Chapter 18: The More You Know, the More You Realize the Gap Between the Ninja World and the Empire

Chapter 18: The More You Know, the More You Realize the Gap Between the Ninja World and the Empire

"The Emperor's words?"

Hiashi Hyuga furrowed his brows, perplexed.

"I'll give you time to catch up, until you're so far behind you can't even see me! The Emperor's strength is unmatched, and he fears no challenger!

Compared to the Emperor, everyone else is but a mere speck of dust.

He is invincible! Have you all forgotten this?"

Uchiha Sasuke of the Empire spoke with a grave expression.

His words struck a chord with everyone present.

"Indeed! The Emperor's martial arts prowess is unparalleled, and he has no equal. Why should he fear the meager ninja world of another dimension?

The entire martial arts world was founded by the Emperor himself!"

"In the Emperor's eyes, the ninja world is but an anthill, insignificant and not worth his concern."

"The Emperor is a god, seated upon a heavenly throne!"

The group of people simultaneously began to flatter the Emperor.

Senju Tianren's eyelids twitched at their excessive bootlicking, especially when they quoted his classic lines that he had once used to boast...

They all felt like embarrassing moments he wanted to forget!

These guys...

"We're being underestimated," Yamato muttered with a bitter smile as he observed the Empire's followers.

"Damn them!" Naruto Uzumaki grumbled, irritated.

He wanted to refute their claims, but he didn't know where to begin.

After all, the four of them had been easily defeated.

The gap between their strengths was obvious to the naked eye.

"Regardless, if they're willing to teach us, let's learn what we can," Sai remarked, his tone much calmer than the others.

Sakura Haruno simply sighed.

Soon after, the group of four followed their hosts, Mizukage and Kushina, away from the gathering.

As he watched them leave, Senju Tianren turned to the centipede, Ankang:

"Ankang, go with Orochimaru to Loulan to research the possibility of reverse traversal through the Dragon Vein."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," they replied in unison, bowing respectfully.

In a modest apartment,

In the living room, beside the dining table.

Naruto Uzumaki caressed his full stomach with a satisfied smile, "The dishes that Xiao Long prepared were truly delicious. That Mapo Tofu was soft, tender, and bursting with flavor. I've never tasted anything like it!"

As Naruto spoke, his eyes kept glancing at the black-haired girl standing beside him, dressed in a maid outfit.

She had just served him a delightful lunch.

There were ten dishes in total, each one a masterpiece in appearance, aroma, and taste—far surpassing the delights of Ichiraku Ramen!

It felt like he had dined in a culinary paradise.

Beside him, Sakura covered her face with her hands, her eyes sparkling with delight, "The Mapo Tofu was amazing, but the best dish for me was the Sour Fish. The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth. Oh my! I've never tasted fish this good in my life!"

"Thank you for your kind words, guests. It's my duty to serve you well," the black-haired girl replied with a gentle smile.

"These delicious dishes were actually invented by His Majesty.

He said that while a strong person strives to enhance their strength, they should also learn to enjoy the finer things in life.

And what better enjoyment is there than delicious food?

It is the greatest source of happiness.

Thus, the Empire places great importance on cuisine, and many dedicate themselves to its art.

We have developed several culinary traditions and countless dishes.

Today's meal was just a small taste of what we have to offer."

Mizukage spoke proudly, impressing Naruto and Sakura.

"The Empire is truly remarkable! But... Uncle Mizukage, please let Xiao Long return.

As a ninja, I'm used to living independently.

I want to experience the everyday life of the Empire's commoners.

Having a servant feels like something only the elite would enjoy."

Naruto Uzumaki's expression turned serious as he said, "Indeed, if there's an idler in my room as well, please ask her to leave, Jiraiya. We're just ordinary ninjas and don't deserve to be served by servants."

Yamato nodded in agreement. "Yes, and if there's anything we can do for ourselves, we will. We don't want to be a burden."

"Huh? You guys are talking about services that only important people can enjoy? No, no, no... I think there may be some misunderstanding here," Empire Jiraiya shook his head with a smile. "Little Long is an Artificial Intelligence Mechanical Puppet, a type of household mechanical puppet that any citizen of the Empire can purchase."

"Artificial Intelligence Mechanical Puppet? What's that? I know about puppets... those used for combat by Sunagakure. But a mechanical puppet should be a machine-made puppet, right? Artificial intelligence? Hmm... I recall Kankuro mentioning something about an invisible summoning beast. But what does it mean when you put all these together?" Naruto scratched his head in confusion.

"An invisible summoning beast? That's a simple and understandable explanation," Empire Jiraiya said. "To be precise, an Artificial Intelligence Mechanical Puppet is a type of man-made puppet. However, unlike regular puppets, they possess human-like intelligence and can communicate with people, carrying out their master's commands. Little Long is a household mechanical puppet, so she can cook, do laundry, clean, and so on. Most ordinary people in the Empire own one; it's not just a luxury for the privileged."

"Ah?" The Team Jiraiya exclaimed in surprise.

"It's not a person? It's a puppet with human-like intelligence? Ordinary people in the Empire can own them? They can cook, do laundry, and clean? How is that possible?" Sakura exclaimed, her face full of disbelief. "Uncle Jiraiya, are you pulling our legs?"

Naruto's eyes widened as he stared at the black-haired girl, his face reddening, and his breath quickening.

Sakura, standing next to him, glared and clenched her fists.

But the next moment, Little Long's actions surprised them even more. She lifted her shirt, revealing her white belly, and then slowly peeled back her skin to show the intricate circuit boards and wires underneath.

"This! This is!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.

The other three Team Jiraiya members echoed his astonishment.

"This is one of the proofs," Empire Jiraiya smiled. "Little Long's body is made up of circuit boards, wires, steel, silicone, and other components."

"There's more," Empire Kushina added. "Little Long, show them the other proofs."

"Yes," Little Long said, and then she hugged her own head and slowly twisted it, eventually detaching it and holding it in her hands. Her neck was smooth and seamless.

"Her head! It came off! She's definitely not human!" Naruto shouted.

"Incredible... She looks exactly like a person, but she's a puppet... just like Sasori's puppet," Sakura whispered, her eyes filled with awe. She couldn't help but recall the battle with Sasori.

"Haha, Sasori indeed played a significant role in developing these puppets! He's a mechanical genius praised by His Majesty himself, and he's also the youngest dual Ph.D. in mechanics and intelligence studies in our Shenwu Empire," Empire Jiraiya explained.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end