Konoha Hospital.
Watching Kuro undergoing rehabilitation training in the backyard, Ryuji asked, "Is there any issue with the right arm? Any command delay?"
"None. The transplantation was very successful," Kuro replied, waving his right arm.
"That's good."
Ryuji nodded slightly. "This right arm is the same model as Gin's. It has immense strength and load-bearing capacity, which should enhance your power significantly."
Kuro's Ninjutsu is Lightning Release. His strongest technique is a Nin-Taijutsu… a Lightning Attribute Chakra Armor.
It covers the entire body with lightning, providing both protection and cellular activation, thereby boosting physical functions, particularly speed and explosiveness.
However,
If one's own strength is insufficient, even with high speed, they cannot harm certain opponents.
A balloon and an iron ball hitting a wall at the same high speed… the balloon will bounce off or burst from the air pressure of high-speed flight, while the iron ball will smash through the wall.
With this arm, when Kuro uses his Nin-Taijutsu again, he won't be sent flying by a kick from an enemy like Tsunade.
His strength has seen a leap in improvement.
"Thank you, Master."
Kuro replied calmly. Even with a significant power boost, his voice remained as steady as ever, showing no hint of emotion.
"Rest well. Once you're fully recovered, continue studying the application of Ninjutsu."
"Yes."
…
After bidding farewell to Kuro, Ryuji prepared to leave.
Over the past few days, he had been focused on creating this arm for Kuro, putting many other researches on hold.
Now, he needed to return and continue with other studies.
Although the Observation Device and 3D Printer weren't here, there were still many things he could research.
Passing through the inpatient area, Ryuji was stopped by Tsunade in the outpatient zone.
At this time, she wasn't yet wearing that green trench coat with the 'Gamble' character printed on the back. She only had the standard Jonin's green vest on, but her figure, appearance, and even aura were almost identical to her future image.
He didn't stare at her; that would be impolite. After a brief glance, he asked, "Is there something?"
Hearing this formal question, Tsunade frowned but quickly relaxed.
"I just came from Kuro's room," Tsunade stated frankly. "How did you attach that prosthetic limb to him?"
Then, as if worried Ryuji might misunderstand, she immediately added, "I mean, how did you connect it to the brain nerves?"
Reattaching a severed limb isn't difficult. The hard part is making it function normally like before... The human body acts on commands from the brain transmitted via the central nervous system. Every part of the body is directly connected to the central nervous system.
If a body part is severed from the body, its connection to the central nervous system is also severed.
Even if a prosthetic is attached or the limb reattached later, the connection to the central nervous system cannot be restored. It can't move like a normal limb; it's just a motionless decoration.
In this era, even with all-purpose Chakra, for normal people, this problem hasn't been solved.
"Are we familiar?"
Ryuji felt somewhat amused.
What nerve-linking technology means in this war-torn world, he understands better than anyone. That's why he found Tsunade's action amusing.
No relation, no sincerity offered, yet directly coming to ask for such advanced technology.
Why would anyone think they'd just give it to you?
Hearing this very blunt remark, Tsunade raised an eyebrow, her explosive temper about to flare.
But considering the other party's identity and that she was the one asking for a favor, she forcefully suppressed the impulse.
She took a deep breath, forcing a familiar smile. "Look at what you're saying. Sunagakure and Konoha are allies, right? The kids you sent to study are also learning advanced Medical Ninjutsu and systems from us, aren't they?"
Ryuji said nothing, just watched quietly.
Tsunade continued forcing her familiar smile... smiling... smiling... until her face finally fell.
Bang!
Tsunade slapped the corridor wall, leaving deep cracks. She glared at Ryuji through gritted teeth. "What will it take for you to tell me?"
"Are you proposing a deal?"
Ryuji tilted his head, looking at her playfully.
"Correct."
Tsunade took a deep breath, trying to calm her previously furious emotions.
After a moment, she calmed down, looking at Ryuji seriously. "Let me be clear first: there are many things in Konoha I can't decide. Don't make demands that are too excessive."
"Then have someone who can decide come talk."
Having said that, without waiting for Tsunade's reaction, he made to leave past her.
Tsunade extended her arm, blocking the way.
She hung her head, biting her lower lip hard, her hands clenched tight enough to crackle. Her eyes, hidden by her bangs, were full of hesitation.
Clearly, she was struggling with something internally.
"What do you mean?"
Hearing the challenge, Tsunade's face showed even more struggle, but it quickly smoothed out.
"I'll use this to trade with you." As she spoke, Tsunade took off a necklace of emerald crystal from her neck and held it out to Ryuji. "This is a necklace once worn by the First Hokage. It's worth three mines. Is that enough to purchase your technology?"
"Not enough."
Ryuji was slightly surprised, but after a moment of thought, he refused.
This necklace's crystal is a Chakra Crystal, containing sealed Chakra of the First Hokage inside. It has a suppressing effect on Tailed Beasts. Whether used for a future Jinchuriki to wear or for his own research to enhance the potential of Wood Release user, its value is comparable to nerve-linking technology.
Moreover, being a necklace passed down from the First Hokage, its collector's value is unique. Even selling it for money would be a very lucrative deal.
Especially since Sunagakure is currently building the Mechanical City and severely lacks funds.
With this necklace, the construction progress could be accelerated by at least 20-30%.
However,
Ask for the sky-high price, then bargain down.
Tsunade is the one eager for the deal. She doesn't know the necklace's immense value to Ryuji.
Therefore, he can continue bargaining for more benefits.
Finally, after some back-and-forth bargaining.
Tsunade traded the First Hokage's necklace and all her research data on the Strength of a Hundred Seal for Ryuji's nerve-linking technology.
Tsunade handed the necklace to Ryuji with reluctant care. "Take the necklace first. I'll organize and give you the Strength of a Hundred Seal research data later."
"So trusting?"
Ryuji took the necklace, checking its authenticity while teasing. "I'm a Sunagakure's Shinobi. After the incident a few days ago, you all probably wish you could kill me, right?"
"You have over a hundred people from Sunagakure here in Konoha. Am I afraid you'll run?"
Tsunade snorted, looking disdainful.
During this period when most manpower is at the front lines, Konoha might not be able to stop Ryuji from escaping, but the hundred or so people of the study delegation... Hmph.
Ryuji was well aware of this point, so naturally, he wouldn't consider taking the goods and running.
"Fine. I'll also go back and organize the nerve-linking technology and bring it to you tomorrow morning."
"That settles it then."