If one day, you were appointed as the chief engineer for the Three Gorges Dam project, how would you feel?
That was essentially the situation Hardy was facing.
In fact, at first, the Third Kazekage and the others hadn't thought so far ahead. They simply hoped to build a canal to bring abundant water resources from the Land of Rain to Sunagakure, which might make the village prosperous.
But after Hardy presented a scientifically sound proposal, with a relatively mature document guiding all aspects of the project's construction, usage, and long-term impact, the Third Kazekage realized just how significant the completion of this canal could be.
Throughout history, every major water conservancy project has been a monumental event capable of influencing a nation's fortunes for a century.
"Tell us what you plan to do next. Let's set the general framework here, so the village leadership can better support your actions."
After waiting a moment, estimating that Hardy had digested his words, the Third Kazekage spoke to him.
Hardy pondered for a while—seemingly deep in thought, but in reality, he was having his counterpart in the DC world quickly review government documents on Arizona's Salt River Project.
While it couldn't be copied wholesale, the general steps and methods could serve as reference.
"The first step is definitely preliminary planning and surveying. Although I listed some examples in the proposal, the specifics require on-site inspections, taking into account terrain, hydrology, climate, and other factors for an overall design. I'll need excellent sensory ninja to assist with this."
"The second step is to assemble a sufficient number of earth-style ninja to clear and excavate the canal route according to the design, digging a channel wide and deep enough. I'll also need elite ninja proficient in earth release nature transformation to help construct embankments and dams, reinforcing the riverbanks and bed to prevent erosion. During this step, residents in affected areas will need to be relocated..."
"Once these two steps are complete, we'll begin formal construction of sluice gates and water regulation systems. For this, in addition to earth-style ninja, I'll need personnel from the puppet corps, and ideally some water-style ninja for testing..."
"The fourth step..."
The Third Kazekage, seated in his place, nodded repeatedly as he listened.
Chiyo and Ebizō couldn't help but admire their disciple—truly a prodigy. If it weren't for the fact that such a large-scale water project had never been attempted in the shinobi world, the Third Kazekage would have suspected that Hardy had found some reference material somewhere.
There was no other explanation.
To be able to arrange every detail and step of a matter so thoroughly, especially without any precedent to refer to, is an incredibly difficult thing to accomplish.
Yet, Hardy managed to do it!
If this isn't the mark of a prodigy, then what is?
The Third Kazekage found himself more and more impressed with Hardy the longer he observed the young man.
He came from a distinguished background, was a disciple of Chiyo and Ebizō, so there was no doubt about his loyalty to the village. He had become a jōnin at the age of thirteen, and would most likely become a powerhouse on the level of a Kage in the future, a true pillar of the village.
Now, with the discovery of Hardy's talents in other areas, it seemed likely that he could, like Rasa, become a candidate qualified to succeed as the Fourth Kazekage.
However, these thoughts only flashed briefly through the Third Kazekage's mind; he didn't dwell on them.
Given his current age, he could easily serve as Kazekage for another six or seven years at least, so there was still plenty of time to select and train a successor—there was no need to rush.
"Finally, once the canal is completed, we'll need to regularly rotate ninja to be stationed at the reservoir and other key sections of the river, to ensure the security and proper operation of all related equipment."
Hardy spoke until his mouth was dry, and the ANBU member beside him, understanding the situation, promptly refilled his cup with tea.
Hardy smiled and nodded at the ANBU, then looked toward the Third Kazekage.
"Hmm…"
The Third Kazekage nodded slightly and said, "Whether it's the initial surveying and reconnaissance or the later construction and maintenance, all of these will require your personal guidance outside the village. Until the canal is completed, your personal safety is of utmost importance to the village. Would you like me to assign an ANBU tactical squad for your close protection?"
"What exactly does 'close protection' mean? Don't tell me they'll even follow me into the bathroom? If that's the case, I'd prefer the squad to be made up entirely of beautiful women."
The Third Kazekage couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth in exasperation.
As expected, no matter how much of a genius he is, he's still just a teenager in puberty.
Having spent most of his life strictly adhering to the three taboos of the ninja and reaching over fifty without ever marrying, the Third Kazekage simply couldn't relate.
"There won't be a squad of beauties. You can pick your own people—just write up a list of who you want and submit it to me for approval."
The Third Kazekage waved Hardy away in annoyance, signaling that the meeting was over.
Although the canal project was important, it hadn't even begun yet. With the war just ended, the Third Kazekage still had a mountain of postwar reconstruction work to handle.
"All right, Lord Kazekage. Oh, by the way, there's one more thing."
Hardy remembered the original reason he'd come to the Kazekage's office and raised his hand.
"If you've got something to say, spit it out."
"I actually came to the Kazekage's office hoping to look up some information on sensory ninjutsu and taijutsu…"
"Seven-Three, take my token and escort Jonin Hardy to Secret Room One to consult the index of the Sand's Secret Scrolls. He is permitted to select any two jutsu from them."
The Third Kazekage handed his token to the ANBU who had just served Hardy tea.
"Yes, sir!"
The ANBU knelt on one knee, raised both hands, and respectfully received the token from the Third Kazekage. He then rose and turned to Hardy.
"Jonin Hardy, please come with me."
Hardy followed him.
The Sand's Secret Scrolls served a similar purpose in Sunagakure as the Scroll of Seals did in Konoha, recording the most vital and secret jutsu of the village, such as the training methods for Magnet Release and other top-level techniques.
By granting Hardy access to the Sand's Secret Scrolls, the Third Kazekage was, in effect, giving him an advance on future merits.
Following the ANBU codenamed Seven-Three, Hardy made his way downward, passing through multiple layers of security using the Kazekage's token, until they finally stopped in front of a secret chamber covered in sealing runes.
The ANBU guarding the chamber checked the markings on the token, and, without saying a word, formed hand seals and released the barrier.
"Go ahead. You have thirty minutes to make your selection. Once you've chosen, he'll retrieve the corresponding jutsu scrolls for you. You may only read them here; you cannot take them out."
Seven-Three gestured for Hardy to enter with the other ANBU who managed the chamber, but did not go in himself.
Hardy had the Kazekage's direct order, and the other ANBU was responsible for guarding and managing the secret chamber's seals. With the Kazekage's authorization, he could enter—but Seven-Three could not.
...
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