Ryu adjusted the final wire on the prototype ultrasound machine, which was connected to a flickering television screen. Masato Nakai, the lead researcher of the Hamura Industry, if we don't count Ryu, stood nearby with his eyes widened behind thick glasses.
"You've successfully brought the prototype to life," Masato said as the ultrasound machine switched on for its first diagnosis. The screen flickered like a storm cloud trapped behind glass, casting jagged shadows across the workshop.
Masato continued, "Real-time internal imaging without scalpels or help from a Hyuga's Byakugan. This breakthrough will revolutionise medical diagnostics and imaging technology."
Ryu explained, "It's simple. The machine uses high-frequency sound waves that bounce off internal tissues, creating echoes that are captured and translated into detailed images of the body's internal structures."
Masato thought, "To conceive the concept and develop a working prototype this quickly is truly remarkable. This boy put us old folks to shame. He is a genius of century."
Ryu said, smirking, "Yes, but this prototype is just for proof of concept. It's far from my ideal vision. It is crude. Imagine sleeker models—flat screens thin as parchment, portable units village medics could carry. This prototype is a starting point for future development."
"Flat... screens?" Masato's glasses slid down his nose. "You mean televisions without tubes? How?"
Ryu smirked, conjuring a blueprint from his desk. "Liquid crystals between layers that control light to create images." He tapped the diagram. "Start small—monochrome displays for text. Then, after some more development in that technology, even colour is possible."
"And it's not just for TVs. Consider applications like CCTV systems, household gadgets, and mobile communication devices. Flat screens will be the future. I am thinking about turning our future HQ building into a big display screen for the entire village to see."
Masato's jaw dropped. "That's… revolutionary. But how do we even begin?"
Ryu handed him a stack of blueprints and said, "These designs are crucial. Initiate the development process with monochrome screens featuring black and white pixels to lay the groundwork for our future advancements. Once proficiency is achieved, we will progress to more sophisticated models."
Masato nodded eagerly, holding the blueprints close like a treasure. "I understand, Director Ryu. I will gather the team and commence the development process."
As Masato turned to leave, the workshop door creaked open. Ikkyu, Tsunade, and Dan entered, Aoi trailing shyly behind.
Masato froze, his eyes widening as he recognised Ikkyu. He bowed deeply, his voice trembling slightly. "L-Lord Ikkyu! This is an honour—"
Ikkyu greeted him with a friendly smile, "No need for formalities. I'm not here as a noble. You're Masato-san, the lead researcher at Hamura Industries, correct?"
Masato straightened, cheeks flushing. "Y-You know my name, my lord?"
Ikkyu chuckled. "When your boss revolutionises medicine weekly, one takes note of his collaborators. Also the remote communication device you made. My men use it, so I know your name as its creator."
"It was my pleasure to be of some use to Lord Ikkyu," Masato said.
Masato thought, 'So even the Daimyo had taken notice of his brilliance.'
Ikkyu looked at Ryu and said, "Our visit is for Aoi's final treatment. Tsunade-sama will supervise it."
Masato bowed again. "I'll take my leave, then."
Ryu turned to Masato and enquired, "Before you leave, can you update me on the progress of the new communication project?"
Masato grimaced. "The devices remain too large. Shrinking the components requires power sources we don't yet have. We're stuck."
Ryu arched an eyebrow. "Stuck? Or too busy playing games in the break room?"
Masato stiffened. "My team works tirelessly, Ryu-sama! We are trying."
Just then Ryu had an epiphany. He thought of a brilliant idea for a device that will become a reference for the compact communication device.
Masato replied, "I am sorry if it seems that way. But we are trying our best. Maybe you could give us a hint."
"Relax," Ryu interrupted, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I'm just teasing. Keep at it. Miniaturisation is the key. I have another idea in my mind that could help you get accustomed to small handheld devices and have your team accustomed to smaller circuit boards."
Masato said, "I will try my best," and left the workshop.
