The silence in the reception room was colder than the wind and snow.
General Mifune stared at the severed block of refined steel. The cut was smooth, charred, and wisps of blue smoke rose from it. The katana he carried at all times and maintained so meticulously now looked so... flimsy.
Naruto did not rush to put away the Chainsword, allowing the smell of machine oil and scorched metal to spread through the air. He knew the samurai's pride was beginning to crack, and that was part of the product demonstration.
"W-What kind of sorcery is this?" Mifune's voice was hoarse, and the hand holding his teacup trembled slightly.
"It is not sorcery, General. It is the power of industry." Naruto bent down, pulled out the Chainsword, and casually shook off the metal filings. "In the near future, this will be standard infantry equipment."
He returned to his seat, and Sasuke immediately stepped forward to put away the still-hot weapon.
"The enemies we face will soon no longer be bandits swinging swords." Naruto poured himself a cup of hot tea, his tone calm. "A samurai sword alone is not enough to protect your citizens. As far as I know, a dangerous organization made up of S-rank rogue ninja is planning to stir up trouble in every nation. Are you confident you can stand against them?"
Mifune's expression darkened terribly. He had indeed heard some rumors about Akatsuki.
The Land of Iron's prized neutrality rested upon the deterrence of its formidable military strength. But Naruto's words had precisely pierced through that thin veil.
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
Naruto smiled faintly. He had no interest in humiliating the old man. What he needed was cooperation.
"I am saying that times have changed. Clinging to the old ways is a