"Number 18."
"Present, sir."
Through the communicator, Hyuga Mirai gazed at the image of a coldly beautiful blonde. Despite the late evening, Number 18 was still tirelessly processing documents. The intelligent system Hyuga Mirai had created for her was inspired by AI systems like J.A.R.V.I.S. and Friday, but it was designed with the ability to grow and evolve. The more data Number 18 collected, the smarter and more human-like her behavior and emotions would become—eventually, she might even transform into a truly sentient being.
"Ah, the Uzumaki Trade Association's current situation. I see you've been sending updates daily, and I didn't notice them."
Hyuga Mirai had barely begun speaking when he noticed several updates Number 18 had sent in recent days. Their low priority had kept them from triggering alerts. Opening the files, he skimmed through reports on the trade association's development and the connections it was forging.
Many nobles in the Land of Fire's capital suffered from various ailments, yet the Konoha Hospital didn't handle external requests, and most nobles weren't inclined to make the long journey unless gravely ill.
This presented an opportunity for Ayaka Uzumaki in the capital. Treating these nobles not only honed her skills but also expanded the trade association's network of influence. Hyuga Mirai had no intention of hiding the Uzumaki name;
it was inevitable that Ayaka's heritage would become known unless she completely avoided the public eye. It had been over a decade since the Uzumaki Clan's downfall, and while some survivors remained scattered across the ninja world, Ayaka was undeniably the most prominent.
"Sir," Number 18 suddenly said, "someone has been investigating the trade association recently."
"Who are they?" Hyuga Mirai frowned slightly at the news.
"Four individuals—three men and one woman—wearing animal masks. I captured surveillance footage of them monitoring the association and have sent it to you."
Hyuga Mirai opened the images sent by Number 18 and immediately identified the ANBU uniform. Whether they were from ANBU proper or Danzo's Root was unclear, as he lacked familiarity with Root operatives.
"What's their objective?" he asked.
"Sixteen percent probability it's the trade association's computer data, sixty-seven percent it's Ayaka Uzumaki, and seventeen percent it's intelligence on the person behind the association," Number 18 replied with her characteristic calm. The estimates were based on behavioral patterns and eye movements observed during their surveillance, and her predictive accuracy was quite high.
After pondering briefly, Hyuga Mirai instructed, "Allocate 20% of the association's profits to weapon development. I've designed a new weapon system for you. Also, increase Ayaka's level of protection."
"Thank you, Lord Mirai," came Ayaka's delighted voice through the communicator. She knew someone was investigating her and felt secure only when Number 18 was nearby. After all, Ayaka had witnessed firsthand how the emotionless blonde could incinerate dozens of bandits with a solar-like beam from her palm.
"It's nothing," Hyuga Mirai replied smoothly. "You've proven yourself a capable assistant, which justifies my decision to rescue you back then."
Then, in a more serious tone, he continued, "You need to improve your own abilities. Once you've mastered sealing and medical ninjutsu, I'll have Number 18 oversee your training in ninjutsu and taijutsu. Additionally, you'll need to complete two bounty missions from underground exchange offices each month."
"Yes, Lord Mirai..." Ayaka's voice dropped as if deflated, knowing she wouldn't have much rest under Number 18's supervision.
Hyuga Mirai transmitted the updated weapon designs and his compiled scientific notes to Number 18. Early profits could be siphoned from the upper echelons through entertainment products, but eventually, the Uzumaki Trade Association would establish its financial empire.
After ending the communication, Hyuga Mirai reflected on his current state. There had been no word from Namikaze Minato, and his brief mention to Orochimaru of the Land of Rivers' camp seemed to have gone unnoticed. Perhaps Orochimaru was engrossed in his experiments or hadn't uncovered anything significant. Hyuga Mirai decided to maintain the status quo; asking directly would seem desperate.
Knowing too much without the strength to act was a burden. Conversely, with strength, ignorance posed no issue. To quickly enhance his abilities, he reviewed his options and began planning his research priorities.
"Sage Mode is worth exploring. My chakra levels should meet the threshold for harnessing natural energy. Without guidance, however, I'll need to develop a method to control and constrain natural energy first... but the initial step is perceiving its existence."
His thoughts shifted to genetic research. "My genetic sequences remain unchanged, yet simulations repeatedly reveal a missing fragment crucial for a second evolutionary phase."
The problem lay in the gene samples he had collected. Ayaka Uzumaki's DNA wasn't the perfect match he sought, nor were the Uchiha samples sufficient.
"I need samples from the Kaguya Clan. Hopefully, they haven't gone extinct just yet."
With several experimental directions in mind, Hyuga Mirai resolved to verify them in the coming days. For now, physical and weapon upgrades would be delegated to Number 18, as Konoha wasn't a conducive environment for producing large-scale destructive weaponry. Even an excess of parts or instruments would draw ANBU scrutiny.
---
Meanwhile, the lights remained on in the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage, his advisors, and two elders were still deliberating intelligence reports.
"It's confirmed that the Third Raikage has perished. The newly appointed Fourth Raikage is A from the Cloud's AB Duo. The Stone Village must have paid a heavy price to corner the Third Raikage, and conflict between the two is inevitable," Danzo reported, his voice measured.
"The Mist is also acting suspiciously. We'll need to bolster defenses along the coastline near the Land of Water," he added.
"Any updates from ANBU?" Danzo asked, turning to Hiruzen Sarutobi. His advisors, Koharu and Homura, also looked expectantly at the Third Hokage.
"The ANBU hasn't noted any unusual activity within the Land of Fire," Hiruzen replied, exhaling smoke from his pipe. "However, a trade association recently approved by the fiscal officer in the capital seems deeply tied to the Uzumaki Clan."
(End of Chapter)
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