Chapter 25: Trading with Uzumaki Mito

That day, Hikari left a shadow clone behind in her home and opened the dimensional rift — stepping once again into the Pirate World. She was greeted by her son, Gin, in the secluded mountainside villa where time seemed to flow differently.

She quickly updated him on the latest developments from Konoha: the strategic moves, the clan's financial status, and the recent reforms.

"Do you have any further thoughts?" she asked. "By the way, I included Might Duy in the third division — as you suggested. You said he had a good heart and natural talent for taijutsu, didn't you?"

Gin smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.

"Mom, you nailed it. Including Duy is already a win. All he needs now is the right environment. Later, when you find the opportunity, offer him training support — both technique and nutrition. Provide him access to physical enhancement resources."

His expression grew serious with confidence.

"When I fully recover and return to the village, I'll personally oversee his growth. Once we earn his trust, we can form a long-term pact and deepen our investment in his potential. If we bring him here — to this world — the resources alone could help skyrocket his progress. With his work ethic and grit, he could surpass a Raikage in a matter of years."

Hikari nodded with a quiet smirk.

"Then we'll do it your way."

But her smile faded slightly as another concern crossed her mind.

"Speaking of resources... The clan treasury's bleeding fast. These reforms are expensive. We need a new income stream now. It's too early to rely on the Sky Piercer Project — we need something more immediate."

She tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"We can improve the nutritional pills and begin sales, but make sure the effects are heavily reduced — 30% of the clan's best formula at most."

She paused, then added with a glint in her eye:

"Also, create a lightweight version of the Kurechi enhancement drug — only about 10% potency. Both products should be marketable. Thoughts?"

"No problem," Gin replied smoothly. "Piece of cake. I'll have everything ready the day after tomorrow. I'll make multiple versions — weakened, non-military grade. We'll include Kurechi, the nutrient pills, and even a basic physical-enhancement tonic. They'll be safe to sell, no risk of empowering our enemies."

Though the medical field in the Shinobi World was advanced in terms of surgery and chakra-based techniques, its pharmacology was surprisingly outdated. Hikari's eyes burned with opportunity.

"Excellent," she said. "These should sell like wildfire — and no one will suspect how far ahead we truly are."

She leaned forward, now speaking in a more guarded tone.

"By the way… I plan to meet with Uzumaki Mito soon. If we can reach an alliance, she could help counterbalance Hiruzen's authority."

Her tone became sharp.

"Can you create a gentle tonic — something that restores vitality? It has to be convincing."

Gin crossed his arms and stroked his chin in thought.

"Reinforcing life force, huh? Well… all our materials — the King of the Sea meat, the nutritional pills, even the basic Kurechi — have that effect. But Mito's case is different. She's a Jinchūriki and a sealing master. I'd need to see her condition directly to create something tailored to her physiology."

He looked toward the horizon.

"If it's urgent, we could offer her the original nutrient pills made from Sea King meat. We just need to prepare the right dosage — and not reveal too much."

Gin didn't want to rely solely on memories from his past life when it came to someone as complex as Uzumaki Mito.

Hikari considered this for a moment, then nodded.

"Alright. You'll come with me to meet her. It'll be more convincing. If you appear ill or weak, it'll weaken our bargaining position. Better she sees you strong and competent."

Her eyes narrowed with calculation.

"But be careful. We reveal nothing more than necessary. A small demonstration of your medical ability might help — but don't expose our trump cards."

"Got it," Gin said. "And hey — while we're at it, maybe I can learn from her. All the medical ninjutsu and sealing techniques passed down to Tsunade — it could be part of the deal."

He grinned.

"Imagine combining her teachings with our medical science. The synergy could create a breakthrough in Shinobi medicine."

Then his expression turned sly.

"Plus, if I can become Tsunade's student, that gets me closer to the Senju Clan. As Hokage's apprentice, my future influence in the village will skyrocket. It'll open doors — all the way to becoming Hokage myself."

Hikari raised a brow, amused by the gleam in his eye.

"Tch… What sneaky plans you have!" she teased, her voice playful but probing.

Gin blushed slightly and tried to deflect.

"Ahem! Nothing like that, really!"

"Oh? 'Mother,' huh?" Hikari said, voice suddenly cold and sweet. She leaned forward and grabbed Gin's cheeks with both hands, tugging them mercilessly.

"So I'm already 'just your mother' now? Do I look old to you? Does little Gin not think his beautiful and young mother is worth proper respect anymore?"

"No no no!" Gin flailed, shocked. "You're radiant and youthful! I take it back! Please let go!"

He inwardly groaned.

Women really are terrifying when it comes to age and beauty...

"Hmm! I'll let you off this time," Hikari said, releasing his red cheeks with a warning look. "But next time, you'll regret it, Gin-kun."

"Y-Yes ma'am!" he nodded quickly, cheeks still stinging.

Finally, Hikari's expression turned composed again.

"Now, while you recover, start developing a suitable medicine for Mito. When the time is right, we'll make our approach — on our terms."

She stepped to the window, gazing out at the vibrant world stretching into misty forests and ocean cliffs. She understood the stakes better than anyone.

Uzumaki Mito was the last true political pillar still capable of keeping Sarutobi Hiruzen in check. If she died — the balance of power would shift irreversibly. The Senju Clan would lose its influence. And then, Hiruzen would have the perfect excuse to absorb what remained of the Senju and Uzumaki legacies into his regime.

And after that, Uchiha would be next.

That outcome was unacceptable.