Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be having a small timeskip from the last chapter and seeing things above ground, getting a look at things in Konoha changing as we focus on Kin and Kabuto for this chapter. So, without further ado.
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Behind her family's estate Kin was currently looking down the barrel of her hunting rifle, firing a shot at each target once she had them in her sights. Each target being far enough away that one would have really focus to spot them. With a few even being partially hidden through tree branches and bushes, giving her an extra challenge to hit them.
Though despite the difficulty, Kin had always been a good shot when she started learning to shoot after spending months begging her mother to teach her. Something Tsunade had initially been against, not wanting her daughter learning to use any kind of weapon. Not wanting to take even the smallest risk she could get hurt or think of a situation where she'd need to use a weapon. But that's also what Kin was able to use to finally convince her, along with some help from Shizune, that if the time came when she was ever alone and in danger it would be better if she knew how to shoot. Giving her a means to defend herself, rather than be left helpless. Leading to Tsunade finally relenting and teaching Kin how to shoot.
With her having proven to have a talent for it, getting the hang of hitting her targets in just a few weeks until soon she was able to fire a shot and hit a target right in the center, the moment she had it lined up. Something Kin took a lot of pride in with how hard she worked at it, even having moving targets set up to really test herself. Though it took a couple more months before she succeeded in hitting them, even longer to succeed in hitting the bullseye. It soon became her favorite hobby and helped her think whenever she had trouble focusing. Allowing the ravenette to block out everything else, focusing solely on her target as everything faded away around her. Or giving herself new challenges to further improve her sharpshooting skills, hoping for the chance to eventually put them to the test.
Yet now, Kin wasn't shooting for fun or as a challenge, now she was doing it to distract herself from the funeral her family had just come back from.
Having been told by her mother that five days ago what happened in the Lanes, the Anbu that had been killed in an ambush from the people down there, including Commander Yūgao Uzuki. Something that had left her saddened at learning of the Commander's death, even more so after seeing her being buried. Some might find it strange for her sadness, with how she didn't really interact with Yūgao much beyond a few passing greetings or her visiting the Senju estate on business. Which Kin wouldn't deny, but one of the times she really interacted with Yūgao had a big impact on her.
'What am I shooting for?' Kin thought, looking at her rifle with a melancholic frown as her mind drifted back to that moment.
*Flashback*
'I'm almost at the last one!' Kin thought excitedly as she took out the last target once it popped, before she took off running through the forest.
The young Senju was currently participating in a sharpshooter contest with it now being down to just her and one other contestant, and she was determined to win it. Eager to show off how far she's come with her skill in using her rifle.
Reaching the next target, Kin drop to a knee while ejecting the casing and inserting a new round, loading it and taking a aim, waiting for the target to pop up.
'Last green!' Thought Kin smiling and nodding to herself once she hit the target.
Only to hear another shot go off not a moment later, making her look to see her opponent getting their target before moving onto the next. Making the ravenette frown as she quickly loaded a new round, running off as well, refusing to lose now.
Taking out the yellow target the moment it came up and rushed off again with a new round in the chamber. Dropping to a knee beside the flag, marking how close she could get to the final target, steadying her breathing and aim as she looked down her rifles sights. Waiting for the right moment before quickly pulling the trigger once she saw the target shooting up.
'Yes!' Kin thought. smiling brightly that she won, having not heard her moment firing showing she was the faster one on the draw.
But when she looked over, Kin's smile faded when she saw her opponent, Anbu Commander Yūgao Uzuki, looking down her own rifle. Looking as if she had been doing it the entire time, yet her finger wasn't even on the trigger. The sight wiped away any enjoyment Kin had at winning. Even more so when Yūgao looked over at her, smirking slightly.
*Later*
Kin frowned as she sat on the steps outside the contest hall, the first-place trophy beside her yet she couldn't even smile at having won. No longer feeling like she even earned it after the final round of the competition. Her frown only growing when she looked at Yūgao leaning against the balcony, looking out towards Konoha.
Unable to help herself and needing to know, Kin got up and walked over to Yūgao as the Commander glancing back at her for a moment.
