Chapter 465: Ninja Way Origins Research Society’s Founding Ceremony (Part 10)

Afterward, he planned to begin developing chemical fertilizers himself. For this earth-shaking undertaking, he had no intention of letting anyone else claim the honor. He intended to become not only the father of hybrid rice, but also the father of chemical fertilizers. After all, he was the man destined to become this world’s flame emperor, divine farmer Shennong.

From seeds to soil, from breeding to fertilization, from sowing to harvest, throughout the entire chain that would free the world from hunger and bring food security to all, his name had to be engraved upon every single link.

Naturally, no one in the audience knew what Shinichi was really thinking, and as his words fell, enthusiastic applause and praise immediately erupted throughout the venue.

The promise of granting one request carried an entirely different weight when spoken by someone of Shinichi Higashino’s stature.

Quite a few people had already begun whispering among themselves, wondering whether the traditional farming methods they knew might actually prove useful.

"Excellent."

On the stage, Genjo pressed his palms together and said softly, "Benefactor Shinichi Higashino has truly put great thought into this. You have considered every aspect, both broad and subtle. It seems I worried unnecessarily. In the search for crop fertilizers, I too would like to do my part."

"During my travels through various nations, I have seen farmers in many places employing different methods: some dredge river mud, some burn plant ash, while others compost livestock manure. Though crude, each method has its own reasoning. After I return, I shall compile everything I have witnessed along the way into writing and submit it to the society for joint study."

"Then my thanks, Monk Genjo."

Shinichi nodded respectfully. "With your assistance, I believe the time needed to discover highly effective fertilizers can be shortened considerably."

"In addition, I have one more request." Genjo continued.

"Please speak."

Genjo lowered his eyes slightly, as though carefully considering his words, then he looked up and said, "Earlier, while in the audience, I heard Benefactor Shinichi Higashino mention that Konoha would soon send notices to the great ninja villages to jointly discuss the humanitarian convention."

"You also mentioned that the Land of Iron has agreed to provide the venue, and representatives from every ninja village will gather there. Though I am unworthy, I would like to ask you for a place among your entourage. When that conference is held, would you allow me to accompany you to the Land of Iron?"

The moment those words were spoken, several of Konoha’s senior officials seated in the front row frowned simultaneously.

Ever since Genjo had appeared, he had first flown through the air and then publicly displayed Wood Style. Not a single person present could discern the true depth of his strength.

If Shinichi on the stage had not appeared so willing to converse with him, then under different circumstances, at a different time or place, they would likely have already moved to test him, or even capture him.

After all, this monk’s origins were unknown and his intentions unclear. Yet now he was actually proposing to accompany Shinichi Higashino to the Land of Iron?

What exactly was he planning?

Shinichi also seemed momentarily surprised before smiling and asking, "May I ask why you wish to accompany me to the Land of Iron?"

Without changing expression, Genjo replied, "Since descending the mountain, I have traveled through many nations and witnessed endless warfare, refugees filling the land, and countless people suffering from famine and disease. Though I have wished to help them, I have often felt that the strength of one person is but a drop in the bucket."

"Earlier, while in the audience, I heard you speak of the upcoming conference in the Land of Iron, as well as the future plans for the humanitarian convention, including the establishment of an international supervisory committee responsible for inspecting every nation and ninja village to oversee the implementation of the convention."

"And so, a thought arose in my heart. Besides accompanying you, Benefactor Shinichi Higashino, to the Land of Iron to witness this historic gathering with my own eyes, I also wish to establish a civilian organization rooted among the people."

"One that will never intervene in disputes through force, nor favor any great nation or ninja village, but will instead enter the battlefields whenever war breaks out to provide medical treatment, disaster relief, and assistance to wounded civilians and refugees who have lost their homes. In this way, I may also contribute my humble efforts for the benefit of all living beings."

"Monk Genjo’s aspirations are lofty, and your heart embraces all people. This is indeed a great act of compassion."

Shinichi pondered for a moment before solemnly returning the bow.

"The International Supervisory Committee is an official institution, grounded in the convention and charged with oversight. The organization master wishes to establish, however, is a civilian force founded upon compassion and dedicated to relief. One official and one civilian, one firm and one gentle; if the two can advance side by side, they will be like the two wheels of a cart or the two wings of a bird, complementing one another perfectly."

After straightening from the bow, Shinichi asked, "May I ask whether you have already decided on a name for this organization?"

"I am a monk. I rely upon the Buddha’s teachings and cherish compassion, so naturally I have chosen a name that reflects the spirit of Buddhism."

As he spoke, Genjo lightly pointed with the index finger of his right hand, and a gentle crimson radiance rippled through the air; in the next second, a bright red 卍 symbol materialized out of thin air before everyone, slowly rotating in the morning light.

"The Red Manji Society."

Genjo said.

(Note: A voluntary association similar to the Red Cross.)

"The Red Manji Society?"

Shinichi softly repeated the four words before nodding.

"A fine name. Within Buddhism, the Manji symbol has always represented auspiciousness and eternity. I have also read some Buddhist scriptures, which record that when the World-Honored One expounded the Dharma, a precious light emerged from his chest, within which appeared the Manji symbol. Its radiance shimmered with countless colors, forming an auspicious sea of clouds that illuminated the worlds in all ten directions."

"And by choosing red, you also embody a sincere heart devoted to saving lives and helping the world. The Red Manji Society, practicing the great compassion of Buddhism to carry out great acts of salvation, this name is perfectly suited to your noble aspiration."

Naturally, this manji symbol had absolutely nothing to do with the black symbol rotated forty-five degrees from Shinichi’s previous life. The manji itself was one of Buddhism’s oldest auspicious symbols, representing eternity, light, and virtue.

Incidentally, during the humiliating and war-torn era of Shinichi’s previous life, when warlords fought one another across the land, there had indeed once existed such a society. It had been one of the nation’s three largest charitable organizations, with branches throughout most of China, and had participated extensively in disaster relief, medical aid, and battlefield rescue.

It had originally been a purely civilian charitable organization, yet because its manji symbol was later confused in the West with the emblem of that infamous regime, it suffered stigma and suspicion it had never deserved, ultimately forcing the organization to dissolve.