Chapter 76: The Bond of Clans and the Path to Revolution

Kuraha looked at Gin and Hikari after a long moment of digesting all the information, her expression thoughtful and slightly awed.

"So… it's true, then. You really are from another world," she murmured, voice low with wonder. "Some of my suspicions turned out to be correct—what a surprise!"

Gin grinned, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "Of course you guessed. You're sharp enough to deserve the truth. Welcome to the family, Kuraha. We're glad to have another capable hand."

"Haha! I'll be in your care, then," Kuraha replied with a chuckle.

She felt no regret in her decision—not only because of the opportunity to explore another world, but because the training methods and the legendary secret of longevity far exceeded her expectations. This was a real chance to break the limit of human lifespan and reach unfathomable strength. Without a contract, she would have never had access to such gifts.

Even the foundational exercises were priceless. With them, progressing in cultivation and extending one's lifespan was no longer a dream. She was confident that she would soon master the basics and begin delving into the longevity secret. Her strength, intelligence, and experience gave her a considerable edge. Had she relied on traditional methods from her world, she might have faltered before ever nearing the threshold of immortality.

"Hehehe, of course!" Gin said cheerfully. "We're returning to the ninja world today. Interested in seeing it? But first, you should practice the chakra purification technique and form your chakra seed. It'll help with ninjutsu later."

The technique wouldn't harm her health unless abused. The lost cell energy could be easily restored through the meat of Sea Kings or their custom nutritional pills.

"I can go? Then I'll start on the chakra immediately!" Kuraha exclaimed, sitting down to begin cultivation at once.

"Let's train together," Hikari said gently. "These things take time."

"I've got nothing pressing in the clan today," Hikari agreed, and they all sat to train.

An hour later, Kuraha's triumphant shout echoed through the house.

"Haha! I did it! So this is chakra?! What an interesting kind of energy!"

"Congratulations!" Gin emerged from the training room with Hikari, sensing the chakra flowing within her. With her vitality and strong physique, chakra development would go smoothly. After fully activating her cells, she'd have an abundance of it.

"When do we leave?" Kuraha asked, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Right now!" Gin smiled, and with a flicker of space-time technique, he transported them to his home in the Ninja World.

"Wow… this really is another world," Kuraha breathed, eyes roaming over the traditional buildings. "The architecture is almost like Wano Country!"

"It's a parallel world," Gin explained. "We'll visit the Uchiha compound first. You can't walk the streets yet—my mom will create a background identity for you. Konoha is a military village under strict surveillance. A stranger's presence would instantly alarm the Hokage."

"So tense?" Kuraha noted, scanning the city with practiced eyes. "A ninja village, then. No wonder they're so cautious. What's the Uchiha clan's current reputation? Is the Hokage wary of them?"

Gin blinked. "Why do you ask?"

Kuraha laughed. "Earlier, I overheard Hiruzen arguing with a horse-faced man about your clan's growing influence."

Gin and Hikari frowned at the mention of Danzo—disgraceful behavior in front of a visitor from another world.

"It's only been a few months since I started showing real talent," Gin said. "What you're seeing now is just the beginning. Things used to be worse, but they'll keep getting better."

"I believe you." Kuraha nodded, smiling. "With resources from two worlds and your absurd learning talent, I expect the Uchiha to rise to the top. I'm waiting for that day."

"You'll see it," Gin promised. "Also, why not become a medical consultant for the clan? That'll help Mom integrate you more smoothly. You could even assist at the hospital."

"They might not let me train freely," Kuraha warned. "This village is xenophobic—especially toward the Uchiha."

"That's fine," Gin replied. "Just study local medical texts and copy them for me. You can help treat our injured as well. Many Uchiha avoid the hospital because of Hiruzen's shadow."

"Medical texts from this world? Of course I'm in!" Kuraha's eyes sparkled with determination.

She had no intention of being a freeloader. The contract's benefits came with responsibilities—and slacking could lead to forced termination and memory erasure. She wouldn't risk that.

After visiting the Uchiha grounds, she registered her identity and left. Gin turned to Hikari, curious.

"Wait, Kuraha went back to the Pirate World?"

"No," Hikari shook her head. "I placed her on Dunma Street. Bought her a small home and clinic. Once she gains some reputation, we'll appoint her as a medical consultant to the Uchiha. Can't have her appear suddenly—it'd raise too many questions. The Third's eyes are sharp."

"Smart thinking," Gin nodded. "It's a shame we have to go through all these hoops. If we had more power, we wouldn't need to sneak around."

"Exactly," Hikari said, patting her son's head. "So train harder. Strengthen the clan. Don't forget to show up at the clan school and help teach. Win the children's loyalty early—it'll pay off in the future."

"Got it!" Gin replied. "I've been too focused on recovery. Once my chakra, vitality, and mental power increase, I'll be able to create more Shadow Clones. I'll use them to teach and build trust."

"Just don't overdo it," Hikari reminded him.

