[IDK why author is mentioning Orochimaru as Mitsuki's Mentor instead of directly naming Orochimaru. I will keep it as it is.]
Scientific ninja tools had already appeared in Boruto's era. They were developed by Mitsuki's mentor, who combined scientific power to embed various ninjutsu into scientific devices.
Even those who couldn't use chakra could wield these tools. Therefore...
These tools must have built-in energy sources. Otherwise, how could ordinary people use them?
To some extent, scientific ninja tools narrowed the gap between ninja and civilians. However...
It remains unclear how they replenish chakra. Do they absorb it from the air?
If that's the case, then the status of ninja would truly be in jeopardy. Continuing down this path, ninja might eventually disappear. This is likely the reason why old-school ninja resisted scientific ninja tools. If not for the sudden emergence of the Ōtsutsuki clan, whose abilities resembled scientific ninja tools...
Naruto probably wouldn't have wanted to develop scientific ninja tools either. Because...
The village's income was running dry!
If everyone possessed power, who would still commission missions?
Thus, an alien invasion became a necessary condition for peace!
But these scientific ninja tools were still used for war. They didn't liberate ninja from their roles as killing machines for productive purposes. Instead, they rendered ninja obsolete, turning everyone into potential new instruments of slaughter.
However, this was not the path Uzumaki Jun wished to take.
Naruto's so-called "as long as everyone contributes a little love..." did not include ordinary civilians. It only constrained ninja, preventing them from harming civilians during wars.
Yet afterward, ninja continued doing what they always did. They only refrained from acting recklessly out of respect for their village leaders and because the two most overpowered figures in the ninja world were still alive.
Otherwise, ninja would have likely destroyed scientific ninja tools long ago.
The clash between the old and new eras in the future probably stemmed from this. The conservative faction didn't want to step down too soon, while the progressive faction sought to seize power. Eventually, they collided head-on!
Therefore...
Separating civilian-use ninjutsu from military-use ninjutsu was an inevitable trend. At the same time, it was necessary to reaffirm the importance of ninja, ensuring they wouldn't be phased out by the rise of science. This required the integration of science and chakra.
"Engrave this Light-Weight Boulder Technique into a sealing scroll," Uzumaki Jun pondered for a moment before saying. "Make it so that it activates as soon as chakra is input."
This would greatly expand its applicability, allowing even ninja of other chakra natures to use it. However...
Converting chakra into earth-nature chakra was not that simple!
If successful, this "Light-Weight Boulder Technique" could become the engine for flying machines. If inscribed onto aircraft models, it would create genuine airplanes. Even better, by adding a limiter to control altitude based on chakra input...
Elevators could also be realized.
Chakra, as a clean energy source, had such vast developmental potential!
Uzumaki Jun couldn't understand why, in later eras, no one in the ninja world utilized chakra as an energy source, instead sticking to coal, oil, electricity, and other conventional energies. Some even sought to relegate traditional ninja to history...
What a tremendous waste!
"If this works..." The clan elders discussed among themselves. This...
They had never attempted something like this before. They weren't sure if it would succeed. After all, this wasn't a sealing technique but a complete ninjutsu. Engraving it onto a scroll, making it independent of chakra nature, and reusable...
No one in the ninja world had ever done such a thing!
"It's fine. Take it step by step," Uzumaki Jun said. "This might change the future of Uzushiogakure."
Or even...
The future of the entire ninja world.
If all ninjutsu could be inscribed onto scrolls like magic, the developmental prospects of the ninja world might truly extend to exploring the cosmos and achieving interstellar migration, rather than remaining as it was now...
Where only the strongest could roam the universe!
Uzumaki Jun believed it was possible. After all, in the future, a weapons scientist hindered by being a ninja, inscribed ninjutsu into wrist-sized tools, developing scientific ninja tools.
So...
It was only a matter of time.
But once this hurdle was overcome, engraving other ninjutsu would become much easier. The ninja world would undoubtedly experience a leap forward.
Right now, if not for the limitations of charcoal temperatures, Uzumaki Jun would have already started producing cement. During winter, when people had little to do, they could begin constructing proper residential houses, saving a lot of trouble later.
But...
Charcoal couldn't reach the temperatures needed to produce glass or cement. These plans would have to be postponed. However, if fire-nature chakra could be sealed into scrolls with controllable temperatures...
Charcoal and similar fuels would become obsolete.
Thus, the miniaturization and sustainable utilization of ninjutsu were crucial for the future.
For now, they would have to stick to the old industrial path.
"If all nature transformations can be inscribed, Uzushiogakure will usher in the future of the ninja world," Uzumaki Jun said solemnly. It was necessary to paint a grand vision. Otherwise, how could people stay motivated?
And...
What if they succeeded?
"In that case..." Seeing Jun's serious expression, the clan elders also grew earnest. If this truly came to pass, they, as pioneers of a new era, would surely leave their mark on the ninja world. Then...
"We will diligently search for a method."
Watching the elders walk away while deep in discussion, Uzumaki Jun nodded in satisfaction. In the future, the elders likely wouldn't have opportunities for war. They would only serve as deterrents from the rear. It was better to transition them into research experts now!
They might even produce some pleasant surprises.
In time, they could become doctors, scholars, each mentoring a group of students...
Tsk tsk!
Just thinking about it felt familiar!
"Lord Jun, the heads of the Engineering and Food Departments came looking for you earlier," Uzumaki Hibiki said with a headache. "They're short on food and tools!"
"..."
Uzumaki Jun's contemplative expression instantly fell. There was never a moment of rest!
Tools weren't a big issue. He could just use ninjutsu to produce them. But food...
Now that winter had set in, Uzumaki Kai was obtaining less and less food, and Gato's supplies still hadn't arrived.
"Tell the Engineering Department to come collect the tools later," Uzumaki Jun rubbed his temples and said helplessly. "As for food..."
"How long can our current stock last?"
"If we stick to three meals a day, it'll last until tomorrow night."
Hearing Uzumaki Hibiki's words, Uzumaki Jun was stunned. That meant they only had food for today and tomorrow. By the day after, they'd have nothing left?
It was running out that fast?
He had left nearly half a year's worth of food in the underground storage back then!
And it had only been a little over a month!
"What's going on? Didn't Uzumaki Komaki say there was half a year's worth of food stored?" Uzumaki Jun frowned. Was someone stealing supplies?
"Yes, under normal circumstances, it should have lasted half a year," Uzumaki Hibiki said helplessly. "But that was based on two meals a day. Due to physical exertion and chakra consumption, everyone's food intake has increased. Especially among our clansmen..."
Uzumaki Jun immediately understood. The tremendous vitality and chakra came with clear benefits, but not without cost. For instance, short tempers, impulsive thinking, and...
Enormous appetites!
Especially recently, with everyone so busy and ninja participating in labor to bridge the gap between themselves and civilians...
Working hard naturally led to bigger appetites.
"Should we reduce their rations?" Uzumaki Hibiki suggested.
"Sigh!" Uzumaki Jun sighed. "It's fine. Gato should be returning in the next couple of days..."
"Lord Jun, Lord Gato has returned."