"Currently, there are twenty-one sandworms in the Sandworm Base. We've implemented a rotational grazing system, sending half of them into the desert every month to replenish their iron intake while the remaining half stay behind, producing a daily blood supply of forty-two tons.
We're also making progress in artificial cultivation," Kabuto reported, adjusting his glasses. "Preliminary results are promising. Soon, we may be able to clone sandworms directly."
Mufasa exhaled in amazement.
Sandworms—massive, asexually reproducing creatures—could be cloned this quickly? In the field of biological manipulation, Orochimaru and Kabuto were truly top-tier shinobi.
"I really lucked out having you two on my side," Mufasa praised.
Kabuto gave a modest smile, pushing up his glasses. "Additionally, the King Worm project has begun to take shape. With some accelerated development, we've successfully bred a King Worm capable of controlling the other sandworms."
Mufasa raised a brow. "It can control them?"
Kabuto nodded. "Not only that, but it has offensive capabilities. If refined further, it could function as a living biological weapon."
Mufasa's eyes widened slightly. "Let's go see it."
Gaara's expression remained unreadable, but his interest was clear. "Alright."
The rest of the group shared similar curiosity, and soon, they all made their way toward the outskirts of the industrial sector. They gathered in a remote section of the desert, waiting as Kabuto went to retrieve the King Worm.
Mufasa hovered in the air, looking over the industrial park. More structures had been built. In time, he planned to install advanced security measures in both the village and the facility.
Maybe something like a mirage generator?
If the enemy couldn't see their village or industrial zones from the air, they wouldn't even know where to attack.
A good idea. He'd have to check the blueprint archives later.
Before he could ponder further, the ground rumbled. Gravel scattered as something massive approached. A towering form emerged from the industrial park, sending shockwaves through the sand.
Kabuto stood atop the head of a monstrous sandworm, easily over three hundred meters long, its scales gleaming under the sun. Two slightly smaller sandworms followed close behind, slithering in perfect synchronization.
The three titanic creatures came to a halt in front of Mufasa and the others. Standing this close to them was a different experience entirely. Their heads, raised high, loomed over the group like ancient gods. The sheer mass of their bodies cast vast shadows over the desert floor.
Then, one of the sandworms instinctively opened its maw, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs. The stench of iron and earth mixed in the air, intensified by the desert heat. There was an odd hint of something… roasted? Almost like spices cooked under intense heat.
Mufasa raised a hand, forming a barrier to block the wind. Kabuto, standing atop the largest sandworm, bowed his head slightly.
"My lord, allow me to demonstrate."
He first lifted the curse mark control on the two smaller sandworms.
The instant their bindings were released, both creatures flinched as if sensing something powerful in their midst. They turned and attempted to flee in opposite directions.
Kabuto patted the massive sandworm beneath him. "Deterrence."
The King Worm suddenly reared up. Its colossal body lifted skyward, standing nearly a hundred meters tall. A storm of sand erupted from the force of its movement.
Then, it opened its maw wide.
No sound came forth, but the power was undeniable.
Mufasa sensed it—a frequency beyond human hearing. The King Worm was unleashing a silent roar, an ultrasonic wave of authority.
The fleeing sandworms froze in place, their bodies stiff. Despite their initial instincts to run, they no longer dared to move.
Everyone watching was stunned.
Mufasa was especially impressed. Animals like sandworms weren't known for advanced neural structures. Controlling them—let alone making one exert dominance over the others—should've been impossible.
Yet, here it was. Kabuto had somehow accomplished it.
Mufasa descended onto the King Worm's head. "How did you manage this?"
Kabuto pushed up his glasses, eyes gleaming. "We amplified the curse mark's influence on this worm. Curse marks are one of the ways to artificially possess nature energy, and by giving it a level of mental power far beyond its kin, it can exert a kind of biological dominance over them."
Mufasa examined the markings on the King Worm's head. The curse seal took the shape of intricate, wing-like patterns embedded in its thick hide.
Strangely enough, there was something elegant about it.
Kabuto continued, his voice tinged with rare excitement. "With further modifications, the King Worm's abilities could grow exponentially. It might even control all the sandworms across the desert."
Mufasa's thoughts raced.
An army of sandworms—no, several armies.
Hundreds of King Worms leading countless smaller ones.
A sea of monstrous creatures erupting from the sands, devouring everything in their path.
Compared to that, as long as it's not the Nine-Tailed Beast, these sandworms can cause much greater chaos on the desert battlefield. He'd have an entire legion of one-tailed monsters under his command.
Was this really happening? Had he just started something terrifying?
Mufasa shook his head, stomping lightly on the King Worm's head.
The massive creature let out a low rumble and lowered itself submissively to the ground.
Oh well. No matter how powerful a sandworm was, it was still just a worm. If it ever turned against him, he had plenty of ways to deal with it.