"That was quite some shooting." Yūgao complimented, impressed someone so young was already that good of a shot.
"Did my Kaa-san pay you to let me win?" Demanded Kin, having seen she had the shot, that she could've taken it and won, yet she didn't.
Leaving her wondering if her mother had paid Yūgao to throw the contest so she would win, for whatever reason she wasn't sure about. But it's the only thing she could think of as to why Yūgao would throw away her chance to win.
"Hm. That's a serious accusation." Stated Yūgao, fully turning towards Kin.
"You held your shot, I saw you." Kin retorted, her suspicions growing that she was paid to lose.
"The trophy is yours. You earned it." Yūgao said simply, still not giving a straight answer, making Kin glance away for a moment.
"You haven't answered my question." Said Kin, just wanting a clear answer, if she actually earned it or not.
"Hehe. No, your mother didn't pay me. I just thought you deserved it." Yūgao admitted to throwing the contest, which only further confused Kin at why she'd willingly do that.
Walking up next her, Kin looked out towards Konoha, wondering what exactly Yūgao seemed to see that she couldn't. Along with trying to figure out how to ask why she gave up rather than win the contest, to win the trophy.
"I'm an Anbu. For me, knowing how to handle this weapon means being able to protect people. To be of service to the city. And that's trophy enough." Explained Yūgao, knowing what she wanted to ask next and gave her an answer.
The purplette didn't care about winning some contest or having some trophy to put on a shelf, gathering dust. She honestly only entered to check out the other competitors' skill, to see if any of them might be potential recruits to join Anbu.
That's what she really cared about, making sure the Anbu were the best and most skilled. To ensure Konoha would be protected from any threats. That's the only trophy she needed, the knowledge that her own abilities were put to use in safeguarding her home.
While Kin was surprised at her words before frowning thoughtfully at them, since she didn't think of it like that. She had only been focused on winning, to prove how good she was to everyone. Only now she's wondering if just winning was really what mattered.
"Which begs the question, young Senju. What are you shooting for?" Yūgao asked, glancing at Kin, making her look at her in surprise.
"You…called me a Senju?" Kin asked in surprise since hardly anyone ever actually acknowledged she was a Senju, as no one wanted to acknowledge some stray orphan girl as being part of Konoha's founding clan.
Most only doing so when her mother was around and no one wanting to offend the Senju Clan Head. But when it was just herself then she was always just called "Kin" or "that girl", or "my lady" for those at least willing to acknowledge her status.
So it surprised her to hear Yūgao call her a Senju when it's just them here.
"That is what you are, aren't you? A Senju, Tsunade-sama's daughter. Or do you happen to just look just like her?" Yūgao asked, raising a brow with a small smirk.
"N-no, th-that's…that's me." Said Kin, lowering her head, unable to help but start smiling at being acknowledged as a Senju and her mother's daughter.
"Good. Now I have to get going, but I hope you think about what I asked. I'm curious to hear what your answer is." Yūgao said, grabbing her rifle as she took her leave, putting her hand on Kin's shoulder as she left.
With the ravenette watching her leave, her question echoing in her head as she tried thinking of an answer.
What are you shooting for?
*End Flashback*
Kin honestly still didn't have an answer to Yūgao's question, leaving her even more saddened at her death. Having hoped to tell her once she finally had one.
'What am I shooting for?' Kin thought as she took another shot, once more hitting her target.
"You know, it's equal parts amazing and terrifying just how good you are at that." Someone stated, surprising Kin as she turned to see Kabuto.
"Kabuto? What're you doing here?" Kin asked, though smiled at seeing her friend, yet was confused at why he's here and how he even got in.
"I wanted to stop by and see how you were doing? I heard you went to the funeral for the Anbu that were killed." Said Kabuto, having taken a small break from his and Sasori's work in designing the G-Heart to check on Kin.
His words made Kin frown slightly before shaking her head.
"I've…been better. But shouldn't I be asking how you're doing? How did you even get in here?" Kin asked, unaware of what's changed since they last saw each other.
