Thanks to the relentless efforts of the researchers at the Akasha Research Institute, the second-generation product—Eighteen Arhats Formation—was soon developed. This time, it was truly formidable. Eighteen alloy puppets, each wielding different weapons, formed a robust defensive formation. Some engaged in close combat, others hurled kunai and shuriken from a distance, while some unleashed Fire Release techniques or high-pressure water jets.
Moreover, these eighteen puppets were controlled remotely by a single individual. Theoretically, as long as the puppeteer had sufficient chakra, the puppets could fight continuously. Jinghang even conducted an experiment, instructing an elite squad of regular troops to use shadow clones in an attempt to break through the formation controlled by Sasori. The result? The shadow clone squad was mercilessly obliterated, dissipating into white smoke under the relentless assault of the puppets.
This puppet formation had another advantage: it didn't require a professional puppeteer to operate. Although the movements weren't as precise, it met Jinghang's expectations. Ordinary invaders would find it impossible to breach the formation, and even intruders of Akatsuki's caliber could be delayed, buying time for the village's troops to respond.
Puppet-Based Defense System
Thus, a brand-new puppet-based defense system was born. Upon detection of an external invasion by Sunagakure's sensory team, the invasion alarm would be triggered. Forty on-duty personnel of the Bronze Formation would activate the corresponding regional defense system. Each person controlled eighteen puppets, totaling 720 units! Within five minutes, a battalion of standby personnel would activate the entire defense system. Meanwhile, the stationed troops would mobilize, and civilians would begin evacuating to underground shelters. Within twenty minutes, an effective counterattack could be launched. Jinghang conducted several drills within the village, and the defensive results were highly satisfactory.
Furthermore, this system wasn't just ground-based but three-dimensional. Jinghang emphasized the importance of aerial defense, a challenge easily tackled by the genius puppeteer, Sasori of the Red Sand. He swiftly developed a batch of flying combat puppets equipped with propellers. Their combat mode was straightforward: a kamikaze-style suicide attack. Once they made contact, they would trigger internal explosions fueled by a large number of explosive tags. Even when facing airborne ninjas like Deidara in the future, Sunagakure would stand their ground. (Let's see who can outblast whom.) Never again would there be a situation where Gaara had to fight alone. This was the essence of leveraging technology in warfare.
Sasori was a designer who loved to draw analogies. If he could design large-scale combat puppets, then he could certainly create large-scale agricultural and industrial puppets. After all, mechanical actions like farming and "tightening screws" were far simpler than combat. Thus, the agricultural puppet—Uga no Mitama—and the industrial puppet—Yanagiri Sōfu—came into existence.
These innovations significantly boosted the efficiency of Moon Lake New District and Hourglass Group, freeing up more manpower. They also piqued the interest of other ninja villages, leading to a surge in puppet orders for the Akasha Research Institute. This prompted the Hourglass Group to establish a dedicated puppet manufacturing company. The two entities joined forces, and their products were distributed through Hourglass Group's major outlets, raking in profits.
The Threat of Madara and Black Zetsu
With their own defenses fortified, the next focus was on Madara and Black Zetsu, the underground forces that were the root of all wars. Jinghang, now stronger than before, saw Madara growing older. If Sunagakure's strength were concentrated, there might be a chance to eliminate these threats once and for all.
However, ever since Jinghang's meeting with Madara, the Mountain Tomb had been deserted. These individuals had gone completely underground. Even with Sunagakure's intelligence division's efforts, no trace of them could be found.
Just when Jinghang was troubled by the disappearance of these "time bombs," Orochimaru's arrival brought news of Black Zetsu.
Orochimaru's News
"You're saying this person is half-black, half-white, with two large leaves on his shoulders, and speaks in two tones?"
Jinghang was surprised. Based on Orochimaru's description, it was undoubtedly Zetsu. By now, White Zetsu had become the deputy director of Silver Sand Pharmaceuticals, and the white part was clearly a new White Zetsu. After all, there were plenty of them in the Gedo Statue.
"Hehe, so I was right. You do know him," Orochimaru said with a smile, taking a sip of tea.
Know him? That's an understatement! By seniority, Black Zetsu was practically Jinghang's sworn elder brother.
The Deal
"What deal did you make with him?" Jinghang speculated that Black Zetsu wouldn't have sought out Orochimaru without a reason.
"Indeed, it was a mutually beneficial deal—a piece of information in exchange for a technique," Orochimaru replied calmly.
Information for a technique? Jinghang's mind raced, quickly piecing everything together.
"You've been flipping through Konoha's Scroll of Seals!"
"Correct."
"What technique did you exchange for? Don't tell me it's Edo Tensei!"
Now it was Orochimaru's turn to be surprised.
"You even know about that technique? It seems Sunagakure's intelligence division is quite formidable!"
This has nothing to do with the intelligence division. The Edo Tensei, created by the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama specifically to target the Uchiha clan, was a notorious jutsu that almost ran through the entire Naruto series. Jinghang knew every detail about its casting conditions and hand seals. If not for the ethical issues surrounding grave-robbing, Jinghang would've raised an immortal army to flatten Iwagakure during the Second Shinobi World War.
Hashirama's Cells
"What did he trade with you?"
Jinghang asked.
"A complete set of data on the First Hokage Hashirama's cells, along with a small sample—fresh, too," Orochimaru said with a smile.
Worth it! Absolutely worth it! Orochimaru knew how to strike a deal. Original Hashirama cells were leagues above the spore-like junk of White Zetsu cells. They represented the strongest vitality in nearly a century. The only remaining samples in the world were the piece Madara bit off during the Valley of the End battle and its cultivated derivatives. It was an invaluable treasure.
"I've studied it. The sample he gave me shares almost the same characteristics as the spore samples you provided and Nawaki's cells, but its vitality and energy are incomparable," Orochimaru said, his eyes gleaming.
A Request for Advice
"So, what's your purpose in coming to me? Surely it's not just to boast about your great deal?" Jinghang asked calmly, sipping his tea.
"I've been cultivating this sample and attempting to graft it onto other life forms, but without exception, all attempts have failed," Orochimaru admitted, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
"Did they all turn into trees?" Jinghang smirked.
Orochimaru looked up in surprise.
"You knew!"
Of course! What did you expect? Who could withstand it? Even someone as strong as Danzo almost turned into a tree. Only Yamato, that lucky fool, survived, albeit as a watered-down version of Wood Release. Wait, did Orochimaru say "other life forms"? So, you've already started experimenting on people, haven't you?
"Can you give me some advice?" Orochimaru's eyes were filled with eagerness. It seemed the once-promising young talent of Konoha had become hopelessly immersed in the ocean of science. Having hit a bottleneck in his research, he came to Jinghang for inspiration. After all, Sunagakure was now a leader in life sciences. The underground lab of the medical department had left a lasting impression on Orochimaru. Who else could he turn to?
As for advice, that wouldn't come cheap. Orochimaru still owed a favor from last time!
Jinghang took a sip of tea and slowly asked, "How much of the sample did Zetsu give you?"
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. This was the prelude to a transaction.
"Five grams in total. I'll split half with you!"
Damn, Zetsu was stingy. Five grams? That's not even enough for stir-fried pork. Still, a little was better than nothing. It could always be cultivated in a petri dish.
Jinghang nodded in satisfaction. "This matter starts with the Sage of Six Paths. You see, the Sage had two sons, one named Asura and the other Indra…"
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