Chapter 20: Contract with Mikoto – A Genius Worth More Than Fugaku

"Really? Congratulations, Gin!" Mikoto beamed with genuine joy. "You can finally start training properly again!"

She knew how long Gin had waited, how frustrated he had been with his inability to train due to his unstable condition. The sparkle in her eyes revealed she was truly happy for him.

"Gin, you're back? Help me set the table, dinner's ready!"Hikari's voice called warmly from the kitchen.

He and Mikoto moved quickly, laying out bowls and plates. The aroma of slow-cooked broth, seasoned meats, and roasted vegetables filled the room.

"Wow!" Mikoto exclaimed as she took a bite. "Aunt Hikari, your cooking just keeps getting better! This is delicious!"

"Haha, eat up, dear! There's plenty," Hikari smiled. "But tell me… do you feel anything else?"

Mikoto paused mid-bite. She closed her eyes for a moment, then tilted her head in surprise.

"Now that you mention it… yes. The food's different. My stomach feels warm, but not heavy. It's like the warmth is spreading through my entire body. My fatigue… it's fading. My muscles feel relaxed. My cells are practically humming."She glanced down at the meat in her bowl, confused. "Aunt… what kind of meat is this?"

"Ask Gin," Hikari answered, giving her son a mysterious smile.

Mikoto turned to Gin with curious eyes. He said nothing — only raised his hand and drew a glowing rune mid-air. The mark hovered just in front of her forehead.

"Touch this," Gin said softly. "Agree, and you'll understand."

Mikoto blinked. He was acting unusually serious… even mystical.

She turned to Hikari, who gave a silent nod of encouragement. Trusting both of them, Mikoto placed her finger on the rune.

A pulse of chakra flowed through her body. In her mind, a voice echoed:

[Do you consent to form a spiritual contract with Uchiha Gin? Benefits: Transdimensional access, enhanced training methods, chakra nourishment, and memory inheritance. Requires basic subordination and loyalty.]

She bit her lip, hesitating briefly. But then she nodded inwardly.

Gin and Aunt Hikari would never hurt me…

[Contract accepted.]

The rune lit up and melted into her skin, embedding itself between her brows. In her inner world, the chakra sea surged as a shadowy door of light emerged. Knowledge poured in — maps, landscapes, beasts, and even the flow of time from a world far beyond.

Pirate ships… Sky Islands… beasts the size of mountains…Sea Kings… Sea King meat… another world?!

Mikoto gasped, her eyes flying open.

"Is… is that real? Another world? That was Sea King meat?!"

"Yup." Gin grinned. "Eat more. It'll strengthen your body, boost vitality, and help increase your chakra reserves."

He crossed his arms confidently.

"From tomorrow, you'll train with me every day — in the Pirate World."

She blinked, stunned.

"M-me? But I'm still in the Academy… I can only train after classes."

Gin nodded.

"Do you know the Shadow Clone Jutsu?"

"Yes! I've been able to use it for a while now," she said proudly. As the granddaughter of a respected elder, Mikoto was a recognized genius among the younger generation.

"Then leave a clone for the Academy," Gin replied. "Your real body will come with me to train."

"Oh… I didn't think of that." She nodded seriously. "Alright! Except during practical exams, I'll use this method."

Her eyes were determined. She didn't want to miss this chance. A whole new world, a stronger body — if even Aunt Hikari approved, then it had to be valuable.

"Great. After dinner, I'll introduce you to someone and show you around," Gin said, pleased. "Then you can come and go as you wish."

After finishing their meal, Gin took Mikoto to Drum Island.

"Lady Kureha," he called as they entered the warm, herb-scented clinic. "This is Uchiha Mikoto — my cousin. She'll be training here from time to time."

"Oh?" The legendary doctor raised an eyebrow. "Another Uchiha?Do what you like, girl."

"Nice to meet you, Lady Kureha!" Mikoto bowed politely.

"Hah! Polite little thing, aren't you?" Kureha chuckled. "Your cousin already treats my house like his den. Make yourself at home — we don't do formalities here."

"Thank you!" Mikoto bowed again, a little shyly.

Gin led her through the clinic to a training hall he'd set up in the forest clearing nearby.

"Today, I'll teach you a special set of physical techniques," he said. "They're called Health Cultivation Exercises.They help regulate chakra flow, treat fatigue, accelerate healing, and — most importantly — help you digest Sea King meat more efficiently."

"Understood!" Mikoto nodded eagerly.

He moved slowly through each motion, guiding her posture and breathing. Mikoto watched, listened, and mirrored him. Her two-tomoe Sharingan spun slowly, helping her memorize each form. While she wasn't as fast as Hikari in grasping energy flow, her natural talent made her progress steady and solid.

She's only nine… but already this strong.No wonder geniuses like Itachi and Sasuke were born to her.If she hadn't married and settled too early, she might've awakened all three tomoe on her own, Gin thought to himself.

He looked at her, not with desire — but investment.

Fugaku is a fool. Mikoto is worth a thousand of him.

And now, she was his ally.