Although Uchiha Kō knew that Kumogakure was a major mineral-producing country, he was still stunned when he actually saw the output of Kumogakure's mineral veins.
Although Konoha also has iron ore, though not in large quantities, it is still considerable. However, compared to the mountains of iron ore piled up in Kumogakure, it is insignificant and incomparable.
"How long has it Kumogakure to produce this?" Uchiha Kō said incredulously.
Senju Nawaki pondered for a moment, "This is only the output of three years. If it weren't for the fact that the Fourth Raikage, A, was in power for such a short time, and that Konoha's attack was so sudden..."
"I reckon all this iron research has been wasted!" Senju Nawaki said.
Uchiha Kō nodded. The output of three years was almost equivalent to his nine years. No wonder it is a major mining country and one of the most technologically advanced villages in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
Uchiha Kō took out a scroll and threw it out. Visibly, one-third of the iron ore immediately disappeared.
Uchiha Kō tossed out another scroll, performing the same action to collect iron ore. After finishing, he looked at the last pile of iron ore, hesitated, and finally took a deep breath.
The last pile of iron ore was divided into two parts. Uchiha Kō took one part, and the last part was left in the cave.
Uchiha Kō said, "Nawaki, the remaining half should be used to support the daily life of Kumogakure."
Senju Nawaki nodded. "I understand, brother-in-law!" If there was anyone Senju Nawaki admired the most, it was originally Senju Hashirama, because everyone knew the name of the God of Shinobi. However, Senju Nawaki eventually discovered that the one who saved him from danger many times was not his grandfather, but Uchiha Kō.
The person he admired most had become his brother-in-law Uchiha Kō. Now that his brother-in-law was giving him orders, he would definitely support and cooperate.
Seeing that Senju Nawaki agreed so readily, Uchiha Kō's eyes warmed. He patted Nawaki on the shoulder. "When standard equipment becomes widespread in the future, you'll have a share of the credit. Your brother-in-law will remember this."
Nawaki chuckled, scratched his head, and then followed Uchiha Kō out the door. After they walked out, the ninja who had led the way saw Uchiha Kō and quickly bowed. Uchiha Kō waved his hand and said, "I'm fine. You can go back now. I've already taken what I was owed."
"Furthermore, the scale of mining must be expanded. The Ninja World is not peaceful right now, and this batch of iron ore can quickly arm Konoha to the teeth! It will have a huge impact on the future of Konoha, so you all need to expedite the process!" Uchiha Kō said.
The ninja leading the way nodded in agreement, Senju Nawaki also assured them that he would keep a close watch on all the iron ore mines!
After explaining the situation, Uchiha Kō Flying Thunder God Technique to arrive at Orochimaru's research institute, where Orochimaru was researching firearms using a machine tool.
The next moment, a golden light flashed, and Orochimaru's body stiffened, then relaxed. He knew that it was Uchiha Kō had arrived. Sure enough, when Orochimaru turned around...
Uchiha Kō sat in his seat, looking at him. Orochimaru had no choice but to stop his work and approach Uchiha Kō: "Owl-kun, what brings you here? Wait a moment, I'll have Anko serve you tea."
After saying that, Orochimaru walked out of the laboratory with a smile. Suddenly, Uchiha Kō said, "Orochimaru- kun, I've got the iron ore for you!" With that, Uchiha Kō threw the scroll at Orochimaru.
Orochimaru quickly caught the scroll and began scanning it. After scanning, he gasped, "Lord Hokage, have we ended up robbing someone?"
"With so much iron ore, Konoha wouldn't be able to gather it all in less than ten years!" Orochimaru was in charge of the laboratory, so he knew the production volume of various Konoha resources like the back of his hand.
After all, this meant how many resources he could control and how many experiments he could conduct, so he couldn't help but be concerned. Therefore, when he saw the iron that Uchiha Kō had brought back, he couldn't help but widen his eyes.
Uchiha Kō waved his hand. "These are all resources from our Konoha. Don't worry, would I do something like robbing?"
He looked at Orochimaru with an innocent expression. Orochimaru's lips twitched. "Have you done enough robberies already?"
Take the original four hidden villages, for example. Which one didn't receive your favor? Especially the Land of Earth, where you even robbed their national treasury. Have you forgotten that?
Seeing Orochimaru's suspicious gaze, even Uchiha Kō, with his thick skin, blushed a little. "I've already gotten the resources you wanted, and I'll get the standard equipment I requested as soon as possible!"
Orochimaru snapped out of his daze, glanced at Uchiha Kō, and nodded emphatically. "Don't worry, Owl-kun, you can trust me with my work."
He patted his chest, then his eyes clearly indicated that he wanted to see the guest out.
Uchiha Kō smiled, turned and left. Orochimaru looked up after he left.
