It was easy to get these five experimental assistants to follow his instructions. In truth, their options were very limited, but no matter what these individuals were thinking, Shiraishi wasn't particularly interested in their psychological activities.
Their bodies had been modified by natural energy, and theoretically, they could be called 'superhumans.' Their natural lifespan, and even the extent of their delayed aging, would be significantly greater than that of ordinary people.
To put it more simply, even when they reach sixty, as long as they pay attention to maintenance, their physical condition won't decline much, and they can continue to work.
These five individuals are currently in their twenties, so they have over thirty more years to provide him with work and service.
This is just the first batch; more people will join in the future.
It must be said, natural energy is truly an excellent thing.
Although its versatility still can't compare to chakra, in terms of physical enhancement, it has completely surpassed chakra.
It allows for the large-scale mass production of taijutsu-style ninjas, and after several years of systematic training, it's not difficult for these taijutsu-style ninjas to reach the Chunin level.
At most, their fighting style would be somewhat singular, putting them at a disadvantage compared to standard Chunin.
This is because most Chunin would not only master taijutsu but also other ninjutsu and genjutsu, allowing for diverse tactical combinations.
But this is enough.
The use of natural energy lies in its universality; even ordinary people can undergo modification.
Shiraishi believes this is the truly terrifying aspect of natural energy.
Ninjas are powerful because chakra doesn't have the universality to make most people stronger.
Only a very small percentage of people benefit the most.
However, natural energy is different; it can raise the lower limit of human capabilities significantly. As for the upper limit, due to a lack of useful comparative information, Shiraishi couldn't claim that the upper limit of natural energy is above that of chakra.
On average, chakra is inferior to natural energy.
Since he had decided to make good use of these five people's strength, Shiraishi naturally wouldn't be stingy with them.
He would teach them taijutsu training methods, chakra refinement techniques, and even some simple ninjutsu.
Shiraishi wasn't worried that they would expose any problems.
The natural energy accumulated in their bodies was not obtained through regular cultivation but directly injected into them as a reagent, greatly enhancing their overall physical qualities.
In other words, these five individuals had the foundation suitable for taijutsu training, but they couldn't refine natural energy themselves.
Because Shiraishi never intended to casually hand over such a thing to his subordinates from the start.
Perhaps in the future, but at this stage, these five people aren't enough for Shiraishi to trust.
Therefore, even if he let them leave after a month, he would have to leave some special marks on them.
After that, Shiraishi hastily finished his work in the lab, leaving the five people to serve as tools there, and returned to the surface to rest in his room.
◎
The next day.
Shiraishi went to Ruri's room to discuss the matter of those five people with her.
"Forming an organization?"
Ruri looked at Shiraishi with a puzzled expression.
Seeing Ruri's confusion, Shiraishi provided a very sufficient reason. He said, "Yes. I believe this is a plan that must be implemented. Because as my research grows, especially the senjutsu experiments, some uncontrollable accidents are likely to occur. You should know how powerful a senjutsu rampage can be."
Ruri nodded seriously.
She had personally experienced that feeling. Although the underground laboratory's sturdiness could withstand some energy impacts, encountering a too-powerful rampage could still cause trouble and attract attention.
"This is what I'm thinking. We can establish an organization outside. When necessary, we can conduct experiments outside, because creating too much commotion in the village can easily attract the attention of certain people."
"Is that the only reason?"
"Also, currently, your Uchiha clan has a bad relationship with a certain high-ranking official in the village. Although the Hokage has promised that no more accidents will happen, you probably don't believe such words, do you?"
Hearing Shiraishi's rhetorical question, the sneer on Ruri's face confirmed this point.
She didn't believe the Hokage's rhetoric at all.
Initially, she had a slightly better impression of the Hokage's faction, but now, it seemed that some Uchiha clan members were simply too naive.
Arrogance and complacency regarding power, and disdain for schemers.
Konoha is no longer the Konoha of the past, and the Uchiha are no longer the Uchiha of the past.
The Uchiha are powerful now because of the Sharingan bloodline limit, not because of the people themselves.
