Jiraiya praised Shindai for bravely rescuing his comrades.
Then Jiraiya dragged a chair over and switched roles, acting unusually fawning as he pulled Shindai to sit down.
Seeing Jiraiya behave like this, Shindai's first reaction was caution.
He was an expert at dealing with kiss-ups, so Jiraiya's overly flattering manner definitely meant he wanted something.
Shindai immediately stood up and chuckled nervously, "Jiraiya, what are you doing? What status do I have that I could possibly sit with you?"
Jiraiya grabbed Shindai's arm and forcefully pulled him back down onto the chair. "Hey, Shindai, what are you saying? There's no need to be so formal during ordinary times. I heard from Kakashi that you've already met Tsunade, right?"
Shindai froze for a moment before instantly understanding Jiraiya's meaning.
He immediately relaxed, thinking, 'So it's about that matter. I thought there was something serious going on with Jiraiya.'
Then Shindai revealed a lewd grin while raising his eyebrows at Jiraiya suggestively, "I've already met her, so... does Jiraiya want me to make a Puppet for you?"
Jiraiya affectionately patted Shindai's shoulder, "Ah, Shindai, it's truly you who understands me best. So then, can you do it?"
Shindai shook his head, "No way."
"What? But didn't you meet Tsunade?" Jiraiya asked in confusion.
Shindai sighed, "Jiraiya, I already have the complete production process in my mind, but I lack materials."
"Haha, is that all? Just list whatever materials you need and give me the list! I'll handle it for you!"
Jiraiya proudly patted his chest, looking like he had everything covered.
"In that case, great! As long as there are materials, only three days... no, two days will be enough for me to create an incredibly lifelike Puppet that can comfort Jiraiya's lonely heart during those lonely nights!"
Shindai was grinning from ear to ear.
Time to cash in!
Jiraiya probably doesn't understand much about Puppets. If I just inflate the material quantities by several times and add some unnecessary items too, he definitely won't notice!
Besides, there was also another very important matter he could conveniently request from Jiraiya.
Rubbing his hands together slightly embarrassedly, Shindai said, "Actually, Jiraiya, I've always had a dream."
Jiraiya's eyelid twitched.
When Shindai suddenly mentioned dreams out of nowhere, Jiraiya's immediate reaction was caution.
Because he'd experienced similar situations way too many times before.
In hostess bars, whenever the girls suddenly brought up dreams, it meant they wanted you to spend money.
And now Shindai looked exactly the same.
Of course, Shindai wasn't one of those hostess bar girls, so he obviously wouldn't be trying to make him spend money, but surely had something to ask of him.
Cautiously, Jiraiya asked, "What kind of dream?"
"Lord Jiraiya," Shindai said eagerly, "being a ninja has never been my dream. But since I have the Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai, no matter how weak I am, I've got no choice but to become one.
Truth is, I wanna be a scientist—develop ninja tech that'll help everyone in the Ninja World and make their lives better.
The problem is Sunagakure doesn't care about ninja tech—it's way behind everyone else. Hardly any parts of the village even have electricity. So there's no way I can make my dream come true there.
I heard Konoha's way ahead when it comes to ninja tech, Lord Jiraiya. Could I get some basic tech stuff to learn from? Would you back my dream?"
When Jiraiya heard Shindai's request, he thought it was nothing serious—just basic tech materials, something he could easily approve himself.
From Jiraiya's point of view, Shindai was destined to stay in Konoha forever. Even if he tried to say no later, they'd never really let him go anyway.
So Jiraiya readily agreed, "Sure thing. I'll have those materials given to you along with everything else."
As soon as Jiraiya agreed, Shindai launched into full-on sucking-up mode: "Lord Jiraiya, you're truly amazing! No wonder you're my idol—you're the paragon among idols, a legendary top-tier idol—the absolute best idol ever!"
Actually, Shindai also wanted Orochimaru's technical documents, but it would be strange if Orochimaru actually gave them to him.
Moreover, Shindai's current foundation was extremely weak. Even if Orochimaru did give him those materials, he wouldn't understand them.
What Shindai knew so far only related to puppets.
Although Kannazuki had drive mechanisms, control systems, and power systems—all improvements Shindai made through limited technological documentation he'd researched during the Third Kazekage's time in Sunagakure—a design that was outdated, full of flaws, and barely practical.
That's why Shindai needed Konoha's basic tech resources to keep learning.
Shindai believed even Konoha's basic technical information must be advanced enough to keep him busy for now.
Like they always say, the pursuit of knowledge never ends—after all, knowledge is power.
Shindai intended to study hard, really hard—he loved studying!
...
Jiraiya left satisfied, and Shindai happily lay back down on his bed.
It was clear that Jiraiya was both urgent and excited.
What they had just discussed two days ago—he already brought the requested materials and basic ninja tech documents today.
The materials Shindai asked for weren't anything special—they were actually pretty common stuff.
As for the basic technical documents, Jiraiya simply went to Orochimaru and asked for them.
Orochimaru didn't think much of basic tech materials. Without even asking why Jiraiya wanted them, he handed over a set without hesitation.
After gathering everything Shindai needed, Jiraiya couldn't wait to hand it over.
Jiraiya asked eagerly while watching Shindai engrossed in examining the scroll, "Shindai, how soon do you think you can finish it?"
Shindai replied confidently, "Lord Jiraiya, making puppets is my specialty. I already told you two days—exactly two days. Come by this time the day after tomorrow, and it'll definitely be ready waiting for you!"
Jiraiya nodded expectantly, "Alright then, Shindai, you get busy. I'll come find you the day after tomorrow!"
After Jiraiya left, Shindai didn't rush into making the puppet for him.
It wasn't meant for battle anyway—just a regular puppet. Shindai could finish it in a single day, so there was no need to rush.
Right now, Shindai was enthusiastically going through the basic ninja technique scrolls Jiraiya had brought him.
There were many scrolls, and their contents were quite difficult to grasp, but Shindai enjoyed the challenge, picking through them piece by piece with determination.
As Shindai was deeply immersed in his reading, Obito entered the tent. Looking at the materials scattered all over the ground, he asked in confusion, "Shindai, what's all this?"
Still absorbed, Shindai casually replied, "These are the materials Lord Jiraiya gave me to make him an air-filled doll."
Obito became even more puzzled, "Air-filled doll? What's that? Something like a balloon?"
At this point, Shindai snapped out of his focus. Seeing that it was Obito, he immediately showed displeasure, "How come you just walk into my tent without knocking first?"
Obito turned his head to glance at the tent flap before turning back to face Shindai again, shrugging helplessly with both hands spread wide.
"I'd love to knock, but with just a cloth flap for a door, how am I supposed to make any noise?"
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