Chapter 131 – Just What I Needed for a Vase

"You two better not embarrass me when you get to the Land of Lightning. At least become leaders or something."

Gin snapped out of his daydream, wiped the tears at the corners of his mouth, and grinned at the now mature-looking young man in front of him.

"Otherwise, don't go around saying you know me."

"Gin-san, every word of yours will be engraved in our hearts."

Kin tugged his younger brother by the shoulder. His eyes shimmered with emotion. Although their time together had been short, his respect for Gin was sincere. From the start, Gin had taught them without reservation—and even saved them when it mattered most. They would never forget that.

"Gin, take it out."

Kin reached into his robe and pulled out an old, worn scroll. At the same time, he nodded to his brother.

Without hesitation, Gin followed, retrieving a similar scroll and handing both to Gin.

"These scrolls contain the treasured tools of the Hagoromo clan. Please, choose two."

"Huh? Wasn't it supposed to be just one item?"

Gin took the scroll. It was heavy, with a bark-like texture. Even without opening it, he could feel the ancient power within. Still, the scrolls seemed so old that they could fall apart at any moment.

"This is a small token of our gratitude. You've done far more than the mission required, so please don't refuse."

Kin waved off Gin's concern. He and Ginpachi had discussed it already. Whatever Gin picked would likely be taken by the Uchiha clan for research anyway. Better let him choose two, as thanks.

"Alright, let me take a look first."

Touched, Gin didn't argue. He opened Ginpachi's scroll first.

Inside were two treasures: a wide sword with cloud-like patterns on its four corners, and a plain red gourd.

Next, he unrolled Kin's scroll, revealing three more: a golden rope, a red-and-white fan, and a jar etched with ancient runes.

"Those are the Shichiseiken and the Benihisago. Mine include the Kōkinjō, the Bashōsen, and the Kohaku no Jōhei," Kin explained.

Gin recognized the names. These were the Six Paths Tools—legendary ninja weapons from the tales.

"The Shichiseiken..." Kin's eyes lit up as he explained each tool like a proud collector.

"The Bashōsen allows the user to unleash fire, water, lightning, wind, and earth ninjutsu regardless of chakra nature."

He even licked his lips in excitement before getting to the final one.

"The Kohaku no Jōhei seals anyone who responds to the wielder's voice."

"Hmm..."

Gin listened closely. They matched the descriptions from the original timeline. He mentally crossed out three tools right away—Shichiseiken, Kōkinjō, and Benihisago. Those were designed to be used as a combo; splitting them would just make things harder for Kin and Ginpachi later.

The Bashōsen? Cool, but not his style. He didn't lack chakra or jutsu.

Which left the jar.

He stared at it, ancient and unassuming. He remembered this item eventually being taken by the Third Raikage. Better he keep it now than let it fall into that guy's hands.

"I'll take the jar. It'll make a nice decorative vase."

Gin pointed at the Kohaku no Jōhei with a smile.

"Just that one? You sure?"

Kin was surprised. The jar was the least practical for them—too bulky to wield easily.

Gin-san really is a kind man.

"No need for more. The rest will suit you better—two each, just right."

Gin's tone was final.

"…Alright, then."

Kin nodded and bit his thumb, then made a hand seal. A puff of smoke erupted as the scroll released its contents—revealing the half-human-sized jar.

He gave it a gentle pat, then handed it over with a trace of reluctance. These were sacred relics—but what use were they if their clan was about to vanish?

"Thanks~"

Gin took the jar and sealed it into a blank scroll, stuffing it in his backpack. He was about to say goodbye when Kin stopped him again.

"Gin-san, we have nothing else of value to offer, but... I want to share something with you."

Gin's eyes narrowed cautiously.

Wait… don't tell me this guy is gonna confess or propose or something. That look in his eyes—too familiar. Just like that muscle-bound boss from the Hidden Rainbow Gang...

"I want to tell you a secret passed down in the Hagoromo clan."

Oh, okay. Phew.

Gin relaxed slightly, though he still kept an eye out for suspicious movements.

"Big brother, you mean that secret?" Ginpachi looked shocked.

"Yes. We're practically extinct. What use is a secret anymore?"

Kin's tone was grim.

Whew. At least they weren't going to lock me in a love net or something...

"You've piqued my interest. Go on."

The Hagoromo clan's secret wasn't mentioned in the original timeline, which made it even more intriguing.

"You already know we're descendants of the Rikudō Sennin."

Kin's chest puffed slightly with pride.

Ugh. Everybody and their cat is a descendant these days.

Gin rolled his eyes but let the kid talk.

"The Six Paths Sage left behind more than just the six known tools. At his death, he sealed his personal sword in a hidden place, and our clan was tasked with guarding it."

More than the six tools? This wasn't in the original script.

Kin's words made Gin raise an eyebrow. His usually bored fish eyes sparked with interest.

"A sword?"

"Yes. The records call it Amenohoakari, the 'Blade of Wishes'. They say it can channel one's strongest desire into its edge. The Sage used it to shape the world."

Kin was practically whispering now, as if afraid the forest itself would overhear.

"That sounds insane. Why didn't your clan retrieve it?"

"Only those with extremely pure Rikudō blood can even enter the sealed zone—let alone retrieve the sword."

So it's bloodline locked too, huh?

Gin sighed. This world really needed a patch for bloodline privilege.

(End of Chapter)

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