Naruto: I'm really not an evil scientist!

The carriage was filled with a faint scent of perfume, mixed with Catherine's unique fragrance, which gave Hiruko a strange sense of peace.

As a research ninja, he was used to remaining calm in all kinds of complex environments, but this sense of security at this moment was somewhat unexpected.

During the drive, Catherine glanced at Hiruko beside her out of the corner of her eye, hesitated for a moment, and finally couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Hiruko, how do you know so much about Galaxy?"

The things you told Miss Sheryl aren't things that an ordinary private scientist, adventurer, or archaeologist could access; they go beyond so-called secrets—they're top secrets.

Hiruko was not surprised when he heard Catherine's question.

He had long anticipated that, given Catherine's intelligence, she would ask this question sooner or later, which was why he was sitting in the passenger seat.

Hiruko turned to look at Catherine, a mysterious smile playing on his lips, and said, "Miss Catherine, you should know that sometimes, so-called adventurers, archaeologists, and 'thieves' are synonymous."

As a research ninja, I employ unique methods to gather intelligence.

He paused, then continued, "I was born on Earth and have been searching for the truth about primitive civilizations."

In order to gather certain information, sometimes it's necessary to use... well, less-than-formal methods.

Catherine knew that Hiruko was not an ordinary scientist; he harbored many secrets and possessed abilities that were unimaginable to ordinary people.

Hiruko's deep eyes gleamed with a mysterious light in the dimly lit carriage.

A playful smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"If you check my cruise records, you should be able to find that I have been to the Galaxy fleet."

Hiruko said, "Galaxy is a highly cybernetic fleet, and their network technology is renowned throughout the galaxy."

For others, it might be difficult to gather any valuable intelligence from the Galaxy, but I happen to have a way.

Hiruko paused deliberately at this point, keeping everyone in suspense, before continuing, "Don't forget, I'm a research ninja who has mastered intelligent AI technology, which has a huge advantage in intelligence gathering and analysis."

Upon hearing the words "intellectual AI," Catherine felt a chill run down her spine and broke out in a cold sweat.

She recalled the deal between Hiruko and her father, the Grand Commander of the Macross Frontier fleet, one of which involved intelligent AI technology.

However, because intelligent AI was considered a taboo technology for human civilization, and the fleet was facing the threat of Vajra, the Glasgow Grand Commander ultimately did not accept the technology.

"The Sharon Epp incident..." Katherine recalled the history her father had told her, a horrific incident about an AI virtual idol going out of control.

On the anniversary of the end of the Unification War, the virtual idol Sharon Epp suddenly gained control of the entire Earth's computer network, and the Unification Government was nearly destroyed by this virtual idol.

Ultimately, the crisis was averted when humanity destroyed Sharon Epp's mainframe using Yf-19 fighter jets.

However, this history was classified as top secret by the unified government, and only the highest levels of the fleet or colonies had the right to know it.

Catherine learned about this history because her father told her about the "Sharon-Ep incident" after the Grand Commander of the Beiliuhu Kingdom proposed a deal, and warned her about the potential dangers of AI technology.

The topic of intellectual AI was like opening Pandora's box, pulling Catherine's thoughts into a long-forgotten history.

She suddenly remembered another detail her father had mentioned: the year the "Sharon-Epp Incident" occurred—the year 2040 of the Galactic Era. In the same year, another event worthy of being recorded in history took place: the 117th large-scale survey fleet came into contact with the unidentified creature Vajra.

A flicker of fear crossed Catherine Glasgow's emerald green eyes.

She felt as if an invisible hand was gripping her heart tightly, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.

Two seemingly unrelated events occurred at the same time. Was it really just a coincidence? Catherine dared not think further. She felt a chill run from the soles of her feet to the top of her head, as if she were in the midst of a huge conspiracy.

Catherine dared not think any further; she felt a chill run from the soles of her feet to the top of her head, as if she were caught in a huge conspiracy.

She turned sharply to look at Hiruko, her eyes filled with disbelief: "Mr. Hiruko, could it be... could there be some connection between these two things?"

Just then, Catherine saw stars and suddenly lost control of her hands. The steering wheel veered sharply to the left, and the car began to shake violently, about to crash into the roadside guardrail.

"Miss Catherine!" Upon seeing this, Hiruko, as a research ninja, had agile reflexes. He grabbed the steering wheel, turned it forcefully to the right, and slammed on the brakes, barely managing to avoid a car accident.

Catherine's body was violently thrown to one side by inertia, and the seat belt made her chest ache.

After the car came to a stop, Catherine was panting heavily, her face as pale as paper.

