"No problem."
Ryuji agreed readily.
Although he was quite interested in the secret techniques of the Aburame and Akimichi Clans, throughout the many years the Shinobi World had existed, it was impossible that no Shinobi from secret technique clans had ever been captured.
Yet there were no instances of any clan's secret techniques being leaked.
From this, one could predict that obtaining another's secret techniques through torture or memory extraction was likely impossible.
These people's brains were probably implanted with seals... the kind that immediately destroy memories the moment the bearer has the intention to reveal them or if someone other than themselves touches them.
Ryuji currently lacked the ability to break such seals.
Therefore, he could only treat them as ordinary prisoners.
If they could be used as bargaining chips, that would be best.
Hmm... well, Ryuji was still very interested in the Aburame Clan's unique physical constitution of hosting insects from birth.
But he currently had too many research subjects on hand and no time to study it.
Later, when he had free time and still wanted to research it, he could simply capture another Aburame Clan's member on the battlefield.
After all, the Third Shinobi World War had just entered its starting phase. It would likely continue for about ten more years.
"Is there anything else?"
"No."
"Alright then."
After ending the communication, Ryuji also let out a deep sigh.
Frankly, what he wanted wasn't just to learn from Konoha; he also wanted Konoha's sealing techniques.
Or more precisely, the Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques.
Sunagakure was the earliest village to possess a Tailed Beast but couldn't utilize it.
Because their sealing techniques were inadequate.
The sealed Tailed Beast would constantly harass the Jinchuriki's psyche day and night until they could no longer endure, leading to the beast taking over and going on a rampage.
That's why Shukaku's Jinchuriki were monks, not Shinobi.
Only those highly accomplished monks who had endured worldly hardships and dedicated their body and mind to Buddha could withstand such torment.
But being highly accomplished monks, they couldn't possibly kill for the village.
Thus, Sunagakure possessed a Tailed Beast but couldn't use it.
The Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques were inherited from the Sage of Six Paths and represented the most complete sealing arts.
If they could obtain them, it would add another powerful asset to Sunagakure.
However, Konoha's sealing techniques were taught by the Uzumaki Clan. Konoha had no right to pass them on privately. The strategic value of the sealing techniques themselves also meant Konoha wouldn't easily divulge them.
Even if Sunagakure offered conditions in exchange, they would only face rejection. Therefore, Ryuji didn't propose this suggestion.
"Master, the blood has been extracted."
At this moment, Gin approached, holding a test tube of blood in one hand and carrying Armor in the other.
The test tube was about the size of an adult's little finger, containing less than half its volume of blood.
Ryuji took the test tube, feeling a bit regretful. "Only this much?"
"Although a lot was smeared on the armor, most had already dried, and the cells were dead."
"I know. It's just a bit of a pity."
The battle changed rapidly. At that time, Ryuji was solely focused on defeating Naruto to try and prove that there was no such thing as destiny or that destiny could be broken.
How could he spare attention to collect blood?
If he wasn't careful and let Naruto sprout seven or more tails, he might have been the one to die.
After all, Ryuji had no special means to suppress a Tailed Beast.
'Speaking of means to suppress Tailed Beasts, I should prepare some.' Ryuji crossed his arms in front of his chest, lowering his head in thought.
No one could say for sure when the Third Shinobi World War would end or whether they might encounter a Jinchuriki.
If they did encounter one, lacking countermeasures would be a significant disadvantage.
'The best means to suppress Tailed Beasts are undoubtedly Wood Release and the Mangekyo Sharingan. I don't have the Mangekyo Sharingan, but I do have Yamato's arm. I could use it to create a Wood Release user. But I don't know Wood Release myself!' Ryuji frowned.
Currently, only Zetsu and Madara knew Wood Release.
Zetsu was uncertain. As for Madara... if he could find him, there might be a chance to get him to teach it.
But the key was finding him.
Besides them, Danzo and the Third Hokage knew how to use Wood Release, but they themselves couldn't use it and would never reveal it to someone from another village.
'Should I try to steal it?'
'No.'
'Not to mention whether Wood Release was documented in scrolls or something similar, even if it were, it would certainly be kept in a heavily guarded or hidden location.'
Forget about whether he could break in; he didn't even know where it was kept. How could he talk about stealing?
'Wait, why do I need to steal?'
A flash of inspiration struck Ryuji; he had a solution.
'I just need to make the Third Hokage and Danzo teach it willingly, right?'
'They certainly wouldn't teach an outsider. But what if Konoha itself produced someone with Wood Release?'
Thinking of this, Ryuji immediately contacted the Third Kazekage. "Kazekage-sama, I will also go on this diplomatic mission to Konoha."
"Huh?"
The Third Kazekage, busy handling official duties, suddenly heard the voice in his mind and couldn't react for a moment.
By the time he regained his senses, the mental connection had already been severed, leaving him utterly confused.
Under normal circumstances, Ryuji wouldn't be so disrespectful to the Third Kazekage.
Although this Third Kazekage was his puppet and he controlled the Kazekage's life, he couldn't dictate his thoughts.
Many people in this world value external things more than their own lives.
A puppet created based on the original Third Kazekage's personality and will... if Ryuji didn't give him the respect due to a Kazekage or forced him to act against his own will or lifelong aspirations, he would choose death.
And before dying, he would cause plenty of trouble for Ryuji.
But at this moment, Ryuji was completely captivated by the idea that had just occurred to him, devoting his full attention to fleshing out the plan's details. Hence, he didn't pay attention to this aspect.
Fortunately, the Kazekage wasn't someone who cared about such minor issues. As long as Ryuji didn't deliberately insult his character, he wouldn't mind.
Ryuji's greatest advantage was his ability to create puppets with souls identical to the original. His plan was simple: create a Wood Release puppet and have it be a member of Konoha.
Then, have it infiltrate Konoha as a spy, receiving training and growing within the village. Depending on the situation, it could either return to his side later or continue its deep cover.
This method also opened up new avenues for Ryuji.
In the future, whenever he wanted to steal a particular clan's secret techniques, he could do the same.
Thinking of this, even the usually calm Ryuji felt a surge of excitement.
After all, with proper planning, this was a scheme to gather all the powerful Shinobi Techniques and secret arts of the entire Shinobi World.
"Gin, guard this place. I'm going to check on the two Konoha's prisoners first."
Originally, the most urgent task now was to improve the Dragon Vein's navigation channel and production equipment, so that once the people and funds the Third Kazekage sent arrived, they could start work immediately.
But having two valuable subjects right now was a rare opportunity. He needed to extract sufficient samples before returning them to Konoha.