Chapter 67: Awakening the Thousand-Year Dragon

"All right, testing's done. We're finished with Skypiea," said Hikari. "Now train diligently."

"Got it!" Everyone nodded in unison and teleported back to the Supreme Court to begin their training.

After their morning exercises, Hikari returned to the Ninja World for business.

Two days later, at Hikari's residence...

"Is the Uchiha Rakush Store ready? When's the opening?" she asked the Second Elder.

Over the last few days, Hikari had completed trade with Gan Fall and the Chief of Skypiea—purchasing magical shells: fire-breathing, sonic, and shock types—100 of each. She paid using basic resources like salt and iron ore, finalizing the exchange with ease.

"All ready," the elder confirmed. "Opening's tomorrow. These magical shells are quite practical! I suspect they'll sell very well."

He wanted to ask where the items originated—clearly not from this world—but knew better than to dig into Hikari's secrets. More importantly, she was raising his granddaughter exceptionally well.

"To help boost opening sales, add Mikoto to the store's team," Hikari instructed. "Also assign two police officers for patrol—just in case anything happens."

Her goal was simple: strengthen ties between the Uchiha clan and others through commerce and unique goods. Slowly, she'd build public favor, preparing the ground for Gin to one day become Hokage. Once that happened, securing Konoha's loyalty would be easier. Then, they could form formal contracts and send elite shinobi to explore the Pirate World.

"I understand," the elder said. "With the clan's current strength, even the Third Hokage and Danzo stay quiet thanks to you."

"Don't get cocky," Hikari warned, her eyes narrowing. "Even if Hiruzen and Danzo are restrained, they're not defeated. Remember Senju's solitude after the wars? Tension is growing across the nations. A new Great Ninja War could erupt at any moment. I won't let Uchiha repeat that fate."

Excitement had been building in the clan. She'd had to calm them more than once.

Luckily, Gin's ideological education handbook was complete—it'd help instill discipline and clarity. Hopefully, the next generation would be more grounded.

"Yes, we'll keep that in mind," the elders agreed solemnly. They too sensed the clan's restlessness.

"Good. I'll be busy today and tomorrow. Handle things here. A shadow clone will remain at home—contact me if anything happens." With that, she dismissed them and teleported to Drum Island, to Doctor Kureha's home, where Gin and the others were waiting.

"Doctor Kureha, if there's a living Thousand-Year Dragon... could its blood be used to make the longevity elixir instead of its bones?"

"Huh? A living Thousand-Year Dragon? That's impossible!" Kureha blinked in surprise. "Most people never see one in their lifetime."

These ancient dragons roamed the skies, rarely coming near populated areas.

"We did find one," Gin said calmly.

He had no intention of hunting a sentient creature for its bones—not even if it was nearing death. Under Mount Gunkan, there might be plenty of remains, but whether they were preserved was uncertain. If not, they'd have to consider drawing blood instead.

"You're serious?" Kureha's eyes lit up. "That's incredible! Live blood is even better than bone. When I studied the bones, I never had access to a live dragon. Where is it? Can I see it?"

She couldn't hide her excitement—such a rare specimen could lead to revolutionary breakthroughs in medicine.

"Of course. You've helped me a lot," Gin agreed.

He wasn't foolish enough to underestimate Kureha. She'd lived for over a hundred years, traveled far and wide, and had access to techniques most had never seen.

"Haha! You're too kind," Kureha grinned. "Don't worry, I won't do anything to it. If you'd like, I can even teach you how to make the longevity pills from dragon blood. I've only got three left."

She had already used two—each extending her life by 75 years. Still, she longed for a breakthrough: to overcome aging itself and reach true immortality.

"Perfect," Gin smiled. "Just help me with the medicine later."

There'd be no need to harm the dragon—just occasional blood samples. He even planned to help restore its lost memories.

And the timing? For a creature that lived over a thousand years, a few decades early wouldn't matter.

"Alright then! What are we waiting for?" Kureha shouldered her pack and grinned.

"Let's go." Gin took her hand, nodded to the others, and teleported them to Mount Gunkan's slope.

"I didn't know teleportation could bring others too!" Kureha exclaimed, marveling at the scenery. "Where are we?"

She activated Observation Haki, scanning the vast mountain.

"Wow... it's real. A true Thousand-Year Dragon. Very old... it doesn't remember who it is."

"You can tell that?" Gin blinked. "Observation Haki?"

"Yes," she nodded. "And I spoke to him."

"Oh?" The group looked at her in awe.

"Your Haki's that powerful? You can hear him from here?" Gin asked, impressed. "Can you hear the voice of all things?"

It seemed Kureha had even more secrets than he realized.

"Close," she replied with a knowing smile. "But that ability is innate. You're either born with it or not. Though with training, a weaker form can be learned—like the swordmasters of Wano."

"Got it." Gin nodded. "This makes things easier. Let's go."

They climbed the mountain to a hidden cave.

Inside lay a majestic dragon, its green feathers dulled, its head bald and eyes cloudy with age.

As they entered, the dragon slowly turned its gaze toward them—expressionless, distant.

Gin stepped forward. "Thousand-Year Dragon, I can help you remember who you are. Your past... your purpose. Will you let me?"

A flicker passed through the dragon's eyes—then brilliance returned. They became sharp, aware, and alive.

The dragon's gaze fell on Kureha, who nodded.

"He says... if you can truly help him remember, he will do everything in his power to repay you."

"I'll help," Gin said. "But in exchange, I need a little of your blood."

"He agrees," Kureha confirmed.

"Excellent." Gin smiled, glancing at her. Her favorability rating had reached 54—quite high.

He walked forward, placing a hand on the dragon's scaled forehead.

He channeled a mental projection—images of the dragon calling its kin, nesting on Gunkan, and fulfilling its mission to ensure the survival of its kind.

The dragon's eyes widened. Memories surged like a tidal wave. His head lifted sharply.

The haze lifted from his mind, and for the first time in centuries, the ancient dragon remembered who he truly was.

And he knew what he had to do.

End of Chapter 67