"Your technology will revolutionize the entire ninja world!" As one of the top-tier ninja, Tsunade immediately grasped the immense value of Aoba's research.
But Aoba's response left her stunned.
"It won't—because I won't be sharing this technology with the outside world. Specifically, I won't allow it to be used by others."
Tsunade had always opposed experiments involving Hashirama's cells, primarily because such experiments consumed countless human lives.
If her grandfather's cells could be used to benefit ninja without harming innocents, she might reluctantly accept it. What she didn't anticipate was Aoba's completely novel approach. Instead of experimenting directly on humans, he had developed an independent biological weapon.
To Tsunade, these chakra bio-vests were undoubtedly weapons—immensely dangerous biological weapons.
An item that could amplify a regular ninja's chakra reserves dozens of times wasn't just a tool; it was a weapon of mass destruction.
Consider this: most chunin could perform at least one or two elemental ninjutsu. Typically, their chakra reserves would allow them to cast a technique like the Great Fireball Jutsu two or three times at most.
But with these bio-vests? They could fire fifty or sixty times—essentially turning into walking artillery.
In large-scale warfare, this would mean no need for direct confrontation. Hundreds of chunin could stand at a distance, bombarding enemy forces with coordinated Great Fireball Jutsu. Even elite jonin wouldn't escape unscathed.
In the hands of a jonin, the potential became even more terrifying. Every jonin had at least one chakra nature transformation technique or a signature move, like Kakashi's Chidori, Hayate's Crescent Moon Dance, or Kurenai's genjutsu.
Imagine Kakashi performing Chidori as a standard attack. His combat capabilities would skyrocket exponentially.
And for ninja capable of casting large-scale elemental jutsu, the impact would be catastrophic. A team of jonin launching Great Waterfall Jutsu in tandem could obliterate entire enemy formations.
Even if Aoba claimed the success rate wasn't high, Konoha had the resources to deploy this technology effectively.
But Aoba's firm stance against sharing the technology baffled Tsunade.
After all, the technology wasn't a secret technique or some unique methodology—it was based on her grandfather's cells. By inheritance, Konoha, or more specifically Tsunade, had at least partial rights to it.
Aoba's refusal to share didn't align with Tsunade's understanding of his character. After all, he had taken on a civilian-born disciple, Haruno Sakura, and entrusted her with access to classified experimental products. He didn't seem like someone overly possessive.
"Can you tell me why?" she asked.
"The reason is both simple and complicated," Aoba replied cryptically. Now wasn't the time to elaborate. It was too early; he hadn't accumulated enough resources or power yet.
Not to mention the more distant, interstellar threats. Even the immediate dangers within the world remained daunting.
Tsunade was a crucial part of Aoba's plans. After a moment of thought, he added:
"The reason is that the time isn't right. When the moment comes, I will release a more refined version of this technology—to shatter certain systems."
Looking at the entire Naruto universe, setting aside the political infighting and character redemptions, the biggest flaw was its blatant emphasis on bloodline superiority. This theme was inescapable and one of Aoba's biggest grievances in his previous life.
Naruto and Sasuke's initial character arcs were perfect—two boys with vastly different fates yet similar struggles, connected by their bond.
It was classic shonen storytelling.
But later? They turned out to be reincarnations of the Sage of Six Paths' sons. They didn't save the world through effort; they were destined to do so.
In fact, without the Sage of Six Paths personally intervening, they couldn't have accomplished their so-called "mission."
This revelation shattered the story's foundation. Worse, it introduced chilling implications: the entire process of Ashura and Indra's reincarnations seemed orchestrated by the Sage of Six Paths.
Aoba stopped his train of thought—it wasn't the time for such musings. He had more immediate, worldly matters to address.
Tsunade, who had been listening intently, now regarded him with an expression of amazement and disbelief. Clearly, she had gleaned something from his words.
After a long silence, Tsunade finally spoke.
"I understand. I don't know where you get your confidence, but I find myself looking forward to that day."
After Tsunade left, Aoba turned to face Haruno Sakura.
"Alright, Sakura. I didn't hide any part of the conversation just now. What are your thoughts?"
Sakura looked utterly bewildered. "I… I didn't understand any of it," she admitted.
But her respect for her teacher remained unshaken. As her studies deepened, she had become increasingly aware of the profound and invaluable knowledge he was imparting to her.
She knew these were opportunities her previous self could never have dreamed of accessing.
Aoba, despite his countless mysteries, was undeniably a formidable teacher. He possessed unmatched strength, unparalleled scientific prowess, and knowledge of seemingly everything.
Even the woman by his side—although unofficially recognized—was clearly exceptional. Sakura understood their relationship and suspected the woman's strength far exceeded what anyone could imagine. Yet, she wasn't even registered as a ninja in Konoha.
Now, standing in Aoba's laboratory, Sakura felt even more overwhelmed. She was being drawn deeper into these secrets, it was a dreamlike opportunity.
In truth, ever since becoming Aoba's disciple, Sakura's inner scholar had fully awakened. Every day, she was immersed in the joy of learning.
It wasn't hyperbole; it was fact.
Most people don't enjoy learning because progress is slow. You expend effort but see little reward.
But if you could master new knowledge quickly, gain expertise with just a bit of effort, and feel yourself improving every moment, you too would find joy in learning.
The problem is, how many can achieve this?
Aoba, with his two lifetimes of experience, an above-average intellect, and foreknowledge of events, could barely maintain this façade. Sakura lacked these advantages, so her only option was to work even harder.
"Aoba-sensei, I'm willing to follow your guidance," she said resolutely.
"Good. Starting today, your workload will increase," Aoba replied with a faint smile.
Sakura: "…"
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Currently on Chapter 160 - Uncovering His Mangekyō Sharingan