The network had always been an issue Akaba needed to address, and he'd considered several possible solutions.
For example, the Yamanaka clan's Mind Body Transmission Technique.
It could transmit information from one person's mind to others within range, much like a mental radio broadcast from his past life.
This ability wasn't well-documented, and Akaba didn't know much about it — he wasn't even sure if it could transmit images or sounds.
A text-only broadcasting system seemed somewhat useless.
Another option was Yumekuma.
The Dream Eater's dream could also connect people within a certain radius, forming something akin to a "local area network," but unfortunately, his summon lacked power; its own spiritual energy was completely insufficient to construct such a dream network.
He'd assigned it some important exercises last time — he wondered if it had practiced them.
According to Yumekuma itself, the Yumekuma clan possessed a secret technique that linked the spiritual energies of contract holders. If it could master this technique and borrow Akaba's spiritual power, it would be entirely feasible to create a large-scale local network.
At that point, an online ninja village battle using dreams wouldn't be a problem.
"I hope Zhi Meng graduates soon; otherwise, I really might need to switch summoning targets."
Akaba left Anbu, pondering inwardly.
Switching summoning targets came with issues — intelligent Yumekumas like Zhi Meng were likely quite rare. While there weren't only one of its kind, most probably already knew each other.
What if the summoned one turned out to be a relative of Zhi Meng? That would be awkward.
So frustrating!
Carrying his armor back home, he still had to work overtime to finish his research report.
Deep down, Akaba didn't want to write this report at all, but since developing this device was his idea, and Orochimaru had only half-helped out, not completing the report himself would seem rather unkind.
No choice — he had to do it personally.
With data and actual photographs available, writing the report was relatively easy. After all, plagiarism checks didn't exist here, and there was no CNKI equivalent to flag copied content, so he didn't have to worry about getting caught using others' reports.
Therefore, Akaba borrowed some of The Second's phrasing from his diary for his own report.
Before long, a seemingly "professional" research report was finished.
Essentially, it closely resembled The Second's diary, with over 40% repetition. Akaba read through it once, then framed it, planning to discuss funding with The Third the next day.
Mainly because of financial concerns.
Popularizing ninja tools was the village's responsibility — he couldn't possibly afford it all on his own.
Ninja tools were like military gear back in his past life. With Akaba's limited funds, trying to invest in ninja tool commerce would barely make a ripple.
Thus, his plan was simple: pay upfront first, then get reimbursed by the village later.
Akaba finally dragged himself out of bed the next afternoon.
Initially, he wanted to get up earlier, but thinking The Third might not have started work yet, he went back to sleep. When he opened his eyes again, it was already midday.
Sakuma Chiaki had already gone to work.
A few days ago, he had officially transferred to the Military Police as deputy captain, responsible for coordinating parts of their operations and personnel recruitment.
Although titled a management role, it was essentially just a ceremonial position.
Sakuma Chiaki wasn't usually one to take initiative, but when money was involved—even more so if it was a big sum—he sure knew how to move fast.
The Third was in his office.
Shifts in power weren't that simple; coordination with each clan was necessary, especially the Hyūga clan.
Previously, the village had supported the Hyūga as a counterbalance against the Uchiha. The Hyūga clan leader had always stood by this philosophy, showing a clear tendency to oppose the Uchiha without compromise.
Yet who could have predicted that the Uchiha would surrender almost overnight?
Because of this, the Military Police underwent restructuring, and after these changes, the Hyūga's position became extremely awkward. Compounding the situation, the Hyūga clan leader appeared to be pressuring through grievances.
Thus, recently, the Third had been preoccupied dealing with affairs related to the Hyūga.
How to handle the situation properly was a very important matter.
Just then, Akaba knocked on the door.
"This kid coming to see me voluntarily? Trouble's bound to follow."
The Third muttered with mild sarcasm, then called out, "Door's unlocked. Come in."
"Hehehe. Hello, Lord Third."
Akaba walked in, wearing a bright smile as he slowly approached.
"If you've got something to say, just say it. I'm busy."
The Third glanced up.
He was carrying a bag?
In one hand he held a scroll that looked like some kind of report—could it be a new manga update?
"Do you remember the *Sound Ninja Trio* from my manga? I asked Orochimaru to develop those three ninja tools. Two were already finished earlier, and now the most difficult third one is finally done too."
As Akaba spoke, he pulled out the package from his back and placed it on the desk.
"Oh?"
The Third expressed mild surprise, then stood and carefully unwrapped the bundle.
It was a piece of armor.