He had already guessed what Uchiha Kō's demands were; the need for such a large quantity of standard equipment indicated that war was about to begin.
Furthermore, during the conquest of the four hidden villages, Uchiha Kō did not order him to produce so much equipment. This time, there is no limit; he can produce as much as he can.
They even had to be armed to the teeth, so Orochimaru dared not relax, his eyes filled with worry. What kind of enemy could make the number one Ninja World, Uchiha Kō, so wary?
However, Orochimaru didn't dwell on it for too long, since living in the present is the most comfortable thing to do.
If you live in the past, you will have endless regrets; if you live in the future, you will feel anxious and uneasy.
Living in the moment and cherishing every minute and second—that's what they should be doing.
Orochimaru summoned Kabuto and Kimimaro, and the three met briefly. Orochimaru then clearly explained the missions he had been undertaking recently.
After making sure Kimimaro and Kabuto understood, Orochimaru smiled and said, "Thank you both for your hard work these past few days."
Kabuto quickly replied, "I would go through Lord Hokage!"
"Moreover, the Lord Hokage saved my mother's life, so Lord Orochimaru, please feel free to assign me tasks. Don't worry about the quantity; I will do my best to complete them."
Kabuto's words were resounding and even moved Orochimaru, as this was the first time he had ever seen Kabuto like this!
"Do your best!" Orochimaru said with a smile, then glanced at Kimimaro: "Kimimaro, can your body handle it?"
Kimimaro smiled, then shook his head. "Kimimaro Lord Orochimaru, rest assured, Kimimaro knows his own body well, and Kimimaro will definitely complete this mission successfully!"
Orochimaru felt a pang of sadness but also a sense of relief seeing Kimimaro like this.
"Kimimaro, after this matter is over, I, Orochimaru, will dedicate all my efforts to researching your bloodline disease. Believe me, one day I will cure your bloodline disease!" Orochimaru said firmly.
"Lord Orochimaru... actually I..." Kimimaro was about to say that even if he couldn't be cured, it wouldn't matter. He was already content to have met Lord Orochimaru in this lifetime.
Orochimaru's gaze was firm and cold. He waved his hand slightly, interrupting Kimimaro's words. "Alright, go to work. I understand your feelings, but my decision is irreversible."
His tone carried an undeniable authority, yet it also seemed to conceal a subtle, almost imperceptible tenderness.
Orochimaru knew perfectly well what Kimimaro wanted to express: his worry and helplessness regarding his own bloodline disease.
However, Orochimaru had already made up his mind. The promise he made to Kimimaro was like a vow engraved in his heart—to cure Kimimaro's bloodline disease. This was not only his responsibility as a superior, but also his unwavering commitment as a "father" who regarded him as his own son.
In Orochimaru's eyes, Kimimaro had long transcended a simple superior-subordinate relationship; he was his only solace and hope on this lonely and dangerous path.
Seeing Kimimaro grow thinner and thinner due to illness, Orochimaru felt as if his heart was being torn apart.
How could a father stand idly by while his own child suffers such hardship?
Kimimaro sighed helplessly, his eyes flashing with complex emotions.
He knew all too well how stubborn and troublesome the bloodline disease of his Kaguya Clan was. This curse, passed down for thousands of years, seemed like an insurmountable chasm, standing between them and normal people.
The Shikotsumyaku is both the glory of their clan and a shackle they cannot escape.
It granted them superhuman strength, but also cost them longevity.
However, faced with Orochimaru's unwavering resolve, Kimimaro could only remain silent.
He understood that, regardless of the outcome, Orochimaru would do everything in his power to find a cure for him. This profound care and responsibility warmed his heart, yet also filled him with guilt and unease.
On this unknown and arduous road, they can only walk hand in hand and face the challenges of fate together.
Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Kimimaro could only sigh, then smiled and said, "Lord Orochimaru, I believe you!"
After saying that, Kimimaro began to carry out the task Orochimaru had given him.
Orochimaru looked at Kimimaro with a complex expression in his eyes. He shook his head vigorously to clear his mind of distractions and prepared to focus on the production of standard equipment.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Kō returned to the villa entrance. He stretched and yawned. Although he had only been gone for less than two hours, those two hours had saved him a lot of trouble.
Tsunade, who was scrolling through her phone in the villa, suddenly felt a jolt in her heart; she seemed to sense something.
With a whoosh, he stood up and walked towards the villa. Pushing open the villa gate, he saw a handsome figure standing in the villa's courtyard.
Hearing the door open, Uchiha Kō looked inside and saw Tsunade wearing a high school girl outfit with white stockings on her legs. Her fair and beautiful face, combined with her sexy and charming figure, made her stand out!
Uchiha Kō was stunned for a moment. He used the Body Flicker Technique as if possessed, and then picked her up!
Tsunade exclaimed, "H-Husband, no, no, it's daytime now!"