At dawn, the city of Rōran was shrouded in a pale golden mist, the chill of the desert still lingering in the air before the rising sun dispelled it.
Inside the circular council hall of the Shinobi Alliance headquarters, twelve stone pillars engraved with sealing runes support the dome, each pattern appearing and disappearing in the morning light.
The centrally suspended holographic projection of the Dragon Vein slowly rotated. Deep purple energy flowed and meandered in the virtual space, like a sleeping dragon occasionally turning over.
Below the projection, Hoshino was organizing the files in his hands.
As the head of the Scientific Research Department of the Reform Society, he changed into a formal dark blue uniform today, with a diamond-shaped badge on his left breast symbolizing the high-ranking members of the Shinobi Alliance.
" Hoshino, the last piece of data has been verified." An Anbu handed over an electronic report.
Hoshino nodded, his gaze sweeping across the council chamber, which was gradually filling up.
Representatives from the Five Great Shinobi Villages, heads of the Scientific Research Department, and military commanders took their seats one after another, the air filled with a faint scent of ink and the unique aroma of paper and plants.
"Looks like everyone's here."
He muttered to himself, noticing that Raikage A was sitting in the most conspicuous position, his bronze muscles bulging between the seams of his uniform, like a meticulously crafted bronze statue.
Tsunade was flipping through the files, her eyes quickly scanning the information on the paper.
"Gentlemen."
Hoshino stood up, his voice echoing in the council chamber.
"In accordance with Resolution No. 37 jointly signed by the Five Kage last month, today we will mainly discuss the specific implementation plan for the 'National War Preparedness Plan'."
The holographic projection switched on and off, displaying a complex framework diagram of the plan, with hundreds of fine lines interwoven into a network, and each node marked with densely packed small characters.
"According to the Strategic Department's calculations," Hoshino continued, "If we rely solely on the regular army for cross-dimensional warfare, it would consume the equivalent of half a year's reserves of three large ninja villages every month."
He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
"Therefore, the higher-ups proposed opening up the other world to civilian forces, allowing them to plunder resources under supervision, and requiring them to hand over 20% of the profits."
As soon as he finished speaking, a low murmur of discussion arose in the council chamber.
Hoshino noticed that several representatives from the small ninja village were exchanging glances, their faces showing concern.
"Isn't this too risky?" a ninja from Amegakure couldn't help but ask. "Civilian forces lack unified command. If they cause conflict in another world, the consequences would be unimaginable."
"Furthermore, how can we ensure that the 20% they hand over is genuine profit?" the captain of the Iwagakure Explosion Corps added. "The black market will definitely take advantage of any loopholes."
Hoshino nodded slightly; these questions were all expected. Just as he was about to respond, Tsunade stood up.
"Everyone, let's first weigh the pros and cons."
"The benefits of opening up to civilian forces are obvious: we can significantly reduce the logistical burden on the regular army while accelerating resource acquisition."
"But what are the downsides?" Raikage A scoffed. "If civilian ninjas secretly hoard resources, or even collude with hostile forces, who will be held responsible?"
Hoshino noticed that Temari was walking towards the Sunagakure's seats, her fingertips tracing the tabletop.
On the cold obsidian tabletop, intricately engraved with the Sunagakure emblem, she slowly sat down, a thick file with a gold-embossed cover placed before her.
Morning light streamed through the stained-glass skylight at the top of the council chamber, casting dappled shadows on the black marble floor.
The Dragon Vein projection, suspended in mid-air, trembled slightly, and tiny specks of light occasionally sputtered from the deep purple energy flow.
"We can set up a dedicated registration system."
Temari's voice echoed in the council chamber, Hoshino noticed that she deliberately slowed down her speech, as if she was carefully choosing her words.
As soon as Kabuto Yakushi Temari up his round-framed glasses and opened a silver-white metal box, inside which was a palm-sized crystal device.
It refracts a rainbow of colors under the lights, dazzlingly beautiful, yet also harboring hidden dangers.
"With Shion Shion's cooperation, the new Chakra analyzer has completed testing and can accurately detect residual otherworldly energy within ninjas."
"Unless the other party is willing to never bring the item back to Shinobi World No. 1, it can be detected."
Although he hadn't been to the Scientific Research Department in a long time, Hoshino still knew about this device. If the effect was as Kabuto Yakushi described, then the regulatory issues could indeed be largely resolved.
"Then let's consider this issue resolved!"
Hoshino continued, "Once the Dragon Vein passages stabilize, the initial plan is to open three passages each week, with a maximum of twenty civilian teams allowed into each passage. Whether to open all passages will depend on the situation."