There were many holes carved into it, each differing in size and specification, arranged in what appeared to be a deliberate pattern—an obviously refined craftsmanship.
After examining it closely for a while, the Third wanted to try it on but decided against it since he was still in his office.
"This is my research report. Please take a look. Afterwards, it needs to be archived securely in the Research Institute's files."
Akaba handed over the document.
The Third skimmed through the pages. It was filled with professional jargon—but the writing style seemed oddly familiar.
Without dwelling too much on it, he continued reading until finally nodding approvingly. "Hmm... not bad at all. Orochimaru really knows what he's doing here."
"Now then… about funding—"
Akaba chuckled with a grin.
Such an intricate ninja tool required a huge investment, but also promised considerable profits. Regardless of which factory produced them, both he and Orochimaru stood to gain substantial returns.
"This tool needs some durability tests done. Once the factory makes a few samples and they check out, funding won't be an issue. And as long as the quality stays consistent, we should aim to increase production capacity as well."
"Alright, I'll handle it. No problem then."
After submitting the report and handing over the armor, Akaba was about to leave after receiving confirmation.
"Just a moment. I'll take care of this armor, but there's something else I need you to do."
The Third called him back immediately.
How could he let such a convenient helper just walk away?
"What is it?"
Akaba felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, sensing something might go wrong.
"You have manga being sold in the Land of River, correct?"
The Third asked.
"Yes, though that matter has been handled by the caravan. My family isn't directly involved."
Akaba explained.
"I want you to talk with the caravan and arrange for our people to infiltrate alongside them," said the Third.
What could the Hyūga clan be used for?
Of course, besides the Gentle Fist, their Byakugan were perfect for recon work.
Since the Uchiha controlled the Military Police, they might as well let the Hyūga set up a scouting unit.
Ultimately, real power still resided within the Hokage's bloodline. The Anbu would remain unchanged too, so there was no fear of any ulterior motives.
The Land of River would be the Hyūga clan's first assignment.
"Infiltrate? I'll ask someone about it," Akaba replied after some thought—he had only met the caravan leader once, and there was no direct way for him to contact them.
Right now, the only option was to go through Izumi Yamano to pass along the message.
"That works. Just get it settled soon if possible."
The Third nodded.
He hadn't informed the Hyūga clan yet anyway, so he still had time to discuss matters with them.
Thinking for a moment, Akaba added, "By the way, the Sand Village will also be sending caravans into the Land of River for trade. They may be doing exactly what we're planning—using caravans to leave ninja behind in the country."
After pausing thoughtfully for a moment, the Third replied, "No issue. Once the Hyūga enter the Land of River, we can have them clear things out."
But this meant manpower needed for entering the Land of River would increase dramatically. Besides one route through the caravans, they would need another secret wave of infiltration.
To accomplish this, different clans could be assigned to accompany the caravans while the Hyūga entered secretly.
After contemplating briefly, the Third already had a plan.
"Then can I go now?"
Akaba sighed in relief but felt slightly disbelieving—it seemed like such a simple task wouldn't take much time at all.
"Go ahead."
The Third nodded without any intention of stopping him.
As Akaba stepped outside, he couldn't help glancing back. Although the Third looked upright and serious, Akaba couldn't help suspecting he was secretly reading some adult comics in his office.
That thing called trust between people...
He sighed softly, suddenly understanding how others must feel when looking at him.
Oh well, not worth explaining.
Akaba shook his head and prepared to get back to work.
The upcoming arc of One Piece was actually quite exciting. He had already drawn many Shadow Clones earlier, and with himself added into the mix, they should be able to finish drawing Karasu's section.
That way, he could send a batch to the Land of River and earn a huge amount of points.
It was just a bit tiring.
Sakuma Yunlang wasn't surprised by his arrival—after all, every day Akaba would come to the Manga Shop and leave behind a Shadow Clone.
But something about today felt off.
After creating a Shadow Clone, Akaba didn't leave immediately. Instead, he stayed inside the Private Chamber without coming out.
"What's going on?"
Sakuma Yunlang peeked cautiously inside and saw both Akaba and his clone drawing together.
"Big Brother Yunlang, give me a few of the latest releases. Oh, and Make-Out Tactics too."
Suddenly, a child's voice rang out from behind him.
Startled, Sakuma Yunlang turned around to see who it was.
"You said you wanted what, Uchiha Ryo?"
"The latest two issues each of Hokage and One Piece updates, plus Make-Out Tactics."
Uchiha Ryo repeated again.
Inside the room, both Akaba and his clone couldn't resist standing up to peek outside.
"This kid has potential—he's even bolder than The Third!"
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