She turned to look at Hiruko, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Mr. Hiruko, thank you. If it weren't for you..."

Hiruko gently patted Catherine's shoulder and comforted her, "Miss Catherine, are you alright? As a research ninja, I've experienced many dangerous situations, this little accident is nothing."

We can only rely on him, the only authority who has in-depth knowledge of Vajra.

Catherine remained silent for a long time, her thoughts surging like rolling waves. She knew that Hiruko, the scientific ninja from the Naruto world, not only possessed extraordinary wisdom but also had a profound understanding of unknown creatures.

Finally, she gritted her teeth and asked the question that had been lingering in her mind: "Mr. Hiruko, since you used your intelligent AI to investigate the Galaxy fleet, then... have you found anyone in the Frontier fleet who, like Galaxy, covets the power of the orchid?"

A hint of unease flashed in Catherine's eyes. She worried that there might be ambitious individuals like Galaxy within the Frontier fleet, attempting to use the power of the orchid to achieve their own goals. After all, Hiruko had mentioned that this power was enough to overturn the balance of the entire universe.

When Hiruko heard Catherine's question, he was not surprised. He smiled slightly, and that smile revealed an unfathomable wisdom: "Whoever in the fleet is most concerned about Vajra's affairs is the most likely person to be the one."

Catherine's mind raced as she went through the list of Frontier's top officials. Finally, one name came to mind—Lyon Mishima, the Grand Commander's aide.

Leon Mishima, a seemingly gentle but actually ambitious man, is like one of those schemers lurking in the shadows in the Naruto world. He has always shown great interest in Vajra's research and has repeatedly suggested that the Grand Commander adopt a more radical strategy in an attempt to control Vajra's power.

In Catherine's mind, the image of Leon Mishima's hypocritical smile, and the greed and ambition hidden behind it, flashed through her mind, reminding her of those ambitious people in the world who would stop at nothing to gain power.

Chapter 478

Thinking about this, Catherine couldn't help but feel a chill of fear.

If Lyon-Mishima is indeed plotting something in secret, then the future of the Frontier fleet will be in jeopardy.

She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, and then said to Hiruko, "Mr. Hiruko, thank you for telling me this."

When I get home tonight, I will tell my father everything that happened today.

Hiruko nodded and said, "Miss Catherine, I believe the Grand Commander will make the right choice, just like the leaders in the Naruto world, who always lead everyone to the light at crucial moments."

Catherine thought bitterly to herself, "This can't go on. If things continue like this, the fleet's future is doomed."

Time flew by, and the week after next arrived—the week of Sheryl Lou's final tour concert.

During this period, the Frontier fleet appeared calm on the surface, but beneath the surface, turbulent waves were surging, and everyone was preparing for the coming storm.

SMS team members undergo intensive training every day, familiarizing themselves with the operation of the Gn combat backpack and honing teamwork. Everyone is on edge, not daring to slack off in the slightest, just like the ninjas in the Naruto world who always undergo rigorous training before carrying out missions.

Catherine became even busier, rushing between the various departments of the fleet, carrying out the secret missions assigned to her by the Grand Commander.

Since his conversation with Hiruko that night, the Glasgow Grand Commander's attitude toward Lyon-Mishima has undergone a subtle change.

On the surface, he still entrusted Leon Mishima with important responsibilities, but in private he began to distance himself from him and secretly assigned Catherine and members of SMS to investigate Leon Mishima's background and motives. This is like a leader in the Naruto world who always investigates in secret when he discovers a potential threat in order to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

Hiruko, who should have been living a leisurely life, was unexpectedly "entangled" by Sherry.

This fairy queen of the galaxy would visit Hiruko almost every day, ostensibly to learn about her grandmother Mao-Nome's life, but in reality, she mostly dragged Hiruko to various corners of the fleet for dates and playful antics.

Although Hiruko understood Sheryl's intentions, her undisguised affectionate behavior still made him feel helpless. He was like those scientific ninjas in the Naruto world, always being disturbed by various unexpected events.

He knew he could no longer escape the "entanglement" of this fairy queen.

However, Shirley didn't care about Hiruko's rejection at all. She still smiled sweetly and stayed close to Hiruko, saying in her sweet voice, "Hiruko, don't be shy! I know you actually like me too, right?"

As the sun sets, the golden afterglow spills onto the rippling blue sea from the Frontier cruise ship's seaside observation deck, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

In the distance, the massive main structure of the ship fleet appeared exceptionally majestic and spectacular under the setting sun.

Hiruko and Sheryl stood side by side on the observation deck. The sea breeze gently caressed Sheryl's blonde hair, carrying the faint scent of her perfume into Hiruko's nostrils, stirring his heartstrings.

