The scene shifts to a few days later. Ryu could be seen in a small workshop, surrounded by various tools and materials. He was completely engrossed in his latest project; he was developing devices to reduce labour and shift heavy lifting work to machines.
Sweat glistened on the brows of crafters, blacksmiths, and engineers as they watched Ryu put his latest creations to the test. With a confident nod, he activated the prototype lift crane and the hydraulic hand pallet. The prototypes, crafted by the carters themselves with only a bit of guidance from Ryu and his designs, effortlessly lifted significantly more weight than anyone had anticipated.
A young engineer, with a stunned expression, finally found his voice. "Lord Ryu... it's incredible! It moved that whole section of rock as if it were a feather!"
An older blacksmith, with weathered hands from decades of hammering, watched the effortless lift.
"Impossible," he thought, but the evidence before him proved otherwise. "A machine doing the work of ten men? What then becomes of us?"
He wiped sweat from his brow, murmuring, "The power... it's beyond anything I've ever seen. This machine truly does the work of ten men!"
Ryu surveyed their awestruck faces, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Indeed," he affirmed, his voice resonating with quiet power. "And this is just the beginning."
Ryu looked at his surprised face and continued, "Imagine machines that can dig vast trenches in a single day or press metal into shapes with the strength of a hundred hammers. Imagine lifts that can raise entire sections of buildings with ease or powerful clamps that can hold the largest timbers in place. We're talking about transforming how we build, how we mine, how we shape the very world around us. These principles of hydraulics will allow us to move mountains, literally and figuratively."
He then clapped his hands together, his voice carrying over the workshop's lingering echoes. "Excellent work, everyone! These designs are finalised. It's time to move from prototyping to full production."
To further streamline his ambitious projects, Ryu then convened a meeting with a group of newly introduced crafters. Ryu stood before them, a confident vision in his eyes.
"From this point forward," Ryu explained, "we will have two distinct units. One will be dedicated to rapid prototyping, bringing my intricate designs to life. The second unit will focus solely on the efficient mass production of our finalised products."
A crafter raised a hesitant hand. "Lord Ryu, if we specialise, won't that limit our skills? We're used to seeing a project through from start to finish."
"A fair question," Ryu acknowledged. "But this specialised approach will drastically increase our productivity. It means faster innovation and more machines to lighten the burden on our people. The prototyping unit will constantly learn new techniques from my designs, pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship. The Production Unit will master efficiency, becoming unparalleled in mass creation. Both paths offer unique opportunities for growth and mastery."
Ryu saw understanding dawn in their eyes, a clear path set for increased output within his growing enterprise.
Later, Ryu made his way to Souji's room, which had been transformed into a soundproofed, dark sanctuary. He found Rina there, her face etched with diligent concentration as she worked with Souji on the [BodyGPT] seal. The quiet intensity of the room, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of a clock, highlighted the immense physical and mental toll the synchronised effort takes on both of them.
Upon noticing their unwavering dedication, Ryu gently stepped in. "That's enough for now," he said, his voice soft but firm. "Both of you need a break. Rest and eat."
Rina nodded, a grateful sigh escaping her lips. "Thank you, Ryu-san. I think we both needed that." She left for her break by rolling her chair out of the room.
As Rina left, Ryu engaged in a private chat with Souji, who communicated through his familiar blinks. "Rina truly loves you, Souji," Ryu commented, a warmth in his tone. "Her dedication to this training... it's remarkable."
"A love strong enough to move mountains," Ryu thought, "or at least, to try and mend a broken body."
Souji blinked back a question in Morse code: Did you ever ask Rina to join your private ninja force?
Ryu nodded. "I did ask her, yes. But she refused." Leaning closer with a slight drop in his voice, he reassured, "She'll come around, though," indicating his confidence in Rina's eventual acceptance.
"She needs a tangible reason, a personal victory, to rekindle that fire," Ryu thought, his gaze softening. "Not just a grand vision, but the proof of what's possible for someone she loves."
