Chapter 79: Zoro's Roots and Koshiro's Resolve

Gin understood something important—thanks to the skills they had developed, and his support, Queen truly had a chance to achieve her dream. As for Tashigi and her goal to collect all the legendary swords in the world? That road was harder, but Gin believed: it's better to chase something impossible than have no purpose at all.

"No problem," Gin said with a smile. He knew exactly what Koshiro hoped for—his daughters would one day carve their names into history, and he wanted to prepare them for that path.

"By the way," Gin asked, glancing at Koshiro as they walked through the peaceful village dojo, "should I bring Zoro to the dojo earlier? Or let him grow up in the village until it's time?"

Koshiro's eyes twitched slightly. Of course Gin already knew.

"You've known him a long time already, haven't you?" Gin grinned. "He's a descendant of Wano too, right?"

Koshiro nodded slowly. "Yes… from the Roronoa family. Once a line of samurai trusted by the shogunate. The government exiled his family and placed them quietly in a nearby village. He's been there since birth."

Gin raised an eyebrow, a knowing look flashing in his eye. "So his arrival at your dojo in the future… was never a coincidence, was it?"

Too many convenient twists in one boy's life. Zoro had just happened to wander into the dojo at the perfect age? Just happened to survive in a backwater village despite being a descendant of Wano nobility? Koshiro clearly had a hand in guiding fate.

"Let it be," Gin finally said, shaking his head. "We won't interfere. When the time comes, Zoro will find his way here. Until then, let's focus on training Kuina and Tashigi. With their talent—and our methods—they'll surpass expectations."

Gin had learned one thing over and over again: this world, even with all his future knowledge, didn't play out exactly like the story he remembered. Too many small changes. And so, he had to adapt.

"I'll take care of it. Don't worry," he added with a casual wave. "Zoro's still too young right now anyway."

Koshiro hummed, then suddenly asked, voice lowered, "You've told me much about what's to come, Gin. But… what about you? What is your goal? Your real one?"

Gin didn't hesitate.

"To overthrow the World Government. Not just in this world," he said slowly, "but in the ninja world too. Peace through power. Stability through control. I'll unify both worlds and reshape them from the foundation."

Koshiro's eyes widened. "That's… monstrous." His voice trembled slightly. "Gin… that means going against the most powerful force in the world. Against Imu—a being who's ruled from the shadows for 800 years!"

"I know," Gin replied calmly. "That's why we won't act recklessly. No declarations of war. No bold uprisings. Not yet. We build strength, unite allies, and wait. When the time comes, we won't need to overthrow anything. The system will collapse under its own weight."

He turned, the wind catching the hem of his robe.

"We have ten years," Gin said. "Until Zoro and the others set sail. In that time, we'll finish uniting the Shinobi world—and when we return, we'll be unstoppable."

Koshiro was silent for a long moment. Then—unexpectedly—he smiled.

"Then I'll help you," he said. "I'll prepare everything. When the time comes, you'll have my sword and my daughters' blades as well."

They sat and talked late into the night. Koshiro asked, Gin answered. History, secrets, hidden names—he absorbed it all.

But then Koshiro's expression darkened.

"Is it true?" he asked, fists clenched. "Did Moria desecrate my ancestor Ryuma's grave? Did he really steal Shusui?"

Gin's expression turned serious. "He did. And he's still holed up in the Florian Triangle. I was going to tell you—when the time comes, we'll recover both the sword and Ryuma's body."

After Kaido crushed him, Moria lost everything. His will, his Haki, his ambition. He'd become obsessed with necromancy, thinking an army of zombies could defeat a Yonko. Pathetic.

"Thank you," Koshiro said, eyes burning. "I would never have known. We'll go to the Triangle—but the map?"

"Not yet open," Gin replied. "But Sabaody Archipelago is. From there, you can reach it, or I can summon Kuro and have him fly you. He's grown strong enough to carry several passengers now."

"Perfect. I'll mark my name on his summoning contract," Koshiro nodded. "I'll go with Lisa. It's time to reclaim our legacy."

"One more thing," Gin added. "If you meet Moria, call me. I need the Clear-Clear Fruit. And the girl, Perona—she has potential. If she's not too attached yet, bring her."

"She's promising," Koshiro admitted. "But Moria is still strong—and dangerous. I won't risk it unless my wife comes too."

"No rush," Gin agreed. "Let me know when the time comes."

Before departing, Koshiro and Lisa signed Kuro's summoning scroll, practiced chakra purification, refined chakra seeds, and learned the summoning jutsu. Five days later, they set out to recover Ryuma's remains.

By that time, Gin and his group had finished their first semester and entered the summer break.

"Gin! Gin!" Kushina pulled his sleeve, eyes sparkling. "It's vacation! You promised—where are we going?!"

"Patience," Gin laughed. "I never break a promise. And now that Lady Mito and the rest have signed summoning contracts, you can come and go from this world freely."

"But that's not the same!" she pouted. "I want a real trip! Every day! No interruptions!"

"You're saying I'd disappoint you?" Gin raised an eyebrow dramatically.

"Exactly!" she huffed.

"Then let's wait for Mikoto and the others. We'll plan together."

Soon, Mikoto and Minato arrived, and the group discussed everything.

For the next month, they journeyed across East Blue.

They met future legends in their humble beginnings: young Nami and her family in Cocoyashi, Ace and Sabo in Foosha Village, and Usopp's mother and Kaya in Syrup Village.

Unfortunately, Captain Kuro hadn't yet made his move to pose as Kaya's butler. Had he done so, Gin could've exposed him and secured Kaya's trust immediately. Still, he managed to cure her genetic illness, raising her affection to 76—close to the coveted 80 threshold.

He planned to return soon, under the pretext of teaching her medicine. As for Usopp… well, Kaya wasn't likely to wait for him.

Gin had other plans.