Uchiha's personal opinion

This topic made Vegapunk realize that this force had bigger ambitions.

However, he is not opposed to it, because it can also be combined with 'artificial Devil Fruits', so that Vegapunk's long-cherished research will no longer have to worry about funding and resources!

"But isn't the research on this Devil Fruit a bit too simplistic?"

After flipping through it casually, Vegapunk was somewhat disappointed.

The content mainly summarizes the characteristics and disadvantages of various Devil Fruits, focusing more on knowledge and experience. Vegapunk would find it difficult to find a way to squeeze money out of it.

Uchiha Tokumitsu also put some thought into setting up the research topic of Devil Fruits.

Vegapunk was primarily responsible for organizing the basic theories of Devil Fruits, while Orochimaru was responsible for comparing and simulating their drawbacks and negative countermeasures with existing secret techniques in the ninja world. The Uzumaki clan in the rear was responsible for developing special counter-techniques.

In this way, each link is isolated, so that if a problem occurs in any step, it will not affect the overall situation.

The source of this inspiration was Orochimaru's suggestion—for example, could Kizaru's Glint-Glint Fruit ability be countered by the Dark Travel Technique?

That's right.

Orochimaru saw through Vegapunk's thoughts: "Don't worry! As long as the research goes smoothly, your experiment will definitely receive support!"

When it comes to experience in tricking people into spending money, the Uzumaki clan ranks first, Orochimaru ranks second, and Orochimaru can see right through Vegapunk's little schemes.

"Isn't this all so that I can better serve His Majesty..."

Vegapunk gave an awkward yet polite smile.

Chapter 530 The Request of a Hundred Beasts

Although the experimental instruments provided by Uchiha Tokumitsu differed somewhat from the equipment Vegapunk was used to, and their power supply method was also quite novel, after Orochimaru's explanation, Vegapunk immediately mastered how to use these instruments and equipment, and quickly carried out experiments and achieved results.

The first project to produce 'results' was Uchiha Tokumitsu's summary of the advantages and disadvantages of Devil Fruits.

As Orochimaru had predicted, after obtaining the information he wanted, Uchiha Tokumitsu readily approved Vegapunk's 'artificial Devil Fruit' experiment and requested that a special study on 'bloodline factors' be carried out simultaneously. As for the researchers from the science unit who had also been captured, Uchiha Tokumitsu arranged for his subordinate ninjas to examine them and imbue them with cursed seals before releasing them all at once. Even Sentomaru, who possessed considerable strength, returned to Vegapunk's side.

"This is a betrayal of your uncle!"

Sentomaru waved his mechanical prosthetic arm, muttering with dissatisfaction as he underwent an inspection by Uzumaki ninjas who had traveled from afar to the ninja world.

But that's all; Sentomaru didn't do anything else that might arouse suspicion of having ulterior motives.

After all, special runes were engraved on his forehead and heart at this moment. As long as the Uzumaki ninja who had mastered the power of the cursed seal had a thought, Sentomaru would die instantly from both his heart and brain.

All the researchers, including Vegapunk, ignored him.

Vegapunk wanted to bring to life the experiments he had conceived in his mind, while the former researchers from the Science Unit, whether forced or volunteered, were mostly just trying to survive—after all, the ninjas' 'interrogation' was not as gentle as when Uchiha Tokumitsu interrogated Vegapunk.

As for the Uzumaki ninja, Vegapunk's technology of transforming disabled people into semi-mechanical beings through mechanical prosthetic limb implantation surgery is still commendable.

After several rounds of testing and improvements, the Uzumaki ninjas were pleasantly surprised to find that this semi-mechanical modification technology, after changing the driving energy to chakra, could be fully applied to ninjas!

Moreover, the cost is not expensive. The main metal is mainly made of metals unique to the One Piece world. There are already several blast furnaces in the sea north of the Devil's Triangle that are smelting day and night, so the supply of raw materials is not a problem at all. In addition, the ninja world's exploration team is searching all over the world for chakra metal veins. It is not a problem to allocate some of the current chakra metal production for the construction of the prosthetic limb.

