"Missions, huh…"
The previously excited girl suddenly looked disappointed, but she didn't complain. As always, she was understanding and chose to wait.
"Then I'll wait until Gin-san returns."
She was so obedient it tugged at the heart. Truly, the kind of child everyone wished they had.
Wait… no, she kind of is my kid now, huh?
With that realization, Gin looked at the girl who resembled an abandoned puppy and scratched his chin thoughtfully. After a moment, he turned to the relieved Hikari behind him and said,
"Kogami, you don't mind bringing one more, do you?"
"Huh? I don't mind."
The girl, who had just been secretly celebrating, thought for a moment and nodded. Her strength was enough to easily carry two teammates—she could handle a few more.
"Great! Go home and pack, Kogami. We leave tomorrow!"
Gin smiled as he patted the girl's silky smooth hair, letting her know she could come along.
"Really?! Thank you, Gin-san! Thank you, Hikari-senpai!"
Shocked and overjoyed to be able to go on a mission with her teacher, the girl threw her arms around Gin in excitement.
???
This is normal student-teacher interaction, Hikari. Stay calm.
"Ara ara~ Mama wants a hug too~"
Uchiha Eimi, witnessing her daughter finally find her place, cheerfully rushed forward with a flirtatious smile and an impressive shake of her snowy peaks.
Thud!
Still clinging to Gin's waist, Kogami didn't even turn around—she just shot her leg backward, sending her mother flying with a perfect hook kick.
Could you not ruin my moment, old hag?
Watching the pair get along so well, Hikari began mentally chanting to herself.
This is just a genjutsu… I'm not losing. I'm not losing…
Truly, the Uchiha were masters of illusions. If they could lie to themselves this easily, deceiving enemies was no problem.
Feeling the soft, warm body in his arms, Gin's heart fluttered a little. But then he suddenly remembered her age and status. With a serious face, he gently pushed her away and offered solemn advice.
"Kogami, you're still young. Don't go around hugging other men like that."
"Not even Itama?"
The moment she was pushed away, Kogami tilted her head innocently and asked a curious question.
"Hah?! Just wait till I get back—I'm going to beat that little perv to death!"
How dare that brat try to dig up his cabbage?! It was time for a pig roast.
Fuming, Gin grabbed the still-delusional Hikari and stormed off toward home.
Behind them, the seemingly innocent Kogami returned to her calm smile. Watching Gin's back disappear into the distance, her lips curled up in a sly arc.
Sorry, Itama. That's what besties are for.
Back home, Gin found Itama sprawled on the couch like a lazy cat. Rage surged in him.
Without a word, he raised his hand and gave the little perv a loving disciplinary slap.
"OW! What the hell?!"
Itama yelped, clutching her butt and glaring at him with flushed cheeks.
All she did was skip cleaning duty! Did that deserve such violence?!
"You dare talk back? Think about what dirty things you did to Kogami!"
Even with chakra-enhanced strength, Gin's palm was slightly numb. Was this kid training in Tekkōjutsu or what?
Still… why did it feel so bouncy?
"Alright, Gin. She's young and naïve—cut her some slack this time!"
Hikari finally couldn't take it anymore and stepped in, pulling Gin away from any more questionable contact with the evil little gremlin.
Any more of this, and she'd be the one losing out! She hadn't even played that kind of game with Gin yet!
"Hmph! Fine. Since Kogami is pleading for you, I'll let you off this once."
Despite the strangely addictive squishiness, Gin forced himself to suppress any strange thoughts. He was a righteous straight man. He wouldn't fall for a trap like Itama!
He then told Itama about Kogami becoming his disciple and sternly warned her not to mess with her—or he'd be very unhappy.
"Hah?! You became Kogami-neesan's master?"
Still holding her butt, Itama jumped up, glaring at Gin with suspicion in her eyes.
"You damn perv, don't tell me you just want to take advantage of her looks!"
BONK!
A long-overdue fist of justice landed on her head. Gin, veins bulging, raised his steaming fist and growled,
"That's my line to you!"
Feeling refreshed after beating some sense into Itama, Gin headed out to upgrade his mansion.
