Chapter 50: Storm Over the Whirlpool

"Well… let's give it a few more days. First, I need to earn some money," Guy said with a grin.

Converting gold into currency in the shinobi world was a tedious affair. To do it legally, one had to visit the capital of the Land of Fire and deal with daimyo officials. They held tight control over currency stability.

Luckily, with Gin's control over the Gate Space, they could reach Skypiea—the floating island 10,000 meters above the world—at any time. It was just a matter of finding the right moment to take his mother there and collect more gold. The Golden City still floated in the sky, and its residents—Shandians and Skypieans—paid no mind to the treasure. As long as they didn't provoke Enel, acquiring more gold would be easy.

"By the way… I should look for the Goro Goro no Mi." Gin thought. "If Enel can be tricked, I might be able to win him over. Make him my subordinate. His talent is worth cultivating—as long as he's gullible."

"Whatever, just let me know when you're ready," Kuraki smirked. "But hurry it up, will ya? I'm tired of brewing these low-grade medicines every day. Seriously, why are you even selling this junk? You're not running a scam, right?"

"A scam? Ha! Of course not!" Gin scratched his head sheepishly. "I just sell what the people of Konoha want. They're the ones who believe Uchiha are honest. Besides, the economy here is… different."

Later, Gin told his mother, Hikari, his plan.

"Alright," she nodded. "We'll go to Skypiea for more gold tomorrow. It's never too early to have extra funds. Besides…" Her eyes lit up with curiosity. "I've been meaning to learn more about those Devil Fruits. Especially the Goro Goro no Mi. It's said to be the most powerful Logia."

"We'll decide what to do with it later," Gin agreed.

"By the way…" Hikari's expression sharpened. "I heard from Mikoto that you already signed contracts with Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato? That was fast. You've only been at the Academy a few days. How'd you raise their favor so quickly?"

"Kushina was easier," Gin said honestly. "Mikoto and Lady Mito helped. She's got solid talent. And Minato—he may come from a humble background, but his potential is immense. He's kind, driven, and fiercely loyal. Favorability rose quickly."

"Then make sure you train them well," Hikari said with a rare, warm smile. "They'll become valuable allies. Bring them here when you have time. Have you shown them the Pirate World yet?"

"Not yet. So far, I've only taught them physical basics, chakra control, and wellness training. I'll take them soon."

Suddenly—Knock, knock!

Hikari's face tightened. Using her Observation Haki, she sensed who it was—Uchiha Tashiro.

Opening the door, she asked, "Tashiro, what is it?"

"The Great Elder," he said gravely, "our informants report that several elite ninja from Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Iwagakure have vanished. Raikage and Mizukage haven't been seen in over a day. More concerning—the spies we planted in the Land of Whirlpools have disappeared. We believe the three great villages are preparing a joint assault on Uzushiogakure. The disappearance of their spies is a smokescreen. The calm before the storm. The real strike is coming soon."

Hikari's eyes turned cold.

"Your analysis is correct. It's time to act." She turned sharply. "I'm going to see Uzumaki Mito. We'll dispatch reinforcements immediately. Notify the Second, Third, and Fourth Elders—tell them to meet in the Clan Square. Mobilize the First and Second Battalions of the Elite Guard. Prepare for war."

The Uchiha Elite Guard consisted of three battalions—192 shinobi in total. Seventy percent were elite Chūnin with two-tomoe Sharingan. The remaining thirty percent were Jōnin or higher.

Tashiro nodded and vanished into the night.

Back home, Hikari relayed everything to Gin and Mikoto.

"War is brewing in Uzushiogakure. I'm heading to Mito-sama. I'll leave a Shadow Clone here for communication, but don't leave the clan grounds. If you absolutely must, go to the Pirate World. I don't want Danzo or anyone else exploiting my absence."

"We understand," Mikoto said with a bow.

"I'll leave Uchiha Shēi in charge of the Third Battalion to protect the clan," Hikari continued. "Close the pharmacy and store all supplies. When I return, we'll reopen together."

"Understood," both Gin and Mikoto replied.

Just as Hikari began forming hand seals to create her Shadow Clone, Gin stopped her.

"Wait, Mom. You're heading into battle. You might face Raikage, Mizukage—even Onoki. Don't divide your chakra. I have a better method."

"Oh?" Hikari raised a brow. "What do you have in mind?"

"A new application of the Gate Space," Gin explained. "I'll create individual compartments—like mailboxes—for each of us. You can send messages by placing notes into the space. When a message arrives, a mental alert will trigger in the recipient's sea of consciousness."

It was a simple tweak for someone who controlled the Gate Space.

"Brilliant!" Hikari and Mikoto said in unison, eyes lighting up.

Gin quickly carved out the communication compartments and linked them to their consciousnesses.

"Try it," he said.

Hikari dropped a scroll into her mailbox—and instantly felt the confirmation.

"It works perfectly," she said. "Good thinking. Stay safe, both of you. I'm off!"

She vanished, rushing toward the Senju compound.

Gin sighed deeply.

"I'm still too young… too weak. If I were stronger, Mom wouldn't have to shoulder everything alone."

"Don't blame yourself," Mikoto said gently, tugging at his cheek. "You've already done so much. You healed Aunt Hikari, united the clan, and helped me unlock new strength. You're amazing. Just keep growing—step by step."

Gin blushed slightly. For a moment, Mikoto's warmth reminded him of a mother's embrace.

At the Senju Compound

Uzumaki Mito was startled when Hikari arrived in a flurry of urgency.

"Hikari? What's the matter?"

"I've received disturbing news," Hikari said, her voice serious. "Three of the Great Nations have sent elite troops toward the Land of Whirlpools."

Mito's expression darkened.

"You're sure?"

"Yes. The disappearance of our spies proves it. I believe they plan to strike soon."

"You're right," Mito said after a pause. "The Senju clan will mobilize. We leave in thirty minutes."

She barked orders to her subordinates to summon every elite shinobi available.

Ten minutes later, 43 elite Senju were assembled—including Tsunade. The roster included 7 elite Jōnin, 6 standard Jōnin, and 30 elite Chūnin.

Compared to the Uchiha, they weren't as numerous, but they were ready.

"Let's move!" Mito commanded, and the unit departed toward Konoha's main gate.

Hikari dispatched a Shadow Clone to bring the Uchiha Guard to the rendezvous point. She stayed behind briefly, avoiding suspicion.

But despite her caution, the movement of both the Senju and Uchiha clans didn't go unnoticed.

At the Hokage's Office

"What did you say?!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice thundered. "The Uchiha have mobilized their elites… and Lady Mito is leading dozens of Senju toward the main gate?"

Danzo remained silent, his expression unreadable.

"Summon two ANBU battalions—immediately. I'm heading to the gate."

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" his aide responded at once.

Danzo quietly issued orders to Root operatives to follow.

And thus, Konoha stirred—with tension rising on all sides.The storm over the Land of Whirlpools had begun.