Satisfied, he turned back to Kabuto. "You've done well with the Sandworm Breeding Center."
Kabuto's expression remained calm, but a glimmer of pride shone in his eyes.
Mufasa smirked. "For your efforts, I'm awarding you the Kazekage Labor Medal, the Outstanding Worker title, and the Advanced Work Unit recognition."
In the Hidden Sand Village, money was pointless. Honorary titles were all that really mattered. [T/N: BS, I say.]
Kabuto pushed up his glasses again, his smile twitching as he patted his pocket on his other than where his wallet was.
It was empty.
...
With the remarkable achievements of exceptional individuals like Kabuto setting the standard, the next meeting was filled with even more good news.
The development of the Hidden Sand Village was progressing at an astonishing pace. Every few days, changes were noticeable, and within weeks, entire sectors had transformed.
In today's village, everyone had a job, food on their table, and access to education. Even Elder Chiyo, who preferred to feign death to avoid work, had been recruited as a teacher. Her expertise in puppetry and medicine was too valuable to waste.
As the meeting commenced, reports flooded in:
"My lord, our current steel production has reached 30 tons per day."
"Oil production is at 10 tons daily."
"The total daily output of goods and ninja tools is 20 tons."
"The Ninja Academy expects 300 students to graduate this year."
Mufasa nodded, visibly pleased. "Everyone is working hard. Keep up the good work."
Amidst the positive atmosphere, a slight hesitation broke through. Goza, one of the elders of the Suna council, shifted uncomfortably before finally speaking.
"My lord, we have a critical shortage of medical personnel, especially in obstetrics and gynecology."
Mufasa raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Goza sighed. "It's… well, with the village's economic growth and improved living conditions, there's been an unexpected baby boom. Before, when resources were scarce, families only had children if they could afford them. But now, with your policies providing full support, no child is being abandoned. The problem is, our hospital isn't equipped to handle so many births. We don't have enough doctors, nurses, or even medical equipment."
Mufasa leaned forward, now fully invested. "These children are the future of the village. We must ensure every single one is taken care of."
Turning to Kankuro, he commanded, "Immediately assign workers to expand the hospital. We need larger maternity wards, more in-patient beds, and better facilities."
Kankuro gave a firm nod. "I'll see to it at once."
Mufasa then looked at Gaara. "Temporarily reassign medical ninja from the field teams to the hospital. We need to cover the gap until we train more specialists."
Gaara crossed his arms. "I understand, but shouldn't we also be preparing for the corrupt merchants in the capital? If we focus too much on medical care, we might not be ready for their schemes."
Mufasa smirked. "Good point. Let's talk about those merchants." He glanced around the room. "I'm sure all of you are eager to deal with them."
A murmur of agreement spread through the council.
"They've tripled food prices!" Sajo growled. "It's pure greed!"
Joseki clenched his fist. "My lord, we can't let them leech off us like this! We should eliminate them now."
The sentiment was unanimous. The room buzzed with anger, many advocating for swift retaliation.
Mufasa simply raised a hand, and silence fell instantly.
"Killing a few merchants is easy," he said with a chuckle. "Gaara, how long would it take you?"
Gaara answered without hesitation. "One to two days."
Mufasa nodded. "See? Simple. But the question isn't whether we kill them. It's how we do it to achieve our goal."
He glanced around. "Tell me—what is our ultimate objective?"
Without missing a beat, the council responded in unison: "To become the strongest village in the ninja world!"
"Exactly!" Mufasa grinned. "And beyond that, we will reach for the stars."
The room fell silent. Some were stunned by the sheer ambition behind those words. Even seasoned officials felt a twinge of inadequacy.
"Think about it," Mufasa continued. "When you view the world from the sky, everything changes. Those merchants? From up there, they're just insignificant ants. Do I want to waste time stepping on each one individually? No."
He let his words sink in before speaking again. "They like sucking our blood? Let them. Encourage it. Make them think we're helpless."
The officials exchanged confused glances.
"My lord… why?" someone finally asked.
Mufasa leaned back. "Have any of you ever gone fishing?"
Most shook their heads.
"If you want to catch a big fish, you don't yank your line at the first bite. You let the fish take the bait, let more gather, and then…"
He clenched his fist.
"You pull them all in at once."
The room slowly lit up with understanding. Mufasa smirked, satisfied that they were catching on.
"The Land of Wind has plenty of greedy people. If making money off us is easy, more parasites will show up. Let them come. Let them get comfortable. Let them believe they've won."
His expression darkened. "Then, when they're all here—crush them."
Mufasa turned to Gaara. "Compile a list of every corrupt merchant involved. Track their every move. Let them bask in their illusion of power."
Gaara's eyes gleamed. "Understood, sensei."
Mufasa smiled. "They eat our food, drink our resources… soon, they'll pay us back tenfold."
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