Chapter 9: The Path to Soul Restoration

"That's wonderful news, Mother. Congratulations!"Gin's voice brimmed with joy. For him, this was the best possible outcome.

"As for restoring your soul source... we'll figure out a way," he continued, eyes alight with determination. "By the way, Mother, does our clan have any meditation methods to strengthen mental resilience or refine the Yin element?"

He knew that even if there weren't perfect spiritual cultivation techniques in either world, his innate talent—"Heaven Rewards Diligence"—would allow him to evolve even flawed techniques into true spiritual arts.

If he could succeed in this, not only could his mother's soul recover, but the method could also enhance the evolution of the Sharingan—possibly even paving the way to unlock the Mangekyō Sharingan, Eternal Mangekyō, and ultimately... the Rinnegan.

"Hmm..."Hikari's brows furrowed in thought. "There are some techniques to enhance mental strength and train the Yin element, but they're not very effective. Consistent practice is key."

But deep down, she suspected there was more to her son's question. He had to be onto something."He must have a method... or knowledge... something that could help me recover faster."The Inheritance of the Sage was clearly far more profound than she had imagined.

"Then I'll improve it!" Gin declared confidently. "If the foundation is there, I can build on it. You'll recover faster than expected, Mother."

"I'll bring you the technique when I return, but promise me you won't rush. Your health comes first. My body is already recovering—I'll live a long life. And no matter what kind of future you've seen… remember that your mother is here. I will always be your strength and your shield."

Warmth blossomed in Gin's chest."...I know, Mother. But—how did you know I've seen the future?"

Hikari giggled softly, brushing her fingers across his forehead."Did you think you could hide it from your own mother? You were never very subtle, and now I'm even more attuned to you."

She paused, her tone soft yet serious."Tell me... what does the future hold for the Uchiha? For the shinobi world? Why are you so desperate to become stronger and protect me?"

She wasn't just curious—she needed to know. To prepare.Hikari Uchiha was not a woman who walked into battle without knowing the odds.

"Hmm..."Gin fell silent. A flick of his fingers erected a soundproof barrier.

"In the future... the Uchiha clan is slaughtered in the 55th year of Konoha. Ordered by Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō."

And so, he told her everything.The Ninja World Wars, the secret survival of Madara Uchiha, the manipulations of Black Zetsu, the resurrection of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, and the truths behind the Sage of Six Paths and the Ōtsutsuki clan.

He trusted her completely. With her Affection Level maxed out after the Gate Binding, there was no fear of betrayal.

"...Madara alive? Zetsu's conspiracy spanning a thousand years? Even beings from the heavens descending?! No wonder you've been so tense!"Hikari exhaled slowly, face grave.

"If everything you've said is true… the current power of the shinobi world is nowhere near enough."But then, her voice regained its confidence."But we have the time... and the resources of the Pirate World. I'll reach Madara's level—and surpass it. We'll face these threats together."

With the teachings and power from another world—and Gin's own cheat-like advantages—what did they have to fear from Madara or even the Ōtsutsuki?

"Yes," Gin nodded, fire in his eyes. "I always believed in myself, but lately, I've felt... uncertain. But even if we lose, we can retreat to the Pirate World, grow stronger, and return! With the Gate of Space-Time, we're invincible!"

"Haha!" Hikari laughed gently. "Seems I underestimated you, little Gin. You truly see the big picture now."

Then her expression darkened."As for Hiruzen... and Danzō..."A cold edge crept into her voice."I never imagined they would go that far. But if they wish to destroy me—and the Uchiha clan—then I will destroy their entire legacy."

Her chakra flared for a moment."They treat me like a cornered cat... they forget I'm a tiger in disguise."

Given the weakened position of the Senju, the eventual fall of the Uzumaki, and the tragic fate of Mito Uzumaki, she had already begun devising a plan—one to unite the remnants of these once-great clans and eliminate Konoha's shadow rulers.

She would not wait quietly for the blade to fall. She would strike first.

"Mother..."Gin's voice was emotional, hand raised in a gentle plea.Having such a mother… was a blessing beyond words.

Hikari smiled warmly, ruffling his hair."Let me take care of it. But always tell me what's in your heart. We'll face it all—together."

"...But what about Itachi?" she added suddenly, her tone hardening. "He slaughtered the entire clan under orders... he was clearly brainwashed."

"Yes," Gin agreed. "But not just Itachi. Fugaku was at fault too. Forcing a child to witness war at three—just to 'teach him cruelty'? That broke him. And after that, he kept compromising with Hiruzen, dragging the whole clan into a trap. He wasn't fit to be clan head. He didn't even deserve Aunt Mikoto."