Chapter 62: Birka and the Thunder God's Fruit

"Yes! Thank you!" Kushina and Minato nodded sincerely, gratitude sparkling in their eyes.

"Minato," Gin said, smiling, "You don't have to say things like that."

"No, I must." Minato looked serious. "I've been repaying your kindness for a while now, but the more I receive, the more I feel I owe. I want to become stronger... for you."

Gin only chuckled, "Alright, alright. Let's eat before it gets cold."

Hikari approached with the last dish and placed it down gracefully.

"Mom, you cook so well!" Gin said enthusiastically.

"Yeah! Auntie cooks better than my mom!" Mikoto added with a grin.

"Ha-ha, really? Don't flatter me!"

"It's true!"

"Better than Grandma!" Kushina chimed in.

"If you like it, eat more!" Hikari said warmly. "It'll help with your training."

As they enjoyed the meal, Kushina leaned in, her voice dropping slightly. "By the way… is Black Zetsu still in the village?"

Hikari smiled reassuringly. "No need to be cautious. He left yesterday and hasn't returned. There's no trace of him for several kilometers around Konoha."

"Finally!" Kushina grinned. "He was such a pain. Just wait till I get stronger—he'll pay!"

She stuck her tongue out playfully and returned to her food, chatting with Mikoto.

"I really want to visit the world of pirates! It's so much more exciting than the Ninja World. After seeing it… Konoha seems dull."

"Definitely!" Mikoto agreed. "Dram Island with its eternal winter, and Skypiea in the sky… it's all so fascinating! And honestly, the people are kinder than many in our world."

Gin nodded. "Then let's train in Skypiea for now. The high altitude and thin air will push our limits. And once my mom finds Birka, we'll go there next."

"Alright!"

"No objections!"

After breakfast, they left behind Shadow Clones to keep up appearances. The originals teleported directly to the Pirate World.

Skypiea – Several Hours Later

"Where's Gin?" Kushina asked as she looked around.

"First stop is Dram Island," Hikari replied. "He still had unfinished business with Dr. Kureha. He's been there a couple days now."

She summoned the ninja eagle, Kuro, and mounted swiftly.

"I'll search for Birka. You all train here. Let's go, Kuro!"

With a screech and a gust of wind, they soared into the sky, vanishing into the clouds.

Moments later, Gin appeared with a soft whish.

"Where's my mom? Already gone?" he asked, puzzled.

"Yeah," Mikoto nodded. "She flew off to search for Birka."

"Alright. Mikoto, keep training. Minato, Kushina — follow me. I'll teach you the original chakra cleansing technique inside."

They entered the nearby cabin. For the next half-hour, Gin carefully explained the technique, guiding their energies with precision. Soon, both Minato and Kushina had completed their transformations.

"Perfect. Now go train the rest outside!" Gin said, pleased.

As Mikoto trained nearby, the people of Skypiea and Shandia were chopping trees and constructing homes. A new village was slowly rising among the clouds.

"Hey! Gin, Kushina, Minato!" came a booming voice.

They turned to see Raki, the cheerful Shandian warrior.

"Uncle Raki!" Gin grinned.

"It's only been a few days, but you're building a city already?"

"Yep!" Raki said proudly. "Gan Fall's off buying more Dials from a neighboring sky island. One Skypiea isn't enough anymore—we want to build a trade network! Maybe even expand across the sky!"

"Don't worry about land," Gin assured. "I'll bring some in from the Blue Sea."

Thanks to the ninja eagle Kuro's recon flights, they had access to maps and safe landing zones. Kuro avoided populated areas and hostile beasts, making teleportation easier.

"Haha! You're always helpful. We'll make sure you're well-rewarded!"

Gin laughed and soon returned to his health training. Exercises enhanced his vitality, while the meat of Sea Kings provided fuel for his rapidly evolving body.

[You consume Sea King meat during health training. Skill +12. Lifespan +9 days. Vitality +0.04]

Not long after, he received a message from his mother via their spiritual link.

Hikari had found Birka.

"Everyone!" Gin called out. "She found it. Time to go!"

Mikoto and the others rushed over.

He connected through the space-time seal, focused on Birka, and — fwip!

They vanished.

From behind, the Shandians watched in awe.

"Every time, it's like magic..."

"No kidding."

Sky Island: Birka

They appeared on the edge of a thick, lush forest. Hikari was waiting for them, the wind brushing through her hair.

"Mom!" "Auntie!" they shouted, waving.

"Wow... It looks like Skypiea!"

"Even more beautiful!"

But Hikari raised a hand. Her expression was serious.

"Be cautious. Don't let the scenery fool you. The locals here are very xenophobic — especially toward people from the Blue Sea."

"Really?" Kushina asked, surprised.

"Yes," Hikari replied. "Even wingless skyfolk aren't welcome. Their temples are rooted in old beliefs — some say Blue Sea pirates once brought chaos here. Now, the hatred runs deep."

She turned to Gin.

"I saw a child… with strange long earlobes. Likely the future Thunder God, Enel. Want me to bring him here?"

Gin paused. "If he's worth training and can be reasoned with, sure. But more importantly…"

He leaned in.

"Did you find the Goro Goro no Mi?"

Hikari's eyes twinkled. From her cloak, she pulled out a golden fruit, shaped like a pineapple, crackling softly with energy. Spirals danced across its skin, and bolts of lightning curled off its spiked edges.

Gin's jaw dropped.

"You really found it?! How?!"

"It wasn't hard," Hikari smirked. "It was locked in a temple vault. I teleported in before anyone noticed."

Everyone gathered around the Devil Fruit, captivated.

"It doesn't look like much…" Minato said.

"Yeah, but it gives you thunder powers. And turns your body into lightning," Kushina whispered in awe.

"It's stronger than any normal lightning," Gin said. "It's Logia-class. Near-invincible."

"We should go," Hikari said, looking toward the east. "Their priests noticed it's gone. I think they had a seal tied to it. They're already on our trail."

Gin nodded sharply. "Then let's return to Drum Island. We can awaken its power safely."