For this reason, regarding the opportunity to view the Scroll of Seals that the Hokage offered again, Ruri did not follow their arrangements and did not go to view the Scroll of Seals again.
Although Shiraishi felt a bit regretful when he heard Ruri make that decision, if he had tried to persuade Ruri not to act impulsively and accept the Hokage's terms to choose another secret ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals, she probably would have beaten him up severely.
This was Ruri's principle of handling matters.
She would not accept such a form of compensation that was almost pity and charity.
If she accepted the Hokage's proposal, it would mean that the grievances of this incident would be completely wiped out, and neither side could mention the matter again, completely moving on.
However, for Ruri, the matter was far from over.
Ignoring the Hokage's compensation, Ruri would seek justice in her own way. Shiraishi had long anticipated this.
What she wanted from the beginning was not compensation.
A great person once said that when one's thoughts are not clear, one must find ways to make them clear.
And the only way to make Ruri's thoughts clear was not the Hokage's apology and compensation, but revenge against Root.
Sometimes, the obsession of power-oriented individuals is truly terrifying.
"It's impossible to guarantee whether similar incidents will happen again in the future. Misleading intelligence during missions is also a reason why we need to establish our own organization. Whether it's for gathering intelligence or doing other things, it will be very convenient. Even setting up informants in the ninja world and secretly eliminating Root members who are on missions outside. You should be very interested in this, right?"
Whether in Shiraishi's eyes or Ruri's, Root ninjas were no longer individuals who could be called comrades.
They were enemies.
Coupled with the Hokage's biased actions, it was truly unconvincing.
Indeed, Ruri became interested in this.
She wasn't very keen on knowing Shiraishi's motives, but she was very enthusiastic about retaliating against Root.
"There's one more thing: Aunt and Uncle, who are traveling merchants, always hire other ninjas or samurai... Although they are reputable mercenary groups, in truly critical moments, these people are still unreliable. We can personally provide them with high-quality and reliable protectors to prevent accidents."
Ruri nodded again, acknowledging this point.
Her parents, Uchiha Sosuke and Uchiha Miyoko, indeed had such problems around them.
The reason Shiraishi discussed this with Ruri was entirely because Ruri was trustworthy.
As long as trust was established, many problems could be solved easily.
The most important point was — she was very rich.
Recently, Shiraishi had completed more than a dozen difficult missions by slacking off, but the total reward he received was only over a million ryo.
This amount of money was not enough to establish an organization of sufficient scale to provide him with research services; it wouldn't even make a ripple, let alone a sound.
Not to mention the vast amount of capital needed for various living expenses, and for expanding territory, all of which require strong financial backing.
After hearing Shiraishi speak at length in front of her, Ruri simply replied to him with an understatement:
"Tell me, how much money do you need?"
Shiraishi coughed and said, "I'm not too familiar with this area, but I think the initial development should require at least several hundred million ryo in funding. So, I think with such a large investment, it would be better to discuss it with Aunt and Uncle first."
"No need, I can make the decision for this amount of money myself. I also own a few mines in the Land of Tea that can be sold, which would also bring in some money."
After hearing these words, Shiraishi didn't know how to respond.
"Wait, mines and such, why have I never heard you mention them before?"
After realizing, Shiraishi quickly asked this question.
"It's not something worth showing off. So, you don't have to worry about the funding. And this is nothing; Konoha's annual military budget is more than this. To establish a comprehensive organization that integrates intelligence, research, and even trains armed personnel, it's impossible without billions of ryo."
Although Shiraishi was the one who first proposed the idea of an organization, he suddenly felt that Ruri was much more professional than him when it came to establishing one.
"However, have you thought about where to establish the organization?"
Ruri asked this question.
The organization's base certainly couldn't be established within the Five Great Nations. These five nations represent strong power and would not allow uncontrolled forces to operate freely.
Once an organization is established within these five nations, it will inevitably face devastating blows.
Therefore, they could only start with smaller countries.
"The Land of Demons and the Land of Iron... which one do you think is better?"
"Neutral countries?"
