https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-133-Killing-and-Pillaging-for-a-Golden-Sash-/12832190/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-135-The-Treasure-Boy-White-Zetsu-/12832192/
Chapter 134: Crafting a Wooden Ox!
Chapter 134: Crafting a Wooden Ox!
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The Land of Rivers!
A small country located south of the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire.
Due to the ongoing war between the two major shinobi villages, this already resource-dependent country has become a living hell.
The Starting Point Orphanage was established in this small country.
The location was chosen by Hyuga Aotsuki, a vast but desolate coastal area with no significant resources.
If it were a fertile or resource-rich land, it would have been claimed long ago.
Jiangxin Island!
This is the name of the island, which spans several dozen square kilometers.
The island has only a few rudimentary wooden huts.
Today.
A caravan of several dozen wagons arrived at this island.
A closer look reveals that the wheels of these wagons are deeply embedded in the ground, indicating they are fully loaded with goods. The streaks of blood on the wagons also show the hardships they have faced along the way.
They have fought their way here!
The allure of their caravan has driven the bandits and refugees along the route to attack them with reckless abandon.
Even knowing they would die, they still came at them in waves.
Yes, this is the hellish shinobi world, and it is also the reason why Douhei, despite not being attached to Konoha, does not want to leave.
Just like before he crossed over, who would want to return to a village without electricity, internet, or even a proper meal after enjoying the prosperity of a big city?
So, unless absolutely necessary, he doesn't want to leave Konoha.
"Finally, we're here!"
Honda Katsu looked at the wooden huts in front of him and let out a sigh of relief.
He didn't understand why Douhei chose to establish the orphanage in such a desolate place, but it didn't affect his cooperation.
Money and effort, he was willing to contribute both.
There was no choice, as Douhei had given him too much.
Their previous collaboration had led to the rapid expansion of the Honda Trading Company.
Most importantly, they now had a reliable channel for hiring shinobi.
Being able to hire shinobi consistently made their trade routes almost safe, as long as they didn't encounter Sand shinobi. Additionally, their status as suppliers to the shinobi army allowed them to gain a significant portion of the profits.
With so many benefits, it's no wonder he followed Douhei's orders without question.
The supplies for this trip were all purchased with his own funds.
"Quick, unload the wagons!"
Several managers from the trading company quickly directed the caravan members to unload the goods.
Douhei also emerged from one of the wagons.
He hadn't been idle on the journey, constantly studying puppetry techniques.
Even though it was just introductory knowledge, the potential was vast.
He had now grasped some basic puppetry techniques.
At the very least, he could create simple, mobile puppets without any issues.
In the Sand Village, this would be the level of a genin specializing in puppetry.
However, his requirements weren't high; this level of puppetry was sufficient for his needs.
"Douhei-san!"
Hyuga Aotsuki, who had arrived earlier, approached with a timid figure by her side.
It was Renren!
Compared to her previous emaciated state, she looked much better now, her beauty evident.
"Let's go!"
Douhei smiled at Renren, who was secretly sizing him up, before gesturing for Hyuga Aotsuki to lead the way.
Yamashita Koji stayed behind to oversee the work.
Under Hyuga Aotsuki's guidance, Douhei entered the place he had only visited once before (when he brought Renren).
But now, it should be called the Starting Point Orphanage.
This time, the Honda Trading Company had brought some craftsmen who would construct more buildings here.
Of course, these were the surface-level structures.
The true laboratory would not be entrusted to them.
Creak!
Opening the wooden door, they descended through a sloping tunnel into the underground.
A vast underground space.
This area not only had a well-equipped operating room and library but also a cultivation room where numerous plants were growing.
Renren hadn't been idle during her stay here.
Tending to these plants was her job.
The space was so large because it was originally an underground cavern.
Otherwise, even with ninjutsu, it would have been impossible to create such a large underground laboratory so quickly.
Though small, it has everything!
This vast underground cavern would become an extremely important base for Douhei.
"Good job, you've worked hard during this time."