After all, in addition to the registered ninjas, there are many wounded ninjas in the ninja world that have been fighting for many years. Among these ninjas, there are still many who are unwilling to be idle and have great ambitions. If they are recruited at the cost of restoring their limbs and strength, Uchiha Tokumitsu may be able to put together a usable ninja army.

"The number of ninja troops is ultimately insufficient..."

After reading the 'Re-enlistment Law for Retired Ninjas' submitted by Uzumaki Ashina, Uchiha Tokumitsu couldn't help but sigh.

Although the bill is adorned with various flowery words on the surface, Uchiha Tokumitsu could still sense a cold, ruthless aura within it.

"Giving the wounded ninja another option can also demonstrate His Majesty's benevolence..."

Ashina Uzumaki responded respectfully.

He naturally knew what the passage of this bill would mean, but ultimately, his position was determined by his own interests. The Uzumaki clan, now known as the "Hou Clan," was undoubtedly the second most powerful clan in the ninja world. All their interests, rise and fall, success and failure were already firmly tied to the Uchiha clan. Naturally, he was also racking his brains to offer advice and suggestions for the dynasty established by Uchiha Tokumitsu.

Although the Shinobi World Government has made great strides in its expansion into the pirate world, Uchiha Tokumitsu is not satisfied with the progress, and Uzumaki Ashina, as a close advisor, is well aware of this. One of the limiting factors is the severe shortage of Shinobi troops, making it difficult to maintain stability in the Shinobi World while simultaneously dispatching large armies on expeditions.

The unexpected acquisition of prosthetic limb mechanization technology was undoubtedly a godsend for the Shinobi World Government—after all, this method of collecting blood taxes was currently the only way to quickly expand the active Shinobi Army.

Let me add something.

After much deliberation, Uchiha Tokumitsu could not resist the temptation of having another ninja army, but he also proposed amendments to Uzumaki Ashina's bill: "All wounded ninjas from Konoha, regardless of their former stance or faction, will be incorporated into the reserve force after being conscripted and having their prosthetic limbs modified. As for the former ninjas from the four great ninja villages, they will be incorporated into the various units of the army garrison."

This was also a sign of Emperor Uchiha Tokumitsu's compassion for the Konoha ninja.

"As ordered!"

Ashina Uzumaki immediately responded.

"In addition, this bill will also be submitted to both houses of the joint parliament for review."

Uchiha Tokumitsu still couldn't shake off his anxiety, reminding everyone, "There absolutely must be no problems with the procedures, and we must all abide by the rules we set!"

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty! The Uzumaki clan is the most reliable in handling matters!"

Ashina Uzumaki bowed confidently and said.

……

After receiving the new world map from the temporary headquarters on Dong Island via fax, and through a series of methods including radio ranging and positioning, Minato Namikaze and his party finally determined their current location.

"According to the current sea chart, we are actually not too far from Wano Country..."

After gesturing at the latest nautical chart for a long time, Minato Namikaze said with feigned seriousness, "It's only a two- or three-day voyage..."

"The problem is that we have already passed Wano Country, and now we need to go back against the current."

Nagato said expressionlessly, his Sharingan eyes, which were constantly darting around, making no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction.

Although neither he nor any of the ninjas traveling with him experienced seasickness, after drifting at sea for so long, coupled with the frequent storms and countless attacks from pirates and the navy, Nagato was extremely frustrated.

Before obtaining the latest sea chart, Minato Namikaze and his crew's voyage was far from smooth. Along the way, they encountered countless pirate attacks, and the Navy would occasionally assemble fleets to pursue them like mad dogs. Especially after the Battle of Todoroki, the motor-sailed ships, which were similar to ironclad ships but smaller, became a 'treasure' that the Navy desperately wanted to obtain and crack. As a result, in the constant battles and escapes, coupled with the changes that occurred in the latter half of the Grand Line, their course naturally became more and more erratic.