"I was…let in by Shizune? Did…did no one tell you?" Questioned Kabuto, looking confused, having thought Kin would've already learned about his success in developing NinTech.
"Told me what?" Said Kin frowning, wondering what she wasn't told.
"I did it, with the help from my new partner. I was finally able to make my experiment work, NinTech will finally become a reality." Kabuto revealed, much to Kin's shock at hearing this.
Having finally learned about his secret project after the explosion, which had left her amazed at what Kabuto was trying to do. Not having the same fear of Fūinjutsu like most people had, though she was wary of it from what she's heard it can do.
"What?! But…but how?! The Council took all your research and equipment! How did you get them to change their minds?!" Kin asked as while she's happy for her friend, she was still confused at how he managed to get the Council to change their decision.
"It's a long story, but the short version is my new partner and I were able to perform a successful experiment using Fūinjutsu to combine Chakra with the Gelel crystals to create a new form of energy we call G-Chakra. And now we're working on creating a new source of infinite energy to power everything in Konoha." Kabuto explained proudly, while Kin looked at him with wide eyes.
"A new…source of infinite energy?" Questioned Kin in disbelief.
While she might not be the most knowledgeable on the subject, she knew enough about history to know about the Nine Ancient Generators and how important they were. Leaving the entire world worried for when the time came the Chakra stored away from them eventually ran out. Sending the Elemental Nations into a technological dark age with no way to power machinery, weapons or anything.
"That's right, we're working on it now. I actually can't stay long since I'll need to get back, but I wanted to see how you were doing after the funeral." Replied Kabuto, with Kin nodding in understanding.
"Well, I'm still standing and just…trying to distract myself with some shooting. But I'm fine, you can go on back to your work. Just keep me updated about it." Kin said while smiling at her friend, wanting to stay updated on his work and see it come to life once it's complete.
"I'll make sure you're the first to know once it's ready. And if you need anything, let me know." Kabuto said as he turned to leave, the ravenette nodding before she suddenly looked thoughtful.
"Wait!" Said Kin, stopping the inventor in his tracks as he looked at her.
"Why did you do all of it? Using Fūinjutsu and those crystals to make this new energy? Why work to create a new source of infinite energy? Why did you do all of it?" Questioned Kin, wondering just why Kabuto would go as far as he did for something many would consider crazy and impossible.
"Because…it would help people." Stated Kabuto, surprising Kin at his response.
"Help people?" Kin asked, not expecting such a simple answer.
"Yes, though it's only part of why I did it, it's the main reason. It started when my Kaa-san and I were sent out to tend to wounded soldiers during a past war, when we were sent to another camp. Only instead we ended up being caught in the middle of a battle the Kumo and Kiri Empires, so it wasn't just weapons being used it was Ninjutsu." Kabuto explained, as Kin looked at him with wide eyes.
"We tried getting away, but couldn't outrun Ninjutsu that was tearing apart the battlefield, we got separated and injured. I honestly thought we were going to die, but instead…someone helped us." Said Kabuto.
"Who?" Questioned Kin, wanting to know who saved her friend and his mother.
"I don't know, he never said anything nor did I get a good look of him, but it's what he did I never forgot. He had these stones, I'm sure they were Gelel crystals and a staff. Whatever he did, he used the crystals and Fūinjutsu, teleporting me and Kaa-san away from the battlefield. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen, the way he controlled the seals, moved them around, like he was conducting a symphony. And once it was over, we were safe and then he just left. But not before giving me this." Said Kabuto, showing her the wristband with the stone embedded in it.
"Does it still have energy in it?" Kin asked, looking at the stone.
"No, when he teleported us, he must've used all the energy it had. But I still keep it so I never forget that day. That a stranger saved us when he had no obligation or reason to, but he did. Risking his life to get us to safety, using a power that until then I had only heard was evil and brought destruction. But I saw what it was truly capable of, the beauty it held, how it can be used to help people. That's when I knew what I wanted to achieve in the future, to create something truly amazing that could help everyone. To show that Fūinjutsu could be used to create and improve lives, not just bring destruction." Kabuto explained, with Kin being amazed at his story.
