Chapter 75: Factory Launch & Kureha’s Pact

Tsunade was left speechless when the books materialized out of thin air. She blinked at the stack in disbelief.

Who was the teacher here again?

She had come fully intending to assert her authority. But remembering Gin's overwhelming medical expertise and his monstrous learning speed, she could only sigh in defeat.

"Do I really have to copy all of these?" she muttered, picking up one of the tomes. "Can't you just give them to me?"

Gin shook his head, already thumbing through a book from her shelf. "These are my personal records—one-of-a-kind. If you had a photographic memory like me, you wouldn't need to copy anything. But otherwise? Copying is mandatory."

"Photographic memory… you little demon," Tsunade grumbled enviously. "Fine, I'll copy them."

After skimming through a few pages, she realized the content was priceless. Gin's theories on chakra flow, cell regeneration, and holistic healing were years ahead of anything she'd seen. Begrudgingly impressed, she agreed to the trade. And so, their days continued: Tsunade reading and copying while Gin rotated in fresh Shadow Clones for more sessions.

Three days later, on the island of Drum, just outside Doctor Kureha's snowy mountain home, a massive factory had risen.

Spanning thousands of square meters, the pharmaceutical facility buzzed with life. Over 500 workers manned the production lines, processing rare medicinal herbs and the exotic meat of Sea Kings. Gin had broken the manufacturing process into standardized, efficient stages, allowing even untrained workers to contribute—dramatically boosting output while minimizing human error.

Gin examined the finished products, rolling a nutrient pill between his fingers.

"Not bad," he nodded. "Slightly below my manual quality, but still solid. Could be sold at a discount."

Hikari stepped forward, comparing samples with a practiced eye.

"The quality is high enough," she said. "But we won't discount the price. The effects are undeniable, and the exclusivity alone justifies the value. Later, you can create a special batch by hand—label it as a premium line."

She paused thoughtfully. "By the way, has the king of Drum Island stopped being a nuisance?"

That king—an aging monarch clinging to authority—had grown agitated when Kureha began hiring elite doctors from the capital. Fearing loss of influence, he tried stirring unrest among the people. But after Hikari demonstrated the full might of her Susanoo atop the royal mountain, the old man promptly changed his tune. Taxes were agreed upon. Peace was restored.

"No issues now," Gin smirked. "He's not foolish. After you brought out Susanoo, he wouldn't dare cross us. We pay taxes. He stays quiet."

But Gin's expression darkened slightly.

"His son, though—Wapol—is a different story. That psychopath won't be reasoned with. When he inherits the throne, we'll have to decide: relocate the factory, reform the monarchy, or seize control outright."

"Fortunately, that's at least ten years off," he added calmly. "By then, I'll be unshakable in both worlds."

Satisfied with the factory's launch, Gin handed control to Dalton—a young captain in the Royal Guard with a heart of gold. Though not yet empowered by the mythical Ushi-Ushi no Mi, Dalton had the moral compass and discipline Gin was looking for.

If Gin could raise Dalton's favorability to 62, he'd be eligible for a soul contract as well.

"Doctor Kureha! We're back!" Gin called out, stepping through the snow with Hikari and Dorche, a clone still reading one of her medical texts.

Kureha stood outside her home, watching the sky with folded arms. She turned as they approached.

"You saw the factory?" she asked. "Honestly, I still don't see the point in producing lower-grade medicines. Will that even make a profit?"

Gin grinned. "Of course. And don't underestimate volume. But that's not why we're here today." His eyes glinted. "Remember our conversation about your future? That time has come."

Her favorability had reached 81. It was time.

"You've always been curious about our origins. You've also noticed the training methods I practice—designed to maintain vitality. Sign the soul contract, and I'll show you the truth. That includes advanced longevity techniques and health preservation secrets."

Kureha's eyes narrowed. "What's the price?"

"There is one," Gin admitted. "After the contract, you'll be partially bound to me—you won't be able to act against my interests. That's it. No other restrictions. And there are… other benefits. But those details are reserved for signatories."

He laughed softly. "So? Will you accept?"

Kureha studied him for a long moment. At 141 years old, she had chased longevity her entire life. She'd learned much from Gin already. She'd even noticed his subtle physiological changes—his aura cleaner, his cells sharper. Whatever techniques he practiced, they worked.

"This contract isn't simple," she said at last. "But I trust your character. And my instincts tell me this is the opportunity of a lifetime."

She extended her hand. "Let's do it. How do we begin?"

Gin's eyes lit up. He raised his hand and formed a glowing contract rune—a swirling sigil of ancient power—and gently pressed it to Kureha's forehead.

"Apply the seal," he instructed. "Then agree—mentally or verbally. The rest will follow."

Kureha looked at the glowing mark in fascination and placed her hand upon it.

A single question rang out inside her mind:

"Do you accept the contract?"

"I accept," she answered firmly.

The rune flared with golden light, flowed through her hand, and vanished into her brow—settling deep into the Sea of Consciousness behind her mind's eye.

In an instant, her awareness was flooded with information—visions of the Pirate World's turbulent future, the hidden history of the Shinobi world, and the core secrets of Crystal Meditation, Qi Harmony, and Biological Longevity Techniques that defied the natural cycle of death.

Her heart pounded.

"Unbelievable," she whispered. "It's all… real."