"What are the entry criteria for grassroots organizations?" Ōnoki asked.
Tsunade pushed the report across the table.
"The number of team members must not exceed fifty, and all members must be certified as Chunin or above, with an Elite Jonin the team."
"That's quite a high bar!" someone remarked.
"Actually, it's not that high! As everyone knows, the paths to becoming stronger are vastly different now than they used to be."
Hoshino tapped his finger lightly on the holographic projection, and three clear evolutionary paths unfolded before everyone.
The first path is the traditional ninja route.
He relied entirely on his own training, progressing step by step from Chakra refinement to Ninjutsu development.
This is the most difficult path, requiring talent, perseverance, and time, but it also offers the highest potential.
The second type is the pure cybernetic engineer.
Power can be directly obtained through mechanical enhancement; with sufficient funds, it is even possible to create a Kage Level combat force in a short period of time.
The cost is that the upper limit is closely related to the current level of technology, and it will be tightly controlled by the highest authority of the Shinobi Alliance, leaving no chance for resistance.
Article 3: Cybernetic ninjas, combining both.
It retains its own Chakra circuits while strengthening its weaknesses through partial mechanical modifications.
This path is conventional; while it doesn't have the same potential as a pure ninja, it's also less effective than a pure cybernetic body.
Hoshino's gaze swept over everyone present. "The requirement of Elite Jonin the team is already the minimum standard."
Tsunade frowned and said, "But such ' Kage Level ' ratings are too inflated. Even with combat modules to assist them, they might not be able to handle high-intensity combat."
"Indeed!" Hoshino nodded, "But quantity can make up for a lack of quality."
He pulled up another report.
"Based on the situation at the front, the number of enemies from the other world is enormous. In addition to the intelligent puppet army dealing with the main battlefield, we also need a large number of self-defense-capable units to command in fragmented battles."
Temari for a moment. "So, cyborg ninjas and cyborgs are the optimal solution?"
"Currently, yes," Hoshino explained. "It's difficult for either of them to reach the Super Kage Level, but reaching the Elite Jonin or even Kage Level is quite easy."
As soon as he finished speaking, the murmurs in the council chamber gradually subsided.
All eyes were focused on the holographic projection, where three evolutionary paths shimmered with different lights.
The deep blue of traditional ninjas, the silver-gray of cybernetic ninjas, and the purple-gold of cybernetic ninjas symbolize three possible futures for the Shinobi World.
Raikage A crossed his arms, his muscles tense, and said in a deep voice, "How can we guarantee the loyalty of civilian forces? What if they are turned against us by forces from another world and turn against the Shinobi Alliance?"
The Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses, the lenses reflecting a cold light.
" Lord Raikage, we have already implanted a tracking technique into the ' Dragon Vein Pass.' Once an abnormal Chakra fluctuation is detected, the system will immediately lock onto the target and initiate a forced recall process."
"Recall them?" Ōnoki scoffed. "What if they cut off communication directly in the other world?"
"They don't have that ability!" Kabuto Yakushi sneered, his tone full of confidence.
Upon hearing this, the council chamber fell silent instantly. Everyone acknowledged the strength of the Shinobi Alliance's Scientific Research Department.
"Any more questions? If not, let's vote."
Hoshino looked around and, seeing that no one else raised any objections, nodded slightly and raised his hand to bring up the voting interface on the holographic projection.
"Now, let's proceed to the final vote. Those who support allowing civilian forces to enter the other world and implementing the aforementioned regulatory measures, please raise your hands."
Tsunade was the first to raise her hand, her golden hair gleaming in the morning light. " Konoha's support."
Temari closely behind. " Sunagakure agrees."
Ōnoki hovered in mid-air, pondered for a moment, and then slowly raised his hand. " Iwagakure has no objections."
Raikage A frowned, but finally let out a cold snort and suddenly raised his thick arm.
" Kumogakure agrees, but if any unforeseen circumstances arise, the Reform Society will bear the responsibility, since you were the ones who proposed this!"
Hoshino nodded and said, "That's natural."
" The Sound Ninja agrees too!"
" Rain Ninja agrees!"
" Waterfall Ninja agrees!"
" Star Ninja..."
"..."
Finally, everyone's eyes fell on Mei Terumi in the corner.
The Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure had not spoken since the start of the meeting. At this moment, she was gently tapping the table with her slender fingers, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
" Kirigakure... agrees as well."
"Passed unanimously."
Hoshino announced that the voting results on the projection screen lit up instantly, with five dazzling beams of light intertwining with countless faint beams of light, symbolizing the consensus of all ninja villages in the Shinobi World.
With the general direction determined, the meeting moved into the discussion phase of specific details.
