was slightly open, revealing a slender collarbone that caught the dim light. Her blonde hair fell loosely, the ends curling slightly as if tousled by a night breeze—or a silent internal struggle.
Hiruko sat on the sofa, his gaze slowly raking over her. His eyes moved like a serpent, sliding from her smooth ankles up her long legs to the waist wrapped in black cloth. It was the most pious of garments, yet in this setting, it exuded a strangely sacred temptation.
Truly a character straight out of a 2D world, Hiruko thought, nodding in satisfaction. He was very pleased with the "maid" Danzo had sent him.
"Lord Hiruko," she spoke softly, her voice melodic but taut with tension as she knelt on the floor.
He didn't respond immediately. He stood up slowly, his leather shoes clicking rhythmically against the floorboards. He stopped right in front of her, close enough to catch the faint scent of lavender clinging to her.
He reached out, his long fingers hooking under her chin to tilt her face up. Her skin was cool to the touch. Hiruko forced her to meet his eyes—eyes that held fear and despair, but deep down, a flicker of stubborn defiance.
"Don't look at me with that face," he chuckled, his thumb brushing against her lower lip. He felt her tremble. "I happen to... very much enjoy this look of steadfast sanctity."
"That little kid, Kabuto... he has great potential. I like him."
Nonō's breathing hitched. Her eyelashes fluttered like a butterfly's wings before they are clipped. "Kabuto... that child..." Her voice was strained, squeezed through gritted teeth with a hint of a plea.
Hiruko's grin widened. He leaned down, his warm breath grazing her ear. "What? Worried he'll become one of my experimental subjects?"
A single tear slid down her cheek. Overwhelmed by an indescribable guilt, Nonō clenched her fingers into the fabric of her habit, wrinkling it in her palms. She lowered her head, her long lashes casting shadows that tried to hide her wavering resolve.
Finally, she prostrated herself fully, her voice a mere whisper. "Lord Hiruko... please, spare Kabuto. No matter the mission, I will do it."
She didn't want to be a spy anymore. She didn't want Kabuto to be a lab rat, nor did she want him to carry the burden for her. That boy had already given too much for the orphanage, and she, the headmistress, had failed to protect them.
Hiruko watched her, his gaze lingering on her shaking shoulders for a moment before he let out a low laugh.
"I'm not a villain, you know."
Before she could react, he grabbed her wrist—not painfully, but with enough force that she couldn't break away—and pulled her up. Nonō stumbled, nearly crashing into his chest, the scent of herbs filling her senses and making her hold her breath.
"Remember!" His thumb rubbed her chin again, forcing her eyes back to his.
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