"The main problem is that the captured memory pointers are completely invalid, so it's normal for the ship to veer off course."

Inuzuka Jacques quickly spoke up to smooth things over.

In past encounters, Nagato's combat prowess has impressed everyone. Based on the ninja's traditional value of "you are right because you are strong," it's not unacceptable for Nagato to act a little temperamental at this moment.

"However, Wano Country is an island nation that implements a policy of national isolation, so we still need to be careful."

Minato Namikaze didn't pay attention to Nagato's words. Instead, he affectionately ruffled Nagato's long red hair and then said to his subordinates, "According to the local customs, the clothing in Wano Country is roughly the same as in the ninja world. Everyone should change back into their old clothes. If you don't have any, then maintain the disguise of the Transformation Technique when you go out."

"This isn't a big problem..."

Akimichi Tou shrugged, indicating that he didn't care.

"However... Minato-sensei, is there some kind of connection between the ninja world and this pirate world? Especially this Wano Country."

The studious Yahiko raised his hand and asked a question.

"Maybe there is, but I don't know..."

Minato Namikaze couldn't answer that question either, "But aren't all the unknowns precisely the driving force behind our exploration?"

"This is indeed a bizarre and absurd world..."

Aburame Shiguro, who was sitting quietly listening, couldn't help but sigh.

They fought their way through countless small pirate gangs, including some with blue faces and fangs or human-faced beast bodies. If it weren't for their mission, Shiro Aburame would have captured a few prisoners to cultivate special poisonous insects.

'Beep beep beep!!'

Just as everyone was chatting, the ship's sensor radar suddenly started beeping wildly!

"This is……"

Everyone's expression immediately changed.

"The enemy is closing in!"

Konan, who was in charge of technical ninja tools, quickly stepped forward to operate them and then exclaimed in surprise, "A large number of ships have appeared in all four directions of the sea!"

"This……"

Minato Namikaze couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.

"Can you determine which faction's ships these are?"

"Judging from the reflected waves, it's not from the navy..."

Xiao Nan consulted the technical manual using the sensory radar and then gave her judgment: "Moreover, the ships have different shapes and speeds, so the initial judgment is that they belong to a large pirate crew!"

"Where did this go wrong..."

Akimichi-do was completely baffled.

"It's obvious they're coming for us..."

Minato Namikaze couldn't figure it out either, but the key issue at the moment wasn't dwelling on this problem or assigning blame: "Is there any gap in the encirclement from all sides?"

"...There is no space unless we are under enemy fire."

Xiao Nan briefly estimated the number of densely packed red ship dots on the radar, then shook her head.

"Then let's implement the war avoidance plan!"

Minato Namikaze also made a decisive decision.

The crew immediately stored all the ninja tools and equipment, especially the chakra wheel assembly, into a sealing scroll. They then took out oxygen tanks and carried them on their backs. They also left a shadow clone on the ship and installed eavesdropping ninja tools on each of the shadow clones. Only then did they methodically jump into the sea one by one through the watertight compartment at the bottom of the ship.

This is also a unique advantage that ninjas have over the strong in the pirate world—at least they are not afraid of seawater!

"Water Release: Water Prison Technique - Counter!"

Minato Namikaze quickly formed hand seals, creating a hollow water sphere, and led everyone inside to calmly evade the attack.

"How exactly did we leak our whereabouts?"

Nagato couldn't help but ask.

"Flying species in the sky..."

Through their earpieces, they heard the voice of Minato Namikaze's shadow clone on the ship: "There are creatures in the sky that look like ninja hawks!"

"It's not a Ninja Eagle... The flying species looks like a pterosaur from this world!"

The shadow clone's report came through the earpiece again.

"It's alright, we entered the seabed through a watertight compartment, they might not know we were hiding there..."

Minato Namikaze comforted him.

To maintain secrecy, he also remotely controlled the hollow water sphere to continue descending to a depth of 10 meters below the seabed.