"And…you never doubted what you wanted to do? You were sure that this is what you wanted?" Questioned Kin, with Kabuto shaking his head.
"Not even once." Replied Kabuto, having never doubted his goal and dream.
The closest had been when the Council made their original decision to expel him from the Academy and destroy his work. Even then, it had only been out of the belief his life's work would be gone for good and that he'd never get another chance to fulfill his dream.
Kin frowned as she gained a thoughtful look, thinking over how close Kabuto's answer was to why Yūgao let her win the contest. She only wanted to have the knowledge that her abilities were put to defending Konoha, not winning a trophy. While Kabuto wanted to do the same thing that had been for him and his mother, being able to help people even when he gets nothing out of it.
'What am I shooting for?' Kin thought while looking down at her rifle again.
"Thanks Kabuto. You actually helped me with something, I need to go talk to Kaa-san now. Bye!" Kin said before she ran inside, leaving the confused inventor behind.
"You're…welcome?" Said Kabuto, unsure what exactly he helped her with, but was glad he did as he took his leave.
While Kin ran to find her mother, soon finding her and Shizune in the dining room setting the table until they noticed her.
"Oh Kin. Good to see inside, we were just about get started in lun-" Shizune said, smiling at her, only for the young Senju to cut her off.
"I want to join the Anbu." Kin said while looking at her mother, now knowing what it is she wanted to do, what she wanted to shoot for.
Now she just needed to hope she can convince her mother to let her join.
*With Kabuto*
Returning to the lab that he and Sasori were given for their work on developing the G-Heart, Kabuto found Sasori still hard at work on the plans. Though he was surprised to also find Amado there as well, standing beside Sasori in front of the chalkboard.
"Councilor Sanzu? What're you doing here?" Kabuto asked, not expecting to find Amado here.
"He stopped by to see if we made any progress on the prototype, offering his help when I explained some of the problems we were running into." Said Sasori, having been thankful when Amado offered his assistance.
This surprised Kabuto further that Amado would be willing to help them, but also thankful too. Willing to admit that Amado far outclassed him and Sasori with his intelligence. Kabuto even believed that if they hadn't made any progress in developing NinTech and a means to create infinite energy, Amado likely would have done so, eventually.
"Well, you have our gratitude, Councilor. We could use any help you have to give." Said Kabuto while going up to them, wondering if they already came up with anything.
"Of course. And just Amado will do, even if I'm on the Council I never cared much for the title." Amado said, not really one to care for formalities.
"I must say though, what you've come up with his rather brilliant. Basing your designs off the way a heart produces Chakra along with the idea of creating artificial blood vessels connecting to it, helping circulate this G-Chakra throughout Konoha. It's also incredibly short-sighted and liable to get all of us killed." Amado added bluntly, making Kabuto and Sasori frown at his words.
"If you mean the G-Chakra could buildup and eventually overload the Heart, that's what the vessels are for. Allowing the energy to be regulated and flow through Konoha, ensuring that it keeps moving with no worry of building up in a single spot." Kabuto explained, having already thought of that.
"Perhaps. But you failed to take into account one very important aspect. It's true that humans are capable of producing a limitless amount of Chakra as long as we're alive, but our bodies only contain a limited amount of Chakra at a time." Amado said, causing Kabuto and Sasori to pause, thinking over his words.
"That is the flaw. The human body can only handle containing so much Chakra at once. To go beyond that limit would inflict damage on the body, even to the point of killing a person. It's why limiters exist within our bodies, preventing us from overexerting and harming ourselves." Said Amado, getting their attention.
"Limits in our bodies?" Sasori asked, having never heard of that before.
"Correct. It's not a widely known fact, I only discovered it through my research into the human body and Chakra. But within our bodies there exist eight limiters, which help limit the flow of Chakra. Normally an individual can only use twenty percent of their body's full potential, the brain's way of protecting the individual from exceeding their limits. But with extensive training, it is possible to overcome these limitations, granting a person a powerful boost in their physical abilities and Chakra. But it's a double-edged sword, while they get a boost in power it doesn't last forever. At minimum, the individual would suffer from fatigue while being barely able to move. More extreme cases would cause the muscles to tear, bones to break, leaving you feeling excruciating pain from the slightest touch. And should you open the final limiter…" Amado explained as Kabuto and Sasori got the idea.
