Chapter 020: The Parasitic Insect Feeder—The Friendship of the Aburame Clan

In truth, when Shino Aburame first learned that Naruto was willing to help develop the parasite beetle feeder, his initial reaction was one of caution. Such caution was entirely reasonable, for secret ninja arts are the foundation upon which a shinobi clan survives. It would be unnatural for any member of a shinobi family not to feel wary when matters concerning their secret techniques arise.

In fact, Shino remained vigilant right up until Naruto presented the feeder and allowed him and his son to operate it themselves.

"Look, the feed reserves are here," Naruto said as he dismantled the feeder, showing it to the Aburame father and son. He explained each functional module and the design philosophy behind it, referencing his blueprint as he spoke. Although Naruto had shown them the blueprint before, it was the first time they had witnessed its functions firsthand.

"This is the main unit, integrating incubation, feeding, and research modules. The portable device, which serves as an auxiliary unit, is hidden in the compartment underneath. Simply press your hand against the central spire and infuse chakra; you can then feed and cultivate the parasite beetles."

"Here is where the material feed is stored, and here is where the chakra reserves are kept," Naruto continued. "Just input your chakra, and the intangible energy will automatically crystallize and be stored here. The underlying principle is quite complex—if you'd like, I can explain it. But I suspect you'd rather experience its functions for yourselves right now?"

The Aburame father and son nodded.

Shino reached out and, following Naruto's instructions, located the beetle breeding chamber and placed numerous parasite beetles inside. Deprived of Shino's chakra, the beetles appeared agitated, scurrying restlessly as if desperate to gnaw at something.

Seeing this, Shino placed his hand on the chakra spire and began to channel chakra. Instantly, a deep blue glow emanated from the feeding port in the breeding chamber, and the beetles surged forward, voraciously absorbing chakra.

After consuming some chakra, the beetles calmed down, lazily sprawling within the chamber. In the chakra reservoir, rice-grain-sized chakra crystals began to appear.

Shino withdrew his hand and said, "Thank you, Uzumaki. Your creation is excellent and of immense significance to our Aburame clan."

"I can say this with certainty. As for why..."

"I just placed one hundred beetles inside and fed them enough chakra for one hundred and seven. The loss rate is about seven percent, which is acceptable."

"With this feeder, at least our clansmen will no longer need to use their own bodies to nourish the parasite beetles," Shino continued. "Once again, thank you!"

Shino's son also faced Naruto with an expression of gratitude. Of course, to Naruto, his expression barely changed.

Naruto was about to continue explaining the feeder's features, but Shino halted him for a moment. Soon, a few beetles silently flew out, and after a short while, a great number of Aburame clan shinobi appeared in the hall.

From what Naruto knew of the Aburame, these were likely the clan's last remaining adult ninja.

The Aburame clansmen were quite curious about Naruto's presence, but after Shino explained Naruto's achievement, curiosity transformed into profound gratitude. Usually reserved, the Aburame were visibly moved; some could not control their emotions and wept openly.

Every day and night, they endured the torment of being gnawed by the parasite beetles—a suffering almost unbearable. Almost every family in the clan, in every generation, had someone who could not withstand the biting and parasitism, succumbing to death or disability.

Finally, when Naruto and Shino fully demonstrated the feeder's functions to the clan, every shinobi present spontaneously stood before Naruto and bowed deeply. Many even knelt formally in front of him.

Naruto accepted their gesture calmly, fully aware of the significance his invention held for the Aburame.

After whispering briefly with Shino, an elder walked to the back of the hall. When he returned, he carried a tray.

On the tray was a palm-sized box, accompanied by a whistle and a small booklet.

Shino took the tray with both hands and presented it formally to Naruto. Under Naruto's curious gaze, Shino explained, "We have little to offer, only our clan's own beetles."

"The box contains nanoscopic parasite beetles bred by the elder Aburame Shikuro, possessed of extremely potent venom."

"This whistle is for controlling the beetles, and the booklet records the whistle commands used to direct them."

"This item was produced during one of our experiments. We can already use chakra to command the beetles, so this experiment's outcome held little meaning for us. Yet its results could not be easily discarded."

"Now, we can only offer it as a gift to you, Uzumaki."

No, this gift was far from ordinary—it was, in fact, the very foundation upon which the Aburame clan stood.

If Naruto so wished, he could craft numerous feeders and use the beetles within the box as a template to breed new parasites himself.

If he did not wish to be bitten and parasitized, he could keep them in the box and control them with whistle commands.

A hundred years from now, when Naruto's descendants spread across the land, the world would see a new shinobi clan adept at commanding insects.

The Aburame clan's gratitude toward Naruto was immense, almost akin to entrusting him with their lives. Correspondingly, the clan would henceforth protect Naruto with utmost dedication. In a sense, Naruto now held their very lifeblood in his hands.

Moreover, Naruto and his descendants would be the key to the clan's rebirth should disaster ever befall them.

Naruto accepted the tray and thanked them earnestly.

Shino shook his head and said in a deep voice, "I'm sorry, Naruto. The Aburame are not a wealthy family, and we cannot offer anything of great material value..."

Naruto replied with sincerity, "No, I never judge gifts by their material worth. What matters most to me is the sentiment behind them. Besides, you've granted me a share in your clan's foundation. Thank you truly—your gift is one I cherish."

Seeing Shino about to speak again, Naruto quickly said, "Come, let's continue examining this product's features! Remember to collect data and report back to me, so I can continue refining future versions."

"For example, the portable device: I selected suitable materials that are lightweight and safe for both beetles and shinobi. Using miniaturization techniques, I processed them into tiny components for assembly."

"Currently, this device should be able to carry about five hundred standard-size parasite beetles. If that's not enough, we can expand its capacity..."

As he enthusiastically described the product's features, a bold new idea suddenly flashed in Naruto's mind:

Nanoscopic robots powered by spirit machinery—could such a thing be possible?