Chapter 66: Ch 66. Changes II: Training x Battery x Information Network
The current Kumogakure has multiple single-person gravity training rooms that have been established, capable of increasing gravity levels from 30 times to 50 times the normal gravity. Rather than traditional training grounds, these could more accurately be described as high-intensity training chambers, designed for those seeking to push their physical limits to the extreme. These specialized rooms had been set up in former training grounds and were closely managed by dedicated ninjas, as training under such immense gravitational pressure required constant monitoring to ensure safety, of course, aside from ANBU headquarters, the Hospital and Raikage building, these training grounds also had medical hibernation chambers now.
Beyond individual training, gravity-enhanced combat had become a widespread trend among Kumogakure's shinobi. Many ninjas now engaged in sparring matches under artificially increased gravity, each sparring at a level they were comfortable with. This practice not only improved their strength and endurance but also conditioned them to move and react under extreme physical strain, giving them a significant edge in real battle.
The fear of injury, which once held back many from pushing their limits in training or sparring, had all but disappeared. Thanks to the existence of medical chambers, injuries sustained during training or combat could be treated rapidly. This breakthrough allowed Kumogakure's ninjas to train without hesitation, pushing themselves beyond their previous limits with a level of intensity that would have been considered reckless in the past. With these advancements, Kumogakure's warriors grew stronger at an unprecedented rate, further cementing the village's ninjas as powerhouses, each having immense raw strength, taijutsu skills, leading Kumogakure towards being a place of innovation, and an institution that constantly sought strength and improvement through change.
Right now, the true strength of Kumogakure's ninjas remained unknown, a reality that interested not only Ron but also the Third Raikage and other key figures. This uncertainty was largely due to the two groundbreaking inventions that had significantly enhanced the capabilities of every ninja in the village. As a result, they all recognized the urgent need to reassess and reorganize their forces. However, this task remained pending a challenge for the near future.
Meanwhile, the Land of Lightning had undergone a transformation unlike anything seen elsewhere in the world. The most striking change was the complete replacement of traditional transportation methods. Horse-drawn carts and outdated transport systems had been phased out, giving way to a new era of electric vehicles.
Yes, electric vehicles. However, Ron hadn't simply adapted the concept of electric power, he had revolutionized it. By leveraging the unique materials of this world and conducting independent research, he had developed electric motors and batteries far beyond conventional capabilities of Ron's world. Some were even designed to integrate seamlessly with Lightning Release chakra, pushing the boundaries of energy utilization.
Of course, while these were labeled as "electric vehicles," they lacked many of the advanced features found in Ron's previous world, such as touchscreen interfaces and complex computer systems. Instead, the true breakthroughs lay in the battery and engine design, which were tailored primarily for public transportation. Ron was cautious about technology leaks, understanding that if innovations like computers and modern electronic devices were sold beyond the Land of Lightning, they could potentially be exploited by enemies.
Currently, even the most remote villages and towns have access to at least one or two electric trucks. Infrastructure had kept pace with these advancements, every settlement was now connected by train lines, well-maintained roads, and a functioning electrical grid. However, electricity was metered, ensuring it remained under the control of the state and the ninja village. As a result, government and village-owned businesses flourished, of course, it created jobs for many ninjas and civilians, for ninjas maintaining high voltage wires and fixing them were not a dangerous task, at least for those jonin's that specialized in lightning releases.
While some areas still awaited the completion of underground sewer systems, the overall progress was undeniable. The landscape of the Land of Lightning had changed dramatically, electric trucks and cars now traversed city streets, rail networks expanded across the country, and new economic systems, jobs, and lifestyles emerged. The contrast between the Land of Lightning and the outside world was stark; it was rapidly becoming a place unlike any other.
Ron had already solved numerous technical challenges, making it possible to release even more advanced devices such as computers into the world. However, he hesitated, believing the current era wasn't ready for such a leap, whether in terms of acceptance or in terms of the upcoming wars. Even the electric batteries released to the outside world had strict limitations; at best, they allowed Lightning Release users to recharge them. Yet, behind the scenes, Ron had already mastered the art of sealing chakra and had developed stable chakra batteries through a fusion of sealing techniques and technology.
For now, these chakra batteries remained a closely guarded secret, used only in select places like the gravity training grounds and research facilities, both carefully hidden from public view. Recharging these specialized batteries, which powered the gravity seals, was designated as a minor mission for ninjas. Even genin and chunin could handle it with ease, as activating and deactivating the gravity-enhancing seals required only a minimal amount of chakra, but maintaining them was even less, Ron's sealing technology was even better than any existing Uzumaki sealing expert in Kumogakure, his seals were far more efficient than any existing seals, of course also more complicated.
Beyond technological advancements, Ron had also ensured that Kumogakure's intelligence network remained unparalleled. Every storefront operated by agents and spies outside the Land of Lightning contained concealed transmission and receiving devices. While their range wasn't vast, the network's effectiveness was amplified through multiple interconnected storefronts, strategically placed signal towers across the country, and Kumogakure's main signal station, a massive receiver positioned atop a mountain near the village.
Though spies were relatively few and mainly consisted of chakra-capable operatives, the majority of intelligence agents were civilians equipped with discreet recording and transmission devices, whether agents or Spies, they were terms used to describe the same job, but Spies just went deeper and faced more risks, under Ron's new categorization. Hidden cameras, miniature recorders, and long-distance listening tools were used by these people and were embedded within these storefronts, allowing for the collection and relay of information with minimal risk.
Through this system, intelligence could be transmitted between storefronts, bounced through the signal network, and ultimately relayed to Kumogakure's central intelligence hub. Or directly transmitted, via a stronger transmitter for emergencies, but due to size constraints within the store fronts, only some had these. But these stronger signals weren't strong enough for most store receivers to pick up, but the massive receiver in Kumogakre could pick up any of these strong signals!
With this sophisticated setup, Kumogakure maintained a firm grasp on global events, ensuring it remained several steps ahead of its rivals, and took up a large space in the underground intelligence space. While the rest of the world remained unaware of the extent of this surveillance network, Ron and the intelligence department continued to refine and expand it, solidifying Kumogakure's position as a dominant force both militarily and technologically.