25. Trading With Uzumaki Mito

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That day, after leaving the Konoha Military Police Force and returning home, Uchiha Mikasa left a Shadow Clone behind to manage matters at home and headed directly to meet Sora in the One Piece World.

She detailed her recent plans and arrangements to Sora, explaining the steps she had taken over the past few days.

"Do you have any additional comments or suggestions?" Mikasa asked. "Oh, and when I was selecting members for the Konoha Military Police Force, I made sure to include Might Dai. I remember you mentioned that he has a good character and exceptional talent in taijutsu. He's a capable fighter, right?"

Sora smiled and gave her a thumbs-up. "Mom, you've done a great job! As for Might Dai, it's enough to have him on the team. Later, when you find an opportunity, show him some favor—perhaps provide resources to help him train his body or access better physical conditioning tools."

"Once my body is fully recovered, I'll shift my focus back to the village and handle this personally. That way, I can interact with him directly and improve his loyalty. With someone like him, it's best to form a strong bond early on. Once you secure that trust, you can invest in his growth confidently."

"Eventually, we can bring him here to the Pirate World, where the resources available can accelerate his taijutsu development. With his talent and dedication, it won't take more than a few years for him to reach Kage-level strength—or even greater."

The Pirate World was ideal for nurturing a physical powerhouse like Might Dai.

"Alright," Uchiha Mikasa nodded, understanding Sora's vision. "We'll do as you say."

She suddenly recalled another matter and added, "By the way, the clan's spending has increased significantly because of the ongoing reforms. We need to find new sources of income as soon as possible.

"Skypiea can't be relied on for the time being, so you need to finalize the nutrient pills quickly. Remember to weaken their effects—something about 30% better than the best formula for our ration pills should be enough."

"Additionally, create a diluted version of the conditioning potion using the formula Kureha gave us, perhaps with just 10% of the original effect. Both of these can be sold to generate income. What do you think?"

Sora nodded confidently. "No problem! Those are minor tasks—I'll have everything ready by the day after tomorrow. Not only the nutrient pills and conditioning potions but also Kureha's super nutrient potion and body-building potion are nearly complete. I can create highly diluted versions of these for sale as well. Trust me, they'll sell without any issues."

The medical and potion industries in the shinobi world were a mix of advancement and stagnation. In certain areas, like medical ninjutsu, they excelled, but when it came to potions and elixirs, they lagged behind.

"This sounds perfect!" Uchiha Mikasa's eyes lit up. These would not only be easy to sell but would also make money without enriching their enemies.

"Oh, one more thing," she continued, "I'm planning to meet Uzumaki Mito soon. I'll try to form an alliance with her to counterbalance and restrict Sarutobi Hiruzen. Can you create a potion that replenishes vitality and is relatively mild? How long would it take to develop?"

"Replenish vitality?" Sora repeated, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Actually, the conditioning potion we use, the Sea Kings' meat we consume, and even the nutrient pills and super nutritional potions I'm preparing all have that effect. However, Uzumaki Mito's situation is unique. I'd need to assess her condition personally to provide an accurate solution.

"If none of the existing options work, the 100% nutritional pills made from Sea Kings' meat will undoubtedly do the job. Those are practically guaranteed to restore vitality."

"It will just require a certain time," Sora replied cautiously. His judgment about Jinchūriki like Uzumaki Mito was based on fragmented memories from his past life and couldn't be entirely relied upon.

"Is that so?" Uchiha Mikasa listened carefully, pausing to think. After a moment, she decided, "Alright. Then you can accompany me to meet her. How about once you've fully recovered?"

This approach was more convincing. If Sora himself appeared ill while claiming to have a solution for Uzumaki Mito, it would reduce credibility and complicate negotiations. Uchiha Mikasa wanted to ensure the meeting revealed as few of Sora's secrets as possible.

As for exposing some of Sora's medical talents and abilities? That wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

"Maybe," Mikasa mused, looking at Sora with a gleam in her eyes, "you can use this opportunity to learn all the medical skills and ninjutsu Tsunade has mastered."

She blinked playfully at Sora.

"Hehe, that's exactly what I was planning!" Sora grinned. "We can include it as a condition in the deal. I'm very interested in the medical techniques of the ninja world, especially Tsunade's."

"If I can integrate their methods with what I already know, my medical expertise will advance even further, bringing significant benefits. Beyond that, I might even use this opportunity to become Tsunade's apprentice, build closer ties with her and the Senju clan, and temporarily assume the status of a Hokage's direct disciple."

"That could pave the way for my future growth and make it easier to act in the village. It'd also help my eventual goal of becoming Hokage and taking control of Konoha."

Sora smirked, clearly envisioning his plans unfolding.

'And who knows...even Tsunade herself might not be impossible to win over completely.'

"Tsk tsk!" Uchiha Mikasa teased, noticing the change in his expression. "You little schemer—thinking of all kinds of mischief, aren't you?"

"Ahem!" Sora coughed awkwardly, quickly shaking his head. "No, no, not at all! I'm completely serious!" He hastily changed the subject. "Mother, just tell me—what do you think of the plan?"

"Mother?" Mikasa raised her eyebrows at the unfamiliar address. A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes as she frowned, leaned forward, and stretched Sora's cheeks with her hands.

In the sweetest tone, she said the coldest words: "So, you think your mom is already old now? How sad. It seems little Sora doesn't love his mom anymore... You hate me now, don't you?"

"Uh...!" Sora's eyes widened as he waved his hands frantically in protest, his voice muffled by the tug on his cheeks. "No! No, not at all, Mom! You're always young and beautiful—I was wrong! Please let me go!"

Internally, Sora sighed in resignation.' As expected, no matter the world, women will always care about their age and appearance. The ancients truly never lied!'

"Hmph! Smart answer!" Mikasa released his cheeks with a smirk. "But remember, next time I won't let you off so easily, Sora-chan."

"Yes, yes!" Sora rubbed his reddened cheeks, nodding repeatedly. "I won't dare to do it again!"

"Good," Mikasa said with satisfaction, waving her hand dismissively. "Now, back to business. Try to develop a suitable treatment for Uzumaki Mito before you fully recover. That way, we can approach her from a position of strength."

"A living Uzumaki Mito as an ally of the Uchiha is far more valuable to us than otherwise."

Her tone grew serious as she continued, "With Uzumaki Mito on our side, we'll have a means of checking and limiting Hiruzen's actions. Without her, the pressure on the Third Hokage will disappear entirely.

"If that happens, the Senju will be completely finished, and Hiruzen will undoubtedly find ways to absorb their assets, techniques, and heritage—along with anything remaining from the Uzumaki. With that newfound wealth and power, his strength would grow significantly, and the Uchiha would become his primary target."

Mikasa's gaze hardened. "That's not a future I'm willing to let unfold."