"You'd die." Stated Kabuto, with the Councilman nodding in response.
"You would be burned away from the immense Chakra left flowing through you with nothing holding it back, nothing to regulate and control the flow." Said Amado.
"Alright, then we put limiters within the G-Heart and vessels. Making sure that the energy flow is limited, so it doesn't overload from being unable to handle the power." Sasori said, only for Amado to shake his head.
"That would only be a temporary solution. While limiters will keep the Heart and vessels from being overwhelmed, it wouldn't last. Because as I said, unlike a human heart, the G-Heart would constantly be producing a limitless amount of energy with no end. Unless it's strong enough to handle that limitless energy then it will eventually fail." Amado stated, with the younger scientists frowning again.
"The Sage of Six Paths was able to succeed in creating the Ancient Generators. They could generate limitless energy without worry and lasted for centuries." Retorted Kabuto, feeling some annoyance that he believed it would fail no matter what.
"And are you The Sage of Six Paths? Can you replicate a feat no one else has even thought was possible?" Questioned Amado, making Kabuto fall silent.
"Now then, while it would fail, this G-Heart has one thing that a normal heart doesn't. Do you know what that is?" Amado said, looking between them.
"…People are born with a maximum amount of Chakra, but it can be increased with effort and training, though only by so much until their body can't handle anymore." Said Sasori after a few moments.
"But the G-Heart…isn't a normal heart. So there is a way for it to be capable of handling the limitless energy we want it to produce." Kabuto stated, understanding what Amado meant, that just because they didn't have a solution now didn't mean there wasn't one.
"Yes, the G-Heart isn't a normal heart. It can't handle the limitless energy, as it is now, but the solution exists. We just need to find it, just as you both found the key to make it a reality. For every problem that exists, no matter how difficult, there is always an answer." Amado said, with Kabuto and Sasori nodding in agreement.
"I've heard there are special types of metals that are capable of having Chakra flow through them. Perhaps we can use that to make the vessels for the G-Chakra to flow from the Heart." Suggested Sasori, believing that would be the best material to use for the vessels.
"There are, the Kiri and Kumo Empires use such metals to make weapons. Kiri in particular is known to make special swords from it, having unique properties no other weapon has." Amado said while nodding in agreement.
"A cooling system could be good to add. Eliminating the risk of the Heart overheating from the energy being produced." Added Kabuto, knowing overheating would be a risk with the information about the human body's limiters.
"Indeed. With this it's better to think of every precaution, every problem that could arise, no matter how minor it might be." Stated Amado as the younger scientists nodded at his words as they got to work, feeling a renewed energy as they began making progress on developing the G-Heart.
*Later*
"I'm feeling optimistic that we'll be able to get started on a working prototype, soon." Kabuto said, feeling satisfied with the progress they've made with the plans, the improvements and additional details they've thought of.
"We can only hope. With luck once we have a prototype, then work can begin on the finalized Heart. Though we'll also need to find a good spot where it can be built." Said Sasori since given with their plans, the G-Heart would be very big, making it so they'll need to find a spot where it can be built without being in the way or exposed.
Not counting the vessels that will be built all around Konoha for the G-Chakra to flow through the city.
"I believe I have a solution for that. There are many old tunnels, mines, sewers deep beneath Konoha. Building the G-Heart beneath the ground would ensure its location would remain secret, except to those involved in its construction, and limiting those who have access to it." Amado said, getting their attention before Kabuto and Sasori shared a look.
"…It would help ensure not just anyone would know where it is. And in the event anything happens, any damage to the city would be limited with it being underground, in a reinforced chamber." Said Sasori, seeing the benefits to building the Heart underground.
"That would probably be for the best." Kabuto said aware that, once work on the G-Heart begins and once it's finished, they won't be able to keep it a secret.