The Land of Demons and the Land of Iron are not considered major powers; there are only five major powers in the ninja world.
However, not all small countries are classified as neutral nations.
For example, the Land of Rain, the Land of Rivers, the Land of Grass, or the Land of Whirlpools, which was destroyed a few years ago... although they are small countries, they face the constant danger of being annihilated by larger nations.
Therefore, among the many small countries, the Land of Demons and the Land of Iron, which stand out, appear particularly special.
Especially the Land of Demons.
This is a country without a daimyo.
The highest ruler of the country is not a daimyo, but an existence called a 'Miko'.
This country worships the Miko and has a certain mystical style.
Ruri had also heard that the ruler of the Land of Demons—the Miko-sama—possessed extremely special powers, said to be able to see into the future.
Whether this is true or false, there is no unified conclusion.
In any case, the Land of Demons is indeed the most special country in the ninja world.
Its mode of governance is different from most countries in the ninja world.
"Yes, a neutral country can provide good identity protection and will not be affected by war."
"The Land of Demons, then."
Ruri said.
Shiraishi looked at her, eager to hear her reasons.
In fact, the Land of Iron and the Land of Demons are quite similar, and based on the principle of proximity, the Land of Iron would be more suitable.
"My parents' main place of work is there. Due to commercial dealings, they have some connections with the authorities in the Land of Demons, which could provide some convenience."
"The Miko?"
Shiraishi remembered Ruri saying that her parents were merchants in a small country in the far west of the ninja world.
And the Land of Demons is located in the far west of the ninja world.
The only somewhat troublesome thing is that the journey from the Land of Fire to the Land of Demons is very long.
Even by traveling at full speed, non-stop, it would take more than three days to barely arrive.
It would be great if there were planes. But Shiraishi could only dream.
With the current technology in the ninja world, there might be flying tools, but they cannot be widely used, and the cost would be very expensive.
"I don't know much about the Miko. Later, I will have them compile some information about the Land of Demons, as well as some data on the Miko."
"That would be excellent."
Aside from the long journey, Shiraishi was quite satisfied with the special national conditions of the Land of Demons.
He had already seen ninjas; what kind of existence would the Miko be?
Possessing the ability to see into the future, he really wanted to witness it.
◎
A month's time, neither long nor short, passed unknowingly.
After that, Shiraishi also visited the Hyuga clan and invited Ayane out, mentioning the organization. She didn't throw any tantrums and said, 'As long as it's Shiraishi-kun's decision, I will support it unconditionally.'
Sometimes, Shiraishi truly couldn't understand girls' thoughts.
Perhaps this was due to the onset of adolescence.
The underwear and kimono that Shiraishi had kept hidden in his room were not handed directly to Ayane on this occasion, as she wouldn't accept them now.
Although she was still as docile and obedient as before, her stubbornness in certain aspects was something Shiraishi found very interesting about her growth.
What would her future be like? After breaking the Caged Bird, would she leave him and seek the true freedom she yearned for, completely independent from him... finding her own path... After all, she was a ninja he had personally trained.
Perhaps he was a little too doting, or even spoiled her unreasonable thoughts.
He both hoped she would follow him for life and hoped she would gain complete freedom to do what she liked, without having to care about his feelings as her 'master'.
This state of mind was truly complex.
—As for the establishment of the organization, it also progressed smoothly.
First, the base of the organization was chosen to be the Land of Demons in the far west of the ninja world.
Shiraishi didn't need to personally go there to observe; he could control the five individuals and have them act as his eyes and hands.
Even if he were to go to the Land of Demons, it would be many years later.
Currently, there was no need for him, the leader, to rush over.
After a month of simple training, these five individuals had barely mastered the basic skills of a ninja. Next, they would apply these techniques in actual combat.
Two days before the end of their leave, the training was completed. Ruri was to transport them out of Konoha, and Ruri's ninja cat would be responsible for communication between the two sides.
The five individuals had only one destination—the Land of Demons.
Once there, someone would tell them what to do next.
—The laboratory returned to its quiet state, with only Shiraishi working there.
