Chapter 370: Meeting
Orochimaru's Base.
"What an intelligent child indeed!"
Orochimaru watched as Keigo Tobitake completed the tasks assigned to him, a smile spreading across his face. It was just like seeing Kabuto all those years ago. A good child.
"How terrifying," Suigetsu muttered, catching the look in Orochimaru's eyes and quickly turning his head away.
He truly couldn't understand why that Captain Tonbo would leave his son with Orochimaru. However, the kid was undeniably brilliant; it was like Suigetsu was looking at a second Kabuto.
Keigo Tobitake looked up. "Orochimaru-sensei, you're not bad yourself."
He had accepted this teacher. Just as his dad said, the man had some real skill. Over the past few days, he had experienced Orochimaru-style teaching—a completely different method from his father's, yet everything taught was incredibly useful.
"Good child, how polite," Orochimaru said. Hearing the boy call him "Sensei" made him think of Hiruzen Sarutobi for some reason. Perhaps it was nostalgia.
Hokage Meeting.
"Regarding Tobitake Tonbo's proposal mentioned above, if anyone has any opinions, feel free to raise them. This is a new direction, so speak freely," Kakashi, dressed in his Hokage robes, addressed the high-level officials of Konoha.
Whether to establish such a department required careful consideration. After all, it meant a change in Konoha's organizational structure and involved various interests.
"It would certainly be helpful to Konoha."
"But Konoha is still in the post-war recovery phase and lacks sufficient funds. Should we really let Tonbo invest for a stake? This is an unprecedented model and could have a significant impact on future generations."
"I think it's viable. A new department is a fresh direction for this era of peace, much like the World Ninja Association."
"It might be great in the early stages, but I fear problems will arise as time goes on."
The Jonin began a bustling discussion. Everyone was eyeing the new department with interest. The establishment of the Ninja Association had already provided many ninja within the Alliance with new benefits and created numerous job positions. The value of this new department was self-evident. Even back then, when the Uchiha were massacred and the Konoha Military Police Force was rebuilt, the discussions had lasted a long time.
Tobitake Tonbo was also present, looking completely unconcerned. He had offered full funding. It had only been a few months since the war, and he was the only one with truly abundant capital. As for why, besides his book sales, Ichiraku Ramen had also expanded significantly, beginning its layout in other nations. His ability to do this was largely thanks to the convenience of Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and his massive chakra reserves.
Moreover, the creation of this department didn't harm the other clans; it mostly benefited them. The discussion was mainly about whether it would have negative long-term effects on Konoha.
An hour passed as they debated everything from the department's founding to its potential impact and necessary structural adjustments. One thing was certain: the establishment of the department was undisputed.
"Then, based on the opinions of all departments, the Konoha Department of Research and Development project is officially established," Kakashi finally declared.
Homura Mitokado spoke up: "However, there is one objection. 10% is too much. Konoha can only accept a maximum of 5%. After all, Konoha does not belong to you alone. As for the veto power, it cannot fall into the hands of someone incompetent. Your descendants must reach the rank of Jonin or become a One-Star Ninja of the Ninja Association."
The rank of Jonin was the village's internal recognition of ability, while a One-Star Ninja was a recognition of expertise in a specific field. Only capable people could achieve them.
Koharu Utatane added: "Exactly. Since the founding of Konoha, every department has been led by the capable. Otherwise, Konoha could not have survived through various wars. This new department is no exception; no matter how much money is invested, the rule stands."
The two elders lived up to their reputations as the heavyweights of Konoha's internal affairs, dissecting Tonbo's demands with detail. Their words were framed entirely for the sake of Konoha. After all, even if they waited for Konoha to recover, they could always establish this department later. It was peacetime; there was no need to rush for results.
"The two advisors have a point."
"Indeed, competence is still very important."
The other Jonin had no objections to the advisors' words. Even the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, who were very close to Tonbo, shared the same view. The Sarutobi and Shimura clans also had to prove their ability when holding important village positions. You couldn't just hold a position without contributing.
"I have no objection," Tonbo stated.
This met his needs. He only wanted to provide more choices for his descendants, not spoon-feed them. He believed his children and grandchildren wouldn't be so useless as to fail to become a Jonin or a One-Star Ninja. Besides, he didn't even know how long he himself would live! Things could always be adjusted.
As for whether the two elders were retaliating for the genjutsu he used on them before, he didn't care. He had his own reasons for not using methods to remove them from power. Their administrative abilities were very strong and seasoned; currently, there was no one ready to take their place.
Another thought he had was to let those two work like beasts of burden for Konoha until they died. If he remembered correctly, by the Boruto era, those two were so old they could barely walk yet still couldn't retire. Of course, he might have remembered that wrong since it was a long time ago and he had only skimmed it.
"Good. Then starting tomorrow, Shikamaru will be responsible for coordinating the cooperation and adjustments of all departments for the R&D Department. Tonbo, you just provide the money and the technology." Kakashi gave the order.
Shikamaru nodded. To support Naruto in the future, he was already prepared to learn and participate in all aspects of Konoha's construction.
"Shikamaru is in charge of coordination? That's fantastic!" Tonbo was very satisfied. Smart people were easy to work with.
Time passed quietly. Three months later.
Tobitake Tonbo invested 3 billion Ryo into the Konoha R&D Department. With the village giving the green light all the way, the department rose up on the outskirts of the village. It occupied a land area of 58,300 square meters with a total construction area of 81,000 square meters.
With strong financial backing, all sorts of modern technology were implemented. From a distance, it looked like a piece of the future world.
"A magnificent Department of Research and Development. I love it!"
Orochimaru walked along the paths of the facility. Seeing the various technologies within was like a lecher seeing a beautiful woman.
Tonbo remarked, "Of course. You've never played in such a wealthy experimental zone before, have you? The outside is just the surface; the real treasures are inside the labs."
At their feet, Keigo Tobitake's eyes sparkled with stars. He was full of admiration for his dad. Behind them, Suigetsu looked around curiously.
"This place is about to be put into use. Now, I'll show you my true treasure. It requires your abilities. Once this place is operational, we can start the research directly," Tonbo said.
"Understood," Orochimaru nodded.
Tonbo then looked at Suigetsu. "Suigetsu, stay here. This is classified information; you can't see it."
Suigetsu puffed out his cheeks. "Che, who cares? I used to be a treasure myself. But why does this kid get to go?" He pointed at Keigo.
"Because he's my son. He's got connections—do you understand?"
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