News of it will eventually get out to the rest of the world, a new source of infinite energy and it'll draw all kinds of attention, both good and bad. From people that'd want to take for themselves or destroy it so no one could have it. Making it so keeping the Heart safe and hidden would be the top priority. Having it built underground where only a limited few could access it, would help ensure its safety.
"Who are you two?" Amado suddenly asked them, making the two look at him in confusion.
"I'm…sorry?" Said Kabuto, confused and unsure why he just asked such a question.
"Did you just ask us, who we are?" Questioned Sasori with a raised brow, not sure if he's being serious.
"Yes. You see with your discovery of NinTech, the technology you'll be able to create with it and this G-Heart. Many people will talk of the minds behind such innovations, who they are, what they're like, why they would create such things, what they'd hope to achieve. Many will also come to their own conclusions about you and why you do the things you do. But one thing that everyone truly forgets, is who you are as a person. I on the other hand, I prefer to understand who a person is, to understand what put them on their path. So I ask again, who are you two? Is there are more to who you are? Or are you just a foolish boy messing with things he shouldn't have that got lucky. And you, nothing but an outsider from the desert that got lucky to become an assistant." Said Amado while looking between them, wanting to know what made them who they are now.
His words made them frown, neither liking to be referred to in such a way but also could understand what he meant for the most part.
"I was a boy when I was brought to Konoha, injured, unconscious and having no idea who I was or where I came from. Kabuto isn't even my birth name, I don't know what it was, but it became my name when my Kaa-san gave it to me. She took me in, nursed me back to health and made me her son. She was the first person I remembered who showed me kindness and all I knew was that I wanted to be like her, being able to help people. So I studied and trained, joining the hospital to become a medic, even being willing to go out during wartimes to help heal soldiers. And as I got older, I also wanted to help improve Konoha, to show that we have only scratched the surface of what we can do to improve the world. That's what NinTech is meant for, to do good and make a better future." Kabuto explained, with Amado remaining silent as he simply turned to Sasori next.
Making the redhead's frown deepen, unsure how much of his own past he wanted to share before looking between them for a few moments. Until he sighed and sat back in his chair, holding his cane tightly.
"I come from the Land of Wind, part of one of the nomadic clans that wanders the desert. But I was originally born in Sunagakure." Said Sasori, getting Kabuto's attention as he looked at him in surprise.
While he knew Sasori came from the Land of Wind, he didn't think he'd actually lived in Suna.
"You were actually born Suna? So you lived there before…" Kabuto said, only to stop himself from speaking further.
"Before it was destroyed? Yes I lived in Suna, all the way up to the point it was wiped out by Kiri, Kumo and other rivals that saw us as a threat and wanted us gone." Sasori said while frowning blankly, having a hard time thinking of his first home and the fate that befell it.
"Why would anyone view Suna as a threat? As far as I know, they never participated in any wars or battles." Said Kabuto, confused at why any city, let alone two empires, would consider Suna a threat.
With everything he knew about Suna, they mostly kept to themselves, focusing all their efforts on improving life in the desert. Creating some rather impressive machinery, even devices that can absorb water from the atmosphere to give them a constant source of water. He even heard rumors they had been working on new energy sources after the loss of the Nine Ancient Generators.
"That doesn't stop someone from viewing others as a threat. Suna had been amongst the most advanced cities in the world, as why waste time fighting pointless wars when living in such an unforgiving land is already a constant battle. Whether from the heat, sandstorms, dehydration, they had more things to worry about than fighting others. Instead, they created vapor spires to absorb water from the atmosphere, puppet automatons to assist them with tasks, scout the desert for resources and locate those lost in sandstorms. Even shields around the city to help protect it from said sandstorms and keeping it cool inside the city. Before their destruction, they were even working on developing new forms of energy using wind and solar power." Amado revealed, much to Kabuto's surprise.
"Really? They actually were working on new forms of energy. And they were using wind and solar power? How?" Questioned Kabuto, knowing such a thing would have done wonders to improve lives if they had other sources of power, to no longer worry for when the Chakra Reserves stored away ran out.