Compared to a month ago, the problem of using natural energy to replace chakra as life energy was basically resolved.
The result was somewhat incredible, but Shiraishi had to believe the answer he had verified—
That is, natural energy, in some aspects... is extremely similar to chakra!
It could even be said that natural energy, after a series of processing procedures, can be transformed into an energy similar to chakra.
And the degree of similarity, according to the computer's statistical results, was over ninety percent.
The reason it couldn't be one hundred percent identical was due to technical limitations, and there were still many things that Shiraishi couldn't understand and found incredible.
In other words, processing natural energy to this extent was already the limit.
To go further would require special 'equipment'.
Shiraishi currently had no clue about this 'equipment', and whether it even existed was an unknown.
Shiraishi felt that this might be a coincidence.
Because natural energy comes from nature.
Chakra, on the other hand, is a combination of the body's physical and mental strength.
Essentially, they are completely different and unrelated.
Their only connection is the fusion of Sage Mode chakra.
Natural energy is equivalent to the chakra of nature, which is different from the chakra of the human body.
Therefore, this unexpected discovery might really be a coincidence.
He originally only wanted to process natural energy to replace chakra as a life energy source, but the deeper he delved into the research, many contradictions and completely illogical problems appeared one after another.
"What is this..."
Shiraishi gave a wry smile.
Honestly, Shiraishi was truly at his wit's end.
There was no need to continue the experiment verifying the relationship between chakra and natural energy; if it was just to solve the Caged Bird problem, it was pretty much done here.
Furthermore, he truly had no idea about it.
Because the research clues stopped here.
Shiraishi felt as if a door was tightly shut in front of him, and the answer was behind that door.
Neither by brute force nor by any other means could he move this door a single inch.
Shiraishi was helpless about this.
He had no choice but to give up exploring further.
For things he had no clue about, Shiraishi couldn't create something out of nothing.
If new clues emerged in the future, he could continue exploring, but now was not the time to focus on such matters.
Soon, he would be going to the battlefield again.
◎
In early October, the two-month leave ended, and today was the day to head to the front lines.
Shiraishi, Ruri, and Ayane met at the Konoha Village gate.
Soon after, an Anbu member appeared, handed two documents to Ruri and Ayane, and then disappeared.
"Chunin appointment letter?"
The two documents were identical, special appointment letters for promoting ninja ranks.
The recipients of the promotion were, naturally, Ruri and Ayane.
"Boring."
Having already possessed the strength of a Jonin, Ruri was not very satisfied with the rank of Chunin.
Ayane smiled, put away the appointment letter, and clearly didn't care about it either.
At the time of her graduation from the Ninja Academy, her strength was already close to Jonin level. Now, after more than half a year, and nearly two months of training in natural energy, her strength had steadily increased to the Jonin level.
"Let's go."
This time, only the three of them were going to the front lines as a team.
The higher-ups didn't give any specific instructions, only telling the three of them to quickly go to the front lines and rendezvous with their captain, Hatake Sakumo.
Honestly, Shiraishi hadn't seen Sakumo for two months and actually missed him a bit.
Moreover, Sakumo's decisive and resolute way of doing things was something Shiraishi greatly admired.
Most importantly, he was good at looking after his comrades.
In many missions, Sakumo would prioritize the safety of Shiraishi and the other two, then decide whether to continue pursuing the enemy or give up the pursuit, prioritizing the safety of his comrades.
This mindset of Sakumo's was very evident during their previous battles with the Sand Ninja forces.
It made Shiraishi feel that Sakumo was a ninja who truly strictly adhered to the principles of the Will of Fire's bonds and acted accordingly.
Perhaps this was the kind of talent the First Hokage had initially hoped for.
A village bound together by the bonds of comrades, protecting every fellow villager—this was the ultimate interpretation of the Will of Fire.
Even if Sakumo might not possess the capacity to become Hokage in the future, he was a model student for transmitting the Will of Fire.
Shiraishi thought so.
Even though Shiraishi wasn't particularly enthusiastic about the Will of Fire.