Chapter 33: This is a people’s war
---
The blood identification machine needed to be classified as a military product. In the military industry, the production scale is typically larger, the costs higher, and the risks substantial. Moreover, the process would be closely monitored by personnel from the Konoha ninja forces.
"Have them produce some samples," Muzan instructed. He needed to verify the accuracy of the instrument. The industrial capacity of factories in the Naruto world was still quite basic, making it difficult for Muzan to trust them fully. Any deviation in mass production could prove fatal.
Normally, Muzan could afford to wait, but the looming threat of war, especially from the forces in Kumogakure, left no room for delay. There was no telling when the next attack might occur.
"What are you up to? It seems pretty secretive," Obito remarked, unable to grasp the conversation between Muzan and Shan Jianhe. He wasn't even aware that Konoha had factories!
"You should focus on your training and aim to surpass me as soon as possible. Also, don't ask pointless questions; it could have a negative impact on Rin," Muzan responded, delivering a sharp rebuke. Obito couldn't help but regret his current lack of strength. If he were stronger, he'd show Muzan just how terrifying the Sharingan could be.
"Just you wait!" Obito shot back, determined to improve.
Muzan, however, couldn't afford to spend time on training; there were more pressing matters to address. He and Shan Jianhe headed to the factory, which at first glance, appeared extremely outdated. Fortunately, it operated using a combination of mechanical and manual methods, making the polishing of parts feasible.
"These methods are still too primitive. After the war, there must be a technological revolution," Muzan mused. The root cause of ninja wars was a lack of resources. If resources could be secured through formal means, no one would risk their lives in war.
"Shan Jianhe-senpai, I'm counting on you to oversee this," Muzan said. Unbeknownst to him, some of the parts they produced were being secretly transported to Root. As Konoha's hidden faction, Root never lacked funds, controlling many areas of Konoha, including half the local factories.
The first batch of parts was soon delivered to Danzo. Unfortunately, without the crucial assembly blueprints, which Muzan had deliberately withheld, Danzo couldn't proceed with his plans.
"So, this is what they're working on?" Danzo mused. Since his failed attempt to recruit Muzan, he had been contemplating ways to either persuade him or, as with Orochimaru, establish a cooperative relationship to bolster his own standing.
"I doubt there's anything he doesn't need," Danzo thought, formulating a new strategy. He knew that when the time was right, he could provide Muzan with something valuable. After all, Danzo was the true power behind the factory.
Muzan remained unaware of the conspiracy surrounding him. Building the machines wasn't the difficult part; the real challenge lay in their assembly. The people involved had to be carefully selected, as the future depended on them, and they needed to be trustworthy. In Konoha, only his father's men could be relied upon to minimize risk.
"I'll have to ask Mr. Nobiwei for help later," Muzan decided. Only Nobiwei could connect him with Sakumo's former subordinates. Muzan also intended to establish his own faction, and his father's former allies were the perfect starting point.
"The factory will need a week to produce the first batch of original parts," Shan Jianhe reported. The machine's function was to distinguish blood types, and they needed villagers to donate blood. Without it, even the most advanced machine would be useless.
Transporting the blood presented another challenge. It needed to be refrigerated and sterilized, processes that would consume valuable time. And time was something they didn't have in abundance.
"My main concern right now is how to expand the blood bank!" Shan Jianhe said. Many in Konoha believed that donating blood was harmful and left them feeling weak—a rumor that had persisted over time. Without the blood identification machine, hospitals didn't dare transport blood, leading to low demand. But with the machine, demand would increase, especially during times of war when casualties surged.
Muzan recognized the gravity of the situation. Mishandling this issue could render all their efforts futile.
"Let's introduce two blood donation incentives," Muzan suggested. "First, anyone who donates blood will receive three times the free amount from the medical room if a family member needs a transfusion. Second, publicize the benefits of blood donation. If people can be rewarded for their blood, special times call for special policies."
Many families in Konoha were connected to ninjas, and no one could guarantee that their loved ones wouldn't get injured. Free blood transfusions would mean they wouldn't need to spend a fortune buying blood.
"These are just motivational methods. The success of this plan depends on your execution," Muzan concluded.
Shan Jianhe listened carefully to Muzan's suggestions. These were methods to stimulate blood donations, but success would ultimately hinge on the execution. The weight of responsibility grew heavier on Shan Jianhe's shoulders.
"Don't worry, I won't let you down," Shan Jianhe vowed.
While the machine's development would take time, the blood donation campaign began immediately. Advertisements from Konoha Hospital quickly garnered attention.
"What's Konoha Hospital up to now? One person donates blood, and the whole family gets rewarded?"
"Forget it. Last time I donated blood, I felt so weak afterward that my wife thought I was out fooling around."
"Wait! Look at the notice below. There's money involved!"
The mention of money caught the attention of many, especially the ordinary people of Konoha. With the war driving up prices, any extra income was welcome.
Those with ninja relatives eagerly participated, knowing that free blood transfusions could save their loved ones on the battlefield.
Soon, a blood donation craze swept through Konoha.
As the leader of Konoha, the Third Hokage understood the implications. What he saw through his crystal ball gave him much to ponder. This war was fundamentally different from the previous ones.
The term "Ninja World War" typically referred to conflicts between ninjas. Even if a village were destroyed, the country would only lose mercenaries, with minimal impact on ordinary villagers. Even Kage-level experts had to heed the Daimyo's commands.
The real issue lay in the very definition of a ninja. A group of ninjas who didn't engage in production couldn't survive outside society.
"I have a feeling that the Third Ninja World War will be markedly different. It will no longer be just a war of ninjas," the Third Hokage thought, deeply concerned.
-------------------------
Thank you for reading 💜
--------------------------
Want to read chapters ahead of time? Join my Patreon and get access to 15 chapters in advance!
patreon.com/Shinchan_37