"Anything with motion can produce energy. Whether it's the wind, water, even the sun, if used correctly they can give power. But everyone grew so dependent on the Ancient Generators, no one truly thought of finding alternative energy sources beyond Chakra." Stated Amado, with Sasori nodding in agreement.
"He's right. Even now after a century since the Generators were lost, no one has tried coming up with alternative sources of power. At least not ethical sources of power." Sasori said, knowing the Generators did exist from the stories his grandmother told him, ones she heard from her own parents.
"But Suna, it was always looking for new ways to improve life in the desert, including alternate forms of energy to power our technology. Since in the event the Chakra-powered machines ever failed, for whatever reason, then it was practically a death sentence for us. Not that it mattered in the end, the entire city was wiped out with everything destroyed. Not even the Pharaoh could do anything." Added Sasori with bitterness lacing his tone.
"Pharaoh? Was that like…the leader of Suna?" Questioned Kabuto, having never heard the word before.
"It was, it's basically another word for a king or emperor. It came from one of the other continents from another desert-filled land, so it seemed fitting our own leader would have the same title. The last Pharaoh was also considered the greatest and strongest of them all." Sasori explained, intriguing Kabuto.
"Why was that?" Kabuto asked, interested to know what the last Pharaoh was like.
"He was to Suna what Hashirama Senju is to Konoha." Stated Sasori, really surprising Kabuto at such a comparison.
"He not only had the intelligence that helped improve Suna further than it had in years, but also had great strength to defend the city should it ever be threatened, a power only the Pharaohs and those of their bloodline possessed. They had a unique ability to manipulate magnetic fields, allowing them to control any type of metal around them. Molding it and shaping it into anything they desired, whether as armor, weapon, anything at all. The last Pharaoh was known to use a special iron powder that everyone referred to as Iron Sand, which many viewed as Suna's most feared weapon. But he didn't just use his power to battle, he used it to aid in construction of machinery, buildings, shields. What would take weeks or months, he helped finish in a matter of days, if not hours. He was the greatest not just because of his strength, but his dedication to protecting Suna and ensuring it prospered no matter what." Sasori explained, much to his partners amazement.
"Wow…I can see why he'd be compared to Hashirama." Kabuto said, only able to imagine what they could do with the ability to manipulate metal.
"Quite. However, it was because of that and Suna's advancements that many saw them as a threat. Having a leader that could turn an entire army's weapons against them or crush them in their own armor was bad enough in their eyes. But with their advancements, the chance they could develop new forms of energy production, ones that they could control who gets them. It was only a matter of time before they suffered the same fate as the Uzumaki Clan." Amado stated, knowing that was the unfortunate fate for all those that reach too far without being prepared for the consequences.
"Yes…total destruction. Those that managed to survive scattered across the desert. Forming wandering nomad clans, now doing everything they can to survive. I was barely child when it happened, so I don't have any memories from living in Suna. I only really remember traveling across the sands. Me, my grandmother, grand-uncle and those that joined us. My…parents were among those that didn't make it out of Suna. Everything I do know about Suna was told to me by them. And the more I heard, the more I dreamed of a day when I would be able to help raise Suna back up from the ruins, restoring it to what it once was." Said Sasori, with Kabuto looking at him with wide eyes.
"You want to restore Suna?" Questioned Kabuto, not expecting that.
"I do, it's been my dream for years. To reunite the scattered people, bringing them back together to restore the city. That maybe…I could one day be spoken of in the same way as the last Pharaoh. I also developed a fascination with the automaton puppets Suna developed, my grandmother having been one of the minds behind it when she was younger. I desired to build my own, collecting what scraps I could scattered across the desert and putting them together, powering them with my own Chakra. But…some experiments end more terribly than others." Sasori said while glancing at his leg, with Kabuto understanding what had happened to give him a limp.
"And…your grandmother and uncle…" Kabuto trailed off, with Sasori looking at him blankly.
"There's a reason I came to Konoha, alone." Stated Sasori shortly, which Kabuto nodded at.
