Chapter 51: Ch 51. Meeting in Kumogakure I
It was a rare, clear, and beautifully sunny day, and the majestic lightning mountain range shone brightly from the top of the Raikage building, though some distant areas still flickered with ominous, crackling lightning. Today was particularly significant for the village, bustling with a lively atmosphere of activity and anticipation.
Inside the Raikage building, the Third Raikage was in his personal office located at the very top. The circular room offered a stunning panoramic view of the vibrant village, and he stood thoughtfully by the open window, surveying the scene below with keen interest.
Today, not only was there an important Jonin meeting with over 200 attendees, but later in the day, the village would also host the Daimyo and his staff. This event marked the exciting beginning of trade for the Land of Lightning, introducing their innovative new electronic products to the outside world for the first time. Additionally, they would start selling food on a large scale, particularly to other countries eager for new options. However, this strategic move would not happen immediately; it will be a calculated effort to gain essential political support so that they can dominate the new emerging electronic industry, allowing other villages to see the Land of Lightning as less of a target while maintaining the carefully crafted facade of recovery is the most important goal, as it will still be a closed country.
Currently, merchants from the powerful Land of Fire dominated and monopolized the food industry, leaving many countries heavily reliant on them for sustenance. The emergence of another viable option would surely garner considerable support from various nations seeking alternatives, especially those large countries and major ninja villages that see Konoha as a hegemon and enemy.
Ron was currently sweating as he exercised alone in his lab, under his home, pushing himself under an intense 7x gravity. Everyone else was busy with their own responsibilities: his mother, his older brother, who was a Jonin, and Killer Bee, the young Jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails. Despite his youth, Bee was already considered a Jonin and could attend the important meeting alongside Ay, the next generation of Kumogakure.
Today, the new 5x gravity training ground was set to open in the village, available to any ninja eager to test their limits. Most civilian genin could withstand the increased pressure for only a few minutes using their chakra, but Ron was pushing his limits by training under 7x gravity without relying on chakra at the moment.
His movements were slow, akin to a turtle struggling to move forward, with flickers of lightning coursing through his body from time to time. This was part of his lightning body forging technique, not its cell activation, ensuring that he was not only under immense gravitational stress but also that his body was being tempered with lightning. Of course, this type of training required a high level of chakra control, and maintaining focus was crucial. At least Chunin-level chakra control and a steady mind were necessary to endure such intense conditions. It wasn't just a test of willpower; it was a rigorous challenge to control both his chakra and his body, as even a momentary distraction could lead to collapsing under his own weight.
Finally, he finished his exercises and glanced at the time. He couldn't help but think, "The meeting will start soon. I wonder what everyone's reaction will be. Hopefully, they will train hard and will be excited about it; that was my goal all along: to make everyone strong, to give ninjas a chance to go against descendants of Otsutsuki. For now, though, let's get some rest."
With that thought in mind, Ron entered the medical hibernation tank, settling into a zero-gravity environment. He quickly fell into a deep sleep, his body being supplemented with essential nutrition and herbs, allowing him to recover and grow.
In the grand meeting room of the Raikage Building, a significant gathering was taking place. Seated among the attendees was the Daimyo himself, who had taken a personal interest in Kumogakure's recent advancements and, more specifically, his nephew's contributions. Alongside him were numerous figures from various sectors of the village, Ed and other key researchers from the Hollow Mountain Research Institute, representatives from the medical department, and the sealing and barrier division. Many of them were not Jonin, yet in the past few weeks, they had all gained invaluable knowledge on the usage and maintenance of the newly developed devices and thus were in the meeting.
The room buzzed with hushed discussions and occasional murmurs of excitement. However, the moment the Third Raikage entered alongside Dodai, a respectful silence fell over the crowd. The sheer presence of the Raikage was enough to command the attention of every individual in the room, but today, there was something different about him. Though he looked much the same, those with keener senses, particularly the women in attendance, could discern subtle changes. His skin appeared healthy and more vibrant, and even the deep scar across his chest had faded slightly. The reason was simple: in recent days, he had been relentlessly pushing himself in training, adapting to an astonishing 35x gravity. Each time he used the hibernation tank afterward, his body felt reinvigorated, improving beyond what even he had expected.
With a deep, powerful voice, the Raikage began, "Quiet, everyone. We have gathered here today because our village has made significant strides in advancing ninja training. As you are all aware, the previously restricted training grounds have been repurposed and will henceforth be known as the Gravity Training Grounds. There are now seven such training facilities throughout the village, each designed to aid in the physical and chakra development of our shinobi. Access to these grounds will require a special key issued by the village. Any ninja is free to train there, provided they obtain the key."
