Chapter 227: Chapter 227
Soon after, he reviewed the latest scientific research results in Ryan's world. To his great surprise, the progress had been nothing short of remarkable. With each passing day, the advancements were coming in by leaps and bounds.
In just the past few days, scientists have developed a highly efficient fighter jet, powerful tanks, and similar vehicles of different types for different terrains. These new creations could be powered using Chakra, similar to the Chakra cannon they had studied earlier. The machines could be operated by Chūnin and even Genins, meaning there was no need for the Chakra of a Jōnin.
There was also a newly developed Chakra energy storage device—a sort of battery—that could store Chakra and be used to generate electricity when needed. This device could power tanks, planes, and other machinery, proving to be incredibly useful.
But the real surprise came when Ryan checked the latest project. What the scientists revealed was nothing short of outrageous—it was a spaceship. A real, space-faring craft.
Yes, a spaceship capable of venturing into space. The scientists had already conducted tests, with Minato being the first to board the spacecraft. Thanks to his Flying Thunder God Technique, Minato was the ideal candidate for the experiment. His ability to teleport instantly meant that even in the unlikely event of something going wrong—such as an explosion at high altitude—he could quickly use his technique to return safely to Konoha.
To everyone's relief, the experiment had gone smoothly. Both Minato and the scientists were thrilled with the results.
"So, that's what space is like," Minato exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "It was so much fun!"
Ryan could only stare at him, speechless. The entire situation felt a bit too reckless. They had gone from building a prototype to launching it into space without much hesitation. Ryan couldn't help but worry about the safety of his capable generals.
"You're still too reckless," Ryan muttered, shaking his head. "Couldn't the research have been more thorough before taking such a risk?"
A few of the others chuckled at Ryan's concern, but Minato seemed even more excited.
"Lord Hokage," Minato continued, grinning. "Last time, it was a pretty immature project. There were a lot of unexpected situations when we flew into the sky. We documented everything. But this time, it's different. After all the improvements, this new spaceship is much safer. We shouldn't encounter any problems now."
Hearing this, Ryan finally understood. The spaceship in front of him wasn't just a wild experiment—it was the first spacecraft capable of traveling into space in the Hokage world. It had become a far more mature piece of technology, one that was reliable and ready for use.
Ryan sighed, impressed. "This is something. Looks like we've finally entered the age of technology."
The others nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're right," one of the researchers said. "It's not easy to reach this point. We wouldn't have gotten here so quickly without the technology you've provided, Lord Hokage."
The research team was grateful for what Ryan had brought back—not just the plans, but actual working prototypes and complete technology. It had made all the difference in their progress.
There were many things they didn't even need to experiment with—they simply followed the plans. The results were always consistent, which is why progress was happening so quickly.
"We plan to send the spacecraft into space again next time," Minato explained, outlining their next steps.
Ryan nodded in agreement, though he wasn't particularly interested. Perhaps next time, he'd go up and take a look for himself—if time allowed. However, he wasn't overly enthusiastic about the idea. After all, with his strength, he could easily enter space on his own. It wasn't boasting; he could reach the moon directly. Now, with his Saiyan blood, moving through space was even easier. There was no challenge at all.
Minato's eyes sparkled with excitement as he turned to Kushina, a playful grin tugging at his lips.
"Kushina, how about we take a little trip—just the two of us—into space? I know it sounds a bit crazy, but after all the improvements to the spaceship, I think it'd be the perfect getaway."
Kushina blinked in surprise, her usual fiery demeanor momentarily faltering. Then, her lips curved into a smile as she crossed her arms. "Space, huh? That's… something different. But with you, Minato, I'm sure it'd be an adventure."
Minato laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Exactly! Last time was a bit of a mess, but this time, everything's been perfected. It'll be safe, I promise. Just imagine it—no responsibilities, no missions, just the two of us, floating through space. Doesn't that sound incredible?"
Kushina tilted her head, considering the idea. "I've always wanted to do something out of the ordinary. A trip to space with you... It could be fun." Her eyes softened a genuine warmth in her voice. "I think I'm in."
Minato's grin widened. "Great! I'm sure it'll be the best vacation we've ever had."
Kushina's smile was equally mischievous. "Well, as long as we don't end up in a situation where you're pulling me out of a blowing up the spaceship, I think I'll enjoy it just fine."
Minato chuckled, the image of their last adventure flashing in his mind. "No crashes this time, I promise. Just you, me, and the stars."
Kushina rolled her eyes, but the smile never left her face. "You better keep that promise, Minato."
Ryan stood off to the side, watching Minato and Kushina with a mix of amusement and… something else he couldn't quite place. They were standing close, exchanging those little playful glances and teasing remarks that only people in love could get away with.
He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as he observed them. The carefree smiles, the way Minato's eyes softened when he looked at Kushina, it all seemed so natural, so easy. Ryan sighed, folding his arms across his chest, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling.
Why should I care? he thought, It's not like I don't have my responsibilities. Who needs a vacation anyway?
To Ryan, a spaceship almost felt like a limitation, a form of bondage. But that didn't mean it wasn't valuable for others. He knew that not every ninja had the same strength as he did.
Ryan also hadn't forgotten something important—there were ninjas living on the moon. They were descendants of the Otsutsuki clan, two of its branches. While their numbers had dwindled due to internal conflicts, and many powerful individuals were lost, the remaining members were still a formidable force. They were well-established and could be an important asset to his village.
Ryan was intrigued by this possibility, and looking forward to engaging with them in the future.
After the visit to the spacecraft, Ryan and the others returned to the Hokage office, while the researchers went back to their labs to continue their work and development.
Kakashi appeared in a blur, kneeling before Ryan's desk. His usual calm was replaced by a rare urgency.
"Hokage-sama," he said, his voice low. "We've uncovered something critical."
Ryan's eyes narrowed, his hand brushing the hilt of his blade. "Report."
"During a scouting mission near the former Land of Thunder, we found traces of the Ōtsutsuki clan," Kakashi explained. "Residual chakra—recent and unmistakable. There were signs of experimentation, possibly a weapon or summon."
Ryan's expression hardened. "Assemble the council. Double patrols at every border. The Ōtsutsuki won't catch us unprepared."
Ryan's brow furrowed slightly upon hearing this. "Are they finally here?" he muttered under his breath.
"If they're testing us, we'll show them the strength of this village."
Of course, Ryan knew that the Ōtsutsuki clan wouldn't just disappear after their last encounter. It was only a matter of time before they returned. What surprised him, however, was how quickly it had happened. It had been barely six months since their last encounter, and they were already resurfacing. Truly persistent, he thought.
"Tell me the specifics," Ryan said, his tone calm but firm.
Kakashi nodded and continued, "After the Ōtsutsuki clan attacked us last time, I ordered all the ninjas under my command to keep an eye on their movements. It's been relatively peaceful since then. But when we gathered intelligence recently, ordinary people started talking about seeing figures that resembled members of the Ōtsutsuki clan. They were being cautious, though—no ninjas were involved, just regular civilians. I suspect they're afraid of us after what happened to their clan last time."
Ryan listened intently, then nodded in understanding. "I see..."
Kakashi nodded and vanished in a swirl of leaves. Alone, Ryan studied the map of the Land of Thunder, his thoughts sharp.
Ryan paused, deep in thought. "If there's no mistake, they're here to find the container. I don't know if it's a Jinchūriki or something like a tailed beast, but we can't allow someone like that to roam freely. I'll take care of it myself."
With that, Ryan stood up, his resolve clear.
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