"Afterwards I came to Konoha, with the hope of getting the chance to rise high enough through the ranks to get the resources and help to fulfill my dream. Instead, I ended up in the Undercity, which did nothing to help the condition I arrived in. I got lucky when I met Professor Sarutobi, who gave me the chance to enter the Academy. Eventually becoming his assistant." Sasori concluded, looking between Kabuto and Amado.
"That is who I am. Someone who hopes to change the world and restore his broken home to what it once was. And to prove to myself, that everything I've done, would be worth it in the end." Said Sasori, refusing to give up now after everything, after reaching this point, he needed to see it through to the end.
"And it will be. You were willing to put your faith in me and helped me take a big step in fulfilling my dream. You have my word that I will do the same for you when the time comes." Kabuto said, holding his hand out, which Sasori shook with a small smirk.
"I watched your back, now you'll watch mine." Said Sasori, getting a nod from Kabuto.
"Always, partner." Replied Kabuto.
"I believe…that I now understand just who both of you are." Amado stated, looking at them before turning to take his leave.
"I must be going now, as it's getting late. But before I go, let me give both of you an important piece of advice." Said Amado, stopping for a moment and looked over his shoulder at them, with Kabuto and Sasori looking at him curiously.
"The moment you succeeded in your experiment, the moment you created NinTech, you opened a door that can never be closed again. No matter how hard you might try. Be prepared for the changes that will come from it, to Konoha, to the world, to yourselves, to everyone." Amado warned as he continued on his way out the lab, leaving the younger scientists to think over his words.
"…Charming fellow, isn't he." Sasori said dryly, wondering what Amado hoped to accomplish by giving them such a warning.
"Yeah…" Muttered Kabuto, unable to deny the sudden chill going up his spine at Amado's parting words.
Only being able to hope that it was merely a warning for them to be careful in what they create with NinTech rather than a danger that will come because they created NinTech. Before the two cleaned up the lab and took their leave as well, seeing how late it had gotten. Exchanging goodbyes and promises to meet up again tomorrow to continue their work as left, locking the lab behind them.
Neither aware as they left of a shadow moving across the floor, towards the chalkboard filled with all their notes and plans for the G-Heart. A sharp, fang-filled smile soon appearing on the shadow as it seemed to look over the plans before making a few, barely noticeable, adjustments to it. With its work done, the shadow slipped away to return to its other target.
By the time they were aware of the changes it made, it'll already be too late. After all, the best pawns to use are the ones that weren't aware that they are being used in the first place.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Kin working on processing the death of the Anbu, specifically Yūgao as we get a flashback of them having met during a sharpshooting contest. With Kin having been left wondering what she's shooting for, if it's just for herself or if there was a greater purpose to it like Yūgao's own. Before we see Kabuto arrive to check on her as Kin also learns that his experiment was a success and he's now working on a means to develop a new infinite energy source. Much to Kin's amazement and happiness for her friend.
Until Kin then asks why it is Kabuto has done all this, learning his reasoning and the start of his interest in using Fūinjutsu to create a new energy, all of which was done to help people. With this also helping Kin realize what she wants to do, before going to her mother and reveals her new desire to join Anbu.
Next we see Kabuto returning to the lab provided to him and Sasori, where he finds Amado there as well having offered his help in developing the G-Heart. Offering them his thoughts on the project along with pointing out the different flaws and problems that could arise from it. Though does acknowledge that unlike a normal heart, there are ways around the problem and it can succeed as the three begin work developing the G-Heart and setting several countermeasures.
Finally we see Amado questioning just who Kabuto and Sasori are as people, wanting to know the kind people he's working with, who they truly are and where they came from to better understand them. Leading to som backstory on Kabuto and on Sasori, as we also learn what Sunagakure had been like in this changed timeline, and the fate that befell them. With this helping give Amado a better idea of what they're both like, before taking his leave soon followed by Kabuto and Sasori.
Only for them to be unaware of something else having been present in the lab, as a shadow comes to life and looks over the work they made on the G-Heart, making a few barely noticeable changes of its own. Before slipping away back to its other unknowing pawn, knowing its own plans are slowly coming together. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out