"Especially," Ryu continued aloud, "when you show significant improvement, particularly when you start moving a few fingers. That will be the push she needs. Keep pushing forward."
Souji blinked back, indicating his understanding and renewed determination.
Shortly after Rina returned from her break, a subtle knock echoed from the door. A moment later, a messenger from the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers entered, a figure of quiet formality whose presence added an immediate sense of importance to the moment.
The messenger, bowing deeply, announced, "Lord Ryu, I bring a formal invitation from the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers."
He extended a beautifully rolled scroll. "The Daimyo intends to use this event to finally introduce you and announce all the new initiatives to many influential people in the Land of Rivers."
The messenger then added, "It is for a party, and the Daimyo has specifically requested the presence of not only yourself but also your entire family."
"Including these too," he said looking at Souji and Rina.
Ryu did not expect that the invitation would be extended to those two, as they were not significant in the daimyo's eyes. But it seems he had invited everyone connected to him.
Rina's reaction was a mix of apprehension and surprise, her gaze flicking between the invitation and Souji, given his current condition. Her fingers unconsciously traced the fabric of her sleeve. "A party, huh?"
Ryu thought about the cultural importance of parties and events in the Land of Rivers and how they are used for political or social purposes.
With a hint of disbelief in her voice, she murmured, "But... Souji? How can we…"
The messenger said, "A nurse and wheelchairs will be arranged for taking you two."
Ryu, with a playful glint in his eye, turned to Souji. "Well, Souji, do you have proper attire for such an event?"
Souji blinked his eyes in a no, and Rina shook her head in a no as well.
Ryu chuckled softly, then quickly assured them both. "Since this is an invitation from the Daimyo himself, the nobles and all the rich people of the Land of Rivers cannot ignore it."
Ryu continued, "Don't worry, I'll arrange suitable clothes for you now that you're officially part of the clan now. Your presentation reflects on the clans as well." His words, light-hearted yet firm, signified Souji's acceptance and new status within their protective circle. "And I will arrange something for Rina too."
Being mentioned separately from Souji touched something within Rina, something she has been denying for long. Rina thought, "Souji is now a member of the clan. But I'm not."
The messenger, still holding the scroll, offered, "The Daimyo has also instructed me to inform you that all expenses for your attendance will be paid by the country."
Ryu waved a dismissive hand. "Thank you for the offer, but I am too rich to take monetary favours.... Instead, I have a better idea."
Ryu paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Tell the Daimyo to donate those funds to charity instead. And better yet, let's turn this entire event into a fundraiser for orphanage children."
Ryu looked at Souji and Rina and said, "I guarantee, if all the nobles from the Land of Rivers attend, as you confirm they will, the opposing factions will try to out-donate each other."
Ryu internally smiled and thought, "This manoeuvre would not only generate immense public goodwill for the Daimyo and himself but also provide significant political leverage against any who dared oppose the Daimyo's new schemes."
A perfect two-birds-one-stone manoeuvre, executed with a single, casual suggestion.
The messenger's eyes widened, a flicker of profound surprise crossing his usually stoic face. Refusing the Daimyo's gift, then immediately twisting the event into a public charity fundraiser that would force rival factions to out-donate each other... it was a move of staggering political genius. He immediately understood the depth of Ryu's scheming mind, and realised why the Daimyo held this kid in such high regard.
"Understood, Lord Ryu. I will respectfully deliver your refusal and your most ingenious suggestion to Lord Daimyo." With another deep bow, he turned and took his leave, a lingering look of utter bewilderment and respect on his face as he departed.
As he made his way back to the Daimyo's estate, he couldn't help but wonder what other surprises Ryu had up his sleeve.
#Power stones
A/N: Any guesses what would happen at the party? Who may Ryu find? You can become a free member at p@treon and find out now @ PageTurnerPJ
Another timeskip is coming, and then the Land of River arc is coming to an end. The city will be built off-screen. and a new ninja arc will begin.
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