Chapter 1306: Unexpected Change

Konoha Year 47, mid-January.

Although the weather was not considered clear, the milky white sky was notably brighter than a snowy sky.

In the cold, frozen forest, there were no birds soaring high, nor lush greenery; the snow-covered ground bore only a few scattered footprints, proving some activity there.

Suddenly, the silence of the forest was shattered by the sound of a gunshot tearing through the air.

The bullet pierced through the center of a target hung on a tree and burrowed deeply into the tree behind it, leaving a peanut-sized deep hole.

The hard wood being penetrated so deeply by the bullet suggests what might happen if it hit the flesh of a human body.

“It seems the marksmanship has improved quite well; combined with the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan, it can accurately hit the enemy’s body even in a complex environment.”

Asuka observed Chiba Aya using the Short Flintlock Gun, speaking pleasantly.

Since it was a day off, he unusually didn’t work in his workshop, but instead tried to spend as much time as possible with his family amid the festive mood of the New Year.

Ichihime nodded on the side. Compared to others, Aya, with the Byakugan, could track the enemy’s movements in any environment, greatly reducing the difficulty of utilization.

“Good indeed, but I still think the bullet’s range is a bit short.”

Aya frowned, although he also felt that the Flintlock Gun greatly assisted ninjas in combat, especially when catching the enemy by surprise, it could swiftly kill the enemy.

However, for him with the Byakugan, the range was still a bit too near.

“The effective range already exceeds 40 meters, generally, there are no Ninja Techniques that can reach such extent.”

Asuka explained.

Due to space for operation or constrained by current technology, he could only adjust the effective range of the Flintlock Gun to this limit distance of 40 meters.

In fact, beyond 30 meters, the bullet would deviate from its original trajectory, but the deviation angle would be hard to detect without keen observation, so Asuka deemed it no big issue.

At least, compared to weapons like the Shuriken Shooter, which were bulky and had low range, it was a lot better.

“So, it can’t be adjusted for a longer range? Asuka?”

Aya asked.

“Yes, because the operable space for the Flintlock Gun is quite small, and with no breakthrough in current technology and materials, even though we aim for mass production, it’s currently impossible. But…”

Asuka seriously glanced at Aya, smiled, and said, “Your point is well-taken; you’re correct, for ordinary ninjas, this range is sufficient, but for the Hyuga Clan, such a short range indeed poses a problem.”

Ichihime also pondered for a moment, quickly realizing the crucial point within.

“It’s because the effective observation distance of the Byakugan reaches over two kilometers, right? If the bullet range of firearms could be extended beyond two kilometers, ninjas of the Hyuga Clan with Byakugan could snipe enemies from a safe area without contact.”

Since the Byakugan could see through all obstacles, accurately capturing the enemy’s position.

No matter how complex the environment, it couldn’t hinder the Byakugan’s capabilities unless targeted Jutsu disturbed the Byakugan’s insight.

Thus, Aya’s idea actually suited the characteristics of the Byakugan quite well.

For adult Hyuga Clan ninjas, the observation distance of the Byakugan starts with a base of two kilometers. Powerful like Ayane, the effective observation distance can exceed ten kilometers, with no grasses or woods able to escape.

“What you’re describing is the ideal scenario. Technological advancements aren’t achieved overnight but rely on accumulated daily experiments. Plus, every meter extension of range requires significant effort, making demands on bullet capabilities higher. Even if increasing gun capacity space allows manipulation, it would take a long time.”

Asuka looked speechlessly at Ichihime.

How could such things instantly exist?

“Weapon convenience modifications are your researchers’ task; it has nothing to do with me. I just need to use this for combat to eliminate enemies.”

Ichihime ignored Asuka’s complaints entirely.

Asuka sighed, still the same self-centric personality.

“In any case, I’ll give it a try. Alright, it’s time; let’s head back.”

Ichihime and Aya didn’t object, nodding in agreement.

“Hey, the lady and young masters are back. Going out is quite tiring.”

Entering the courtyard, they saw Raidenmaru, like a watchdog, lying on his territory, sunbathing while eating snacks he found rummaging through the house.

Returning from the Land of Waves, it mostly indulged lazily here every day, as currently, there were no special battle affairs in the Land of Demons. As a combat division, it had nowhere to deploy. Furthermore, such training was utterly unnecessary since their system didn’t possess cultivation ability.

Thus, life was leisurely.

Seeing Ichihime and the others return, it immediately greeted.

This statement left Asuka powerless to retort.

Clearly, he was the eldest brother; why was he addressed as ‘young master’?