"Sheryl." Hiruko looked at the energetic girl beside her and couldn't help but ask, "Tomorrow is your concert. Instead of taking the time to rehearse, you're sneaking out to play. Is that really okay?"

When Sheryl heard Hiruko's question, she turned around and gave him a confident smile: "Lord Hiruko, don't worry! Sheryl-Nome has already made all the necessary preparations, so you don't need to worry at all."

Sherry-Nome's sapphire-like eyes shone with confidence, just like the strong characters in the Naruto world who were always full of confidence in their own strength.

Her delicate features appeared even more three-dimensional and charming in the sunset.

“And,” Sherry paused, then continued, “my agent, Grace, has arranged everything for me, so just enjoy the show.”

When Sheryl mentioned the name "Grace," a fleeting, almost imperceptible shadow crossed her eyes, but it quickly vanished as if it had never appeared. This was much like the ninjas in the Naruto world, who could always hide their true emotions when facing their enemies.

Hiruko keenly noticed the fleeting strangeness in Sheryl's eyes, but he didn't press the matter. The two tacitly avoided the topic, simply smiling and saying, "Then I really look forward to your concert, Ms. Sheryl."

Upon hearing Hiruko's words, Sherrylu's face lit up with a bright smile: "Hiruko, I'll definitely surprise you!" Her sweet smile was as warm as the spring sunshine, as if it could melt away frost instantly.

The sea breeze blew against their clothes, and the afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows of them, creating a beautiful picture.

Amidst this beautiful scenery, Hiruko and Sheryl enjoyed this rare moment of tranquility. The Frontier fleet's nighttime lights shone brilliantly, like a dazzling galaxy, enveloping the entire seaside observation deck in a dreamlike atmosphere.

Just as Hiruko and Sheryl were immersed in the beautiful scenery, a sudden ringing of a bell broke the silence.

Hiruko pulled out his communication terminal, and Catherine's serious face appeared on the screen.

"Mr. Hiruko, the Galaxy fleet has just sent an SOS distress signal, claiming that it has been subjected to a large-scale attack by Vajra and requesting that the Frontier fleet immediately send reinforcements!"

Catherine's voice was anxious and grave, "The President has ordered an emergency meeting. Please come to the SMS base immediately!"

Sheryl, who was standing to the side, also heard the message from the communication terminal. Her body trembled slightly and her face turned pale instantly.

The distress signal from the Galaxy fleet was like a bolt from the blue, pulling her back from her reverie to harsh reality.

Everything that Hiruko prophesied is coming true step by step, just like the prophecies in the Naruto world, which always accurately foreshadow future disasters.

Fortunately, she had prepared herself mentally, so she did not lose her composure in front of Hiruko.

Sherry's sapphire-blue eyes were filled with fear and unease.

She bit her lower lip tightly, trying hard to control her emotions and not let herself show her vulnerable side in front of Hiruko.

"Miss Sheryl, it looks like I won't be able to attend tomorrow's concert," Hiruko said to Sheryl as she put away her communication terminal.

When Sherry learned that Hiruko would not be able to attend her concert, a barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

But in an instant, she rallied, her sapphire-like eyes shining with determination.

Galaxy is her homeland, and Hiruko is about to embark on a journey to save it.

She gently removed the delicate purple crystal earring from her left ear and handed it to Hiruko, saying softly, "Hiruko, you said this is a treasure that can convey longing."

"Please accept this, let it be your talisman, to protect you, and to protect my homeland." Sherry's slender fingers gently handed the earring to Hiruko.

Her fingertips trembled slightly, as if conveying some special emotion.

Tears welled in Sheryl's eyes as she gripped Hiruko's hand tightly, as if trying to transfer all her strength to him, and said firmly, "Promise me, Hiruko, you must come back alive!"

Hiruko solemnly accepted the earrings from Sherry, feeling the warm touch of the Fold crystal. He was filled with emotion and a sense of responsibility, just like the ninjas in the Naruto world who always felt a heavy responsibility when accepting a mission.

He carefully put the earring away, then took out a delicate little container from his pocket and handed it to Sheryl.

This container was the one he had carried with him when he last saw Sheryl's concert. Now he was handing it over to her. The container was filled with Gn particles that shimmered with orange light, and there were also some rare but dazzling green particles mixed in. These particles were like chakra in the Naruto world, containing powerful energy.

Hiruko handed a small container to Sheryl. The Gn particles inside the container emitted a soft light. Sheryl curiously took the container and looked at the shimmering light inside, her eyes filled with doubt.