Chapter 87: Please, No More Flashbacks

"Kid, I'm heading out for a mission. Stay put," Uchiha Gin said, slinging his pack after breakfast, glancing at Tobirama, still eating. "If trouble hits, find Izuna. I've cleared it with him."

"Got it. I'm not a child. Less talk, more go," Tobirama replied, rolling his eyes, urging Gin to leave.

"When in doubt, prioritize survival. Take this, just in case." Still uneasy, Gin pulled a golden hourglass pendant from his bag, handing it to Tobirama to wear.

"Ugh, so naggy." Tobirama grabbed the peculiar pendant, noting the golden sand trickling inside. It seemed valuable. "Gold?"

"It's for staying alive, not pawning," Gin stressed, having gone all out for Tobirama's safety, even parting with his only Zhonya's Hourglass.

[Zhonya's Hourglass]: Grants three minutes of invulnerability when health drops below 40% (triggers once daily).

Satisfied, Gin rode hard to the rendezvous, spotting Tajima waiting. Late, he hurried over. "Uncle, sorry, got delayed."

"No issue, I just arrived. Your… look…" Tajima, stirring from meditation, faltered, stunned by Gin's gear.

"Bit ostentatious," Tajima remarked, eyeing him oddly.

"Pretty slick, right? I'll hook you up with a set!" Gin grinned, patting his Madman's Armor.

"Heh, no thanks." Tajima declined, picturing the clan's disgrace.

"Ready? Let's roll!" Tajima took the lead, Gin following, racing from dawn to dusk. Passing a forest, Tajima slowed, signaling a halt.

They chose a concealed spot to rest. "The seal's still a ways off. We camp here tonight," Tajima said, route ingrained. "At this pace, we'll hit the target tomorrow."

He pulled out two ration bars to ease hunger.

"Let's eat! I brought the good stuff." Thrilled for a field mission, Gin unpacked fresh ingredients, even a large pot.

"You think this is a picnic? Copy the Ninja Three Prohibitions 10,000 times back home!" Tajima snapped, rubbing his forehead.

"Huh?" It's not? Gin bit back the quip, dodging a scolding.

"Fine, I'll pack up. Shame, I splurged on these," Gin said, deflated, noticing Tajima's curious stare at the pot.

"What's this pot for?" Tajima asked, baffled by its design.

"Custom-made for hot pot," Gin explained, showing off his mandarin duck pot.

"So this is the hot pot Izuna raves about," Tajima said, nodding thoughtfully. Izuna and Madara had mentioned it, Izuna practically drooling.

"Wanna try?" Sensing interest, Gin probed, pulling out a dark red, pungent block. "Secret spicy beef tallow base—pure fire!"

"Hmph!" Tajima's piercing gaze met Gin's, sparking guilt.

Missions aren't for indulgence. Ninja discipline! Uncle's on another level, Gin thought.

"It's cold tonight. Spicy food'll warm us," Tajima said, nodding gravely.

That's why he's clan leader. Gin hustled to prep the hot pot feast.

"Whew! No wonder picky Izuna loves this. Such depth," Tajima said, slurping spice, fanning his mouth. "What's in it?"

Sensing heat, Tajima felt his chakra stir.

"Good stuff," Gin smirked. He'd mixed in Izuna's birthday gift—an Akimichi "enhancer." Potent, saved for Tajima alone.

While they feasted, Wangliang, lurking underground, suffered. "They're eating? That smell…" The hot pot's aroma roused his ancient taste buds, a testament to its power.

Post-meal, talk ensued.

Gin eyed the empty pot, conflicted, which Tajima misread. "Gin, something on your mind?" he asked.

No, I'm just worried you'll survive that broth tomorrow. Tajima, ever frugal, had downed the fiery base. Knowing hot pot's wrath, Gin wanted to warn him but couldn't.

"Since you're recovered, it's time for truths," Tajima sighed, mistaking Gin's look for a loosening memory seal.

??? Why so serious? Gin eyed Tajima warily. Another big secret about the original host?

"It began twelve years ago, that night…" Tajima started.

"Stop! No long stories. Just the point!" Gin groaned, wincing as Tajima sank into memory. "Please, no more flashback torture!"

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