Because of the theories Naruto introduced, the ninja world's technological framework gradually began to complete itself.
In this world, no one had ever seriously researched flight in the conventional sense—so there were no airplanes as Naruto remembered them. However, the existence of Sky Ninja proved that unconventional thinking had always existed. Their strange methods filled the gaps where pure science had yet to reach.
Technology slowly seeped into everyday life across the ninja world. Yet because shinobi themselves possessed extraordinary abilities, its influence didn't seem obvious at first glance. In truth, people's lifestyles were quietly changing.
Umbrella was the clearest example.
They fully embraced technology, maximized its value, and forced the world to acknowledge its importance.
Many daimyō, much like feudal monarchs, believed that enlightening the populace would threaten their rule. However, enlightened rulers also existed in the ninja world.
One such person was Sosetsu Kazahana, the former daimyō of the Land of Snow.
He believed technology could bring genuine happiness to his people. Unfortunately, his younger brother followed a very different path.
Dotō Kazahana did not want to improve the lives of the people—he only wished to use technology to elevate himself to the level of the Five Great Nations.
Even so, the fusion of technology and chakra demonstrated that the Land of Snow's technological foundation was far from weak.
That said, chakra remained the absolute mainstream.
It was still the easiest and most direct way for ordinary people to gain power.
This reality was deeply tied to the legacy of the Sage of Six Paths and his teachings of Ninshū. Because chakra had existed for so long, technology had only occupied a limited space within this land.
Even so, Orochimaru's experiment this time was undeniably astonishing.
It showed Zabuza and the others something entirely new.
If earlier technology had only demonstrated convenience, then this time it revealed height—
technology, too, could be a path toward strength.
Still, many present firmly believed that chakra was the foundation of all power.
After all, even Orochimaru's device relied on chakra as its energy source.
If this had been the Orochimaru of the past, he would have agreed without hesitation. But after stepping into this field himself, he had realized something crucial—
Chakra was not the only form of energy.
It was simply the only one they could currently harness.
At present, chakra remained the most efficient, stable, and cost-effective energy source in existence.
For now.
As he had hoped, Hagane Seiji stayed at Umbrella for three days. After that, Naruto personally took him back to Sky City. After all, Hagane Seiji still had his own responsibility—to periodically supply the steel required for further experiments.
Orochimaru, meanwhile, plunged straight back into research.
Umbrella as a whole began to change.
Everything was quietly preparing for the war that would come sooner or later.
Its fighter aircraft had already gone through several iterations. The latest models now fully achieved vertical take-off and landing, greatly increasing tactical flexibility.
Then—
Naruto announced something that shook everyone.
He was going into seclusion.
He had sensed it.
That barrier.
But breaking through it required time—time completely free from distractions.
He summoned all of Umbrella's high-ranking members to his residence.
Naruto slowly swept his gaze across the room, looking at the familiar faces before him. A faint smile appeared on his face.
These people were his foundation.
His forces had already grown into a colossal entity—one far stronger than the Konoha of the past.
After a brief pause, Naruto spoke.
"Shisui," he said calmly, "I've already sensed that realm."
"Although my current strength is formidable, I can feel it clearly—the coming war will be terrifying."
"If things continue as they are, there's a real chance I'll fail."
The room instantly fell silent.
Everyone felt their hearts tighten.
How could that be possible?
In their minds, Naruto's strength had already reached an unfathomable level. Even if the so-called God of Shinobi were alive, he might not be able to defeat Naruto.
Even Nagato, the wielder of the Rinnegan, had fallen to him.
What kind of enemy could make Naruto say such words?
Naruto, however, knew the truth.
In the future, Six Paths–level beings would appear.
Even without full clarity, his instincts as a powerhouse warned him—
if he did not break through soon, he would be unable to influence the war's outcome.
The original story no longer applied.
Without assistance from the Sage of Six Paths, defeat was inevitable.
But if he could step into that realm himself…
Then even without divine intervention, he would stand invincible.
"Don't look so shocked," Naruto continued calmly. "There's always a higher peak."
During my seclusion, Shisui—do not let your guard down."
His gaze swept over everyone present.
"And all of you as well."
"Don't relax during this time."
"The enemy…"
"…will likely make their move very soon."
As Naruto spoke, a heavy atmosphere settled over the room.
Even Tsunade frowned slightly. The enemy side had been silent for several months—too silent. That kind of calm never meant anything good.
After finishing his instructions, Naruto formally announced that he would be entering seclusion.
Everyone understood what that meant.
Naruto was about to step into a realm they could no longer comprehend.
Even Tsunade felt a trace of melancholy. She had personally witnessed much of Naruto's growth, step by step. Perhaps… he would reach a height even her grandfather had never achieved.
On the other side of the room, Sasuke clenched his fists tightly.
At that moment, a familiar voice called out.
"Sasuke, where are you going?"
He turned his head and saw Lee, Neji, and Yakumo Kurama standing together, all smiling at him.
"I'm going to train."
His words were brief, but the determination behind them was unmistakable.
Even after awakening the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, the gap between him and Naruto was still enormous.
"Hahaha!" Lee laughed loudly. "Youth allows no room for idleness—let's set sail together!"
For once, no one mocked him.
Instead, they felt that what Lee said rang true.
The four of them exchanged smiles, as if they had returned to those days of training in Konoha.
Under the afterglow of the setting sun, their shadows stretched long across the ground.
As Naruto's meeting concluded, the pressure weighing on everyone's hearts only grew heavier.
Elsewhere, Might Guy and the others had also received the news.
"Kakashi!" Guy said seriously. "Have you really made up your mind?"
"Yes," Kakashi replied calmly. "I've decided to fully promote the Hatake Sword Style."
"Father would be pleased."
His strength had reached a bottleneck. Compared to Sasuke, Lightning Release suited Sasuke far better. Since returning to the Hatake Sword Style, Kakashi had begun to truly understand its depth.
Perhaps… he could even surpass his father.
After learning of higher sword realms from Shisui, Kakashi wanted to see just how far the Hatake Sword Style could go. That was why he chose to travel to the Land of Iron—to refine his blade and comprehend the complete philosophy of swordsmanship.
"Hahaha!" Guy laughed heartily. "Then let's have another duel when you return!"
He thrust out his fist.
Kakashi smiled and bumped it back.
As Guy's closest friend, Kakashi knew something few others did.
Unbeknownst to most, Might Guy had already cultivated his taijutsu to the point of giving birth to a Divine Power.
He was the third person to do so—after Naruto and Tsunade.
Lee, lacking sufficient accumulation, had yet to reach that stage.
Guy's Martial Arts Divine Power was called—
Steel Body.
A power perfectly suited to him.
It could withstand the strain of opening the Seventh Gate and dramatically reduce the backlash of the Eight Gates.
(End of Chapter)
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