The Divine Machine Battalion

Soon, these 2,000-plus new recruits were organized into their respective squads.

Under the grueling, almost torturous training led by commanders like Yasuke, Kyuzo, and Jieshi, the recruits' capabilities improved rapidly.

They not only achieved absolute obedience to orders but also mastered the Military Fist taught by Dongfang Mao to an introductory level, and their coordination in military formations grew increasingly intuitive.

While the overall strength of the New Martial Army was leaping forward, Dongfang Mao did not let his own progress fall behind.

After an assessment by Tsunade, his current strength had reached the level of a Special Jonin as recognized by Konoha.

He had not only mastered various low-to-mid-level Fire and Earth Style ninjutsu but had also learned the forbidden "Multi-Shadow Clone Technique" created by the Second Hokage.

This ninjutsu allowed Dongfang Mao to significantly increase his time efficiency.

With the help of shadow clones, his chakra refinement speed and efficiency in mastering ninjutsu were both remarkably improved.

Those tedious daily administrative tasks could now be handled by his shadow clones, allowing him to focus on cultivation and further enhance his strength.

Today, as Dongfang Mao was cultivating on the couch in his study as usual, with a shadow clone handling paperwork nearby, he suddenly received good news from the Ministry of Works.

It turned out that with the arrival of materials and craftsmen purchased from the Land of Iron, the Ministry of Works had finally succeeded in developing gunpowder after many attempts, following the formula provided by Dongfang Mao.

However, because the cannon previously imitated by Yoshikawa was based on the Chakra Cannon of the Land of Lightning—which utilized a large number of special materials—the internal structure was vastly different despite the similar exterior. This resulted in issues with the dimensions and density of the replica, confirming Yoshikawa's assessment that it could only be considered a craft piece.

Fortunately, the metallurgy technology in the Ninja World was already mature, and with this replica as a reference, the Ministry of Works eventually succeeded in forging a barrel compatible with the newly developed gunpowder and projectiles.

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Mao was overjoyed and immediately took the newly built cannon to the training grounds for a test fire.

Although this cannon had a primitive design and a cumbersome loading process that required ten men to operate, achieving results on the first attempt was rare enough; Dongfang Mao did not demand perfection, waiting instead for gradual improvements in the future.

Under his watchful eye, several New Martial Army soldiers poured gunpowder bags into the muzzle, rammed them tight with a rod, and then loaded the projectile.

Once everything was ready, a fuse was inserted into the touchhole at the breech.

"Boom!"

A deafening roar erupted, causing the entire training ground to tremble.

The muzzle spat out a tongue of scorching flame, and thick, acrid smoke instantly filled the air.

The cannonball whistled through the air, striking the newly piled-up earthen mound with precision.

Instantly, soil and debris scattered like a torrential downpour.

After carefully observing the test results, Dongfang Mao muttered to himself.

In terms of range, this cannon was similar to the Red Barbarian Cannon of the Great Meng era, reaching about 1,500 meters.

However, thanks to the exquisite metallurgy of this world, the quality of the barrel and the projectile was superior, significantly boosting both power and accuracy.

He was already very satisfied with such results.

"Zhengxiong, the Ministry of Works has performed a great service this time!"

Dongfang Mao immediately issued an order.

"Begin mass production of this cannon immediately, and continue to improve the craftsmanship. The research and development of firearms must also proceed in parallel; there must be no slackening!"

"Understood!"

Having received affirmation, Zhengxiong bowed excitedly to accept the order.

Over the next half month, relying on a sufficient supply of raw materials and the assembly-line method proposed by Dongfang Mao.

The 800 craftsmen of the Ministry of Works worked day and night, successfully casting 30 cannons and 35,000 shells.

At the same time, the R&D team also produced the most primitive prototype of a firearm.

However, after inspecting it, Dongfang Mao found that the power and range of this firearm were unsatisfactory, and the loading process was far too cumbersome.

In his view, the combat value of this firearm was not even as good as existing bows and crossbows, making it unworthy of mass production for the time being, so he ordered the Ministry of Works to continue improvements and upgrades.

Subsequently, Dongfang Mao selected 500 men from the New Martial Army to specialize in cannon loading and firing drills.

He named this newly formed unit the "Divine Machine Battalion."

During training, he discovered that a man named "Chang Chuang" performed exceptionally well, quickly mastering all the operational essentials.

Dongfang Mao immediately promoted him to Commander and Privy Council official, placing him in charge of the Divine Machine Battalion.

With the establishment of the Divine Machine Battalion, Tsukimiura entered a state of tense preparation for war.

Provisions and supplies were allocated in an orderly fashion, and combat personnel were deployed with increased urgency.

Meanwhile, the army of the Land of Rice Fields was closing in step by step.

"Report!"

That day, as Dongfang Mao was refining chakra in his study as usual, he heard a knock at the door and immediately opened his eyes.

"Enter!"

With a "creak," the door was pushed open, and a member of the Night Patrol Bureau walked in, looking tense. After catching his breath, he spoke.

"Reporting to the Governor, traces of the Rice Field Army have been discovered 50 miles outside the South Gate, numbering about 30,000!"

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Mao felt a sense of relief; it seemed the intelligence he had received earlier was accurate. He then looked toward the Night Patrol Bureau member.

"Pass the order: have all commanders and the Privy Council prepare immediately. Furthermore, command the Minister of Health to station themselves at the Governor's Mansion to maintain order within the city."

"Understood!"

After the Night Patrol Bureau retreated, he rose from his bed and dispelled the Shadow Clone that had been handling state affairs, preparing to head out.

Only to find Tsunade standing at the doorway, looking at him with a complex gaze.

"Sister Tsunade?"

Dongfang Mao was somewhat puzzled.

"Mao, do you think I'm useless? At such a critical time, I can't even offer any help."

Tsunade's voice was filled with self-reproach and a trace of helplessness.

She had already learned the news of the Land of Rice Fields' army invading, and she was terrified that Dongfang Mao might meet with some misfortune on the battlefield.

After all, war had already taken so many of her closest kin; if she were to lose Mao as well, she truly did not know what she would do.

Yet she knew even better that she could not change Dongfang Mao's decision, so she could only turn to loathing her own incompetence and that damned hemophobia!

However, the moment her voice fell, she suddenly felt a palm press against the back of her head, followed by a warm, soft sensation against her lips.

Tsunade's eyes widened instantly, her brain short-circuiting, but after coming to her senses, she slowly closed her eyes.

A moment later, their lips parted. Dongfang Mao rested a hand on the firm, peach-like curve of Tsunade's backside and gave it a firm squeeze before comforting her with a mischievous grin.

"Sister Tsunade, don't worry. With my constitution, who could possibly harm me?

Besides, if you didn't have hemophobia and went to the battlefield, only to be discovered, it wouldn't just be the Land of Rice Fields—the Land of Fire and Konoha would both come looking for trouble with me.

So, you just stay here and watch the house for me. Don't let those people in the city take advantage of this time to run out and cause me trouble, understand?"