"Buzz--Boom!!"
In the dedicated test star field on the outer edge of Shinobi Planet, a huge energy shockwave spread out like ripples, instantly vaporizing a distant asteroid used as a target.
The source of the shockwave was a humanoid mech over fifty meters tall, with a streamlined, silver-black body and blue energy runes shimmering at its joints. The mech had sharp lines, and two huge solid swords forged from high-density metal hung on its back, their blades also engraved with complex runes. On the mech's chest, a huge Uzumaki Clan emblem stood alongside the "Tian" family crest, shining brightly.
This is precisely the "Fifth Generation Rune Mech - Experimental - Azure Dragon Mech" developed by the Shinobi World!
Inside the mecha's cockpit, Naruto Uzumaki's excited voice boomed through the loudspeaker. "Wow! Shikamaru! Did you see that? This power! It's at least three times stronger than the Fourth Generation Mecha! The energy transfer efficiency is incredible! This can even threaten Immortal King Realm expert!"
In the ground command center, Shikamaru Nara rubbed his temples, looking at the frantically fluctuating data on the screen, and said with a mix of helplessness and pride, " Naruto, calm down. The test isn't over yet, don't run out of energy. Sasuke, it's your turn. Test the high-speed mobility and weapon coordination system."
"Understood." A cool voice rang out.
Then came another mech, slightly different in design, more slender, and predominantly purplish-black in color—" Vermilion Bird." Its thrusters spewed out eerie purple plasma flames, instantly transforming into a blur as it performed various incredible maneuvers in the starry sky. Simultaneously, the mech's arms spread out, unleashing a barrage of bullets formed from Senjutsu Chakra, accurately striking a group of high-speed target drones in the distance.
Sasuke Uchiha calmly reported, "Mobility increased by forty percent, and weapon system response time reduced by sixty percent. Very good."
Over the past decade, the rune technology of the Shinobi World has undergone explosive iterations. The initial single-soldier mechs have evolved into the giant mechs of today that integrate multiple functions such as high-strength protection, immense strength amplification, energy attacks, short-distance spatial jumps, and environmental adaptation. They are not merely special steel creations, but rather extensions of the cultivator's body. The pilot's own Senjutsu Chakra combined with the mech's rune circuits can unleash combat power far exceeding their own.
Especially for mid-level ninjas who have not yet reached the Peak Immortal Venerable, an advanced mecha is enough to increase their combat power dozens of times, making them the mainstay of the star battlefield.
For those at the Peak Immortal Venerable, their equipment took a different turn—personalized and primal "Immortal Artifacts."
In the largest weapon-refining workshops across the various holy lands of the Shinobi Planet, the sounds of hammering and humming energy filled the air. Weapon-refining masters from the holy lands and major ninja lineages such as the Uzumaki Clan, Uchiha Clan, and Hyuga Clan, combined with the weapon-refining techniques created by the Immortal King Tsubasa, gave birth to countless powerful Celestial Weapons.
Kakashi Hatake stroked the two short swords at his waist, one Shinichi old. The new one had a blade as White Fang, yet it flowed with purple lightning, and sealed within it was a trace of " Purple Firmament Immortal Lightning " that he had comprehended himself, named " Lightning Blade: Immortal Thunder". The old one was naturally the Chakra short sword that had accompanied him for many years, and it had now been reforged, with the addition of "spell-breaking" runes, greatly improving its quality.
Might Guy possesses a pair of gauntlets called " Evening Elephant Twin Stars," which are entirely crimson. When he activates the Xingchen Body-Tempering Art, the gauntlets can perfectly withstand and amplify the violent Taijutsu energy, and can even guide the dragon-shaped aura of " Night Guy," making it even more powerful than before.
Hinata Hyuga and Neji Hyuga, with their Byakugan combined with the specially made " Reincarnation Immortal Robe " and " Eight Trigrams Space-Breaking Palm Gloves," have brought the penetrating power and range of their Gentle Fist to a whole new level, even capable of causing spatial fluctuations.
Besides possessing the latest experimental mechs for large-scale army operations, Naruto and Sasuke have also upgraded their respective Sage Artifacts. Naruto's " Taiji Immortal Fox Robe " allows him to control the Kurama Interstellar Aircraft Carrier and Senjutsu Chakra more freely; Sasuke's " Amenotejikara Immortal Armor " makes his space-time Dōjutsu even more unpredictable.
These celestial armors and weapons are in harmony with the user's mind and origin, enabling them to unleash their Peak Immortal Venerable power to two hundred percent.
However, whether it's the powerful mechs or the exquisite immortal artifacts, everyone understands that they are designed to cope with Mirai potentially more brutal wars to come. The real strength lies in their own power, in the thousands of Peak Immortal Venerable masters who are ready to ignite the Xingchen within their own bodies for their homeland!
In the capital of the Yan Nation in the Shinobi World, a meeting concerning the Mirai strategic direction of the Shinobi World is underway.