He paused momentarily, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "In addition, we have introduced new medical devices at the village hospital, Medical Hibernation Tanks. Unlike the training grounds, their usage will come at a cost, but I strongly encourage our older ninjas to try them, even if they are uninjured. When used in conjunction with gravity training, the effects are profound. For Jonin, the cost is easily manageable, and to ensure accessibility, the village will provide a one-time free usage for every ninja upon reaching a new rank, including newly graduated genin. Furthermore, a portion of the expenses will be covered by the village for all shinobi."
With that, he gestured for Dodai to elaborate.
Dodai nodded in acknowledgment and stepped forward. "Thank you, Raikage-sama. While he has provided a broad overview, allow me to explain some finer details. Currently, the lowest gravity level available is 5x, which is suitable for most ninjas. However, genin and those with weaker physiques should always support themselves with chakra. Most chunin and below are advised to train here before progressing. Jonin, on the other hand, can immediately begin at the 10x gravity field. Beyond that, there are additional training grounds ranging from 12x to 20x gravity, with increments of 2, which will be open to those capable of enduring them, but it is advisable to make sure you are used to the previous level of gravity even without chakra before going to the next level.
"These training grounds will be accessible to all ninjas, but non-shinobi villagers will also be able to enter the areas without experiencing the gravity effects, making it safe for families or anyone to visit. Access will be regulated by the key system. While each facility can accommodate up to 100 individuals at once, the system includes a failsafe, if the number of users exceeds capacity, the gravity field will deactivate to prevent accidents." He then turned toward Ed, giving him a slight nod.
Taking his cue, Ed stepped forward. "I am Ed, a researcher from Kumogakure's Research Institute, and I will explain how the Key functions. The Key is an essential safeguard. If at any point you remove the designated item carrying your Key, the gravity effect on you will immediately cease. This ensures that if you ever reach your limit or encounter difficulty, you can instantly escape the pressure, and so that anyone can enter the training grounds without worry!"
"You may imprint the Key onto various objects: rings, kunai, or any small item that remains in close contact with your body. However, for optimal performance, it is best if the item is made from specific durable materials. Management of these keys will be handled by staff at the Raikage Building. If you wish to change training grounds, you may have your item re-engraved accordingly."
Ed paused for a moment to let the information sink in before moving on to the next topic. "Now, about the Medical Hibernation Tanks. These devices are not meant for treating critical injuries; if you have life-threatening wounds like deep stabs or severe organ damage, you should still seek immediate medical ninjutsu. However, for other cases that are not diseases and such, including injuries that don't require emergency treatment, the hibernation tanks are far superior.
"They work by putting the user into a deep sleep, during which their body undergoes accelerated natural healing. The tanks provide essential nutrients and medicinal herbs that not only restore physical condition but also eliminate hidden injuries, those lingering strains that accumulate over years of combat and training. Additionally, prolonged use has been observed to promote physical growth, making them invaluable for long-term health and ninjas practice."
A few murmurs of intrigue spread through the room as Ed continued. "As for pricing, the cost varies depending on the user's condition and needs. For a standard recovery session after training, most ninjas will find the expense equivalent to the reward of a low-level C-rank mission. However, for those engaged in more rigorous regimens, such as Lightning Body Forging or higher-intensity gravity training that can damage your bones and muscles, the cost may rise to that of a low-level A-rank mission."
"That said, the village will subsidize a portion of the cost for those injured on missions. It is better to use them maybe once or twice a week, so you can manage yourself better while training, of course, these costs will go down in the future, as more are made, and we have a steady system of management and others"
In Kumogakure Village, generally, A-rank missions ranged from 100,000 taels to 1,000,000 taels, B-rank missions 50,000 to 100,000, while C-rank was 10,000 to 50,000 taels, so 100,000 taels weren't much for jonins, in addition, most jonins received 2,000,000 as a subsidy from the village based on their Jonin rank each month, in addition, Genins received 5,000 taels each month, while Chunins received, 100,000 each month. Of course, the disparity is due to the amount of missions available, while a Genins might do more than 10 D-C level missions in a month, a Jonin might only do 2-3 A rank missions. As for those with special Jonin and other statuses, it was decided by the Raikge, depending on their capabilities. Also, elite Jonins received way more, as most were some kind of captains or managed something, such as leaders of certain units, commanders of certain guard posts at the border, etc.
With that, Ed stepped back, waiting for any questions or reactions from the assembled crowd.