Naruto world: The Rise Of The Sand Village

Hardy tapped his fingers on the desk.

"So, you found out about my mentor-student relationship with Dr. Wells, and you want me to help you build a new particle accelerator?"

He truly couldn't build a particle accelerator.

His current identity was entirely fabricated, and all his credentials were fake.

Although these credentials were "real" in government databases, none of it had actually happened.

His expertise was in mechanical engineering; he really didn't know much about high-energy physics.

"Not exactly," Barry Allen said to Hardy.

"Dr. Wells didn't leave behind the complete technology for building a particle accelerator, but there's a prototype in the high-energy physics lab at Central City University. Watt, you're also a student there, so you should know about the tradition."

Tradition?

What tradition?

Hardy kept a calm face, but inside he was completely lost.

Fortunately, Barry continued:

"When a researcher passes away, if their student can prove to the university that they're capable of continuing the research, they can inherit part of their mentor's scientific legacy. Even if some equipment is considered university property, as long as you can pay for it, you can buy it.

If we can get that particle accelerator prototype and combine it with STAR Labs' equipment, we're confident we can build a new particle accelerator."

Hardy closed his eyes and thought for a moment.

"Alright, but what's in it for me?"

Barry and Cisco exchanged glances.

Only then did they remember that this guy was, after all, a businessman.

Profit is the universal motivator for capitalists.

"Listen, Mr. Watt, don't you think this is a great opportunity? If you're exposed to the dark matter energy from the explosion, you might gain superpowers like us. Doesn't that excite you?"

"I am tempted, but is it safe? Is there any guarantee I'll get superpowers?"

Hardy Hanfu half-rose from his seat, placing both hands firmly on the table, making his body appear broader and more imposing.

This was a gesture often seen in negotiations and similar situations—using body language to subconsciously exert pressure on the other party.

"As long as proper safety precautions are taken, at most you'll experience some physical discomfort from the impact, or perhaps a drop in blood sugar due to your body being altered by the superpowers brought on by dark matter. Don't worry, we have professional medical equipment at our facility.

As for whether you'll definitely gain superpowers, I can't guarantee that. But surely, this is your only chance to obtain superpowers, isn't it?"

In truth, Hardy had already agreed in his heart.

Nevertheless, he spoke up:

"Alright, but I have one condition: from now on, you must help me with three things within your capabilities."

Barry quickly exchanged a glance with Cisco, then nodded in agreement.

"Deal, as long as those three things don't go against our principles."

A smile appeared on Hardy's face.

This time, luck was on his side.

Sitting at home, and good fortune comes knocking.

"Deal!"

Barry also grinned and shook hands with Hardy.

"I told you, this is a deal you wouldn't refuse."

…

…

Two days later.

Central City Airport.

Dressed in a sharp suit, Hardy looked every bit the successful businessman as he disembarked from the plane accompanied by his accountant.

Very soon, someone from Central City University arrived at the gate holding a sign.

"Mr. Watt, I'm Colette Gramer, a lecturer from the Physics Department. Welcome back to your alma mater."

A young blonde woman in a white blouse and pencil skirt put down the sign and bent slightly to shake Hardy's hand.

Hardy's gaze briefly swept over her deep neckline, but he smiled politely.

"Hello, Ms. Colette."

The people from Central City University were very enthusiastic, as Hardy had paved the way with money, sending an email to the university in advance to announce his intention to make a donation.

Ten million US dollars, to fund the construction of a new large teaching building for the Physics Department.

This was mainly to keep the university's mouth shut.

Although all the data was real, the school could easily verify the authenticity of Hardy's academic background by asking a few long-serving faculty members in the Physics Department.

But with money smoothing the way, the university was naturally willing to cooperate, and could even use Hardy—a newly-minted Gotham tycoon and alumnus—for a bit of publicity. In the future, they might even secure more funding from him.

A billionaire in his twenties would certainly be a hot topic as his career developed.

Being able to nurture such talent was, in itself, the best possible advertisement for a university's admissions.

"Mr. Watt, would you like to come to the university first? The leadership of our Physics Department is ready to welcome you."

"One moment, please."

Hardy looked around.

Soon, he found his target.

"Oh, may I bring a few friends along?"

"Of course."

Hardy, the accountant, and Colette walked over and found three young people hurrying toward them.

"I'm really not used to running this slowly. It's been a long time since I've worried about being late," Barry Allen said, catching his breath and resting his hands on his knees.

"Ms. Colette, let me introduce my companions. This is my secretary, Dura. This is Barry Allen, also an alumnus of our university—a chemistry master's graduate and now a forensic scientist at the Central City Police Department. This is Cisco Ramon, a genius in science and engineering, with dual doctorates in Physics Engineering and Computer Science from Empire State University, and a researcher at S.T.A.R. Labs. And this is…"

Hardy looked at Caitlin.

He shouldn't have known Caitlin.

"Caitlin Snow, Cisco's colleague. She holds doctorates in Biomedical Science and Physics from Hud University."

Caitlin smiled gently and shook hands with Hardy, the accountant, and Colette.

"After my mentor Dr. Wells passed away, S.T.A.R. Labs transferred all ownership to Barry. My company has always had technical collaborations with S.T.A.R. Labs. When they heard I was coming, they decided to come greet me as well," Hardy improvised.

The group got into a car and headed for Central City University.

Through the window, the scenery of Central City was clearly visible.

For most of the year, Central City was bathed in sunshine, forming a stark contrast with Gotham's gloom and darkness.

Though both cities boasted dense skyscrapers, as a burgeoning tech metropolis, Central City's buildings were all scientifically positioned and designed.

Unlike Gotham, where even the rare sunlight was often blocked by suffocating steel towers.

Combined with mild temperatures and lush greenery, this city had become one of the most livable in America.