Mokuton: Shichūka no Jutsu (Wood Release: Four-Pillar House)
Gin clapped his hands, green chakra blooming between his palms. As it poured into the structure, his wooden mansion began to transform—an additional third floor with a balcony sprouted from the original two.
Perfect.
Satisfied, Gin nodded as he admired his work.
His Mokuton structures had self-repair, were resistant to jutsu, stayed warm in winter and cool in summer, were fire and water-resistant, and even had advanced water systems supported by a hidden Suiton (Water Release) array underneath.
"Waaah~~~!!"
Hikari and Itama rushed outside upon hearing the noise. When they saw their once two-story house transformed into a grand three-story villa, their jaws dropped.
"Heh, with my mad construction skills alone, I could keep us fed for life!"
Gin puffed out his chest proudly. Once Konoha was founded, he'd be rolling in cash, feeding his bros the good stuff!
The girls didn't even reply—they were already rushing inside, examining every corner. Itama bounced around like a hyper puppy, then ran up to Gin with sparkling eyes.
"Does this mean I can move in too?"
The old house only had two rooms. Now that there were multiple floors and extra space, surely she could get a spot?
"Well… that depends. We're going on a mission. While we're gone, decorate the place nicely. I'll inspect it when I get back."
Seeing her pleading puppy-dog eyes and cherubic face, Gin nearly agreed right away. But he quickly shook himself awake.
Too dangerous! This little southern trap is lethal!
Wiping sweat off his brow, Gin gave himself a mental warning.
"Aaah, Gin~~"
He felt a tug on his sleeve. Turning, he saw Hikari pouting, her voice soft and sticky.
"I want the room next to yours!"
If she didn't act fast, her home was going to be stolen—by that damn gremlin!
"No problem, Kogami. Pick whichever one you want!"
Gin had complete trust in her. With a casual wave, he gave her full freedom to choose.
"You two go pick your rooms. I'm going to get some fresh air."
Remembering he hadn't done his skill grind yet, Gin slipped out and left the two girls to it.
"Hey, you little brat—you're crossing the line."
As soon as Gin stepped out, Hikari's sweet demeanor vanished. She coldly glared at the gleeful Itama.
"Hah? What're you talking about, old hag?"
Itama had never liked this two-faced Uchiha girl, and now she fired back with venom.
"Hmph… I won't stoop to your level."
Hikari took a breath, then fixed her eyes on Itama's suspiciously androgynous face.
"I also won't tell Gin your real identity."
"…Huh? What weird nonsense are you spouting?"
At that, Itama stiffened, her posture straightened, and her gaze darted around nervously.
"Heh. I don't know why Gin hasn't noticed—maybe he just doesn't pay attention to you."
From the very first glance, Hikari's sharp instincts had told her who this 'boy' really was. But Gin had yet to catch on, still treating her without restraint.
She didn't want to expose it—if Gin's attitude changed, it might backfire and ruin her own chances. With the purple-haired girl already a threat, adding this little gremlin to the mix would only worsen her odds.
"Hah! You're spouting nonsense! Look—this is the keepsake he gave me!"
Enraged, Itama pulled out the golden hourglass pendant Gin had gifted her.
"Pure gold! I bet you've never even seen something like this!"
Hikari's eyes widened as they locked onto the shining pendant filled with glittering grains.
Unwilling to be outdone, she pulled out her own pendant—swirling blue chakra visibly flowing inside.
"That ugly thing? Mine was personally put on me by Gin himself!"
She added a small lie to press her advantage.
"Yours is a cheap glass trinket—how can it compare to pure gold?!"
"Heh, don't you see the chakra inside? Gin infused it himself!"
The two girls began to fiercely argue over who had the better gift from Gin.
Meanwhile, Gin, unaware of the "friendly exchange" going on inside the house, had his attention caught by something else.
From the light screen in front of him, a familiar figure emerged.
Worn crimson armor. Wild white hair. A skinny, aged body carrying a familiar fan. A weathered face lined with years of hardship. Drooping eyelids. Vacant expression typical of an NPC.
"…Huh? Isn't that my dear cousin? What the hell happened to you since I last saw you?!"
(End of Chapter)
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