Chapter 185: Kyubey-kun, Why Do You Employ Such an Inefficient Method of Energy Retrieval?
Hidden Sound Village, Orochimaru's Secret Research Center.
The cold metal walls gave off a faint blue light, and the air was filled with a scent mixing disinfectant and strange energy.
The Kyubeys were either copying or directly taking copies of the massive amounts of data, jutsu models, and biological samples collected by Orochimaru. They were uploading these via the contract system to the distant Incubator platform for research.
Orochimaru stood to the side, watching all this with great interest, even wearing a faint smile. In his view, the "sharing" of this data and these samples, even his latest research findings, was a negligible price to pay for cooperating with this mysterious alien civilization.
"Kyubey-kun." Orochimaru's slightly husky voice spoke up. "You seem very interested in the ninjutsu, literature, data, and samples I've collected, yet you haven't 'backed up' my latest technological achievements."
He licked his lips, a shrewd glint in his eyes. "Does that mean you deem my current research unworthy of mention?"
One Kyubey paused, turned its head, and looked at Orochimaru with its red eyes, not answering directly. "Your world indeed holds many unique phenomena worthy of observation and research."
Orochimaru chuckled lightly, extending his tongue and flicking it like a snake. "In that case, Kyubey-kun, I am still puzzled. With your advanced technology, why do you employ such an inefficient method of energy retrieval? Why not adopt a more efficient approach?"
"For example, an assembly line operation optimized from source to terminal."
"Since 'wishes' and 'Magical Girls' can bring about miracles and technological breakthroughs, why not—on every suitable planet—"
"No, I should be more precise: through active, genetic-level screening, deep modification, or even using cloning technology for mass production."
"Cultivate 'specialized human vessels' with richer emotions, more violent fluctuations, and a greater propensity to produce powerful wishes or ultimate despair? This would guarantee the quality of the 'raw material.'"
"Then, concentrate these 'vessels' in highly customized 'nurturing farms.' By constructing information cocoons. By applying virtual reality technology. By dispensing specific drugs. Or even directly implanting neural interfaces. This would precisely control each individual's emotional fluctuation and cognitive development. Ensuring that every step of their journey, from birth to 'maturity,' perfectly meets your requirements."
"To eliminate the uncertainty caused by individual differences. And to eliminate any potential for resistance. They could be subjected to standardized memory implantation. They could also be subjected to emotional suppression. Thereby erasing their free will. Making their thought patterns and behavioral responses predictable and controllable, like standardized parts on an assembly line. This would greatly increase the yield rate and risk controllability of the product."
"To further enhance overall efficiency, you could establish multiple 'human farms' across different planets or star sectors. By quantitatively evaluating the 'output efficiency' and 'vessel quality' of each 'farm,' you could continuously optimize the cultivation protocol and management model. Ultimately selecting the most efficient 'production model.'"
"Thus, from the genetic customization and mass production of the 'raw material'—to the precise environmental control and emotional induction during the growth process—to the standardized erasure of individual will—to the ultimate recycling and cyclical utilization of the final product, supplemented by macroscopic competitive optimization. Such a closed-loop, highly efficient, and controllable standardized assembly line would not only efficiently delay the universe's entropy and heat death but would also elevate the development level of your civilization at an unimaginable pace."
"Wouldn't this better align with your practical pursuits?"
Kyubey listened quietly, its red eyes devoid of any emotional fluctuation. "We understand the internal consistency of the plan you proposed, which is based on your own cognition and values."
"However, our code of conduct is built upon respecting the individual choices of sentient life forms, and conducting transactions based on 'volition' and 'equivalent exchange.'"
"We do not compel any individual to sign a contract."
"The fulfillment of every wish is accompanied by a corresponding price."
"Furthermore, basic respect for sentient life forms in other civilizations is a principle we adhere to, in addition to energy acquisition, to maintain the stability and intrinsic order established by that civilization, along with its moral guidelines."
"Even if these guidelines appear as a 'limitation' in certain highly efficient utilitarian calculation models."
Orochimaru let out a low, deep laugh upon hearing this. "'Moral guidelines,' you say?" "Truly incomprehensible that an advanced civilization like yours would set such 'inconvenient' shackles for itself. However," he changed the subject, "I have no objection to it. As long as our cooperation can continue, I don't care about these minor details."
"Kyubey-kun, a pleasure working with you."
The Kyubey burrowed into a packaging bag and nibbled on a newly developed puffed snack from the Hidden Sound Village.
A profound look flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. He understood that Kyubey and the civilization behind it had immense goals. And he was happy to play a role that would benefit his own interests.
Hidden Sound Village, Underground Factory, Mecha Division Area.
Regular footsteps echoed in the cold metal corridor. Kimimaro, dressed in Hidden Sound ninja attire, wore a pallid, expressionless face. He had recently awakened from a long "stasis." By contracting with the white familiar, his body, once ravaged by disease, had gained an unprecedented rebirth. His bones no longer ached, and his chakra flowed more smoothly and powerfully, possessing a strange, new strength. He had also acquired a wealth of knowledge through his wish that wasn't previously in his mind.
Lord Orochimaru… seems to have placed new, great expectations upon him. He must meet that expectation.
He took a step, passing through a heavy alloy gate. As the gate slowly opened, the scene before him suddenly broadened. A subterranean space, far larger and more cavernous than any previous area, unfolded before him. Countless complex mechanical arms were suspended from the ceiling, and a tangled network of energy conduits covered the floor.
And in the center of that vast space—Kimimaro's pupils constricted slightly.
A presence he had never imagined stood silently there. It was a colossal humanoid metal construct, dozens of meters high. Sleek lines outlined a powerful silhouette, its armor reflecting a cold, metallic sheen in the dim light. Simply standing there, it radiated a suffocating sense of presence.
Is this… the power of the Mecha Special Forces Division?