Chapter 3: Hope for Life – First Journey into the Pirate World

"Does it really help? That's amazing!" Gin smiled with visible relief. "So Mom and I can live longer! I've also gained a ton of knowledge about medicine and soul restoration. Let me check your condition, and I'll jot down the necessary treatments! I'll need them myself, too."

"Oh?" Hikari raised a brow, intrigued. "Even medical knowledge was included? As expected of the Sage's All-Encompassing Legacy. Then Gin, take care of me first. Don't worry about medicinal materials—our family isn't lacking in wealth."

Gin immediately focused, examining his mother's condition. But as his chakra circulated and his insight deepened, his expression grew darker.

"It's much worse than I imagined," he said gravely. "In addition to years of hidden injuries, your cells have been constantly draining your chakra to stay functional. Your vital force is severely depleted, and your life expectancy has dropped significantly."

He gazed at her right eye—its once-sharp vision now dulled to a pale white.

"But the worst damage," Gin muttered, "comes from using Izanami. Not only did it blind your eye, but it also drained a huge portion of your life force… even your soul. That's what's truly fatal."

He had assumed that the cost of the forbidden Uchiha technique was limited to blindness—but reality was far more cruel.

"I'm impressed your new medical knowledge can even see something like that," Hikari said with a faint smile. "And you even understand Izanami. Your understanding of both worlds runs quite deep, it seems."

"But you're mistaken about one thing," she continued. "Izanami isn't inherently destructive to the soul and life force. When used properly, it only causes blindness. But I wasn't using a perfected version. I was still developing it—trying to tailor it as a deterrent to stop conflict within the clan. In those early tests… something went wrong. The backlash came in the form of spiritual erosion and life drain."

Gin's eyes widened. She created a forbidden technique alone and survived the aftermath? That's insane…

"That's incredible, Mom!" Gin gave a genuine thumbs-up. "But… to recover the soul and life force, physical healing and chakra restoration aren't enough. We need a way to directly restore what's lost. And with my current medical knowledge, that's impossible."

His voice dropped, serious now.

"We may need to go to another world—the Pirate World—to find a solution."

Of course, with the aid of his talent 'Heaven Rewards Diligence', he could master advanced medical arts from scratch. But that would take far too long—and while Gin could afford to wait, his mother couldn't. Not in a world as dangerous as the Shinobi world.

"The Pirate World?" Hikari echoed, curious. "Is there really someone that skilled? That'd be wonderful."

"I think so," Gin said, though not entirely confident. He briefly explained to her the basic truths of that world: Devil Fruits, the Grand Line, its dangers and miracles.

"There are Devil Fruits that grant regenerative or healing powers… even hormonal manipulation. But instead of chasing rare fruits blindly, I suggest we go to Drum Island first. There's a doctor there—Dr. Kureha. People call her a 'witch,' but she's a legend in medicine. Some even say she holds the secret to longevity. Even if she can't completely heal you, she might help restore your body and extend your life while we continue searching for a true cure."

Gin took her hand, eyes firm.

"So Mom, let's go to the Pirate World. Let's find Dr. Kureha and give you a chance to live."

Hikari closed her eyes thoughtfully, then nodded. "Alright. But how long will it take? I need to inform the clan before I disappear for too long."

"Hmm… Since we don't know exactly where we'll land, how about we go together first, scout the place, then you can return temporarily if needed?"

He added silently, I also need to understand the timeline. Hopefully, Luffy hasn't started his journey yet…

"Good idea," Hikari smiled. "I happen to be free today. Let's go right away. Do I need to pack anything?"

"No need," Gin shook his head. "I can return whenever. Just be careful—I'm not sure how safe our destination will be."

"I'm not worried," Hikari grinned and clenched her fist. "Your mom's still strong!"

"Yes!" Gin chuckled and took her hand. Closing his eyes, he activated the Gate of Space-Time within his soul.

In a blink, the two vanished from their home.

Pirate World – First Half of the Grand Line

Between Water 7 and the Sabaody Archipelago

The seas roared with chaos.

A brutal clash was underway between two pirate crews: the all-female warriors of Amazon Lily's Kuja Pirates, and the barbaric Mad Shark Pirates, notorious slavers trafficking in rare people.

"Take them alive!" the slaver captain barked. "Warriors from Amazon Lily are top-tier merchandise! They'll fetch a fortune!"

"Hahaha! You got it, boss!"

"Kill or capture, doesn't matter!"

Within ten minutes, the tide turned against the Kuja Pirates. Surrounded and outnumbered, slavers swarmed their ship like a plague.

"Sister! What do we do?!" cried Sandersonia, trembling as she crouched behind her older sister.

"We're in trouble! Should we call for help?" Marigold added, panicked.

Their leader, standing at the bow, was silent—her long black hair fluttering like a banner of war. Her crimson eyes locked onto the enemy fleet with cold fury.

Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress, clenched her fists.