Attendees included the current King of Yan Nation, Tenbutsu; the Minister of Biotechnology Research and Development, Tsunade; the Chief of Staff, the Tenchu of the Fire Branch Hokage, Shikamaru Nara; the Commander-in-Chief, Tenpi; the Minister of Technology Research and Development Mei Terumi; the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Mizukage of the Water Branch, Tian Yueqing; the Education Department, Tianyue Qing; and representatives from various clans and forces, such as Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, Hiruzen Sarutobi A Yotsuki, and Rasa. Tian Yu, as the highest combat power and spiritual symbol, also attended via projection.
A huge holographic star map slowly rotated in the center of the conference room, clearly marking the eight planets currently controlled by the Shinobi World, as well as the layers of defenses under construction.
"According to the latest report from Commander-in-Chief Tenchu, the 'Phase III Deep Space Early Warning Network Project' is 70% complete on schedule. Jūni major observation stations outside the Mars outer region have been activated, and the effective range of the space oscillation detectors covers the major shipping lanes within a radius of 50 million li." Flame Emperor Tenbutsu pointed to the star map and reported calmly, "Any large-scale space jump or fleet voyage would find it very difficult to approach us silently."
Tenchu replied, his voice steady and powerful. "Meanwhile, the main structures of the 'planetary defense fortresses' in the orbits of Mars and Jupiter have been completed, and the bases of the latest ' Primordial Annihilation Cannon ' and ' Heavenly Cycle Xingchen Grand Formation ' are being installed. Once completed, in conjunction with our aircraft carrier fleet and mecha legion, they will be sufficient to withstand attacks from dozens of times Ōtsutsuki vanguard army of ten years ago."
A look of satisfaction appeared on everyone's faces. The efforts of the past ten years had yielded remarkable results.
However, Tenpi, the Minister of Science and Technology Research and Development, raised a somewhat somber topic. "Everyone, regarding the bottleneck of the ' Realm of the Immortal King,' we have united all the Peak Immortal Venerable experts and the Academy of Sciences' top think tank for several years of research, and currently... we still haven't found a clear and effective breakthrough path."
The council chamber fell silent. This was a Damocles' sword hanging over everyone's heads. The lack of high-end combat power had always been the biggest weakness of the Shinobi World. Although they had the Xingchen Body-Tempering Art as a desperate trump card, it was ultimately a last resort, and the price was too high.
"There could be many reasons," Tenpi continued, "It could be related to the integrity of the laws governing our star system, or it could be related to some cosmic rule we haven't yet come to understand. The breakthroughs of Tsubasa's father and Tian Yu's sister are both somewhat unrepeatable. We might need... an opportunity for enlightenment, or perhaps, to travel to a wider universe to find the answers."
Venturing into the wider universe? This suggestion sent a chill down everyone's spine. It meant taking the initiative, and it meant facing unknown risks.
"Our current focus should still be on consolidating our defenses and improving our overall strength," Tsunade declared decisively. "A proactive attack is too risky; we can't gamble with the Mirai of the Shinobi World. As for the Immortal King bottleneck... let's continue our research. At the same time, we should encourage all the top-tier experts not to give up on exploring their own 'path'."
The projection of the Tian Yu flickered slightly, and her clear, cold voice rang out. "I agree with Tsunade's view. Regarding the insights into the laws left by our father, I have made them as public as possible. Breaking through to the King Realm requires limited external assistance; it depends more on oneself. Everyone doesn't need to be overly anxious; simply solidify your foundation and wait for the right opportunity. Moreover..."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the entire room, a resolute glint in her eyes. "Even without a new Immortal King, our current strength is far greater than it was ten years ago. If the enemy returns, they will pay a heavy price!"
Her voice carried a hint of authority, causing all the powerful figures present to tremble in their hearts, and then a surge of pride welled up within them. Indeed, with thousands of Peak Immortal Venerable and the ever-advancing technological power, they were no longer the weak civilization that needed the sacrifice of Immortal King to survive!
The meeting ultimately decided to continue implementing the strategy of "deeply understanding the Dao, extensively researching and developing, and gradually exploring," to fully construct the star defense line, promote new types of mechs and immortal artifacts, and at the same time not give up the exploration of the path to becoming Immortal King.
After the meeting, Tenchu and Tenpi walked side by side on the sky bridge of the City of Hope, looking down at the bustling city below and the huge shipyard in the distance.
"Brother, do you think... Father can really feel our efforts?" Tenpi asked softly.
Tenchu gazed resolutely towards the direction of the Shikkotsu Forest: "We can definitely do it. What we need to do is protect everything before he wakes up. And I have a feeling... the storm might come later than we expect."
His premonition was correct to some extent. Because at this moment, countless light-years away, within the sealed Ōtsutsuki Forbidden Zone, the Zombie Monarch Orochimaru had the Ōtsutsuki Clan restrained. Unless another Ōtsutsuki Clan came to explore the Shinobi World Star Domain.