Ryu thought, 'I need to make circuit boards smaller; I also need smaller screens and to make the overall device smaller and practical without raising the complexity of the device suddenly. The manufacturing process is not advanced enough right now; I need to slow things down. A handheld gaming device will be more suitable for now. Let's make GameBoy now. It requires all kinds of skills, from programming simpler games to circuits and display devices. It will increase the skill level of the researchers in the company.'
Just then, Tsunade interrupted his thoughts by grabbing his new machine, expressing scepticism. She eyed the bulky device and enquired, "Is that your new toy?"
"Toy? Ryu said, " This toy will revolutionise diagnostics, and by the way, real toys will come later. This is a prototype ultrasound machine that can look inside of a person."
He looked at the machine and said, "Let's show you how it works."
Dan stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Use me. These old bones could use a check-up."
Ryu tossed him a jar of water. "Drink this. All of it."
Dan gulped it down and said, "What's the water for?"
"Sound travels better through liquid," Ryu explained, powering on the machine. The screen fizzed to life, displaying grainy monochrome static. "Your bladder's now a perfect echo chamber."
Tsunade folded her arms. "Clever. But can it spot abnormalities like tumours or foreign objects?"
Ryu handed Dan a small bead. "Swallow this."
Dan obliged, and moments later, the screen revealed a tiny shadow drifting through his digestive tract. Shizune gasped.
"Incredible!" she breathed. " Now, we can precisely locate forgein objects before the invasive procedures."
"Or kidney stones," Ryu added. "Or monitoring pregnancies and birth defects in premature babies."
Tsunade's scepticism melted into awe. "Are you sure there are no side effects?"
"The sound frequencies are safer than even visible sunlight," Ryu assured. "And the applications extend beyond medicine. Mining surveys, structural inspections."
Ryu added, "With this, you can even look at the depth of the ocean without going into the water."
Ikkyu thought about all the possible uses of the technology and said, "You'll make a fortune exporting these."
Ryu nodded and said, "After fine adjustments, I will start manufacturing the device. I will make it so that any television set can be made into an ultrasound machine. Later, I will make handheld devices. Every hospital will receive a device for medical use. Then we will export it abroad and make a name for ourselves in the international market."
Tsunade said, "But will the ninja community allow this? Medical secrets are tightly controlled in every village."
Ryu replied, "It's not harmful technology. Besides, it is fairly simple to replicate once you know how it works. Blocking it will only reduce our profits, and others will soon replicate it anyway. Once I explain that, they will allow it."
Ikkyu then said, "I heard you talk with your employee about this flat-screen technology... It sounds amazing.
Ryu paused, considering. "It is. Once Masato's team masters the flat screens, we'll explore all the applications I can. I am thinking about a toy for kids and gambling addicts next."
Tsunade's vein popped hearing that.
Ikkyu nodded, his smile sly. "Keep me posted. I'm certain that noble children will adore it and be willing to pay a premium for such unique toys."
Ryu said, "Yes, that would, but I am planning to make this for the general public."
Ikkyu said, "I am sure you can make your unique toy a premium purchase and raise the price very high while limiting the supply. It will earn you very much."
Ryu replied, "I can sell it for a thousand or two thousand Ryo to a couple of thousand nobles, or I can sell this for 500 Ryo to 100 thousand kids worldwide."
Ikkyu nodded in agreement, "That's a smart strategy. By making it more affordable and accessible to a larger market, you can potentially reach a wider audience and generate higher overall revenue. You have very good business sense."
Ryu replied, "Money is not the ultimate goal for me, but it sure comes in handy to bring change in the world. But you cannot put a price tag on a happy childhood. This device will just give that. It will be the ultimate toy."
Ikkyu nodded in understanding, recognising Ryu's perspective on the value of creating joy for children.
Ryu looked at Tsunade and suggested, "And you could gamble on it without losing money."
Veins again popped out of her forehead.
Aoi exclaimed, "I want one!"
Ryu replied, "Don't worry; when the first prototype is ready, I will gift it to you. But you should now play real games with your friends. You just got your life back."
Aoi replied, "Yes, you are right. Thank you for treating me."
Ryu smiled, knowing that Aoi had finally found a new sense of purpose and joy in her life. He was grateful to have been able to make a positive impact on her well-being.
---
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