Ch 65. Changes I: Contribution x Clearence

Inside the Hollow Mountain Research Center, Ron and Ed walked side by side through a well-lit hallway, lined with rooms enclosed by see-through glass. Within these spaces, researchers and ninjas worked diligently on various projects, some refining ninjutsu applications, others experimenting with tools and technology. The hum of discussions and the occasional burst of elemental energy filled the air, a testament to the center's ongoing innovations.

As they passed, many researchers and shinobi paused to greet them with nods or respectful words. Unlike in his early years, Ron was no longer an unknown figure lurking behind the scenes. At seven years old, he had stepped into the light, his identity as a key contributor to Kumogakure's advancements becoming widely recognized. Since beginning his ninjutsu training, he had displayed remarkable progress, with his physical prowess, taijutsu, and chakra level reaching a level comparable to that of a Jonin. However, despite his raw power and technical expertise, he lacked the life-and-death experiences that defined true battlefield ninjas. He had never taken part in missions, nor had he developed the well-roundedness of veteran Jonin who had mastered multiple elemental affinities and combat strategies.

Ron's focus had remained deliberate and selective. Over the years, he had devoted himself primarily to Lightning Release, as well as the deeper mysteries of Yin and Yang Release and special ninjutsus. While he had access to a vast array of jutsu, he rarely committed himself to formally learning those outside his areas of interest. Instead, he often analyzed and restructured techniques, improving their efficiency, creating alternate versions, and simplifying complex jutsu for easier learning.

One of Ron's most significant contributions to Kumogakure was the creation of an extensive catalog compiling all publicly available jutsu within the village. This was not merely a record, it was a comprehensive guide to ninjutsu mastery. Each entry detailed not only the steps to learning a jutsu but also the optimal progression path for shinobi. The catalog included annotations specifying when a ninja should aim to master particular techniques, the chakra control levels required to reduce hand seals, and advanced insights into refining jutsu execution, with examples and comparion's that allowed users to use the most basic ninjutsu as a reference to understand how much chakra they needed, and many more such insights.

Through this work, Ron had effectively transformed the way jutsu were studied and taught in Kumogakure, paving the way for a new generation of shinobis and current ones to develop their skills with greater efficiency and understanding.

A year had passed since Tsunade left Konoha, vanishing from the eyes of even the most persistent pursuers. Jiraiya, who wanted to meet and talk to Tsunade, could not find her, like the rest of the world, did not know the elusive Tsunade-hime's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Namikaze Minato, now a disciple of Jiraiya, was on the verge of becoming a Jonin. His talent was undeniable, his growth rapid, a new generation of hero in Konoha.

Despite Kumogakure's extensive spy network, now enhanced by various electronic communication devices, they struggled to track her movements. Traditional intelligence methods fell short against someone like Tsunade, whose chakra could not be traced unless she was directly observed due to Kurama's sensory abilities allowing her to evade all attempts. The only means that stood a chance of detecting her presence were completely remote, non-chakra-based surveillance methods, such as the hidden security cameras discreetly installed within the numerous business fronts linked to Kumogakure.

These hidden establishments spanned the entire world, restaurants, izakayas/bars, casinos, and even mundane-looking DVD and video shops. They were more than just businesses; they were part of a vast intelligence network operating under the guise of trade. Thanks to the extensive reach of the Land of Lightning's merchant groups, these establishments had spread far and wide, embedding themselves into the economies of countless nations.

Naturally, these ventures brought in significant profits, but their true value lay elsewhere. Under Ron's suggestion, they became the secret headquarters of Kumogakure's intelligence operatives, the so-called "Agents." The name, much to Ron's satisfaction, was something he had insisted upon, inspired by the spies and covert operatives he had seen in movies from his previous life.

With Kumogakure's rapid technological advancements, Ron had seized the opportunity to create an intelligence network unlike anything the shinobi world had ever seen. Equipped with advanced communication devices and discreet surveillance tools, these Agents formed a web of informants capable of gathering intelligence on a global scale. While the world remained oblivious.

As Ron and Ed continued walking down the hallway, they passed by numerous rooms bustling with activity. Researchers in white coats were immersed in their work, analyzing formulas and testing prototypes. In other sections, ninja technicians wielded specialized tools, channeling their Lightning Release chakra to weld metals with extreme precision. Civilians and ninjas alike worked side by side, applying their unique expertise to advance Kumogakure's technological and scientific frontiers.

To an outsider unfamiliar with the Land of Lightning's developments, the sight of ninjas engaging in such work might seem odd. A foreign shinobi might assume that these individuals had lost their edge in combat, dismissing them as mere craftsmen unfit for battle. However, underestimating them would be a grave mistake. Most ninja in these facilities was at least Jonin-level, possessing not only formidable combat skills but also specialized talents that made them indispensable.

The elite welders, for example, were a testament to this. Their job required them to fuse materials together with absolute precision, without the slightest deformation, some even had to precisely cut materials. In Ron's previous world, such perfection in welding was impossible with human skills, but here, with the use of chakra and ninjas, it became a reality. The process demanded extraordinary chakra control, precise physical coordination, and unwavering concentration, skills that only highly trained shinobi's like Jonin's could achieve.

Kumogakure's approach to utilizing its ninjas had evolved with the times. The village no longer relied solely on traditional roles; instead, its shinobi were expected to adapt and take on various responsibilities beyond just combat. With emerging situations and technological advancements, Kumogakure had implemented a system of clearances, both skill-based and security-based. A ninja needed proper qualifications to work in certain sectors, such as the intelligence agency or the Hollow Mountain Research Center. Some areas required not only technical expertise but also strict security authorization to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

This new system ensured that Kumogakure remained ahead of its rivals, not just in terms of military strength but also in innovation, intelligence, and infrastructure. The era of shinobi was changing, and under Ron's influence, Kumogakure was leading the charge by light-years.