The Kabuto Yakushi forward, swiped his finger across the projector, and pulled up a detailed execution plan.
"Based on Shion Shion's suggestion, the stability test of the Dragon Vein Passage will be completed in one day. At that time, the first batch of passes will be prioritized for distribution to civilian organizations recommended by the Five Great Shinobi Villages to ensure that the initial operation is under control."
Tsunade added, " Konoha will send Anbu to infiltrate civilian teams as 'observers,' and report back to headquarters regularly."
Raikage A scoffed, " The Land of Lightning's squads don't need supervision from others; our own people will take care of it."
Hoshino didn't refute, but simply nodded calmly. "As long as it complies with the regulations, the Shinobi Alliance respects the autonomy of each village."
At this moment, Ōnoki suddenly spoke up, "Regarding the 20% of profits handed over, how exactly should they be distributed?"
The projected image switched again, displaying the resource allocation plan:
Fifty percent will be reserved as strategic reserves for the Shinobi Alliance, used for the overall scheduling of interdimensional warfare; twenty-five percent will be allocated to the Five Great Shinobi Villages according to their contribution ratio; and twenty-five percent will be invested in the Scientific Research Department for further research and development of Dragon Vein technology and puppet troops.
"That's fair." Mei Terumi smiled slightly. " Kirigakure has no objections."
Just as the meeting was about to end, a barely perceptible smile appeared on Kabuto Yakushi's lips.
His gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Hoshino.
"Lord Hoshino!" He adjusted his glasses, his tone respectful yet tinged with a hint of probing, "Regarding further research on the energy of the Dragon Vein, I have a suggestion..."
Hoshino narrowed his eyes slightly. "Speak."
Kabuto Yakushi's voice was low, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
"If we could combine Dragon Vein energy with prosthetic technology, we might be able to create even more powerful ' Dragon Vein Warrior,' or even... break through the limitations of the Kage Level."
The council chamber fell silent instantly.
Tsunade frowned. "This sounds like an even more extreme form of human experimentation than cybernetic augmentation."
Kabuto Yakushi calmly explained, "That's an exaggeration. I was just suggesting a possibility, and besides..."
He paused, then continued, "If the enemy has already mastered similar technology, we may find ourselves in a passive position in the future if we don't follow suit."
Hoshino remained silent for a moment, then finally shook his head. "Let's put this topic on hold for now. The stability of the Dragon Vein's energy is not yet fully understood, and conducting human experiments rashly is too risky."
Kabuto Yakushi slightly. "Yes, I understand."
But a dark glint flashed in his eyes, as if he had already foreseen this outcome.
With the final item settled.
Hoshino stood up and announced, "The nationwide war preparation plan is Hyuga the entire Shinobi World!"
"One month from now, the first batch of civilian teams will enter the other world through the Dragon Vein Passage. Please prepare accordingly during this time."
Everyone stood up, preparing to leave.
Temari walked to Hoshino's side and whispered, "Are you really comfortable letting Kabuto Yakushi be in charge of monitoring the Dragon Vein?"
Hoshino's gaze drifted into the distance, his voice calm yet carrying a deeper meaning. "It's alright! Kabuto Yakushi's words represent Orochimaru's will, and Orochimaru isn't stupid; he won't cause trouble at this crucial moment."
Temari paused for a moment, then understood.
The two walked out of the council hall side by side, the morning light shining on their shoulders, illuminating the outline of the future of the Shinobi World.
Kabuto Yakushi was the last to leave the council chamber.
He pushed up his glasses, the smile on his lips gradually fading, replaced by a cold stern expression.
Upon arriving at the underground laboratory of the Scientific Research Department, the door slid open silently.
"Dou, how did the meeting go?"
Orochimaru was standing in front of a complex instrument when he casually asked a question.
Kabuto Yakushi bowed slightly. "The plan has been approved, but Lord Hoshino rejected the ' Dragon Vein Warrior ' proposal."
"As expected. Hoshino is always so cautious."
"However..." Kabuto Yakushi raised his head, his gaze sharp behind his glasses, "Do we really have to follow the Shinobi Alliance's rules?"
Orochimaru did not answer directly, but turned and walked deeper into the laboratory.
There, a huge incubation chamber stood silently, with a body that had been modified to the extreme suspended inside.
Muscles and machinery are perfectly integrated, and purple patterns of Dragon Vein energy faintly emerge on the panel.
"Science... has never needed to be bound by rules." Orochimaru's voice was seductive. " Hoshino's veto is merely a temporary obstacle."
Kabuto Yakushi's lips curled into a smile again, "Yes, Lord Orochimaru."