Douhei praised Hyuga Aotsuki, who stood beside him with a meek expression, clearly hoping for a compliment.
Despite her Kage-level strength, she had been willing to work quietly for him without a single complaint. It would have been a disservice not to praise her for her efforts.
"Whatever your command, I am willing to do it, Jiro!"
Hyuga Aozuki's words dripped with servility.
Yes, at some point, she had transformed into someone who lived solely for Jiro, as if she had become his shape.
Hmm, much like Orochimaru and his subordinates in the future.
But Jiro, after much thought, couldn't recall ever using any manipulative tactics on her.
It seemed that self-conquest was the most lethal of all.
"Alright, I'll note that down for a reward later!"
Jiro decided to prepare a gift for her someday.
After inspecting the dramatically transformed underground space, he was extremely satisfied.
From now on, the ground level would be the Orphanage of Beginnings, and the underground would be his laboratory.
This time, Jiro had another purpose for his visit.
Heal potions!
He needed to prepare a batch urgently.
Injuries!
There were quite a few at Mount Kikyo.
Earlier, he had detained the remnants of a force, which included many injured. If he didn't resolve this quickly, they would have to be sent back to the village for treatment.
Of course, during this time, he had also managed to create his first 'puppet.'
It resembled a plow ox (roughly, but with an opening on top where someone could stand and pedal).
However, it was entirely made of wood!
Steel was a luxury in the shinobi world.
But after being enhanced with puppet techniques, its materials and overall performance were vastly improved.
Puppet techniques!
Jiro didn't need advanced manipulation skills. He just needed to use chakra to enhance the material properties and boost overall performance.
This was truly a 'godlike skill.'
Mechanical principles + puppet technique enhancement!
It could amplify a person's strength by tenfold or more.
And that was without a power core. With a core, it would be even more powerful.
With this hand-crafted 'wood ox,' Jiro could kick off the first phase of his United Fruit Company plan.
Farming!
The severely lagging productivity in the shinobi world was something he couldn't stand.
So, the first core product of the United Fruit Company would be this invention.
Manufacturing it required puppet technique knowledge and chakra, but using it required neither, and it was extremely durable.
After creating the product, Jiro immediately called Honda Katsu and the company managers to test it.
On a vacant lot on Riverheart Island.
A wooden ox pulled a plow about a meter wide, moving slowly forward, with two people continuously pedaling on its back.
No chakra, just human power!
This left Honda Katsu and the managers staring in disbelief.
If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they wouldn't have believed that two people could be more efficient than several oxen.
"How about it?"
Jiro asked proudly.
Creating this thing wasn't technically difficult; a skilled puppeteer could 'craft' it.
The key was creativity!
Who would think to use puppet techniques to create something with no combat value?
"Very impressive!"
Honda Katsu was quick to praise.
As a businessman, he immediately recognized the value of this invention.
It was far more efficient than oxen, which only the nobility and warrior families could afford.
And this thing didn't need feeding, wouldn't get sick, didn't need rest, and so on.
The human labor required... the shinobi world had plenty of that.
However, there was one crucial question to address.
"Can these puppets be mass-produced, and what would the cost be?"
Honda Katsu was concerned.
If they could only produce a few at a high price, it would be pointless.
"I'll break down the design into multiple parts, and you can place orders with the Sand shinobi for them to manufacture. They can be mass-produced, and the cost won't exceed 500,000 ryo per unit!"
Jiro had considered these factors while crafting the wood ox.
Even a beginner puppeteer like himself could craft it, let alone a specialist. With basic skills, it would take at most one or two months to create all the parts for a wood ox.
And crafting a single part would be even faster.
Think of it as assembly line manufacturing!
"Excellent!"
Honda Katsu couldn't contain his excitement.
With these 'wood oxen,' vast tracts of uncultivated land could be farmed, representing countless opportunities for profit.
After settling these matters, Jiro prepared to return to Mount Kikyo.
He had no choice; they had been pestering him endlessly, almost to the point of coming to drag him back.
(End of Chapter)
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