Chapter 48: Uchiha Pharmacy and the Ino–Shika–Chō Resolve

"It's true," Gin said, his tone steady. "It's about the Sage of Six Paths and even his mother—Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the Rabbit Goddess. But that's not for now. I'll reveal more when the time comes. I can glimpse fragments of the future… though it's far from complete."

He didn't elaborate further. The truth was simple—Gin could see glimpses of the future thanks to his memories from a past life. That alone was enough to earn their trust.

"I understand!" Minato nodded firmly. "I'll train harder and prepare for whatever crisis comes. Gin, you don't have to bear this alone."

As a shinobi, he had no choice but to prepare.

"Take it step by step," Gin said. "Don't overdo it. We still have time. With the resources of two worlds, we'll get stronger—and we'll solve this together."

He gave Minato a pat on the shoulder, sensing the boy's sincerity. Still, Minato didn't yet grasp the full threat the Ōtsutsuki posed. A decade still stood between them and the arrival of Momoshiki and his kind. Gin had time—and with the Pirate World's resources and his talent for relentless training, he was confident.

If, after ten years, he still couldn't handle Momoshiki? Then maybe he deserved a knock to the head.

He wasn't trying to inspire fear. Just to light a fire in them.

"Well, I get it!" Minato smiled. "I'll be smart about it."

"I'll work hard too, Gin!" Kushina stepped forward, her gaze serious. "You won't shoulder this burden alone—I'll help you carry it."

"Haha, alright." Gin smiled and gently ruffled her hair. "Then I'll count on you."

"Gin," Minato said, "you mentioned something about Sea King meat helping physical training?"

"Right," Gin nodded. "It's a powerful supplement from the Pirate World—rich in nutrients, packed with vitality. It's been essential for my recovery. And when paired with special health exercises, the effects multiply."

He took out three plates, each filled with roasted Sea King meat—sizzling with juices, fragrant and warm.

"Eat up. Then we'll train."

"Wow! That smells amazing! I'm digging in!" Kushina's eyes sparkled with delight.

"Thanks," Minato added, eager after the morning workout.

They ate quickly. As the warm meat settled in their stomachs, they felt more than just fullness.

"I feel... warmth," Minato said, placing a hand over his belly. "It's like something's stirring inside—my cells are craving it."

"Yeah," Kushina agreed. "This is way better than normal meat."

"Told you," Gin grinned. "Now, we move to health exercises. They'll help your body absorb the nutrients better, strengthen bones, boost vitality, and accelerate chakra control."

The rest of the morning was spent training—first body conditioning, then chakra control exercises: tree walking, water walking, refining their chakra flow. As the sun reached its peak, they repeated the earlier routines fueled by Sea King meat.

No one complained. Gin was especially surprised by Kushina's persistence.

Seems the knowledge about the future really motivated her. Good... he thought.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Konoha…

On the village's busiest street, just across from the Military Police headquarters, the Uchiha Pharmacy officially opened its doors.

Despite Gin's attempts to keep it low-key, Uchiha Hikari had quietly greenlit the clan's promotion strategy. Word spread quickly, and the powerful effect of the new medicine drew curious crowds.

At first, many were skeptical. But this was the Uchiha. They didn't lie.

And once the first customers experienced the effects, the pharmacy exploded in popularity.

"This nutritional pill is incredible!"

"It's warm and energizing—not just nourishing, but it actually strengthens the body."

"I had old injuries—chronic pain. After just one dose, they eased up!"

All stock sold out before noon. The Uchiha had prepared massive reserves, but even that wasn't enough. The first day brought in over 20 million ryō in turnover—equal to the rewards of five S-rank missions.

Even with lower future stock, the pharmacy was expected to bring in at least 5 million ryō daily. Uchiha no longer needed to worry about money.

Elsewhere in Konoha – The Ino–Shika–Chō Discussion

In the courtyard of the Nara Clan, Akimichi Torifu grinned as he handed his friends a pill.

"Shikayama! Yūya! Try this Uchiha-made nutritional pill. It's 30% more effective than our own secret blends. Practically no side effects, easy to digest, and it even boosts vitality over time!"

"Really?" Nara Shikayama raised a brow.

"Too good to be true," Yamanaka Yūya murmured. But they trusted Torifu.

Both swallowed the pill. Seconds later, their expressions changed.

"This… is legit!" Shikayama said, surprised.

"I feel a small but distinct surge in life energy," Yūya added. "This kind of vitality enhancement can't be achieved with regular herbs. What did they use?"

"No idea," Torifu admitted. "I had our best pharmacists break it down. They found only traces of ordinary ingredients. Most of it had been purified or masked. The key components are completely untraceable."

They were stunned. Whoever made this had skills that surpassed the best pharmacists in the Fire Nation.

"Looks like the Uchiha were planning this rollout for a while," Shikayama mused. "We should meet with Uchiha Hikari and secure a long-term supply agreement. Once demand rises, competition will be brutal."

"I agree," Torifu nodded.

"No objection here," Yūya said.

"Alright, I'll handle it personally," Shikayama said, rising.

"We'll leave it to you," the others agreed.

But then Torifu smirked. "You realize the Uchiha will be making millions of ryō per day from now on? That's going to seriously upset Hiruzen and Danzō."

Though they were all once students of the Second Hokage, years of differences had built up. The Ino–Shika–Chō alliance had long supported the Third Hokage—but that trust had been shaken.

Danzo had quietly pulled several Ino–Shika–Chō geniuses into Root, severing them from their clans. To the elders, that was unforgivable.

Now, as the Uchiha grew in wealth and influence—with their Military Police reformed, a clan school launched, and rising popularity among civilians—the balance was shifting.

"The Uchiha never used to be our concern," Shikayama said quietly. "But compared to Sarutobi and Shimura bleeding the village dry for power… I'd rather see the Uchiha rise. At least they won't suppress us endlessly."

If he could go back in time, he would've never backed Hiruzen for Hokage.

"You're right," Yūya agreed.

"Well then, I'll go meet Lady Hikari now—before the other clans catch on," Shikayama said.

At the Senju Compound

"Tskskssk! Grandma! Look at this!" Tsunade held a nutritional pill in her hand, eyes wide. "My disciple made this! Mass-produced, even! Probably a diluted version, but still!"

Nearby, Mito chuckled.

"Don't get ideas," she warned. "If he starts producing pills that extend life, he'll be hunted down. Even the Uchiha won't be able to protect him. So keep this quiet."

"I know, I know," Tsunade muttered. But her eyes gleamed with possibilities.

If it really restores vitality… maybe I should resume training. Regain my full strength.

"That's right," she said, nodding to herself. "I'll keep his secret. He's not just my disciple—he's our benefactor."

Mito smiled softly. Though their healing deal was technically transactional, she didn't see it that way.

"Hiruzen must be having a headache right now," Mito said with a smirk. "I can't wait to see their faces when they realize they're powerless."

"Hah! Serves them right," Tsunade laughed coldly.