Chapter 10: "Mikoto Belongs to Me!"

"Mom!"Gin raised his hand excitedly after hearing his mother's fiery speech about revenge. Having such a mother… was truly a blessing.

"Hehehe~"Hikari smiled warmly, patting her son's head."Say whatever's on your mind. Don't bottle things up. We'll talk through everything, alright?"

"But... Uchiha Itachi," she suddenly frowned, the warmth in her eyes replaced by cold steel."That boy was brainwashed by Hiruzen and Danzo—used like a tool to annihilate his entire clan. He wasn't thinking for himself."

"Exactly!" Gin agreed, his eyes sharp."And it's not just Itachi. Fugaku's equally guilty. Who the hell brings a 4-year-old to war just to 'feel cruelty'? That broke Itachi from the start. Then, instead of guiding him, Fugaku bent to Hiruzen's pressure and led the clan straight into a trap. He's not fit to be clan head—and definitely not worthy of someone like Mikoto."

"Oh?" Hikari raised an eyebrow playfully. "Then who is worthy of Mikoto?"

"Obviously, I—uh…" Gin froze mid-sentence as Hikari's smirk deepened.His cheeks turned bright red. "A-Anyway! Fugaku's not right for her, that's for sure! Can we, um, change the topic?"

"Hoh~?" Hikari chuckled teasingly."My little pervert! Already claiming Mikoto for yourself? But you're not wrong about Fugaku. Since fate brought us here… if you truly want Mikoto, I'll support your marriage in the future. Just work hard and earn your place in the clan, alright?"

Over the next few days, Gin mostly stayed on the ship. Between physical training using Sea King meat, he focused on studying medical scrolls and practicing the Yin Release techniques Hikari had taught him. His rare talent [God Rewards the Diligent] allowed him to integrate the Yin chakra system within a few days—sharpening his mind and chakra control even further.

Two days later.The ship arrived at the 13th District Port of the Sabaody Archipelago, where two figures awaited them.

An elegant yet powerful woman boarded the ship first—Boa Gloriosa, the elder and former Empress of Amazon Lily. Behind her stood an older man with calm eyes and an overwhelming aura: Silvers Rayleigh.

"Welcome back!" Gloriosa smiled and bowed slightly."Are you Uchiha Hikari and Uchiha Gin? On behalf of Amazon Lily, I thank you. Hancock already promised to escort you to Drum Island, but I believe that's not enough. If you ever need anything—information, support—just ask. I'll do my best to provide it."

She knew clearly: if not for Hikari's intervention, Boa Hancock and the others could've been sold to the Celestial Dragons. That would've been a disaster for the future of their island.

"You're too kind. It was just coincidence that I was there," Hikari said modestly.

"No."Gloriosa shook her head firmly. "A favor is a favor. Please—make a request, now or later."

"Hahaha!"Rayleigh chuckled and gestured toward the dock."Let's continue this conversation somewhere more comfortable, shall we?"

"Of course. Thank you for the hospitality," Hikari said with a nod.

They soon arrived at Gloriosa's establishment—an odd bar with a rough sign that read:"Bar of Enlightenment - Old Lady Style"

"…Seriously?" Hikari stared at the sign.

"Ahahaha!"Gloriosa scratched her head awkwardly."There are a lot of pirates around here. Gotta scare them off somehow."

Gin and Hikari nodded in understanding.

Inside, Gloriosa served wine, juice, and homemade sweets.

"I hear you're heading to Drum Island," she said."My old crewmate knows a doctor there—amazing skills. Might be just what you're looking for."

Even Gloriosa and Rayleigh had noticed that something was off. Gin's condition wasn't just physical—his chakra and life force felt unstable. But what caught their attention even more… was Hikari. Her life force was faint, as if fading, and yet her power was immense. She exuded something ancient—something not entirely human.

Still, out of courtesy, they didn't press.

"We're going to meet Dr. Kureha," Hikari said calmly. "If she can't help, we'll return for your contact."

"The Witch of Drum Island?" Gloriosa blinked. "I know her. Her medical skills are insane—possibly even better than Crocus. But she's... eccentric. Unless you offer something worthwhile, she won't lift a finger. Are you prepared?"

"Absolutely," Gin nodded confidently.

"Oh?" Gloriosa raised an eyebrow.

Rayleigh watched the boy silently, sensing something strange in his eyes—maturity far beyond his years.

"We've also thought about our reward," Gin said after a pause, turning to look directly at Rayleigh."I want to trade the favor, and the intel I have about Gol D. Roger's son… in exchange for knowledge. Specifically, the swordsmanship training of Hawkeye Mihawk, and any combat methods or philosophy from Rocks D. Xebec's crew. What do you say, Uncle Rayleigh?"

"Wha—?!"Rayleigh's expression changed for the first time.

"Roger had a son?" he asked, stunned."You… You know about him?"

Even Gloriosa's eyes widened. That kind of knowledge was tightly sealed. How did a child—no, who was this boy?

She glanced at Hikari, then back at Gin.

The air felt different.

It was no longer a conversation between guests and hosts.

It was the beginning of something greater.

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How is this fanfiction so far? Should I continue translating it, or should I try a different one?