Pokemon: With Title System

Chapter 292: Does the Akatsuki Want to Cooperate with Konoha?

Orochimaru said, "I've handed it over to the researchers at the Root division. You can't expect me to handle everything myself, can you?"

"I've already resolved the most difficult part. Designing such a complex machine has taken me quite a long time."

The claim of taking a long time was a lie. In truth, Orochimaru only spent a few days on the project, most of which was spent drafting the design diagrams.

The rest of the time, he was slacking off and researching other topics.

Orochimaru had conducted related studies long ago; he simply modified his previous research to suit the new purpose.

Seeing Haneda in a relatively lighthearted and somewhat pleased mood, Orochimaru added:

"It's been a long time since I last returned to the Akatsuki. I need to go back, and it'll take me at least a month."

"Alright, make sure to stay undercover, and don't forget to confirm Sasori's location," Haneda nodded slightly.

He could tell that Orochimaru's extended absence likely had more to do with his own research.

Haneda didn't believe for a second that someone of Orochimaru's capabilities would need a whole month to complete one task.

Still, he didn't bother probing into such trivial matters.

As far as Haneda was concerned, as long as Orochimaru fulfilled his assignments, it was all good.

Looking at the large machine over a meter tall, a faint smile appeared on Haneda's lips.

With this machine and the advent of trains, they could connect the entire country from east to west, north to south!

Minerals from the east and north could be transported to the west and south, while food supplies from the west and south could be sent to replenish the east and north.

The former could facilitate the establishment of various factories, boosting employment while preventing overproduction.

The latter could distribute surplus food, solving the nationwide hunger problem.

The principle of "to get rich, build roads first" applied just as well in the ninja world!

Haneda later intimidated the Root's research team using the ever-reliable "threat of Danzo," pushing them to work overtime and successfully develop the train. Haneda named it the "Great Harmony Line," symbolizing unity and prosperity across the land.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Rain, neighboring the new Land of Fire…

Pain, the co-leader of both Amegakure and the Akatsuki, stared at a palm-sized mushroom in his hand, his Rinnegan eyes reflecting deep contemplation.

Turning to Konan, who had brought the mushroom, he asked:

"I can sense the life force within this mushroom. The energy inside it seems quite abundant."

"What's it called? Where did it come from?"

Konan replied, "It's called the bull-leg mushroom, and it came from the Fire Will Republic."

"Konoha has been promoting it across the Land of Fire since last year."

"This morning, I saw someone in Amegakure growing it, so I brought one over."

"The growers mentioned that bull-leg mushrooms are highly suited to Amegakure's conditions. Even if left unattended, they can grow on their own in places that don't get rained on—they're incredibly resilient."

Pain followed up, "What about its yield?"

"It's decent. If grown indoors, it's barely enough to live on. You couldn't live well on it alone."

Listening to Konan's explanation and examining the mushroom in his hand, Pain seemed lost in thought.

After a moment, he stood up and remarked:

"If we'd had such mushrooms—no, bull-leg mushrooms—back then, we wouldn't have needed to follow Yahiko to the marketplace to steal food."

"Uchiha Haneda truly has the ability to bring happiness to people. I doubt this is the only thing he's done."

Konan remained silent for a moment. She had been preoccupied lately with preparing three hundred million explosive tags to defend against the masked figure hiding in the shadows—Madara.

Thus, she had little knowledge of the recent actions of the new Land of Fire and Konoha.

At that moment, Orochimaru, dressed in his Akatsuki cloak adorned with red clouds, approached.

Looking at the Rinnegan's gaze fixed on him, Orochimaru licked his lips and smirked:

"Uchiha Haneda has also been promoting two other crops: hybrid rice and hybrid wheat."

"They both have high yields, resistance to pests, and adaptability to various environments."

"These two crops have been specifically tailored for the southern and northern regions of the Land of Fire."

"Haneda commissioned me to develop them to address the hunger problem."

Pain stared into Orochimaru's golden snake-like eyes and could clearly sense Orochimaru's desire for his own Rinnegan.

But Pain didn't care. What intrigued him more was the information Orochimaru had shared.

Haneda was indeed taking action—developing and promoting high-yield crops to eradicate hunger completely.

And what was more shocking was that Orochimaru played a significant role in this effort.

This was something Pain had never expected.

Pain was well aware of how cold-blooded and ruthless Orochimaru was, how little he valued human life.

Years ago, when this body still belonged to Yahiko, and Pain, Konan, and Yahiko were mere children meeting the legendary Sannin for the first time, Orochimaru had casually suggested killing them.

Later, whether through his human experiments or other actions, Orochimaru's disregard for life was evident to Pain.

Yet this same man had developed high-yield crops to benefit humanity…

It had to be said: Haneda had a truly unique eye for talent.

Though deeply surprised, Pain maintained his expressionless facade to uphold his authority as the leader, exuding the indifference of a deity above all mortal matters.

Knowing Pain wouldn't speak directly, Konan acted as his mouthpiece. Her tone carried a hint of surprise as she asked:

"You're capable of researching crops, Orochimaru?"

Orochimaru spread his hands, offering a slightly innocent smile. "You've never asked me about it, and I never had the opportunity to showcase my skills."

Such an open and shameless excuse… Konan's lips twitched involuntarily.

Remembering her role as Amegakure's "angel," her expression quickly returned to normal as she continued to question:

"What else has Haneda asked you to research, Orochimaru?"

Orochimaru didn't hold back, spilling everything about Haneda's plans:

"A vehicle called a train, designed to connect the entire Land of Fire."

"Beyond transporting people, Haneda plans to use it for grain, minerals, and other goods."

"Based on its design, the train's speed ranges from seventy to one hundred sixty kilometers per hour."

"Traveling from the south to the north, across the entire Land of Fire, would take just two or three days."

"However, laying the tracks is necessary, and it seems Haneda has been working on that since last year."

"Come to think of it, all the boring projects he's assigned me are part of his first Five-Year Plan."

Konan silently calculated the train's speed and couldn't help but let her mouth drop slightly and her eyes shine.

The train's speed rivaled that of a ninja—and it didn't need to rest like one!

Based on Haneda's theories from a few years ago, coupled with the ideals expressed in My Struggle, Konan could clearly imagine the benefits:

If a train line connected the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain, facilitating grain transport and Rain's exports…

The domestic price of grain would undoubtedly plummet!

The citizens of the Land of Rain would become wealthier!

The Land of Rain could become a land of prosperity!

Konan glanced at Pain, signaling him with her eyes. Pain, his tone cold, spoke:

"Your information is valuable. Continue to stay close to Uchiha Haneda and provide the organization with more intelligence on Konoha."

"You may leave."

Orochimaru glanced at Pain and then at Konan, smiling faintly.

He had already gleaned what he wanted—there was an undeniable, intricate connection between the Akatsuki and Haneda!

Moreover, it seemed that Amegakure, under Akatsuki's control, might be considering cooperation with Konoha!

…

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