"Boss, how much for two bowls of ramen?"
Jiraiya asked after he and Yefire finished eating.
"Hehe, six ryo total."
The shop owner smiled, clearly satisfied seeing them enjoy the meal.
Jiraiya took out the money and handed it over.
"Still cheaper than Konoha. Over there, one bowl costs six ryo—and that's without any toppings."
"Haha, that's normal."
The owner chuckled as he collected the bowls.
"Konoha is full of shinobi. Of course prices are higher."
Jiraiya nodded and grinned before leaving with Yefire.
They walked through the bustling streets, passing all kinds of shops—
Food stalls, clothing stores…
And even roadside vendors selling televisions and telephones.
Everything before him left Yefire stunned.
"Haha, see? I told you the Land of Fire is prosperous."
Jiraiya laughed when he saw Yefire staring at a television in a shop window.
"As long as you've got money, you can buy things like that."
"I've never seen any of this in the Land of Rain."
Yefire said in surprise.
"Well, the Land of Rain is constantly at war, and people there are poor."
"Not many can afford things like these."
"So, where to next?"
"The Daimyo's capital."
Yefire replied.
"On the way, we can also observe what ordinary villages are like."
Considering the distance—
Jiraiya went to a carriage station and rented an ox cart.
He happily patted the ox's head.
"Let's take this!"
"…You're kidding, right?"
Yefire stared at the cart in disbelief.
"This place can produce televisions and telephones, yet transportation is this primitive?"
Jiraiya didn't see anything strange.
Scratching his head awkwardly, he said:
"Covered carts are more expensive."
He skillfully flicked the reins, urging the old ox forward.
To Yefire—
The scene felt absurd.
On the road, Yefire stared ahead at the ox, lost in thought.
"This world's technology… is far too backward."
"Huh?"
Jiraiya turned his head.
"What's 'technology'?"
Yefire replied directly:
"Technology is the collective term for science and technique."
"Science solves theoretical problems."
"Technique solves practical ones."
"For example, a television."
"It's a device that uses electronic technology to transmit real-time images and audio signals."
"The science behind it includes electronics and information transmission."
"And technique is about integrating these fields to make it work."
"So why does this world possess science…"
"Yet remain so backward?"
"It doesn't even have something as simple as a bicycle."
"…Uh, Yefire…"
Jiraiya blinked, completely lost.
"What's a bicycle?"
At this moment—
Not just Jiraiya—
But nearly everyone watching was stunned.
Hiruzen frowned.
"Is that really a parallel world?"
"Why can't I understand a single word he's saying?"
Madara snorted.
"Science? Technique? Technology?"
"What nonsense. I'd destroy all of it with my Mangekyō Sharingan."
Hashirama scratched his head.
"It sounds impressive…"
"I understand each word separately, but together… what does it mean?"
Naruto looked blank.
"Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?"
Kushina was equally confused.
"Watching TV involves… science?"
Might Guy froze.
"What did I just hear…?"
"Why do I feel so lost?"
Confusion filled everyone's eyes.
Except for two people.
Orochimaru's eyes lit up.
"Ah… science…"
He began to laugh uncontrollably.
"Finally—someone who understands me!"
"Why wasn't it me who met this boy?!"
"Only technology can change the world…"
"Only technology can achieve immortality!"
"You fools are all so short-sighted!"
"Jiraiya, what kind of luck did you stumble into?"
"If it were me, I'd have endless discussions with him…"
Meanwhile, Nagato spoke slowly.
"Technology…"
"If that's what it's called…"
"The Asura Path is modified using this 'technology.'"
"It can fire lasers from its head."
"Launch missiles from its arms."
"Even detach its fists as projectiles."
"It can also transform into mechanical limbs and energy cannons."
As he spoke—
The Konoha shinobi recalled the battle.
Naruto scratched his head.
"So that body I smashed before… was modified using this 'technology'?"
"Didn't seem that strong."
Kakashi nodded.
"It was troublesome, but among the Six Paths of Pain…"
"It was relatively manageable."
Jiraiya agreed.
"That's right."
"The Asura Path doesn't use ninjutsu—only weapons."
"It has some destructive power, but that's all."
Orochimaru looked at them and sneered.
"You're all far too short-sighted."
"You don't understand the true charm of technology."
"Technology evolves."
"It never stops advancing."
"Even Nagato…"
"Only grasped the bare surface of it."
"He's nothing compared to Yefire."
Orochimaru's expression grew almost melancholic.
"In this world… I have no equal."
"I am alone."
"…How I envy the Orochimaru of that other world."