In the following days, both Mito and Tsunade's affection toward Gin reached new highs, allowing him to form spiritual contracts with them. Neither resisted. Mito had been expected. Tsunade's swift agreement, however, came as a surprise—it seemed Gin's talent in medical arts had left a deep impression on her. For someone as proud as Tsunade, admiration had to be earned.

"I didn't expect you to be this capable!" Mito exclaimed after the contract was sealed and she received full access to Gin's training methods and inter-world knowledge. "Cleansing chakra, Sharingan meditation, longevity techniques—all of this was born from your insight? No wonder the Uchiha are improving so quickly! Thank you for including me."

"You're too kind," Gin replied modestly. "You placed your trust in me, so this is the least I can offer. Now we're family. I hope our clans can work together to guide Konoha's future."

"Of course," Mito nodded, her voice firm. "I was going to speak with you and Hikari about this anyway. I'm ready to pass Konoha into your hands—just promise to protect the Senju, Uzumaki, and allied clans. We'll fully support the Uchiha."

Gin bowed slightly. "You have my word. I'll do everything in my power to repay that trust."

"Then please—start connecting with Naruto. Sign a contract with him when the time is right," Mito asked. "He has the potential to surpass even Hashirama, especially with the Pirate World's resources backing him."

"I'll try," Gin nodded. "I haven't met him yet, but I can send a Shadow Clone to get close. He's cautious, and I don't want to scare him off before the contract."

"Thank you," Mito said warmly. "In return, you'll gain access to all Senju techniques and Uzumaki fūinjutsu. Pity you don't have Wood Release… maybe a Mori Mori no Mi from the Pirate World will help?"

"Perhaps," Gin smiled. He'd already been experimenting with Hashirama's cells but wasn't rushing.

"Can I see this other world now?" Tsunade asked suddenly.

"You can, but carefully—it's dangerous. Kushina will guide you."

"No problem!" Kushina raised her hand, excited.

"Wait," Tsunade halted, her tone darkening. "Gin… is the information about the future true? The fall of the Uzumaki, the end of the Senju, my hemophobia… the death of Nawaki, my grandmother, even Kushina? And Madara… Kaguya… the Otsutsuki?"

Gin's expression turned serious. "It's all true. But remember—since I awakened my abilities, the future is already shifting. I've saved my mother, myself, and changed the Uchiha's fate. We can prevent much of what's to come. But had I never appeared… everything would've happened exactly as recorded. Hiruzen and his circle are the true enemy—enemies to all three of our clans and even to Konoha itself."

Mito's expression hardened. "Then we need to act faster—rally the other clans, find a legal justification to remove them. If we attack directly, we'll fracture the village and weaken it in the face of outside threats."

They both paused, then spoke in unison:

"Second Great Ninja War?"

They laughed.

"Yes," Mito said seriously. "If Hiruzen used the war to weaken us and consolidate power, we'll do the same—expose him, discredit him, and destroy the Sarutobi faction. I'll start gathering support from the Uzumaki."

"Good. I'll alert my mother," Gin replied. "You two can coordinate through our communication space. I'll focus on training and gathering contracts."

"Don't get lazy now," Mito warned with a wry smile. "You're indispensable to this future."

"I know, I know…" Gin scratched his cheek.

Tsunade stepped forward again. "Gin… about Dan Kato in that vision of the future—something felt off about him."

"You noticed?" Gin looked at her carefully. "You're not wrong—he was a Root agent."

"So Danzo sent him to manipulate me? To break me psychologically and prevent me from becoming Hokage?"

"Possibly," Gin nodded. "He may have fallen for you and tried to escape Root control. If so, Danzo killed him, using his death to traumatize you. It's not all black and white… if it were, why would you take Shizune under your wing and raise her so carefully?"

Tsunade's fists clenched. "It makes sense… that bastard."

Suddenly, her expression twisted in indignation. "Wait—what do you mean he fell for my beauty?! Are you mocking me?"

"Heh—compliment, I swear!" Gin laughed.

"Hmph. Fine," Tsunade said, waving it off. "Anyway, the Second Ninja War is coming. And even with your presence, it looks like nothing changes. I won't allow us to lose like before. I'll train hard and crush Hanzo myself. Got any advice?"

"Sure," Gin nodded. "Keep eating Sea King meat or take the complete nutritional pills alongside your health exercises. Build your vitality and physical strength—it's crucial to your fighting style. Learn basic physical techniques, Armament and Observation Haki, and start chakra cleansing and Sharingan meditation. Let Shadow Clones handle medical ninjutsu—you're not too keen on that anyway, are you?"

"I dabble," Tsunade said with a shrug.

"Then keep at it. Just master some basic defensive and control techniques, and maybe a genjutsu or two to round out your arsenal."

"I will!" she declared, fire in her eyes.

Gin smiled faintly. He hadn't told them everything—especially about Kushina's death at Danzo's hands. There were some things best left for another time.