[Materializing lie: "I have a large, multifunctional secret experimental base." 70%] [Materialization beginning... extent of materialization affected by both character weight and trust level...] [Materialization complete.] [Notice: Today's uses of the 'Lie-Into-Reality' ability have reached the limit (1/1)]
It worked!
Although it was only 40%, considering Guy's simple way of thinking and obsession with Taijutsu, that was already pretty good.
Even Uchiha Makoto felt he had gone a little overboard with his boasting this time. He was more than satisfied that Guy believed 40% of it.
Uchiha Makoto secretly rejoiced, while maintaining the reserved expression of a "researcher":
"Don't worry. Once I've finished calibrating the equipment, the first test puppet I make will be yours."
"Really?!"
At Cheng's promise to give him a test puppet, Guy's eyes practically turned into stars.
Uchiha Makoto naturally didn't mind. It was just one puppet.
With Guy taken care of, the next one was a tough nut to crack: Kakashi.
The guy came and went like a ghost, usually sporting a pair of dead-fish eyes that seemed uninterested in everything. Even finding him for a "casual chat" wasn't easy.
The next day, Uchiha Makoto "happened upon" him on a bench outside the Mission Hall. Kakashi was engrossed in a book.
"Kakashi, got time for a chat?" Cheng sat down beside him.
"Finished your mission report?" Kakashi didn't even lift his eyelids.
"Turned it in ages ago. This is about something else." Cheng cleared his throat. "About my Laboratory... it's actually quite a bit bigger than I mentioned before. It has two levels now, with more facilities. Ninja tool development, biological experiments, mechanical puppet testing-they all have their own separate sections."
Kakashi's hand paused slightly as he turned a page.
"Oh? Two levels? You could build a base that big all by yourself?"